cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Final Exam Test Scores of Neuroscience Students Who Experienced Traditional Methodologies versus Problem-Based Learning Methodologies.

Faculty members in the Occupational Therapy Department at Belmont University needed to determine if an alternative teaching method, consisting of lecture and problem-based learning (PBL), was more effective than a traditional lecture method in maximizing student achievement in neuroscience.This study was undertaken to determine if students who participated in an alternative methodology (experimental group) would perform differently on a comprehensive final exam than students who experienced a traditional lecture approach (control group). A second purpose was to determine if the experimental group achieved a greater score on higher-level thinking test questions than the control group.There were two research questions for this study. First, “Will there be a significant difference in the mean final unit test score of the experimental group in comparison with the control group?” Second, “Will there be a significant increase in the mean final unit test score on higher-level thinking items between the experimen...
Effects of bill-trimming Muscovy ducks on behavior, body weight gain, and bill morphopathology

Abstract In commercial production facilities, ducks are often bill-trimmed to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism. Beak-trimming of chickens and turkeys has been criticized because of its potential to cause acute and chronic pain, but little is known about the effects of bill-trimming on the welfare of ducks. We conducted a study to determine the effects of a commercial bill-trimming method, cutting without cautery, on the behavior and bill morphopathology of ducks. Muscovy ducks were housed in six pens each containing 16 ducks (eight males and eight females). Three pens of ducks were trimmed (TRIM) using scissors at 20 days post-hatch, while ducks in the remaining three pens were sham-trimmed (NOTRIM). The average length removed from the upper bill was 0.51cm, or 21.1% of the bill length from nares to tip. The behavior of all ducks was recorded during the first week post-trim using scan sampling. In addition, two ducks/sex/pen were randomly selected as focal birds, and observed using 15-min focal samples during the morning (0900–1100) and afternoon (1200–1500) for 7 weeks post-trim. Ducks were weighed weekly. Behavioral and body weight data were analyzed using the General Linear Model. At 12 weeks of age, the male focal ducks were killed and their bills were then collected and subjected to gross and morphopathological analysis. In the days immediately post-trim, TRIM ducks spent significantly less ( p p =0.0064) than NOTRIM, but there was no treatment difference in weights by 2 weeks post-trim. By 6 weeks post-trim the upper bill of TRIM was only 11.9% shorter than the lower bill. There was evidence of feather pecking in the TRIM pens, but feather pecking and skin damage were more extensive in the NOTRIM pens. The TRIM bill stumps were covered with epithelium, lacked blood vessels and showed evidence of scarring, but there were no neuromas. These results are consistent with this bill-trimming method causing acute, but not chronic, pain in Muscovy ducks.
Pilot study of transesophageal endoscopic epicardial coagulation by submucosal endoscopy with the mucosal flap safety valve technique (with videos)

Background We previously demonstrated that the thoracic cavity could be safely accessed by submucosal endoscopy with the mucosal flap safety valve (SEMF) technique. Objectives To evaluate the technical feasibility of transesophageal access to the heart and epicardial ablation. Design One-week survival study with 5 porcine models. Settings Animal laboratory with general anesthesia. Interventions High-pressure carbon dioxide injection and balloon dissection created a large submucosal working space for insertion of a cap-fitted endoscope. A myotomy was performed inside the submucosal space. The thoracic cavity was endoscopically accessed through the myotomy site. A pericardial window was created with a needle-knife. A spot coagulation of the epicardium was performed with a heat probe and a hook-knife. The myotomy site was sealed with the overlying mucosal flap, and the mucosal entry site was closed with clips. Main Outcome Measurements An endoscopy and a necropsy were performed to study the esophagus, mediastinum, pericardial space, and cautery locations on the epicardium one week after the procedure. Results Epicardial coagulation was successfully performed within 30 minutes in 4 of the 5 pigs. Follow-up endoscopy demonstrated completely sealed myotomy sites by the overlying mucosal flap. There was no gross contamination or signs of contamination in the thoracic cavity. The pericardial space was normal in appearance. The epicardial coagulation sites were healing, without exudative ulceration. Conclusions The SEMF technique allowed endoscopic access to the upper mediastinum, the pericardium, and the epicardium via the esophagus, along with a minimal intervention on the epicardium.
Binding of mitochondrial leader sequences to Tom20 assessed using a bacterial two‐hybrid system shows that hydrophobic interactions are essential and that some mutated leaders that do not bind Tom20 can still be imported

Previous studies pointed to the importance of leucine residues in the binding of mitochondrial leader sequences to Tom20, an outer membrane protein translocator that initially binds the leader during import. A bacteria two-hybrid assay was here employed to determine if this could be an alternative way to investigate the binding of leader to the receptor. Leucine to alanine and arginine to glutamine mutations were made in the leader sequence from rat liver aldehyde dehydrogenase (pALDH). The leucine residues in the C-terminal of pALDH leader were found to be essential for TOM20 binding. The hydrophobic residues of another mitochondrial leader F1β-ATPase that were important for Tom20 binding were found at the C-terminus of the leader. In contrast, it was the leucines in the N-terminus of the leader of ornithine transcarbamylase that were essential for binding. Modeling the peptides to the structure of Tom20 showed that the hydrophobic residues from the three proteins could all fit into the hydrophobic binding pocket. The mutants of pALDH that did not bind to Tom20 were still imported in vivo in transformed HeLa cells or in vitro into isolated mitochondria. In contrast, the mutant from pOTC was imported less well (∼50%) while the mutant from F1β-ATPase was not imported to any measurable extent. Binding to Tom20 might not be a prerequisite for import; however, it also is possible that import can occur even if binding to a receptor component is poor, so long as the leader binds tightly to another component of the translocator.
Paleorifting between the Gregory and Ethiopian Rifts

The transition zone between the Gregory and Ethiopian Rifts contains several abandoned rifts in addition to the fracture zone that is now recognized as part of the East African Rift. These rifts controlled sedimentation patterns in northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia from Miocene time to the present.
Electron microscopic identification of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-immunoreactive neurons in the medial olfactory placode and basal forebrain of embryonic mice.

Abstract Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone is a decapeptide found in the brain and nose of all vertebrates that have been examined by immunocytochemical procedures with antiserum to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone. It regulates the release of both luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone from the gonadotropes of the anterior pituitary gland and promotes mating behavior. After about 11 days of embryogenesis in mice, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-immunoreactive cells are detected by immunocytochemical procedures in the medial olfactory placode, in the primordium of the vomeronasal organ. As they leave the olfactory placode, they run under the epithelial layer of the nasal septum associated with vomeronasal and terminalis nerves. Clustered, they stream toward the primordium of the olfactory bulb, passing along its ventromedial surface. Eventually, the largest numbers reach the septal and preoptic areas of the brain. Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry showed that luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-immunoreactive product is accumulated just outside the nuclear envelope and in the lumen of rough endoplasmic reticulum adjacent to the cell nucleus of cells in and adjacent to the olfactory placode. As luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-immunoreactive neurons migrate, they assume a fusiform shape and the immunoreaction product extends from the area around the nucleus throughout the cytoplasm, notably in processes which extend toward the direction of migration. Before and during migration, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone was not detected in the Golgi apparatus or neurosecretory granules. It is inferred that as far as ultrastructural evidence is concerned, these neurons do not have a secretory function before they attain their target organs.
Further studies on the elastic stability of curved beams

Abstract In a previous article,1 the authors investigated the instability of circular curved beams, the ends of which were hinged to fixed supports. For simplicity the loading was assumed to consist of equal but opposite end moments which tend to increase the span, and hence induce compression forces in the beam. The ranges of validity of three theories were investigated, viz. linear, extensible and nonlinear, inextensible and extensible theories. The present article extends the investigation to the more complicated problem of a circular curved beam with central concentrated loading. It was shown that buckling cannot occur if the initial rise span ratio λ 2l (see Notation). Curves of critical loads tcr vs. initial rise span ratio were calculated for the three theories and comparisons made for values of p = 0·025 and 0·05. Finally, the effects of end restraints on the stability of small initial rise curved beams were studied by the linear theory. It is concluded that the translational restraint influences the buckling loads to a considerable extent whereas the rotational restraint has little effect.
Transfection of a dominant-negative mutant NF-kB inhibitor (IkBm) represses p53-dependent apoptosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells: interaction of IkBm and p53

To investigate the possible role of inhibiting NF-kB activation in sensitizing tumor cells to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, we transfected the dominant-negative mutant inhibitor of NF-kB (IkBm) into the EU-1 cell line, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) line with constitutive NF-kB activation. Overexpression of IkBm significantly reduced constitutive NF-kB activity in EU-1 cells, resulting in decreased cell growth. In response to apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic drugs, IkBm-transfected cells (EU-1/IkBm) exhibited increased sensitivity to vincristine (VCR), whereas sensitivity to doxorubicin (Dox) was not changed as compared to neo-transfected control (EU-1/neo) cells. To further evaluate the link between IkBm and sensitivity to Dox and VCR, we demonstrated that both endogenous IkBalpha and ectopic IkBm bind to p53. In response to Dox, the cytosolic p53.IkBalpha complex rapidly dissociated due to downregulation of IkBalpha. However, the p53.IkBm complex did not dissociate under these conditions. Although treatment of EU-1/IkBm cells with Dox increased the expression of p53, the nondissociating p53.IkBm complex resulted in decreased p53 function, as demonstrated by absence of cell-cycle arrest and induction of p53 target genes. Contrastingly, VCR-induced cell death neither downregulated IkBalpha nor induced p53, as shown by the lack of NF-kB activation and p53-mediated gene expression in VCR-treated cells. Our data suggest that IkBm simultaneously downregulates NF-kB activation and sequesters p53 in the cytoplasm, thus enhancing NF-kB-regulated apoptosis but blocking p53-dependent apoptosis.
Reflections on “Profiting from Innovation”

Abstract How innovators capture value from innovation is an enduring question. Two decades ago an effort was made in “Profiting from Innovation” to unlock this conundrum. This paper reflects on the framework offered, identifies and reviews the analytical foundations of the theory, and recognizes subsequent contributions and advancements. Linkages are also made to the strategic management literature on “resources” and “dynamic capabilities”. Elements of a Schumpeterian theory of the firm are outlined, along with a framework to assist management in designing technology commercialization strategies.
Supersonic wind tunnel optimization

Attention is given to major problems arising in the course of definition studies for an optimum supersonic wind tunnel facility that incorporates advanced technologies. The issues identified encompass (1) large amplitude stream disturbances due to acoustic radiation from nozzle wall boundary layers; (2) flow field and model shape distortion caused by sting supports and their installation; (3) lack of sufficient three-dimensional flow visualizaton and diagnostic capabilities that allow ready identification of 'Reynolds number effects'; (4) lack of aerodynamic/propulsion facilities for investigation of the requisite range of vehicle attitudes and transient propulsion behavior; and (5) inordinately large energy usage, primarily due to diffuser inefficiency. Remedies are offered for these problems.
The effect of ingesting a caffeine-enhanced sport drink on resting energy expenditures and blood pressure in females

Meeting abstracts - A single PDF containing all abstracts in this Sup plement is available <a href="http://
Multi-cut Forced Impulse Method double ionization cross sections for antiprotons on helium

Abstract We present multi-cut Forced Impulse Method (FIM) cross sections for the double ionization of helium by antiprotons in the energy range 12–1000 keV/amu. These ab initio theoretical cross sections largely reproduce experiments. The necessity of including intermediate dynamic correlation in the theoretical description is made manifest.
Magnetic phase diagram of epitaxial dysprosium

We have determined the magnetic phase diagram of Dy as a function of epitaxial strain \ensuremath{\varepsilon}, applied field H, and temperature T. $roman Y sub x roman Lu sub 1-x--- alloys were employed as templates to clamp the films at selected strains. The separate roles of epitaxial clamping and strain are identified for the first time. There is a clearly defined transition as the strain is changed at low temperature from the clamped helical phase to the ferromagnetic phase. The transition is modeled by a linear coupling treatment of the magnetoelastic strains.
Extraction of the "Time to Contact" from Real Visual Data

This paper presents algorithms to extract the "time to contact" parameter from a sequence of images. This parameter which is essential for animals' behavior can be used to control mobile robots. We concentrate on two practical methods. One is based on observing the change of the projected area of the object, and the other is based on a new technique for indirect and robust computation of the optic flow. The methods are independent of the shape of the object. An implementation in a real-time closed-loop robotic system is discussed.
Nitrogen driven structural transformation in carbon nitride materials

The variation of local bonding as a function of nitrogen concentration in plasma-assisted pulsed-laser deposited carbon . nitride films has been systematically studied. Time-of-flight TOF mass spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy . 3 . EELS were combined to identify ablation conditions that produce highly sp -hybridized diamond-like-carbon DLC for typical carbon nitride growth pressures. EELS studies of carbon nitride films grown using these optimal conditions demonstrate that there is a structural transformation from ; 70 to 0% sp 3 -bonded carbon as the nitrogen concentration increases from 12 to 17%. Density measurements show that this transformation is accompanied by a density decrease from 3.3 to 2.1 grcm 3 . Hartree-Fock and density functional calculations on nitrogen substituted diamond clusters show that there is a strong preference to form sp 2 -bonded carbon when the local nitrogen concentration is larger than 12 atomic percent. These experimental results and calculations suggest that amorphous carbon nitride structures with highly sp 3 -hybridized carbon are unstable. q 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
Electromagnetic generator: As respiratory effort energy harvester

Human power is one form of renewable energy that has shown to be promising to provide a solution for powering personal electronic devices when other energy sources are not readily available while reducing environmental waste associated with battery disposal and eliminating the need for battery displacement. This paper introduces a new paradigm of human energy harvesting with the ultimate goal of producing wearable zero-net energy biosensors by reusing the hardware components to perform both harvesting and sensing functions. The proposed energy harvesting method uses two miniature electromagnetic generators as the respiratory effort energy harvester, while at the same time the output voltage waveform of the system can be used to estimate the respiratory rate and depth. Preliminary simulation and experimental results indicate that sufficient energy can be obtained to power an ultra low power microcontroller with low data rate wireless link.
A Controlled Study of Dihydroergotamine in the Treatment of Acute Migraine Headache

SYNOPSIS A prospective, double-blind, crossover study was conducted of the effectiveness of dihydroergotamine (DHE) vs. placebo in the treatment of acute migraine in the emergency department. Thirty-seven patients were enrolled. By 60 minutes after treatment, those receiving DHE first had significantly better relief of pain than those receiving it later. Side effects were fairly common but were minor and did not necessitate terminating treatment. Eleven per cent of patients had significant relief of pain with prochlorperazine pre-treatment alone. Only 13.5% of patients treated with this DHE regimen required narcotics at the end of the study for relief of pain, compared to 45% of migraine headache patients seen concurrently in the same emergency department who were not enrolled in the study. We conclude that treatment with intravenous prochlorperazine and DHE is a safe and effective treatment and a useful alternative to narcotics.
Longitudinal shear waves in a fiber-reinforced composite

The propagation of time harmonic longitudinal shear waves in a composite with randomly distributed parallel fibers is studied. Assuming the composite to be statistically uniform, the phase velocity and the damping of the average waves are obtained as functions of the statistical and the mechanical parameters of the system. The theory leads to the well known Hashin and Rosen's formula for the axial shear modulus if the correlation in the positions of the fibers are ignored. The correlation terms are shown to have a significant effect on the damping property of the composite, especially at high frequencies and concentrations.
Search for relativistic projectile fragments with charges of {4}/{3}, {5}/{3}, {7}/{3} and {8}/{3}

Abstract We present the results of 1179 precise charge measurements carried out on 1 ⩽ Z ⩽ 3 projectile fragment nuclei from relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions in nuclear emulsion. We find no evidence for the existence of third-integral fractionally charged projectile fragments, particularly for those with charges 5 3 and 7 3 .
Use of the insanity defense: A survey of attorneys in wyoming

Attorneys in the State of Wyoming were surveyed to determine their reported use of the insanity defense during the preceding 5 years. They were asked about the success, defined as "benefit to the defendant," of the insanity defense at various stages that occur before trial. The attorneys reported that the insanity defense is used throughout the various stages preceding trial, with more use and benefit to the defendant being reported than previously suggested. This was particularly true for the earlier stages in the criminal justice process. The attorneys were also asked various attitude questions related to the insanity defense. Defense lawyers were more in from of the insanity defense and expressed attitudes that supported the insanity defense while prosecuting attorneys were relatively more opposed to the insanity defense and expressed attitudes consistent with this view. Language: en
An efficient implementation of adjoint sensitivity analysis for optimal control problems

In this paper an efficient implementation of design sensitivity analysis techniques is presented for nonlinear optimal control problems using the adjoint variable method. Techniques for functionals (integrals) and dynamic response (or pointwise) constraints are developed. Emphasis is placed on the proper choice of numerical techniques which exploit the structure of the problem to achieve efficiency. Numerical results for two optimal control examples show great improvement over previous implementations. Unlike previous results the computational effort required for DSA is shown to increase only linearly with the number of discretization points used and is a much smaller percentage of total CPU time.
Comparison of Spiral CT Scan and Arteriography for Evaluation of Renal and Visceral Arteries

Renal and visceral artery images obtained concurrently with spiral CT and conventional arteriography were compared for 32 patients. Indications for imaging were occlusive disease (n = 12), aneurysmal disease (n = 9), and renal or visceral artery disease (n = 11). Conventional arteriography enabled visualization of 64 renal arteries and 15 accessory renal arteries. Lateral aortograms obtained in 15 patients enabled visualization of 14 superior mesenteric (SMA) and 14 celiac arteries. Spiral CT enabled visualization of 60 renal arteries, 12 accessory renal arteries, 27 SMAs, and 22 celiac arteries. Calcification or a disparity in timing of contrast material injection and scanning prevented visualization of the celiac artery in 10 patients and the SMA in four patients. With conventional arteriography as the standard for comparison, spiral CT had a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 95% for depiction of at least 75% stenosis in the main renal artery. By means of the Pearson correlation coefficient, significant correlation (p < 0.001) was confirmed between spiral CT and arteriography for evaluation of stenosis of the main renal artery, SMA, and celiac artery. This early experience suggests that spiral CT may be useful in evaluation of renal and visceral arteries and their relationship to aortic disease.
Experiments with strong pulsed magnetic fields produced by Cu/Nb microcomposite wire-wound magnets

Abstract Alternative approaches for producing stationary (nondestructive) pulsed fields above available dc fields are considered. Multilayer, high strength, wire-wound, steel reinforced, Cu/Nb metal-matrix microcomposite pulsed magnets achieving up to 68.4 T for a 5.6 ms half-period were developed. Such magnets are the preferred technology for further development. Operation for experiments in a user mode is reviewed. Higher fields and longer pulse times can be achieved as the microcomposite is developed. These new materials will advance dc and pulsed field technology which are materials-limited and have relevance to many other applications requiring high strength, and high electrical and/or thermal conductivity.
Chordal Graph Models of Contingency Tables

Abstract Chordal graph theory has recently found application by statisticians in the analysis of contingency tables. Specifically, what are called “decomposable loglinear models” correspond exactly to chordal graphs. We survey these results, translating the statistical application into conventional graph theory.
Accuracy of Nonverbal Communication as Determinant of Interpersonal Expectancy Effects.

The person perception paradigm was used to address the effects of experimenters' ability to encode nonverbal cues and subjects' ability to decode nonverbal cues on magnitude of expectancy effects. Greater expectancy effects were obtained when experimenters were better encoders and subjects were better decoders of nonverbal cues and the separate contributions of experimenter's and subject's nonverbal skills were of similar magnitudes.
Regulation of Chromatin Structure in the Cardiovascular System

It has been appreciated for some time that cardiovascular disease involves large-scale transcriptional changes in various cell types. What has become increasingly clear only in the past few years, however, is the role of chromatin remodeling in cardiovascular phenotypes in normal physiology, as well as in development and disease. This review summarizes the state of the chromatin field in terms of distinct mechanisms to regulate chromatin structure in vivo, identifying when these modes of regulation have been demonstrated in cardiovascular tissues. We describe areas in which a better understanding of chromatin structure is leading to new insights into the fundamental biology of cardiovascular disease.
Effects of hunger and VI value on VI pacing

In two experiments, each involving four rats, responses preceded by an inter-response time between 8 and 10 sec in duration were intermittently reinforced. In Experiment I, final performance was compared under two hunger levels, while the frequency of reinforcement was held constant by a VI 5 schedule. In Experiment II, hunger was held constant and VI 3 was compared with VI 8. Both hunger and frequency of reinforcement increased the over-all rate of response, but the exact effects of these operations on temporal discrimination were different for different rats. Usually, a peak "response probability" (IRTs/Op ratio) was obtained 8 to 10 sec after the preceding response, indicating adaptation to the reinforcement contingency, but in some cases this peak was about 2 sec earlier. One rat exhibited unusually pronounced bursting which seemed to alternate with adaptive temporally spaced responding. Prolonged pauses, observable in the cumulative records, particularly following reinforcement, were attributed to the fact that inter-response times greater than 10 sec were not reinforced, so that as the interval of time since the preceding response became discriminably greater than 10 sec, the probability of a response became small.
A Specialist’s Perspective

Abstract Regional poultry programs by the Cooperative Extension Service have received increased interest from all levels of the Cooperative Extension organization. Well-planned, regional Extension Service program would allow more specialization and result in Extension programs with pertinent, comprehensive, highly technical information. Personnel working with regional programs must be committed to working with collaborative programs that often will involve holistic educational efforts. Flexible and innovative resource management will be necessary to allow regional poultry Extension Service programs to be successful.
If it's fair, I’ll share: The effect of perceived knowledge validation justice on contributions to an organizational knowledge repository

Abstract The organizational value of an electronic knowledge repository depends on the degree to which it offers high quality knowledge to its users. Validation procedures are implemented to monitor and ensure the quality of submitted content. However, if perceived as unreasonable or unfair, validation can have the unintended effect of discouraging employee contributions. Drawing on organizational justice and fairness literatures, we show that both quality perceptions and contribution behaviors are positively influenced by perceived procedural justice of validation, which, in turn, is influenced by perceived informational and interpersonal justice. Implications for organizational knowledge management research and practice are discussed.
Picosecond ultrasonic characterization of Mo/Si multilayers for extreme ultraviolet lithography

We have used picosecond ultrasonic techniques as a nondestructive detection tool to characterize Mo/Si multilayer reflectors for EUV. The lowest two localized acoustic-phonon surface modes were simultaneously observed in our samples with various d and (Gamma) values. The vibration frequencies of these surface modes depend both on d and (Gamma) , and can be used to extract these two parameters. We mapped the thickness profile of a linearly graded Mo/Si multilayer sample with 2 percent d-variation from the two edges towards the center. The dependence of the vibration frequencies on (Gamma) was also studied theoretically and experimentally, and was found to be separable from the dependence on d.
Nitrogen dissociation degree in a helicon plasma source inferred from microwave interferometry and langmuir probe cross measurements

Summary form only given. Using the compact helicon waves and instabilities experiment (CHEWIE) device we present a method of calculation of nitrogen dissociation degree in a helicon generated plasma by microwave interferometry and Langmuir probe measurements. The dependencies of nitrogen dissociation degree on external source parameters: input power, gas pressure and magnetic field strength are also presented. The nitrogen plasma is generated in CHEWIE helicon plasma source, which consists of a 12 cm long, 6 cm diameter Pyrex tube concentrically connected to a stainless steel expansion chamber, 30 cm long, 15 cm in diameter. The helicon antenna is a water cooled, 7 cm long Boswell saddle antenna that can handle up to 600 W of RF power over the frequency range 3 to 28 MHz. Helicon waves are generated with the help of an external magnetic field (up to 1200 G) from three electromagnets that surround the Pyrex tube. The radially averaged electron plasma density is determined by the phase shift of a 94 GHz microwave signal passing through the bulk plasma with respect to "plasma off" signal. The magnitude of total phase shift is a fraction of the wavelength. Instead of counting fringes we use the phase lock-loop functionality of the millimeter wave source to actively change the frequency during the "plasma on" time to match the interference signal of the "plasma off" time. With sufficient bandwidth in the feedback circuit this allows us to monitor any afterglow effects in the plasma in pulsed operating mode. Complementary measurements of the plasma density are accomplished with a RF compensated, cylindrical Langmuir probe. The probe consists of 0.5-mm-diam graphite rod shielded by an alumina tube. The effective collecting length of the tip is 3 mm. A series of RF filters are used to suppress interference from the helicon source in the 3-28 MHz range. Magnetic field effects on the probe characteristic are accounted by probe calibration through comparisons with microwave measurements in argon plasma
Strength and toughness of fibre-reinforced thermoplastics: effect of temperature and loading rate

Abstract Fracture mechanics tests of injection moulded short fibre polymer composites have been conducted to provide an experimental test of the toughness equation presented here. The toughness varies as a function of temperature and strain-rate. The temperature dependence was obtained from the ‘wet’ specimen which was preconditioned in water. A simplified expression has been obtained under a constant temperature and a constant strain-rate
Winter wheat yield depression from legume green fallow

Increases in N fertilizer costs have caused some farmers to consider the use of a legume during the fallow phase of a wheat-fallow system as an alternative N source for dryland wheat. Farmers need to know how this system will affect winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production and economic returns. The objectives of this research were (i) to determine the effect of legume green fallow on subsequent winter wheat yields and economic returns and (ii) to determine optimal legume termination dates during the legume phase. Wheat yields following three legumes [Austrian winter pea, Pisum sativum L. subsp. sativum var. arvense (L.) Poir.; spring field pea, P. sativum L.; and black lentil, Lens culinaris Medikus] were compared with wheat yields following fertilized traditional summer fallow. Legume biomass, biomass N, and water use were measured at four termination dates during the green-fallow phase of the rotation. Wheat yields following the annual legume were reduced, compared with traditional summer fallow, by 400 kg ha -1 at the earliest legume termination date and by at least 1050 kg ha -1 at all other dates. Economic analysis indicates that in drier than normal years, that returns are maximized when the legume is not grown during the fallow phase. In 1996, a wet year, returns were maximized when the legume was terminated at the second termination date or after 70% of the potential maximum legume water use. We found that 88% of the variability in winter wheat yield could be explained by legume water use the previous year. In general, the competitiveness of legume green fallow with winter wheat fallow is highly weather-dependent and inconsistent. At current fertilizer costs, legume N (in this system) was too expensive to be considered a reasonable alternative to chemical fertilizer.
Carotid Sinus Participation in Experimental Renal Hypertension

Using direct electroneurographic technics, it is shown that the carotid sinus baroceptor reflexes adapt or reset to the higher pressure levels of chronic renal hypertension. They remain functional at the higher pressure level and thus act to maintain rather than to oppose it. This provides a satisfactory explanation for the presence of significant neurogenic vasoconstriction in chronic hypertension. Experiments on acutely hypertensive dogs indicate that the resetting process starts quite early but seems to lag behind the rise in arterial pressure.
Effect of postmortem time interval on in vitro culture potential of goat skin tissues stored at room temperature.

Animal cloning using somatic cell nuclear transfer technology has renewed the interest in postmortem tissue storage, since these tissues can be used to reintroduce the lost genes back into the breeding pool in animal agriculture, preserve the genetic diversity, and revive the endangered species. However, for successful cloning of animals, integrity of nuclear DNA is essential. Cell viability and their potential to in vitro culture ensure nuclear integrity. The aim of this study was to determine the limits of postmortem time interval within which live cells can be recovered from goat skin tissues. To test the postmortem tissue storage limits, we cultured 2-3 mm(2) skin pieces (n = 70) from the ears of three breeds of goats (n = 7) after 0, 2, 4, and 6 days of postmortem storage at 24°C. After 10 days of culture, outgrowth of fibroblast-like cells (>50 cells) around the explants was scored. All the explants irrespective of breed displayed outgrowth of cells on the dish containing fresh tissues (i.e., day 0 of storage). However, the number of explants exhibiting outgrowth reduced with increasing time interval. Only 53.85 % explants displayed outgrowth after 2 days of tissue storage. The number of explants displaying outgrowth was much smaller after 4 (16.67 %) and 6 days (13.3 %) of storage. In general, the number of outgrowing cells per explant, on a given day, also decreased with increasing postmortem storage time interval. To test the differences between cell cultures, we established secondary cultures from one of the goats exhibiting outgrowth of cells after 6 days of tissue storage and compared them to similar cells from fresh tissues. Comparison of both the cell lines revealed similar cell morphology and growth curves and had doubling times of 23.04 and 22.56 h, respectively. These results suggest that live cells can be recovered from goat (and perhaps other animal) tissues stored at room temperature even after 6 days of their death with comparable growth profiles and, thus, can be used for tissue banking for preservation of superior genetics, genetic diversity, and cloning of animals.
Double-strand breaks can initiate meiotic recombination in S. cerevisiae

Abstract We investigated the effects of double-strand breaks on meiotic recombination in yeast. A double-strand break was introduced at the MAT a locus by sporulation of a MATαincMATa diploid under inducing conditions for the HO -encoded endonuclease; 14% of the resulting tetrads had undergone 4α:0a conversion. Conversion at MAT was associated with co-conversion of a closely linked marker and an increased recombination frequency for flanking markers. We also studied the sporulation products of a diploid heterozygous at the HIS4 locus for an insertion of a 100 bp fragment of MATa containing the HO endonuclease cut site. Under inducing conditions, a significant number of tetrads were formed that had undergone gene conversions in favor of the HIS4 + allele. Although double-strand breaks can initiate meiotic recombination in yeast, the data suggest that they do not normally do so.
Domains for logic programming

Abstract We construct Scott domains well suited to use in an abstract implementation of logic programming, and perhaps to the modelling of other first-order data structures. The domain elements, which we call “grafts”, are in effect a sort of directed graphs. The approximation order in the domains corresponds to the relation between tuples of terms, “has as a substitution instance”; the price to be paid is that one equivalence class of (tuples of) terms under renaming of variables is represented by many grafts. Graft domains come in two flavors—plain and “acyclic”—for modelling logic programming without and with the “occur check”. The least fixed point semantics of logic programming re-emerges gracefully from our development in the form of an assignment to each predicate letter belonging to a logic program of an open subset of a graft domain as its denotation.
The Role of the Hyperpolarization-Activated Current in Modulating Rhythmic Activity in the Isolated Respiratory Network of Mice

We examined the role of the hyperpolarization-activated current (I(h)) in the generation of the respiratory rhythm using a spontaneously active brainstem slice of mice. This preparation contains the hypoglossus (XII) nucleus, which is activated in-phase with inspiration and the pre-Botzinger complex (PBC), the presumed site for respiratory rhythm generation. Voltage-clamp recordings (n = 90) indicate that cesium (Cs) (5 mM) blocked 77.2% of the I(h) current, and ZD 7288 (100 microM) blocked 85.8% of the I(h) current. This blockade increased the respiratory frequency by 161% in Cs and by 150% in ZD 7288 and increased the amplitude of integrated population activity in the XII by 97% in Cs and by 162% in ZD 7288, but not in the PBC (Cs, by 19%; ZD 7288, by -4.56%). All inspiratory PBC neurons (n = 44) recorded in current clamp within the active network revealed a significantly decreased frequency of action potentials during the interburst interval and an earlier onset of inspiratory bursts after I(h) current blockade. However, hyperpolarizing current pulses evoked only in a small proportion of inspiratory neurons (0% of type I; 29% of type II neurons) a depolarizing sag. Most of the neurons expressing an I(h) current (86%) were pacemaker neurons, which continued to generate rhythmic bursts after inactivating the respiratory network pharmacologically with CNQX alone or with CNQX, AP-5, strychnine, bicuculline, and carbenoxolone. Cs and ZD 7288 increased the frequency of pacemaker bursts and decreased the frequency of action potentials between pacemaker bursts. Our findings suggest that the I(h) current plays an important role in modulating respiratory frequency, which is presumably mediated by pacemaker neurons.
An accuracy evaluation of four removable die systems.

Abstract Statement of problem. The advent of implant dentistry has redefined the need for accuracy of working cast models. Die stone expansion and errors introduced by removable die casts may exceed the accuracy required for the passive fit of implant prostheses. Purpose. Several removable die systems claim improved accuracy because of their design and/or technical advancements. This study evaluated the 3-dimensional accuracy of 4 removable die systems. All 4 systems tested use either 1 or 2 pins as the repositioning device. Material And Methods. Four removable die systems were evaluated (Belle de St. Claire, Pindex, DVA, and conventional brass dowel system). Master model impressions were made with polyvinyl siloxane material and were later cast with type IV die stone material. Comparative dimensional analysis between the master model and the solid and sectioned casts was made by placing the cast in a standardized position and fabricating an individual custom base for each cast. Landmarks were measured with a traveling microscope, and by mathematically rotating the casts. Discrepancies beyond that of stone expansion or residual stress release at the time of die separation were due to the inability to precisely reposition the removable die of the sectioned cast. Data were analyzed with multivariate analysis of variance and paired t tests at α = .05 ( n = 10). Results. Significant differences were found among die systems tested ( P =.005). When sectioned dies were compared with the master model, the accuracy of all 4 die systems was within 0.055 mm of the master model. Once sectioned, the Pindex system had the least linear expansion in the y dimension, and the brass dowel system demonstrated the least reseating discrepancy in the z (occlusogingival) dimension. Conclusions. All 4 die systems provided a similar degree of dimensional accuracy, although Pindex showed the least horizontal movement and the brass dowel system produced the least occlusogingival reseating discrepancy. (J Prosthet Dent 1998;80:575-86.)
The role of proctolin and glutamate in the excitation-contraction coupling of insect visceral muscle.

Abstract 1. Proctolin (1 × 10 −10 to 1 × 10 −9 M) had a minimal effect on the spontaneous and evoked electrical events of the hindgut of the cockroach Leucophea maderae . 2. Spontaneous action potentials and contractile activity stopped when the hindgut was exposed to 2 mM Mn 2+ . 3. Eighty per cent of the response of the hindgut to glutamate was blocked by manganese, but only 35% of the response to proctolin. 4. Hindguts were responsive to proctolin in a calcium-free medium, but not to glutamate. Moreover, proctolin appeared to facilitate the reentry of calcium after depleted preparations were returned to normal levels of external calcium. 5. The results offer evidence for two calcium transmembrane channels in insect visceral muscle.
Variable Royalty Rates for Improving Franchise Channel Coordination

A business format franchisor obtains a major part of its revenues from franchise royalties, which are typically a fixed percentage of franchisee gross sales. When a fixed royalty rate is used and the marginal costs of operating the franchise are increasing, the franchisee does not have an incentive to increase sales beyond a certain “optimal” volume. We present a model that recommends the use of a variable franchise royalty rate for extending this optimal sales volume. For a general convex cost function, we show that a new lower rate can be applied to incremental sales beyond the original optimal level. We show that this new rate should be less than half of the original rate when a quadratic cost function is applicable. Adopting a variable royalty rate increases franchisor royalty revenues and franchisee profits.
Membranes, Methylation and Lithium Responsive Psychoses

Data are presented showing that the erythrocyte ghost membranes of lithium-responsive and non-responsive schizophrenic-like patients are different from control membranes. In both groups of patients there was a significant decrement of phosphatidylcholine (PC) which was largely compensated for by an increase in sphingomyelin. The decrement in PC may in part be associated with a decrease in phospholipid methylation which converts phosphatidylethanolmine (PE) to PC. Interestingly, in the lithium-responsive but not the non-responsive patients, lithium stimulates methylation activity. This stimulation may affect a variety of membrane functions, e.g. adenyl cyclase activity, which would be involved in lithium's therapeutic actions.
In vitro efficacy of antimicrobial-treated drainage catheters in preventing bacterial colonization in biological fluids.

Device-associated infections, which account for about half of the 2 million annual cases of nosocomial infections in the United States,1 can result in severe complications, impede quality of life, prolong hospital stay, and be fatal.2 Not only is the cost of managing such infections staggering, but recent US Medicare policy changes prohibit reimbursement of hospitals for the cost of managing certain healthcare-acquired complications, including catheter-associated infections.3 Although the protective capacity of surface-modified vascular and urinary catheters has been extensively studied, there is a paucity of information on antimicrobial-coated percutaneously-placed catheters that are used to drain body fluids. Organisms that cause infection of percutaneously-placed drainage catheters can originate from either the patient’s skin or the body fluids that drain through these catheters. Since catheter colonization is a prelude to clinical infection, effective antimicrobial modification of medical devices has the potential of preventing clinical infection.4 However, the activity of antimicrobial-coated drainage catheters has not been previously assessed while placed in body fluids that would simulate clinical scenarios. Since previous studies have demonstrated that central venous catheters impregnated with the combination of minocycline and rifampin (MR) protect against catheter-related bloodstream infection,4 we elected to investigate the in-vitro efficacy of pigtail Fuhrman polyurethane drainage catheters impregnated with MR against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria in three different body fluids collected from patients.
Hydrogen peroxide-dependent arteriolar dilation in contracting muscle of rats fed normal and high salt diets.

Objective: High dietary salt intake decreases the arteriolar dilation associated with skeletal muscle contraction. Because hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be released from contracting muscle fibers, this study was designed to assess the possible contribution of H2O2 to skeletal muscle functional hyperemia and its sensitivity to dietary salt.Methods: The authors investigated the effect of catalase treatment on arteriolar dilation and hyperemia in contracting spinotrapezius muscle of rats fed a normal salt (0.45%, NS) or high salt (4%, HS) diet for 4 weeks. Catalase-sensitive 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence was measured as an index of H2O2 formation, and the mechanism of arteriolar dilation to H2O2 was probed in each group using pharmacological inhibitors.Results: DCF fluorescence increased with muscle contraction, but not if catalase was present. Catalase also reduced arteriolar dilation and hyperemia during contraction in both dietary groups. Exogenous H2O2 dilated arterioles in both groups, wit...