cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen and boron nutrition in grafted watermelon II: Impact on nutrient accumulation in fruit rind and flesh.

Turkey ranks second in watermelon (Citrullus lunatus L.) production globally and the highest production is witnessed for Cukurova plains the country. Although watermelon is extensively cultivated in the Cukurova region, studies on optimum nitrogen (N) and boron (B) doses for watermelon cultivation are quite limited. This study, evaluated the impact of increasing N (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg ha-1) and B (0 and 2 kg ha-1 B) doses on nutrient uptake in rind (exocarp) and flesh (endocarp) of watermelon fruit. Grafted watermelon variety 'Starburst', widely cultivated in the region was used as experimental material. The concentrations of different macro and micronutrients were analyzed from fruit rind and flesh. Individual and interactive effect of N and B doses significantly altered macro and micronutrients' uptake in rind and flesh. Higher amounts of macro and micronutrients were accumulated in rind than flesh. Nutrients' uptake was increased with increasing N doses, whereas B had limited impact. The accumulated nutrients were within the safe limits for human consumption. The N concentrations of rind and flesh increased with increasing N dose. Similarly, B concentration in rind and flesh and N concentration in rind significantly increased, while N concentration in flesh decreased with B application. It was concluded that 270 kg ha-1 N and 2 kg ha-1 B are optimum for better nutrient uptake in watermelon fruit. Thus, these doses must be used for watermelon cultivation in Cukurova plains of the country.
NeuroDB: A Neural Network Framework for Answering Range Aggregate Queries and Beyond.

Range aggregate queries (RAQs) are an integral part of many real-world applications, where, often, fast and approximate answers for the queries are desired. Recent work has studied answering RAQs using machine learning models, where a model of the data is learned to answer the queries. However, such modelling choices fail to utilize any query specific information. To capture such information, we observe that RAQs can be represented by query functions, which are functions that take a query instance (i.e., a specific RAQ) as an input and output its corresponding answer. Using this representation, we formulate the problem of learning to approximate the query function, and propose NeuroDB, a query specialized neural network framework, that answers RAQs efficiently. NeuroDB is query-type agnostic (i.e., it does not make any assumption about the underlying query type) and our observation that queries can be represented by functions is not specific to RAQs. Thus, we investigate whether NeuroDB can be used for other query types, by applying it to distance to nearest neighbour queries. We experimentally show that NeuroDB outperforms the state-of-the-art for this query type, often by orders of magnitude. Moreover, the same neural network architecture as for RAQs is used, bringing to light the possibility of using a generic framework to answer any query type efficiently.
The Failed Federalism of Affordable Housing: Why States Don't Use Housing Vouchers

This Article uncovers a critical disjuncture in our system of providing affordable rental housing. At the federal level, the oldest, fiercest debate in low-income housing policy is between project-based and tenant-based subsidies: should the government help build new affordable housing projects or help renters afford homes on the private market? But at the state and local level, it is as if this debate never took place. The federal government (following most experts) employs both strategies, embracing tenant-based assistance as more cost-effective and offering tenants greater choice and mobility. But this Article shows that state and local housing voucher programs are rare, small, and limited to special populations. States and cities almost exclusively provide project-based rental assistance. They move in lockstep despite disparate market conditions and political demands: project-based spending overwhelmingly predominates in states that are liberal or conservative and high- or low-rent. States have done so across decades of increased spending. This uniform subnational approach suggests an unhealthy federalism: neither efficient nor experimental. This Article further diagnoses why states have made this unusual choice, identifying four primary culprits: 1) fiscally-constrained states use project-based models to minimize painful cuts during recessions; 2) incomplete federal housing subsidies inadvertently incentivize project-based spending; 3) the interest groups involved in financing and constructing affordable housing are relatively more powerful subnationally; and 4) rental assistance’s unusual, lottery-like nature elevates the value of visible spending over cost-effectiveness. Finally, this Article points a path towards reform. Taking a federalist perspective allows for a new understanding of federal housing statutes. Better cooperative models could accept states’ limitations in providing rental assistance—and exploit their strengths.
Generation and characterization of a monoclonal antibody against canine tissue factor

Tissue factor (TF, coagulation factor III) has recently identified roles in innate immunity and cancer. We generated a murine mAb against canine TF (cTF) cloned from Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovarian (CHO) cells, with an equine IL-4 tag. One clone was selected for purification based on initial screening of CHO cell supernatants. The mAb was further characterized with flow cytometry, immunofluorescent microscopy, immunoblotting and immunohistochemical staining of normal and neoplastic canine tissue. The mAb labeled high, but not low, TF-expressing canine breast cancer (CMT25) and osteosarcoma (HMPOS) cells with flow cytometry and immunofluorescent microscopy. Immunoblotting revealed a 42kDa protein with homogenized canine brain and CMT25, but not HMPOS, lysates. The mAb labeled renal tubules and glomeruli, intestinal and dermal epithelium, and arteriolar adventitial cells in frozen tissues. Using immunofluorescent microscopy, increased numbers of labeled PBMCs were observed after LPS stimulation. Our results indicate that the anti-cTF mAb detects a protein with the expected tissue distribution and molecular weight of TF in normal, LPS-stimulated and neoplastic canine cells. This mAb may prove useful for exploring the role of TF in neoplastic and infectious disorders in dogs.
Joint Community and Anomaly Tracking in Dynamic Networks

Most real-world networks exhibit community structure, a phenomenon characterized by existence of node clusters whose intra-edge connectivity is stronger than edge connectivities between nodes belonging to different clusters. In addition to facilitating a better understanding of network behavior, community detection finds many practical applications in diverse settings. Communities in online social networks are indicative of shared functional roles, or affiliation to a common socio-economic status, the knowledge of which is vital for targeted advertisement. In buyer-seller networks, community detection facilitates better product recommendations. Unfortunately, reliability of community assignments is hindered by anomalous user behavior often observed as unfair self-promotion, or “fake” highly-connected accounts created to promote fraud. The present paper advocates a novel approach for jointly tracking communities while detecting such anomalous nodes in time-varying networks. By postulating edge creation as the result of mutual community participation by node pairs, a dynamic factor model with anomalous memberships captured through a sparse outlier matrix is put forth. Efficient tracking algorithms suitable for both online and decentralized operation are developed. Experiments conducted on both synthetic and real network time series successfully unveil underlying communities and anomalous nodes.
A preliminary study of the attitude control for the Shuttle Tethered Satellite System

The objective of this investigation is to determine the equations of motion governing the attitude of a tethered satellite and subsequently to gain insight toward obtaining an appropriate control law. This study relates the coupling of the rotational dynamics of the satellite with the dynamical system of the Orbiter already constructed. In particular, a simplified approach is utilized to describe the satellite as constrained to planar motion. Modifications to the existing tethered satellite trajectory simulation provide a conceptual study of the satellite's behavior and its effect on the overall system.
Use of the Preperitoneal Space in Inguinofemoral Herniorrhaphy: Historical Considerations

In ancient Egypt, groin hernias were treated only by external manipulation and bandaging, but celiotomy was used in India by the Hindus in the Brahmanic era (800-500 BC) and Praxagoras in Greece (350 BC) for the relief of obstructed and strangulated bowel resistant to taxis. Reduction of intestine, with or without incision of the hernial ring (kelotomy) or resection was accomplished through a small incision in the linea alba near the protrusion. During the Dark Ages, this procedure continued to be performed in the East. Most of the Greeks and all the Romans cut from below.1 This dichotomy between the transabdominal (posterior) and the inguinal (anterior) routes continued. In the Middle Ages, the incisor Stromayr, in his manuscript of 1559,2 illustrated transfixion of the spermatic cord at the external inguinal ring. Cantemir reported on transperitoneal taxis and repair in his history of the Ottoman Empire. This was translated into French by Joncquieres3 in 1743, and Marcy published it in English in 1892.4
On Throughput Maximization Problem for UWB-Based Sensor Networks via Reformulation–Linearization Technique

Nonlinear optimization problems (if not convex) are NP-hard in general. One effective approach to develop efficient solutions for these problems is to apply the branch-and-bound (BB) framework. A key step in BB is to obtain a tight linear relaxation for each nonlinear term. In this chapter, we show how to apply a powerful technique, called Reformulation–Linearization Technique (RLT), for this purpose. We consider a throughput maximization problem for an ultra-wideband (UWB)-based sensor network. Given a set of source sensor nodes in the network with each node generating a certain data rate, we want to determine whether or not it is possible to relay all these rates successfully to the base station. We formulate an optimization problem, with joint consideration of physical layer power control, link layer scheduling, and network layer routing. We show how to solve this nonlinear optimization problem by applying RLT and BB. We also use numerical results to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed solution.
MO-FG-303-03: Demonstration of Universal Knowledge-Based 3D Dose Prediction

Purpose: To demonstrate a knowledge-based 3D dose prediction methodology that can accurately predict achievable radiotherapy distributions. Methods: Using previously treated plans as input, an artificial neural network (ANN) was trained to predict 3D dose distributions based on 14 patient-specific anatomical parameters including the distance (r) to planning target volume (PTV) boundary, organ-at-risk (OAR) boundary distances, and angular position ( θ,φ). 23 prostate and 49 stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) cases with ≥1 nearby OARs were studied. All were planned with volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to prescription doses of 81Gy for prostate and 12–30Gy for SRS. Site-specific ANNs were trained using all prostate 23 plans and using a 24 randomly-selected subset for the SRS model. The remaining 25 SRS plans were used to validate the model. To quantify predictive accuracy, the dose difference between the clinical plan and prediction were calculated on a voxel-by-voxel basis δD(r,θ,φ)=Dclin(r,θ,φ)-Dpred(r, θ,φ). Grouping voxels by boundary distance, the mean =(1/N)Σ _θ,φ D(r,θ,φ) and inter-quartile range (IQR) quantified the accuracy of this method for deriving DVH estimations. The standard deviation (σ) of δ D quantified the 3D dose prediction error on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Results: The ANNs were highly accurate in predictive ability for both prostate and SRS plans. For prostate, ranged from −0.8% to +0.6% (max IQR=3.8%) over r=0–32mm, while 3D dose prediction accuracy averaged from σ=5–8% across the same range. For SRS, from r=0–34mm the training set ranged from −3.7% to +1.5% (max IQR=4.4%) while the validation set ranged from −2.2% to +5.8% (max IQR=5.3%). 3D dose prediction accuracy averaged σ=2.5% for the training set and σ=4.0% over the same interval. Conclusion: The study demonstrates this technique’s ability to predict achievable 3D dose distributions for VMAT SRS and prostate. Future investigations will attempt to separate and quantify modeling error and plan quality variations in the statistical noise. Research funding support from Varian Medical Systems
In Memoriam: Yale Rosenberg

In memory of Yale Rosenberg, much-appreciated colleague at the University of Houston Law Center.
Photodehydrocyclizations of stilbene-like compounds—XI

Abstract The synthesis of a new double helicene, diphenanthro[4.3-a;3′.4′-o]picene, is described. Of the two possible diastereoisomers only one was obtained as a racemate. The compound was partly resolved with TAPA yielding fractions enriched with one or the other enantiomer. They could not be converted into the other diastereomer by heating, but racemized under these conditions at a relatively low temperature and with a rate comparable to that of the racemization of hexahelicene at the same temperature. The NMR spectrum is discussed.
Advanced internetwork design — today and in the future

This paper highlights the current approach to large-scale internetwork design using today‘s network layer routeing protocols. It describes how large internetworks can be constructed to provide stability, resilience and scalability, together with a set of best practice design guidelines for those involved in the planning of large data networks, highlighting the key issues to be considered. The paper looks at how new technologies are likely to enhance this design approach, in particular, how the full potential of cell switching can be realised through emerging technologies such as integrated switching and routeing. The paper concludes that the model proposed for large-scale networks based on current routeing protocols and technologies can be enhanced to make optimum use of switched WAN services such as ATM, through the use of newer routeing technologies.
Symptom index P‐value and symptom sensitivity index P‐value to determine symptom association between apnea and reflux in premature infants at term

Summary The current method to determine temporal association (TA) between reflux and symptoms is the symptom association probability (SAP), but this method has limitations due to the constraints of binning and the violation of statistical principles of the Fisher's exact test that lead to an invalid estimation of TA. The aim of this study is to develop improved methods of computing the TA between apneic and reflux events using simulation and permutation methods and to compare these to the SAP. TA was analyzed between polysomnographic obstructive apneas and multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) reflux events. Three new numerical methods were compared to the SAP in four former premature infants with persistent apneas at term. The experimentally found association was compared to the association observed in simulated or permuted data consistent with the lack of association beyond what is expected by chance alone. Temporal association was computed based on symptom and symptom sensitivity indices, SI and SSI, with varying window of association (WA) times from 15 to 300 s. The three new methods estimated P-values at varying WA that generally followed the same pattern of the SAP which had a more erratic pattern. The WA that gave the lowest P-value was approximately 120 s. Each of the novel methods produced P-value results consistent with each other and the SAP yet not subject to its limitations. The variation of WA gave a temporal profile of TA providing clues to its etiology. These new metrics are called Symptom Index (SIP) and Symptom Sensitivity Index (SSIP) P-values.
Coalitional game theory approach to modeling suppliers' collaboration in supply networks

Abstract Suppliers' collaboration is a new paradigm to improve the utilization of collective intelligence in supply networks. Although existing literature advocates the notion of cooperation in supply networks, there is a dearth of studies quantitatively analyzing cost and benefit of cooperation. In this study, we first develop a model for suppliers' dynamic coalition formation using coalitional game theory. The proposed cost structure influences the utility of each possible coalition and restricts the coalition size and search space for finding possible coalitions. To distribute the profit earned by cooperation in a fair manner, a criterion named Shared Capacity Index is developed according to suppliers' capacity share in the corresponding coalition. A suppliers' cooperation algorithm is then proposed to resolve possible conflicts among network members whereby each supplier is able to explore coalitional structures autonomously. The efficiency of the proposed approach is evaluated through simulation studies and compared to other solution methods, including Shapley value and Proportional Fairness. Results demonstrate that long-term cooperation among suppliers leads to enhanced average individual profit in the network.
Gene expression neighborhoods

The finding that neighboring eukaryotic genes are often expressed in similar patterns suggests the involvement of chromatin domains in the control of genes within a genomic neighborhood.
Multicultural experiences of family caregiving: a study of African American, European American, and Hispanic American Families

There is growing attention to the roles of families as caregivers of relatives with serious mental illness. This chapter examines the experiences of family caregivers in diverse cultures and discusses the implications of these experiences for the goal of supporting families in these roles.
Monosodium glutamate and analgesia induced by morphine: Test-specific effects

Abstract Neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) destroyed perikarya in the arcuate nucleus and median eminence, including those that contain met-enkephalin and beta-endorphin and it increased the density of opiate receptors in the midbrain. Treatment with glutamate decreased the analgesic response on the jump test following a 10 mg/kg dose of morphine, yet increased the analgesic response on the hot-plate test following a 1 mg/kg dose of morphine. The present study demonstrated that changes in morphine-induced analgesia induced by glutamate varied as functions of the pain test and of gender. While males treated with glutamate displayed attenuated analgesia induced by morphine (2.5–15 mg/kg) on the jump test, jump thresholds of females treated with glutamate were potentiated after a 10 mg/kg dose of morphine and attenuated after a 15 mg/kg dose of morphine, relative o controls. In contrast, analgesia on the hot-plate test was potentiated in animals of both genders treated with glutamate after all doses of morphine. Changes in tolerance to morphine induced by glutamate also depended on the pain test and gender. While the peak analgesic response on the jump test did not occur until the fifth injection of morphine in all rats treated with glutamate, tolerance on the jump test was subsequently retarded in males treated with glutamate and accelerated in glutamate-treated females. Tolerance on the hot-plate test appeared not to be consistently affected by treatment with glutamate. Morphine-induced hyperthermia was initially decreased in rats treated with glutamate, but subsequently decreased in glutamate-treated males and increased in glutamate-treated females. Loss of body weight induced by the chronic administration of opiates was exacerbated by treatment with glutamate, particularly in males. These data are discussed in terms of other neuroendocrinological dysfunctions induced by neonatal treatment with glutamate and they indicate that no simple model of selective destruction of stores of endogenous opioids can account for all of the alterations in the responses to opiates.
The antiemetic efficacy of oral ondansetron plus intravenous dexamethasone in patients with gynecologic malignancies receiving carboplatin-based chemotherapy.

Abstract Purpose. The purpose of this study was to develop a cost-effective prophylactic antiemetic regimen for the prevention of carboplatin-induced emesis. Methods. Patients being treated in the Gynecologic Cancer Program of the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center with a carboplatin-based chemotherapy regimen received a prophylactic antiemetic program consisting of a single dose of oral ondansetron (16 mg) plus intravenous dexamethasone (20 mg) approximately 30 min prior to chemotherapy. Evaluation of the effectiveness of this antiemetic regimen was performed during a single treatment course. Results. A total of 27 patients (median age, 62; range, 41–83) participated in this phase 2 trial. Three patients received single-agent carboplatin, and 24 were treated with either a carboplatin/paclitaxel or carboplatin/docetaxel regimen. The carboplatin AUC dosing level was 4, 5, or 6 in 6, 5, and 16 individuals, respectively. No patient developed vomiting; 2 (7%) individuals experienced nausea during the 24-h period following chemotherapy administration. Conclusion. The combination of a single dose of oral ondansetron (16 mg) plus intravenous dexamethasone (20 mg) is an effective prophylactic antiemetic regimen for patients receiving carboplatin-based chemotherapy.
The Current State and Future of Stroke: Introduction

The presentations and accompanying papers during this session of the Princeton Conference highlight that although we have seen favorable trends in stroke burden in the United States (eg, declining incidence and mortality rates), stroke continues to represent a major challenge to public health. As described by Kim et al,1 stroke will take on increasing importance in the United States because of changing demographics (ie, the graying of America) and globally because of unfavorable trends in vascular risk factors and limited resources to address chronic diseases in developing countries. Although favorable …
Electronic transition CN laser

A 20 kW electric-discharge pumped CN laser oscillating on the A(2) Pi-X(2) Sigma molecular system is presented. Excitation is by a simple longitudinal discharge struck through HCN vapor. Twenty kW peak power is generated in a 150 nsec full-width half-maximum pulse. Two lasing bands were observed in the A-X system: the (0,1) and (0,2) bands near 1.42 and 2.0 microns respectively. Both P and Q branches are active in the two bands, with Q bands stronger. Peak laser energy is 3 mJ. Products of UV photolysis of HCN, electron impact excitation of HCN, and other possible excitation mechanisms and laser efficiency are discussed.
Rgs2 mediates pro-angiogenic function of myeloid derived suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment via upregulation of MCP-1.

Background Tumor growth is intimately linked with stromal interactions. Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are dramatically elevated in cancer patients and tumor bearing mice. MDSCs modulate the tumor microenvironment through attenuating host immune response and increasing vascularization. Methodology/Principal Findings In searching for molecular mediators responsible for pro-tumor functions, we found that regulator of G protein signaling-2 (Rgs2) is highly increased in tumor-derived MDSCs compared to control MDSCs. We further demonstrate that hypoxia, a common feature associated with solid tumors, upregulates the gene expression. Genetic deletion of Rgs2 in mice resulted in a significant retardation of tumor growth, and the tumors exhibit decreased vascular density and increased cell death. Interestingly, deletion of Rgs2 in MDSCs completely abolished their tumor promoting function, suggesting that Rgs2 signaling in MDSCs is responsible for the tumor promoting function. Cytokine array profiling identified that Rgs2−/− tumor MDSCs produce less MCP-1, leading to decreased angiogenesis, which could be restored with addition of recombinant MCP-1. Conclusion Our data reveal Rgs2 as a critical regulator of the pro-angiogenic function of MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment, through regulating MCP-1 production.
Reasons and Inclusion: The Foundation of Deliberation*:

This article provides two empirical evaluations of deliberation. Given that scholars of deliberation often argue for its importance without empirical support, we first examine whether there is a “deliberative difference”; if actors engaging in deliberation arrive at different decisions than those who think on their own or “just talk.” As we find a general convergence within deliberation scholarship around reasons and inclusion, the second test examines whether these two specific mechanisms are central to deliberation. The first evaluation looks at outcomes within a laboratory setting; the second at videotapes of decision-making processes within this setting. Our results show two things. First, in terms of outcomes, deliberation differs from other forms of interaction. Second, reasons and inclusion are central to the deliberative process. The more reasons provided within each group, the more likely participants were to change their position; similarly, the more inclusive groups were, the more likely participants were to change their position. We conclude by arguing that more work needs to be done, both in evaluating the deliberative difference and in disaggregating deliberation and examining its central explanatory mechanisms.
Students Aren’t Consumers

In many areas of the economy, higher standards work to improve sales. In academia, it’s the reverse. Thus the student as consumer has become part of academic decline. The classroom differs considerably from the university’s various housekeeping and recreational services. When the student is resident in the classroom, he is a learner, not a consumer. The challenge in this scenario is keeping the consumer side and the academic side of the student experience distinct. Unfortunately, “creeping consumerism” has inched into the academic side, namely in grade inflation; student evaluations, which weigh heavily in faculty retention and promotion; the tendency by students to regard syllabi as contracts; and the expectation among many students that their instructors should provide study guides to their courses. All of these developments further commodify the student experience of higher education.
Use of laparoscopic techniques in oncologic right colectomy in a canine model.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic oncologic right colectomy (RC) with intraperitoneal ileocolic anastomosis (ICA) in a canine model. Methods: In 21 dogs a laparoscopic RC with transection of the main right colic artery and removal of adjacent lymph nodes (LN) was carried out using an Nd:YAG contact laser and endoscopic stapler. Two weeks after surgery, all animals were killed. The number of remaining right colon mesenteric LN, length of remaining right colic artery, bursting pressure (BP) of ICA, and postoperative morbidity were evaluated. Results: No major intraoperative complications were recorded. One dog died of pneumonia and heartworms. There were no postoperative septic or anastomotic complications. All dogs passed feces within the first 24 h postoperatively. Median operative time was 135 min (range 105–180 min). Length of remaining right colic artery after oncologic resection was 4.5 mm (range 3–7 mm), the number of remaining LN was 0, and the median anastomotic BP was 232 mm Hg (range 132–312 mm Hg). Conclusion: Oncologic resection of the right colon with high vascular ligation, wide mesenteric clearance of LN, and intraperitoneal anastomosis is feasible and safe in a canine model.
The Outlook for Population Growth

Projections of population size, growth rates, and age distribution, although extending to distant horizons, shape policies today for the economy, environment, and government programs such as public pensions and health care. The projections can lead to costly policy adjustments, which in turn can cause political and economic turmoil. The United Nations projects global population to grow from about 7 billion today to 9.3 billion in 2050 and 10.1 billion in 2100, while the Old Age Dependency Ratio doubles by 2050 and triples by 2100. How are such population projections made, and how certain can we be about the trends they foresee?
An inhibitory role for morphine on the release of dopamine into hypophysial portal blood and on the synthesis of dopamine in tuberoinfundibular neurons

Abstract The intracerebroventricular administration of morphine to ovariectomized rats resulted in a marked decrease in the concentration of dopamine in plasma of hypophysial portal blood. A 90% reduction in the rate of release of hypothalamic dopamine into hypophysial portal blood occurred during the 60 min following the intraventricular administration of 60 ng of morphine sulfate. A dose-related decrease in the rate of release of dopamine into the portal vasculature was observed between 7.5 ng and 60 ng of morphine sulfate. Regardless of the quantity of morphine sulfate (1–500 ng) given to the animals, the concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine in hypophysial portal plasma and femoral arterial plasma remained unchanged. The efficacy of morphine on the release of dopamine into hypophysial portal blood was not associated with an equal efficacy of the drug on the synthesis of dopamine in tuberoinfundibular neurons, as evaluated by the accumulation of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) in the median eminence of rats given 3-hydroxybenzylhydrazine (NSD 1015). No effect of morphine was observed on DOPA accumulation in the median eminence of NSD-treated rats that had received 50 ng of morphine sulfate intracerebroventricularly, and only a 50% reduction was observed in the accumulation of DOPA in the median eminence of rats given 500 ng of morphine sulfate. These findings are supportive of the view that morphine inhibits both the release and synthesis of dopamine but is more effective in inhibiting the release than synthesis of dopamine.
Psychoactive substance use among American anesthesiologists : a 30-year retrospective study

The purpose of this study was to assess the cumulative incidence of substance use among anesthesiologists during training and practice, the effect of stress on drug use, and deterrent efficacy of institutional prevention programmes. The 260 anesthesiologists who had trained at the Medical College of Wisconsin between 1958-1988 were surveyed by mail regarding psychoactive substance use. Analysis of 183 responses focused on demographic and psychosocial factors. Substances used most frequently included: alcohol (91.6%), marijuana (30.8%) and cocaine (9.4%). Twenty-nine (15.8%) anesthesiologists were identified as being substance-dependent: 19 were alcohol-impaired; six were drug-impaired, and four were dependent on both alcohol and drugs. Impairment was more prevalent in anesthesiologists who had completed their training after 1975. Fifty-eight (32%) anesthesiologists had used illicit drugs to "get high"; 11 acknowledged daily use for two weeks or more, with eight admitting dependency. Substance abuse was more common in parents of impaired anesthesiologists (35.7%) than in unimpaired colleagues (8.1%; P < 0.001). The divorce rate for impaired anesthesiologists (24.1%) was greater than for unimpaired anesthesiologists (5.2%; P < 0.001). Increased stress during training was not reflected by increased substance use. Few recalled any drug counseling whatsoever. Seventy percent assessed hospital drug control policies as fair or poor. Younger respondents (born after 1951) were more critical of drug control programmes than their older cohort. Incidents of substance abuse were reported for both residents and faculty. Psychoactive substance abuse remains a serious problem among anesthesiologists.
Using inquiry methods to foster information literacy partnerships

By broadening the definition of information literacy to include classroom activities, the Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ACRLs) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education challenge academic librarians to reach beyond the library to teach critical thinking. This article explains how the American Social History Project’s New Media Classroom initiative fosters active utilization of primary sources on the Web. After placing NMC’s inquiry activities within educational, school librarian, and academic librarian debates, their use within women’s studies classes at Salem State College is demonstrated. It is argued that such activities help academic librarians to achieve parity with discipline faculty members by encouraging librarians to become integrally involved in classroom activities.
Robotic motion planning in dynamic, cluttered, uncertain environments

This paper presents a strategy for planning robot motions in dynamic, cluttered, and uncertain environments. Successful and efficient operation in such environments requires reasoning about the future system evolution and the uncertainty associated with obstacles and moving agents in the environment. This paper presents a novel procedure to account for future information gathering (and the quality of that information) in the planning process. After first presenting a formal Dynamic Programming (DP) formulation, we present a Partially Closed-loop Receding Horizon Control algorithm whose approximation to the DP solution integrates prediction, estimation, and planning while also accounting for chance constraints that arise from the uncertain location of the robot and other moving agents. Simulation results in simple static and dynamic scenarios illustrate the benefit of the algorithm over classical approaches.
Adenohypophysial dopamine content and prolactin secretion in the aged male and female rat

In male rats the concentrations of dopamine (DA) in the adenohypophysis and of PRL in serum increase progressively with age. The increase in the DA content is not a consequence of reduced metabolism of DA, since the activities of the enzymes that deaminate (monoamine oxidase) and 0- methylate (catechol-O-methyltransferase) this amine are not reduced in the anterior pituitary of aged male rats; indeed, both type A and B monoamine oxidase activities are increased in the pituitaries of aged rats. The increased DA present in the aged adenohypophysis is not in a static pool but, as in young rats, is rapidly decreased by pharmacological treatments that reduce the activity of tuberoinfundibular DA neurons (7-butyrolactone), reduce the synthesis of DA in these neurons (a-methyltyrosine), or block DA receptors (haloperidol) in the adenohypophysis. All of these treatments increased serum PRL levels and reduced DA concentrations in the adenohypophysis of both young and aged rats. Similarly, in female rats, where age...
The Promise and Politics of Older Adult Education

Opportunities for senior adults the world over to participate in formal and informal educational programs have increased dramatically during the past 30 years. At the forefront of innovations in programs for older learners are those that invite members to share in teaching, governance, curriculum development, and future planning. This article traces how a variety of new programs have come about; reviews previous steps to expand and diversify older adult education, particularly in the Unites States and Canada; looks at levels of participation, learner objectives, institutional responses and rationales; and questions the underlying ideological commitments of government, aging organization, postsecondary educational institutions, and private sector groups to meet the needs and wants of today's retirement-age persons. A brief look in the "distant mirror" of China's universities for older people helps crystallize the current situation in the United States.
Transient probabilities of a single server priority queueing system

Transient probability functions of a single server preemptive (repeat-identical) two priority queueing system are determined using the randomization solution form and lattice path combinatorics.
Single-molecule studies of RNAPII elongation ☆

Elongation, the transcriptional phase in which RNA polymerase (RNAP) moves processively along a DNA template, occurs via a fundamental enzymatic mechanism that is thought to be universally conserved among multi-subunit polymerases in all kingdoms of life. Beyond this basic mechanism, a multitude of processes are integrated into transcript elongation, among them fidelity control, gene regulatory interactions involving elongation factors, RNA splicing or processing factors, and regulatory mechanisms associated with chromatin structure. Many kinetic and molecular details of the mechanism of the nucleotide addition cycle and its regulation, however, remain elusive and generate continued interest and even controversy. Recently, single-molecule approaches have emerged as powerful tools for the study of transcription in eukaryotic organisms. Here, we review recent progress and discuss some of the unresolved questions and ongoing debates, while anticipating future developments in the field. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: RNA Polymerase II Transcript Elongation.
The modified tongue-anchor technique as a screening test for velopharyngeal inadequacy: a reassessment.

Pressure-flow assessment of velopharyngeal (v-p) orifice size was used to test the accuracy with which tongue-anchor task results categorize patients differing in v-p adequacy status. The results i...
International conferences: Significant measures of success

Abstract This article reviews the literature on evaluating international conferences identifying significant factors which contribute to measured success. Extensive previous research over the last twenty years has identified criteria for evaluating success which continue to be ignored as international conferences repeat the same mistakes. More systematic research is needed. A framework of 25 evaluation measures is described for future research on the assessment of international conferences. Responses to three items of a questionnaire sent out by the East-West Culture Learning Institute as part of a project studying international conferences are also discussed, relating to evaluation measures, problems of evaluation and potential benefits of evaluation. Guidelines and suggestions are provided synthesizing the available research toward planning more successful international conferences in the future. In conclusion, six issues are identified for further clarification in future research on international conferences.
Response to Drs. Jones et al.

TO THE EDITOR: We thank Dr. Jones and his colleagues for their interest in our article and take this opportunity to address some of their concerns and respond to their comments.
Effects of ethanol injection to the preoptic area on sleep and temperature in rats.

Abstract Bilateral microinjection of ethanol to the preoptic area of rats causes a dose-dependent hypnotic effect at doses that do not affect brain temperature. Rats were polygraphically recorded for 6 h, and brain temperature was recorded every 10 min for 3 h. Administration of 0.047 μmol ethanol increased total sleep during the 3–6 h interval, while 0.24 and 0.47 μmol ethanol increased deep slow-wave sleep (SWS 2 ) and total sleep during the 3–6- and 0–6-h intervals. The 0.24-μmol ethanol microinjections also increased REM sleep for the 0–6-h interval. No changes in sleep latencies were observed.
Tools and Techniques for Decomposing and Managing Complex Design Projects

Many companies are looking for new tools and techniques to aid a design manager in making decisions that can reduce the time and cost of a design cycle. One tool that is available to aid in this decisionmaking process is the design manager's aid for intelligent decomposition (DeMAID). Since the initial public release of DeMAID in 1989, much research has been done in the areas of decomposition, concurrent engineering, and process management, and many new tools and techniques have been developed. Based on this research and development, numerous enhancements have been added to DeMAID to aid the design manager in saving both cost and time in a design cycle. The key enhancement, a genetic algorithm (GA), is available in the most recent public release called DeMAID/GA. The GA orders the sequence of design processes to minimize the cost and time to converge to a solution. Several of the most recent advances are discussed and compared with the enhancements in DeMAID/GA. An example of an aircraft conceptual design project is used to show how these enhancements can be applied to improve the design cycle.
RxSem: A rule based semantic integration method for medical informatics

Obesity and its related co-morbidities are chronic diseases with significant associated healthcare cost. Although many procedures, diets and medications have been introduced to induce weight loss, Bariatric surgery has been established as the most effective therapy for morbid obesity. However, the outcome of such surgeries is unpredictable. Bariatric Surgery Information Systems (BSIS) can be used to improve the prediction of the outcome. In this paper we will present a robust rule based semantic data integration method (RxSem) for solving the data preparation and combination problems associated with Medical Data (MD) for BSIS. RxSem enables the integration of clinical data from disparate sources by resolving canonical inconsistencies and semantic non-homogeneities. We will present ReSem using an illustrative example and share our observations regarding the difficulties and stumbling points encountered in data preparation and integration in this domain. We present solutions to some of the most pressing problems. Although we concentrate on BSIS, our observations and solutions are general and apply to a vast array of health and medical information systems.
Properties of components of covariance of inbred relatives and their estimates in a maize population

Properties of three parameterizations, denoted as the C-model, D-model and Q-model, for covariances of inbred relatives under assumptions of no linkage or epistasis are explored and compared. Additive variance in an inbred population with inbreeding coefficient F, σ2AF=(1+F)σ2A where σ2A is additive variance in a panmictic population, if Q-model parameters Qxx and Qxy are both zero. Conditions sufficient for this to hold are presented in terms of gene frequencies and dominance contrasts (homozygotes vs. heterozygotes). Some other properties and potential uses of estimates of components in the models are also discussed. Estimates of components in the D-model and Q-model were calculated from a maize (Zea mays L.) study from which estimates of components in the C-model were previously published. Of particular interest were the covariance (Qxy) of effects of alleles at complete homozygosity with “inbreeding depression effects”, the covariance (D1) of additive effects at panmixia with inbreeding depression effects and the within-locus variance (D2, alias Qxx) of inbreeding depression effects. Estimates of Qxy, D1, and D2 were small and nonsignificant in most cases. For ear height in the second year of the study, D2 appeared to be a major component. In some cases, results were obtained which had contradictory implications (negative D2 coupled with positive Qxy or D1, and positive D2 coupled with negative σ2D). A negative estimate of one or the other of σ2D or σ2A was obtained in one of the two within-year analyses for every character. Problems in getting realistic results were thought to be owing to excessive multicollinearity among the coefficients of the components in the expectations of the covariances of the kinds of relatives included in the study. Implications for future studies of this kind are discussed.
Involvement of DNA damage in hydroxyurea-mediated induction of endogenous murine retrovirus.

Hydroxyurea (HU) induces AKR cells to produce endogenous murine retrovirus at a low frequency (approx. 1 x 10/sup -5/), and DNA synthesis is required soon after treatment with HU for induction to be observed (i.e., no stable induction intermediate is formed). Induction by HU can be enhanced by simultaneous treatment with halogenated pyrimidines, with the concomitant appearance of a stable induction intermediate state. The effects of the two compounds are synergistic, indicating an actual stimulation of HU-mediated induction by iodode-oxyuridine. Since HU inhibits semiconservative replication, and since (/sup 3/H)bromodeoxyuridine is incorporated into the cellular genome predominantly by unscheduled DNA synthesis (repair replication) under these conditions, this stimulation appears to be the result of insertion into DNA of the thymidine analogs during the repair of HU-induced alterations in the DNA. The nature of HU damage to DNA is not defined; if single-strand breaks are involved, they may occur at a frequency <10/sup -8/ and escape detection, but induction could also be due to other alterations in DNA. The characteristics of induction by HU, therefore, are similar to those of induction by other DNA-damaging treatments such as ..gamma.. or x irradiation or methylcholanthrene. This suggests that these agents may induce by similar,more » if not identical, mechanisms. Further, the ability of halogenated pyrimidines to form a stable induction intermediate when incorporated by repair synthesis, similar to the intermediate formed when the analogs are incorporated during semiconservative replication, suggests that the same sites are involved for induction by damaging agents or by halogenated pyrimidine incorporation.« less
Witnesses at the Confirmations? The Appearance of Organized Interests at Senate Hearings of Federal Judicial Appointments, 1945-1992

Previous research suggests that groups increasingly dominate the se lection of federal court judges. We evaluate this conventional wisdom with longitudinal data tracing the appearance of organized interests at nearly 2,000 lower court confirmation hearings between 1945-1992. We find mixed support for the conventional wisdom. Organized interests do not appear more often before the Senate Judiciary Committee than in the past but there has been a considerable shift in the kinds of groups that testify. We also find that the incidence of controversial nominations has declined while the intensity of conflicts when they occur has increased. These changes, we suggest, reflect the evolution of differential group ac cess to the selection process as a function of shifting opportunities and incentives generated by broader political forces altering the electoral, policy, and institutional interests of the key players in the process.
GridOPTICS(TM) A Novel Software Framework for Integrating Power Grid Data Storage, Management and Analysis

This paper describes the architecture and design of GridOPTICSTM, a novel software framework for integrating a collection of software tools developed by NPNNL's Future Power Grid Initiative (FPGI) into a coherent, powerful operations and planning tool for the power grid of the future. GridOPTICSTM enables plug-and-play of various analysis, modeling and visualization software tools to improve the efficiency and reliability of power grid. To bridge the data access for different control purposes, GridOPTICSTM provides a scalable, lightweight event processing layer that hides the complexity of data collection, storage, delivery and management. A significant challenge is the requirement to access large amount of data in real time. We address this challenge though a scalable system architecture that balances system performance and ease of integration. The initial prototype of GridOPTICSTM was demonstrated with several use cases from PNNL's FPGI and show that our system can provide real time data access to a diverse set of applications with easy to use APIs.