cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eigenfactor: Does the principle of repeated improvement result in better estimates than raw citation counts?

Eigenfactor.org, a journal evaluation tool that uses an iterative algorithm to weight citations (similar to the PageRank algorithm used for Google), has been proposed as a more valid method for calculating the impact of journals. The purpose of this brief communication is to investigate whether the principle of repeated improvement provides different rankings of journals than does a simple unweighted citation count (the method used by the Institute for Scientific [email protected] [ISI]). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MEASURING MOTORIST COMPREHENSION OF FLORIDA'S SCHOOL BUS STOP LAW AND SCHOOL BUS SIGNALIZATION DEVICES

Motorists' knowledge of Florida's school bus stop law (the Law) and various school bus signalizations was investigated and is summarized. The study focused on determining the level of motorists' knowledge regarding their driving responsibilities as defined in the Law and the meaning of the various signalizations used on school buses. To gather the necessary information, a simple one-page survey was developed and distributed to a random sample of driver's license examining offices in the state. Summary statistics indicate that significant confusion exists on the part of motorists regarding their responsibilities as defined in the Law as well as the meaning of the various school bus signalizations. In addition to the reporting of summary statistics, many logistic regression models were developed using the sample data to determine the odds ratios of increasing motorists' knowledge of the Law and signalizations associated with explanatory variables including age, gender, ethnicity, receipt of a citation for v...
Imaginal cell-specific accumulation of the multicatalytic proteinase complex (proteasome) during post-embryonic development in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

The multicatalytic proteinase complex is a multi-subunit, high molecular weight proteinase present in the nucleus and cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. This catalytic complex is involved in diverse cellular functions as part of the ubiquitin proteolysis system, including non-lysosomal proteolysis, antigen presentation, cell cycle progression, and cell proliferation, and in the programmed death of intersegmental muscles after adult eclosion in the tobacco hornworm moth, Manduca sexta. We have investigated the distribution of the multicatalytic proteinase complex in the central nervous system of this moth. At all stages of post-embryonic development, most cell types exhibited consistent, low levels of cytoplasmic and nuclear immunoreactivity for the multicatalytic proteinase complex. High levels of cell-specific accumulation of the complex were, however, demonstrated in abdominal neurosecretory cells and in imaginal cells in the larval brain, the larval segmental ganglia, and the developing wing discs. Imaginal cells exhibited intense immunoreactivity for the multicatalytic proteinase complex only until the onset of terminal differentiation. Intersegmental muscles undergoing programmed cell death exhibited intense cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for the multicatalytic proteinase, while persisting flight muscles and dying neurons were characterized by basal levels of staining. These staining patterns suggest that the multicatalytic proteinase of Manduca sexta serves multiple functions and is associated with the period of developmental arrest displayed by imaginal cells prior to metamorphosis. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Earth Science: lost lithium found.

Lithium isotopes provide a fingerprint of recycled material in Earth's upper mantle. But this fingerprint is different from what had been expected. So do we need to reassess our ideas about how the upper mantle evolves?
Dimension reduction and spatiotemporal regression: applications to neuroimaging

One method for characterizing spatiotemporal variation in brain activity levels is based on the use of statistical dimension reduction. This reduction finds temporal components in data that best preserve the spatiotemporal regression structure. The method does this by suppressing more prominent waveforms that do not vary in a spatially predictable pattern.
The development of laughter in mother-infant communication: Timing parameters and temporal sequences☆

Abstract Laughter occurs in contexts of social interaction where coactive vocalizing is a common mode of exchange. This study looked at the timing parameters—mean duration of laugh, rate per minute of laughter and proportion of session laughed, and temporal sequence patterns—isolated, self-repetitive, reciprocal, and coactive in mothers and infants over the first 2 years. Timing parameters of infant laughter were found to stabilize by the end of the first year, but the timing of onset and offset times of coactive laughter between mother and infant became increasingly closer during the second year, and temporal sequence patterns were still changing in the second year. Most infant and maternal laughter was nondyadic and isolated, occurring more than 4 s after any previous laugh. In the second year, infants had a significantly greater proportion of self-repetitive laughter than mothers, and mothers had a significantly greater proportion of reciprocal laughter than infants. These findings are discussed in relation to multifunctional concepts of laughter and social dynamics of interaction.
Hemodynamic effects of beta-adrenergic blockade at controlled ventricular rates☆

Abstract Hemodynamic studies were performed before and after the administration of 0.2 mg. per kilogram of propranolol to dogs with surgically induced complete heart block which were maintained at controlled ventricular rates varying from the idioventricular rate to 180 beats per minute. At all ventricular rates studied, administration of propranolol led to a decrease in cardiac output and therefore stroke volume as well as an increase in peripheral resistance and ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Left ventricular volume studies in 3 animals indicated that there was a variable increase in end-diastolic volume, an easily observed and calculated increase in end-systolic volume and mitral regurgitation, as well as a striking decrease in ejection fraction. These studies in which the negative chronotropic effect of propranolol were eliminated, emphasize the markedly negative inotropic effects of the drug. The volume studies not only emphasize the inability of the ventricle to eject blood into the aorta but they also illustrate that propranolol can produce variable changes in mitral insufficiency. Variations in or the development of mitral insufficiency may alter conclusions drawn from hemodynamic data which do not include angiographic observations.
Laparoscopic Total Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. How I Do It

A laparoscopic fundoplication is considered today the procedure of choice for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Several eponyms are used in the literature to denote different antireflux operations: Nissen, Nissen-Rossetti, Toupet, Lind, Guarner, Hill, and Dor. We feel that it is more important to focus on the technical elements which make a fundoplication effective and long lasting. The type of fundoplication (total vs. partial) is tailored to the quality of esophageal peristalsis as documented by the preoperative manometry. In the USA, a partial fundoplication is chosen only for patients with very impaired or absent esophageal peristalsis. This article describes the technique of laparoscopic total fundoplication for GERD. Partial fundoplication is performed following the same technical elements as the total fundoplication. A 240° to 270° wrap rather than a 360° wrap is performed.
CMOS inverter analytical delay model considering all operating regions

This paper presents an accurate analytical delay model for CMOS inverter considering both subthreshold and superthreshold operating regions. Previous related work are either only valid for a specific operating condition or assume a step input. Therefore, that is the first approach to consider both different operating regions and input transition time. Moreover, the proposed model also considers several second order effects that influence the CMOS inverter dynamic behavior. Compared to electrical simulations based on BSIM4 transistor model the proposed delay model presents an average error of 2.3% and the worst case error of 6.6%. I. INTRODUCTION The design of ultralow-power systems such as sensor networks, portable devices and biomedical applications has received great attention. Reduction of the supply voltage value (Vdd) is a well-known technique to reduce power consumption and increase energy efficiency. Even though better energy efficiency is verified when the circuit operates below or near the transistor threshold voltage, others factors such as timing performance and robustness to process and environmental variations are also major concerns when defining the operating Vdd. In this context, analytical delay models that are valid over a wide range of Vdd values are quite useful to overcome the challenges related to circuit design that explore Vdd scaling. Several analytical models for fast estimation of CMOS gates delay have been proposed to perform analysis and optimization of circuits (1)-(12). The main goal of these models is to explore a trade-off between accuracy and runtime when compared to electrical simulations. In this context, the CMOS inverter gate is of particular interest due to the importance of I/O drivers and clock networks. The main challenges in deriving an accurate delay model are related to the complex behavior of MOS transistors and existent non- idealities.
A modified technique to locate the abutment screw access opening of a cemented implant-supported restoration.

Staff Prosthodontist and Director, General Practice Residency Program. (J Prosthet Dent 2012;108:58-59) 1 Vacuum-formed guide made on cast with abutment and restoration in place. Cemented implant-supported restorations have advantages relative to those which are screw retained, including greater passivity of fit and better esthetics.1 However, the easier retrievability of a screw-retained restoration is clinically useful should an abutment screw become loose. Abutment loosening of a cemented implant crown usually necessitates estimating the location of the abutment screw access opening, and accessing the screw by drilling through the crown. Several articles have been written describing methods for indicating the location of the abutment screw, either prior to or after the restoration has been cemented. Schwedhelm and Raigrodski2 used ceramic stain on the occlusal surface corresponding to the screwaccess opening of the abutment. A surveyor is used to record the angulation and screw-access opening of the abutment prior to placing the stain. A digital photography method was described by Figueras-Alvarez et al.3 Photo editing software is used to impart translucence to a photograph of the cemented restoration, which is superimposed onto a photograph of the abutment. Doerr4 described a method using a vacuum-formed, clear retaining-screw location guide. Similar to a surgical template, this guide is made on a cast of the cemented restoration. The guide is then placed on the implant-level cast, and guide pins attached to the implant replicas are used to locate the abutment screw positions. Holes are made in the guide corresponding to these guide pins. While this technique is simple and practical, it does have certain disadvantages. First, the technique requires that the original implant-level and abutment-level casts be retained. Secondly, the vacuum–formed guide is made from an impression of the restoration after it has been cemented. Should the abutment become loose before this impression can be made, the method is not as convenient. The modification of Doerr’s technique4 described in this article facilitates locating an abutment screw while overcoming these limitations. The vacuum-formed guide described in this article can be fabricated by the dental laboratory technician and returned together with the abutment and restoration. An impression of the cemented restoration is therefore not necessary. The guide is readily available should the abutment become loose. Modifications of the implant restoration or of the adjacent teeth may result in the guide not seating precisely. In this situation, another impression can be made, and a second vacuum-formed guide fabricated. The abutment screw position can be located by drilling a hole in this guide in the same location as the first guide. Alternatively, the screw access opening can be located by using the implantlevel cast, as described by Doerr. 4
The 58Ni(3He,p)60Cu reaction☆

Abstract The 58Ni(3He,p)60Cu reaction has been investigated at 13.0 MeV bombarding energy. A level scheme of 60Cu was obtained. The ground-state isobaric analogue of 60Ni in 60Cu was identified. L values were obtained for the strongest transitions.
Transport properties of LiMn2O4 electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Transport properties of LiMn2O4 prepared under different conditions are characterized using impedance spectroscopy and 4-probe DC techniques. Results indicate that LiMn2O4 is a mixed ionic–electronic conductor with lithium-ion transference number varying from about 0.67 to 0.92, depending on conditions of preparation. It is observed that LiMn2O4 powders synthesized at low temperatures exhibit higher total conductivities than those synthesized at high temperatures. Among the LiMn2O4 powders synthesized at high temperatures, the ones quenched in liquid nitrogen have lower activation energy than the ones cooled down slowly. Further, cycling of Li | P(EO)8LiCF3SO3 | LixMn2O4 cells indicates that the LiMn2O4 powders synthesized at a low temperature exhibit much higher obtainable capacity than those synthesized at high temperatures under the same cycling conditions.
Impact of agricultural policies on caloric consumption

In this article we use an economic model to link markets for agricultural commodities to food-product markets, and to trace the effects of agricultural policies on prices of food products and, consequently, on food consumption and calorie intake. Contrary to common claims, US agricultural policies have had generally modest and mixed effects on prices and quantities of farm commodities, with negligible effects on the prices paid by consumers for food, and thus a negligible influence on dietary patterns and obesity.
Hemodynamic collapse, geometry, and the rapidly paced upper limit of ventricular vulnerability to fibrillation by T-wave stimulation

There is an upper limit to the vulnerability (ULV) of the ventricles to fibrillation (VF) induced by T-wave stimuli. Across species, disease states, and pharmacological treatments, the ULV is correlated to the defibrillation threshold (DF50). However, one factor known to increase the ULV far above the DF50 is rapid pacing. In this article we test the hypothesis that this increase is owing to an accompanying hemodynamic collapse or geometric change. In 18 dogs, T-wave stimuli were delivered from transvenous defibrillating electrodes. The T-wave shock strength that induced VF 50% of the time (the ULV50) was measured using a 10-step Bayesian up-down protocol. T-wave stimuli were delivered after 15 paced beats at one of several rates: normal (80% of the R-R interval), rapid (the interval just fast enough to cause hemodynamic collapse), or 10 milliseconds greater than rapid (which did not cause hypotension). We measured the geometry of the left ventricle at the moment of T-wave stimulation using linear ultrasound. Rapid pacing significantly increased the ULV50 above the normal rate ULV (507 +/- 62.9 vs 379 +/- 70.6 V, P 0, P < .01). Rapid pacing can dramatically increase the measured ULV50. The most likely cause is a concurrent change in the electrophysiology, eg, QT or APD, of the myocardium. As the only known factor to consistently alter the relationship between ULV and the DF50, rapid pacing offers a unique opportunity for the study of the link between defibrillation and ULV testing.
Cognition in Schizophrenia: Natural History, Assessment, and Clinical Importance

Retrospective studies have demonstrated that schizophrenic patients often have poor premorbid cognitive function and social adjustment. Cross-sectional studies of the cognitive performance of schizophrenic patients aged 20 to 90 years indicate that there is a gradual decline in cognitive function throughout the adult life span. Comparison studies of Alzheimer's disease patients, geriatric schizophrenic patients, and normal subjects indicate that Alzheimer's disease patients have marked impairments in memory and executive function, with impairments in language and constructional ability developing later in the disease. In contrast, schizophrenic patients manifest more general cognitive impairment with less impairment in memory and more impairment in visuospatial and language ability early in the course of dementia. Neuropathological findings indicate that the dementia associated with schizophrenia is pathophysiologically distinct from that of Alzheimer's disease. Functional impairment in patients with schizophrenia is closely related to cognitive deficit but not to positive and negative psychotic symptoms. Based on these findings, assessment strategies for evaluation of antipsychotic drug therapies are proposed to incorporate measures of psychosis, cognition, and function.
Non-linear Variable Structure Regression (VSR) and its application in time-series forecasting

Variable Structure Regression (VSR) is a new kind of non-linear regression model, which simultaneously determines the exact mathematical structure of non-linear regressors and how many regressors there are, thereby freeing the end user from trial and error time-consuming studies to determine these. The results are based on an iterative procedure for optimizing parameters and automatically identifying the structure of the VSR model. A novel feature of this new model is it not only uses a linguistic term for a variable but it also uses the complement of that term. It also provides the end user with a physical understanding of the regressors. A Monte Carlo study shows the practical accuracy of VSR model on the classical Gas Furnace time-series prediction problem. VSR ranked #1 compared to five other methods.
Functional Modulation of the ELIC by General Anesthetics and Alcohols

ELIC is a prokaryotic pentameric ligand gated ion channel (pLGIC) homologous to Cys-loop receptors, which are molecular targets of general anesthetics and alcohols. Crystal structures of ELIC and its complex with the antagonist acetylcholine have been resolved recently, suggesting the possibility of using ELIC to understand the structural basis of anesthetic and alcohol modulation on pLGICs. However, the pharmacological profiles of ELIC for modulation by general anesthetics and alcohols have not been well defined. In this study, we characterized these profiles for ELIC expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes with two-electrode voltage clamp techniques. We found that the ELIC current elicited by the agonist propylamine could be inhibited by both volatile and intravenous general anesthetics at clinically relevant concentrations. ELIC is also inhibited by ethanol and other n-alcohols with potency increasing with the number of carbons until n-nonanol, where inhibition is cut off. Alcohol modulation on ELIC is similar to that on GABAR-ρ1 but different from nAChRs, which are potentiated by ethanol. In addition, ELIC is inhibited by the benzodiazepine drug diazepam. In summary, ELIC shares some pharmacological characteristics of cation-conducting eukaryotic pLGICs and is a suitable model for the structural study of the actions of general anesthetics and alcohols on pLGICs. Supported by NIH (R01GM066358, R01GM056257, and R37GM049202).
Time varying gain (TVG) measurements of a multibeam echo sounder for applications to quantitative acoustics

Protocols of calibration procedures of a multibeam echo sounder have been suggested previously [Foote et al., 2005, J. Acoust. Am. 117: 2013-2027], in which the time-varying-gain (TVG) of the multibeam system was assumed to follow the nominal system settings and was not investigated thoroughly. In the current study, the influence of the measured TVGs on system performance was investigated quantitatively. Specifically, measured TVGs were compared to those derived from the nominal system settings for the Simrad SM20 90-kHz multibeam echo sounder (formerly the SM2000 90-kHz),. It was found that for resolved targets, the difference between the theoretically predicted TVG and the measured TVG averaged over all 128 beams was less than 25% for ranges greater than 8 m, equivalent to about 1.0 dB uncertainty in target strength estimates. For unresolved targets, the TVG error is approximately 8 dB at a range of 20 m, resulting in a possible change hy a factor of 6 in abundance estimates. For ranges greater than 120 m, the error reduces to within 1.0 dB, corresponding to about a 25% error in abundance estimate.
Decomposition and activation of Pt-dendrimer nanocomposites on a silica support

Zero valent platinum nanoparticles were stabilized in solution by the use of poly(amido)amine dendrimers and were subsequently deposited onto a porous silica support. The resulting materials were subjected to various thermal treatments in oxidizing, reducing, and inert environments, in order to remove the surrounding polymer and expose the Pt metal sites to gas phase reagents. The materials were characterized at several different stages during this process via Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The results suggest that the dendrimer decomposition occurs at its mono-substituted amide groups and begins at relatively low temperatures (∼50 °C). The presence of oxygen in the gas phase and the Pt particles in the Pt-dendrimer nanocomposite accelerate this process. Oxidation at 425 °C was the most successful temperature for removing the dendrimer fragments from the Pt surface, rendering the Pt sites most accessible for carbon monoxide adsorption. Limited sintering of the Pt particles is observed under these conditions, as well as during subsequent reduction steps, necessary to yield the metallic form of Pt.
Perceived risk of prenatal diagnostic procedure–related miscarriage and Down syndrome among pregnant women

Objective The objective of the study was to identify correlates of perceived risk of carrying a Down syndrome–affected fetus or experiencing a procedure-related miscarriage among a diverse group of pregnant women. Study Design We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1081 English-, Spanish-, or Chinese-speaking women receiving prenatal care in the San Francisco Bay area. Perceived risk of procedure-related miscarriage or carrying a Down syndrome–affected fetus was assessed using a linear rating scale from 0 (no risk) to 1 (high risk). Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to explore associations between maternal characteristics including age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status and perceived risks of carrying a Down syndrome-affected fetus or experiencing a procedure-related miscarriage. Results Women aged 35 years old or older had a higher perceived risk of Down syndrome than younger women (0.28 vs 0.22 on a scale from 0 to 1, P P = .004). In multivariable linear regression analysis among women younger than age 35 years, the perceived risk of carrying a Down syndrome–affected fetus was higher in women who had not attended college (+0.06, P = .019) or had poor self-perceived health status (+0.08, P = .045). Latinas (+0.11, P = .008), women with an annual income less than $35,000 (+0.09, P = .003), and those who had difficulty conceiving (+0.09, P = .026) had higher perceived procedure-related miscarriage risk. Among women aged 35 years or older, perceived risk of carrying a Down syndrome-affected fetus was associated with the inclination to undergo prenatal diagnosis. Conclusion Women's perceived risks of carrying a Down syndrome–affected fetus or having a procedure-related miscarriage are associated with numerous characteristics that have not been shown to be associated with the actual risks of these events. These perceived risks are associated with prenatal diagnostic test inclination. Understanding patients' risk perceptions and effectively communicating risk is critical to helping patients make informed decisions regarding use of invasive prenatal testing.
Control Theory in Practice: Magnetic Levitation

A device that levitates a steel ball beneath an electromagnet is used for educational purposes at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. Students in the course “Mechatronics” engage in a set of laboratory exercises with the device to reinforce classroom learning. Mechatronics is a senior-level course that introduces the interdisciplinary design of smart systems. Students in the electrical engineering and mechanical engineering programs take the course together, and the material is taught by a team of instructors from both academic departments. The Magnetic Levitation experiments are the primary means of teaching the classical analog control portion of the course. Other aspects of the course involve interfacing microcontrollers with sensors and actuators, and digital control. The magnetic levitation device fits easily on a two-person workbench and requires a power supply and oscilloscope. An infra-red emitter / detector pair is used to sense ball position for a feedback compensator. Students first learn classical control theory in a co-requisite course, “Dynamic Modeling and Control.” Modeling principles are introduced in the context of the magnetic levitation system as an unstable plant to be controlled. The system can be simulated by models ranging from simply linear to more complex to teach the trade-off between model fidelity and model development effort. The students derive the nonlinear governing equations and then linearize the equations and develop the transfer function of the plant. Students design a compensator and simulate the resulting stabilized system with Matlab and Simulink software. Students build their compensator on a solderless project board to levitate the steel ball. A proven lead-type compensator using two resistors and a capacitor is readily provided to students that struggle with their own compensator design so that all teams may enjoy the fruit of a successful experiment. As a laboratory aid, the magnetic levitation system allows for basic and advanced approaches to both theoretical study and practical investigation of a nonlinear, unstable system control. The comparison of measured results to predicted behavior leads to insight about how the physical system is modeled by mathematics. Students write a case study describing the system in detail including characterization of the sensors and actuators. Instructors report that the hands-on nature motivates students to excel. Surveyed students cite the hands-on activities as relevant applications that help develop deeper understanding and greater appreciation for the concepts learned in the classroom. The students are motivated to learn by the fascination of defying gravity.
Associations of Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers with Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer in Colorectal Adenoma Patients

Obesity and central adiposity are associated with colorectal cancer risk and have been linked to inflammation. Inflammation is a complex, interactive response that may most accurately be summarized through multiple, simultaneously measured cytokines. In this cross-sectional analysis, we investigated associations of circulating plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-1s (IL-1s), and a combined inflammation z score with risk factors for colorectal cancer in colorectal adenoma patients (n = 92). Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate associations between cytokine levels and known risk factors for colorectal neoplasms. Mean cytokine levels tended to increase with increasing body mass index (BMI), with statistically significant trends in relation to CRP, IL-6, and the combined inflammation z score (P for trend < 0.001, 0.02, and <0.001, respectively). The odds ratios for associations of the inflammation z score with being overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), or having a high waist-to-hip ratio were 4.33 (95% CI [confidence interval], 1.04–18.00), 5.54 (95% CI, 1.37–22.42), and 4.09 (95% CI, 1.67–9.98), respectively. Our findings support (1) associations of inflammation with increased general and central adiposity and (2) investigation of a combined inflammation score as a risk factor for colorectal neoplasms.
Effects of dollar depreciation on agricultural prices and income

An input-output model is used to analyze the effects of dollar depreciation on US agricultural prices and income. Findings indicate that, in general, US agricultural producers do not depend heavily upon imported intermediate inputs, and thus cost-push price increase effects should be small. The response of agricultural exports and export related income to a lower dollar depend on price transmission and export elasticities of demand.
A Career Ladder for School Counselors

These writers propose a five-rung career ladder designed to allow the counselor to assume wider ranging responsibilities and greater financial rewards.
Prevalence of outsourcing and perception of clinical nutrition managers on performance of health care dietetics services.

Abstract A nationwide survey of clinical dietitians and clinical nutrition managers was conducted to assess the prevalence of outsourcing in health care dietetics services and to evaluate perceived performance of dietetics services. A questionnaire was developed, validated by an expert panel, and pilot tested prior to data collection. Members of the Clinical Nutrition Management Dietetic Practice Group (N=1,668) were selected as the study sample. Of 431 respondents, 152 (35.3%) indicated that management of both patient and cafeteria foodservices was outsourced. When mean scores of perceived performance ratings were compared using t test, respondents from self-operated facilities rated several items related to patient and cafeteria food quality and material and human resource utilization higher than respondents at contract-managed facilities. No significant differences were found in performance related to decision-making process, buying power, or training programs. Results suggest that careful weighing of advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing is needed before making decisions regarding outsourcing dietetics services. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103:1039-1042.
Repeated Inescapable Stress Produces a Neuroleptic-like Effect on the Conditioned Avoidance Response

This study tests the hypothesis that the dopaminergic system mediates a restitutive response by decreasing its own activity in the face of events like persistent inescapable stress that threaten to interrupt organized mental activity. It is well established that neuroleptic drugs inhibit the conditioned avoidance response (CAR), but not the escape response, probably via a reduction in subcortical dopaminergic activity. We trained rats to perform the CAR and then subjected them to acute and chronic stress to determine whether this would result in inhibition of the CAR. Rats subjected to twice daily tailshock stress for 8 days showed inhibition of the CAR and a reduction in dopamine (DA) utilization in the nucleus accumbens. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that an endogenous DA-dependent mechanism exists that mimics neuroleptic effects in the face of repeated stress. In humans this response may serve as a protection against psychotic decompensation from chronic endogenous or exogenous insult.
Pathologic Basis and Treatment Considerations in Chronic Kidney Disease-Related Hypertension

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is both a cause and an effect of hypertension and is multifactorial in its origin. Beyond volume expansion, CKD-related hypertension is without defining characteristics of any consistency. Consequently, the order in which antihypertensive medications are given to the CKD patient with hypertension is arbitrary, although prescription practice is for the most part mindful of the need for multiple drug classes with at least one of them being a diuretic. It is not without reason that blood pressure goals in the hypertensive CKD patient are set at lower levels than those for patients with essential hypertension, but it remains to be determined how much the blood pressure should be decreased in the CKD patient.
Two-color multiplexed analysis of eight short tandem repeat loci with an electrophoretic microdevice.

Single-channel microfabricated electrophoretic devices equipped with a dual-wavelength laser-induced fluorescence detection system were used for the fast analysis of an eight-loci, two-color multiplex short tandem repeat (STR) system for human identification. Routine analyses of the eight loci (CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, vWA and D16S539, D7S820, D13S317, D5S818), requiring four-base resolution, were performed in only 2 min. Specific analyses for a microvariant allele (allele 9.3 of the TH01 locus) demanded single-base resolution and was performed in less than 10 min. The high accuracy of the microdevice for real-world STR sample analyses was demonstrated by comparison with conventional slab-gel electrophoresis. Our results show that a fast multiwavelength multichannel electrophoretic microsystem will be capable of routinely processing thousands of complex STR samples per day.
Design of a gas-loaded free electron laser experiment☆

Abstract An infrared, vacuum FEL designed to operate at 2.6 μm will be modified to permit the introduction of hydrogen gas into the wiggler section. This gas will be separated from accelerator vacuum using a 9 mm diameter, 1 μm thick BN foil, and tuning will be obtained from 2.6 to 0.40 μm by the addition of up to 1 atm of gas. The Rayleigh range in the optical cavity will be reduced to compensate for the additional emittance produced by multiple scattering. Calculated small-signal gains with the gas are comparable to the gain at the longer wavelength in vacuum. A prior experiment demonstrated propagation of the 43 MeV electron beam through 1 m of H 2 at pressure of 10 −3 to 1.25 atm, with full current transmission and no plasma instabilities.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Super/Super Obesity

Laparoscopic gastric bypass has been recently introduced as an alternative method to conventional open gastric bypass. This procedure has been generally limited to patients with a BMI <60 kg/m2 due to the possible technical limitations of the laparoscopic instruments. In this article, we present a patient with super/super obesity (61 kg/m2) who underwent Rouxen-Y gastric bypass using the laparoscopic approach.
Dissertation advisors and initial job placements for economics PhD recipients

Using a unique data set that matches economics PhD recipients with their advisors, we find that after controlling for programme quality, the relative standing of a student's dissertation advisor has a significant impact on his or her initial job placement.
A theoretical current density ansatz for the quiet day solar semi-diurnal tidal mode of oscillation of the ionosphere☆

Abstract A theoretical current density ansatz incorporating the atmospheric tidal resonance theory of Pekeris into the steady-state form of the “generalized Ohm's law”, based on a number of simplifying physical assumptions, is obtained. The result is an embodiment of a generalized atmospheric dynamo mechanism of the origin of the upper atmospheric current systems. The horizontal (co-latitudinal and longitudinal) components of this current density are numerically integrated over an ionized spherical shell concentric with the earth, resulting in approximate expressions for the current density. Various applications of these approximate expressions are mentioned.
Separators for nickel—zinc batteries

Abstract The widespread use of nickel—zinc batteries, particularly as electric vehicle power sources, would be strongly enhanced by significantly extending the deep-discharge cycle life beyond the current level of 100—300 cycles. p]The nickel—zinc battery's cycle life is governed in part by the properties of the battery separator system. Cycle life appears to be related to the separator's mass transport properties. Batteries containing separators with the lowest electrolytic resistivity and highest water permeability give the longest cycle life. The results favor the use of microporous separators with an average pore diameter of about 300 A which provide the necessary mass transfer whilst still retaining adequate dendrite penetration resistance. This paper describes the types of separators and separator systems used in nickel—zinc batteries, the typical properties and characterization of these separators, and the failure modes of nickel—zinc batteries as influenced by the choice and properties of the separator system.
Semantics-aware trace analysis

As computer systems continue to become more powerful and complex, so do programs. High-level abstractions introduced to deal with complexity in large programs, while simplifying human reasoning, can often obfuscate salient program properties gleaned from automated source-level analysis through subtle (often non-local) interactions. Consequently, understanding the effects of program changes and whether these changes violate intended protocols become difficult to infer. Refactorings, and feature additions, modifications, or removals can introduce hard-to-catch bugs that often go undetected until many revisions later.To address these issues, this paper presents a novel dynamic program analysis that builds a semantic view of program executions. These views reflect program abstractions and aspects; however, views are not simply projections of execution traces, but are linked to each other to capture semantic interactions among abstractions at different levels of granularity in a scalable manner.We describe our approach in the context of Java and demonstrate its utility to improve regression analysis. We first formalize a subset of Java and a grammar for traces generated at program execution. We then introduce several types of views used to analyze regression bugs along with a novel, scalable technique for semantic differencing of traces from different versions of the same program. Benchmark results on large open-source Java programs demonstrate that semantic-aware trace differencing can identify precise and useful details about the underlying cause for a regression, even in programs that use reflection, multithreading, or dynamic code generation, features that typically confound other analysis techniques.
Integrated optical devices for high-data-rate serial-to-parallel conversion

Integrated optical devices can be used for optical code generation, code recognition and time multiplexing/demultiplexing, using data streams with data rates exceeding 100 GB/s. In this paper, a new nonlinear all-optical device for parallel-to-serial conversion using waveguide second-harmonic generation is described. This device can be configured to perform time demultiplexing or code recognition in a way that requires no active devices operating at the data rate.
Intravitreal triamcinolone and endophthalmitis.

I N THIS ISSUE OF THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY, Moshfeghi and coauthors1 present a series of cases of microbial endophthalmitis following intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetate (IVTA). As with many such case series, the paper raises at least as many new questions as those it purports to answer. It also serves to remind clinicians of the collateral issues raised by the rapid adoption of a promising new therapeutic modality in advance of rigorous study. Moshfeghi and coauthors1 pooled the retrospective experience from seven “academic clinical centers” to amass a series of eight cases of microbial endophthalmitis occurring within 6 weeks of an IVTA from a group of 922 separate procedures (of note, 907 of the 922 procedures and all of
Dynamics of alkane hydroxylation at the non-heme diiron center in methane monooxygenase

Semiclassical molecular dynamics simulations have been combined with quantum chemistry calculations to provide detailed modeling of the methane and ethane hydroxylation reactions catalyzed by the hydroxylase enzymes of the soluble methane monooxygenase system. The experimental distribution of enantiomeric alcohols in the reaction of ethanes made chiral by the use of hydrogen isotopes is quantitatively reproduced and explained. The reaction dynamics involve a mixture of concerted and bound radical trajectories, and we characterize each of these reactive channels in detail. Diffusion of the bound radical intermediate at the active site core determines the global rate constant. The results also provide a qualitative rationale for the lack of ring-opened products derived from certain radical clock substrate probes and for the relative rate constants and kinetic isotope effects exhibited by a variety of substrates.
Investigating Constituent Values and School Policy

Using a sociopolitical perspective to understand the alignment of community values and school policies, we conducted focus groups in three geographically close but economically varied neighborhood in one Midwest urban area. The article presents findings related to constituent values, social capital, and school policies, including charter school policy, NCLB, and busing.
Trauma in the geriatric population

Injury in older adults is a looming public health crisis. This article provides a broad overview of geriatric trauma across the continuum of care. After a review of the epidemiology of geriatric trauma, optimal approaches to patient care are presented for triage and transport, trauma team activation and initial assessment, inpatient management, and injury prevention. Special emphasis is given to assessment of frailty, advanced care planning, and transitions of care.
Differential Lung Ventilation with Unilateral PEEP Following Unilateral Hydrochloric Acid Aspiration in the Dog

Differential lung ventilation with positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) improves pulmonary gas exchange when used in the supportive care of patients with severe unilateral or asymmetrical lung disease. Once the provision of selective PEEP to the two lungs is accomplished, the best method of partitioning the tidal volume between the two lungs is unknown. Twelve mongrel dogs were given a unilateral hydrochloric acid (HCl) aspiration injury. A computer controlled differential lung ventilation system was used to ventilate four dogs with equal volumes to each lung, four dogs with equal driving pressure (end inspiratory pressure-PEEP) to each lung, and four dogs with equal end-tidal CO2 fraction from each lung. The respiratory rate was feedback controlled to maintain PaCO2 at 4.67 kPa. The dogs were kept supine and ventilated with 30% O2. Following injury, the PEEP was set at 0 kPa for 1 h. The dogs were then given 1.36 kPa and 2.72 kPa PEEP to the injured lung for 2 h in a cross-over fashion. The assignment of the tidal volume controller, the side of injury, and the PEEP sequence was random. Oxygen tension fell and pulmonary venous admixture increased after giving the HCl injury. In all three groups considered simultaneously, unilateral PEEP improved PaO2 and venous admixture. The equal tidal volume distribution was the only group to show a significant improvement in PaO2 at both PEEP increments (0 to 1.36 kPa and 2.72 kPa). There was a significant difference in tidal volume allocation between the three groups with the equal end-tidal and equal pause pressure groups only minimally ventilating the injured lung.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Plague on Both Your Houses

In response to Eugene Goodheart’s essay “Neo-Darwinism and Religion”, this essay criticizes both sides of the debate for their posing of false dichotomies. Atheist neodarwinists are illogical in arguing that the necessary chance emergence of physical constants that could produce a universe with intelligent life disproves the existence of God, since the same chance emergence would also necessarily produce a universe corresponding to traditional definitions of God. Religious anti-evolutionists are wrong in rejecting evolutionary accounts of the emergence of human religious instincts, since that emergence is a strong argument for the reality of what those instincts seem designed to register. Finally, Goodheart, as a humanities scholar, is somewhat blind to the distinguished history of writers, artists and scholars who found the highest spiritual inspiration in natural science.
Price Momentum and Idiosyncratic Volatility

We find that returns to momentum investing are higher among high idiosyncratic volatility (IVol) stocks, especially high IVol losers. Higher IVol stocks also experience quicker and larger reversals. The findings are consistent with momentum profits being attributable to underreaction to firm-specific information and with IVol limiting arbitrage of the momentum effect. We also find a positive time-series relation between momentum returns and aggregate IVol. Given the long-term rise in IVol, this result helps explain the persistence of momentum profits since Jegadeesh and Titman’s (1993) study.
Viral and cellular fos proteins: a comparative analysis

The FBJ murine osteosarcoma virus (FBJ-MuSV) induces osteosarcomas in mice and transforms fibroblasts in vitro. It contains an oncogene termed v-fos derived from a normal cellular gene by recombination with an associated helper virus. The product of the v-fos gene is a 55,000 dalton protein, p55v-fos. This protein was found in the nuclei of cells containing amplified levels of the v-fos gene, and also in the nuclei of virus-transformed cells. The c-fos protein was localized in the nuclei of normal mouse amnion cells and in the nuclei of cells transformed by a recombinant plasmid that expresses the c-fos gene product. However, p55c-fos undergoes more extensive post-translational modification in the nucleus than p55v-fos. Immunofluorescence data indicate that the level of p55c-fos in normal mouse amnion cells is similar to that found in fibroblasts transformed by the v-fos or c-fos proteins.
Multi-resonant microfabricated inductors and transformers

This paper introduces (1) a family of multi-resonant passive components with harmonically related impedance nulls and maxima, (2) board- and wafer-scale construction techniques for such structures, and (3) circuit topologies that exploit the harmonically related impedance extreme they provide. A three-dimensional copper electroforming process has been developed which offers an integrated-circuit designer larger-valued, higher-Q power inductors than are achievable with traditional thin-film processing. Such magnetic structures, whether fabricated in printed-circuit form or electroformed on a wafer, can be tapped to produce integrated multi-resonant L-C networks. These networks can develop much larger impedance than the corresponding untapped structure, provide self-shielding, eliminate switches from symmetric converter topologies, and otherwise reduce switch stresses. As part of the broader treatment, a new soft-switched radio-frequency power converter is introduced that demonstrates the reduction in peak device stress and passive-component size achievable with multi-resonant components. Taken together, the construction techniques, networks, and converter topologies presented here extend the power levels and applications for which passive components can be manufactured in an integrated fashion, alongside semiconductor switches and converter controls.