cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ground-based multi-channel synthetic-aperture radar for mapping the ice-bed interface

An 8-channel ground-based radar has been developed and used to image the ice-bed interface under the icesheet near Summit Camp, Greenland. This radar, which chirps from 120 to 300 MHz, was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of using radar to characterize the basal conditions (topography, roughness, and presence of liquid water) thus enabling improved modeling of ice-sheet dynamics. Using a basal contour map from the dataset processed in depth-sounding mode to establish the elevation level, the data were SAR processed to produce 15-look images with 30-m resolution. A SAR mosaic covering a 6.25-km by 25-km area reveals for the first time regions of relative roughness as well as a wide, smooth valley beneath the 3.2-km thick ice sheet.
Antigen-specific tolerance as a therapy for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

The effects of neuroantigen-specific tolerance on the induction and effector stages of EAE were examined. Tolerance induced by the i.v. injection of syngeneic splenocytes coupled with purified neuroantigens or encephalitogenic peptides of MBP and PLP using ethylene carbodiimide was extremely effective in both prevention and treatment of acute and relapsing forms of EAE in Lewis rats and SJL/J mice. The unresponsiveness is rapidly-induced, dose-dependent, long-lasting, efficient, MHC class II-restricted, and exquisitely antigen-specific. This procedure targets only effector cells bearing clonotypic receptors specific for the autoantigen/ autoepitope and thus does not depend upon the autoimmune response being dominated by a restricted T cell repertoire. Moreover, it does not require that the response to the autoantigen be dominated by recognition of a specific epitope(s) within a particular autoantigen, or even the identification of the specific autoantigen. The results also demonstrate the usefulness of pe...
DISSOCIATION OF SELF-STIMULATION AND EPILEPTIFORM ACTIVITY.

Dissociation of rhinencephalic or thalamic self- stimulation and epileptiform activity in rats
Effects of carbon doping on superconductivity in magnesium diboride

We introduce carbon onto boron sites in ${\mathrm{MgB}}_{2}.$ The resulting changes in crystal lattice constants and superconducting transition temperature ${T}_{c}$ are characterized by x-ray-diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, and electrical resistance measurements. The consequence of approximately 10% carbon doping of boron sites is a 1% contraction of the intraplane lattice dimension (with no appreciable change in the interplane dimension) and a lowering of ${T}_{c}$ by approximately 7 K. The relative contributions to the shift in ${T}_{c}$ from lattice contraction and charge transfer are evaluated.
Hindered growth: the ideology and implications of population assistance

Purpose – This paper aims to highlight the role of the United Nations in the formulation and implementation of the current understanding of “population assistance” and examine some of the arguments for “population assistance” in the form of reproductive health care.Design/methodology/approach – It presents the data for global population assistance and briefly compares these figures with data for other developmental sectors, recommending certain policy changes if real development is to be achieved.Findings – During the last decade increasingly large amounts of money have been spent on limiting population growth of underdeveloped countries. Population control is seen as the corner‐stone of development and population activities. Thus, population control has become “population assistance,” and birth control has become “reproductive health services.” Population control is pursued at the expense of women's rights and to the detriment of real economic growth and social improvement.Originality/value – For more th...
Helium-jet system for radioactivity studies

Abstract A helium-jet sample-deposition and tape-transport system has been constructed for studying short-lived radioactivities produced by accelerator bombardment. A novel feature consists of the use of a single loop of tape ∼ 150 cm long having punched sprocket holes. This is driven by a fast tape reader (157 cm/s tape speed) responding to a circuit that allows the tape to advance on each cycle by 120 sprocket holes, moving the source 30.5 cm from the jet to the detectors in 0.2 s. Depending on the exact length of tape 29 to 119 separate sample depositions can be measured before repeating the first spot or changing tapes. All combinations of β, γ, delayed α or proton spectra from radioactivities T 1 2 ⪆0.2 s can be measured in singles or in coincidence with this device.
Using cellular energy conversion and storage mechanics for bio-inspired energy harvesting

Novel biologically-inspired energy harvesting devices constructed with lipid bilayer membranes are studied. Recently the research group has proposed the use of biomolecular unit cells consisting of encapsulated droplets with a lipid bilayer formed at their interfaces, stabilized between the two aqueous compartments. This allows for the rapid study and assessment of the characteristics of the individual unit cell, the insertion of various transport proteins and peptides that shape the response of the unit cell, and the construction of complex networks of these biomolecular systems. The goal of this work is to develop and study methods for constructing energy relevant devices through these biomolecular networks. These networks are highly tailorable, and allow the researcher to alter the embedded proteins/peptides in the lipid bilayer, the bilayer dimensions through the application of compressive forces, and the salt concentrations in the droplets. This allows for a high degree of control over their attributes and outputs. These systems also exhibit collective properties through large networks of the unit cells, allowing for complex sensing and actuation behavior not exhibited by single cells. This paper provides an overview of the development of a model for predicting the performance and output of these energy relevant biomolecular networks as well as preliminary experimental results that demonstrate some of the concepts in action.
The Peter Pan paradigm.

Genetic and environmental agents that disrupt organogenesis are numerous and well described. Less well established, however, is the role of delay in the developmental processes that yield functionally immature tissues at birth. Evidence is mounting that organs do not continue to develop postnatally in the context of these organogenesis insults, condemning the patient to utilize under-developed tissues for adult processes. These poorly differentiated organs may appear histologically normal at birth but with age may deteriorate revealing progressive or adult-onset pathology. The genetic and molecular underpinning of the proposed paradigm reveals the need for a comprehensive systems biology approach to evaluate the role of maternal-fetal environment on organogenesis. You may delay, but time will not Benjamin Franklin USA Founding Father
Political process and the integration of traditional and western medicine in the People's Republic of China.

Abstract One of the major health policies in the People's Republic of China since the Communist Revolution in 1949 has been an unique effort to integrate Chinese Traditional and Western-style medicine. Mao Tse-tung called for a ‘United Front’ of the two medical approaches for reasons of cultural pride, economic necessity and political obligation. An analyses of this policy is presented combining previous discussions of the issue with material collected in the PRC in 1979. Four possible modes of response to the policy are hypothesized and data analyzed to suggest which mode they fit. It is suggested that four modes of response could have been, and continue to be, Total Integration, Selective Integration. Assimilation or Rejection. Data collected include (1) personal statements on preference for Traditional or Western medicine, (2) examples of institutional approaches to integration, (3) lists of conditions being treated with one or combined approaches and (4) examples of the teaching of Traditional medicine. The current status of the original policy is described based on a briefing at the China Medical Association. With reference to the implementation of the Integration policy, the tentative conclusion is that throughout the PRC health care system. Traditional medicine is subordinate to a Western medical frame of reference and Western-style practitioners. Selective integration is the typical mode of response.
Two-year outcomes after robotic renal surgery: a single surgeon's experience.

The purpose of this study is to validate the feasibility of the robotic technology for various types of renal surgery and to outline the 2-year clinical and pathological outcomes post surgery. In a retrospective chart review with IRB approval of 55 robotic renal surgeries, clinical data and pathological outcomes were recorded, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine, radiological surveillance of tumor recurrences and overall quality of life on pre- and postoperative visits at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. There were 26 robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN), 23 radical nephrectomy (RRN), 3 simple nephrectomy (RSN), and 3 radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) procedures. Twelve patients in the RPN group, 17 in the RRN group and all in the RSN and RNU groups had eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and one or more risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) preoperatively. Mean serum creatinine was 1.2, 1.3, 1.2, and 1.8, and eGFR was 66.4, 61.2, 55.8, and 41.0, respectively. There were two distant metastasis and four local recurrences in the RRN group, and two local recurrences in the RNU group. Serum creatinine and changes in eGFR were statistically similar in all groups postoperatively. Cancer-specific survival was 100% for RPN, 83% for RRN, and 100% for RNU while overall survival was 100% for RPN, 76% for RRN, 100% for RSN, and 100% for RNU at 2 years. Robotic renal surgery is a feasible, minimally invasive alternative with promising outcomes in our short-term follow-up. Long-term and comparative studies with open or conventional laparoscopic approaches are needed.
Immunogenicity and protection efficacy of subunit-based smallpox vaccines using variola major antigens

The viral strain responsible for smallpox infection is variola major (VARV). As a result of the successful eradication of smallpox with the vaccinia virus (VACV), the general population is no longer required to receive a smallpox vaccine, and will have no protection against smallpox. This lack of immunity is a concern due to the potential for use of smallpox as a biological weapon. Considerable progress has been made in the development of subunit-based smallpox vaccines resulting from the identification of VACV protective antigens. It also offers the possibility of using antigens from VARV to formulate the next generation subunit-based smallpox vaccines. Here, we show that codon-optimized DNA vaccines expressing three VARV antigens (A30, B7 and F8) and their recombinant protein counterparts elicited high-titer, cross-reactive, VACV neutralizing antibody responses in mice. Vaccinated mice were protected from intraperitoneal and intranasal challenges with VACV. These results suggest the feasibility of a subunit smallpox vaccine based on VARV antigen sequences to induce immunity against poxvirus infection.
The co-mitogenic effects of various estrogens for TGF-α-induced DNA synthesis in cultured female rat hepatocytes

Abstract The synthetic estrogens ethinyl estradiol (EE) and mestranol (M) are weak complete hepatic carcinogens and potent tumor promoters. In vivo, EE and M cause a rapid but transient increase in liver growth. However, studies in cultured female rat hepatocytes indicate that EE is not a strong complete hepatic mitogen but rather enhances epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced DNA synthesis and is thus classified as a co-mitogen (Yager, J.D., Zurlo, J. and Ni, N. (1991) Proc. Soc. Exptl. Biol. Med., 198, 667–674). The endogenous estrogen 17β-estradiol (E 2 ) also exhibits co-mitogenic activity, enhancing the fraction of hepatocytes undergoing DNA synthesis induced by both EGF and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) (Ni, N. and Yager, J.D. (1994) Hepatology, 19, 183–192). The objectives of the study reported here were: (1) to determine whether the co-mitogenic effects of EE and E 2 extend to other synthetic estrogens including mestranol and diethylstilbestrol, and to α-zearalanol, a natural product with estrogenic activity; (2) to compare the co-mitogenic effects of endogenous estrogens including E 2 , estrone, estriol and the catechol metabolites 2- and 4-hydroxy-estradiol; and (3) to determine whether the conditioned medium from E 2 -treated hepatocytes has co-mitogenic activity. Female rat hepatocytes in primary culture were exposed to the various estrogens ± TGF-α and DNA synthesis was determined by measuring [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation into extracted DNA. The results show that the co-mitogenic effects previously observed with EE and E 2 also extend to all of these estrogens and to the E 2 catechol metabolites. Although the co-mitogenic potency of these estrogens does not correlate with their reported affinities to the estrogen receptor, their estrogenicity appears necessary since the non-estrogenic metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol lacks co-mitogenic activity. In addition, enhancement of TGF-α-induced DNA synthesis by conditioned medium from E 2 -treated cells supports the notion that a metabolite mediates its co-mitogenic effect.
Kinetics of norepinephrine metabolism in the rat heart In vivo

Concentrations of labeled norepinephrine and its metabolites were measured under steady-state conditions in the rat heart. From these values, rate constants of a simplified model of norepinephrine metabolism were calculated. It was found that 90 per cent of norepinephrine and 66 per cent of normetanephrine were metabolized by monamine oxidase, while 10 per cent of norepinephrine and 27 per cent of deaminated metabolites were metabolized by catechol-O-methyltransferase. The release of unchanged norepinephrine from the heart was smaller than the uptake of labeled norepinephrine from the circulation into the heart. These results indicate a significant role of peripheral nerve endings for the sympathetic system in the heart and a possible source of error for measurement of norepinephrine turnover in the heart.
Wellens’ Syndrome in an Elderly Patient with Dementia

A 90-year-old woman with a history of dementia experienced acute-onset chest pain, dyspnea, and nausea at rest. In the emergency department, she was asymptomatic, with stable vitals, negative troponin T, and ECG non-indicative of myocardial infarction (MI) (Fig. 1). The next morning, she developed severe chest pain, and ECG revealed ST elevation in V1–V4 (Fig. 2). Her troponin T level peaked at 3.56 ng/ml. An echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 35% with akinesis of the antero-septum, apex, and distal anterior wall, consistent with left anterior descending (LAD) artery infarction. Her family declined percutaneous coronary intervention after learning of the associated risks, including contrast-induced nephropathy.1 Reconsideration of her initial ECG revealed a less common variant of Wellens’ Syndrome: biphasic T waves in leads V1–V3.2,3 The more common pattern is deep, symmetrically inverted T waves in leads V2 and V3 (or other precordial leads), often during a chest pain-free interval.2,4,5 Wellens’ syndrome has been found in up to 14% of patients with unstable angina whose angiograms showed a mean LAD stenosis of 85%.6 Recognition of Wellens’ syndrome is important, because these subtle ECG patterns are associated with impending extensive anterior wall MI in up to 75% of patients.2,4 Fig. 1 Initial ECG with biphasic T waves in leads V1–V3, a less common variant of Wellens’ Syndrome Fig. 2 ECG 12 hours later showing ST segment elevation in leads V1–V4
CHARACTERIZATION OF AN IMMORTALIZED HUMAN VAGINAL EPITHELIAL CELL LINE

Purpose: Adherence of type 1 piliated Escherichia coli to vaginal mucosa plays a major role in the pathogenesis of ascending urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. Progress in understanding the mechanism of adherence to the vaginal surface could be enhanced by the utilization of well-characterized vaginal epithelial cells. The objective of this study was to immortalize vaginal epithelial cells and study their bacterial adherence properties.Materials and Methods: Primary vaginal cells were obtained from a normal post-menopausal woman, immortalized by infection with E6/E7 genes from human papillomavirus 16 (HPV 16) and cultured in serum free keratinocyte growth factor medium.Results: Positive immunostaining with a pool of antibodies to cytokeratins 1, 5, 10 and 14 (K1, K5, K10 and K14) and to K13 confirmed the epithelial origin of these cells. The immortalized cells showed binding of type 1 piliated E. coli in a pili specific and mannose sensitive manner.Conclusion: This model system should facilitate st...
Social skills training for schizophrenia: Review and future directions

Abstract A significant amount of progress has been made in documenting the effectiveness of social skills training strategies for schizophrenia. In an effort to update the literature, the authors first discuss definitions of social skill, competence, and adjustment. Following this, the skills training studies of the past decade are reviewed. These studies indicate several areas in which skills training approaches are useful, and also many areas wherein further modification of techniques is required. Future directions are proposed, with recommendations made regarding the need for: (a) highly focused training protocols; (b) more rigorous assessment of skill generalization and outcome; (c) strategies for clarifying the interrelationships between schizophrenic symptoms, antipsychotic medications, and social skills; and (d) documentation of the increasingly important role of neurocognition in mediating social skill, skill acquisition, and social competence in schizophrenia.
Abstract 1624: Black raspberries suppress phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in carcinogen-induced esophageal cancer in rats

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms worldwide. The overall 5-year survival rate of esophageal SCC in the United States is only 13%, which is close to the observed rates in high-risk countries including China and other global regions. To decrease the incidence of esophageal cancer, cancer chemoprevention through dietary and/or chemical intervention would be a logical and practical approach. Our laboratory and others have used the N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced rat preclinical model of esophageal cancer to investigate the mechanisms of esophageal carcinogenesis and to evaluate the efficacy of potential chemopreventive agents. Studies found that dietary freeze-dried black raspberries (BRBs) significantly inhibited NMBA-induced tumor development in rat esophagus, at least in part by inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)), c-Jun, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factorβB (NFκB) pathways. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays important roles in certain aspects of carcinogenesis. The principal objective of this study is to assess the roles of this signaling cascade in preclinical esophageal cancer model and examine the mechanistic actions of BRBs against this disease. In the present study, F344 rats were treated with NMBA (0.30 mg/kg b.w.) three times per week for 5 weeks. After 72 hours, animals were fed AIN-76A diet or AIN-76A diet containing 5% BRBs. At week 29, rats were sacrificed and esophageal tumors were counted. Western blot assays were conducted to detect the expression levels of some proteins involved in PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Our data show that in esophageal preneoplastic lesions, BRBs significantly decreased expression levels of p-AKT Ser478 , p-PI3K-p83, p-S6 and p-mTOR Ser2448 from 3.2-fold, 5.9-fold, 5.4-fold and 4.4-fold in rats fed control diet to 0.9-fold (P Ser478 ; P Ser2448 , P Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1624. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1624
Effect of pyridoxine deficiency on the absorption of vitamin B12.

Abstract 1. 1. Pyridoxine deficiency results in an impaired absorption of orally administered vitamin B 12 ∗ . This was demonstrated by urinary and fecal excretion tests, as well as by the measurement of radioactivity in livers and kidneys. The impairment can be fully corrected by subsequent treatment with pyridoxine. 2. 2. Pyridoxine deficiency does not affect the retention of vitamin B 12 ∗ . 3. 3. Deficiencies of thiamine, riboflavine, or pantothenic acid in rats have no influence on the absorption of vitamin B 12 ∗ .
Depressive symptoms erode self-esteem in severe mental illness: a three-wave, cross-lagged study

Vulnerability, scar, and reciprocal-relations models of depressive symptoms and self-esteem were compared among people with severe mental illness (SMI; N=260) participating in a partnership-based intervention study. Assessments were conducted at baseline, midway through the intervention (after 4 months), and at termination (after 9 months). Cross-lagged, structural equation modeling analyses revealed that participants' baseline depressive symptoms predicted a decrease in self-esteem in the first 4 months but not in the subsequent 5 months of participation. Exploratory regression analyses indicated that improved social functioning buffered this deleterious effect of depressive symptoms. These findings, which are consistent with the scar model, highlight the fragile nature of the self and the importance of social functioning in recovery from SMI.
Surface specializations of neurites in embryonic mouse spinal cord.

Abstract Focal surface specializations occur upon axons, axon growth cone filopodia and, somewhat less frequently, upon dendrites as well as dendritic growth cones in embroyonic mouse spinal cord. These surface specializations are observed during the early synaptogenic period (embryonic days 12–16) when the axons of the marginal zone are forming synaptic junctions with motor neuron dendrites growing into their domain. At relatively low electron microscopic magnifications, the specializations appear as discrete patches of electron-dense material located just outside the plasma membrane. Higher resolution and an optimum section plane reveal the following ultrastructural characteristics of these specializations. There is a narrow (∼ 5 nm) less dense layer between the outer surface of the plasma membrane and the thicker (∼ 11.5–15 nm) electron-dense, distal layer of the specializations. The dense layer contains spherical profiles (∼ 10–15 nm in diameter) which have relatively clear centers and non-laminar, opaque perimeters. The surface specializations are commonly associated with an accumulation of dense, fibrillar cytoplasmic material that undercoats the cytoplasmic surface of the plasma membrane directly opposite to the external specializations. Furthermore, some of these surface specializations appear to be forming or merging with the cleft material of protosynaptic junctions and primitive puncta adhaerentia-like contacts. We have also examined the pattern of concanavalian A-peroxidase staining on the cell surfaces in embryonic spinal cord. At embryonic day 13, the earliest stage examined in the concanavalin A-peroxidase experiments, there is already an ubiquitous staining around all the cellular processes in the marginal zone as well as around the perikarya and processes of cell located in the intermediate and ventricular zones. No selective enhancement of neurite surfaces occurred which might have correlated with the surface specializations describes above. Finally, the possibility is discussed that the neurite surface specialization might play some role in intercellular recognition phenomena leading to the formation of synaptic juctions and puncta adhaerentia.
A Phenomenological Exploration of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery As Experienced by Three Couples

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of three couples in each of which one of the partners has undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Previous research has been largely quantitative and focused on discrete dimensions of marital quality, spousal support, or patient and spouse distress. However, few studies explored the experiences of couples as a marital dyad. This study expanded upon previous research to explore couples' experiences of bypass surgery and to examine the possibility of shared meanings about that event. Shared meaning refers to the congruent beliefs that a couple has about their CABG experience (Patterson, 1989; Radley & Green, 1986). Three couples from the Cardiac Wellness Institute of Calgary were interviewed and the transcribed interviews analyzed. The descriptive phenomenological psychological method (Giorgi, 2000) was used to identify the underlying meaning structures of the couples' experiences. The analysis revealed a single structure consisting of seven interrelated constituents describing the psychological essence of the couples' experiences of bypass surgery. The study extended the understanding of what CABG is like for a marital dyad, particularly for medical and psychological practitioners who work with CABG patients and their spouses.
Conformity under Deceptive and Non-Deceptive Techniques

(1970). Conformity under Deceptive and Non-Deceptive Techniques. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 87-93.
Spacecraft contamination model development

The quantitative prediction of on-orbit molecular contamination effects is a difficult task that must rely on substantially simplifying assumptions about the rates and mechanisms of contamination production, transport, and deposition processes. Therefore, there is clearly room for a diversity of approaches within the spacecraft design community for the execution of contamination sources and effects analyses. This paper provides the initial description of the approach being taken for the development of a new contamination prediction code. In this development we intend to exploit the growing ASTM E1559 data base for outgassing and desorption measurements and to incorporate physical, kinetic models of condensation and photochemical deposition that are still sufficiently simple as to admit to successful parameterization.
Supply Chain Strategy for Nacsent Firms in Emerging Technology Markets

The extant literature provides sound guidance for applying appropriate supply chain strategies to address conventional market structures and supply chain objectives. However, our knowledge of the unique objectives, characteristics, and elements of supply chain development by nascent technology firms in new markets they have helped create is more limited. We outline the strategy for this "emergent" phase of a firm's development of their supply chain. This strategy emphasizes establishing market legitimacy and a basic structural foundation through a core of strong collaborative relationships. The strategy also maximizes organizational flexibility and iterative market intelligence gathering through continuous experimentation with potential markets and through potential partners. The strategy is contrasted with extant supply chain strategies and implications and directions for future research are offered.
Combinatorial methods of character enumeration for the unitriangular group

Abstract Let UT n ( q ) denote the group of unipotent n × n upper triangular matrices over a field with q elements. The degrees of the complex irreducible characters of UT n ( q ) are precisely the integers q e with 0 ⩽ e ⩽ ⌊ n 2 ⌋ ⌊ n − 1 2 ⌋ , and it has been conjectured that the number of irreducible characters of UT n ( q ) with degree q e is a polynomial in q − 1 with nonnegative integer coefficients (depending on n and e). We confirm this conjecture when e ⩽ 8 and n is arbitrary by a computer calculation. In particular, we describe an algorithm which allows us to derive explicit bivariate polynomials in n and q giving the number of irreducible characters of UT n ( q ) with degree q e when n > 2 e and e ⩽ 8 . When divided by q n − e − 2 and written in terms of the variables n − 2 e − 1 and q − 1 , these functions are actually bivariate polynomials with nonnegative integer coefficients, suggesting an even stronger conjecture concerning such character counts. As an application of these calculations, we are able to show that all irreducible characters of UT n ( q ) with degree ⩽ q 8 are Kirillov functions. We also discuss some related results concerning the problem of counting the irreducible constituents of individual supercharacters of UT n ( q ) .
Book review: Parallel Execution of Logic Programs by John S. Conery (Kluwer Academic Publiishers 1987)

This book covers a range of applications of logic to AI, from resolution to reflection. Some of the chapters cover current "hot" topics such as nonmonotonic reasoning and epistemic logic for which textbook summaries have not been available. Each chapter ends with a brief bibliographic essay covering work through 1987. For those who haven't kept up with the literature in each of the half-dozen current research areas covered, this book will serve as an admirable vade mecum. It is well-designed as a text for a theoretical course in artificial intelligence as well, provided one finds the logical point of view congenial.
Hymexazol treatment of sugar-beet seed to control seedling disease caused by Pythium spp. and Aphanomyces cochlioides

Abstract Glasshouse and field experiments in 1987–1988 tested the effects of treatment of sugar-beet seed with hymexazol on seedling disease caused by soil-borne Pythium spp. and Aphanomyces cochlioides. In the absence of hymexazol, steeping seed in EMP or thiram had no apparent effect on disease. Incorporating hymexazol in the seed pellet generally increased the number of seedlings established or slightly reduced postemergence losses caused by Pythium spp. in a moderately infested soil. In glasshouse experiments, and in some field experiments, hymexazol reduced the incidence of disease caused by A. cochlioides in proportion to the amount of fungicide applied; rates of application ⩾21 g kg−1 seed, which can slow seedling emergence, were necessary for maximum disease control. In other experiments hymexazol had little or no effect on this disease in the field. Treating seed with hymexazol at 10.5–14g kg−1 seed, however, should provide useful protection from these seedling pathogens under moderate disease pressure without risk of phytotoxic effects.
Peak mechanical loads induced in the in vitro edge-to-edge repair of posterior leaflet flail.

Background Percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve (MV) repair is a potential therapeutic option for patients presenting with mitral regurgitation, who may not be suitable for surgery. We characterized the edge-to-edge repair forces in a posterior leaflet flail MV model to identify potential modes of mechanical failure. Methods Porcine MVs were evaluated in two different sizes (Physio II 32 and 40) in a left-side heart simulator under physiologic hemodynamic conditions. Edge-to-edge repair was simulated by suturing miniature force transducers near the free edge of the anterior and posterior leaflets, on the ventricular side, resulting in a double orifice MV. Posterior leaflet flail was created by selective chordal cutting. Results Chordal cutting resulted in posterior leaflet flail and mitral regurgitation; all valves coapted normally before chordal cutting. Peak systolic control forces (size 32, 0.098 ± 0.058 N; size 40, 0.236 ± 0.149 N) were not significantly different from systolic flail forces (size 32, 0.136 ± 0.107 N; size 40, 0.220 ± 0.128 N) for either MV size. No correlation was observed between force magnitude and flail height or width. Peak systolic force was greater (p = 0.08) for the larger MVs (size 40 compared with size 32). Finally, peak diastolic force was significantly smaller (p = 0.04) than peak systolic force regardless of valve size. Conclusions For the first time, forces imparted on an edge-to-edge MV repair were quantified for a posterior leaflet flail model. Force magnitude was not significantly altered with flail compared with control; it was greatest during peak systole and increased with valve size.
THE ACQUISITION OF MORPHOLOGICAL INFLECTIONS BY CHILDREN FOUR TO TEN1

In contrast to earlier studies which examined the acquisition of morphological inflections within a narrow age range, this study attempted to determine the age at which children achieve productive and comprehensional control of the morphological inflections of regular nouns and verbs. Two aspects of production were examined: (a) the ability to add an inflection to a nonsense word; and (b) the ability to delete an inflection from a nonsense word (and, in the case of verbs, to substitute other inflections). The two facets of comprehension studied were: (a) the ability to choose one of two supplied inflected nonsense words to fit a picture; and, (b) the ability to select one of two pictures to fit a supplied inflected nonsense word.
SSD for R: A Comprehensive Statistical Package to Analyze Single-System Data

The need for statistical analysis in single-subject designs presents a challenge, as analytical methods that are applied to group comparison studies are often not appropriate in single-subject rese...
Possible mechanisms of allogeneic blood transfusion-associated postoperative infection

Four possible mechanisms have been reported to underlie the apparent association of allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) with postoperative bacterial infection. These are (1) a transfusion-related immunomodulatory (TRIM) effect of ABT mediated by immunologically active allogeneic white blood cells (WBCs) that downregulate the recipient's immune function, thereby predisposing to infection; (2) a TRIM effect of ABT mediated by soluble biologic response modifiers released in a timedependent manner from WBC granules or membranes into the supernatant flud of red blood cells (RBCs) during storage; (3) a TRIM effect of ABT mediated by soluble HLA peptides that circulate in allogeneic plasma; and (4) a related non-TRIM effect of ABT, whereby ABT causes postoperative organ dysfunction that predisposes to infection. The available clinical studies examining the association of ABT with postoperative infection were not designed to specifically test 1 or more of these 4 hypotheses. Thus, it is difficult to make inferences from the published data about the specific mechanism(s) that may underlie the purported association of ABT with infection. To permit such inferences, future studies of the association of ABT with postoperative infection should consider 2 outcomes (ie, postoperative organ dysfunction in addition to postoperative infection), as well as 3 possible exposures (ie, allogeneic WBCs, soluble biologic response modifiers originating in WBC granules or membranes, and/or soluble HLA molecules circulating in allogeneic plasma).
Low resolution microwave spectroscopy and the conformational analysis of 4,4-difluoropiperidine

Abstract The low resolution and high resolution microwave spectra of 4,4-difluoropiperidine and the N deutero analog have been recorded. Based on a low resolution microwave adaptation of Kraitchman's equations, the species giving rise to the single observed low resolution band series is seen to be the N-H equatorial conformer. This result is verified by obtaining the principal axis coordinates of the amine hydrogen atom via an assignment of the high resolution microwave spectra of the normal and N-D compounds. Consideration of the least intensity of the N-H axial conformer's spectrum that would be necessary for it to be observed, leads to the result: ΔG ⩾ O.89 kcal/mole for the equatorial ⇌ axial equilibrium.
A Meta-analysis of Universal Mental Health Prevention Programs for Higher Education Students

This meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of universal mental health prevention programs for higher education students on a range of adjustment outcomes. A systematic literature search identified 103 controlled published and unpublished interventions involving college, graduate, or professional students. As hypothesized, skill-training programs that included a supervised practice component were significantly more effective overall (mean effect size = 0.45, confidence interval (CI) = 0.39 to 0.52) compared to skill-training programs without supervised practice (0.11, CI = −0.01 to 0.22) and psychoeducational (information-only) programs (0.13, CI = 0.06 to 0.21). When comparisons on specific outcomes were possible, skill-training programs including supervised practice were significantly more effective than the other two groups of programs in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and general psychological distress, and in improving social-emotional skills, self-perceptions, and academic behaviors and performance. The magnitude of effects achieved in several outcome areas is comparable to or higher than that reported in other reviews of universal programs, suggesting that skill-training programs for higher education students that incorporate supervised practice now join the ranks of other effective preventive mental health interventions. This review offers several recommendations to improve the experimental rigor of future research.
Students’ Metacomprehension Knowledge: Components that Predict Comprehension Performance

In the present study, we assessed students’ metacomprehension knowledge and examined the components of knowledge most related to comprehension of expository texts. We used the Revised Metacomprehension Scale (RMCS) to investigate the relations between students’ metacomprehension knowledge and comprehension performance. Students who evaluated and regulated their understanding by using explanatory strategies (adjusting to difficult material and identifying and making connections across main points) performed better on a comprehension test than those who relied on the use of external aids. Use of explanatory strategies was positively related to comprehension performance, particularly for students with poorer evaluation and regulation skills. Results suggest that the RMCS is effective at assessing students’ ability to both evaluate and regulate their understanding and can help identify effective strategies for increasing comprehension performance.
Hole and electron traps in orthorombic sulphur

Abstract In this paper a new assignment of electron and hole traps solution grown orthorombic sulphur crystals has been made. A new level at 1.0 eV, only indirectly observed by other authors, has been identified with an electron peak in the thermally stimulated conductivity data and it has been shown that the filled traps are confined to the penetration volume of the exciting light rather than being in the bulk of the specimen. For the light intensities used bias fields of up to 5kV/cm did not alter this situation.
MyTuringTable: a teaching tool to accompany Turing's original paper on computability

MyTuringTable is a Turing Machine simulator designed to help students read and understand Turing's seminal 1937 paper on computability. We discuss our reasons for developing the tool, and report on its use in a "Great Ideas in Computer Science" course for the Air Force Academy Cadet Scholars program.
Universalities of Triplet Pairing in Neutron Matter

The fundamental structure of the full set of solutions of the BCS $^{3}P_{2}$ pairing problem in neutron matter is established. The relations between different spin-angle components in these solutions are shown to be practically independent of density, temperature, and the specific form of the pairing interaction. The spectrum of pairing energies is found to be highly degenerate.
Assembly of laser-fiber arrays

This paper describes techniques and machinery for first-level packaging of laser-to-fiber interconnects using batch assembly and active alignment. These techniques are economical because the costs of labor-intensive processes, such as parts handling, fiber-polishing, and alignment, are shared among the many elements of the array. Using these techniques, prototype packages have been built consisting of 32-wide arrays of 1300 nm lasers coupled to 32-wide arrays of single-mode fiber-optic stubs. Building the package involves three steps: (1) preparing the laser array for handling and alignment by soldering it to a metallized silicon carrier; (2) building the fiber array by stripping the fibers, placing them precisely into etched silicon V-grooves, bonding them in place, and polishing both ends; and (3) aligning the two arrays to each other using batch, active alignment. Batch alignment succeeds to the extent that each array is collinear, so the collinearity achieved in processes (1) and (2) is crucial. Typically, collinearity of /spl plusmn/1 /spl mu/m or better is achieved for each array. When such arrays are batch aligned using the techniques described herein, the average coupling efficiency is about 88% as large as it would be if each laser-fiber pair were optimally aligned individually. >
Comparison of probabilistic and deterministic optimizations using genetic algorithms

This paper describes an application of genetic algorithms to deterministic and probabilistic (reliability-based) optimization of damping augmentation for a truss structure. The probabilistic formulation minimizes the probability of exceeding upper limits on the magnitude of the dynamic response of the structure due to uncertainties in the properties of the damping devices. The corresponding deterministic formulation maximizes a safety margin with respect to these limits. Because this work was done in the context of an experimental comparison of the reliabilities of the resulting designs, antioptimization was used to maximize the contrast between the probabilities of failure of the two designs. This contrast maximization was also performed with a genetic algorithm. The paper describes the genetic algorithm used for the optimization and antioptimization, and a number of modifications to the antioptimization formulation intended to reduce the computational expense to an acceptable level. Optimal designs are obtained for both formulations. The probabilistic design shows a very significant improvement in reliability.
IgE antibodies in tick bite-induced anaphylaxis

The western black-legged tick, Ixodes pacificus, parasitizes reptiles, birds, and mammals throughout western North America.’ In California, it is the primary hector of Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete causing Lyme disease, and may also carry Francisella tularensis and a rickettsia of the spotted-fever group. 2-1 Toxic local reactions are common, but systemic IgE-mediated reactions have never been documented.* With the exception of the Australian paralysis tick, I. holocyclus, allergic reactions to tick bites have not been reported.6 We recently described a patient who had recurrent anaphylaxis after bites with I. pacijicus.’ The study in this article revealed that his serum contained IgG and IgE antibodies to tick extract and that his basophils released histamine on challenge with the extract. Tick extract was prepared from unfed female I. pacijicus by pestling in a pool of liquid nitrogen. The powder was suspended in a small volume of 0.1 mol/L of carbonate buffer, pH 9.6, and vortexed at 4” C for 48 hours. After centrifugation at 15,000 g for 15 minutes, the supematant was aspirated and stored at 80” C. The extract was diluted in phosphate-buffered saline to a concentration of 40 pg/ml. For SDS-PAGE, the extract was dialyzed for 48 hours at 4” C against PAGE-running buffer (0.025 mol/L of Tris, 0.192 mol/L of glycine, and 0.1% of SDS). SDS-PAGE, ELISA, and an immunoblotting assay for tick-specific IgE and IgG were performed as previously described.’ Basophil-enriched blood leukocyte HR was performed by monoclonal ELISA, as
An Internet-based evaluation system for a surgical residency program.

Abstract Background Efficient and meaningful evaluation of performance is critical to the professional development of trainees in surgical residency programs. Current paper-based evaluation instruments have numerous limitations. We developed an Internet-based evaluation system to more rapidly and efficiently assess the experience of residents, faculty, and rotations. Study design An on-line evaluation system was designed and implemented in October 1999. Custom evaluations were created for residents, faculty, and rotations. Evaluations were completed via the Internet site from remote locations with standard computers and standard Web browser software. Completed evaluations were automatically available on-line for review and data analysis. Data were analyzed by chi-square analysis with a probability value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results Compliance in completion of evaluations improved from 50% to 80% in the initial 6 months of implementation (p Conclusions This Internet-based evaluation system is a potentially powerful instrument for evaluating our surgical residency program and making changes to improve the educational experience in a timely and efficient manner.
International comparisons of professional training in management accounting: The case of Canada and the United States

Abstract The successful management of transnational organizations requires the design of organizational control systems that take into account contingencies relevant to the various environments in which organizational subunits operate. One such contingency is that of education and professional training of decision makers. This article investigates the extent to which a common body of knowledge (CBOK) for management accounting professionals can be identified and the degree to which such a CBOK varies across countries. To this end, a comparison is made of the professional certification programs for management accountants in two countries, Canada and the United States. Underlying commonalities and differences are discussed in the context of cultural/ economic/ political differences. Particular attention is given to Mexico as a participant in the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Electronic structure and exchange interaction in the layered perovskite Sr 3 Mn 2 O 7

The electronic structure of the Ruddlesden-Popper layered perovskite compound Sr 3 Mn 2 O 7 is studied from density-functional calculations using the linear muffin-tin orbitals method. An antiferromagnetic, insulating solution is obtained in agreement with the experiments, with a magnetic moment of about 2.52μ B for each Mn atom. The magnetic interactions between the Mn atoms, both within the bilayer and between the bilayers, are shown to arise from superexchange. The intrabilayer interaction involves the three-site Mn-O-Mn superexchange much like the case of the well-known CaMnO 3 , while the interbilayer exchange, mediated via the longer Mn-O-O-Mn superexchange path, is considerably weaker. Consistent with the layered nature of the compound, we find a strong out-of-plane to in-plane band-mass anisotropy for Sr 3 Mn 2 O 7 (m * z /m * x , y ∼10.9 for electrons and ∼4.2 for holes), while for the related compound LaSr 2 Mn 2 O 7 , which is a ferromagnetic metal, we obtain a strong anisotropy in the resistivity ρ c /ρ a b ∼40 using kinetic transport theory, in qualitative agreement with the experimental value of ∼100.
The Toll receptor family and microbial recognition

The survival of multicellular organisms is dependent on their ability to recognize invading microbial pathogens and to induce a variety of defense reactions. Recent evidence suggests that an evolutionarily ancient family of Toll-like receptors plays a crucial role in the detection of microbial infection and the induction of immune and inflammatory responses.