cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopy for chronic abdominal pain.

Background: This purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the utility of laparoscopy in patients with chronic abdominal pain. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 34 patients who underwent laparoscopy for chronic abdominal pain. Average patient age was 39 years. The majority were women. Most had undergone abdominal surgery in the past. Results: All procedures were performed laparoscopically. A positive finding was made in 65% of patients. Fifty-six percent of patients underwent adhesiolysis, but 26% required no operative intervention other than laparoscopic exploration. Notably, 73% of patients reported improvement in pain postoperatively, whether or not a positive finding had been made on laparoscopy. Conclusions: This retrospective study suggests laparoscopy can identify abnormal findings and improve outcome in a majority of selected cases. Recommendations are provided for patient selection. Prior abdominal surgery is not an absolute contraindication to laparoscopic exploration for chronic abdominal pain.
RVLM GLYCINE RECEPTORS MEDIATE GABAA AND GABAB INDEPENDENT SYMPATHOINHIBITION FROM CVLM IN RATS.

The caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) provides tonic inhibitory and also excitatory inputs to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). These experiments evaluated the role of RVLM gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptor subtypes and glycine receptors in mediating CVLM sympathoinhibition. In Inactin anesthetized female rats, the CVLM and RVLM were functionally defined by pressor and depressor responses to microinjected GABA (500 pmol, 50 nl). Although reduced, pressor and sympathoexcitatory responses due to inhibition of the CVLM with GABA persisted following ipsilateral RVLM GABA(A) receptor blockade (bicuculline, BIC, 400 pmol, 100 nl; n=12) in rats with contralateral nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) lesion. In the presence of either ipsilateral (+contralateral NTS lesion; n=8) or bilateral (n=6) GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptor blockade of the RVLM (400 pmol BIC+400 pmol CGP35348, 100 nl), inhibition of the CVLM still increased MAP and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). Thus neither GABA(B) receptors nor a contralateral CVLM to RVLM GABAergic pathway explains residual responses to CVLM blockade. The addition of strychnine (300 pmol, 100 nl) to the RVLM eliminated responses to CVLM inhibition, suggesting that a GABA(A) and GABA(B) independent sympathoinhibitory influence from CVLM to RVLM is mediated by glycine receptors. Decreases in MAP and RSNA due to activation of the CVLM with glutamate (500 pmol, 50 nl) were reversed to increases in the presence of RVLM GABA(A) receptor blockade (n=7). Thus, a sympathoexcitatory pathway from the CVLM can be activated in the presence of RVLM GABA receptor blockade, but sympathoinhibitory influences from the CVLM predominate.
Propagation and Scattering of SH-Waves in Semi-Infinite Domains Using a Time-Dependent Boundary Element Method

The propagation and scattering of SH-waves of general form is investigated using the boundary element method. Attention is focused on semi-infinite regions containing subsurface cavities. The analysis is carried out within the context of linear elastodynamic theory formulated as an integral equation. Using a time-dependent Green’s function for the half space, the boundary integral equation is developed and is discretized into a finite set of algebraic relations. A time-stepping algorithm is constructed for the solution of general boundary value—initial value problems. Results of this solution technique are presented for the two-dimensional case of transient waves scattering off of buried stress-free cavities.
Effects of exercise with varying energy expenditure on high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.

To investigate the effect of varying energy expenditure on acute high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) changes, 12 healthy endurance-trained men completed three- counterbalanced running trials at different energy expenditures: trial 1, 1690.3 (24.4) kJ [mean (SD)]; trial 2, 2529.1 (24.0) kJ; trial 3, 3384.3 (36.6) kJ, with exercise intensity at 75% of maximal oxygen consumption. For each trial, blood samples were collected at 24 h pre-exercise (24 h Pre), immediately post-exercise, 1 h post-exercise, 6 h post-exercise (6 h PE), and 24 h post-exercise (24 h PE). Plasma samples were analyzed for HDL-C, HDL2-C and HDL3-C subfractions, and triglycerides (TG). In addition, post-heparin plasma samples were analyzed at 24 h Pre, 6 h PE and 24 h PE for lipoprotein lipase activity (LPLA) and hepatic triglyceride lipase activity. All samples were corrected for plasma volume changes and compared to 24 h Pre (baseline). When trials were combined, an increase (P < 0.05) in HDL-C was observed 24 h PE, via an increase (P < 0.05) in HDL3-C. An increase (P < 0.05) in LPLA and decrease (P < 0.05) in TG at 24 h PE is suggested to be responsible for the increase in HDL3-C. In conclusion, no difference in HDL-C was observed among trials. However, when trials were combined, an increase in HDL-C was observed, suggesting that an energy expenditure of no greater than 3384 J is needed to promote favorable changes in HDL-C.
The Normative Root of the Climate Change Problem

The proximate cause of climate change is the emission of greenhouse gases to the planetary atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels. Those emissions are rising because coal, oil, and gas provide the primary motive force for economic activity. The constant and concerted push by political leaders around the world for an ever-larger world economy, and for ever-faster rates of economic growth, exacerbates this problem. Given the looming threat of a changing climate, what explains this continuing preference for growth? Practical benefits and political expedience are parts of the story, but this essay points to the normative domain. It identifies a moral laxity shared by political leaders which fosters a preference for growth over other more ethically demanding but environmentally sustainable ways to enable human betterment. In turn, that laxity is shown to arise from the uncritical appropriation of an irresponsible notion of freedom from constraint which is deployed as justification for the growth paradigm. This false freedom lurks at the bottom of the climate change problem.
Coherent two dimensional spectroscopy with triply vibrationally enhanced infrared four-wave mixing

Abstract A triply vibrationally enhanced four-wave mixing method measures the frequency domain coherent two dimensional vibrational spectrum of Ni(CO)2(PPh3)2 and Ni(CO)3PPh3 by triply vibrationally enhanced four-wave mixing using two excitation frequencies. This technique probes the coupling between vibrational modes. Two different phase-matching geometries were used. One geometry involves single vibrational quantum transitions while the second involves at least one multiquantum transition. Strong cross-peaks were observed for the phase-matching geometry requiring single quantum transitions but no measurable cross-peaks were observed for the multiquantum phase-matching geometry.
Outdiffusion of la and Al from amorphous LaAlO3 in direct contact with Si (001)

We have evaluated the thermal stability of Al2O3/LaAlO3/Si (001) stacks with atomic force microscopy, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and secondary ion mass spectrometry using a back side polishing approach. Crystallization of the amorphous LaAlO3 film was found to occur for rapid thermal anneals (RTA) above 935 °C for 20 s, in flowing N2. Penetration of Al and La into the underlying Si (001) is clearly observed for RTA at or above 950 °C for 20 s in flowing N2.
Notes for a unified theory of estimation for sample surveys taking into account response erros

After a review of the literature and preliminaries in sections 1 and 2. the essentials of an estimation theory for sample surveys, which takes into account measurement and/or response errors, are given in section 3. There it is shown that the linear estimator with the lesst mean square error does not exist; an unattained lower bound to the mean square error is established. Section 4 shows that estimates of variance of linear estimators in standard theory are always negatively biased. Finally, the method of independent replication and its use for the purpose of estimating variance is discussed in section 5.
Inhibition of (Na++K+) -ATPase by Oxidized Oils Adsorbed on Cellulose Powder

Previous investigations have been demonstrated that several oxidation products derived from methyl linoleate possess the definite toxicity for mice and chick embryos in vivo.In this study, the effect of their compounds on the (Na++K+) -ATPase (EC 3.6. 1.3) obtained from rat jejunum mucosal cell in vitro was clarified. To investigate the oil-enzyme interaction, authors proposed a new technique using the oil adsorbed on cellulose powder without surface active agents which inactivate the enzyme activity.By this procedure, it was found that all oxidized compounds inhibited the (Na++K+) -ATPase activity more or less and their concentrations of 50% inhibition of the enzyme (Ki) corresponded closely to the LD50s for chick embryos or the decreases in the body weight of mice administered them.Thus, the biological lesions previously found such as increase of water content in the small intestinal lumen of mouse administered could be explained by the inhibition of (Na++K+) -ATPase.
Thermal constriction resistance between two solids for random distribution of contacts

An infinite interface of randomly distributed contacts is modeled as a finite square region with randomly placed contacts inside it. The contacts outside the region are treated as continuum of contacts. The continuum approximation allows for an interaction between the contacts within the square and those outside it. An analytical solution is obtained for the temperature field, and the contact resistance is analyzed for randomness effects. This is the first such analytical model developed to study random distribution of contacts. The result shows an excellent agreement when tested against the the available analytical solution for the case of periodic arrangement of contacts. For the random case, the resistance is observed to be a strong function of the area fraction of contact.
Regional localization of dopamine and ionotropic glutamate receptor subtypes in striatolimbic brain regions.

Localization of dopamine (D(1)-, D(2)-like, and D(4)) and ionotropic glutamate (NMDA, AMPA, and KA) receptor subtypes within the striatolimbic forebrain remains incomplete, but basic to understanding the functional organization of this important brain region. We found that frontal cortical ablation supported colocalization of D(4) and NMDA receptors on corticostriatal afferents to caudate-putamen and nucleus accumbens in rat forebrain. Local injection of kainic acid into caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, or hippocampus produced massive local postsynaptic losses of D(1)- and D(2)-like, as well as NMDA, AMPA, and KA receptors, and kainic acid ablation of hippocampal-striatal projections indicated the selective expression of presynaptic NMDA and KA autoreceptors. Degeneration of nigrostriatal dopamine projections with 6-hydroxydopamine showed that all three glutamatergic subtypes exist as heteroceptors on nigrostriatal dopaminergic terminals. Our findings suggest common interactions between excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory dopaminergic receptors in rat forebrain. Further localization of these receptor subtypes in striatolimbic forebrain should help to clarify their contributions to the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders and their treatment.
A simulation based model for default risk in HEL subordinate securities

The Home Equity Loan (HEL) ABS sector has grown to be a significant part of the ABS market. The securities offer attractive yields, particularly the subordinate bonds. The cash flows of subordinate bonds have a complicated pattern and are dependent on the status of certain performance tests. Investors in the securities typically perform default analysis of HEL securities using a scenario based approach. We propose a model for evaluating the default risk in subordinate HEL securities backed by sub-prime first lien loans. Our model is based on simulation of serious delinquencies and losses. We show that the current scenario based approach does not adequately capture the risk inherent in these bonds.
The economics of smallholder agroforestry: Two case studies

Abstract Agroforestry programs must be economically attractive to farmers if they are to be successful. In addressing the economics of an agroforestry system, planners must pay attention to input and output mixes and attitudes toward risk as components of smallholder profitability. From the smallholder's perspective, local market conditions and existing practices may provide a greater indicator of project success or failure than environmental benifits, which may be nearly impossible to quantify. A positive on-farm economic analysis provides a necessary, but not sufficient, indication of the successful introduction of an agroforestry project. This paper makes use of two case studies to demonstrate the need for and shortcomings of economic analysis as applied to agroforestry projects.
ATS-6 Satellite Instructional Television Experiment

The Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) is scheduled for the second year of satellite operation. Applications Technology Satellite (ATS-6) will receive C-band video signals frorn Abmedabad and Delhi, India, and will retransmitt the video and two audio sub-carriers at 860 MHz to 6 clusters of 400 direct-receive stations for a total of 2400 direct-receive stations. Morning programs of 1.5 hours per day are designed for classroom use, and evening programs of 2.5 hours duration are designed for village adult education. Indian production antennas and television sets have been tested and found to meet specifications, and a successful experiment is anticipated.
Factors affecting the future numbers of diagnostic radiologists

There is a widespread conviction among health policy experts that a severe imbalance exists in the ratio of primary care to specialist physicians. There are too many specialists, including radiologists, and several health manpower planning commissions have recommended steps to change the "imbalance". The federal government, because of its position in residency funding, proposes to play a major role in the implementation of the changes in the number of medical specialists. In contrast to the discord surrounding other aspects of medical reform, the major agencies have considerable accord on the need for reducing the supply of specialists and are close on the method for doing so. This article reviews the current situation, outlines the proposals for action, and speculates on likely scenarios for their implementation.
Experimental flammability limits and associated theoretical flame temperatures as a tool for predicting the temperature dependence of these limits

The utility and limitations of adiabatic flame temperature calculations and minimum mixture energies in predicting the temperature dependence of flammability limits are explored. The limiting flame temperatures at constant pressure (1 bar) are calculated using a standard widely-used thermodynamic computer program. The computation is based on the calculated limiting flame temperature value at the reference initial temperature and the experimental limit concentration. The values recently determined in large chambers for the lower and upper flammability limits of a variety of simple organic and inorganic gases (methane, ethylene, dimethylether, and carbon monoxide) are used as the basis for the predictions of the limiting flame temperature concept. Such thermodynamic calculations are compared with more traditional ones based on a limiting mixture energy and a constant average heat capacity of the reactant mixture. The advantages and limitations of the methods are discussed in this paper.
The major coat protein of filamentous bacteriophage f1 specifically pairs in the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane.

Abstract Filamentous bacteriophage are long, thin single-stranded DNA viruses that infect male strains of Escherichia coli without killing the host. Each phage contains approximately 2700 copies of the major coat protein, pVIII, which exists as a 5.2 kDa cytoplasmic membrane protein prior to incorporation into phage. Studies from a number of groups analyzing the behavior of wild-type and mutant pVIII in detergents suggested that pVIII might pair under these conditions. In order to test whether pVIII molecules pair in vivo in the cytoplasmic membrane, four plasmid-encoded pVIII variants were constructed in which specific residues in the transmembrane region were mutated to cysteine in an attempt to stabilize any pair via disulfide bridges. Variants A35C and I39C were unable to complement phage with an amber mutation in gene VIII. The I39C variant was unable to be packaged into phage particles even though it was inserted into the membrane. In the case of A35C, the inability to complement was not due to a packaging defect because the variant protein could be packaged into phage in the presence of wild-type pVIII. Western blot analysis of cytoplasmic membrane samples revealed that the A35C variant formed stable disulfide dimers in vivo. Expression of A35C interfered with wild-type phage infection, indicating that the assembly machinery may recognize the disulfide dimers in some non-productive way. The results indicate that pVIII may specifically pair along a particular face in the cytoplasmic membrane prior to assembly; however, these pairs must be able to be separated in order for normal assembly to occur.
Near-infrared spectroscopy for the determination of testosterone in thin-film composites.

Abstract More rapid, reproducible, and cost-effective methods to control product quality in the pharmaceutical industry continue to be a major emphasis, particularly with the FDA through its recent process analytical technologies (PAT) initiative. Many different methods have been used to determine the stability and content uniformity of a drug in various dosage forms; however, most of these methods include the destruction of the sample. Therefore, the development of nondestructive methods that allow the analysis of each individual dosage form has become the basis of much research. A new assay for the nondestructive determination of testosterone content in mucoadhesive bi-layer thin-film composites (TFCs) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) was developed. Five sets of the circular films (n=5) with theoretical testosterone content of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mg per 3/8th in. diameter disks were scanned in the near-infrared region of 1100–2500 nm to determine testosterone content. The NIR results were directly compared with those obtained using a previously developed ultraviolet assay for testosterone at 240 nm. Principal component regression (PCR) was performed to calibrate the NIR assay. This correlation produced r 2 =0.99 with a standard error of estimate (SEE)=0.18 mg, and a standard error of performance (SEP)=0.18 on cross validation with an equal number of samples ( F test passed at P =0.05). Though the UV assay showed a slightly better r 2 value, the NIR assay was much quicker, easier, and nondestructive. Therefore, the NIR assay may have significant potential for use in the quality control of pharmaceutical films containing drugs.
Attending to the third goal: Cross-cultural competence and identity development in two-way immersion programs

In two-way immersion (TWI) programs in the United States, the development of student cross-cultural competence is one of three primary goals, along with academic achievement and bilingualism and biliteracy. However, as “the third goal,” cross-cultural outcomes have received less scholarly attention. In this article, we briefly review the literature on cross-cultural outcomes for students in TWI programs, and highlight a consistent focus on the self in these studies, particularly as it relates to student identity. As cross-cultural competence begins with awareness of the self within the socially and culturally diverse classrooms that TWI provides, we assert that scholarly attention should be paid to the ways that TWI programs support identity development as an aspect of achieving the third goal of cross-cultural competence. We offer brief descriptions of three theoretical frameworks that hold promise for scholars considering student identity development within TWI, and close with suggestions for further research.
A Preliminary Examination of the Effect of Structure on the Compressive Strength of Ice Samples From Multi-Year Pressure Ridges

On a realise une serie de 222 essais uniaxiaux a taux de contrainte constant sur des bancs de glaces ayant subi des pressions pendant plusieurs dizaines d'annees
Morphological control of MgxZn1−xO layers grown on Ga:ZnO/glass substrates for photovoltaics

Abstract Mg x Zn 1− x O has been used in various photovoltaic cells because its energy bandgap can be tailored by controlling the Mg composition in this ternary compound. The Mg x Zn 1− x O layers with different surface morphologies including two-dimensional (2-D) films and one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructures are preferred for conventional p–n junction solar cells and polymer–inorganic hybrid solar cells, respectively. The Mg x Zn 1− x O layers are sequentially grown on Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) transparent conductive electrode using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The effect of the buffer layers on Mg x Zn 1− x O surface morphology is investigated. It is observed that Mg x Zn 1− x O deposited at ∼500 °C on a low-temperature (∼250 °C) ZnO buffer layer is in the form of 2-D dense and smooth films, whereas, on a high-temperature (∼520 °C) ZnO buffer layer is in the form of 1-D nanostructures. Based on the structure characterization results, a growth mechanism in terms of nucleation and texturing is proposed to explain the buffer layer effect.
Clinical Trials in Assessing the Effects of Nutrition on Blood Pressure

Excerpt Randomized clinical trials were advocated as the only reliable method to distinguish between therapies that are not overwhelmingly different. However, the application of such trials to asse...
Autoradiographic localization of delta opioid receptors within the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system using radioiodinated [2-D-penicillamine, 5-D-penicillamine]enkephalin (125I-DPDPE).

The enkephalin analog (2-D-penicillamine, 5-D-penicillamine)enkephalin was radioiodinated (125I-DPDPE) and shown to retain a pharmacological selectivity characteristic of the delta opioid receptor in in vitro binding studies. The distributions of 125I-DPDPE binding, using in vitro autoradiographic techniques, were similar to those previously reported for the delta opioid receptor. The nucleus accumbens, striatum, and medial prefrontal cortex contain dense gradients of 125I-DPDPE binding in regions known to receive dopaminergic afferents emanating from the mesencephalic tegmentum. Selective chemical lesions of the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra were employed to deduce the location of the 125I-DPDPE binding within particular regions of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Unilateral lesions of dopamine perikarya (A9 and A10) within the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra produced by mesencephalic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine resulted in significant (20-30%) increases in 125I-DPDPE binding contralateral to the lesion within the striatum and nucleus accumbens. Lesions of the perikarya (dopaminergic and nondopaminergic) of the ventral tegmental area, induced by quinolinic acid injections, caused increases of less magnitude within these same nuclei. No significant alterations in 125I-DPDPE binding were observed within the mesencephalon as a result of either treatment. The specificity of the lesions was confirmed by immunocytochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase. These results suggestmore » that the enkephalins and opioid agonists acting through delta opioid receptors do not directly modulate dopaminergic afferents but do regulate postsynaptic targets of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system.« less
Plasma‐Induced Morphological Changes in α‐Silicon Carbide

Significant alterations in the surface morphology of α-silicon carbide powders have been observed after exposure to a low-temperature Ar plasma. Surface alterations were observed in 3 min at 1900°C and 30 min at 1600°C. Powders heated with plasma exposure were characterized by contact development and particle rounding whereas without the plasma substantial faceting was observed at higher temperatures.
Line and boundary detection in speckle images

This paper considers the problem of detecting lines in speckle imagery, such as that produced by synthetic aperture radar (SAR) or ultrasound techniques. Using the physical principles that account for the speckle phenomenon, we derive the optimal detector for lines in fully developed speckle, and we compare the optimal detector to several suboptimal detection rules that are more computationally efficient. We show that when the noise is uncorrelated, a very simple suboptimal detection rule is nearly optimal, and that even in colored speckle, a related class of detectors can approach optimal performance. Finally, we also discuss the application of this technique to medical ultrasonic images, where the detection of tissue boundaries is considered as a problem of line detection.
Statistical timing verification for transparently latched circuits

High-performance integrated-circuit designs need to verify the clock schedules as they usually have level-sensitive latches for their speed. With process variations, the verification needs to compute the probability of correct clocking. Because of complex statistical correlations and accumulated inaccuracy of statistical operations, traditional iterative approaches have difficulties in getting accurate results. A statistical check of the structural conditions for correct clocking is proposed instead, where the central problem is to compute the probability of having a positive cycle in a graph with random edge weights. The authors proposed two algorithms to handle this. The proposed algorithms traverse the graph only several times to reduce the correlations among iterations, and it considers not only data delay variations but also clock-skew variations. Although the first algorithm is a heuristic algorithm that may overestimate timing yields, experimental results show that it has an error of 0.16% on average in comparison with the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. Based on a cycle-breaking technique, the second heuristic algorithm can conservatively estimate timing yields. Both algorithms are much more efficient than the MC simulation
Rapid interference suppression and channel identification for digital, multipath wireless channels

Presents a method for improving the signal-to-interference-ratio (SIR) for a desired digital signal in the presence of time-varying local multipath reception and interference from other signals. The singular value decomposition (SVD) based method identifies the channel by the aid of a known pilot signal. The method is applied to a multipath, cellular channel with a cochannel interference signal. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated through simulations. >
Optimizing training cost-effectiveness of simulation-based laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs

Abstract Background Motor learning theory suggests that highly complex tasks are probably best trained under conditions of part task (PT), as opposed to whole-task (WT) training. Within PT, random practice of tasks has been shown to lead to improved skill retention and transfer. Methods General surgery residents were equally randomized to PT vs WT, mastery learning type, and simulation-based training of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Training time and resources used to reach mastery (skill acquisition), performance at 1-month testing (skill retention), and intraoperative time and performance scores (skill transfer) were compared. Results Forty-four general surgery trainees were randomized. All residents achieved mastery benchmarks. Trainees in the PT group achieved mastery on average 17 minutes faster (60.2 ± 23.8 vs 77.1 ± 24.8 minutes, P = .02, saving 6.2 instructor hours), used fewer material resources (curricular cost savings of $2,380 or $121 per learner), and were more likely to retain mastery level performance at 1-month retention testing (59% vs 22.7% P = .03). No differences in intraoperative performance were encountered. Conclusions For laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, random PT simulation-based training seems to be more cost-effective, compared with WT training.
The Role of Ganglionated Plexi in Apnea-Related Atrial Fibrillation

Objectives This study was conducted to simulate sleep apnea-induced atrial fibrillation (AF) in an experimental model and to determine whether neural ablation will prevent AF. Background An increasing number of clinical reports have associated sleep apnea and AF, and many possible mechanisms responsible for this relationship have been proposed. Methods Thirty dogs anesthetized with Na-pentobarbital were ventilated by a positive pressure respirator. Protocol 1 (n = 14): After a right thoracotomy, atrial and pulmonary vein programmed pacing at 2× and 4× threshold determined the shortest atrial refractory period. Obstructive apnea was induced by turning off the respirator during end expiration for 2 min. During apnea, programmed pacing was performed with S1-S2 = 5 to 10 ms earlier than the atrial refractory period. Neural activity was monitored from the ganglionated plexi (GP) adjacent to the right pulmonary veins. Protocol 2 (n = 16): Electrical stimulation identified the GP at the right pulmonary artery (RPA). Programmed pacing was again instituted, below atrial refractory period, during 2 min of apnea. After radiofrequency ablation of the RPA GP, continuous programmed pacing was again repeated during 2 min of apnea. In 5 dogs, blood gases were determined at baseline and at 2 min of apnea. Results Protocol 1: During apnea, S1-S2 induced AF within 85 ± 38 s (9 of 10). In 1 case, AF occurred spontaneously at 1 min 36 s of apnea. Recorded GP neural activity progressively increased before AF onset. Systolic but not diastolic blood pressure rose significantly before AF (149 ± 26 mm Hg to 193 ± 38 mm Hg, p Conclusions This experimental model of apnea shows a reproducible incidence of AF. After neural ablation of the RPA GP or autonomic blockade, AF inducibility was significantly inhibited.
Monitoring Changes in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Susceptibility to Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Arizona and California

ABSTRACT Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B is a highly prolific and polyphagous whitefly that established in much of North America during the 1980s. Neonicotinoid insecticides have been fundamental in regaining control over outbreak populations of B. tabaci, but resistance threatens their sustainability. Susceptibility of B. tabaci in the southwestern United States to four neonicotinoid insecticides varied considerably across populations within each year over a 3 yr period. Using a variability ratio of highest LC50 to lowest LC50 in field-collected whitefly adults from Arizona and California, the ranges of LC50s across all tests within compounds were highest to imidacloprid and lowest to thiamethoxam. Patterns of susceptibility were similar among all four neonicotinoid insecticides, but the greater variability in responses to imidacloprid and significantly higher LC50s attained indicated higher resistance levels to imidacloprid in all field populations. Further evidence of differential toxicities of ne...
Effect of streptomycin sulfate on the chemistry and growth of Heliothis virescens

Abstract 1. Heliothis virescens could tolerate up to 8 g streptomycin sulfate per kg diet. 2. Accumulation of carbohydrates, lipids and carbohydrates in the larvae was only slightly affected.
MANAGED CARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS: Who is Responsible for the Health of the Population?

▪ Abstract This review examines changes over the past decade in the delivery of health care in the United States, specifically the move toward managed care and capitation. Over 77 million Americans are now enrolled in health maintenance organizations, and the health care delivery system is reorganizing into large group practices and integrated health systems. Examined here are the implications of this shift on the interaction between managed care and public health agencies. How will a population-based system of health care be achieved in light of managed care organizations' responsibility only for their enrolled population, in contrast to the responsibility of the public health service for the entire population? Where does the responsibility of MCOs end and that of public health begin? Should certain public health functions be absorbed by managed care organizations? What are the prospects for partnership between these two systems?
Locus of control and competence1

The relation of locus of control and competence in school achievement, social interactions, sports, and home related activities was examined. The sample consisted of 346 ninth-grade students, and competence was measured using self-report, antional battery test scores, grades, and sociometric ratings. Among males, locus of control was significantly related to competent performance only among those subjects who placed a high value on outcomes in each area. Among females, the pattern was exactly reversed. Locus of control and various forms of competence were related only in areas of low interest value. The implications of these findings were discussed. Language: en
Economic Sanctions, Poverty, and International Terrorism: An Empirical Analysis

This study examines the impact of economic sanctions on international terrorism. It is argued that sanctions intensify economic hardships on the poor within countries and this increases their level of grievance and makes them more likely to support or engage in international terrorism. Further, economic sanctions are conceptualized as creating an opportunity for rogue leaders to manipulate aggrieved poor people to terrorize foreign entities who are demonized as engaging in a foreign encroachment on the sanctioned nation's sovereignty. A cross-sectional, time-series data analysis of 152 countries for the past three decades provides evidence that ceteris paribus, economic sanctions are positively associated with international terrorism. This finding suggests that, although the main purpose of economic sanctions is to coerce rogue countries to conform to international norms and laws, they can unintentionally produce a negative ramification and become a cause of international terrorism.
Effects of alcohol intoxication on parenting behavior in interactions with child confederates exhibiting normal or deviant behaviors

Experimental analogue methods were used to study how acute alcohol intoxication in parents influences their perceptions of and reactions to child behaviors, as well as their strategies for management of those behaviors. All participating parents had a grade school-aged son, but in half the cases this target child had a diagnosed externalizing disorder, whereas for the remaining half neither the target son nor any other offspring of the parents evidenced any psychopathology. Equal numbers of married fathers, married mothers, and single mothers from each of these groups received either alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages prior to videotaped interactions with male child confederates who, depending on condition, enacted behaviors characteristic of either normal boys or boys with attention deficit hyperactivity/conduct/oppositional defiant disorders (ADHD/CD/ODD). Results indicated that intoxicated parents rated their ADHD/CD/ODD child partners as less deviant than did sober parents. Alcohol intoxication caused all participant groups to exhibit less attention and productive work and more commands, indulgences, and off-task talk in the interactions. Implications for better understanding of the role of psychosocial factors in the correlation between adult drinking problems and childhood behavior disorders are discussed.
A performance comparison of multimicro and mainframe database architectures

The performance of a hypothetical multiprocessor back-end database machine is compared to that of a mainframe database system. The hypothetical database machine uses standard microprocessors and disks as well as processors and disks projected to be available in the future. The class of workloads considered is high-volume transaction processing. Analytic queueing models of the two architectures are constructed and used in parametric performance studies. The performance sensitivities with respect to transactions complexity, the amount of overhead required to implement the distributed database function, the amount of skew in the data access pattern, and the buffer miss ratio are determined. >
Using topic themes for multi-document summarization

The problem of using topic representations for multidocument summarization (MDS) has received considerable attention recently. Several topic representations have been employed for producing informative and coherent summaries. In this article, we describe five previously known topic representations and introduce two novel representations of topics based on topic themes. We present eight different methods of generating multidocument summaries and evaluate each of these methods on a large set of topics used in past DUC workshops. Our evaluation results show a significant improvement in the quality of summaries based on topic themes over MDS methods that use other alternative topic representations.
2‐Methylallyl Phenyl Sulfone

[49639-05-6] C10H12O2S (MW 196.05) InChI = 1S/C10H12O2S/c1-9(2)8-13(11,12)10-6-4-3-5-7-10/h3-7H,1,8H2,2H3 InChIKey = OFHZALKLLSXZST-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used as an isobutene component via its 1,1- or 1,3-dipole synthon in a variety of reactions) Alternative Names: methallyl phenyl sulfone; 1-(phenylsulfonyl)-2-methyl-2-propene) Physical Data: mp 44–44.5 °C. Solubility: soluble in methylene chloride, chloroform, THF, methanol, and other common organic solvents. Form Supplied in: white solid or needle crystal (after recrystallization). Preparative Methods: Different methods are reported for reagent preparation: sulfonylation of methallyl chloride,1 oxidation of the corresponding sulfide,2 sequential bromination-sulfonylation of methallyl alcohol,3 and palladium-catalyzed sulfonylation of the corresponding α-nitro olefin.4 Sulfonylation of methallyl chloride with sodium benzenesulfinate is the recommended preparation for this reagent.1b Purification: recrystallization from isopropanol. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: Pressure may develop in a container stored at room temperature for extended time; therefore precaution should be taken before opening. The pure reagent is stable at room temperature and not sensitive to air, but cold storage under an inert atmosphere is deemed prudent.
Functional Implications of Altered Subcellular Localization of PELP1 in Breast Cancer Cells

It is increasingly accepted that steroidal receptor coregulators may also function in the cytoplasmic compartment. Proline-, glutamic acid–, and leucine-rich protein-1 (PELP1) is a novel coregulator that plays a role in both the genomic and extranuclear actions of estrogen receptors (ER) in hormonally responsive tissues. In this study using breast tumor arrays, we found that PELP1 was localized only in the cytoplasm in 58% of the PELP1-positive breast tumors. To help explain the significance of the cytoplasmic localization of PELP1 in human breast tumors, we created a mutant protein that was expressed only in the cytoplasm (PELP1-cyto) and then generated a model system wherein MCF-7 breast cancer cells were engineered to specifically express this mutant. We found that PELP1-cyto cells were hypersensitive to estrogen but resistant to tamoxifen. PELP1-cyto cells, but not parental MCF-7 cells, formed xenograft tumors in nude mice. In addition, PELP1-cyto cells exhibited increased association of PELP1 with Src, enhanced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, and constitutive activation of AKT. The altered localization of PELP1 was sufficient to trigger the interaction of PELP1 with the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), leading to PI3K activation. In addition, PELP1 interacted with epidermal growth factor receptors and participated in growth factor–mediated ER transactivation functions. Our results suggest that the altered localization of PELP1 modulates sensitivity to antiestrogens, potentiates tumorigenicity, presumably via the stimulation of extranuclear estrogen responses, such as the activation of MAPK and AKT, and also enhance cross-regulation of ER transactivation activity by growth factors.
Healing the wounds of modernity: Salvation, community and care in a neo-pentecostal church in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

The responses of Christian religions to HIV/AIDS in Africa have been described either with regard to the stigmatising attitudes of churches, or with reference to the charitable acts of Christian organisations in the context of the epidemic. Drawing on fieldwork in a Neo-Pentecostal church in urban Tanzania, this article shows that the Full Gospel Bible Fellowship Church in Dar es Salaam is becoming highly attractive to its followers because of the social, spiritual and economic perspectives that it offers, and particularly because of the networks of healing and support that it has established under the circumstances of urbanisation, structural reform programmes and the AIDS epidemic. The author argues for a stronger focus on practices of healing and community building in studies on Pentecostalism, which may shed light on the continuities as well as the ruptures that are produced by the rise of Neo-Pentecostalism in the context of globalisation, modernity and HIV/AIDS.
Variational integrators for constrained cables

Modeling of cable dynamics in cable-suspended robots traditionally focuses on implicit usage of Hamiltonpsilas principle or variational calculus to derive a PDE that governs the cablepsilas evolution. An alternative formulation allows one to explicitly use the variational statement to directly calculate the cablepsilas configuration update. Moreover, constraints on cables can experience numerical drift because of the indirect method by which constraints are represented in a PDE setting. Variational methods directly implement the constraint, ensuring that a constraint is satisfied for all time. Variational methods also allow the implicit treatment of constraints through generalized coordinates. In this paper, a special class of integrators known as variational integrators are used to simulate cable dynamics, including cables that have constraints, such as the catenary.
Communicating terminal diagnoses to Hispanic patients.

Objective:This study addressed factors physicians employ in their communication of a terminal diagnosis and a hospice referral to Hispanic patients.Method:The research method used was an exploratory qualitative in-depth semi-structured interview with thematic analysis. The interviews were with ten physicians in Central Florida. The interviews were conducted in Spanish and/or English with physicians who serve terminally ill Hispanic patients.Results:The findings provide vital information on factors that impact communication of diagnosis and hospice referral. Themes emerged relating to role of family members and end-of-life decision-making. Language barriers and limited knowledge of cultural factors and beliefs impacted communication related to end-of-life decisions. Gaps in training and education for physicians were also identified.Significance of results:These results suggest that discussing end-of-life issues with the diverse category of Hispanic patients and families will be enhanced by eliminating language barriers, increased understanding of the role of family members, and knowledge of cultural factors and beliefs related to end-of-life decisions.
From the Editors: Probability Approximations, Anti-Terrorism Strategy, and Bull's-Eye Display for Performance Feedback

This “From the Editors” column is coauthored by new Editor-in-Chief Rakesh K. Sarin and former Editor-in-Chief L. Robin Keller. Our first two articles are on techniques for approximating probability distributions. The first article, by Robert K. Hammond and J. Eric Bickel is on “Reexamining Discrete Approximations to Continuous Distributions.” Next, Luis V. Montiel and J. Eric Bickel present a method for “Approximating Joint Probability Distributions Given Partial Information.” The next two articles present methods for analyzing terrorist threats or measures for terrorist protection. Kevin Ni, Daniel Faissol, Thomas Edmunds, and Richard Wheeler present a new method for “Exploitation of Ambiguous Cues to Infer Terrorist Activity.” The next article is on “Passenger Profiling and Screening for Aviation Security in the Presence of Strategic Attackers” by Huseyin Cavusoglu, Young Kwark, Bin Mai, and Srinivasan Raghunathan. Our final paper is on “WholeSoldier Performance Appraisal to Support Mentoring and Personnel Decisions,” by Robert A. Dees, Scott T. Nestler, and Robert Kewley.
Measurement of in‐plane elastic moduli of composites with a circular disk specimen and piezoelectric sensors

Many test specimen configurations and test methods have been used for measuring the in-plane elastic constants of orthotropic composites. While the measurement of the Young's modulus is straightforward, the shear modulus determination is more difficult. Most of the experimental methods require more than one specimen for the measurement of all the in-plane elastic constants. In the proposed method, a single test specimen in the form of a circular disk is sufficient. The Young's modulus and the shear modulus are measured with piezoelectric sensors that produce and detect dilatational and shear waves, respectively. The experimental techniques involved and the possible methods of interpreting the results are explained. The results obtained were compared with those determined for bar specimens of the same material, using piezoelectric sensors and strain gauges. The comparisons are encouraging. POLYM. COMPOS., 26:542–551, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fast numerical methods for simulating large-scale integrate-and-fire neuronal networks.

We discuss numerical methods for simulating large-scale, integrate-and-fire (IF (ii) an iterated process of spike-spike corrections within groups of strongly coupled neurons to account for spike-spike interactions within a single large numerical time-step; and (iii) a clustering procedure of firing events in the network to take advantage of localized architectures, such as spatial scales of strong local interactions, which are often present in large-scale computational models—for example, those of the primary visual cortex. (We note that the spike-spike corrections in our methods are more involved than the correction of single neuron spike-time via a polynomial interpolation as in the modified Runge-Kutta methods commonly used in simulations of I&F neuronal networks.) Our methods can evolve networks with relatively strong local interactions in an asymptotically optimal way such that each neuron fires approximately once in \(\mathcal{O}(N)\) operations, where N is the number of neurons in the system. We note that quantifications used in computational modeling are often statistical, since measurements in a real experiment to characterize physiological systems are typically statistical, such as firing rate, interspike interval distributions, and spike-triggered voltage distributions. We emphasize that it takes much less computational effort to resolve statistical properties of certain I&F neuronal networks than to fully resolve trajectories of each and every neuron within the system. For networks operating in realistic dynamical regimes, such as strongly fluctuating, high-conductance states, our methods are designed to achieve statistical accuracy when very large time-steps are used. Moreover, our methods can also achieve trajectory-wise accuracy when small time-steps are used.