cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bispectral analysis of visual interactions in humans

Previous electrophysiological studies have demonstrated interactions between dichoptic visual stimuli presented to the same location in visual space. In this study, we used non-liner spectral analysis, in particular the bispectrum, to study interactions between the electrocerebral activity resulting from stimulation of the left and right visual fields. The stimulus consisted of two squares, one in each visual field, flickering at different frequencies. Bispectra, bichoherence and biphase were calculated for 8 subjects monocularly observing a visual stimulus. Both phase vs. frequency and biphase vs. frequency plots were made to determine weighted time delays from stimulus application to signal appearance in the EEG electrodes. Bispectral analysis reveals non-liner interactions between visual fields occurring with weighted delay times of 410 + / - 58 msec while non-interactive components propagated with weighted time delays of 202 + / - 39 msec. Evaluating these results in light of the predictions of various models, we were able to conclude that this interaction does not occur in the retina. These results illustrate how bispectral analysis can be a powerful tool in analyzing the connectivity of neural networks in complex systems. It allows different neuronal systems to be labeled with stimuli at specific frequencies, whose connections can be traced using frequency analysis of the scalp EEG.
Characterization of CART neurons in the rat and human hypothalamus.

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is a recently described neuropeptide widely expressed in the rat brain. CART mRNA and peptides are found in hypothalamic sites such as the paraventricular nucleus (PVH), the supraoptic nucleus (SON), the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (DMH), the arcuate nucleus (Arc), the periventricular nucleus (Pe), and the ventral premammillary nucleus (PMV). Intracerebroventricular administration of recombinant CART peptide decreases food intake and CART mRNA levels in the Arc are regulated by leptin. Leptin administration induces Fos expression in hypothalamic CART neurons in the PVH, the DMH, the Arc, and the PMV. In the current study, we used double label in situ hybridization histochemistry to investigate the potential direct action of leptin on hypothalamic CART neurons and to define the chemical identity of the hypothalamic CART neurons in the rat brain. We found that CART neurons in the Arc, DMH, and PMV express long form leptin-receptor mRNA, and the suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) mRNA after an acute dose of intravenous leptin. We also found that CART neurons in the parvicellular PVH, in the DMH and in the posterior Pe coexpress thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) mRNA. CART neurons in the magnocellular PVH and in the SON coexpress dynorphin (DYN), and CART cell bodies in the LHA and in the posterior Pe coexpress melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD-67) mRNA. In the Arc, a few CART neurons coexpress neurotensin (NT) mRNA. In addition, we examined the distribution of CART immunoreactivity in the human hypothalamus. We found CART cell bodies in the PVH, in the SON, in the LHA, in the Arc (infundibular nucleus) and in the DMH. We also observed CART fibers throughout the hypothalamus, in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and in the amygdala. Our results indicate that leptin directly acts on CART neurons in distinct nuclei of the rat hypothalamus. Furthermore, hypothalamic CART neurons coexpress neuropeptides involved in energy homeostasis, including MCH, TRH, DYN, and NT. The distribution of CART cell bodies and fibers in the human hypothalamus indicates that CART may also play a role in the regulation of energy homeostasis in humans.
A lofistic rlgression analysis of response-time data where the hazard function is time dependent

A logistic-exponential model for analyzing response-time data involving regressor variables is modified to allow for non-consrarey of the hazard function. For the discrete observation case illustrated the logit of the probability of responding in a time interval cf arbitrary length is taken as the sum of a function of resressor variables and a function of the time variable. The particular functions chosen in the two medical examples analyzed are linear in the parameters involved. A polynomial function of time is employed in the absence of knowledge as to a more appropriate form. Various issues arising in the analysis made are discussed.
Toward an analytical framework for assessing the impact of the 1968 student movement on U.S.-Mexican relations

Abstract The 1968 Mexico City Olympics marked a climax of Mexican modernity. The millions of dollars invested in readying for the events, the country's marketing campaigns abroad, and ultimately the student movement itself all focused on the Olympics as a key signpost of Mexican progress.1 It can also be argued that the student movement and massacre at Tlatelolco irrevocably transformed Mexican politics and society, shattering what was an uncritical faith in the ruling Partido Revolucionario Institucional's (PRI) ability to delivery on the twin promises of democracy and economic redistribution.2 This article aims to explore how the Olympics, the student protest movement, and the massacre at Tlatelolco fit into the framework of U.S.-Mexican relations. Although by no means exhaustive, what follows will hopefully further our understanding of the complexities of that relationship during the latter part of the 1960s.
Capture—recapture estimation via Gibbs sampling

Capture-recapture models are widely used in the estimation of population sizes. Based on data augmentation considerations, we show how Gibbs sampling can be applied to calculate Bayes estimates in this setting. As a result, formulations which were previously avoided because of analytical and numerical intractability can now be easily considered for practical application. We illustrate this potential by using Gibbs sampling to calculate Bayes estimates for a hierarchical capture-recapture model in a real example
The influence of osmotic pressure on the lifespan of cellularly inspired energy-relevant materials

Bimolecular unit cells have recently become a focus for biologically-inspired smart materials. This is largely due their ability to exhibit many of the same properties as the natural cell membrane. In this study, two lipid monolayers formed at a water/oil interface are brought together, creating a lipid bilayer at their interface with each droplet containing a different concentration of ions. This ionic concentration gradient leads to the development of a membrane potential across the bilayer as ions begin to passively diffuse across the membrane at varying rates, providing the proof of concept for energy storage through cellular mechanics. The focus of the study is to determine the influence of osmotic pressure on the lifespan of the lipid bilayer. We hypothesize that the greater osmotic pressure that develops from a greater ionic concentration gradient will prove to have a negative impact on the lifespan of the bilayer membrane, causing it to rupture sooner. This is due to the substantial amount of osmotic swelling that will occur to compensate for the ionic concentration gradient. This study will demonstrate how osmotic pressure will continue to be a limiting factor in the effectiveness and stability of cellularly-inspired energy relevant materials.
The role of chest irradiation in limited small cell carcinoma of the lung treated with combination chemotherapy.

Abstract Between October 1974 and December 1980, 123 patients with limited small cell carcinoma were treated in the Indiana University Medical Center Department of Radiation Oncology. Of these, 115 were treated with preplanned combined modality therapy using irradiation and polychemotherapy (Adriamycin, Cytoxan and Oncovin). All patients received whole brain prophylactic irradiation and were followed a minimum of 2 years. Sixty-six patients were given chest irradiation with all but two receiving 3500–40110 rad while 49 did not receive this treatment. Sixty-five percent of those patients receiving chest irradiation had a complete response to therapy, as opposed to 33% who did not ( p
Fetal cartilage xylosyltransferase activity and skeletal growth in sheep.

ABSTRACT: The activity of UDP-D-xylose: proteoglycan core protein β-D-xylosyltransferase (EC 2.4.2.26), the enzyme that catalyzes the initiation of the polysaccharide chain linkage to the core protein of proteoglycans, was measured in costal cartilage from 20 fetal sheep of 65-138 days gestation. Activity of the enzyme was estimated from the transfer of [14C]xylose from UDP-[14C]xylose to silk as the acceptor protein. The specific activity decreased approximately 10-fold and was found to be highly correlated with the decremental rate of growth in length of the fetal vertebral column. These observations, together with the known gestational decrease in the in vitro rate of uptake of radio labeled sulfate by ovine fetal cartilage, a subsequent step in proteoglycan synthesis, support the hypothesis that normal fetal skeletal growth is dependent during the last one-half of gestation on the activity of xylosyltransferase in cartilage.
The influence of laparoscopic surgery on perioperative heat loss in infants

Perioperative heat loss is a potentially serious complication of surgery in infants. The influence of laparoscopic surgery on perioperative hypothermia has not previously been documented. We reviewed heat loss in 26 infants undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomies compared with 42 control patients having the standard open procedure over the same time period. The mean fall in temperature in the laparoscopic group was −0.69 °C compared with −0.47 °C in the open group. This difference was not significant, with a P value of 0.077. This may reflect the small sample size and the relatively short duration of this procedure with few instrument changes. There was a trend for increased heat loss in the laparoscopic group, which might have implications for longer and more complex laparoscopic procedures in infants.
Impact of primary spherical aberration, spatial frequency and Stiles Crawford apodization on wavefront determined refractive error: a computational study.

Purpose We tested the hypothesis that pupil apodization is the basis for central pupil bias of spherical refractions in eyes with spherical aberration. Methods We employed Fourier computational optics in which we vary spherical aberration levels, pupil size, and pupil apodization (Stiles Crawford Effect) within the pupil function, from which point spread functions and optical transfer functions were computed. Through-focus analysis determined the refractive correction that optimized retinal image quality. Results For a large pupil (7 mm), as spherical aberration levels increase, refractions that optimize the visual Strehl ratio mirror refractions that maximize high spatial frequency modulation in the image and both focus a near paraxial region of the pupil. These refractions are not affected by Stiles Crawford Effect apodization. Refractions that optimize low spatial frequency modulation come close to minimizing wavefront RMS, and vary with level of spherical aberration and Stiles Crawford Effect. In the presence of significant levels of spherical aberration (e.g. = 0.4 μm, 7 mm pupil), low spatial frequency refractions can induce −0.7 D myopic shift compared to high SF refraction, and refractions that maximize image contrast of a three cycle per degree square-wave grating can cause −0.75 D myopic drift relative to refractions that maximize image sharpness. Discussion Because of small depth of focus associated with high spatial frequency stimuli, the large change in dioptric power across the pupil caused by spherical aberration limits the effective aperture contributing to the image of high spatial frequencies. Thus, when imaging high spatial frequencies, spherical aberration effectively induces an annular aperture defining that portion of the pupil contributing to a well-focused image. As spherical focus is manipulated during the refraction procedure, the dimensions of the annular aperture change. Image quality is maximized when the inner radius of the induced annulus falls to zero, thus defining a circular near paraxial region of the pupil that determines refraction outcome.
Distance Courses for Dietetic Education

Abstract Distance courses in dietetic education have progressed from text-based correspondence courses to packages of audio and video material for students interested in fulfilling college requirements or in gaining continuing education hours for dietetic registration. The current generation of distance courses relies more heavily on computer-based and telecommunication applications and is moving toward continued integration of both audio and video components. This presentation will illustrate how the World Wide Web offers many opportunities to transfer information to students unavailable for traditional classrooms. The distance dietetic education program at Kansas State University is in its second generation using lecture notes designed into an HTML framing format that allows maneuvering within the web. Lecture notes are linked to additional web-based resources and class exercises. Chat rooms and message boards enable students to discuss materials and bring up additional questions reclaiming an element of interaction lost in remote learning. Traditional paper and pencil exams and self-assessment formats are rapidly being replaced by on-line testing formats for immediate feedback. Evaluation of these courses to detect effective or not so effective learning experiences will be accomplished by student/peer review and student registration exam pass rates. The next generation of web-based courses are being developed with audio streaming to coincide with slides and lecture notes. The distance student will experience the same lecture given in a traditional classroom. Internet 2, available in the fall of 1999, provides opportunities for video streaming and live interaction with instructors. Distance education continues to serve a population unable to attend classes or workshops who are in need of continued learning opportunities to gain or maintain credentials.
An acceleration technique for computing fields from a periodic source above a layered medium

In this work we derive a time domain Green's function for a periodic source distribution above a layered medium and a corresponding acceleration scheme. A representation using sums of complex exponentials allows closed form evaluation of the requisite integrals, leading to a fully closed form expression for the Green's function. A separable expansion based on this expression is accelerated in space using the method of Accelerated Cartesian Expansions and in time with a block-FFT scheme. The resulting method scales as O(N s N t log2 N t ) method, where N s and N t represent the number of spatial and temporal degrees of freedom.
A New Field Reconstruction Method for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines

The performance of the permanent magnet synchronous machines depends on the torque ripple and radial forces acting on its shaft and stator frame. There are two major ways to treat the undesirable torque ripples. In the first group of the methods machine design issues is considered. The second group considers optimal excitation of the machine so that the resulting performance is acceptable. In this paper a voltage formulation of the field reconstruction method is derived to predict the machine performance. The voltage source waveforms are used to find the associated 3 phase currents. The currents are used to calculate magnetic field distribution in the middle of the air gap. These quantities are used to predict the performance of the targeted PMSM.
Organic functionalization of carbon nanotubes

A very general and versatile method for functionalizing different types of carbon nanotubes is described, using the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides. Approximately one organic group per 100 carbon atoms of the nanotube is introduced, to yield remakably soluble bundles of nanotubes, as seen in transmission electron micrographs. The solubilization of the nanotubes generates a novel, interesting class of materials, which combines the properties of the nanotubes and the organic moiety, thus offering new opportunities for applications in materials science, including the preparation of nanocomposites.
Examining Parents’ Assessments of Objective and Subjective Social Status in Families of Children with Cancer

Introduction Understanding the social determinants of child health is a prominent area of research. This paper examines the measurement of socioeconomic position in a sample of families of children with cancer. Socioeconomic position is difficult to measure in pediatric health research due to sensitivity of asking about finances when research is conducted in health care delivery settings, financial volatility associated with periods of pediatric illness, and difficulty recruiting fathers to research. Methods Caregivers of children with cancer (n = 76) completed a questionnaire that included the MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status (SSS). SSS was measured using two 10-rung ladders with differing referent groups: the US and respondents’ communities. Respondents placed themselves on each ladder by placing an X on the rung that represented their social position in relation to the two referent groups. Individuals’ SSS ratings and discrepancies in SSS ratings within couples were examined, and associations with objective social status measures were evaluated using Pearson correlations or t-tests. Results Parents’ placement on the US and community ladders was positively associated with their income, education, wealth, household savings, and household savings minus debt. On average, respondents placed themselves higher on the US ladder compared to the community ladder. There was an average intra-couple discrepancy of 1.25 rungs in partner’s placements on the US ladder and a 1.56 rung difference for the community ladder. This intra-couple discrepancy was not associated with gender. Discussion Results offer insight into the use of subjective social status measures to capture a more holistic assessment of socioeconomic position and the measurement of socioeconomic position in two-parent families.
Experiments in Intensity Guided Range Sensing Recognition of Three-Dimensional Objects

With the advent of devices that can directly sense and determine the coordinates of points in space, the goal of constructing and recognizing descriptors of three-dimensional (3-D) objects is attracting the attention of many researchers in the image processing community. Unfortunately, the time required to fully sense a range image is large relative to the time required to sense an intensity image. Conversely, a single intensity image lacks the depth information required to construct 3-D object descriptors. This paper presents a method of combining the two sensory sources, intensity and range, such that the time required for range sensing is considerably reduced. The approach is to extract potential points of interest from the intensity image and then selectively sense range at these feature points. After the range information is known at these points, a graph structure representing the object in the scene is constructed. This structure is compared to the stored graph models using an algorithm for partial matching. The results of applying the method to both synthetic data and real intensity/range images are presented.
Effects of insulin and hydrocortisone on lung tissue phosphatidyl choline and disaturated phosphatidyl choline in fetal rabbits in vivo.

To determine the effects of insulin and hydrocortisone on lung tissue surfactant, the fetuses of New Zealand White rabbits were injected with insulin, saline (0.154 mol/l), insulin + hydrocortisone, insulin + saline or saline + hydrocortisone, or were sham-operated on day 27 of gestation. Twenty-four hours later (on day 28 of gestation) delivery was accomplished by Caesarian hysterectomy. The lung tissues were analysed for phosphatidyl choline and disaturated phosphatidyl choline. Both were higher in fetuses injected with insulin than in sham-operated control animals. The phosphatidyl choline and disaturated phosphatidyl choline were also higher in the fetuses injected with insulin + hydrocortisone than in fetuses injected with insulin or hydrocortisone alone. These results suggest that insulin increases the phosphatidyl choline and disaturated phosphatidyl choline content in lung tissue in fetal rabbits in vivo, and that in the presence of hydrocortisone, insulin appears to have an additive effect.
The Institutional Review Board: A modest proposal

AbstractWhen you look up “ethics” in the thesaurus, you are referred to many different words, among them “duty, what ought to be done, the right thing,” but also “fealty and obedience, conscience, morals, idealism and utilitarianism.” I bring up these words to show the great complexity of what the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is entrusted to do. I need only add to this that there are many who find fault with the effectiveness of this institution, concluding not only that it fails in the task entrusted to it of “doing the right thing” but that it itself has produced problems in the conduct of research. In this paper, I will list the complexities of the task given the IRB and then suggest a solution.
Conditioned suppression is an inverted-U function of footshock intensity

Most theories of associative learning assert that conditioned responding to a target cue is a monotonically increasing function of unconditioned-stimulus (US) intensity. In a lick suppression preparation with rats, a cue was paired with a 0.4-, 0.6-, 0.8-, 1.0-, 1.2-, or 1.4-mA footshock in Experiment 1a, and with a 0.3-, 0.8-, 1.3-, or 1.8-mA footshock in Experiment 1b. Subsequent suppression in response to the cue was an inverted-U function of the US intensity. In Experiment 2, we demonstrated that massive extinction of the training context and compound conditioning can each attenuate the response decrement caused by training with a high-intensity US. The sometimes-competing-retrieval model (Stout & Miller, Psychological Review 114:759-783, 2007) provides a better fit to these data than do several other models of associative learning.
Random number generators

One requirement common to all Monte Carlo computer simulations is an abundant and automatic supply of random numbers. For most purposes it generally suffices to draw this supply from the uniform distribution in the unit interval. The mathematical tricks used to convert these samplings to samplings from other distributions are well-known. Also well-known are the reasons for preferring an arithmetic process on a digital computer to stored tables,or to analogue methods, as a source of random numbers.
Optimal catalyst activity profiles in pellets—VII. The case of arbitrary reaction kinetics with finite external heat and mass transport resistances

Abstract The theory of optimal catalyst activity profiles is extended to include the most general case of a nonisothermal catalyst pellet, where an irreversible reaction occurs in the presence of finite external heat and mass transport resistances. Similar to our previous results for related cases, it is again found that the optimal catalyst activity distribution is given by a Dirac delta function; i.e. for optimum performance, all the active catalyst should be deposited at a specific position within the pellet. In some instances, this position is the external surface of the pellet. Some general results are first obtained about the optimal location of the catalyst for an arbitrary rate expression, and are then applied to two specific rate expressions of practical interest—the m -th order kinetics ( m ⩾ 0) and the bimolecular Langmuir—Hinshelwood kinetics. The effects of physico-chemical parameters on the optimal location are analysed in detail. The possibility of enhancing catalytic effectiveness, by choosing the operating variables appropriately, is also discussed.
Trends and interannual variability in surface UVB radiation over 8 to 11 years observed across the United States

[1] The United States Department of Agriculture UVB Monitoring and Research Program maintains a network of Yankee Environmental Systems surface UVB-1 meters distributed throughout the United States. We analyzed behavior of surface UVB radiation (280–320 nm) over 8 to 10 years measured at eight stations within this network that were selected because of their early deployment (ranging from 1995 to 1997). These eight stations represent different climates, latitudes, and land cover types. We characterized differences in instrument sensitivity and drift through a methodology that utilized regular laboratory calibrations of field instruments and calibration of standard meters to spectroradiometers. From 3-minute observations, we computed mean annual and mean monthly irradiances at each site to study trends and interannual variability in UVB irradiance. Annual irradiance changes ranged from −5% per decade to +2% per decade across the sites. Confidence intervals were computed with a statistical model that included autocorrelation and measurement uncertainty. Resulting 95% confidence intervals were large and included 0, partly as a result of the short time series. We calculated trends at each site for individual months (for January, February, etc.), which are important for assessing effects on human health, crops, and other organisms whose sensitivity to UVB exposure changes seasonally. Positive and negative monthly trends of different magnitudes were measured, although trends in most months at most sites were not statistically significant from 0. The largest absolute changes were generally in spring, summer, and fall, and large relative trends occurred in winter in most locations compared with other seasons. Interannual variability of surface UVB radiation was 2% to 5% of the mean. Our study illustrates that, using a well-calibrated instrument record, the 10 years beginning around 1995 did not show significant trends in surface UVB irradiance at stations across the United States. Our observed range of trends occurred during a period of generally increasing midlatitude column ozone, suggesting that changing cloud, aerosol, and snow conditions were responsible for driving surface radiation variability in addition to ozone trends.
The self-fulfilling prophecy and interpersonal attraction

Abstract When an individual believes that another person likes or dislikes him, will his behavior actually produce those feelings in the other person? In an experiment to examine this question, one S , the receiver, in either male or female dyads was led to believe that his partner, the sender, either liked or disliked him. The two S s then participated in a Prisoner's Dilemma game in which they could make either cooperative or competitive moves, and their game-playing responses as well as their attraction toward each other at the conclusion of the game were measured. The results showed that the receiver had more positive feelings for his partner in the Like condition than in the Dislike condition, but that only male receivers were relatively more cooperative in the former condition. A “self-fulfilling prophecy” was obtained only for male senders—they developed more positive feelings for their partners in the Like condition than in the Dislike condition.
The Biological Activity of α-Mangostin, a Larvicidal Botanic Mosquito Sterol Carrier Protein-2 Inhibitor

α-Mangostin derived from mangosteen was identified as a mosquito sterol carrier protein-2 inhibitor via high throughput insecticide screening. α-Mangostin was tested for its larvicidal activity against third instar larvae of six mosquito species, and the median lethal concentration values range from 0.84 to 2.90 ppm. The residual larvicidal activity of α-mangostin was examined under semifield conditions. The results indicated that α-mangostin was photolytic with a half-life of 53 min in water under full sunlight exposure. The effect of α-mangostin on activities of major detoxification enzymes such as P450, glutathione S-transferase, and esterase was investigated. The results showed that α-mangostin significantly elevated activities of P450 and glutathione S-transferase in larvae, whereas it suppressed esterase activity. Toxicity of α-mangostin against young rats was studied, and there was no detectable adverse effect at dosages as high as 80 mg/kg. This is the first multifaceted study of the biological activity of α-mangostin in mosquitoes. The results suggest that α-mangostin may be a lead compound for the development of a new organically based mosquito larvicide.
Developing dual-representation processes

Cross-domain representations provide the foundation for language and are not its unique product. Modularity of a limited kind is confined to early infancy in humans and is succeeded by domain-general thinking and speaking. Representational language becomes accessible to the cognitive system during the preschool years as a supplement to experientially based conceptual processing, resulting in a dual-process system.
Dielectric response of N 2 -Ar solid solutions in the audio frequency range

High sensitivity dielectric measurements are reported for ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Ar}$ solid mixtures for $49lx({\mathrm{N}}_{2})l100\mathrm{mol}%.$ The results show the onset of strong hysteresis effects for the temperature dependence of the dielectric constant on thermal cycling below 30 K. These onset temperatures are identified with transitions to a quadrupolar glass state. Samples cooled from high temperatures (above 50 K) in the presence of a small external ac electric field also show a characteristic field-cooled history dependence down to 50% dilution of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}.$ The results presented are purely empirical, but qualitative estimates of the magnitude of the effects using a generalized fluctuation-dissipation argument are consistent with the observations.
Surgical Management of Degenerative Spinal Stenosis

Posterior spinal arthrodesis is commonly employed in patients with spinal stenosis, although certain patients may require additional interbody support applied either anteriorly or posteriorly. Although autograft, allograft, and recent biologic agents such as rhBMP-2 are available for arthrodesis, meticulous fusion technique is still essential for a successful result. Posterior pedicular screw and rod fixation remain the most commonly employed internal fixation for the treatment of spinal stenosis since it allows for stabilization of instability, correction of deformity, and improved arthrodesis success. This article outlines the etiology, pathogenesis, current treatment options, and various surgical techniques available for the treatment of spinal stenosis.
Planar MOCVD GaAlAs/GaAs high-frequency mixer diodes

Metallo-organic CVD Ga0.7Al0.3As/GaAs Schottky diodes were processed as planar mixer diodes and exhibited a low noise figure of 5.5 dB (single-sideband) at 36 GHz and 6.0 dB at 94 GHz. The diode capacitance was less than 0.05 pF and series resistance was measured to be 5 Ω for the 94 GHz diodes.
Vestibular-Induced Vomiting after Vestibulocerebellar Lesions

Vestibular stimulation, by means of sinusoidal electrical polarization of the labyrinths of decerebrate cats, can produce vomiting and related activity resembling that seen in motion sickness. The symptoms include panting, salivation, swallowing, and retching as well as vomiting. These symptoms can be produced in cats with lesions of the posterior cerebellar vermis. In contrast to a previous proposal by Wang and Chinn in 1956, we suggest that a transcerebellar pathway from the vestibular apparatus through the nodulus and uvula to the 'vomiting center' is not essential for vestibular-induced vomiting and, by analogy, for the occurrence of many symptoms of motion sickness.
Operation mode features and techno-economic analysis of micro-grid in China

Currently, China has just started micro-grid development, and has not yet formed a mature commercial operation mode, by study of foreign micro-grid operation mode and domestic micro-grid development, this article will introduce four micro-grid operation modes applicable to China, including grid operation mode, investors operation mode, joint operation mode, users operation mode, and analyze the different trade and settlement modes. Key factor affecting micro-grid investment income is the cost, covering body cost, grid-connection cost and maintenance cost. Technical and economic analysis of micro-grid consists of power system computation, micro-grid system optimization and investment revenue analysis. This paper will mainly analyze the investment revenue of micro-grid project, calculate the cost of investment, pay back period, electricity cost of three micro grids, covering a city micro grid, a remote area micro-grid and an island stand-alone micro-grid, at last, it will analyze the features, advantages and disadvantages.
The Antigonadotropic Action of Prostaglandin F2α Is not Mediated by Elevated Cytosolic Calcium Levels in Rat Luteal Cells

Abstract We have investigated the role of intracellular calcium in the mechanism of action of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in cultured rat luteal cells. PGF2α (1 μM) maximally inhibited LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation and also initiated a transient release of intracellular calcium. Low doses of the calcium ionophore ionomycin also increased intracellular calcium to a similar extent as PGF2α (1 μM), but did not inhibit LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Chelation of intracellular calcium with dimethyl bis-(o-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) (10 μM) attenuated the transient calcium rise stimulated by PGF2α, but did not affect the inhibitory characteristics of PGF2α on LHstimulated cAMP accumulation. Treatment of luteal cells with EGTA (1 mM) and ionomycin (500 nM) resulted in depletion of intracellular calcium to such an extent that a subsequent exposure of the luteal cells to PGF2α (1 μM) did not elicit any change in intracellular calcium. Depletion of intracellular calcium and ablation o...
Racial and ethnic disparities in the use of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and outcomes for acute ischemic stroke.

Racial and ethnic disparities in acute stroke care in the United States have been previously reported. This study investigated possible racial and ethnic disparities in the administration and outcome of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) therapy for acute ischemic stroke in whites, blacks, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders. Using the National Inpatient Sample for 2001-2008, we selected patients with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke who received treatment with rtPA. Patient data were stratified by race (white, black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander). We analyzed the association of patient race on rtPA utilization rate, in-hospital morbidity (ie, discharge to long-term facility), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) rate, and in-hospital mortality. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine independent predictors of poor outcomes. White patients had a higher rate of tPA utilization than black and Hispanic patients (2.3% vs 1.8% and 2.0%, respectively; P P = .07). Multivariate analysis of morbidity, mortality, and ICH rates found that Asian/Pacific Islanders had significantly higher rates of mortality (odds ratio, 1.22, 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.44; P = .02) and ICH (odds ratio, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.91-2.11; P
Intrinsic broad-band white-light emission by a tuned, corrugated metal-organic framework.

Herein we report on the broad-band direct white-light originating from a single component emitter, namely a novel three-periodic metal–organic framework (MOF). This material features an unprecedented topology with (3,4)-connected nodes. The structure–function relationship in this system is driven by two complementary unique structural features: corrugation and interpenetration. Good correlation between simulated and experimental emission spectra has been attained, resulting in optimized color properties that approach requirements for solid-state lighting (SSL). Guided by the optimized calculated spectra, the tunability of the assembly was proven by the successful in-framework co-doping of Eu3+. This resulted in significantly improved color properties, opening new paths for the rational design of alternative materials for SSL applications.
Low-temperature annealing of arsenic/phosphorus junctions

A model for damage enhancement that is suitable for two-dimensional simulation is proposed. The formation of arsenic and phosphorus junctions is an important process step in modern device fabrication. The accurate prediction of the vertical and lateral profile is crucial for optimization of the device behavior and reliability. Experimental data show that the damage from implantation of the dopant species has an important and controlling effect on the final profile during low-temperature annealing. Modeling of the dopant and point defect interaction during this anneal indicates that the junction is determined by the number of point defects created during the implantation. Calibration is performed by using one-dimensional experimental work on both boron and arsenic/phosphorus junctions. Two-dimensional calculations are performed and compared to experimental device data. >
Permeability and Metabolic Properties of a Trophoblast Cell Line (HRP-1) Derived from Normal Rat Placenta

Abstract The HRP-1 cell line is derived from normal rat placenta and appears morphologically similar to and retains characteristic expression of cellular markers of labyrinthine trophoblast cells. In this study, monolayers of HRP-1 cells grown on permeable supports were evaluated as a potential in vitro system to study trophoblast transport and metabolism. The cell line was shown to express and retain functional activity of the predominant placental cytochrome P450 isozyme, CYP1A1. Additionally, the HRP-1 cells retain functional activity of angiotensin I converting enzyme and carboxypeptidase N-like enzyme, peptidases characteristic of the trophoblast. The permeation of several hydrophilic, inert markers across the HRP-1 monolayers was observed to be dependent on effective molecular size and to be passive in nature. Functional asymmetry of the HRP-1 cells was illustrated by the predominant permeation of linoleic acid in the apical-to-basolateral direction across the monolayers. Transferrin passage across HRP-1 monolayers was concentration-dependent, was bidirectional, and could be inhibited by unlabeled transferrin, features typical of the trophoblast transport system for transferrin. Collectively, these properties suggest that the HRP-1 cell line may provide a useful tool for evaluating some of the permeability and metabolic properties of the trophoblast.
Cancer of unknown primary: Does treatment modality make a difference?

Objectives/Hypothesis: We systematically reviewed the published experience on the treatment outcomes of patients with head and neck cancer of unknown primary (CUP) to determine if treatment modality affects survival outcomes. Study Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed for articles reporting survival outcomes for CUP in the head and neck published within the last 12 years. Results: Eighteen studies with 1,726 patients met the inclusion criteria. All studies reported at least 5-year survival outcomes. Thirteen of the 18 studies also reported 5-year survival based on N stage, and six reported 5-year survival based on presence of extracapsular extension (EC). Overall 5-year survival in the entire group was 48.6%. Five-year survival based on N stage was as follows: N1 = 60.8%, all N2 = 51.1%, N2a = 63.6%, N2b = 42.5%, N2c = 37.5%, and N3 = 26.3%, with P < .001 on multivariate analysis. Patients who underwent surgical treatment with either postoperative radiation or chemoradiation had a 5-year survival of 52.4% compared to 46.6% for those treated with chemoradiation alone; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Patients with EC had a 5-year disease-specific survival of 56.9% compared to 81.5% for those without EC (P = .01). Conclusions: In patients with CUP, survival outcomes are most significantly influenced by clinical stage at time of diagnosis. No significant 5-year survival difference was seen between patients treated with radiation or chemoradiation alone when compared to patients who also received surgical treatment.
Water and Society in Early Medieval Italy, AD 400–1000

This 1998 book offers an original discussion of an element - water - and its relationship with people. In particular it shows how early medieval Italian societies coped with the problems of having too much or too little water, and analyses their use of it. Such treatment illuminates the workings both of post-classical societies and of the environments in which these societies lived. Domestic usage, bathing, irrigation and drainage, fishing, and milling all receive full coverage. This is an original, interdisciplinary study which proves that even after the 'fall' of Rome, people continued a dialectical relationship with the natural resources that shaped their experiences just as decisively as their efforts redesigned the waterscape. It will be of interest not only to Italianists: historians of technology, agrarian, social, and cultural historians, and environmental historians will all find much that is stimulating.
Crosslinkable mixed matrix membranes with surface modified molecular sieves for natural gas purification: II. Performance characterization under contaminated feed conditions

Abstract Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) composed of the crosslinkable polyimide PDMC and surface modified (SM) SSZ-13 have recently been shown to enhance carbon dioxide permeability and carbon dioxide/methane selectivity versus neat PDMC films by as much as 47% and 13%, respectively (Part I). The previous film characterization, however, was performed using ideal, clean mixed gas feeds. In this paper, PDMC/SSZ-13 MMMs are further characterized using more realistic mixed gases containing low concentrations (500 or 1000 ppm) of toluene as a model contaminant. Mixed matrix membranes are shown to outperform pure PDMC films in the presence of toluene with 43% greater carbon dioxide permeability and 12% greater carbon dioxide/selectivity at 35 °C and 700 psia feed pressure. These results suggest that MMMs—in addition to exhibiting enhanced transport properties—may mitigate performance degradation due to antiplasticization effects. Moreover, the analyses presented here show that the reduction in separation performance by trace contaminant-accelerated physical aging can be suppressed greatly with MMMs.
A damped hyerbolic equation with critical exponent

(1992). A damped hyerbolic equation with critical exponent. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 17, No. 5-6, pp. 841-866.
Geographic differences in allele frequencies of susceptibility SNPs for cardiovascular disease

We hypothesized that the frequencies of risk alleles of SNPs mediating susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases differ among populations of varying geographic origin and that population-specific selection has operated on some of these variants. From the database of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we selected 36 cardiovascular phenotypes including coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke, as well as related quantitative traits (eg, body mass index and plasma lipid levels). We identified 292 SNPs in 270 genes associated with a disease or trait at P < 5 × 10-8. As part of the Human Genome-Diversity Project (HGDP), 158 (54.1%) of these SNPs have been genotyped in 938 individuals belonging to 52 populations from seven geographic areas. A measure of population differentiation, F ST, was calculated to quantify differences in risk allele frequencies (RAFs) among populations and geographic areas. Large differences in RAFs were noted in populations of Africa, East Asia, America and Oceania, when compared with other geographic regions. The mean global F ST (0.1042) for 158 SNPs among the populations was not significantly higher than the mean global F ST of 158 autosomal SNPs randomly sampled from the HGDP database. Significantly higher global F ST (P < 0.05) was noted in eight SNPs, based on an empirical distribution of global F ST of 2036 putatively neutral SNPs. For four of these SNPs, additional evidence of selection was noted based on the integrated Haplotype Score. Large differences in RAFs for a set of common SNPs that influence risk of cardiovascular disease were noted between the major world populations. Pairwise comparisons revealed RAF differences for at least eight SNPs that might be due to population-specific selection or demographic factors. These findings are relevant to a better understanding of geographic variation in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease.
Fractures of the olecranon

Abstract Fractures of the olecranon process are common in adults and reflect a spectrum of injuries to the elbow. This article provides an overview of the management for olecranon fractures, including a historic perspective, relevant anatomy, mechanism of injury, classification, evaluation, treatment, and reported outcome.
Eastern Gamagrass Management for Pasture in the Mid‐Atlantic Region: II. Diet and Canopy Characteristics, and Stand Persistence

Eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.] (EG), a native warm-season perennial grass, lacks evaluation for use in grazing systems. Our objective was to test EG in a 4-yr experiment to estimate forage mass (FM) that maximizes steer (Bos taurus) performance and pasture productivity. Pasture canopy characteristics, diet selection by grazing steers, and stand persistence from EG continuously grazed at Short, Medium, and Tall heights and two rotationally stocked treatments were compared with continuously stocked ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] (BG). The EG had proportionally more green leaf (78.2 vs. 24.5%), less stem (4.4 vs. 45.2%), less heads (0.4 vs. 5.6%), and similar dead tissue (17.0 vs. 24.8%). Plant fractions were similar in proportion among EG treatments. Digestible leaf mass was greater in EG than in BG (P < 0.01; 713 vs. 292 kg ha–1) and dominated the EG canopies with a linear (P < 0.01) increase in leaf mass with increasing FM (194–922 kg ha–1). Diets were similar in IVTOD (738 g kg–1), CP (151 g kg–1), and NDF (654 g kg–1) when continuously stocked but greater (P < 0.01) in IVTOD (791 g kg–1), and least in NDF (624 g kg–1) from the rotation. Stand declined linearly (P = 0.09) with decreasing FM (Tall = 34.5 and Short = 11.7% basal cover) but was similar between the two rotational systems (35.5%). Continuously stocking EG at about 38 cm gave greatest steer daily gain but rotations may prevent declines in stands with some sacrifice in gains.
Corporate mergers and union wage premiums

Corporate mergers possibly enhance the labor negotiation advantage of employers. This study investigates the association between wage levels and merger activity to test the employer bargaining strength hypothesis. The results indicate significantly lower union wages as a consequence of merging. Merger activity, however, does not influence wage levels of non-union workers. These findings are supportive of the employer bargaining strength hypothesis.
Evaluation of regional myocardial function in ischemic heart disease by echocardiography

Echocardiography can display motion abnormalities of acutely or chronically ischemic myocardium. In experimental studies, this permits the evaluation of the effect on regional dyskinesis of potentially therapeutic interventions. In clinical studies, the demonstration of segmental dyskinesis has been primarily useful for diagnostic purposes. As more experience is gained with the newer two-dimensional cross-sectional ultrasound techniques, it appears likely that these will afford a major advance in the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease by permitting the routine noninvasive demonstration of segmental ventricular dyskinesis and assessment of regional myocardial function.