cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic cocaine differentially affects diazepam’s anxiolytic and anticonvulsant actions: Relationship to GABAA receptor subunit expression☆

Benzodiazepines are used to treat the anxiety associated with cocaine withdrawal, as well as cocaine-induced seizures. Since cocaine exposure was shown to affect BZ binding density, abuse liability, subjective hypnotic actions and seizure susceptibility, we assessed whether chronic cocaine alters diazepam’s anxiolytic and anticonvulsant actions. Changes in GABAA receptor subunit protein expression were also assessed as they may relate to BZ activity at the receptor. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with cocaine-HCl (15 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline once daily for 14 days. One day after the last injection, DZP (1 mg/kg i.p.) significantly increased time spent on and entries into open arms of an elevated plus maze in both saline- and cocaine-treated groups, yet the effect was greater in cocaine-treated rats. Eight days after cessation of treatment DZP did not have a significant anxiolytic effect in either group. To assess the effect of cocaine on DZP’s anticonvulsant actions, PTZ was infused at a constant rate via the lateral tail vein and clonus onset was recorded in the presence and absence of DZP (5 mg/kg, i.p). DZP significantly elevated seizure threshold in both groups of rats. Chronic cocaine also had no effect on the β-CCM seizure threshold. Quantitative immunohistochemistry of GABAA receptor subunit protein demonstrated significant regulation of α2 (−10%) and β3 (+9%) subunits in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA1 regions, respectively. Small changes in GABAR subunit expression in specific brain areas may relate to DZP’s enhanced anxiolytic effectiveness whereas it’s anticonvulsant actions likely remain intact following cocaine administration.
A Call for a Federal Long Arm Statute to Confer Lawful Authority Over Nonresidents on the State Courts

The United States Supreme Court decided two cases involving personal jurisdiction in 2011, but once again it failed to clarify important issues that have divided the lower courts for decades. This Article offers possible reasons for the Supreme Court’s apparent inability to provide clear and predictable rules for personal jurisdiction and recommends federal legislation and a network of treaties with foreign nations to authorize state courts to assert jurisdiction over nonresident defendants.The American law of personal jurisdiction has developed out of the United States Supreme Court’s review of the constitutionality of state courts’ assertions of jurisdiction over nonresident defendants pursuant to state long arm statutes. State legislatures and courts have acted to extend the personal jurisdiction of the state courts to the maximum extent that the Supreme Court will allow in order to provide as much justice to their citizens as possible, instead of seeking a fair allocation of jurisdiction among the state courts by balancing the interests of residents and nonresidents. In reviewing the constitutionality of state court assertions of jurisdiction, the Supreme Court has had to rely on the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause. Unfortunately, the Due Process Clause is so vague that it is difficult to derive predictable rules for personal jurisdiction from it, and it is also difficult for the Due Process Clause to keep up with changes in technology and commerce. Moreover, the Supreme Court’s review of state court assertions of jurisdiction is properly limited to determining whether the assertions of jurisdiction are within the maximum range permitted by the Due Process Clause, as opposed to providing for a fair allocation of jurisdiction with clear and predictable rules. It is therefore futile to expect the United States Supreme Court and all the states to develop an adequate legal framework for personal jurisdiction without assistance from Congress and treaties with foreign nations. The plurality opinion in J. McIntyre Machinery, Ltd. v. Nicastro provides support for the proposition that federal legislation and treaties would comply with the Due Process Clause by conferring lawful authority on the state courts to exercise jurisdiction over nonresidents.
Electoral Lies and the Broader Problems of Strict Scrutiny

States often attempt to regulate political speech in the form of deliberate lies related to ballot initiatives, referenda, candidates, or their political positions. Some courts focus on the various harms of electoral lies, while others focus more on the risks of bias and partisan abuse involved in such speech regulations, and the cases are in disarray. This article argues, however, that the most important problem underlying this case confusion is inherent in the widely utilized constitutional standard of strict scrutiny. Strict scrutiny typically requires a compelling governmental interest, “narrow tailoring,” and some causal relation between the regulation and the compelling interest. The crucial point, though, is that, as this article documents, each of these elements lends itself to a surprising degree of arbitrariness, judicial subjectivity, uncontrollable complexity, and sheer impracticality. The article works through these multiple problems, in the context of electoral lies and much more broadly, and considers two significant possible reforms of standard versions of the judicial strict scrutiny test.
The interplay between self-directed learning and social interactions: collaborative knowledge building in online problem-based discussions

This paper illustrates collaborative knowledge building through problem-based learning (PBL) in online threaded discussions. PBL has been one of the most popular instructional approaches in health education. However, few qualitative studies described the essential aspects of the PBL learning processes, such as self-directed learning, and its impact on the building of professional knowledge. Therefore, this study illuminates students' ability to select, evaluate and make use of learning resources, a form of self-directed learning, embedded in a social context. This study aimed to 1) reveal different kinds of resources acquired and presented by students during discussions and to 2) describe patterns of knowledge building that emerged from integration of the above learning resources and consequently led to professional knowledge building. Using qualitative research methods, I analyzed 751 text messages from a distance learning class. The results revealed seven kinds of commonly used resources in the discussion. Results also show knowledge building occurred through the process of 1) enriching conceptual understanding, 2) connecting textbook information and personal experiences, and 3) comparing theories and practical approaches.
High-resolution ion isolation with the ion cyclotron resonance capacitively coupled open cell

For ion cyclotron resonance, a capacitively coupled open cell variant with fourfold radial symmetry was constructed and tested for axial excitation-ejection of large ions at high resolution. With a reverse of frequency sweep direction, this cell gave substantial improvements in signal-to-noise ratio due to linearization of the excitation electric field. Single isotopic peaks of ubiquitin (8.6-kDa) and carbonic anhydrase (29-kDa) molecular ions could be isolated by selective stored waveform inverse Fourier transform excitation, which yielded an order of magnitude higher isolation resolving power than previously achieved at high mass-to-charge ratio values.
A simple forced diversion model for study of thermal-hydraulic transients in LMFBR subassembly

Abstract The generalized simple, transient, integral energy balances based on the average properties for the fuel and cladding have been used in our new multichannel thermal-hydraulic model for calculating the transient behavior of coolant in the rod bundle. This model was developed to provide a simple useful tool for analyzing the flow and thermal transients in a rod bundle with reasonable accuracy, and to understand the fundamental characteristics of flow in the rod bundle under both normal and abnormal condition of reactor-core operation.
A review of permineralized seed fern stems of the Upper Paleozoic

Abstract Dunn, M. T. (Department of Biological Sciences, Cameron University, Lawton, Oklahoma 73505). A Review of Permineralized Seed Fern Stems of the Upper Paleozoic. J. Torrey Bot. Soc. 133: 20–32. 2006.—Stem morphotaxa continue to be the primary line of evidence for pteridosperm phylogenetic analyses, and the current state of our knowledge of Upper Paleozoic permineralized medullosan and manoxylic lyginopterid stems is reviewed here. Manoxylic Lyginopteridaceae include Lyginopteris, Heterangium, Rhetinangium, Schopfiastrum, Microspermopteris, Trivena, Tetrastichia, Tristichia, Lyginopitys, and Laceya. This group is poorly defined, and cannot be grouped by any as yet known synapomorphy. Four genera are generally included in the Medullosaceae; Medullosa, Colpoxylon, Sutcliffia, and Quaestora, however Colpoxylon should be included in Medullosa. This family is characterized by rachis bases that are vascularized by numerous traces produced at more than one node.
Gaussian sum particle filtering

We use the Gaussian particle filter to build several types of Gaussian sum particle filters. These filters approximate the filtering and predictive distributions by weighted Gaussian mixtures and are basically banks of Gaussian particle filters. Then, we extend the use of Gaussian particle filters and Gaussian sum particle filters to dynamic state space (DSS) models with non-Gaussian noise. With non-Gaussian noise approximated by Gaussian mixtures, the non-Gaussian noise models are approximated by banks of Gaussian noise models, and Gaussian mixture filters are developed using algorithms developed for Gaussian noise DSS models. As a result, problems involving heavy-tailed densities can be conveniently addressed. Simulations are presented to exhibit the application of the framework developed herein, and the performance of the algorithms is examined.
Studies of the oxidation of a hydroxychromium(III)-[hydrotrispyrazoylborate]pyrazolyl complex

Abstract The oxidation of the Cr III hydroxy complex, Tp tBu,Me Cr(pz ′ )(OH), 1 , (Tp tBu,Me =hydrotris(3- tert -butyl-5-methylpyrazolyl)borate; pz ′ =3- tert -butyl-5-methylpyrazolyl anion) was studied in methylene chloride at a glassy carbon electrode. There are two oxidation peaks, Ia and IIa, that are totally irreversible and Cr IV oxo complex 2 is the product at both peaks. Peak Ia grows with respect to IIa as the scan rate is reduced and the voltammograms were quantitatively accounted for by a CE irr mechanism involving two interconverting forms of 1 , 1a giving peak Ia and 1b giving peak IIa. The reduction of 2 is detected on the return scan along with a small amount of 3 that arises from hydrogen-atom abstraction by 2 from hydrogen-atom donors in the medium. The processes giving rise to peaks Ia and IIa have the characteristics of dissociative electron- transfer reactions. It is suggested that they may be concerted electron-proton transfer reactions. It is speculated that the postulated minor form of 1 , 1a , may be an isomer having axial OH rather than the equatorial OH found in the favored isomer, 1b .
On A.C. losses in thin film capacitors at low temperatures

Abstract We describe some observations of anomalous dissipation in vacuum dielectric capacitors in which at least one electrode consists of a thin metallic film on a quartz substrate. At low temperatures this dissipation can have significant thermal consequences for experiments including such devices. A method for reducing this effect is described.
Operation and Preliminary Performance of the Duke Solar Power Roof™: A Roof-Integrated Solar Cooling and Heating System

The first commercial-scale Duke Solar Power Roof™, a roof-integrated solar cooling and heating system, began operation in Raleigh, North Carolina in late July 2002. This system is designed to provide 176 kW (50 ton) of solar-driven space cooling using a unique nonimaging concentrating solar collector. The measured performance of the system during its first months of operation is reported here, along with a description of the design and operation of this system.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Early afterdepolarizations in a model of cardiac cells

Using a single Beeler-Reuter patch, we demonstrate that oscillatory responses of transmembrane potential can be simulated in the absence of a constant current stimulus by applying physiologically reasonable parametric variations to the model. Our results indicate that 1) the principal active elements of this periodicity could be limited to the Ca+2 kinetics, with the K+ kinetics playing a passive role, 2) these oscillations are capable of triggering sequences of entrained action potentials in a neighboring cell, and 3) partial K+ blockade can facilitate activation in the neighboring cell.
Pharmacist calls to older adults with cognitive difficulties after discharge in a Tertiary Veterans Administration Medical Center: a quality improvement program.

Objectives To evaluate the effect of the Pharmacological Intervention in Late Life (PILL) Service, which provides pharmacist telephone follow-up after discharge of older adults from the hospital, on postdischarge acute care utilization. Design Retrospective, secondary data analysis of a quality improvement project from 2010 to 2012. Setting Tertiary Veterans Affairs hospital. Participants Participants were inpatients aged 65 and older with delirium risk or prescribed a dementia medication (N = 501, mean age 79.5 ± 8.0; 98% male). Measurements PILL Service pharmacist telephone follow-up included a medication review and reconciliation within 5 days after hospital discharge. The time of the pharmacist call was examined in relation to the outcomes of emergency and urgent care encounters, readmissions, and mortality within 60 days. Results The average number of discharge medications was 14.8 ± 5.7 with 2.8 ± 2.2 medication changes and 1.4 ± 1.8 discrepancies between medication order and instruction. After adjustment for age, number of medication changes, and number of discrepancies, every additional 5 minutes of pharmacist call was associated with a 15% reduction in 60-day readmission (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.85, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.75–0.97) but was not associated with emergency or urgent care encounters (adjusted OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.91–1.17) or mortality (adjusted OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.58–1.20). Conclusion Pharmacist-led medication review, reconciliation, and telephone calls after hospital discharge were associated with fewer 60-day hospital readmissions in this quality improvement program.
Existence and strong consistency of maximum likelihood estimates for 1-dimensional exponential families

Abstract The paper focuses on existence, in the sense of Hoffmann-Jorgensen, of the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) of the parameter for 1-dimensional exponential families. It is established that the MLE exists in most cases.
How I handled ambiguity in a system to read music scores

In a program for reading printed music, a variety of low level feature detectors were used to extract sufficient information to reconstruct the score. All feature detectors were unreliable to some extent, and were biased towards yielding false positives rather than missing features. In order to reconstruct the score, conflicting information from the feature detectors needed to be recognized and eliminated. All objects as well as their geometric and semantic relations were represented in an object oriented framework. Ambiguity (implemented as a generic predicate) was defined -- and explicitly represented -- in terms of these relationships. Examples of ambiguous relationships include: An accidental and a note head having an on-top-of geometric relationship, or the total duration of notes in a measure not being equal to the notated time signature. A method inspired by Waltz filtering was used to produce a consistent, unambiguous interpretation. Waltz filtering is a symbolic constraint propagation technique which has been applied to line drawings. During interpretation attention was focused on objects which had ambiguous relations. Ambiguity was iteratively reduced or removed by using a variety of methods employing information gathered from local unambiguous relations.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Signifying Bereavement: Form and Context in the Analysis of Penan Death-Names

A characteristic of the mortuary complexes of most central Bornean societies is the existence of systems of so-called ‘death-names’. Most death-names are actually titles, given to persons on the death of a close relative. The most elaborate complex in Borneo exists among Western Penan hunter-gatherers. This paper examines the Western Penan death-name complex, with a view to addressing a basic issue of ethnographic description: how our definition of a phenomenon affects its translation. Previous treatments of death-names have been based on assumptions about the systemic coherence of these complexes. This results in a detached, formalistic description that obscures the essential properties of the phenomenon: the affective force expressed in usage, the temporality inscribed in the process of appellation, and the social calculus that underlies decisions about the use of particular death-names. A more appropriate entry point is one that begins with the context of death and bereavement, and frames decisions about usage with reference to the principles which Penan themselves invoke: the pull between affective position on the one hand, and curse avoidance on the other. Such an approach reveals more about the constitution of social being in Penan society than one based on a priori assumptions of systemic coherence.
DIRECT CATECHOLAMINERGIC-CHOLINERGIC INTERACTIONS IN THE BASAL FOREBRAIN. I. DOPAMINE-BETA -HYDROXYLASE- AND TYROSINE HYDROXYLASE INPUT TO CHOLINERGIC NEURONS

Immunocytochemical double-labeling techniques were used at the light and electron microscopic levels to investigate whether dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase-containing axons contact basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase- and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive fibers and terminals were found in close proximity to cholinergic neurons throughout extensive basal forebrain areas, including the vertical and horizontal limb of the diagonal band nuclei, the sublenticular substantia innominata, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, ventral pallidum, and ventrolateral globus pallidus. Cholinergic cells in some aspects of the globus pallidus appeared to be contacted by tyrosine hydroxylase-positive but not dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-positive fibers, suggesting dopaminergic input to cholinergic neurons in these regions. Direct evidence for the termination of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive fibers on cholinergic neurons was obtained in electron microscopic double-immunolabeling studies. Using high magnification light microscopic screening, both qualitative and quantitative differences were noted in the catecholaminergic innervation of forebrain cholinergic neurons. For example, while many cholinergic neurons were in close proximity to single dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-positive varicosities, others, particularly those located in the substantia innominatabed nucleus of the stria terminalis continuum, were apparently contacted by labeled fibers in repetitive fashion. The findings of the present study, together with our preliminary biochemical experiments (Zaborszky et al. [1993] Prog. Brain Res. 98:31-49) suggest that catecholaminergic afferents can differentially modulate forebrain cholinergic neurons. Such interactions may be important in learning and memory processes, and their perturbations may contribute to the cognitive decline seen in aging and in disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
A Phenomenological Study of Volition in Everyday Occupations of Older People with Dementia

Aim:The aim of this study was to understand volition in people with moderate dementia. The study provided an in-depth description and analysis of volition in eight older people in a memory-support assisted living unit.Method:Guiding questions focused on understanding past life interests, demonstration of volition, volitional continuity, and the relationship among the social environment, volition and daily occupations. Data collection included participant observation, family and staff interviews, and the Volitional Questionnaire. The Mini-Mental State Examination provided a measure of cognitive impairment.Findings:Three interacting themes emerged: variation in volitional expression, redefining meaningful occupation and potency of the social environment. The participants differed in volitional expression, showed changes in continuity between past and present interests, and tended to modify their occupations to match their abilities.Conclusion:The participants' lived experiences consistently reflected dynami...
Structure–property–activity correlations of Pt-bimetallic nanoparticles: A theoretical study

Abstract A novel modeling approach based on FEFF8 calculations is developed to study the relationships between the atomic structure, electronic property, and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of Pt 3 M nanoparticles (NPs) in combination with experimental results. We have developed a representative cluster model of Pt 3 M (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) NPs, namely Pt 19 M 6 , based on experimental X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data, and demonstrated that the calculated Pt surface d-band center ɛ d can be directly related to the ORR catalytic enhancement trends exhibited by Pt 3 M NPs in cathode catalysts. The correlations between ɛ d and cluster morphology parameters such as the Pt Pt bond distance d PtPt (strain effects), the Pt M bond distance d PtM (interlayer ligand effects), and the choice of specific element M (pure ligand effects) are established. The results show that strain effects play a dominant role in downshifting ɛ d for late 3d elements, and ligand (pure ligand plus interlayer strain) effects can either upshift or downshift ɛ d relative to Pt depending on the near-surface morphology. The implications of the complex nature of ligand effects are discussed. This modeling approach complements the XAS technique in understanding structure–property–activity relationships of PtM NPs, and the understanding established here can be used to provide a fundamental basis for the improvement of existing cathode catalysts.
Generalized Hook and Content Numbers Identities

Given a cell x in a skew diagram, the arm length a(x), the leg length ?(x), and therefore the `hook pair? (a(x),? (x)), are defined. The diagram thus determines the corresponding multiset of its hook pairs. Similarly, x?Z+2determines its `content pair? (a?(x),?? (x)), which give raise to another type of multiset. Here we prove various identities between such multisets. In the special case of the hook and content numbers, these identities imply new `hook? formulas for the dimensions of irreducible GL(n) representations. In the more general situation of the Jack symmetric functions P?(?), these identities imply new `? -hook? formulas forP?(?) (1, . . . , 1).
Variations in axial processes on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge: The median valley of the MARK area

Submersible observations and photogeology document dramatic variations in the distribution of young volcanic rocks, faulting, fissuring, and hydrothermal activity along an 80 km-long segment of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge south of the Kane Transform (MARK Area). These variations define two spreading cells separated by a cell boundary zone or a small-offset transform zone. The northern spreading cell is characterized by a median ‘neovolcanic’ ridge which runs down the axis of the median valley floor for 40 km. This edifice is as much as 4 km wide and 600 m high and is composed of very lightly sedimented basalts inferred to be < 5000 years old. It is the largest single volcanic constructional feature discovered to date on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The active Snake Pit hydrothermal vent field is on the crest of this ridge and implies the presence of a magma chamber in the northern spreading cell. In contrast, the southern cell is characterized by small, individual volcanos similar in size to the central volcanos in the FAMOUS area. Two of the volcanos that were sampled appear to be composed of dominantly glassy basaltic rocks with very light sediment cover; whereas, other volcanos in this region appear to be older features. The boundary zone between the two spreading cells is intensely faulted and lacks young volcanic rocks. This area may also contain a small-offset ( < 8 km) transform zone. Magmatism in the northern cell has been episodic and tens of thousands of years have lapsed since the last major magmatic event there. In the southern cell, a more continuous style of volcanic accretion appears to be operative. The style of spreading in the southern cell may be much more typical for the Mid-Atlantic Ridge than that of the northern cell because the latter is adjacent to the 150 km-offset Kane Transform that may act as a thermal sink along the MAR. Such large transforms are not common on the MAR, therefore, lithosphere produced in a spreading cell influenced by a large transform may also be somewhat atypical.
An Improved Software Synchronous Sampling Method in the Electrical Signal Parameters Measurement

Common software synchronous sampling methods have some shortcomings such as sampling synchronization error, sampling interval error accumulation increment and so on, and the impact of this error on the measurement accuracy can not be ignored [1]. In this paper, analysis on synchronization error occurrence reasons was performed, and proposed the synchronization implementation method of asynchronous sampling. This method can track the real-time changes of electrical signal by the zero-cross-over triggering circuit, and reduce the synchronization error by the software method. Simulation analysis of the signal cycle (frequency) and RMS measurement shows that proposed method improves accuracy of the electrical signal parameters measurement based on microprocessor technology.
Meniere's Syndrome.

The primary goals of treatment in Meniere's syndrome are to control attacks of vertigo and, if possible, to arrest the progression of hearing loss. Initial treatment consists of rigid dietary sodium restriction, possibly with the addition of a thiazide diuretic. If disabling attacks of vertigo persist despite sodium restriction, surgical intervention should be considered. Endolymphatic shunting is an option for patients who desire a less invasive surgical remedy, but recurrence of vertigo occurs in about 40% of cases. Vestibular nerve ablative surgery is the definitive surgical treatment for patients with intractable attacks of vertigo who still have useful hearing on the affected side. Labyrinthectomy is a surgical option when there is no serviceable hearing in the damaged ear. Intra-aural gentamicin instillation is an option in carefully selected cases.
ABT-200, a norepinephrine uptake inhibitor, blocks Ca2+ signals in chromaffin cells.

Abstract We previously described inhibition by racemic (±)-(1′R ∗ ,3R ∗ )-3- phenyl -1-[1′,2′,3′,4′- tetrahydro -5′,6′- methyl enedioxy -1′- napthalenyl-methyl]-pyrrolidine methanesulfonate (ABT-200), and its two constituent enantiomers, SS,ABT-200 and RR,ABT-200, of nicotine-stimulated but not histamine-stimulated catecholamine release from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. To test the hypothesis that this inhibition reflects a blockade of Ca2+ influx, we used fura-2 loaded chromaffin cells to investigate cytosolic Ca2+ signals. We found that SS,ABT-200 inhibited nicotine- and K+-stimulated Ca2+ signals, both of which depend on Ca2+ influx. However, the early phase of the histamine-stimulated Ca2+ signals, which depends on Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores, was unaffected. We also examined ion flux through the nicotinic receptor by measuring 86rubidium+ (86Rb+) efflux from preloaded mouse midbrain synaptosomes. We found that SS,ABT-200 partially inhibited nicotine-stimulated 86Rb+ efflux, suggesting that it blocks ion flux through the nicotinic receptor directly. These data support a model in which ABT-200 blocks nicotine-stimulated catecholamine release by inhibiting cation flux through multiple channels.
Transient electric birefringence of T7 viral DNA

The electric birefringence properties of intact bacteriophage T7 DNA are investigated as a function of field strength and ionic environment. At low field strengths, E < 40 V/cm, Kerr behavior is observed. The birefringence decay kinetics are consistent with a Gaussian chain viscoelastic treatment for an induced dipole model of orientation. The observed relaxation time for the longest mode is 37 msec, in 0.5 mM Na+ at 15°C, and is in agreement with flow experiments. In order to account for the observed differences in rise and decay kinetics, a field-induced, anharmonic restoring force is postulated. The magnitude of the apparent induced dipole moment is found to be inversely proportional to the Debye-Huckel shielding parameter κ for a series of Na+ concentrations. The magnitude of the induced dipole moment is found to be very sensitive to the addition of Mg2+. When analyzed in terms of the counterion condensation theory of Manning, it appears that the induced dipole moment is proportional to the square of the reduced effective DNA charge density.
Neurobehavioral correlates of cholestatic and hepatocellular disease: differentiation according to disease specific characteristics and severity of the identified cerebral dysfunction

Subjects with three different types of hepatic cirrhosis were compared on a battery of neuropsychological tests to determine if cerebral dysfunction varied according to the type of liver disease. It was found that the manifest cognitive impairments varied according to the type and etiology of the liver disease. These findings underscore the sensitivity of neuropsychological tests in the detection of hepatic encephalopathy, particularly in cases where there are no overt clinical signs or symptoms of neurologic disturbance. They also suggest that the nature and severity of the measurable neuropsychological abnormalities may vary within patient populations depending upon the etiology of the individual's liver disease and the specific pathophysiological mechanisms involved in its progression.
Emotional Labor Dynamics: A Momentary Approach

Emotional labor has been described as a dynamic self-regulatory process that unfolds over the course of customer interactions, with employees continuously monitoring and adjusting their felt and ex...
Conceptualizing the Role of Estrogens and Serotonin in the Development and Maintenance of Bulimia Nervosa

Abstract Serotonergic dysregulation is thought to underlie much of the pathology in bulimia nervosa (BN). The purpose of this review is to expand the serotonergic model by incorporating specific and nonspecific contributions of estrogens to the development and maintenance of bulimic pathology in order to guide research from molecular genetics to novel therapeutics for BN. Special emphasis is given to the organizing theory of general brain arousal which allows for integration of specific and nonspecific effects of these systems on behavioral endpoints such as binge eating or purging as well as arousal states such as fear, novelty seeking, or sex. Regulation of the serotonergic system by estrogens is explored, and genetic, epigenetic, and environmental estrogen effects on bulimic pathology and risk factors are discussed. Genetic and neuroscientific research support this two-system conceptualization of BN with both contributions to the developmental and maintenance of the disorder. Implications of an estrogenic–serotonergic model of BN are discussed as well as guidelines and suggestions for future research and novel therapeutic targets.
Distributed Constrained Minimum-Time Schedules in Networks of Arbitrary Topology

This paper introduces the minimum-time arbitrarily constrained distributed scheduling problem. The optimal distributed nonsequential backtracking algorithm is used by agents to schedule tasks where the tasks are related by constraints and where the assignment of tasks to agents may change during scheduling. The problem is distributed in that no agent has full knowledge either of the communication network or of the scheduling constraints. Each agent knows the assignments of the agents with which it can communicate and the scheduled times of the tasks assigned to those agents. The minimum-time arbitrarily constrained distributed scheduling problem is for the agents to use this local knowledge to find a schedule that satisfies all constraints and minimizes the time needed to complete all tasks. The optimal distributed nonsequential backtracking algorithm is able to find minimum-time schedules that satisfy all constraints. This algorithm is designed to work concurrently with a distributed assignment algorithm that satisfies certain communication requirements detailed in this paper. This paper presents proof of the algorithm’s correctness, completeness, and optimality.
A Probabilistic Approach to Online Eye Gaze Tracking Without Explicit Personal Calibration

Existing eye gaze tracking systems typically require an explicit personal calibration process in order to estimate certain person-specific eye parameters. For natural human computer interaction, such a personal calibration is often inconvenient and unnatural. In this paper, we propose a new probabilistic eye gaze tracking system without explicit personal calibration. Unlike the conventional eye gaze tracking methods, which estimate the eye parameter deterministically using known gaze points, our approach estimates the probability distributions of the eye parameter and eye gaze. Using an incremental learning framework, the subject does not need personal calibration before using the system. His/her eye parameter estimation and gaze estimation can be improved gradually when he/she is naturally interacting with the system. The experimental result shows that the proposed system can achieve <3° accuracy for different people without explicit personal calibration.
The Double Edged Sword of Performance Measurement

Among the high priority outcomes sought in reforming American health care are greater provider accountability, better processes of care and improved clinical outcomes, more satisfying care experiences for both patients and caregivers, and greater operational efficiency. Performance measurement is an essential tool for implementing strategies aimed at achieving these goals.
Electron spin resonance study of oxidation in X-irradiated poly(ester urethane) containing nitroplasticizer

Abstract The effect of oxidation on X-irradiated Estane®5703 containing nitroplasticizer (NP) has been examined by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, and the results are compared to similar data previously obtained on pristine Estane®5703. Although both specimens exhibit similar spectra immediately following X-irradiation, their decay upon exposure to air is quite different. The free radical concentration of the pristine specimen continuously decreases with time whereas the NP sample exhibits an initial decrease followed by a significant increase due to the growth of a newly-formed radical. Terminal species of the pristine and NP-Estane®5703 samples are identified as peroxy and nitroxide radicals, respectively. Hyperfine coupling constants and g-values are extracted for the nitroxide radical and a tentative model is proposed to explain the reaction pathway leading to its production.
The nuclear magnetic resonance of CCCC RNA reveals a right-handed helix, and revised parameters for AMBER force field torsions improve structural predictions from molecular dynamics.

The sequence dependence of RNA energetics is important for predicting RNA structure. Hairpins with Cn loops are consistently less stable than hairpins with other loops, which suggests the structure of Cn regions could be unusual in the “unfolded” state. For example, previous nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) evidence suggested that polycytidylic acid forms a left-handed helix. In this study, UV melting experiments show that the hairpin formed by r(5′GGACCCCCGUCC) is less stable than r(5′GGACUUUUGUCC). NMR spectra for single-stranded C4 oligonucleotide, mimicking the unfolded hairpin loop, are consistent with a right-handed A-form-like helix. Comparisons between NMR spectra and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggest that recent reparametrizations, parm99χ_YIL and parm99TOR, of the AMBER parm99 force field improve the agreement between structural features for C4 determined by NMR and predicted by MD. Evidently, the force field revisions to parm99 improve the modeling of RNA energetics and therefore stru...
Eating away at the surface

A new book not only deals with the basics of corrosion but also provides up-to-date information on testing techniques, characterization methods, surfaces, and interfaces.
Boosting terahertz radiation in THz-TDS using continuous-wave laser

A method to enhance terahertz radiation by mixing a continuous-wave (CW) laser with a femtosecond pump laser beam in terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is presented. Experiment results show that the peak-to-peak amplitude of THz radiation is enhanced by 17% when a CW laser of 15 mW is employed. THz radiation increases as the power of the CW laser grows.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES IN AVIAN PERSISTENT RHYTHMS: SPONTANEOUS CHANGE IN PERIOD LENGTH.

Abstract 1. 1. The persistent activity rhythms of four birds (a Towhee, a Grosbeak and two House Sparrows) were studied for periods up to 4 months. 2. 2. One of the House Sparrows was found to possess a “statistical activity-rhythm” which persisted after the over, circadian rhythm abruptly disappeared. 3. 3. The study emphasizes and compares “spontaneous” changes in the period length of circadian rhythms. Such changes commonly occurred in three of the four birds. 4. 4. The “spontaneous changes” are explained as abrupt alteration in the physiological make-up of the birds, resulting in a sudden change in their sensitivity to the constant conditions in which they were maintained.
Computer-based consultations in clinical therapeutics: explanation and rule acquisition capabilities of the MYCIN system.

Abstract This report describes progress in the development of an interactive computer program, termed MYCIN, that uses the clinical decision criteria of experts to advise physicans who request advice regarding selection of appropriate antimicrobial therapy for hospital patients with bacterial infections. Since patients with infectious diseases often require therapy before complete information about the organism becomes available, infectious disease experts have identified clinical and historical criteria that aid in the early selection of antimicrobial therapy. MYCIN gives advice in this area by means of three subprograms: (1) A Consultation System that uses information provided by the physician, together with its own knowledge base, to choose an appropriate drug or combination of drugs; (2) An Explanation System that understands simple English questions and answers them in order to justify its decisions or instruct the user; and (3) A Rule Acquisition System that acquires decision criteria during interactions with an expert and codes them for use during future consultation sessions. A variety of human engineering capabilities have been included to heighten the program's acceptability to the physicians who will use it. Early experience indicates that a sample knowledge base of 200 decision criteria can be used by MYCIN to give appropriate advice for many patients with bacteremia. The system will be made available for evaluation in the clinical setting after its reliability has been shown to approach that of infectious disease experts.
The calcium content of the kidney as related to parathyroid function.

Partial nephrectomy in rats leads to an increase in the calcium content of the residual renal tissue. This increase is correlated with enlargement of the parathyroid glands, the degree depending upon the severity of the kidney lesions. Early removal of the parathyroid glands almost completely prevents this increase in kidney calcium.
Power efficient photonic networks on-chip

The emerging class of multicore architectures and chip multiprocessors (CMPs) has fundamentally shifted the impact of communications on computing systems performance. Global communications at all scales is playing a central and dominant role in the ultimate realization of CMP system performance as it falls increasingly on the efficiency of the information exchange among the vastly growing number of compute and memory resources. In this new communication-bound paradigm, the realization of a system-wide scalable communications infrastructure that can meet the enormous bandwidths, capacities, and stringent latency requirements in an energy efficient manner is a key goal for scaling future computation performance. We explore how recent extraordinary advances in nanoscale silicon photonic technologies can be exploited for developing optical interconnection networks that address the critical bandwidth and power challenges presented across several levels of the CMP computing system communications infrastructure. Unlike prior generations of photonic technologies, the remarkable capabilities of nanoscale "CMOS photonics" offer the possibility of creating highly integrated platforms for generating and receiving optical signals with fundamentally superior power efficiencies. Optical interconnection network architectures employing these silicon nanophotonic building blocks are uniquely co-developed and explored in the context of bandwidth-driven computing models. The design of an on-chip optical interconnection network that employs nanoscale CMOS photonic devices and enables seamless off-chip communications to other CMP computing nodes and to external memory is described.
The effect of Ag-B locus compatibility and incompatibility on neuron survival in transplanted sensory ganglia in rats.

Abstract The Ag-B histocompatibility gene locus of the rat determines antigens which greatly influence the acceptance or rejection of homologously transplanted organs. Organs which are Ag-B compatible and exchanged may survive whereas incompatible ones are rejected. The present study was performed to determine the importance of Ag-B locus antigens on neuron survival in homologously transplanted sensory ganglia. Host rats (Lewis) received autologous, Ag-B compatible (Fischer), or Ag-B incompatible (Brown-Norway) vagal nodose ganglia transplants to the anterior chamber of eyes or muscles that were examined 1, 2, and 5 weeks, postoperatively. The site of transplantation (i.e., intraocular or intramuscular) did not influence graft survival. Neurons were present in all autologous transplants, and no cellular immune reaction was observed. Quantitative counts on ganglia transplanted to the eye revealed that 32–37% of the neurons survived. In contrast to autologous transplants, Ag-B compatible and incompatible transplants were both infiltrated by lymphocytic cells. However, whereas 31–39% of the neurons survived in Ag-B compatible intraocular grafts, the number of neurons in Ag-B incompatible transplants decreased from 37% to 20% to 0% after 1, 2, and 5 weeks, respectively. Rejection in the Ag-B incompatible transplants included nonneuronal cells (e.g., neurilemma) as well as neurons. The present results show that in rats Ag-B compatibility is required for the survival of neurons in sensory ganglia homografts.
A Reliable Pipeline Protocol for the Message Service of a Land Mobile Satellite Experiment

This paper describes and analyzes a pipeline protocol for the data message communications of MSAT-X, a proposed experimental satellite-based mobile communications network. A demand-assigned multiple access protocol using pure ALOHA for making reservation requests has been developed for MSAT-X under error-free assumptions. Preliminary propagation studies indicate that the shortterm bit error rate of satellite channels in a mobile environment can be as high as 10-3. Therefore, error-control schemes must be developed to ensure reliable transmissions. In this paper, we propose a retransmission scheme using selective repeat to minimize the end-to-end delay. We also use slotted ALOHA for making reservation requests to increase the overall system throughput. Since the number of channels available for reservation and data channels is essentially fixed for a given voice call blocking probability and a fixed call arrival rate, the analysis presented in this paper is also applicable to the integrated voice and data services of MSAT-X. Various operational scenarios have been investigated.
Central motor program for relaxation of periesophageal diaphragm during the expulsive phase of vomiting.

Abstract Relaxation of the periesophageal diaphragm during expulsion in decerebrate cats was found to arise from central mechanisms rather than a reflex of peripheral origin. Reductions in periesophageal EMG activity during expulsion were similar before and after cervical vagotomy, which abolishes reflex relaxation of the periesophageal diaphragm following esophageal distension. Reduced activity was also observed in a phrenic nerve branch to the periesophageal region during ‘fictive vomiting’ in a paralyzed animal.
Hormonal effects on mammary cytology.

This reviews cytological studies of hormonal effects on the mammary gland. Normal lobuloalveolar growth in the intact animal requires the stimulation of estrogen and progesterone. Exogenous estrogen alone brings about limited growth in ovariectomized mice but a combination of exogenous estrogen and progesterone brings about growth similar to early pregnancy. Proliferation of mammary epithelium is under the direct influence of estrogen and progesterone. Alveolar and terminal duct epithelia undergo a marked morphological change during lactogenesis. Ultrastructural differentiation of the epithelium occurs immediately before and after parturition. The need for pituitary and adrenal hormones in addition to ovarian steroids for the progression of lactogenesis has been shown by endocrine ablation studies. Midpregnancy mouse mammary tissue exposed in vitro to the lactogenic hormone combination of glucocorticoid insulin and prolactin develops alveolar cells displaying all the accepted ultrastructural correlates of lactogenesis and lactation. This emphasizes the primary action of these 3 hormones on mammary epithelial structure. Human chorionic somatomammotrophin will substitute for pituitary prolactin in initiating secondary development of mouse and rabbit mammary tissue in vitro. Growth hormone is not needed in culture for lactogenesis unless insulin cortocoid and prolactin are in minimal amounts. Nonsecretory midpregnancy mouse mammary cells treated with insulin divided in vitro into cells ultrastructurally identical to parent cells. These daughter cells when treated with hydrocortisone developed a granular endoplasm reticulum but not milk protein or lactose synthesis. They divide only once and cannot be maintained long in a secretory state. Cytomorphological studies of induced lactogenesis in pseudopregnant rabbits showed that mammary cells do not develop to full synthesizing capacity until 72 hours after prolactin treatment and some hours after organelle development. Steroid hormones may inhibit lactogenesis either alone or in concert with lactogenic hormones. The observation that dairy cows yield significant milk prepartum shows that mammary growth and development are not absolutely parallel with elevated hormones at partuition. Also a gland-specific lactogenic inhibitor mechanism independent of hormones has been shown in cows.