cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hope, Laughter, and Humor in Residents and Staff at an Assisted Living Facility

Possessing hope and utilizing laughter and humor to cope with life's stressors and losses are especially important to elderly people as they experience a decline in their independence. In this study, hope levels and laughter and humor experiences of 24 elderly residents (ages 69 to 96 years) and 21 staff at an assisted living facility were assessed and compared. Hope was defined as a two-factor cognitive construct that involves (a) Pathways, an individual's ability to set goals and devise multiple plans to reach them, and (b) Agency, an individual's inner determination to implement these plans and overcome obstacles to the goals. Both residents and staff had high total Hope and Pathways scores, but residents' Agency scores were significantly higher than staff's. Residents and staff reported numerous benefits from humor and laughing, but differences arose between the two groups about the sources and frequency of humor and laughter. Differences were found between more-hopeful and less-hopeful respondents in...
But I Know it When I See it: An Economic Analysis of Vague Rules

This paper focuses on the interaction between rules that are well defined and the evasions of those rules which are facilitated by their very precision. A vague rule reduces entrepreneurs' ability to erode the rule through loopholes by making it more difficult to predict what actions will be permitted ex post. However, because a vague rule creates uncertainty about which activities are prohibited and which ones are not, it causes a chilling effect on economic activity and introduces inefficiency into the legal system. The optimal amount of vagueness in a rule strikes a balance between the costs of loopholes, the chilling effect on economic activity, and the inefficency created in the legal system. A potential solution is for rules to be written that are relatively strict so as to offset the expected erosion from loopholes. This imposes costs that differ across entrepreneurs in proportion to their skill at creating loopholes. Vagueness is a substitute for strictness that limits the erosion of rules without disproportionately harming less skilled entrepreneurs. We show that an "Orwellian equilibrium" in which rules are both vague and overly strict maximizes social welfare.
EQ: Overview of a New Language Approach for Prototyping Scientific Computation

This research investigates a new paradigm for scientific programming, which focuses on the direct representation of user concepts and the use of standard mathematical notation. We apply these ideas to the problem of designing a language for prototyping numerical computations. In the process, we arrive at a language (EQ) that does not fit into standard language categories such as imperative or functional, but has features of both paradigms. This paper presents an overview of the EQ language, focusing on how our design goals lead to the language features present in EQ. Two detailed examples are given, followed by performance results from our experimental prototype. These timings indicate that EQ programs can be competitive with those written in C. Finally, we briefly discuss the impact of our design on the optimization of EQ programs.
The life and career of Beryl Rawson

(2010). The Life and Career of Beryl Rawson. History Australia: Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 61.1-61.3.
Lexical access and verification in a broad phonetic approach to continuous digit recognition

This paper describes an implementation of a robust method of lexical access and a detailed phonetic verification component for recognizing continuous digits using a broad phonetic approach. The lexical access component uses a scoring method which takes into account soft labeling errors due to input signal variability. Verification is based on the use of a small set of detailed acoustic features which characterize phone hypotheses. Evaluation of the lexical access method on a database of 74 new random length digit strings, each spoken by 5 new speakers, shows the method to be tolerant to front-end errors and variations in pronunciation. Evaluation of the verification component indicates that use of a few detailed phonetic features is adequate for verification of phones in the digit vocabulary.
Tumour-stromal interactions. Role of the stroma in mammary development.

Mammary development depends on branching morphogenesis, namely the bifurcation and extension of ductal growth points (end buds) and secretory lobules into a more or less fatty stroma. Because breast carcinomas are overwhelmingly ductal in origin, this review focuses on stromal influences guiding postnatal ductal development and there is only the briefest account of the role of embryonic stroma (mesenchyme). The stroma as the necessary target for endocrine mammogens and the source of stimulatory growth factors is described and the importance of mammary epithelium-induced modifications of the periductal stroma is emphasized. Evidence is presented that if they are to grow, end buds must condition proximal fatty stroma by recruiting white blood cells as well as inducing stromal cell division and, possibly, estrogen receptors. The induction of a fibrous stromal tunic around the end bud is described and its likely role as a complex ductal morphogen is discussed; a possible role in growth inhibition is also considered. Although the signals governing fibrotic induction, ductal morphogenesis, and growth inhibition are unknown, a role for transforming growth factor-β is highly likely and is discussed. Finally, a need for new conceptual and experimental approaches to understanding stromal-epithelial signaling is discussed.
Crustal and uppermost mantle structure in the central U.S. encompassing the Midcontinent Rift

[1] Rayleigh wave phase velocities across the western arm of the Midcontinent Rift (MCR) and surrounding regions are mapped by ambient noise (8–40 s) and earthquake tomography (25–80 s) applied to data from more than 120 Earthscope/USArray stations across the central U.S. Receiver functions also are computed for those stations using harmonic stripping. Joint Bayesian Monte Carlo inversion is applied to generate 3-D posterior distributions of shear wave speeds (Vsv) in the crust and uppermost mantle to a depth of about 150 km, providing an overview of the seismic structure of the MCR and adjacent structures. Three major structural attributes are identified: (1) There is a high correlation between the long-wavelength gravity field and shallow Vs structure, but the MCR gravity high is obscured by clastic sediments in the shallow crust. This is consistent with an upper crustal origin to the MCR gravity anomaly as well as other anomalies in the region. (2) Thick crust (>47 km) underlies the MCR, but there is a gradient Moho in the northern part of the rift and a sharp Moho in the south. Thickened crust beneath the MCR is evidence for postrifting compression with pure-shear deformation along the entire rift; along-rift differences in lower crustal structure may signify magmatic underplating in the northern rift. (3) Crustal shear wave speeds vary across the Precambrian sutures (e.g., Great Lakes Tectonic Zone, Spirit Lakes Tectonic Zone). This reveals the importance of Precambrian sutures in the subsequent tectonic evolution of the central U.S.
Ophthalmic beta-blockers since timolol

Abstract In the twenty years since beta-blockers were proposed for treatment of glaucoma, use of topical timolol has increased to account for 70% of all glaucoma medications used. The objective of this article is to review the “newer” beta-blockers, and to address the generalization that “all ophthalmic beta-blockers are the same.” The review concentrates on agents that have been studied as topical treatments for patients with elevated intraocular pressure. Sections on pharmacology and design of clinical trials are included to aid the ophthalmologist in evaluating new drugs and published clinical reports. The major questions to consider in evaluating the therapeutic potential of a new beta-blocker for the treatment of glaucoma involve efficacy and safety: Is the drug as effective as timolol? Does it have a duration of action at least as long as timolol? Does it have ocular toxicity? Is it comfortable? What are its systemic effects?
American foreign policy and the fungibility of force

(1996). American foreign policy and the fungibility of force. Security Studies: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 7-42.
Constant-thickness deformation above curved normal faults

Abstract Extensional fault systems are commonly described using models that assume layer-oblique heterogeneous simple shear deformation in fault blocks. These models are colloquially known as vertical or inclined shear models. Less commonly, layer-parallel heterogeneous simple shear is employed; these models are called constant-thickness/flexural-slip models, and have the geometric property that they conserve both bed length and bed thickness. Although popular, vertical or inclined shear models suffer from the limitation that they do not explain two widely observed features of extensional fault systems: crestal collapse grabens, and downwardly blind faults within the hanging wall. Currently used constant-thickness/flexural-slip models are severely limited by their inability to ‘forward-model’ faults with dips (angular bends) greater than 30°. We have modified the most widely used constant-thickness/flexural-slip model so that it can be applied to faults with dips or angular bends greater than 30°. The resulting model can be used to describe the constant-thickness geometry of hanging walls developed above normal faults of any shape. Alternatively, the model can be used to predict the amount and location of departures from constant-thickness (and constant bed length) deformation in a fault hanging wall, manifest at large-scale by crestal collapse grabens and downwardly blind faults, or at small-scale by sub-seismic-resolution faulting.
Joint effects of magnitude of immediate reward and magnitude of delayed reward on acquisition and extinction

An irregular schedule of partial delay of reward was employed. Magnitude of reward was either large or small on delay-of-reward trials and on immediately-rewarded trials. Speed in acquisition was independent of magnitude of delayed reward, but was greater the greater the magnitude of immediate reward. Resistance to extinction increased as magnitude of immediate reward increased and decreased as magnitude of delayed reward increased.
Inhibitors and Inactivators of Protein Arginine Deiminase 4: Functional and Structural Characterization

Protein arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) is a transcriptional coregulator that catalyzes the calcium-dependent conversion of specific arginine residues in proteins to citrulline. Recently, we reported the synthesis and characterization of F-amidine, a potent and bioavailable irreversible inactivator of PAD4. Herein, we report our efforts to identify the steric and leaving group requirements for F-amidine-induced PAD4 inactivation, the structure of the PAD4-F-amidine x calcium complex, and in vivo studies with N-alpha-benzoyl-N5-(2-chloro-1-iminoethyl)-L-ornithine amide (Cl-amidine), a PAD4 inactivator with enhanced potency. The PAD4 inactivators described herein will be useful pharmacological probes in characterizing the incompletely defined physiological role(s) of this enzyme. In addition, they represent potential lead compounds for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis because a growing body of evidence supports a role for PAD4 in the onset and progression of this chronic autoimmune disorder.
Medical students and abortion: reconciling personal beliefs and professional roles at one medical school.

A survey was used from 1983 through 1990 in a required first-year course, Ethics and Medical Care, at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, to explore where students drew the line about moral issues. Starting in 1988, a similar questionnaire was administered to each class of fourth-year m
Resolution of pea legumin subunits by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract Pea legumin was dissociated into its component subunits by 6 m urea: these were subsequently fractionated by FPLC using a combination of Mono P, Mono Q, and Mono S columns. The resolution and speed of separation were greatly improved in comparison with previous fractionations. Twelve discrete fractions were obtained and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Six “normal” legumin subunits (Mr 60,000) were identified as well as some “large” (Mr 66,000) and “small” (Mr 44,000) subunits. A few polypeptides of unknown origin were also observed. Four subunits were purified to homogeneity as adjudged by electrophoresis and HPLC and in sufficient yields to permit further studies. Anomalous electrophoretic behavior of the legumin subunits was also observed.
Effect of ventilation on acid-base balance and oxygenation in low blood-flow states

Objectives:To investigate how minute ventilation affects the partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 and arterial and mixed venous pH, Pco2, Po2, and the concentration of bicarbonate during low blood-flow states. We tested the null hypothesis that acid-base conditions during low rates of blood flow are no
Peripherally Induced Movement Disorders

Peripherally induced movement disorders may be defined as involuntary or abnormal movements triggered by trauma to the cranial or peripheral nerves or roots. Although patients often recall some history of trauma before the onset of a movement disorder, determining the true relationship of the disorder to the earlier trauma is often difficult. The pathophysiology of these disorders is reviewed.
Characterization of mixed amorphous/crystalline cerium oxide supported on SiO2

Abstract Various analyses techniques were employed for characterization of mixed amorphous/crystalline CeO2 supported on SiO2 catalysts prepared by incipient wetness using (i) Ce4+-ammonium nitrate (CeqN) aqueous solution, and by grafting using (ii) Ce4+-methoxyethoxide (CeqA) alcoholic solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (TEM-EDX) were used to obtain information about the CeO2 dispersion and crystallinity supported on SiO2. After calcination at 500°C, XRD analysis indicated formation of larger CeO2 crystallites on CeqN catalysts compared to CeqA catalysts. Catalysts calcination at 800°C led to a higher degree of crystallinity and larger particles of CeO2 compared with the catalysts calcined at 500°C. TEM electron diffraction revealed that ceria is present on CeqA catalysts mostly as an amorphous phase, whereas on CeqN catalysts as crystalline CeO2. The CeO2 particle size calculated from XRD data, the TPR profile, and the XPS ICe3d/ISi2p intensity ratio, indicated a better ceria dispersion on the SiO2 support for CeqA than for CeqN catalysts. EPR data showed the presence of paramagnetic Ce3+ as defects in the CeO2 crystalline structure only in CeqN catalysts. XPS analysis indicated that cerium is present on CeqN and CeqA catalysts surface as Ce4+. The observed differences between the CeqA and CeqN catalysts structure were presented in correlation with activity data obtained from ethylbenzene oxidative dehydrogenation and CO oxidation.
Erythrocyte morphology and clustering of fluorescent anti-A immunoglobulin

PLASMA membranes of many cells are fluid, with the protein and lipid components mobile in the plane of the membrane1,2, as changing distribution patterns of fluorescent labelled lectins and antibodies bound to cell surfaces have shown1–4. Such observations have not been made with intact human erythrocytes, which are thought to be an exception5–7. Ferritin-labelled concanavalin A (con A)8 and soybean agglutinin (unpublished results of C. Kuettner, A. Staehlin, and J.A.G.) have been shown to be randomly arranged on the membranes of intact erythrocytes. But some clustering of con A receptors on the membranes of intact erythrocytes was shown by freeze etching when con A-coated erythrocytes were treated with anticon A antibodies8. We now report evidence for clustering of fluorescein-labelled anti-blood group A antibodies on the surfaces of intact human A erythrocytes associated with alteration of erythrocyte morphology.
Ecdysteroids in relation to the molt cycle of the American lobster, Homarus americanus. II. excretion of metabolites.

Abstract Ecdysteroid (Ecd) excretion patterns were followed during the molt cycle of adult male and female lobsters, Homarus americanus. Urine was the major route of Ecd elimination, amounting to ≥96% of the excreted radioimmunoassay activity for all molt stages. The other identified route of Ecd elimination from the hemolymph was the feces, which accounted for the remaining 4% of the total Ecd excretion. High polarity metabolites (HP), including 20,26-dihydroxyecdysone (2026E) and 20-hydroxyecdysonoic acid (20EA), were the major types of Ecds found in the urine. Other urinary Ecd components included 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), ecdysone (E), and ponasterone A (P). The major portion of urinary HP was composed of conjugates of 2026E, 20E, E, P, and other unidentified metabolites. The fecal Ecds were predominately HP and apolar metabolites. Apolar fecal Ecds were hydrolyzable to release 20EA, 2026E, 20E, E, P, and other metabolites. By means of intubation, [3H]E was placed directly into the cardiac stomach of lobsters. The gut pathway formed an apolar conjugate of [3H]E which was found exclusively in the feces. Lobsters are therefore capable of excreting ingested Ecds without absorption.
Microwave Tissue Ablation: Biophysics, Technology and Applications

Microwave ablation is an emerging treatment option for many cancers, cardiac arrhythmias, and other medical conditions. During treatment, microwaves are applied directly to tissues to produce rapid temperature elevations sufficient to produce immediate coagulative necrosis. The engineering design criteria for each application differ, with individual consideration for factors such as desired ablation zone size, treatment duration, and procedural invasiveness. Recent technological developments in applicator cooling, power control, and system optimization for specific applications promise to increase the utilization of microwave ablation in the future. This article reviews the basic biophysics of microwave tissue heating, provides an overview of the design and operation of current equipment, and outlines areas for future research.
Many Patients With Interleukin 28B Genotypes Associated With Response to Therapy Are Ineligible for Treatment Because of Comorbidities

Background & Aims Interleukin ( IL ) -28B ( interferon-λ 3 ) genotype is the strongest predictor of response of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to antiviral therapy. However, patients with HCV infection often have physical or mental comorbidities that contraindicate or complicate treatment, regardless of their genotype. The potential role of IL28B genotype within the context of patients' clinical and social environment is therefore unclear. Methods We characterized the IL28B genotype (for rs12980275 and rs8099917) in 308 patients (mean age, 56 y; 25% African American; 38% with advanced-stage fibrosis) with genotype 1 HCV infection seen at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Administration Medical Center in Houston, Texas, from May 1, 2009, through April 1, 2012. We evaluated their eligibility for antiviral treatment based on clinical and social factors such as physical or mental health comorbidity, ongoing alcohol or drug use, and noncompliance with treatment evaluation. Results Of the 308 subjects, 40% were homozygous for rs12980275 (associated with response to therapy), 46% were heterozygous, and 15% were homozygous for alleles associated with reduced response to therapy. Overall, 36% of patients were considered to be ineligible for treatment; of these, 40% had the rs12980275 genotype. More than half of the patients with rs12980275 who were ineligible for treatment were excluded because of mental health comorbidities; one-third of these patients had advanced fibrosis. The reason(s) for treatment exclusion resolved in only 8% of patients during a mean 1.5 years of follow-up evaluation. Conclusions In a well-characterized cohort of patients with HCV, a large proportion (40%) with IL28B polymorphisms associated with response to therapy is ineligible for treatment because of contraindications. One potential role of IL28B genotype analysis could be to identify patients who, although not currently eligible for antiviral treatment, could become so by modifying fixable exclusions to treatment.
Bayesian approach for extracting and identifying features

Abstract The paper introduces a new uncertainty reasoning based method for the identification and extraction of manufacturing features from solid model descriptions of objects. A major difficulty faced by previously proposed methods for feature extraction has been the interaction between features. In interacting situations, the representation for various primitive features is nonunique, making their recognition very difficult. The paper develops an approach based on generating, propagating, and combining geometric and topological evidence in a hierarchical belief network for identifying and extracting features. The methodology combines and propagates pieces of evidence to determine a set of corect virtual links to be augmented to the cavity graph representing a depression of the object so that the resulting supergraph can be partitioned to obtain the features of the object. The hierarchical belief network is constructed on the basis of the hypotheses for the potential virtual links. The pieces of evidence, which consist of topological and geometric relationships at different abstraction levels, impacts the belief network through its (amount of) support for different hypotheses. The propagation of the impact of different pieces of evidence updates the beliefs in the network in accordance with the Bayesian probabilistic rules.
Guide to the nomenclature of kinetoplastid RNA editing: a proposal.

Uridine insertion/deletion RNA editing in kinetoplastid mitochondria involves the participation of a number of ribonucleoprotein complexes which contain multiple proteins. There are currently multiple names to designate the major editing complex and the polypeptide components, which has led to confusion and lack of communication both within and outside this field. We urge that the field adapt a more unified nomenclature for the complexes and the component polypeptides and we present possible options.
Fractionation and structural characterization of coal liquids

Abstract A method of characterizing coal liquids in terms of fractions of different chemical functionality is described. This method is based on Chromatographic fractionation of both benzene-soluble and pyridine-soluble components by sequential elution with specific solvents on silica gel columns (SESC). The paper presents the theoretical criteria for choosing the conditions and the sequence of elution solvents, the methods used to establish the chemical structure, and model compound comparisons.
Bioinspired growth of crystalline carbonate apatite on biodegradable polymer substrata.

Mineralization in biological systems is a widespread, yet incompletely understood phenomenon involving complex interactions at the biomacromolecule−mineral nucleus interface. This study was aimed at understanding and controlling mineral formation in a poly(α-hydroxy ester) model system, to gain insight into biological mineralization processes and to develop biomaterials for orthopaedic tissue regeneration. We specifically hypothesized that providing a high surface density of anionic functional groups would enhance nucleation and growth of bonelike mineral following exposure to simulated body fluids (SBF). Polymer surface functionalization was achieved via hydrolysis of 85:15 poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) films. This treatment led to an increase in surface carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups, resulting in a substantial increase in polymer surface energy from 42 to 49 dynes/cm2. Treated polymers exhibited a 3-fold increase in heterogeneous mineral grown and growth of a continuous mineral film on the poly...
A computer simulation study of the defect structure of calcia-stabilized zirconia

Abstract The defect structure of calcia-stabilized zirconia, a topic of long-standing controversy, has been examined by atomistic computer simulation techniques. Defect association energies for an anion vacancy and a dopant calcium ion at both nearest-neighbour and next-nearest-neighbour (NNN) positions have been determined and suggest the preferential siting of oxygen vacancies in the NNN position with respect to the dopant cation, at low dopant concentrations. A structural explanation for this is proposed. Our calculations also suggest Schottky intrinsic disorder in cubic zirconia which may be atypical compared with other fluorite-structured oxides; we advance an explanation for this in terms of lattice relaxation. Excellent agreement between experimental and calculated values shows the reliability and potential of computer simulation techniques. Binding energies of various types of defect cluster were calculated to check their relative stabilities. Also the migration energy of the oxygen vacancy was ca...
Heparinization for prevention of thrombosis following pediatric percutaneous arterial catheterization.

One thousand three hundred and sixteen consecutively catheterized infants and children were evaluated prospectively for femoral artery thrombosis following percutaneous cardiac catheterization. One hundred units/kg heparin bolus was given to 649 patients after arterial puncture (group A). A supplementary 50 units/kg of heparin bolus was given to 381 patients 75 minutes later, followed by a continuous heparin infusion if pulses were decreased (group B). Two hundred forty-one patients were managed similarly except the first supplementary bolus was given 45 minutes after initial heparinization, if necessary, and the second bolus and continuous infusion were begun 45 minutes later, if necessary (group C). Arterial thrombosis was diagnosed if pulses were not equal to those of the unused extremity 6 hours following catheterization. The overall incidence of arterial thrombosis was 0.8%. No statistically significant (p less than .05) differences occurred related to the heparinization method used. However, absence of thrombosis in the last 241 consecutive patients (group C) and in the last 480 patients of groups B and C weighing more than 10 kg approaches significance (p less than .1). Incidence of thrombosis was less than in previous studies (p less than .0005 to .05). This study indicates that a very low incidence of arterial thrombosis can be achieved with systemic heparinization.
APPROXIMATION RESULTS FOR PARAMETER ESTIMATION IN A CLASS OF ABSTRACT NONLINEAR HYPERBOLIC SYSTEMS

Abstract In this paper, we present an approximation framework and theoretical convergence results for a class of parameter estimation problems for general abstract nonlinear hyperbolic systems. These systems include as a special case those modeling a large class of nonlinear elastomers.
Variations in antitrust enforcement activity

The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1. To describe the temporal pattern of general antitrust activity, often in a multivariate regression framework, over the years that Richard A. Posner observed (1890–1969) as well as for the subsequent years (1970–1982). We focus not on supplying of data or accounting for the number and types of cases als Posner, but to advance and test hypotheses about the causes and consequences of enforcement patterns. 2. To compare the relative temporal antitrust activity of the individual enforcement groups of DOJ, FTC, and private party plaintiffs (PPP) as measured by the number of cases filed.
Attribution of arousal as a mediator in dissonance reduction

The hypothesis that the attribution of arousal to a source is an important step in the dissonance reduction process was tested in a counterattitudinal advocacy paradigm. Specifically, it was hypothesized that the extent to which arousal is attributed to dissonance-producing inconsistency directly affects the amount of dissonance-reducing behavior. If the amount of arousal attributed to inconsistency increases, attempts to reduce dissonance will increase; if the amount of arousal attributed to inconsistency decreases, attempts to reduce dissonance will decrease. The 2 × 2 × 2 factorial designed to test these predictions involved manipulation of two independent sources of arousal (dissonance and fear of shock) and type of arousal attribution cue (delivered by a confederate of the experimenter). The results supported the hypothesis. Implications for dissonance theory and self-perception theory were discussed.
Structural reliability analysis method for viscoelastic members

Abstract The structural performance of viscoelastic materials may be strongly dependent on the temporal characteristics of the applied loadings. This time dependence cannot be properly considered in structural reliability studies using the conventional analysis techniques such as first-order, second-moment methods. However, Monte Carlo simulation can be adapted for this purpose provided time-dependent stochastic load models and stress-strain models are available. In this paper, a structural reliability analysis method is presented which includes both time-dependent structural loads and material response. The application of the method to a reliability analysis of a deflection serviceability limit state is presented for illustration.
Spelling recognition and coding by poor readers

Thirty good readers and 30 poor readers in Grade 10 (aged 15-17) were given a series of tests to determine individual profiles of difficulty. In one test, they were asked to judge whether a single printed word was spelled correctly or not, and in another they were asked to judge whether two printed words sounded the same or not. All the poor readers showed a marked difficulty in spelling recognition, while difficulty in coding into sound was related to the lowest scores on a reading test. The very poor readers also showed prolonged reaction) times. It was concluded that inadequate visual models of words in long-term memory are characteristic of poor readers, while those with the greatest difficulty also have trouble linking the written word to internal speech models.
Electrophysiological response to insemination in oocytes of Urechis caupo.

We investigated the response to insemination of coelomic oocytes of the marine worm Urechis caupo with light and electron microscopy, electrophysiology, and by measuring ion fluxes. After insemination all oocytes from at least 20 to 120 μm in diameter (the maximum) bind and admit sperm; these oocytes are all in diplotene-diakinesis and are suspended in the coelomic fluid as single cells with no accessory cells. Oocytes of all sizes are more susceptible to polyspermy than eggs and fail to activate (complete the meiotic divisions); nonetheless they respond to insemination with a positive shift in potential similar in its general form and Na+ dependence to the egg's fertilization potential. However, in oocytes the rise time of the positive shift in potential is longer and the potential does not attain as positive an amplitude, apparently due, at least in part, to the oocytes' greater K+ conductance. Oocytes also do not develop a permanent polyspermy block, and this failure plus the slower rise time and reduced amplitude of the fertilization potential correlates with their greater susceptibility to polyspermy. These studies also establish that a fertilization potential, accompanied by significant increases in Na+ and Ca2+ influx, is insufficient to initiate development even though the mature gamete, the so-called egg, is in the same meiotic (germinal vesicle) stage as the coelomic oocytes.
Experimental and theoretical studies of the proposed MIT relativistic klystron amplifier

We report progress in experimental and theoretical development of the MIT 3.3 GHz relativistic klystron amplifier. An annular electron beam (approximately 400 kV, approximately 5 kA, 2 inch diameter) will be confined by an axial magnetic field (22.5 kG) provided by a superconducting magnet. A novel, compact first cavity embeds the electron gun. The RF power driving the cavity will be generated by a 1.5 MW tunable frequency (3.1 - 3.5 GHz) magnetron. Current bunching in the drift tube will be monitored with a series of electric and magnetic dipoles. Initial experiments will focus on the first cavity and the beam bunching it produces. The experimental set-up is designed to be as flexible as possible to facilitate optimization. Results will be compared with theory and simulations using MAGIC.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An Action Research: Application of a Three-Way Multimedia Blended Learning in a Second Language Acquisition and Development Course

This article reports an action research, conducted in an undergraduate course, Second Language Acquisition and Development, in a 3-way blended learning BL environment-face-to-face F2F, an online learning system eLearning, and Second Life SL. The study was the result of a joint project between a university in America and one in Hong Kong. Data collected from the American students were included in this study. The purposes of this action research is to: 1 monitor BL course and provide suggestions for future courses, and 2 investigate if students' time spent in eLearning and the number of discussion posts impact students' achievement. This action research provides suggestions for improving application of 3-way BL in future courses in terms of course design, instructor preparation and online grading.
Anodic differential pulse voltammetry of aromatic amines and phenols at trace levels

Abstract Anodic differential pulse voltammetry at graphite paste electrodes is shown to be applicable to a wide range of electro-oxidizable organic species. Several toxic and carcinogenic materials of primary concern in environmental analysis can be determined with good reproducibility at the ppm to ppb level.
Breakup of oxide films on a Ni-Fe (100) surface by S2 impingement

Abstract Impingement of S2 molecules onto the oxidized (100) surface of Ni60Fe40 at 500°C disrupts the coalesced oxide morphology. LEED and AES observations suggest that sulfur penetrates the oxide to the alloy interface forming chemisorbed c(2X2)S regions upon which sulfides subsequently nucleate and eventually grow over the rearranged oxide. The sulfur-induced change in the oxide morphology may be explained by a model involving a balance of surface tensions between the oxide and c(2X2)S phases to minimize the total surface free energy. In addition, S2 and O2 co-dosing experiments on the clean Ni60Fe40(100) surface reveal that O2 sticking is greatly reduced by the presence of the c(2X2)S or sulfide phases during the initial scale growth.
Optimizing Outcomes Through Protocols, Multidisciplinary Drills, and Simulation

Delay in diagnosis, failure to employ sufficient medical and surgical treatments, and poor teamwork all may contribute to suboptimal outcomes in cases of postpartum hemorrhage. A significant portion of hemorrhage-related maternal morbidity may be prevented through early diagnosis and rapid intervention. There is a small but growing body of literature describing the role of patient safety initiatives and simulation training in optimizing outcomes following postpartum hemorrhage. Rapid response teams may be used to facilitate coordination between various personnel involved in the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Hemorrhage drills and simulation-based training may help providers achieve timely and coordinated responses in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. Protocol may help to standardize management in cases of postpartum hemorrhage, thereby minimizing unnecessary errors or delays in care. Additional research is warranted to further determine the impact of patient safety initiatives and simulation training on outcomes in the setting of obstetric hemorrhage.
Difficult Communication: Compliance-Gaining Strategies of Organ Procurement Coordinators

Organ procurement coordinators (OPCs) face a formidable communication task when making familial requests for consent to organ donation, because they must provide social support for grieving family members while seeking compliance to the donation request. Structured interviews were conducted with 102 OPCs, representing 16 organ procurement organizations (OPOs) (27.6% of national organizations) across the United States. Responses were transcribed and content-analyzed along four domain areas: (a) establishing credibility, (b) message strategies, (c) timing/setting of requests, and (d) adaptation of messages to diverse families. OPO conversion rates were used as a criterion factor for OPCs' persuasive communication success and regressed onto self-reported strategy use. Results indicate message strategies varied at the OPC level of analysis and 7 techniques significantly predicted 32% of the variance in conversion rates. Two strategies (i.e., gaining early intervention, approaching with additional support) positively influenced conversion rates, whereas 5 strategies (e.g., discussing benefits as a persuasive strategy, emphasizing the need for donation in particular racial/ethnic groups) negatively influenced conversion rates. Future research is recommended to validate the study findings toward the goal of improving OPCs' communication strategies.
CUSUM vs Smoothed-Error Forecast Monitoring Schemes: Some Simulation Results

This paper compares the performance of CUSUM and smoothed-error tracking signals for monitoring the adequacy of exponential smoothing forecasts. Previous research has favoured the CUSUM. However, there is some evidence that the performance of the smoothed-error signal can be improved by a simple modification in its application: the use of different smoothing parameters in the tracking signal and the forecasting model. The effects of this modification are tested using simulated time series. We conclude that the CUSUM is robust to the choice of forecasting parameter, while the smoothed-error signal is not. The CUSUM is also more responsive to small changes in the time series, regardless of the parameters used.
Effects of watershed discretization on estimation of hydrologic parameters

This study evaluates how watershed discretization affects estimation of hydrologic parameters using GIS data. Two aggregation methods were evaluated using three GIS data sets for a large watershed in Kansas, which is discretized into five different levels. The two aggregation methods are weighted-average and dominant-value. The three GIS data sets, soils, land use, and temperature, constitute three commonly used hydrologic parameters with distinct spatial patterns. The study evaluated the aggregation effects measured in terms of statistical distribution, spatial distribution, information level, and spatial dependence of the aggregated data. Results indicate that: (1) statistically, the mean and modal values of the source data are well preserved through aggregation but with a reduced standard deviation; (2) changes in spatial patterns are less predictable than those of the statistical distribution, and the changes depend on the geometric similarity and spatial overlap between the source and target polygons; (3) the information level in general decreases with aggregation for the dominant method, and it increases for the average method although the original values are altered; and (4) spatial dependence generally increases with aggregation.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Modulates Expression and Processing of Amyloid Precursor Protein

Rationale: The exact etiology of sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD) is unclear, but it is interesting that several cardiovascular risk factors are associated with higher incidence of AD. The link between these risk factors and AD has yet to be identified; however, a common feature is endothelial dysfunction, specifically, decreased bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). Objective: To determine the relationship between endothelial derived NO and the expression and processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Methods and Results: We used human brain microvascular endothelial cells to examine the role of NO in modulating APP expression and processing in vitro. Inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) with the specific NOS inhibitor L-NAME ( N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) led to increased APP and BACE1 (β-site APP-cleaving enzyme1) protein levels, as well as increased secretion of the amyloidogenic peptide amyloid β (Aβ) (control 10.93±0.70 pg/mL; L-NAME 168.21±27.38 pg/mL; P <0.001). To examine the role of NO in modulation of APP expression and processing in vivo, we used brain and cerebral microvessels from eNOS-deficient (eNOS−/−) mice. Brain tissue from eNOS−/− mice had statistically higher APP and BACE1 protein levels, as well as increased BACE1 enzyme activity and Aβ (Aβ1-42 wild-type control, 0.737pg/mg; eNOS−/−, 1.475 pg/mg; P <0.05), compared with wild-type controls (n=6 to 8 animals per background). Brain microvessels from eNOS−/− mice also showed statistically higher BACE1 protein levels as compared with wild-type control. Conclusions: Our data suggest that endothelial NO plays an important role in modulating APP expression and processing within the brain and cerebrovasculature. The NO/cGMP pathway may be an important therapeutic target in preventing and treating mild cognitive impairment, as well as AD. # Novelty and Significance {#article-title-22}
Latin America's Social Policy Challenge: Education, Social Insurance, Redistribution

Abstract Long regarded as a region beset by macroeconomic instability, high inflation, and excessive poverty and inequality, Latin America has undergone a major transformation over the last 20 years. The region has seen improved macroeconomic management and substantial and sustained reductions in poverty and inequality. In this paper, we argue that social policy, including human capital and education, social insurance, and redistribution, need special attention if achievements of the last two decades are to be sustained and amplified. Starting in the mid 1990s, many governments in the region introduced a variety of programs, including noncontributory pensions and health insurance, and cash transfers targeted to the poor. Social spending in Latin America increased sharply. These policies have been widely praised, and we believe they have resulted in substantial improvements in the lives of the poor in the region. However, a more nuanced view shows some worrisome trends. Moving forward, we believe it is nec...
Interaction of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase with sonicated dispersions of lecithin.

Abstract 1. 1. During incubation with essentially lipoprotein-free serum, sonicated dispersions of lecithin form complexes containing lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase. 2. 2. These complexes can be isolated by ultracentrifugal flotation in sucrose ( d 1.065 g/ml); flotation of the complex in KBr ( d 1.065 g/ml) is substantially less than in sucrose, indicating dissociation of the complexes in the salt solution. 3. 3. Complex formation between the sonicated dispersions of lecithin and the enzyme is not affected by inhibition of the enzyme's activity with hydroxymercuribenzoate. 4. 4. When essentially lipoprotein-free serum is preincubated with sonicated dispersions of lecithin, enzyme activity is partially inhibited with increasing concentrations of lecithin. 5. 5. The complexes formed between sonicated dispersions of lecithin and lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase can be dissociated ultracentrifugally after treatment with sodium taurocholate and high concentration of KBr. By this method the enzyme was purified approx. 500-fold.
System identification based on an improved generalized ADALINE neural network

This paper presents an online system identification method for a linear time-varying system whose parameters change with time. The method is based on an improved generalized ADAptive LINear Element (ADALINE) neural network. It is well known ADALINE is slow in convergence which is not appropriate for online application and identification of time varying system. To speed up convergence of learning and thus increase the capability of tracking time varying system parameters, two techniques were proposed, i.e. i) a momentum term added to the weight adjustment and ii) training on a sliding window over data set. While the momentum speeds up convergence, it also shows over-shooting and while the sliding window training helps to track variable parameters better but also tracks noise closely. An average weight adjustment and dual epoch learning are proposed to improve performance. Simulation results show that the proposed method provides indeed faster convergence and better tracking of time varying parameters.
Optimization of a scroll compressor for liquid flooding

In two companion papers, simulation models for the working processes of liquid-flooded scroll compressors and expanders have been developed and validated against experimental data. In this study, analytic models are presented for the modes of irreversibility generation in the liquid-flooded scroll compressor including built-in volume ratio maladjustment, pressure drop and leakage. A thermodynamic model is used to derive the ideal volume ratio for a liquid-flooded compressor, which is higher than that of dry compression. An optimum set of built-in volume ratio and scroll base circle radius is found which maximizes the overall isentropic efficiency by minimizing the leakage and pressure drop irreversibilities. The irreversibility generation models are used to optimize a scroll compressor for the Liquid-Flooded Ericsson cycle application. The model predicts scroll compressor overall isentropic efficiency of over 80% (based on the shaft power) at an oil mass fraction of 88%.
Comparison Of High Speed Movie And Flash X-Ray Measurement Of The Translational And Rotational Motions Of Projectiles Penetrating Gelatin

COMPARISON OF HIGH SPEED MOVIE AND FLASH X -RAYMEASUREMENT OF THE TRANSLATIONAL ANDROTATIONAL MOTIONS OF PROJECTILESPENETRATING GELATINEUGENE T. ROECKERUS Army Ballistic Research LaboratoryTerminal Ballistics DivisionAberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005, U.S.A.Projectiles penetrating a gelatin block were simultaneously mea-sured by a high speed movie camera, Dynafax, and by a sequential,orthogonal, flash x -ray system. The eight orthogonal views of thex -ray system provided position and orientation of the projectiles vs.time From onset of tumble in the gelatin, owing to gyroscopic in-stability, the growth of yaw was the same for each round in a re-plicated set. This phenomenon provided a legitimate procedure forpooling the x -ray data, giving well determined curves of velocitydecay and yaw growth. The movie camera observed the progress of thecavity formed by the projectile. The resulting velocity decay of thecavity tip was compared to that of the projectile as measured by thex -ray technique.
Oxidation protection of porous reaction-bonded silicon nitride

Oxidation kinetics of both as-fabricated and coated reaction-bonded silicon nitride (RBSN) were studied at 900 and 1000 C with thermogravimetry. Uncoated RBSN exhibited internal oxidation and parabolic kinetics. An amorphous Si-C-O coating provided the greatest degree of protection to oxygen, with a small linear weight loss observed. Linear weight gains were measured on samples with an amorphous Si-N-C coating. Chemically vapor deposited (CVD) Si3N4 coated RBSN exhibited parabolic kinetics, and the coating cracked severely. A continuous-SiC-fiber-reinforced RBSN composite was also coated with the Si-C-O material, but no substantial oxidation protection was observed.