cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
To be agents or not to be agents, that is the question: the impact of the online platforms revolution on the notion of agency under EU competition law

In recent years, practitioners, commentators and competition authorities have been facing the question of whether online platforms fit the mould of a typical agent under EU competition law. The stakes are high. If online platforms could be qualified as agents, the obligations imposed on them in relation to the contracts concluded and/or negotiated on behalf of their principal(s) may fall outside Article 101 (1) TFEU. This article wishes to contribute to the debate in two ways. First, it offers an assessment of whether, under existing EU competition law, online platforms can be qualified as agents. Second, it provides a conceptual framework to determine whether the existing rules are fit for purpose. After a brief overview of the relevant case-law, the article finds that, as a matter of current law, online platforms can fall under the definition of agents. However, the article considers that the existing rules should be updated to reflect the disruptive changes brought by the online platforms revolution. The existing rules were conceived at a time when value was created and transferred following the traditional value chain (or pipeline) model. Value flew in a linear way from producers to consumers. Companies are nowadays increasingly shifting from the value chain model to a more complex business model, i.e. the platform model. The platform model re-shaped ordinary competitive dynamics. Under the platform model, value is created through a complex array of interactions among producers, a number of principals, consumers and online platforms. The output is a package of products and services. Online platforms compete with each other, with other market players and sometimes even with their principals. The article finds that these new challenges are not adequately addressed by the EU Guidelines on Vertical Restraints, that should be reviewed accordingly to catch up with the online platforms revolution.
Can't hide your disappointment: Using human pose and facial cues for intent prediction in a target game

Recognising intent in collaborative human robot tasks can improve team performance and human perception of the robot. Tasks that involve dynamic physical motions increase the likelihood of mistakes committed by the human. When a mistake is made, the observed outcome can differ from the intent of the human. We setup a throwing task consisting of 9 targets, and propose a method that can predict human intent in the presence of mistakes. This method uses a vision based pipeline to predict the outcome of the throw, determine if the subject's emotional reaction to the outcome indicates incongruence between the intent and outcome, and finally predict the intent of the human in the context of the throwing task. We show that the use of human pose improves outcome prediction accuracy to 28% compared to prior work that uses a two-stream architecture to achieve 22%. The method is also able to predict intent-outcome congruence accurately in 75% of the cases. Since the prediction of intent in the presence of mistakes is currently understudied, we compare against a random baseline of 11% and find that the end-to-end intent recognition pipeline achieves an accuracy of 23%.
The Trilogy of Health Care: Caring and Healing of the Clinician:

Today, more than we are aware of in the history of health services in the United States, is the critical need to reclaim and apply the core values and principles that inspired physicians and nurses...
Art 101: learning to draw through sketch recognition

iCanDraw is a drawing tool that can assist novice users to draw. The goal behind the system is to enable the users to perceive objects beyond what they know and improve their spatial cognitive skills. One of the early tasks in a beginner art class is to accurately reproduce an image, in an attempt to teach users to draw what they see, rather then what they know, improving spatial cognition skills. The iCanDraw system assists users to reproduce a human face, providing real-time drawing feedback enabled by face and sketch recognition technologies. We are presenting an art installation piece, where the conference participants using the iCanDraw 'smart graphics' system create the art in realtime at the conference.
NUMBER OPERATORS FOR RIEMANNIAN MANIFOLDS

The Dirac operator d + � on the Hodge complex of a Riemannian man- ifold is regarded as an annihilation operator A. On a weighted space L 2 , (A,A † ) acts as multiplication by a positive constant on excited states if and only if the log- arithm of the measure density of dµ satisfies a pair of equations. The equations are equivalent to the existence of a harmonic distance function on M. Under these conditions N = A † A has spectrum containing the nonnegative integers. Nonflat, nonproduct examples are given. The results are summarized as a quantum version of the Cheeger-Gromoll splitting theorem.
Note on the Premium Cigar Industry

During the 1990s American began to associate premium cigar smoking with status and a privileged life-style. Many new brands of premium cigars were created to satisfy this increased demand. The "cigar boom" was short-lived and many small producers went bankrupt. The remaining independent producers face an uncertain future with increased concerns over health issues and smoking bans and the consolidation of a shrinking market.
Actis: January 2008

Paul Feltcher, the CEO of Actis, a leading private equity investor in emerging markets, is preparing for an executive retreat at which the management team will consider how best to position the firm for the future. Actis could move in a number of different directions, by expanding into new geographies, asset classes, or deal sizes. Choices made along these dimensions all have different implications for the degree of cohesion between the regions and the headquarters in London, the types of funds the firm will raise, and the skills required of employees. One of the final challenges is whether Actis, which has produced a very good track record, even needs to change its business model at this point.
Towards an understanding of barriers to condom use in rural Benin using the Health Belief Model: A cross sectional survey

Background HIV/AIDS is the most dramatic epidemic of the century that has claimed over two decade more than 3 million deaths. Sub Saharan Africa is heavily affected and accounts for nearly 70% of all cases. Despite awareness campaigns, prevention measures and more recently promotion of anti viral regimens, the prevalence of cases and deaths is still rising and the prevalence of systematic condom use remains low, especially in rural areas. This study identifies barriers to condom use based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in Benin, West Africa.
Diagnosis and management of ureteral complications following renal transplantation

When compared with maintenance dialysis, renal transplantation affords patients with end-stage renal disease better long-term survival and a better quality of life. Approximately 9% of patients will develop a major urologic complication following kidney transplantation. Ureteral complications are most common and include obstruction (intrinsic and extrinsic), urine leak and vesicoureteral reflux. Ureterovesical anastomotic strictures result from technical error or ureteral ischemia. Balloon dilation or endoureterotomy may be considered for short, low-grade strictures, but open reconstruction is associated with higher success rates. Urine leak usually occurs in the early postoperative period. Nearly 60% of patients can be successfully managed with a pelvic drain and urinary decompression (nephrostomy tube, ureteral stent, and indwelling bladder catheter). Proximal, large-volume, or leaks that persist despite urinary diversion, require open repair. Vesicoureteral reflux is common following transplantation. Patients with recurrent pyelonephritis despite antimicrobial prophylaxis require surgical treatment. Deflux injection may be considered in recipients with low-grade disease. Grade IV and V reflux are best managed with open reconstruction.
An analysis of reintubations from a quality assurance database of 152,000 cases

Abstract Study objective To determine if the majority of reintubations, a potentially preventable adverse event, were predominantly due to residual muscle relaxant effects, we analyzed our quality assurance database to identify the causes of reintubation. Design Retrospective study. Setting University of Michigan Department of Anesthesiology Quality Assurance (QA) database. Measurements We analyzed QA records from 152,939 anesthetic cases performed from 1994 to 1999 at our institution. Of these cases, 107,317 were performed with a general anesthetic. The medical record of each patient requiring reintubation was obtained and reviewed to determine the cause of the reintubation Results A total of 191 reintubation events were identified. One hundred twelve of the 191 (59%) reintubations were due to respiratory problems; 11 of the 191 (6%) reintubations were due to complications of neuromuscular blocking drug use. Other causes were unintentional extubation, surgical complication, endotracheal tube problems, and cardiac problems. One hundred five reintubations (105/191, 55%) occurred in the operating room and 86 (86/191, 45%) occurred in the postanesthesia care unit. Conclusion Respiratory complications were the most common cause of reintubation in the perioperative period. Complications related to the neuromuscular blocking drugs were the fourth most common cause of reintubation. More reintubations occurred in the operating room than the postanesthesia care unit. Muscle relaxant effect and opioid effect are rare causes of respiratory failure in the anesthetized patient in the immediate postoperative period.
Characterization of α2-adrenergic receptors on human platelets using [3H]yohimbine

Summary In order to investigate properties of alpha-adrenergic receptors of human platelets, we have examined the binding of [ 3 H]yohimbine, a potent α 2 -adrenergic 3 antagonist, to intact platelets and platelet membranes. There were 207±41 [ 3 H]yohimbine sites per platelet. These had an equilibrium dissociation constant (K D ) of 2.7 ± 0.7nM, a Hill coefficient of 1.02±0.11, and were competed for by adrenergic compounds stereoselectively and with a rank order expected at α 2 -adrenergic receptors. Addition of Na + and GTP synergistically decreased the affinity of epinephrine in competing for [ 3 H]yohimbine sites in platelet membranes and the resulting affinity of epinephrine in membranes was similar to that obtained with intact platelets. Substitution of sucrose for NaCl increased the affinity of epinephrine for intact platelets. [ 3 H]yohimbine thus appears to be a useful ligand for characterization of platelet α 2 -adrenergic receptors. Our results suggest that extracellular Na + and intracellular GTP and Mg ++ may be physiological determinants of epinephrine binding to these receptors.
African-American and Anglo Anglers' Attitudes toward the Catch-Related Aspects of Fishing

Race and ethnic differences with respect to catch and harvest related attitudes are poorly known. Based on previous research, African Americans and Anglos were expected to differ with respect to importance attached to four constructs related to the catch-related aspects of recreational fishing: catching something, catching a lot of fish, catching large fish, and retaining fish. Four Texas statewide angler surveys conducted from 1989–1997 were used to explore possible differences between African-American and Anglo males on the four catch-related constructs. Meta-analysis techniques were used to determine treatment by study interactions and provided a weighted average effect size. African Americans had stronger attitudes toward catching large numbers of fish, catching large fish, and retaining the fish they catch than Anglos. African Americans and Anglos did not differ on the catching something construct. Results supported subcultural theory explaining differences in attitudes between race and ethnic groups...
Designing and Teaming on the Outside

Abstract Brigham Young University and its collaborative partners throughout Utah recognize that effectively “integrating technology” into pre-service programs and ultimately into K-12 classrooms requires rethinking both the potentials of technology and the programs themselves. And this rethinking needs to be done together. BYU (both School of Education and cross-campus faculty), five surrounding school districts, and the State Office of Education have a history of partnershipping, much but not all of which has been positive and productive. With receipt of a PT3 grant, these groups have undertaken a series of activities and projects to promote collaborative re-searching, rethinking and re-creating. This article traces some of the highlights of this experience and examines results. The author describes a memorable meeting that revealed closeness in goals and distance in understanding of these so-called partners, along with a pivotal series of workshops that revealed what can be accomplished when understandi...
Three-dimensional reconstruction from a single-exposure, random conical tilt series applied to the 50S ribosomal subunit of Escherichia coli

We present a new reconstruction method that takes advantage of the fact that many biological macromolecular assemblies show a preferred orientation with respect to the plane of the specimen grid in the electron microscopic preparation. From one micrograph taken of such a specimen tilted by a large angle, a conical tilt series with random azimuthal angles can be extracted and used for a three-dimensional reconstruction. Our technique allows the determination of the molecular structure under low-dose conditions, which are not achievable with reconstruction methods that use conventional tilt series. The reconstruction method combines a number of existing image processing techniques with a newly developed weighted back-projection algorithm designed for three-dimensional reconstruction from projections taken with arbitrary projecting directions. The method is described as it was applied to the three-dimensional reconstruction of the structure of the 50S ribosomal subunit of Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Recent results from single‐cell microspectrophotometry: Cone pigments in frog, fish, and monkey

A modified design of a previous microspectrophotometer (DMSP) is described that utilizes a phase-modulated light beam. Applied to rod and cone outer segments, it can simultaneously measure optical density (OD) and linear dichroism (LD) spectra. LD spectra were found to be largely unaffected by the presence of light scattering and the absorption of the less anisotropic photoproducts. The bullfrog was found to have blue-absorbing cones in addition to other previously known photoreceptors in amphibians. Four visual pigments of the sea raven are described. Preliminary data are presented on the four pigments in rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys.
Improved feedback stabilization of interior plasma modes

Abstract RF loaded particulate beams can efficiently penetrate a plasma and stabilize internal localized modes.
Cocaine-like discriminative stimulus effects of heroin in squirrel monkeys: role of active metabolites and opioid receptor mechanisms.

Rationale and objectives: Opioid agonists frequently have been reported to share discriminative stimulus (DS) effects with cocaine; however, the pharmacological basis of these shared effects is not understood completely. The present study assessed the ability of heroin and its deacetylated metabolites, 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) and morphine, to engender cocaine-like DS effects and investigated the role of opioid receptor subtypes in modulating these DS effects. Methods: Squirrel monkeys were trained to discriminate 0.3 mg/kg cocaine (i.m.) from vehicle under a 10-response fixed-ratio schedule of food reinforcement, and responding on the drug lever was assessed after varying i.m. doses of heroin, 6-MAM, and morphine. The potential role of opioid receptor mechanisms in modulating the cocaine-like DS effects of heroin and its metabolites was assessed with the mixed mu/kappa opioid antagonist naltrexone, the delta-selective antagonist naltrindole, and the kappa-selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine. Results: Heroin, 6-MAM, and morphine engendered dose-related increases in responding on the cocaine lever in three of four monkeys. Naltrexone shifted the dose–response functions for heroin and its metabolites to the right, and in vivo apparent pA2 analyses revealed that naltrexone antagonized the effects of the opioids in a manner consistent with mu receptor antagonism (apparent pA2 values ranging from 8.20 to 8.47). Naltrindole only minimally altered the dose–response functions of heroin, 6-MAM, and morphine, whereas nor-binaltorphimine did not block the cocaine-like DS effects of the three opioid agonists, suggesting that neither delta nor kappa receptors played a prominent role in the cocaine-like DS effects of heroin and its metabolites. Conclusions: These results suggest that heroin and its deacetylated metabolites engendered cocaine-like DS effects in a similar fashion. Furthermore, the cocaine-like DS effects of these opioids were modulated by a predominantly mu-opioid receptor mechanism.
Externalism and token-token identity

Selon la theorie de l'identite de pure forme (token-token) de l'esprit et du corps, les signes evenementiels de l'esprit, compris comme des occurrences donnees concretement et particulierement, sont identiques aux signes evenementiels physiques, compris de facon semblable. Dans le cadre de cette theorie, l'A. souleve le probleme de l'externalisme evoque par Colin McGinn et Cynthia MacDonald. L'A. commence par definir deux conceptions differentes de l'externalisme. Il s'agit de determiner si la theorie initiale est compatible avec ce probleme ou s'il n'existe pas une autre theorie de l'identite de pure forme comme il existe deux externalismes
Detection of the Ah receptor in rainbow trout: Use of 2-azido-3-[125I]iodo-7,8-dibromodibenzo-P-dioxmin in cell culture

The Ah receptor was detected in RTG-2 cells (rainbow trout embryonic gonad cells) following the addition of the photoaffinity ligand, [125I]2-azido-3-iodo-7,8-dibromodibenzo-p-dioxin, to cells in culture. Cytosolic and nuclear extracts were prepared and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and revealed one radiolabeled band. Very little non-specific binding was observed under the conditions employed when compared to photoaffinity labeling RTG-2 cytosolic extracts in vitro. The photoaffinity-labeled Ah receptor in RTG-2 cytosol was analyzed by sucrose density centrifugation. The cytosolic form was observed to sediment at approximately 9.8S and the high salt nuclear extract form at approximately 7.5S. The relative molecular weight of the Ah receptor was determined to be 145 kDa under denaturing conditions and is considerably larger than the Ah receptor from mammalian sources. Inhibition of photoaffinity ligand binding to the RTG-2 cytosolic Ah receptor by competing ligands revealed the same rank order of ligand affinity as that previously demonstrated for the mouse Ah receptor.
In Situ IR Observation of Electromigration Induced Damage in Heavily Doped Polycryst-Alline Silicon Resistors

Heavily doped (~ 1%) polycrystalline silicon resistor stripes were observed by infra-red microscopy during high direct current density (> 1X106 A/cm2) stressing. Hot spots at flux divergences were seen to develop and then disappeared upon reversing the direction of the current flow. AC stressing produced no hot spots. These results were interpreted to support a model where failure is caused by an electromigration-induced depletion of dopant in the grain boundaries giving rise to a local increase in film resistivity. Joule heating at these locations of high resistivity result in the hot spots, which then lead to circuit failure. A cine film is presented showing this process in action.
Graphical Estimators From Probability Plots With Right-Censored Data

Probability plots are popular graphical tools used by reliability engineers and other practitioners for assessing parametric distributional assumptions. They are particularly well suited for location-scale families or those that can be transformed to such families. When the plot indicates a reasonable conformity to the assumed family, it is common to estimate the underlying location and scale parameters by fitting a line through the plot. This quick-and-easy method is especially useful with censored data. Indeed, the current version of a popular statistical software package uses this as the default estimation method. In this article we investigate the properties of graphical estimators with multiply right-censored data and compare their performance with that of maximum likelihood estimators. Large-sample results on consistency, asymptotic normality, and asymptotic variance expressions are obtained. Small-sample properties are studied through simulation for selected distributions and censoring patterns. Th...
Author's Pen and Actor's Voice: Playing and Writing in Shakespeare's Theatre

In this seminal work, Robert Weimann redefines the relationship between writing and performance, or 'playing', in Shakespeare's theatre. Through close reading and careful analysis Weimann offers a reconsideration and redefinition of Elizabethan performance and production practices. The study reviews the most recent methodologies of textual scholarship, the new history of the Elizabethan theatre, performance theory, and film and video interpretation, and offers a new approach to understanding Shakespeare. Weimann examines a range of plays including Hamlet, Troilus and Cressida, Henry V, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth, among others, as well as other contemporary works. A major part of the study explores the duality between playing and writing: the imaginary world-in-the-play and the visible, audible playing-in-the-world of the playhouse, and Weimann focuses especially on the gap between these two, between the so-called 'pen' and 'voice'.
X-ray crystallographic structure of BshC, a unique enzyme involved in bacillithiol biosynthesis.

Bacillithiol is produced by many Gram-positive bacteria via a pathway utilizing the enzymes BshA, BshB, and BshC. Here we report the 1.77 A resolution crystal structure of BshC, the putative cysteine ligase in bacillithiol production. The structure reveals that BshC contains a core Rossmann fold with connecting peptide motifs (CP1 and CP2) and a unique α-helical coiled-coil domain that facilitates dimerization. The model contains citrate and glycerol in the canonical active site and ADP in a second binding pocket. The overall structure and bound ligands give insight into the function of this unique enzyme.
Epitaxial growth of germanium and silicon single crystal films from the vapor phase

Single crystal films of germanium and silicon have been grown on suitably prepared substrates by the hydrogen reduction of the respective tetrachlorides. The problem of obtaining single crystal growth is shown to be a major function of substrate surface preparation, temperature of substrate and of the tetrachlorides. Factors affecting conductivity type, resistivity and film thickness are discussed, together with measurement techniques. Current limiters and other devices made, utilizing the single crystal films, are discussed and results presented.
Abstractions for safe concurrent programming in networked embedded systems

Over the last several years, large-scale wireless mote networks have made possible the exploration of a new class of highly-concurrent and highly-distributed applications. As the horizon of what kinds of applications can be built on these networked embedded systems keeps expanding, there is a need to keep the activity of programming such systems easy, efficient, and scalable. We make three major contributions in this paper. First, we present a library for TinyOS and nesC that enables true multi-threading on a mote. This library includes support for all mote platforms in use currently (AVR, MSP). Second, we present a tool that can effectively and accurately compute stack requirements for multithreaded programs. Such analysis ensures that the stacks allocated to individual threads are correctly sized. Finally, we present a collection of programming abstractions that simplifies the construction of concurrent systems for the mote platform. We also present experimental results obtained from several example systems built using our concurrent programming abstractions and the underlying thread library.
Religious Diversity, Sacramental Encounters, and the Spirit of God

There is increasing pressure on religious thinkers and leaders to construct theologies thoroughly grounded in the particularities of a faith tradition but truly appreciative of religious pluralism. This essay argues that a significant contribution towards articulating a Roman Catholic theology of religious diversity can be advanced by explicitly integrating developments in pneumatology and sacramental theology. Pneumatology has obvious pluralistic implications insofar as Catholic theologians and the magisterium itself have emphasized the universal presence of the Holy Spirit. The sacramental tradition is more ambivalent. On the one hand, the sacramental principle and sacramental nature of human existence would seem to endorse the authenticity of religious pluralism. On the other hand, sacramental theology in the West has historically been shaped by a Christomonism which necessarily tends toward exclusivism. This tendency can be overcome by understanding sacraments in light of a Spirit Christology from below.
SAR imaging for inspection of metallic surfaces at millimeter wave frequencies

Millimeter wave near-field nondestructive testing (NDT) and imaging techniques are well-suited for the inspection of exposed (bare) and coated metallic surfaces for detecting surface-breaking discontinuities such as cracks and corrosion under coatings. However, one drawback of near-field imaging is the long scan time due to the dense grid requirements at these high frequencies. This paper presents a novel imaging technique for NDT of metallic surface for detecting surface-breaking cracks. This technique incorporates wideband measurements, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) based imaging algorithms, and surface wave propagation. The proposed technique vastly reduces the required scan time to produce an image. This paper introduces the imaging technique and studies its efficacy using full-wave numerical electromagnetic simulations. Results of measurements at K-band (26.5-40 GHz) and V-band (50-75 GHz) are provided illustrating the feasibility of the proposed technique for rapid detection of metal surface discontinuities.
Diamond-Blackfan Anemia: Diagnosis,Treatment, and Molecular Pathogenesis

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a genetically and clinically heterogeneous disorder characterized by erythroid failure, congenital anomalies, and a predisposition to cancer. Faulty ribosome biogenesis, resulting in proapoptotic erythropoiesis leading to erythroid failure, is hypothesized to be the underlying defect. The genes identified to date that are mutated in DBA all encode ribosomal proteins associated with either the small or large subunit and in these cases haploinsufficiency gives rise to the disease. Extraordinarily robust laboratory and clinical investigations have recently led to demonstrable improvements in clinical care for patients with DBA.
Mutational Analysis of the Bacillus subtilis RNA Polymerase α C-Terminal Domain Supports the Interference Model of Spx-Dependent Repression

The Spx protein of Bacillus subtilis exerts both positive and negative transcriptional control in response to oxidative stress by interacting with the C-terminal domain of the RNA polymerase (RNAP) alpha subunit (alphaCTD). Thus, transcription of the srf operon at the onset of competence development, which requires the ComA response regulator of the ComPA signal transduction system, is repressed by Spx-alphaCTD interaction. Previous genetic and structural analyses have determined that an Spx-binding surface resides in and around the alpha1 region of alphaCTD. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis of B. subtilis alphaCTD uncovered residue positions required for Spx function and ComA-dependent srf transcriptional activation. Analysis of srf-lacZ fusion expression, DNase I footprinting, and solid-phase promoter retention experiments indicate that Spx interferes with ComA-alphaCTD interaction and that residues Y263, C265, and K267 of the alpha1 region lie within overlapping ComA- and Spx-binding sites for alphaCTD interaction. Evidence is also presented that oxidized Spx, while enhancing interference of activator-RNAP interaction, is not essential for negative control.
Swing-free transport of suspended objects with a robot manipulator

Objects which cannot be directly grasped by the end effector of a robot manipulator and must be carried by a hook or similar device are susceptible to swinging during transport. For a simply suspended object, it is possible to use a path-controlled manipulator to achieve a swing-free motion. The trajectory consists of an initial acceleration to an intermediate velocity, then a secondary acceleration to final velocity. An experimental demonstration of the method is presented.
Optimizing Structure Preserving Embedded Deformation for Resizing Images and Vector Art

Smart deformation and warping tools play an important part in modern day geometric modeling systems. They allow existing content to be stretched or scaled while preserving visually salient information. To date, these techniques have primarily focused on preserving local shape details, not taking into account important global structures such as symmetry and line features. In this work we present a novel framework that can be used to preserve the global structure in images and vector art. Such structures include symmetries and the spatial relations in shapes and line features in an image. Central to our method is a new formulation of preserving structure as an optimization problem. We use novel optimization strategies to achieve the interactive performance required by modern day modeling applications. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework by performing structure preservation deformation of images and complex vector art at interactive rates.
Preparing faculty to meet the needs of developmental students

Community college faculty who teach developmental English classes face numerous pedagogical challenges. Graduate programs, in-service training, and professional association activities help prepare faculty for these challenges, but additional support is needed.
The size of maximal systems of square islands

For integers m>0,n>0, and , a set H of closed rectangles that are all subsets of R and the vertices of which have integer coordinates is called a system of rectangular islands if for every pair of rectangles in H one of them contains the other or they do not overlap at all. Let IR denote the ordered set of systems of rectangular islands on R, and let max(IRIRf(m,n)=max{|H|: H∈max(IR)}, G. Czedli [G. Czedli, The number of rectangular islands by means of distributive lattices, European Journal of Combinatorics, in press (doi:10.1016/j.ejc.2008.02.005)] proved f(m,n)=[(mn+m+n-1)/[email protected]]. For g(m,n)=min{|H|:H∈max(IR )} in [Z. Lengvarszky, The minimum cardinality of maximal systems of rectangular islands, European Journal of Combinatorics 30 (1) 216-219], we proved g(m,n)=m+n-1. Systems of square islands are systems of rectangular islands with R and all members of H being squares. The functions f(n) and g(n) are defined analogously to f(m,n) and g(m,n), and we show f(n)≤n(n+2)/3 (best polynomial bound), and g(n)=n.
Net effect of acute administration of desipramine on the locus coeruleus - hippocampal system.

Abstract The tricyclic antidepressant drug desipramine (DMI) produces multiple effects on noradrenergic nervous systems. This study attempted to determine the net outcome of these effects by evaluating the firing rate of noradrenergic postsynaptic neurons. Hippocampal pyramidal cells inhibited by stimulation of the nucleus locus coeruleus were used as noradrenergic postsynaptic neurons. An intraperitoneal injection of DMI (5 or 10 mg/kg) inhibited 14 of 23 cells studied and an intravenous injection (0.3 or 0.6 mg/kg) supressed 16 of 16 cells studied. The inhibition was pronounced and lasted 18 min (i.p.) or 8 min (i.v.). It was blocked by either locus coeruleus lesions or pretreatment with reserpine and α-methyl-p-tyrosine, which suggests that the inhibition was mediated by norepinephrine. These results indicate that the net effect of DMI on noradrenergic systems is facilitation.
Immunoglobulin isotypes in plasma cells of normal and athymic mice

Abstract The distribution of plasma cells was determined in various lymphoid tissues and exocrine glands of athymic (nude) mice. Compared to values for normal mice, the total number of plasma cells in organs of athymic mice showed a variable decrease as follows: 0%, small intestine; 29%, respiratory tree; 33%, spleen; 50%, lymph nodes; 75%, lactating mammary gland; 85%, Peyer's patches; and 90%, parotid gland. Plasma cells containing IgG 1 or IgA showed the greatest decrease, whereas IgM-containing plasma cells were actually increased by 100% or more in most organs. In exocrine glands the absolute deficit of IgA-containing plasma cells was most marked in the parotid and lactating mammary gland, and least in the small intestine. All lymphoid tissues had a striking deficit in the absolute numbers of IgA as well as IgG, plasma cells. Total plasma cell numbers and their isotype distribution were similar for BALB/c +/+ (homozygous) and +/nu (heterozygous) mice.
Images in clinical medicine. An aspirin tablet and a gastric ulcer.

Figure 1. A 76-year-old woman had iron-deficiency anemia, a hematocrit of 24 percent, and a positive test for occult blood in stool. For several years, she had been taking 400 mg of etodolac twice a day for rheumatoid arthritis; one tablet of enteric-coated, regular-strength aspirin a day; and 1 mg of warfarin sodium a day for severe peripheral vascular disease. Her international normalized ratio was 1.15. After receiving a transfusion, she underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed an aspirin tablet, with the enteric coating still intact, within an ulcer of the gastric antrum. The tablet was removed with a forceps. . . .
Relative phosphocreatine and nucleoside triphosphate concentrations in cerebral gray and white matter measured in vivo by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance

Rates of ATP metabolism generally are higher in cerebral gray matter compared to white matter. In order to study the physiology of this regional difference in vivo, the 1-dimensional chemical shift imaging technique (1D-CSI) was used to acquire 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra from 2.5 mm slices of 4-week old piglet brains. Spectra from predominantly gray matter slices (estimated 76% gray matter, 7 mm below the scalp) were compared to predominantly white matter slices (56% estimated white matter, 13 mm below the scalp) as assessed by magnetic resonance images. The 1D-CSI technique introduced no systematic changes in the ratio of signals from a single chamber phantom containing a phosphocreatine (PCr) and ATP solution. Gray matter slices showed a PCr/NTP ratio of 0.93 ± 0.11 (mean ± S.D.) using a 2 s interpulse interval, a value very close to the ratio in surface coil localized spectra. The predominantly white matter slices showed a PCr/NTP ratio of 1.32 ± 0.18 (P < 0.02 for gray versus white matter). Using the estimated percentages of gray and white matter in the two slices and calculated concentrations from fully relaxed spectra, the gray matter PCr/NTP ratio is approximately 0.77, while the ratio in white matter is approximately 2.18. The difference in PCr/NTP measured in vivo suggests that either the total NTP concentration is higher or the steady state PCr concentration is lower in gray matter than in white matter in the piglet brain.
Two-parameter analyzer and other use of the digital computer in a nuclear laboratory☆

Abstract An IBM 1401 computer has been in use in the Bonner Nuclear Laboratories for approximately one year. Digital sequencing equipment and analog pulse conditioning circuits have been built and programs written to enable the use of the computer in four ways : (a) for the fast aquisition and delayed time processing of two-parameter experimental data (with an option for real-time coarse processing), up to 1000 channels being available for each parameter; (b) for fast readout and processing of data from commercial analyzers in the laboratory, resulting in a substantial increase in efficiency in the laboratory; (c) for single-parameter applications, where the system is equivalent to two 1000-channel analyzers with real or delayed-time totalizing; (d) for general-purpose computing of nuclear problems. The system is capable of further refinement and expansion.
Aggregation and Reactivity of the Lithium Enolate of 2-Biphenylylcyclohexanone in Tetrahydrofuran1

Deprotonation of biphenylylcyclohexanone (BPCH) with a lithium base in THF occurs preferentially at the secondary enolate position to give the unconjugated lithium enolate which is gradually converted to the more stable conjugated enolate by further proton transfer from the tertiary enolate position of the ketone. The unconjugated lithium enolate is present dominantly as the tetramer, but it is the monomer that reacts with ketone to give the conjugated enolate, LiBPCH. The conjugated enolate is present as a monomer−dimer mixture with K1,2 = 4300 M-1. The equilibrium constant changes only slightly at lower temperatures, indicating that dimerization is primarily entropy-controlled. The ion pair pK of LiBPCH, 12.3, is 6.0 units less than that of the corresponding cesium enolate, CsBPCH. Alkylation of LiBPCH with methyl brosylate or benzylic bromides occurs at the tertiary carbon, and kM ≫ kD. These reactions are faster than those of LiPhIBP, although LiPhIBP has a higher ion pair pK value. The ion pair displ...
DOMESTIC STRUCTURE AND COLLECTIVE SECURITY

Neorealism and neoliberal institutionalism are unable to account for the variability states exhibit when it comes to the subject of collective security systems because neither approach controls for the impact domestic politics can have on a state's ability to participate in this type of multilateral institution. A domestic structures perspective can address this shortcoming by highlighting the influence domestic political norms and institutions can exert in regard to a state's ability to make international security commitments and its ability to contribute to multilateral enforcement efforts. This essay provides evidence in support of these claims and outlines a research agenda for investigating the consequences domestic politics may hold for the viability and efficacy of collective security institutions.
THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF DIFFUSION AND CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN LIQUID-LIQUID EXTRACTION KINETICS∗†

Abstract The relative importance of interfacial diffusion and chemical reactions in determining the overall kinetics of liquid-liquid extraction of metal cations is discussed. The different criteria which can be used to identify if the rate of extraction is controlled by diffusion, interfacial chemical reactions or homogeneous chemical reactions are briefly reviewed. A chemical system where interfacial and aqueous phase chemical reactions are simultaneously controlling the rate of metal extraction is described.
Serial ambulatory electrocardiography and treadmill exercise testing after uncomplicated myocardial infarction.

To compare the diagnostic and prognostic utility of ambulatory electrocardiography and treadmill exercise testing after clinically uncomplicated myocardial infarction, 90 men (mean age 52 years) were evaluated 3 weeks after the acute event and a variable number were evaluated 11, 26 and 52 weeks after the acute event. The prevalence of “any” premature ventricular complex and of “complex” ventricular ectopic activity was greater with ambulatory electrocardiography than with treadmill testing (78 versus 49 percent; p
Why is biological science difficult for first-year nursing students?

Many factors contribute to poor performance in examinations in nurse education. Some of these are specific to the biological science subject area. In this study the results of two cohorts of first-year nursing students' biological science examination results were analysed to see if entry criteria and study habits significantly affected examination results. chi(2) contingency tables were used. The following parameters were shown to have a significant effect on biological science examination results: 1. Studied biology previously, chi(2)=48.06, DF=20, n=112 (significant at 0.001); 2. Level of achievement in school biology, chi(2)=11.15, DF=8, n=104 (significant at 0.05); 3. Attendance in class, chi(2)=60.71, DF=36, n=201 (significant at 0.001); 4. Use of recommended readings, chi(2)=34.86, DF=20, n=119 (significant at 0.05). Are nursing students of today giving themselves a decent chance through their study and attendance behaviour in a busy demanding course? Is overloading within the curriculum leading to these behaviours? This study shows that poor previous theoretical biological science significantly influenced biological science examination results. Biological science will continue to prove difficult, particularly for students who have a poor biological background, unless appropriate strategies are put in place both within the course and prior to entry.
A conservation and rescue service

Abstract The Concept May Now Constitute a Valid and Viable Response to Youth Unemployment, Soil Depletion, and the Impacts of Exogenous Disasters. It might, in several “advanced” countries, be implemented without costing governments or taxpayers a penny. The article discusses the intellectual and institutional history of the concept, and reviews the reasons for — and the considerable difficulties of — implementation. A new instrumentality to provide both jobs and training for the young will require political decisions at the highest level as well as a sweeping re-allocation of resources and a leadership cadre that is both astute and charismatic. Properly organized and led, the proposed Service could play a major role in re-interesting Third-World youth in the prospects offered by science and technology for a more prosperous and adventurous future, and thus contribute tangibly to the reduction of North-South tensions.
Preneoplastic lesions in rodent kidney induced spontaneously or by non-genotoxic agents: predictive nature and comparison to lesions induced by genotoxic carcinogens

Abstract The current literature on non-genotoxic renal carcinogens and the associated neoplastic and preneoplastic lesions has been reviewed in order to determine their occurrence and predictive nature with regard to tumor formation. In addition the mechanisms involved in the genesis of renal tumors are discussed. A more generalized classification of preneoplastic and neoplastic renal lesions was introduced, based on studies conducted with genotoxic and non-genotoxic renal carcinogens. Reports on preneoplastic lesions were found in the literature for control animals as well as animals treated with non-genotoxic carcinogens. Due to the paucity of data regarding preneoplastic lesions in control animals and animals treated with non-genotoxic carcinogens, new data were also generated by rereading kidney slides of control animals of a randomly selected NTP study and kidney slides of male rats treated with the highest dose of ochratoxin A, one of the most potent non-genotoxic renal carcinogens known. The control slides and the slides from the ochratoxin A study indicated that the cytologic and morphologic types of preneoplastic lesions characteristically observed in bioassays using genotoxic carcinogens are also present in control animals and animals treated with non-genotoxic carcinogens. The incidence of preneoplastic lesions was low in control animals and higher in animals treted with non-genotoxic carcinogens. The diversed classifications used in the literature did not allow a direct comparison of lesions and corresponding incidences with those of the newly generated data. However, three major tendencies were observed: (a) whenever a high incidence of preneoplastic lesions was reported, renal neoplasms were also found, (b) the larger the size and the further a lesion had progressed, the higher was the probability of tumor formation, and (c) not all preneoplastic lesions are irreversible, but reversibility seemed to decrease with increasing lesion size and progression. It must be emphasized that the data available for these conclusions are limited. This is not due to the lack of adquate numbers of bioassays with non-genotoxic carcinogens, but rather to the lack of consistent reporting of data. A generalized and more widely used classification which incorporates early lesions would certainly improve the curret data base on renal lesions and provide future improvements in the predictive nature of these lesions.
A Test Procedure with a Sample from a Normal Population when an Upper Bound to the Standard Deviation is Known

Abstract For samples from normal populations with unknown means and unknown common standard deviation, but where an upper bound to the standard deviation is known, tests based on the normal distribution (when dealing with one population) and on the Chi-square distribution (when dealing with several populations) are suggested as alternatives to, respectively, the t-test and the F-test. The tests suggested use the upper bound to the standard deviation in place of the sample estimate. Although the tests suggested have a smaller first kind of error, their power can, under certain conditions, exceed the power of the standard t-test and F-test. Tables are constructed which for degrees of freedom, first kind of error, and second kind of error give, percentagewise, the range within which the upper bound for the standard deviation must lie if these tests are to be more powerful than the respective t-test and F-test.
Identification of methylated metabolites of inorganic arsenic by thin-layer chromatography

TLC on cellulose plates was used to identify methylated products of inorganic arsenic metabolism (monomethylarsonate and dimethylarsinate) in biological samples. Two solvent systems were tested: methanol-ammonium hydroxide (8:2) and isopropanol-acetic acid-water (10:1:2.5). The latter solvent system produced the most satisfactory separation of radiolabelled methylated arsenic compounds in aqueous solution, in rat liver cytosol incubated with carrier-free or 1 μM [73As]arsenite and in urine of mice given carrier-free [73As]arsenate or 5 mg of [73As]arsenate/kg per os. Oxidation of samples by hydrogen peroxide improved the separation and quantitation of monomethylarsonate in both biological matrices.