cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonparametric Reconstruction of Vector Fields From Noisy Observations of Their Flow Curves

Any state-space equation is identified by a vector field that maps the values of the state vector into the values of its derivative. Any solution to a state-space equation is called a flow curve of its associated vector field. This paper focuses on reconstruction of a vector field from noisy measurements of its flow curves generated by a physical process. A nonparametric least squares scheme is developed to estimate a vector field along each of its empirical flow curves. This scheme is formulated as a linear quadratic tracking problem with a well known solution from the theory of optimal control. By solving this problem for several empirical flow curves, the vector field is constructed along them, and using a nearest neighbor interpolation method presented here, the vector field is estimated at those points not lying on the flow curves. The overall procedure is demonstrated by reconstruction of the magnetic force around a magnet from the motion trajectories of a magnetic particle moving inside the magnetic field.
Gig Workers as Essential Workers: How to Correct the Gig Economy Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

Gig employment is among the most precarious type of work in the U.S. economy. While the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of gig workers and their role in contemporary society, gig workers have little in the way of job security or benefits. Many gig jobs were considered “essential work” during COVID-19, with the rules of state lockdowns across the country classifying gig workers as “essential workers,” and yet gig workers were initially left out of the protections of labor and employment law and had to sue to claim employee status. In this contribution, we describe the corrective function of the pandemic in prompting the recognition of some benefits of gig workers, such as unemployment assistance and sick days. Additionally, we argue that a move to parity between gig and non-gig workers is long overdue.
SCReadCounts: estimation of cell-level SNVs expression from scRNA-seq data.

Background Recent studies have demonstrated the utility of scRNA-seq SNVs to distinguish tumor from normal cells, characterize intra-tumoral heterogeneity, and define mutation-associated expression signatures. In addition to cancer studies, SNVs from single cells have been useful in studies of transcriptional burst kinetics, allelic expression, chromosome X inactivation, ploidy estimations, and haplotype inference. Results To aid these types of studies, we have developed a tool, SCReadCounts, for cell-level tabulation of the sequencing read counts bearing SNV reference and variant alleles from barcoded scRNA-seq alignments. Provided genomic loci and expected alleles, SCReadCounts generates cell-SNV matrices with the absolute variant- and reference-harboring read counts, as well as cell-SNV matrices of expressed Variant Allele Fraction (VAFRNA) suitable for a variety of downstream applications. We demonstrate three different SCReadCounts applications on 59,884 cells from seven neuroblastoma samples: (1) estimation of cell-level expression of known somatic mutations and RNA-editing sites, (2) estimation of cell- level allele expression of biallelic SNVs, and (3) a discovery mode assessment of the reference and each of the three alternative nucleotides at genomic positions of interest that does not require prior SNV information. For the later, we applied SCReadCounts on the coding regions of KRAS, where it identified known and novel somatic mutations in a low-to-moderate proportion of cells. The SCReadCounts read counts module is benchmarked against the analogous modules of GATK and Samtools. SCReadCounts is freely available ( https://github.com/HorvathLab/NGS ) as 64-bit self-contained binary distributions for Linux and MacOS, in addition to Python source. Conclusions SCReadCounts supplies a fast and efficient solution for estimation of cell-level SNV expression from scRNA-seq data. SCReadCounts enables distinguishing cells with monoallelic reference expression from those with no gene expression and is applicable to assess SNVs present in only a small proportion of the cells, such as somatic mutations in cancer.
Early Formations of Teacher Identity: Prospective Teacher Candidates Notions of Teacher Roles

As teacher educators, we are responsible for the preparation and growth of prospective teacher candidates and contribute greatly to their effectiveness and success as future practitioners. In the past two decades, there has been an increasing interest in the development of teacher and professional identities, with studies conducted across levels of experience. The development of a teaching identity, defined here as an individual’s understanding of self in a professional context, has been examined with preservice and student teachers (Travers, 2000; Weinstein, 1990) while teacher and professional identity has been explored in various ways through the narratives and experiences of novice and veteran practitioners (Clandinin, 1993; Kagan, 1992). While such studies have contributed to our understanding of this developmental process, we propose the need for a closer examination of the roles that shape these multiple identities.
Environmental enhancement of in vitro chondrogenesis. IV. Stimulation of somite chondrogenesis by exogenous chondromucoprotein.

Proteoglycan complex extracted from embryonic cartilage (chondromucoprotein) with 4.0 M guanidinium chloride greatly stimulates in vitro somite chondrogenesis. In the presence of exogenous chondromucoprotein (CMP) which consists predominantly of proteochondroitin sulfate, there is a large increase in the amount of differentiating cartilage which can be detected visually in somite explants. There is a 2–3-fold increase in the amount of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (including chondroitin 4- and 6-sulfate) accumulated by somite explants supplied with exogenous CMP complex. These results are of potential significance, since during the period of interaction between the notochord or spinal cord and somitic mesoderm, the notochord and spinal cord synthesize and secrete proteoglycan.
Physics of Metal-Semiconductor and Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor Junctions

This chapter discusses some topics in the physics of metal-semiconductor junctions and metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) junctions. The former topic is treated first in a discussion of the metal-semiconductor junction band diagram at equilibrium and under an applied potential. The results are used to show that the current-voltage characteristic is asymmetric and to treat metal contacts to semiconductors. The latter topic is then discussed using the band diagram of an idealized MIS structure. The key result is the formation of an inversion layer at the insulator-semiconductor interface when an appropriate potential is applied. This result will be used in the next chapter to study two important devices, the induced-channel field-effect transistor and the charge-coupled device.
Small business development centers and libraries: a survey

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate how small business development centers (SBDCs) are working with libraries and librarians to provide assistance to entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was distributed to SBDC offices in the mountain west region of the USA to discover if and how they are working with local public and academic libraries and librarians to provide information and services to entrepreneurs. Findings – Surveys were sent to 72 SBDCs with 31 responding (43 per cent). A total of 48 per cent indicated collaborating with public libraries and 36 per cent work with academic libraries. Resources and services provided by librarians and libraries are consistent with the reporting in case study literature. Responses to successes and issues with these arrangements indicate areas for improvement and consideration in collaborations. Research limitations/implications – This research was limited to findings from SBDC offices in the mountain west region. A national s...
Citrullus lanatus germplasm of southern Africa.

Citrullus lanatus germplasm from southern Africa is a rich source of diversity for cultivated watermelon. Wild, feral, and landrace populations of the species are found throughout the arid regions of southern Africa, where they serve as sources of water and food for humans and wildlife alike. Genetic resources from the region proved to be important sources of disease resistance for cultivated watermelon, contributing to the development of both Fusarium wilt- and anthracnose-resistant cultivars. Basic research, such as genomic mapping and the elucidation of drought tolerance, have also benefitted from the abundant genetic diversity. Currently, several ex situ collections in the region and the rest of the world house accessions originating from southern Africa. The USDA germplasm collection has been screened extensively for traits of interest in watermelon breeding, but full advantage has not been taken of some of the other collections. The C. lanatus germplasm from southern Africa is currently a largely un...
Lifetime Analysis of Fusion Reactor Components

A one-dimensional computer code has been developed to examine the lifetime of first-wall and impurity-control components. The code incorporates the operating and design parameters, the material characteristics, and the appropriate failure criteria for the individual components. The major emphasis of the modelling effort has been to calculate the temperature-stress-strain-radiation effects history of a component so that the synergystic effects between sputtering erosion, swelling, creep, fatigue, and crack growth can be examined. The general forms of the property equations are the same for all materials in order to provide the greatest flexibility for materials selection in the code. The code is capable of determining the behavior of a plate, composed of either a single or dual material structure, that is either totally constrained or constrained from bending but not from expansion. The code has been utilized to analyze the first walls for FED/INTOR and DEMO.
Stability, queue length and delay. II. Stochastic queueing networks

For Pt.I, see ibid., vol.1, pp.999-1004. The notions of linear EP (envelope process), MEP (minimum envelope process), and MER (minimum envelope rate) developed previously are extended to stochastic processes. The notion of MER might be of practical importance in communication networks. It is shown that the MERs are equivalent to the notion of effective bandwidths in communication networks when restricting oneself to two-state Markov modulated arrival processes. Since the present definition of MER is fairly general and does not require a preset mathematical model, the proposed approach can be used to obtain the effective bandwidths for other real-time traffic, e.g., video. Moreover, the tool for computing the bounds and approximations of the tail distributions of delays at each queue in a network is already available in the present analysis once the MERs are obtained. >
An experimental study on dynamic network reconfiguration in a virtualized network environment using autonomic management

In a virtualized network, network virtualization is achieved by creating multiple instances of virtual routers over existing physical routers. Critical aspects of network virtualization are resource allocation and resource re-allocation, especially in the case of router failures or re-allocation of routers due for maintenance. In this paper, we present a dynamic network reconfiguration scheme that can provision a new virtual network and recover it from router failures using autonomic management. In order to provide a highly available virtual network, our approach considers replacing failed routers with the most suitable standby routers. We have setup an experimental virtualized network on the GpENI Virtual Network Infrastructure (GpENI-VINI) testbed in which virtual routers are geographically distributed. Our autonomic management function invokes the replacement module in the event of a router failure. Our study considers not only end-to-end metrics (latency, bandwidth, loss-rate) but also the routing table convergence time to understand the transient behavior in this autonomic management environment.
Risk Factors Predict Increased Length of Stay and Readmission Rates in Revision Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract Background This study aimed to identify risk factors for 30-day readmission and extended length of stay (LOS) in revision total knee (RKA) and hip (RHA) arthroplasty patients. Methods Patients who underwent RKA or RHA from 2011 to 2013 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors for 30-day readmission and extended LOS (>75th percentile) were assessed using preoperative and intraoperative variables. Results A total of 4977 RKA and 5135 RHA patients were reviewed. The most common causes for revision were mechanical (52% RKA, 52% RHA), infection (13% RKA, 8% RHA), dislocation (6% RKA, 13% RHA), and fracture (1% RKA, 4% RHA). Rate of readmission for RKA patients (6.4%; 318 patients) was lower than for RHA patients (8.0%; 409 patients) ( P = .002). Multivariate analysis identified severe adverse event before discharge, male sex, pulmonary disease, stroke, cardiac disease, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or 4 as significant predictors of readmission (all P ≤ .03). Surgical complications were the more common cause of readmission for both groups. Multivariate analysis of extended LOS identified infection or fracture etiology relative to mechanical loosening etiology, functional status, body mass index greater than 40 kg/m2, history of smoking, diabetes, cardiac disease, stroke, bleeding-causing disorders, wound class 3 or 4, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or 4 (all P ≤ .05) as independent predictors. Conclusion Modifiable risk factors should be addressed prior to revision total joint arthroplasty to reduce 30-day readmissions and LOS. Future P4P revision arthroplasty models should incorporate procedural diagnosis as rates of readmission and extended LOS significantly differ across procedural etiologies.
Inhibition of ErbB2(Her2) expression with small molecule transcription factor mimics

Small molecules that mimic the transcriptional activation domain of eukaryotic transcriptional activators have the potential to serve as effective inhibitors of transcriptional processes. Here we show that one class of transcriptional activation domain mimics, amphipathic isoxazolidines, can be converted into inhibitors of gene expression mediated by the transcriptional activator ESX through small structural modifications. Addition of the small molecules leads to decreased expression of the cell surface growth receptor ErbB2(Her2) in ErbB2-positive cancer cells and, correspondingly, decreased proliferation.
Precipitation and Solid Solubility in the System NiO-Cr2O3

The precipitation of NiCr/sub 2/O/sub 4/ and the solid solubility of Cr/sup 3 +/ in NiO were investigated. Homogeneous precipitation occurs in this system, and the decomposition of NiO-Cr/sub 2/O/sub 3/ solid solution involves only one stable equilibrium phase, NiCr/sub 2/O/sub 4/. The small lattice misfit between precipitate and matrix results in the formation of randomly distributed spherical precipitates about 3 to 10 nm in diameter in the initial stage of growth. Above that size, precipitates form as ellipsoidal plates lying on (100) with all directions of the precipitate and matrix mutually parallel. Strain-energy effects provide a rational explanation for the observed precipitate morphology during nucleation and subsequent growth. The precipitates grow along (100) to a size at which coherency is no longer maintained. The loss of coherency is associated with the development of interfacial dislocations, and the critical size at which coherency is lost is approx. =300 nm. Dissolution of coherent precipitates and growth of semicoherent precipitates was directly observed to occur simultaneously when both are present. The NiO-NiCr/sub 2/O/sub 4/ twophase boundary (the NiO(Cr)(ss) solvus line) was experimentally determined between 950/sup 0/ and 1150/sup 0/C. Concentration profiles measured at two-phase interfaces indicate that the growth of the NiCr/submore » 2/O/sub 4/ phase is controlled by volume diffusion. In the present study, interface concentrations obtained from coherent precipitates are indistinguishable from those obtained from semicoherent precipitates. The maximum solubility of Cr in NiO was found to be 0.98 + or - 0.10 at 950/sup 0/, 1.80 + or - 0.15 at 1050/sup 0/, and 3.60 + or - 0.31 at 1150/sup 0/C.« less
Catalyst systems for alkene polymerization based on metallocene complexes and sterically hindered organoaluminates

The article describes two types of organoaluminate compounds which can serve as cocatalysts for metallocene complexes in alkene polymerization reactions: (a) sterically hindered arylaluminates, oligomeric compounds containing [Al(OPh)−O] units where Ph are aryl groups substituted in the second and the sixth positions with bulky alkyl or aryl groups; and (b) alkylaluminates, compounds containing [Al(OR)−O] units where OR is a heavily sterically hindered alkoxy group. The most effective substituents Ph in the arylaluminates are phenyl groups with two ortho-positioned tert-butyl or phenyl groups. The most effective substituent R in the alkylaluminates is CPh3. These cocatalysts can be produced via two alternative routes: (1) a reaction between an alkylalumoxane and a sterically hindered phenol or an alcohol or (b) two consecutive reactions: first, a reaction between a trialkylaluminum compound and a sterically hindered phenol or an alcohol and, second, a reaction between the product of the first step and ...
Parity Detection for Heisenberg-limited Metrology with Coherent and Squeezed Vacuum Light

The interference between coherent and squeezed vacuum light can produce path entangled states with very high fidelities. We show that Heisenberg-limited phase estimation with the above interferometric scheme can be achieved using parity detection.
The upper envelope of piecewise linear functions: Tight bounds on the number of faces

This note proves that the maximum number of faces (of any dimension) of the upper envelope of a set ofn possibly intersectingd-simplices ind+1 dimensions is ?(nd?(n)). This is an extension of a result of Pach and Sharir [PS] who prove the same bound for the number ofd-dimensional faces of the upper envelope.
A Perspective Adjustment to Add Value to External Clients, Including Society

Our realities have shifted. What was comfortable and acceptable will no longer provide useful guidance on what any HRD professional uses, does, and delivers. There is a new and overriding focus on external value added for both clients and society. This article gives the rationale and guidance on what it takes to adjust our perspectives in order to define and deliver success. And prove it.
Modeling the consolidation behavior of an alpha-two titanium aluminide powder

Abstract The consolidation of an alpha-two titanium aluminide powder was analyzed using an approach based on two density dependent variables: the apparent Poisson's ratio and a stress intensification (geometric hardening) factor. Uniaxial compression tests on samples with different relative densities were used to obtain the the apparent Poisson's ratio and constitutive behaviour. Microhardness tests on undeformed and deformed samples with different relative densities were used to obtain the stress intensification factor. With this information, a von Mises type yield function, modified for pressure effects, was developed and implemented into a finite element code and used successfully to model the densification of the alpha-two titanium aluminide powder.
Non-effect of Irradiation of the Hypophysis in Sterile Monkey Females

SummaryA single dose of X-ray between 60 and 400 r administered to the pituitary gland of non-ovulating rhesus monkeys failed to cause increase of ovarian size in 11 cases. The single female which ovulated might have done so without treatment as often happens in similar cases. There were no harmful sequel$aE of the treatment, for in one-third of the cases spontaneous ovulation and conception occurred in the following breeding season.
The Generals of Saratoga: John Burgoyne and Horatio Gates

Privilege the skipjack luster merit "The Hard Hand of Power" "The Soldier Draws His Sword with Alacrity" "America Must be Subdued or Relinquished" "To Preserve the Liberty of the Western World" the lost victory" Howe versus Burgoyne Schuyler or Gates? ticongeroga escape the American rubicon defiance the epilogue - the turn of the scale.
Waste oils used as solvents for different ranks of coal

Abstract The effect of using different waste oils as solvent media for the liquefaction of lignite, subbituminous, and bituminous coals was investigated using tubing reactors. The waste oils utilized were waste automobile crankcase oil, oil produced by vacuum pyrolysis of waste rubber tires, and oil produced from vacuum pyrolysis of waste plastics. Reactions of coal and waste oils were carried out at 430°C under a hydrogen atmosphere for 1 h. Analysis of the waste automobile crankcase oil indicated the presence of heavy metals. Analyses of the oils derived from coprocessing coals of different rank with the automotive crankcase oil indicated that these oils were lower in overall trace metals compared with the trace metal content of untreated automobile crankcase oil. No coal rank dependence was observed for the removal of trace heavy metals (demetallation). Conversion yields indicated that all three solvents were similar for total gas + oil yields, asphaltene yields, and total conversion yields except for the vacuum pyrolyzed tire oil coprocessed with Illinois No. 6 coal. Coprocessing the vacuum pyrolyzed tire oil with Illinois no. 6 coal gave the best overall conversion. This was attributed to the presence of polyaromatic non-donor molecules present in the vacuum pyrolyzed tire oil and to the high pyrite content of the Illinois No. 6 coal.
Sensory restoration by lateral antebrachial cutaneous to ulnar nerve transfer in children with global brachial plexus injuries.

Selective peripheral nerve transfers represent an emerging reconstructive strategy in the management of both pediatric and adult brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries. Transfer of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve of the forearm into the distal ulnar nerve is a useful means to restore sensibility to the ulnar side of the hand when indicated. This technique is particularly valuable in the management of global brachial plexus birth injuries in children for which its application has not been previously reported. Four children ages 4 to 9 years who sustained brachial plexus birth injury with persistent absent sensibility on the unlar aspect of the hand underwent transfer of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve to the distal ulnar nerve. In three patients, a direct transfer with a distal end-to-side repair through a deep longitudinal neurotomy was performed. In a single patient, an interposition nerve graft was required. Restoration of sensibility was evaluated by the “wrinkle test.”
A new VLSI compatible rapid thermal processing system

Abstract Rapid thermal processing (RTP) is increasingly becoming a significant tool to meet the challenge of fabricating miniaturized MOS and bipolar devices. The primary advantages of RTP over conventional furnace annealing include the shorter heat cycle, well-controlled soak times at peak temperatures and the capability to rapidly change anneal ambients, thereby enhancing its flexibility as a process tool. The major applications of RTP in VLSI technology that are presently being pursued include: (i) implant-damage annealing/dopant activation, (ii) silicide formation, (iii) glass reflow, (iv) thin film growth/deposition (oxides, nitrides, oxy-nitrides) and (v) contact alloying. This paper discusses a new rapid thermal processor, RTP-800/8000, recently introduced by Varian. The discussion will include mechanical and electrical design, software, heating process compatibility, process uniformity and repeatability, process setup and noncontact temperature measurement. The heating system consists of a tungsten lamp array surrounded by a highly reflective mirror system designed to provide good temperature uniformity for wafer sizes up to 200 mm. The RTP-8000 has a serial cassette-to-cassette automatic wafer handling system. The RTP-800 possesses a single wafer, operator-assisted wafer handling system. The RTP-800/8000 has an automated multiple gas flow control and also has the optional capability of processing wafers in vacuum. An infrared optical pyrometer measures the wafer temperature from the backside of the wafer. In the RTP-8000, touch screen operation of the menu-driven recipes is easy with user-friendly software. A separate electroluminescent flat panel display provides information for maintenance and servicing and reports the system status. Process information is provided on this display in the RTP-800.
Between the secondary structure and the tertiary structure falls the globule: A problem in de novo protein design

Abstract Three-helix bundle proteins can be assembled by metal driven association of bipyridine-modified peptides. The metal tris-bipyridine complex offers four different templates on which three helices may be arranged to form a bundle structure. Analysis of one of such proteins by HPLC, NMR, and CD shows that all four templates are used randomly. Therefore, this artificial protein does not have a single well defined tertiary structure, but, instead, exists as an ensemble of at least four closely related structures. Mutant peptides with diversified interior residues did not form a stable three-α-helix bundle protein. Packing interactions of interior hydrophobic residues must be optimized to construct artificial proteins with a well defined tertiary structure. This system not only permits us to study packing interactions of secondary structures in artificial proteins but also offers a unique model system for a molten globule state of native proteins.
The relations of empathy-related emotions and maternal practices to children′s comforting behavior

Abstract Examined are the relations of maternal empathy-related characteristics, maternal child-rearing practices, and children′s vicarious emotional responding to kindergarteners′ and third graders′ comforting of a crying infant. Children who exhibited facial personal distress in reaction to the baby cry were less likely to help than were other children. In addition, children′s distressed reactions to a different sympathy stimulus (a film) were positively correlated with their distressed reaction to the baby cry; children′s self-reported reactions to the sympathy-inducing film also were related to their comforting behavior. For girls, maternal perspective taking was positively related to amount and quality (tone of voice) of comforting behavior. Moreover, maternal use of problem-solving and discussion when their daughters were distressed or anxious were associated with higher levels of girls′ helping whereas maternal comforting/affirming in a distressing context was negatively related to helping. The only relation of maternal variables to comforting for boys was a positive correlation between maternal reinforcement and quality of boys′ comforting.
Caspase-3 deficiency during development increases vulnerability to hypoxic–ischemic injury through caspase-3-independent pathways

Abstract Neonatal hypoxia–ischemia (H–I) is a common cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality leading to prominent activation of caspase-3 in the brain. Previous studies have shown that acute inhibition of caspase-3 can protect against neonatal H–I in rats. In this study, we investigated brain injury following neonatal H–I in mice deficient in caspase-3. Wild-type, caspase-3+/− and caspase-3−/− mice underwent unilateral carotid ligation at postnatal day (P) 7, followed by 45 min of exposure to 8% oxygen. Surprisingly, tissue loss at P14 was significantly higher in caspase-3−/− mice when compared to wild-type littermates. As in rats, we found that acute inhibition of caspase-3 in mice leads to decrease in tissue loss at P14. There was no difference in nuclear morphology, DNA laddering or calpain activation between caspase-3−/−, caspase-3+/− and wild-type mice subjected to H–I, and there was no evidence for compensatory activation of other caspases in caspase-3−/− mice. Also, all genotypes showed evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction after H–I, suggesting that this is a critical point in regulation of neuronal cell death following neonatal H–I. Our results suggest that long-term inhibition of caspase-3 during development, unlike acute inhibition, leads to upregulation of caspase-3-independent cell death pathways and increases the vulnerability of the developing brain to neonatal H–I injury.
CHOICE BEHAVIOR IN A T-MAZE AS A FUNCTION OF DEPRIVATION PERIOD AND MAGNITUDE OF REWARD

. For investigators whose interests lie in the kind of behavior theories .developed by Hull and Spence, one of the more intriguing problems has been the question of the nature of the interaction between the two energizing concepts, generalized drive level (D), and Incentive Motivation (K). Hull, in his final treatment of this topic in A Behavior Sy~tem (1952), assumed that the two motivational constructs combined multiplicatively in joint determination of reaction potential. Spence, on the other hand, has made the tentative assumption that the relationship between D and K is additive (Spence, 1756, 1758). A few studies (Rarnond, 1754; Reynolds & Pavlik, 1760) have investigated the interaction between D and K in runway-type situations. Non-significant interactions between the experimental variables have been obtained which indicate the likelihood of an additive relationship. The present study was intended to investigate the implications of the rival assumptions concerning D and K in a simple T-maze. In addition, it was hoped rhat some information concerning the operation of the T,-J~ mechanism might be gained. The major theoretical difference between the selective learning task and the instrumental task is that the response measure normally employed, per cent choice of a given maze arm, is not a reflection of the absolute strength of a single response tendency but, rather, involves the difference in strength between two alternative reaction tendencies. In the typical selective learning study, in which one response is reinforced and the other not, it can be shown that the difference between the two reaction potentials involves a consideration of inhibitory factors. It is not clear at the moment whether these inhibitory factors are dependent, at least in part, upon the same operations used to define drive and incentive motivation. In addition, any test of the nature of the interaction between D and K requires that the habit strength for the two reactions be equal. This difficulty may be largely circumvented by the use of a selective learning situation (T-maze) in which both reactions are followed by reward, and a forcing technique is employed to assure equal numbers of responses to each maze arm. In such a situation, selective learning ought to proceed as a function of the differences in magnitude of reward which follow each response. - The present study, therefore, employed two groups of Ss: one group ran under 23-hr. deprivation (High D), and one group ran under 3-hr. deprivation (Low D). All Ss were rewarded with 2 gm. of wet mash for a turn
Recognition of drug resistance during remission induction therapy for acute non-lymphocytic leukemia: Utility of day 6 bone marrow biopsy

While the majority of patients under 70 years of age with acute non-lymphocytic leukemia enter remission when treated with a combination of cytosine arabinoside and an anthracycline antibiotic, 20-45% of patients do not. The reasons for treatment failure in these patients vary from drug resistant disease to death from infection or bleeding shortly after remission induction therapy is initiated. Clearly, more intensive remission induction therapy should be administered only to those patients for whom the therapy being employed is of insufficient intensity. Bone marrow biopsies after six days of therapy have been performed on 53 patients who received 65 courses of remission induction therapy. Eighty-eight per cent of the remissions occurred in patients whose marrow cellularity was less than 62.5% on day 6 while 78% of patients who had drug resistant disease had day 6 marrow cellularities which exceeded 62.5%. Hence, a bone marrow biopsy performed after six days of therapy permits the recognition of the majority of patients who will enter complete remission or alternatively who need more aggressive therapy.
Treatment of acid mine drainage. I : Equilibrium biosorption of zinc and copper on non-viable activated sludge

Biosorption is potentially attractive technology for treatment of acid mine drainage for separation/recovery of metal ions and mitigation of their toxicity to sulfate reducing bacteria. This study describes the equilibrium biosorption of Zn(II) and Cu(II) by nonviable activated sludge in a packed column adsorber. The Zn(II) uptake capacity of unconditioned sludge (not subjected to processing other than drying) was found to decrease in repeated adsorption–desorption cycles, declining by a factor greater than 20 from cycle 1 to cycle 6. Equilibrium uptake of metals by dried sludge conditioned by exposure to deionized water at a pH corresponding to that of the feed solution showed a strong pH dependence and was modeled using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Equilibrium metal uptakes from solutions containing single metal ion were 2.5 mg g(dry biomass)−1 and 3.4 mg g(dry biomass)−1 for Zn(II), and 1.9 mg g(dry biomass)−1 and 5.9 mg g(dry biomass)−1 for Cu(II) at pH 3.0 and 3.8, respectively. Equilibrium uptakes from binary mixtures were 30% lower than single component solution uptakes for both metals, indicating some competition between the two metals. No hysteresis was detected between adsorption and desorption equilibria. Anion concentration and pH measurements indicated that simultaneous sorption of metal cation and sulfate anion was probably occurring at pH 3.0, while proton exchange predominated at pH 3.8. Results of the study point to the usefulness of non-viable activated sludge as a biosorbent for recovery/separation of metal ions from acid mine drainages.
Evaluating group decision support system effectiveness: A performance study of decision conferencing

Abstract Effectiveness of decision making with decision conferences was explored by examining groups using the Decision Techtronics Group. Quantitative data were gathered through a self-administered survey of participants in 14 conferences. Perceived conference effectiveness was assessed with respect to a global outcome measure and 8 scales measuring the decision process effectiveness, based on the Competing Values Approach to organizational analysis. Differences in perceived conference success were related to (1) the proportion of participants who believed the conference resulted in a decision, and (2) the level of benefits derived from: full support of the structure or preference technology; the opportunity for full, extended discussion; development of an action plan; and expected resolution of the problem by the conference end.
Publishers, United States foreign policy and the third world, 1960–1967

One phase of the United States government's attempts to counteract the Soviet psychological offensive in the 1960s was the forging of a partnership with U.S. publishers. Within that framework, the United States government rectified its tainted record on the international flow of information by legislating the Florence and Beirut Agreements; revised its attitude towards international copyright legislation, sorted out issues confronting the American book industry abroad, and consolidated U.S. government agencies' book activities. The aggregate activities unfolding within that banner culminated in the United States' adoption of the National Policy on International Book and Library Activities in 1967—a policy which was never fully implemented. Those 1960s initiatives constitute a framework for formulating a post-Cold War cultural relations policy.
Concurrent use of amphetamine stimulants and antidepressants by undergraduate students

Undergraduate students were recruited to participate in an online survey to report their use of amphetamine stimulants and other drugs. Significant differences were found between students reporting (n=79; 4.0%) and not reporting (n=1,897; 96%) amphetamine-stimulant use in the past month - in terms of race/ethnicity, class standing, residence, health symptoms, self-health report - in addition to alcohol, tobacco, pain-reliever, and antidepressant use. Health symptoms reported more often by stimulant users included depression, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and nicotine craving. Health care providers of college students should query these patients about symptoms that could be related to depression and amphetamine use. In particular, they should provide education at the point of care around the risks of amphetamine use in general and the specific risks in those students who have symptoms of depression and/or are taking antidepressant medication. Prevention programs should also target the risks of concurrent use of amphetamines, antidepressants, and other drugs among college students.
The relationship of stress and social support to life satisfaction: Age effects

The present study rephrased the debate between activity and disengagement theorists using the terminology of the stress/social support literature. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) stress has more of a negative impact on the life satisfaction of those under age 75 than those over age 75; (2) social support has more of a positive effect on life satisfaction in those under age 75 than those over age 75; (3) the buffering effect of social support is stronger in the under age 75 group than the over age 75 group. The analyses supported hypotheses 1 and 2, but not hypothesis 3.
Current concepts and controversies in the management of early stage Hodgkin lymphoma

Over the past three decades, due to the recognition of late effects related to high-dose extended field radiotherapy and heavy alkylator chemotherapy, combined modality therapy with abbreviated chemotherapy and limited field radiotherapy has emerged as the standard of care for early stage Hodgkin lymphoma, with cure rates in excess of 80%. Currently, however, controversy remains over identifying the most appropriate criteria to risk-stratify patients with early stage disease, so that those with a favorable prognosis receive limited treatment without compromising cure rates and those with unfavorable risk receive more intensified therapy. The optimal risk stratification system remains unclear, with variable definitions of favorable and unfavorable disease used by research groups in North America and Europe. Thus, comparison of clinical trial results has been challenging, and additional controversies persist regarding optimal chemotherapy regimens, duration of therapy, and the role of radiotherapy. Investig...
Efficient generation of human hepatocytes by the intrahepatic delivery of clonal human mesenchymal stem cells in fetal sheep.

Alternative methods to whole liver transplantation require a suitable cell that can be expanded to obtain sufficient numbers required for successful transplantation while maintaining the ability to differentiate into hepatocytes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess several advantageous characteristics for cell-based therapy and have been shown to be able to differentiate into hepatocytes. Thus, we investigated whether the intrahepatic delivery of human MSCs is a safe and effective method for generating human hepatocytes and whether the route of administration influences the levels of donor-derived hepatocytes and their pattern of distribution throughout the parenchyma of the recipient's liver. Human clonally derived MSCs were transplanted by an intraperitoneal (n = 6) or intrahepatic (n = 6) route into preimmune fetal sheep. The animals were analyzed 56–70 days after transplantation by immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry. The intrahepatic injection of human MSCs was safe and resulted in more efficient generation of hepatocytes (12.5% ± 3.5% versus 2.6% ± 0.4%). The animals that received an intrahepatic injection exhibited a widespread distribution of hepatocytes throughout the liver parenchyma, whereas an intraperitoneal injection resulted in a preferential periportal distribution of human hepatocytes that produced higher amounts of albumin. Furthermore, hepatocytes were generated from MSCs without the need to first migrate/lodge to the bone marrow and give rise to hematopoietic cells. Conclusion: Our studies provide evidence that MSCs are a valuable source of cells for liver repair and regeneration and that, by the alteration of the site of injection, the generation of hepatocytes occurs in different hepatic zones, suggesting that a combined transplantation approach may be necessary to successfully repopulate the liver with these cells. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Caring for renal patients during loss and bereavement.

Summary Many of us are not prepared in assisting patients through the final phase of the life cycle. Recognising physical manifestations of stress, understanding why patients experience loss with kidney disease, and realising the supportive role that staff play for a patient undergoing this process, are key to assisting the patient to cope with loss and bereavement. The renal caregiver can assist the patient to view the ESRD life from another perspective as they journey through the life cycle to death. In so doing, the renal caregiver can recognise the needs of the family during this period, thus making them feel they fulfil a valuable role in the patient's final care. Being with a patient and family at the time of death is extremely rewarding as it helps the staff bring closure to the nurse patient relationship.
Shrinkable decompositions of non-metric manifolds can produce other manifolds

Abstract This paper presents an example of a shrinkable (in the sense of Bing) cellular upper semi-continuous decomposition of a non-metric Hausdorff 2-manifold V such that the associated decomposition space is a 2-manifold topologically distinct from V .
The development of status distinctions under conditions of inequity

Abstract To distribute a status, such as task responsibility, so as to maximize the expected value of its outcome, a group may be forced to violate standards of equity and thereby do harm to affective relations among members. The circumstances under which this is likely were specified as follows: If a rational distribution of responsibility requires marked discrepancies in status, inequities occur (1) as the individual differences in task proficiency decrease, and (2) as the status becomes an increasingly significant reward or cost. Dyads performed a group reaction-time task in which they decided how much each member's performance would count in determining the joint outcome. Initially each performed had equal responsibility for the joint outcome. The rational solution was to permit the superior performer to assume complete responsibility. Under conditions of maximal inequity there was a tendency to avoid such a distribution, to wit, the rate at which the inferior performer was divested of responsibility was considerably slower than under conditions of minimal inequity. Furthermore, the inferior performer seemed to compensate for his humiliation by taking the lead in advocating a rational reorganization of the status hierarchy, while the superior performer seemed to make amends to his partner by allowing him to control decisions to reorganize and by evidencing a personal preference for a status distribution that was relatively lenient on the latter, one that would not maximize the expected value of their outcome.
Attitudes Toward Dissection in Medieval Islam

La question de savoir si la dissection etait pratiquee au Moyen Age par les peuples islamiques, reste ambigue. En effet, bien que cette pratique ait ete prohibee par la loi, cela n'implique pas necessairement la non-execution de la technique, et l'A. montre que les lois islamiques ne font pas de distinction entre la vie religieuse, politique et civile
Use of intravenous diltiazem in patients with acute coronary artery disease

The use of calcium antagonists for the treatment of patients with unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction has been a promising area of both basic and clinical research. Despite consistently beneficial effects experimentally, the clinical extrapolation of these results has been less than ideal, especially in patients with evolving myocardial infarction. Calcium antagonists have in some instances failed to manifest benefit and at times have been shown to have negative effects. One reason for this could be the use of oral or sublingual preparations, which result in variable absorption, variable volumes of distribution, and variable clearance. For this reason, an intravenous preparation of one of the calcium antagonists, diltiazem, may be more beneficial. Such a preparation has been developed and its safety confirmed in patients without cardiovascular disease and in patients with acute infarction. Substantial benefit has been documented in patients with stable angina and during noncardiac surgery. Preliminary data in patients with unstable angina suggest that the drug is effective, although studies comparing intravenous diltiazem with other agents or with the oral preparation of diltiazem have not yet been reported. Experimental data in animals with acute infarction have demonstrated that administration of intravenous diltiazem after occlusion, but prior to reperfusion, elicits a marked increase in the degree of myocardial salvage induced by thrombolysis. This appears to be due to the inhibition of lipid peroxidation rather than alterations in coronary perfusion. Thus, it appears that the intravenous preparation may permit the more effective use of diltiazem in patients with acute coronary artery disease.
Corporatism and the ‘privileged position’ of business

This article examines the contradictions between Lindblom's thesis of the ‘privileged position of business’ and the corporatist views of writers such as Schmitter and Lehmbruch. The implications of the two theories are analysed in the context of the exchanges between the capital and labour in corporatist systems. The analysis focuses on the kinds of exchange business may enter into, with special attention to the question of capital mobility, for that gives important insights into the stability of corporatist systems. Case studies of Sweden and Norway show that the kinds of bargain struck under corporatism may have serious consequences for corporatism, both as an analytical device and as a working system.
The heat capacity of polymers

Abstract The long path to an understanding of heat capacity is traced from isothermal and adiabatic calorimetries to the most recent three methods of isoperibol, scanning, and temperature-modulated calorimetry (TMDSC). These latter three methods are: the traditional method of scanning thermal analysis; the quasi-isothermal method of finding the maximum amplitude of the periodic heat flow in response to a temperature modulation at a constant base temperature; and the pseudo-isothermal analysis of a temperature-modulated scanning experiment by subtracting the effect due to the underlying constant heating rate. In parallel, the development of the knowledge about phases and molecules is traced from its beginning to present-day nanophases and macromolecules.
The Subject Specialist Librarian's Role in Providing Distance Learning Services

Subject specialist librarians play a role in providing resources and services to distance students. The authors surveyed subject librarians and distance librarians, examining how and to what extent subject librarians provide service to distance learners.