cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time course of degenerative and regenerative changes in the dorsal horn in a rat model of peripheral neuropathy

The time course of histochemical changes in the dorsal horn of rats subjected to an experimental peripheral neuropathy has been examined. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the changes in dorsal horn staining were made for soybean agglutinin (SBA)-binding glycoconjugates, the soluble lectins RL-14.5 and RL-29, the growth-associated protein (GAP)-43, and the neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). These analyses were made at various time points after chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve. Quantitative analysis indicated that staining density increased in the normal territories stained for SBA-binding glycoconjugates, RL-14.5, RL-29, and GAP-43 on the neuropathic side compared with the control side. In addition, there was an extension of the territories stained for SBA-binding glycoconjugates and RL-29 ipsilateral to the injury. The peak increases occurred at 14 or 28 days, followed by a decrease toward control levels by 70 days. In contrast, the staining density for SP in the ipsilateral dorsal horn decreased at 3 and 5 days and reached a peak decrease at 14 days. Then, the staining for SP returned toward control values. The staining for CGRP was unchanged at all time points examined. Dorsal rhizotomies ipsilateral to the nerve injury in neuropathic rats indicated that the increases in staining were attributable to changes in primary afferent neurons. These data suggest that peripheral neuropathy causes complex degenerative and regenerative changes in the central branches of primary afferent neurons. The associated synaptic reorganization may contribute to the sensory abnormalities that accompany peripheral neuropathy.
The novel dopamine D3 receptor antagonist, SR 21502, reduces cocaine conditioned place preference in rats.

Abstract Research has shown that dopamine (DA) D3 receptors play a crucial role in cocaine addiction. Recently, there has been a strong focus on the development of DA D3 receptor antagonists as potential pharmacological treatments for cocaine addiction. We investigated the ability of a novel selective D3 receptor antagonist SR 21502 to block the expression of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats. CPP was determined using a two-chamber apparatus. All of the animals had free access to both chambers on day 1, followed by 4 alternating conditioning days of cocaine injection (paired chamber) and 4 alternating non-conditioning days with saline (non-paired chamber). On the test day, animals were systemically treated with 0, 3.75, 7.5 or 15 mg/kg of SR 21502, 10 min prior to being placed in the CPP apparatus, and the time spent in each chamber was recorded for 15 min. The amount of time spent in the cocaine-paired chamber on the test and pre-exposure days was analyzed. Vehicle-treated animals spent significantly more time in the cocaine-paired side during the test than during the pre-exposure session, indicating a cocaine CPP. SR 21502 produced a dose-related significant reduction in the time spent in the cocaine-paired side compared to vehicle. The DA D3 receptor antagonist SR 21502 blocks the rat's preference for the cocaine-paired chamber, thereby attenuating the rewarding effect of the cocaine cues. This suggests that this compound may be an effective pharmacological treatment against cocaine addiction.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the LOCUST Therapeutic Community

One out of every 100 Americans is incarcerated, many for drug-related offenses [1]. The resulting strain on correctional facilities nationwide has prompted recent research on the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment during incarceration. The LOCUST Therapeutic Community (TC) at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail in Charlottesville, VA, is one such treatment program. The LOCUST TC aims to rehabilitate inmates by promoting lifestyle changes through behavioral-modification therapy. This paper reports on an evaluation of the effectiveness of the LOCUST TC, as a guide to the design and implementation of program modifications and new programs.
EVIDENCE-BASED EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT DISCHARGE PLANNING : HOW DO WE GET THERE?

Abstract [Cooper RJ, Schriger DL: Evidence-based emergency department discharge planning: How do we get there? Ann Emerg Med November 1999;34:667-669.]
2002 E. Mead Johnson Award for Research in Pediatrics Lecture: the molecular biology of the anemia of chronic disease: a hypothesis.

The anemia of chronic disease is a common disorder that afflicts patients with a wide variety of inflammatory conditions including arthritis, malignancies, infections, and inflammatory bowel disease. It results in significant morbidity and may be severe enough to require blood transfusions. The pathogenesis of anemia of chronic disease is not fully understood, but poor maintenance of red blood cell mass has been observed at three levels:1) iron is not efficiently recycled from reticuloendothelial macrophages to erythroid precursors, 2) erythroid precursors respond poorly to erythropoietin, and 3) red blood cell survival is decreased. Whether each of these changes is related to the same effector of the inflammatory process is unknown. We have had the opportunity to investigate severe anemia of chronic disease in an unusual group of patients with glycogen storage disease type 1a. We found that anemia was directly related to the presence of large hepatic adenomas that inappropriately produced a new peptide hormone, hepcidin. Hepcidin has recently been identified as part of the innate immune response and is a key regulator of cellular iron egress. Based on our findings in this patient group, we propose a central role for hepcidin in anemia of chronic disease, linking the inflammatory process with iron recycling and erythropoiesis. We present a hypothesis based on our findings.
Effect of Channel Orientation of Local Heat (Mass) Transfer Distributions in a Rotating Two-Pass Square Channel With Smooth Walls

Naphthalene sublimation experiments have been conducted to study the effects of channel orientation, rotational Coriolis force, and a sharp turn, on the local heat (mass) transfer distributions in a two-pass square channel with a sharp turn and smooth walls, rotating about a perpendicular axis. The test channel was oriented so that the direction of rotation was perpendicular to or at a 45 deg angle to the leading and trailing walls. The Reynolds number was kept at 5,500 and the rotation number ranged up to 0.24. For the radial outward flow in the first straight pass of the diagonally oriented channel, rotation-induced Coriolis force caused large monotonic spanwise variations of the local mass transfer on both the leading and trailing walls, with the largest mass transfer along the outer edges of both walls. Rotation did not lower the spanwise average mass transfer on the leading wall and did not increase that on the trailing wall in the diagonally oriented channel as much as in the normally oriented channel. The combined effect of the channel orientation, rotation, and the sharp turn caused large variations of the local mass transfer distributions on the walls at the sharp turn and immediately downstream of the sharp turn. The velocity fields that were obtained with a finite difference control-volume-based computer program helped explain how rotation and channel orientation affected the local mass transfer distributions in the rotating two-pass channel.
The Clinical Pattern in Certain Types of Occlusive Cerebrovascular Disease

This has been a summary of the clinical patterns in certain types of cerebrovascular disease with emphasis on occlusive disease. Knowledge concerning these categories is important in studying the results of various therapeutic technics and in selecting the correct treatment for some subdivisions where effective therapy exists.
Piezoelectric Power Requirements for Active Vibration Control

This paper presents a method for predicting the power consumption of piezoelectric actuators utilized for active vibration control. Analytical developments and experimental tests show that the maximum power required to control a structure using surface-bonded piezoelectric actuators is independent of the dynamics between the piezoelectric actuator and the host structure. The results demonstrate that for a perfectly-controlled system, the power consumption is a function of the quantity and type of piezoelectric actuators and the voltage and frequency of the control law output signal. Furthermore, as control effectiveness decreases, the power consumption of the piezoelectric actuators decreases. In addition, experimental results revealed a non-linear behavior in the material properties of piezoelectric actuators. The material non-linearity displayed a significant increase in capacitance with an increase in excitation voltage. Tests show that if the non-linearity of the capacitance was accounted for, a conservative estimate of the power can easily be determined.
Effects of Asphaltene Solvency on Stability of Water-in-Crude-Oil Emulsions

Abstract The formation of stable and persistent emulsions and foams in the production and refining of crude petroleum is a challenge which has defied broad and generic resolution for several decades. Rational and systematic approaches to demulsification have been slow to develop due to a lack of fundamental understanding of the molecular origins of emulsion stabilization and the full range of factors which govern emulsion stability. Several studies have shown the importance of resins and asphaltenes, which have the ability to organize and form rigid films at the oil/water interface. We have developed a molecular model in which we propose that the integrity of these films and thus their ability to stabilize water-in-crude-oil emulsions are sensitive to a variety of crude solvency parameters, such as aromaticity, resin-to-asphaltene ratio, and polar functional group concentration. This model was tested by correlating the stability of emulsions formed from a variety of crude oils—Arab Berri (Extra Light), Arab Heavy, Alaska North Slope, and San Joaquin Valley—in which the resin and asphaltene contents vary, as well as their specific characteristics. The results of the elemental and functional group characterization of these crudes and their fractions and the techniques utilized to obtain them were presented previously. Detailed quantitative protocols for gauging relative emulsion stability have been developed to further evaluate the proposed model by blending solvents of varying aromaticity and by doping isolated resins from different crudes into solvent-modified crudes. Dramatic destabilization of emulsions was accomplished by modifying the crude solvency in either fashion. Simple physical and chemical techniques for minimizing emulsion formation such as basic crude blending and solvent-recycle schemes will also be discussed.
Activated lymphocytes depress phagocytosis of latex particles by human monocyte-macrophages☆

Abstract In this study, monocyte-macrophages of normal human donors were cultured with and without lymphocytes and antigen in order to define the effect of antigen-stimulated lymphocytes on phagocytosis by macrophages. Phagocytosis was assessed by uptake of radio-labeled latex particles by macrophage monolayers. Although no effect was noted when purified macrophage monolayers were cultured in the presence of antigen, marked inhibition of phagocytosis was observed when macrophages were cultured in the presence of autochthonous antigen-stimulated lymphocytes. The degree of phagocytic depression correlated with the delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity response of the donor and with the concentration of antigen present in the system.
Getting beyond Self-Esteem.

(2004). Issues in Education: Getting beyond Self-Esteem. Childhood Education: Vol. 80, The Culture of Teaching, pp. 269-271.
Water Management in Fiji

According to The World Bank, Fiji has one of highest per-capita fresh water resources in East Asia and the Pacific. However, these water resources are not evenly distributed—they are not equally plentiful in all places, nor is water equally available at all times. Above all, Fiji is an archipelago with a total of 332 islands (of which 110 are inhabited), hence managing water is a major challenge in itself. This paper tries to give a comprehensive outlook of water management in Fiji. It also outlines the key challenges for water management in Fiji and articulates broad recommendations. The paper concludes that the challenges of ensuring that water is conserved and managed wisely are huge and no single agency can address them in isolation. Strengthening partnerships among stakeholders (governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and donors agencies) is the way forward.
Reduction of hyperornithinemia with a low protein, low arginine diet and pyridoxine in patients with a deficiency of ornithine-ketoacid transaminase (OKT) activity and gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina

Abstract Five patients with gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina showed a 60% or greater decline in plasma ornithine levels during a five week trial of a low protein (10–15 g/day), low arginine (0.50–0.75 g/day) diet supplemented with essential amino acids and pyridoxine administration. These declines in plasma ornithine levels were seen in Patients 1–4 with the pyridoxine non-responsive variant and in Patient 5 with the pyridoxine responsive variant. No harmful systemic side effects were noted. Patients 1–4 continued on a modified low protein (20–35 g/day), low arginine (1.25–1.75 g/day) diet as tolerated and Patient 5 on pyridoxine alone. After one year no improvement was observed in visual acuities, visual fields, final dark adapted thresholds and full field electroretinograms for four patients. In contrast to the other four patients, Patient 3, with relatively poor control of plasma ornithine levels, showed signs of progression of the chorioretinal atrophy and further reduction of electroretinographic responses. Patients 1–4 continue on the dietary regimen and Patient 5 on pyridoxine alone to determine whether any lowering of plasma ornithine levels will modify the course of their ocular disease.
Epitope mapping and specificity of the anti-α-synuclein monoclonal antibody Syn-1 in mouse brain and cultured cell lines

While alpha- and beta-synuclein largely overlap in their expression in the vertebrate brain, only alpha-synuclein accumulates in the fibrillar aggregates typical of Parkinson's disease. It is thus critical to have immunological reagents that distinguish between these two protein isoforms. The monoclonal antibody Syn-1 (Transduction Labs) has been frequently used for the specific detection of alpha-synuclein. In this report, the epitope for Syn-1 is localized within residues 91-99 of human alpha-synuclein. Sequence differences exist in this domain that account for the specificity of Syn-1 for alpha- versus beta-synuclein. However, Syn-1 also displays reactivity with additional species (approximately 45 kDa) in brain homogenates from both wild-type and alpha-synuclein null mice, indicating a potential for cross-reactivity with a protein species that is unrelated to alpha-synuclein in brain tissue or extracts.
Mathematical Models for High-Intensity Discharge Lamps

Mathematical models have been determined for mercury and high-pressure sodium electric discharge lamps. The models consist of a set of nonlinear differential equations. They reproduce the electrical characteristics of the lamps from dc to the high audio frequencies with good accuracy. They permit computer simulation of electronic or reactive ballasting circuits. Also, they yield a better qualitative understanding of the properties of a discharge lamp as an electric circuit element. The methods by which these models were determined are described, and the pertinent lamp properties are measured.
A review of tuberculosis: Focus on bedaquiline.

Purpose The history and prevalence of tuberculosis and the role of bedaquiline in multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis are reviewed. Summary Tuberculosis continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increasing rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis are a significant concern and pose serious implications for current and future treatment of the disease. In December 2012, the Food and Drug Administration approved bedaquiline as part of the treatment regimen for pulmonary MDR tuberculosis. Bedaquiline’s unique mechanism of action presents an alternative approach to current antimycobacterial killing. By directly inhibiting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase, bedaquiline is effective against both replicating and dormant mycobacteria. Pulmonary cavitary lesions can contain heterogeneous populations. This potential mix of semireplicating and hypometabolic mycobacteria is more difficult to eliminate with conventional antitubercular drugs, thus increasing the risk of resistance. No in vitro cross-resistance between bedaquiline and currently available antitubercular agents has been observed thus far. Because bedaquiline targets a completely different enzyme, cross-resistance with other conventional agents remains unlikely. Enhanced sterilizing capacity via synergistic depletion of ATP further exhibits the promising potential of bedaquiline with pyrazinamide. A course of bedaquiline requires 24 weeks of therapy in combination with other antitubercular drugs. Conclusion The approval of bedaquiline represents a major milestone in MDR tuberculosis therapy. Bedaquiline should be considered in patients who have not responded to a regimen containing four second-line drugs and pyrazinamide and patients with documented evidence of MDR tuberculosis resistant to fluoroquinolones. The exact role of bedaquiline cannot be determined until further efficacy and safety data are obtained through ongoing Phase III trials.
Modeling the oxidation of ebselen and other organoselenium compounds using explicit solvent networks.

The oxidation of dimethylselenide, dimethyldiselenide, S-methylselenenyl-methylmercaptan, and truncated and full models of ebselen (N-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one) by methyl hydrogen peroxide has been modeled using density functional theory (DFT) and solvent-assisted proton exchange (SAPE), a method of microsolvation that employs explicit solvent networks to facilitate proton transfer reactions. The calculated activation barriers for these systems were substantially lower in energy (ΔG‡ + ΔGsolv = 13 to 26 kcal/mol) than models that neglect the participation of solvent in proton exchange. The comparison of two- and three-water SAPE networks showed a reduction in the strain in the model system but without a substantial reduction in the activation barriers. Truncating the ebselen model to N-methylisoselenazol-3(2H)-one gave a larger activation barrier than ebselen or N-methyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one but provided an efficient means of determining an initial guess for larger transition-state m...
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: Historical Highlights, Status, and Forecast

In 1881, d'Arsonval conceived the closed-Rankine-cycle ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system in which a working fluid is vaporized by heat exchange with cold water drawn from a 700-1200 m depth. In 1930, Claude demonstrated an open-cycle process in Cuba. Surface water was flash-vaporized at 3 kPa to drive a turbine directly (no secondary working fluid) and then was condensed by direct contact with water drawn from a 700-m depth through a 1.6m-diam, 1.75-km-long cold-water pipe (CWP). From a delta T of 14/sup 0/C his undersized turbine generated 22 kW. In 1956 a French team designed a 3.5-MW (net) open-cycle plant for installation off Abidjan on the Ivory Coast of Africa and demonstrated the necessary CWP deployment. The at-sea demonstrations by Mini-OTEC and OTEC-1 and other recent advances in OTEC technology summarized herein represent great progress. All of the types of plants proposed for the DOE's PON program may be worthy of development; certainly work on a grazing plant is needed. Our estimates indicate that the U.S. goals established by Public Law 96-310 leading to 10 GW of OTEC power and energy product equivalents by 1999 are achievable, provided that adequate federal financial incentives are retained to assure the buildingmore » of the first few plants.« less
Some models for fire protection locational decisions

Abstract A number of new location models which utilize the notion of coverage were developed in a study of the Baltimore City Fire Protection system. These models augment the typical analysis to include: • - Multiple performance criteria such as population and property value coverage, • - Relocation of a given number of existing facilities, and • - Allocation of equipment to facilities.
Identification in Work, War, Sports, and Religion: Contrasting the Benefits and Risks

Social identification appears to be a ubiquitous phenomenon. However, it is not clear why one would want to identify with a particular entity. We argue that the potential benefits of identification include enhanced self-esteem, transcendence of self, meaning, belonging, and raised aspirations. We explore the nature of identification with several traditional foci, namely work organizations, war (as an expression of patriotism), spectator sports, and religious values and groups. We discuss (and contrast) the extent to which the benefits of identification can be attained in each domain and the future of each domain as an identification object.
On rotating black holes in equilibrium in general relativity

We study asymptotically flat axially symmetric stationary solutions of the Einstein vacuum equations. These represent rotating black holes in equilibrium. The equations reduce outside the axis of symmetry to a harmonic map problem into the hyperbolic plane, with prescribed rates of blow-up for the map on the axis and at infinity as boundary conditions. We prove existence and uniqueness of solutions in the case of zero total angular momentum.
Development and Calibration of a Portable Air Sampler

This paper describes the development and calibration of a portable air sampler for detecting chemical vapors. The air sampler is equipped with a preconcentrator, a battery operated mini-pump, a three-way valve, capacitive sensors housed in a sensing chamber, and a data acquisition and control circuit board. The preconcentrator is used to adsorb trace level chemicals and to thermally desorb them into the sensing chamber. The air sampler was calibrated using known concentrations of ethylbenzene vapor generated by an Environics gas mixing system. The air sampler was also tested using low concentration toluene and ethanol vapors generated by diffusion based vapor generation device. The concentration factor of the preconcentrator was experimentally determined.
Unusual aspects of aortovenous fistulas associated with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms

Three unusual cases of an abdominal aortic aneurysm spontaneously rupturing into the retroperitoneum and an adherent posterior vein are reported. No patient demonstrated signs or symptoms of an aortovenous fistula before surgery. Emergent surgery prevented extensive preoperative diagnostic testing. The three abdominal aortic aneurysms were very large and averaged 13 cm in diameter. One fistula involved an inflammatory aneurysm, which is the fifth such case reported. The aortic fistulas were to the inferior vena cava (158 other cases reported in the English-language literature), a left renal vein (16 other cases reported), and an iliac vein (7 other cases reported). Routine use of the cell-saver, oversewing of the fistula from within the aneurysm, and a heightened awareness that this unusual complication is more common in the presence of a very large, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm should improve survival.
Blood and marrow transplantation compensation: Perspective in payer and provider relations

The high cost per patient of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) causes this therapy to be the focus of much controversy, given the competing societal demands to provide all possible therapy to preserve life while simultaneously limiting global health care expenditures. Treatment and eligibility decisions for HCT often are heavily scrutinized by both governmental and private payers and not simply determined by physicians, facility providers, and the patient. In an effort to control costs, payers have administrative infrastructure to review resource utilization by these patients. Additionally payers have developed payment methodologies, usually in the form of a case rate payment structure, that place facilities and physician providers of HCT at financial risk for adverse patient financial outcomes in an effort to promote optimal utilization and selection of patients for HCT. As providers enter into such financial risk arrangements with payers, the providers need to understand the true cost of care and be able to identify predictable and unpredictable outlier risks for the financial consequences of medical complications. HCT providers try to protect themselves from excessive financial risk by having different payment rates for different types of transplant, eg, autologous versus HLA or genotypically matched related versus HLA mismatched transplants. Because at certain times in the HCT process risk is more unpredictable, HCT providers require different payment system strategies for the different time periods of care such as evaluation, pre-transplant disease management, harvesting, and cell processing, as well as short- and long-term follow-up. Involvement by clinicians is essential for this process to be done well, especially given the rapid changes technological innovation brings to HCT. Constant dialogue and interaction between providers and payers on these difficult financial issues with HCT is essential to preserve patient access to this potentially lifesaving therapy.
Midgut volvulus in a 4-year-old male.

A 4 year-old boy presented with sudden, intense, and constant abdominal pain that awoke him from sleep. He had experienced no nausea or vomiting, and stooling had been regular. Vital signs were blood pressure: 133/87, heart rate: 120, respiratory rate: 28, SaO2: 99%, and temperature: 35.7. On physical exam the patient was writhing in pain with a mildly distended abdomen, with bowel sounds present and guaiac negative stool. Laboratory studies revealed a white blood cell count of 28,000. Abdominal x-ray revealed findings compatible with small bowel obstruction (Figs. 1, ​,2,2, ​,3),3), and subsequent upper GI series raised suspicion for midgut volvulus (Figs. 4, ​,5).5). The patient received IV fluids and morphine, and was emergently taken to the operating room. Fig. 1 Supine abdomen showing small bowel obstruction Fig. 2 Erect abdomen showing air-fluid levels Fig. 3 Decubitus abdomen showing air-fluid levels Fig. 4 Anteroposterior upper GI image showing volvulus Fig. 5 Lateral upper GI image showing volvulus Midgut volvulus is a life-threatening complication caused by small bowel malrotation that leads to obstruction and ischemia. About 75% of all midgut volvulus cases occur within the 1st year of life, the majority of which are in the 1st month [1]. The classic presentation is a newborn infant with bilious vomiting. Older children tend to present with a history of intermittent vomiting, chronic diarrhea, and vague abdominal pain, often leading to multiple hospital admissions with signs of malnourishment [2]. Abdominal x-ray can be useful in identifying small bowel obstruction. Upper gastrointestinal series is the diagnostic tool of choice, with the “corkscrew sign” often identified as an indicator of midgut volvulus [3]. Midgut volvulus is a surgical emergency that can quickly lead to bowel necrosis, sepsis, and death. Prompt diagnosis is therefore crucial for these patients. The treatment of choice is Ladd’s procedure.
The response of the Galago senegalensis to physical training

Abstract 1. 1. Investigations were undertaken to determine the effects of a 20-week exercise training program with the Galayo senegalensis and whether the adaptations noted were similar to those reported for humans, dogs or rats. 2. 2. Using a treadmill program capable of eliciting heart rate in excess of 500 beats/min or rectal temperatures higher than 41°C, it was found that training produced bradycardia, lower resting blood pressures, elevated muscle, ligament and tendon cytochrome oxidase activity, higher medial collateral ligament weight/length ratios and an increased strength of the patellar ligament and the tendon from extensor muscles. 3. 3. However, training had no statistical influence on organ weights, bone-ligament junction strength. adipocyte diameters or upon several weight/length ratios or strength measurements from other ligaments and tendons. 4. 4. From these results, we concluded that the Galayo senegalensis could be a useful animal model to study selective mechanisms associated with chronic exercise: however, caution was necessary before one could extrapolate the findings to humans.
Use of the alternating treatments design as a strategy for empirically determining language training approaches with mentally retarded children.

Abstract The present study was conducted as a practical demonstration of the potential utility of the alternating treatments design (ATD) in determining the most efficacious language training approach with mentally retarded children. Two subjects were chosen who used single words to communicate but who did not combine words to form sentences. Two sentence triads consisting of four words each and rated as equivalent in difficulty were trained. Each triad had one sentence trained using oral speech methods, a second trained using total communication methods, and a third sentence trained using a “modified” total communication approach. Each training procedure involved chaining sentence parts, reinforcement, and prompting. Oral methods involved presenting vocal stimuli and requiring vocal responses. Total communication methods involved presenting vocal and signed stimuli and requiring vocal and signed responses. The “modified” total communication approach also involved presenting vocal and signed stimuli, but required only vocal responses. For the initial sentence triad with each child, an alternating treatments design was used to determine the relative efficacy of the three language training methods. This approach was repeated with a second sentence triad for each child using a multiprobe technique within a multiple baseline design. Results were consistent within each subject but differed across subjects, with one child benefitting most from total communication methods and the other benefitting most from oral speech methods. Results were discussed in terms of the utility of the alternating treatments design as a potentially useful aid to traditional decision-making in the selection of language training strategies commonly employed with mentally retarded children.
Quantum relativistic oscillator. II. Nonrelativistic limit and phenomenological justification

It is shown that the quantum relativistic oscillator with noncommuting internal momentum and position has as its nonrelativistic contraction limit the usual three-dimensional oscillator. The nonrelativistic limits for representations with integer and half-integer spin are compared with the quark-model picture. The spectrum predicted by the quantum relativistic oscillator with rotations is compared with experimental hadron spectra.
A column generation heuristic for congested facility location problem with clearing functions

Nonlinear clearing functions, an idea initially suggested to reflect congestion effects in production planning, are used to express throughput of facilities prone to congestion in a facility location problem where each demand site is served by exactly one facility. The traditional constant capacity constraint for a facility is replaced with the nonlinear clearing function. The resulting nonlinear integer problem is solved by a column generation heuristic in which initial columns for the restricted master problem are generated by known existing algorithms and additional columns by a previously developed dynamic programming algorithm. Computational experimentation in terms of dual gap and CPU time based on both randomly generated and published data sets show not only clear dominance of the column generation over a Lagrangian heuristic previously developed, but also the high quality of results from the suggested heuristic for large problems.
Operational distortion-quantization curve-based bit allocation for smooth video quality

Quality fluctuation has a major negative effect on subjective video quality. A desirable single-pass frame-level constant-distortion bit allocation scheme is proposed in the paper for smooth video quality throughout the video sequence. The average distortion of all previous coded frames is taken as the target distortion for the current frame. According to the linear rate control algorithm [Z. He, S.K. Mitra, A linear source model and a unified rate control algorithm for DCT video coding, IEEE Trans. Circuits Syst. Video Technol. 12 (2002) 970-982; Z. He, S.K. Mitra, Optimum bit allocation and accurate rate control for video coding via @r domain source modeling, IEEE Trans. Circuits Syst. Video Technol. 12 (2002) 840-849], the distortion and rate are exponential and linear functions of the number of zero coefficients, respectively. Based on the distribution of the absolute DCT coefficients, an operational distortion-quantization stepsize (D-Q) relationship curve can be established quickly. With the target distortion and operational D-Q curve, we then derive the close-form formulas for estimating the number of zero coefficients and the slope @q in the linear rate model, as well as the bit budget for the current frame. Experimental results show that the proposed constant-distortion (but variable rate) bit allocation scheme provides much smoother video quality on all test video sequences than the constant bit allocation scheme that has been used in many standard video coding reference software.
Characterization of nutrient leaching rates from settled rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) sludge

Abstract The leaching of nutrients from settled rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) sludge into overlying water was evaluated over a 7-day period. Nutrient leaching was assessed in a stagnant reaction tank and one agitated by aeration to simulate turbulent conditions in stocked production raceways. Leaching of total phosphorus (TP), ortho -phosphate (OP), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), and total organic carbon (TOC) occurred rapidly during the first 24 h in both stagnant and agitated conditions. The highest 24 h leaching occurred in the agitated tank, and power regression equations accurately described the varying rates of increasing TP, OP, TAN and TKN. In the stagnant tank, linear increases of TP, OP, TKN and TAN concentrations occurred during the first 24 h. These linear increases continued from days 2 to 7, but at slower rates than occurred during the first 24 h. Average nutrient leaching rates (mg leached/g sludge-h); (dry weight basis) were calculated based on linear concentration increases. In the agitated tank, nutrient concentrations decreased after 60 h, as aerobic bacterial uptake and/or chemical precipitation was suspected. Therefore, average leaching rates could not be determined. These findings reveal that daily cleanout of settling areas could eliminate the release of TP, OP, TAN, TKN, and TOC from settled solids by 66%, 65%, 39%, 76%, and 51%, respectively, as compared to weekly cleanout schedules. Sustained leaching rates indicate nutrient release will likely continue beyond 7 days. This information suggests aggressive and continuous sludge management is most beneficial for maintaining high water quality and regulatory discharge compliance in fish production.
Spatially-robust vehicle path tracking using normal error feedback

The problem of path tracking is critical to autonomous vehicle navigation. This problem has been approached using multiple feedback sensors that measure both the vehicle heading and position and also using cable guided systems measuring lateral error. This paper describes a path tracking controller that uses only the vehicle position as the single feedback value while providing a spatially similar response to disturbances independent of vehicle velocity. The results obtained on vehicles using this tracking controller are comparable to those obtained with systems measuring both vehicle position and heading. The controller has the additional benefits of being simple to implement, dealing effectively and predictably with system non-linearities, and providing a good measure of insensitivity to system variations. The controller described in this paper was developed for a two hundred horsepower farm tractor with Ackerman steering and has since been successfully used on a smaller tractor. The paper includes the derivation of the vehicle model, the development of the controller, and a discussion of system stability.
Cigarette smoking associated with lung adenocarcinoma in situ in a large case-control study (SFBALCS).

Introduction: Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), formerly bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, is an uncommon subtype of lung adenocarcinoma and accounts for approximately 3% to 4% of lung cancers. Compared with other lung cancer histologies, AIS patients are less likely to be smokers, yet associations with other lung cancer risk factors and differences by sex have not been determined. Methods: A total of 338 AIS patients and frequency-matched controls from the parent study (cases = 6039, controls=2073) were included in these analyses. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals as estimates of the relative risk were obtained from multivariable unconditional logistic regression analyses. Results: Risk of AIS was associated with ever smoking (OR = 2.7, 95% confidence intervals: 2.1, 3.6), increased 20% to 30% for each 10-year increase in pack-years of smoking and decreased with increased years since quitting ( p for trend Conclusion: There is an association between AIS and smoking, which is smaller in magnitude than the association between other subtypes of non–small-cell lung cancer and smoking. Our findings suggesting that effects may differ by exposure to asbestos and second-hand tobacco smoke should be interpreted conservatively and warrant validation and further evaluation in larger studies of AIS.
Splitting and storing excitons in strained coupled self-assembled quantum dots

Abstract We present a novel self-assembled quantum dot structure designed to spatially separate and store photo-generated electrons and holes in pairs of strain coupled quantum dots. The spatial separation of electron–hole pairs into quantum dots and strain-induced quantum dots has been investigated and verified by photoluminescence experiments. Results from time-resolved PL demonstrates that at low temperatures (3 K) the electron–hole pair can be stored for several seconds.
Southeast Asian Scientists and U.S. Graduate Programs

I enjoyed reading the article “Scientific growth faces fiscal crisis” by Jeffrey Mervis and Dennis Normile (Science in Southeast Asia, 6 Mar., [p. 1466][1]). One of the primary reasons that only sporadic attention is given by Americans to research efforts in Southeast Asia is the utilitarian and mercantilist nature of a good portion of U.S. science. This motive would seem to account for the preponderance of elite students from China, Korea, India, and—on the rare occasion—Indonesia or Thailand in science and engineering graduate programs in the United States. There seems to be little interest on the part of U.S. government agencies (not to mention academic mentors) in supporting non-upwardly mobile students from Southeast Asia (particularly from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar/Burma). U.S. science policy is predicated on fast results, and the criteria used to assess foreign student performance do not lend themselves well toward “Peace Corps-type” science. Thus, the majority of nonaffluent students in Southeast Asia will continue to be ignored equally by local government institutions and by self-serving U.S. science policies. U.S international science policy should assist poorer nations in Southeast Asia in developing proactive education and science programs in order to raise the overall standards locally; we should not be in the business of mining elite talent in Asia to augment putative efforts toward U.S. scientific supremacy. Graduate science programs in the United States should return to their original purpose of educating all students, and end their present role of serving as would-be surrogates for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.279.5356.1466
Diminished P50, N100 and P200 auditory sensory gating in bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder is associated with diminished gating of the auditory evoked P50 component. P50 gating may relate to early filtering of sensory information, protecting higher-order cognitive functions. Gating of the auditory evoked N100 and P200 components has not been investigated in bipolar I disorder, although N100 and P200 gating could reflect different mechanisms and functions in the process of filtering sensory information in addition to those reflected by P50 gating. We investigated P50, N100, and P200 gating assessed with the paired-click paradigm in 22 subjects with bipolar I disorder and 54 healthy controls. Peak amplitudes and latencies were assessed at Cz for the P50, N100, and P200 components. Gating was defined as the reduction in peak amplitude from the first (S1) to the second stimulus (S2) of a stimulus pair, and expressed as gating ratio ([S2(amplitude)/S1(amplitude)]()100) and difference score (S1(amplitude)-S2(amplitude)). Group differences were detected with multivariate analyses and controlled for differences in age and ethnicity. Subjects with bipolar I disorder had higher P50, N100 and P200 ratios and lower difference scores compared with findings for controls. These findings extend the existing evidence on impaired sensory gating in bipolar I disorder beyond the P50, suggesting impaired filtering at both pre-attentive and early attentive levels in bipolar I disorder.
Incorporation of manganese into erythrocytes as evidence for a manganese porphyrin in man.

MANGANESE is established as an essential constituent of the body. Kinetic studies1 have shown this element to exist predominantly in a labile, easily exchangeable form. Natural organometallic compounds of manganese have not been identified in vertebrates.
Integrating diversity across the LIS curriculum: An exploratory study of instructors’ perceptions and practices online:

This paper reports on research into how to introduce diversity across the library and information science (LIS) curriculum and best practices for its implementation online. An anonymous online questionnaire sent to instructors teaching both online and face-to-face courses gathered insights into their attitudes and practices through questions concerning two topics: how they think diversity should be represented and what techniques they believe work. The exploratory analysis of quantitative data (with select qualitative open-ended feedback) serves as the basis for development of a framework for action based on best practices taking into consideration the attitudes and perceptions that inform current practice. Future research will test that framework.
Optimising product configurations with a data-mining approach

Customers benefit from the ability to select their desired options to configure final products. Manufacturing companies, however, struggle with the dilemma of product diversity and manufacturing complexity. It is important, therefore, for them to capture correlations among the options provided to the customers. In this paper, a data mining approach is applied to manage product diversity and complexity. Rules are extracted from historical sales data and used to form sub-assemblies as well as product configurations. Methods for discovering frequently ordered product sub-assemblies and product configurations from ‘if-then’ rules are discussed separately. The development of the sub-assemblies and configurations allows for effective management of enterprise resources, contributes to the innovative design of new products, and streamlines manufacturing and supply chain processes. The ideas introduced in this paper are illustrated with examples and an industrial case study.
Food and health at work–a review. The costs and benefits of a policy approach

The workplace is an important setting for health promotion and provides an ideal opportunity for shaping healthy eating patterns in occupational groups for whom inequalities have been identified (DHSS, 1980). Workplace food/health policies provide an intermediate and pragmatic step towards achieving the dietary targets set out in the Government's white paper Health of the Nation and the most recent COMA report (DoH, 1991,1992). Food/health policies have been widely adopted in the NHS (Gibson & Kallevik, 1990) and preliminary research suggests that they are an effective means of intervention (Wallis & Poulter, 1988; Frost et al., 1991). Industry has been slower to link food and health promotion to a policy making process. Surveys imply that action on healthy eating in companies often originates in the occupational health department and is based on individualistic approaches with little energy being put into preventive activities which would originate in the canteen (Mclnerney & Cooper, 1989; Poulter, 1990). Policies provide a means of balancing the environmental and educational paradigms of health promotion. If food/health policies are to grow in the private sector then industry has to be convinced that the benefits Justify the costs. Some philanthropic employers are motivated by interests other than financial gain, but others are commercially led. There is little hard evidence to demonstrate that any type of employer-sponsored healthy eating initiative provides a favourable return for investment. It has been ‘guesstimates’ and extrapolation from other situations which have provided the justification for UK companies to allocate any resources towards addressing food/health issues. In April 1990 the National Grid Company adopted a comprehensive food/health policy. This paper draws on the experiences in developing and implementing the policy document to discuss the issues around evaluative activity in a commercial setting. Views are expressed on the feasibility of measurement and the value of the informaton collected. One aim of the future should be to research this under-examined area to establish a solid body of information. This would raise the level of debate from one which is currently based on anecdotal evidence to a sounder scientific footing and, therefore, ensure the future growth of such policies in the corporate sector.
The Edusemiotics of Images. Essays on the Art∼Science of Tarot

Inna Semetsky’s inquiry into the visual paradigms affecting learning focuses on the Tarot, the system of playing cards that originated in early modern Italy and grew to acquire widespread divinator...
Europeanization through biodiversity conservation: Croatia’s bid for EU accession and the Natura 2000 designation process

Abstract This paper explores the impacts of Europeanization on the environments of EU accession and candidate countries. By bridging research in political geography on Europeanization (Moisio et al., 2013; Clark and Jones, 2011) with theories of the production of nature (Smith, 1984; Katz, 2005), this work illustrates that the Europeanization process has distinct spatial impacts. Using a case study on nature protection in Croatia, this study investigates changes to law, governance, and conservation mapping in order to show the pathways by which the Europeanization process produces uniquely European natures within candidate countries.