cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
D-Amphetamine stimulates D2 dopamine receptor-mediated brain signaling involving arachidonic acid in unanesthetized rats.

In rat brain, dopaminergic D2-like but not D1-like receptors can be coupled to phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activation, to release the second messenger, arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), from membrane phospholipids. In this study, we hypothesized that D-amphetamine, a dopamine-releasing agent, could initiate such AA signaling. The incorporation coefficient, k∗ (brain radioactivity/integrated plasma radioactivity) for AA, a marker of the signal, was determined in 62 brain regions of unanesthetized rats that were administered i.p. saline, D-amphetamine (2.5 or 0.5 mg/kg i.p.), or the D2-like receptor antagonist raclopride (6 mg/kg, i.v.) before saline or 2.5 mg/kg D-amphetamine. After injecting [1-14C]AA intravenously, k∗ was measured by quantitative autoradiography. Compared to saline-treated controls, D-amphetamine 2.5 mg/kg i.p. increased k∗ significantly in 27 brain areas rich in D2-like receptors. Significant increases were evident in neocortical, extrapyramidal, and limbic regions. Pretreatment with raclopri...
A self-organizing neural network for classifying sequences

The ability to recognize sequences is important for applications such as speech processing, vision, and control systems. A self-organizing neural network model that is able to form an ordered map of a sequence is presented. The model is based on extensions to T. Kohonen's self-organizing topology maps (Self-Organization and Associative Memory, Springer-Verlag, 1984). Theoretical results and simulations are presented that demonstrate the ability of the model to learn arbitrary sequences of n-dimensional patterns. The network model represents a learned sequence with a fixed sequence of network outputs that is easily identifiable. This representation makes the development of a sequence classifier relatively simple. >
Circuit Decompositions of Eulerian Graphs

Let G be an eulerian graph. For each vertex v?V(G), let P(v) be a partition of the edges incident with v and set P=?v?V(G)P(v), called a forbidden system of G. We say that P is admissible if |P?T|?12|T| for every P?P and every edge cut T of G. H. Fleischner and A. Frank (1990, J. Combin. Theory Ser. B50, 245?253) proved that if G is planar and P is any admissible forbidden system of G, then G has a circuit decomposition F such that |C?P|?1 for every C?F and every P?P. We generalize this result to all eulerian graphs that do not contain K5 as a minor. As a consequence, a conjecture of Sabidussi is settled for graphs that do not contain K5 as a minor. Also, as a byproduct, our proof provides a different approach to the circuit cover theorem of B. Alspach, L. A. Goddyn, and C.-Q. Zhang (1994, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.344, No. 1, 131?154).
Clinical gait analysis: A review

Abstract Gait analysis has now advanced to the point where it is used as a routine part of patient management in certain centers. It is best thought of as a special investigation, which is used together with the history, physical examination and other special investigations to perform a detailed assessment of a patient with a walking disorder. Clinical gait analysis usually consists of 5 elements: videotape examination, measurement of general gait parameters, kinematic analysis, kinetic measurement, and electromyography (EMG). Kinematic measurements are usually made by television cameras, linked into a computer, which define the movements of the major joints of the lower limb in 3 dimensions. The primary kinetic measurement is that of the force beneath each foot while walking. By combining kinematic and kinetic data, it is possible to calculate the joint moments and powers, again in 3 dimensions. The joint angle, moment and power, and the EMG from specific muscles, provide a detailed description of the mechanics of gait. Such information enables much better decisions to be reached on the best way to treat the patient. The primary diagnosis which can be aided by gait analysis is cerebral palsy, but the technique is also useful in a number of other conditions.
Synthesis of the unnatural amino acid Nα-Nε-(ferrocene-1-acetyl)-l-lysine: a novel organometallic nuclease

Abstract The synthesis of a new unnatural amino acid, Nα-Ne-(ferrocene-1-acetyl)- l -lysine, was achieved by coupling a ferroceneacetic acid molecule onto the side chain amine of a lysine. The structure of the compound provides options for incorporation of the molecule into peptides or large proteins. In addition, Nα-Ne-(ferrocene-1-acetyl)- l -lysine exhibits nuclease activity. It is expected that incorporation of this ferrocenyl amino acid into any nucleic acid-binding protein will endow the protein with nuclease capability.
Influence of particle surface properties on film formation from precipitated calcium carbonate/latex blends

The surface properties of films prepared from a blend of precipitated calcium carbonate pigment (PCC) and poly(n-butyl methacrylate-co-n-butyl acrylate) [P(BMA/BA); Tg = 0°C] latex were investigated in terms of the surface characteristics of the PCC and P(BMA/BA) latex particles. It was found that the presence of carboxyl groups on the P(BMA/BA) latex particles significantly improved the uniformity of the distribution of the PCC particles within the P(BMA/BA) copolymer matrix and the gloss of the resulting films. This phenomenon could be explained by an acid-base reaction between the PCC particles and the carboxylated P(BMA/BA) latex particles. Studies on the influence of the composition of PCC/P(BMA/BA) latex blends on the gloss and transparency of the films were also performed, which led to the determination of the critical pigment volume concentration (CPVC) of this system, which was found to be 42 vol %. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 891–900, 2002
Beyond Schumpeter: Nonlinear economics and the evolution of the U.S. innovation system

Abstract To the extent that the U.S. has a national innovation system (actually systems), it is in the midst of a dramatic transformation. Essentially, international competition and internal political machinations are causing a shift away from a Schumpeterian system of entrepreneurial capitalism toward a more mercantilistic system. Industrial structures and government policies alike are beginning to mirror their global counterparts. Meanwhile, strategic analyses, both at the level of the firm and the nation state, remain mired in the methods of the past industrial epoch. This conceptual overview contends that the emerging science of nonlinear or advanced systems (chaos and complexity theories) provides a useful addendum to Schumpeter's perspectives. Moreover, tools and strategies derived from nonlinear or advanced systems are better suited to both understanding and managing this transformation.
The “Works” Phenomenon and Best Selling Books

SUMMARY Studying works allows us to see empirically the problem of instantiation of works, both at large and in the catalog. The linkage of relationships among works is a critical goal for information retrieval because the ability to comprehend and select a specific instantiation of a work is crucial for the advancement of scholarship. Hence, the present study examines the instantiation of works among a set of entities known to be popular–best selling books of the 20th century. A sample of best selling works (fiction and non-fiction) from 1900–1999 was constructed. For each work in the sample, all bibliographic records were identified in both OCLC and RLIN as well as instantiations on the World Wide Web. All but one work in the sample exists in multiple instantiations; many have large networks; and complex networks of instantiations have begun to appear in full text on the Web. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of continuing to gather statistical data about works. Solutions devised for ...
Locus of Control and Pre-Marital High School Pregnancy

The relationship between pre-marital pregnancy and locus of control was assessed for 165 female, junior and senior high school students from two metropolitan high schools, one middle-class white, and one lower-class black. No significant difference between the two schools in mean locus of control scores was found. Significant differences indicated that within the white middle-class school, pregnant girls tended to score external and non-pregnant girls tended to score internal. In the black lower-class school, the opposite tended to be true, i.e., pregnant girls tended toward internality, and non-pregnant girls toward externality. These seeming differences were not inconsistent and internally oriented girls in both environments were perceiving their environments accurately.
MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF THE DC SIZE EFFECT IN THIN FILMS

The Monte Carlo method is used to study the effect of boundary scattering on the temperature dependent part of the resistivity of thin metal films. A computational scheme is used that realistically simulates electron scattering mechanisms in the semi-classical context. As a test of the accuracy of the method, comparison is made between the present method at absolute zero (impurity and boundary scattering only) and the analytical results of Fuchs, which rely on the relaxation time approximation (RTA). The inclusion of phonon scattering provides a measure of the size induced deviations from Matthiessen’s Rule (SIDMR). At low temperatures phonon scattering cannot be adequately described using the RTA and the numerical technique presented shows good promise of overcoming this problem. Calculated SIDMR results are compared with some recent data on Al and Ga films.
Relaxation kinetics of DNA–ligand binding including direct transfer

The relaxation kinetics of binding of ethidium to calf-thymus DNA as studied previously by the temperature-jump method with absorption detection [Bresloff, J. & Crothers, D. M. (1975) J. Mol. Biol.95, 103] is reanalyzed in terms of a series of models for DNA-ligand interactions that include cases with and without internal and bimolecular direct transfer of ligands between different binding modes or different binding sites. The experimental results are shown to be consistent with two alternative binding mechanisms. Both models include bimolecular “direct transfer” steps and a site size of two base pairs per site. In the first model, there exist two distinct modes of binding to the DNA double helix at each binding site. In the second model, sites containing at least one GC base pair constitute a different and stronger class of binding sites than those containing only AT base pairs. The existence of a direct transfer pathway between two classes of bound ligands is supported by the linear increase of reciprocal relaxation times far beyond the concentration regions, where off-rates should have become rate limiting. The second model, incorporating the notion of base selectivity, is in quantitative agreement with published work on ethidium binding to DNAs of different base compositions and with nmr measurements of bound ligand lifetimes.
Privacy in the pharmacy environment: Analysis of observations from inside the pharmacy

Abstract Objective To measure the extent to which pharmacist–patient conversations are private. Design Cross sectional. Setting New York State, April to June 2007. Participants No individual participants were enrolled; the study consisted of observations of the pharmacy environment and pharmacy patient–staff interactions. Intervention Measurement of privacy-related distances in the pharmacy. Main outcome measures Distance between patients at the pharmacy counter and staff behind the counter, distance between patient waiting area and pharmacy counter, and distance that a pharmacy counter conversation was audible. Results Observational data were recorded from 597 pharmacy staff–patient interactions in 282 pharmacies across New York State. Of the 597 interactions, 167 occurred while a second patient was within 6 ft. Of the 282 pharmacies, pharmacy staff–patient conversations were audible to observers more than 6 ft away in 229 pharmacies; 142 could be heard more than 15 ft away. Conclusion Most staff–patient conversations in the pharmacy setting are not private and, as a result, have a high potential for incidental protected health information disclosures.
Fluoroolefins as peptide mimetics. 2. A computational study of the conformational ramifications of peptide bond replacement.

The design of peptide mimetic compounds is greatly facilitated by the identification of functionalities that can act as peptide replacements. The fluoroalkene moiety has recently been employed for that purpose. The purpose of this work is to examine the conformational ramifications of replacing peptide bonds with fluoroalkene moieties, thus generating peptidomimetics. The alanine dipeptide analogue (ADA) was chosen as a model compound. Three peptidomimetic systems were investigated including one generated by replacement of both peptide bonds of ADA, designated as DFA, and those generated by the single replacement of the C-terminal peptide bond and N-terminal peptide bond, designated as CFA and NFA, respectively. Conformations for all three systems were generated by exhaustive Monte Carlo searching. Relative conformational energies were calculated at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ/MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ (for DFA), MP2/-aug-cc-pVTZ//MP2/6-311+G(d,p), B3LYP/6-31+G(d)//B3LYP/6-31+G(d), and MMFF levels of theory. Aqueous phase ...
Novel processing of NASICON and sodium carbonate/barium carbonate thin and thick films for a CO2 microsensor

The use of chemical microsensors can be advantageous for the monitoring of gas species in efforts to accurately monitor environmental conditions, detect fires, and determine emissions. The microsensor described herein shows promise for use as a carbon dioxide sensor. Carbon dioxide levels are of particular concern for passenger environments, as a chemical signature of a fire, and as a combustion product.
Analysis of soft tissue ablation using the pulse stretched free electron laser

The Mark-III Free Electron Laser (FEL), tuned to 6.45 microns in wavelength has been demonstrated to provide for efficient ablation in ocular, neural, and dermal tissues with minimal collateral damage. To date, the role of the unique pulse structure of the FEL on the ablation mechanism has not been determined. In this study, the native pulse structure of the FEL, a 2.85 gigahertz repetition of picosecond pulses within a five microsecond macropulse envelope, was changed using a pulse stretcher. This device changes the duration of the micropulse from its native one picosecond to 30-200 picoseconds in length, thus reducing the peak intensity of the micropulse down to 1/200th of the original intensity, while the macropulse energy remains unchanged. Two basic metrics were studied: the ablation threshold on water and mouse dermis and the ablation crater depth on gelatin and mouse dermis. These metrics were employed at 6.45 and 6.1 microns in wavelength for 1, 100, and 200 picoseconds in micropulse duration. In addition, bright-field imaging was used to compare the ablation dynamic between 1 ps and 200 ps micropulses on water at 6.1 and 6.45 microns. The effect of changing the micropulse duration was also studied on the ablation of mouse dermis for histological analysis. Craters (500 micron diameter) were created with 25 pulses at three times the ablation threshold as determined for mouse dermis within 8 hours of removal. Three rows of twenty craters were created on each piece of mouse dermis for a given parameter set. The native one picosecond micropulse and 200 picosecond stretched micropulse were compared at 6.1 and 6.45 microns in wavelength. There was no difference seen between the native 1 ps micropulse and the stretched micropulse durations with respect to the ablation threshold, efficiency, dynamics, and thermal damage.
Anti-platelet activating factor (PAF) antibody inhibits CFW mouse preimplantation embryo development.

Objective Our purpose was to investigate the effect of anti-PAF antibodies on CFW mouse embryo development in vitro.
Particle deposition on a single spherical collector a three-dimensional trajectory calculation

Aerosol deposition from a flowing stream onto a single spherical collector with gravitational force acting transverse to the direction of flow was studied. The effects of inertial impaction, gravitation, interception and electrostatic forces were examined. In contrast to the case where gravitational force acts along the direction of the flow, the particle trajectories are not axisymmetrical and the trajectory equations are three-dimensional. The formulation and numerical solutions of such equations represent the main task of this work. On a etudie la formation, sur un seul collecteur spherique, d'un depot d'aerosols a partir d'un courant gazeux lorsque la force gravitationnelle agit perpendiculairement au sens de l'ecoulement. On a porte une attention particuliere aux forces electrostatiques ainsi qu'a celles de l'impact inertiel, de la gravitation et de l'interception. Contrairement au cas ou la force de gravitation agit dans le sens du courant, les trajectoires des particules ne sont pas symetriques par rapport a l'axe et leurs equations sont a trois dimensions. La formulation et les solutions numeriques de ces equations constituent le but principal du present travail.
Demonstrating specific cognitive deficits: a psychometric perspective.

Cognitive deficits associated with psychopathology often do not occur in isolation. Consequently, identifying a specific deficit in a disorder requires comparing the magnitude of group differences on theoretically relevant measures with those on control tasks measuring other constructs. L. J. Chapman and J. P. Chapman (1973) noted that common forms of such Group x Task interactions are theoretically ambiguous unless performance measures have comparable discriminating power. The principles of psychometric matching for discriminating power developed in the Chapmans' research program are reviewed, and both criticisms and alternative psychometric approaches are evaluated. Psychometric matching can be mindful of threats to the construct validity of measures and frequently remains methodologically necessary. Otherwise, interactions involving measures that vary in sensitivity to individual differences may be misinterpreted as evidence for specific deficits. Language: en
Monopole-fermion interactions: The soliton picture

Monopole catalysis of proton decay is examined in the soliton picture, and monopole-soliton scattering is studied numerically by constructing time histories of scattering events. We study the effects of finite fermion masses and the coupling-constant dependence of the interactions in both an SU(2) model and the grand unified SU(5) model. All relevant Abelian Coulomb energies (including the electroweak energy at distances less than $\frac{1}{{M}_{Z}}$) are included, and we find that the qualitative nature of a scattering process is unchanged by the inclusion of these interactions.
Current status of plasmapheresis in toxicology

Although the elimination of specific toxins by the removal of all plasma constituents is a crude approach, further refinements of the technique should permit safer and more selective detoxification in the future. Currently the mainstay of treatment of intoxicated patients remains careful, aggressive, supportive care. Plasmapheresis should be considered as yet an unproven, hazardous form of therapy for the treatment of intoxication. Its main role should be confined to a research setting in which investigators attempt to develop more advanced and potentially useful apheresis techniques. Membrane plasmapheresis with subsequent on-line treatment of the plasma by sorbent may remove specific plasma solutes. The plasma may be perfused back to the patient without the need to use replacement fluids, thus avoiding many of the side effects of conventional exchange. Bile acids have been removed by circulating plasma over charcoal-coated glass beads, and several toxic substances were shown to be absorbed by perfusion over amberlite resin columns. Another productive area for future research includes the use of plasma exchange therapy for the treatment of acute endogenous intoxications. Recent examples include the treatment of severe preeclampsia, extensive rhabdomyolysis, and life-threatening bleeding in a hemophiliac with inhibitors to clotting factors. Although plasmapheresis in the management of intoxications is still an experimental technique, it may open the door to the treatment of previously intractable syndromes, both medical and toxicologic.
Numerical integration of the time-dependent equations of motion for taylor vortex flow

Abstract A method is presented for the finite difference solution of the equations of fluid motion. The complete Navier-Stokes equations are expressed in terms of tangential velocity, vorticity and stream function. The transformed equations are solved using an alternating direction implicit scheme. The classical problem of hydrodynamic stability of the rotational Couette flow is solved in two dimensions. Comparison with other numerical and experimental works shows that the method reported here is computationally stable, even when used with coarse grids and relatively large time increments.
Effect of aluminum content on environmental embrittlement in binary iron-aluminum alloys

Interest in iron-aluminum alloys has existed for the last sixty years, on account of their attractive properties including low density, excellent oxidation resistance, and conservation of strategic elements. This paper reports that recent investigations have focused on the ordered Fe{sub 3}Al-based alloys containing 15.9 wt % Al, and FeAl-based alloys containing about 22 wt % Al. However, the poor room-temperature ductility and sharp drop in strength at temperatures above 600{degrees} C in these alloys have been major deterrents to their acceptance in structural applications. In particular, the poor room-temperature ductility has been shown to be the result of environmental embrittlement in the presence of water vapor; ductility as measured by total elongation in heat-treated tensile specimens has been shown to be significantly higher in oil-quenched samples and samples tested in vacuum than in air-cooled samples tested in air. The increase in ductility in samples tested in vacuum has been assumed to be due to the absence of water vapor in the test environment, essential to the formation of atomic hydrogen involved in the embrittlement mechanism. The increase in ductility in oil-quenched specimens may be assumed to be due to the presence of a film of oil on the specimen surfacemore » that serves to provide a barrier to water vapor in air and, thus, prevent the generation of hydrogen on the surface from the reaction of aluminum in the alloy with water vapor.« less
BIBO stability of multidimensional filters with rational spectra

Classical conditions relating bounded input-bounded output (BIBO) stability to the behavior of the impulse response for one-dimensional discrete filters with rational spectra are reviewed and generalized to the multidimensional case. It is shown, in this manner, that these conditions are fundamentally predicated by rationality and not by the existence of isolated filter natural frequencies. Furthermore, the conditions are seen to lead to novel stability criteria applicable in the frequency-domain and minimum mean-square design of multi-dimensional filters.
A Novel, Inexpensive, and Rugged Probe for Measuring Gas Bubbles in Liquid Metals: Part I. Mathematical Modeling and Laboratory Experiments

Gas bubbles play an important role in many liquid metal processing operations. An important example is the “gas fluxing” of aluminum, where a gas, such as an argon-chlorine mixture, is injected into the liquid metal to remove impurities. A proper understanding of the behavior of units such as these is dependent on knowing how the bubbles are dispersed in the metal; other information such as the frequency of occurrence of bubbles at various points in the system would also be useful. Various bubble probes have been used in the past (including a “capacitance probe” developed for this purpose at Berkeley), but all seem to be prone to problems such as attack by the metal, susceptibility to electrical noise, mechanical weakness, high cost, etc. The present article describes a simple and rugged probe consisting of a narrow ceramic tube inserted into the metal at the point of interest and connected at its other end to an inert gas supply. Small bubbles are created at the immersed end of the tube, and the formation of these bubbles is heard by an inexpensive microphone in the gas supply line. These small bubbles, henceforth “probe bubbles,” are not the bubbles to be measured. The latter are much larger, and, as they pass up over the immersed end of the probe, these large bubbles change the sound of the probe bubble formation. The microphone is connected to a sound card in a computer so that the arrival of a large bubble at the probe location is readily recorded. The phenomena involved in this probe have been examined in water using high speed digital movies.
Cellular import of functional peptides to block intracellular signaling

During the past few years, new approaches to the delivery of functional peptides to cells have been developed to probe intracellular protein-protein interactions. These approaches include a method based on the cell membrane permeability properties of the hydrophobic region of the signal sequence. This method provides easy and rapid delivery of functional peptides to a wide spectrum of cells involved in inflammatory and immune reactions (monocytes, endothelial cells, and T lymphocytes) as well as to NIH 3T3 cells and erythroleukemia HEL cells. The method has been applied to block signaling to the nucleus by transcription factors nuclear factor-κB, AP-1, and nuclear factor of activated T cells, and to inhibit cell adhesion regulated by the cytoplasmic tails of integrins β3 and β1. New methods of peptide delivery provide direct access to intracellular proteins involved in adhesion, signaling, and trafficking to the nucleus.
Munchausen's syndrome and cancer

Munchausen's syndrome is a chronic factitious disorder characterized by frequent hospitalizations, self-inflicted injuries, and dramatic medical histories. People with this condition assume the role of a sick patient and submit to unnecessary invasive, painful, and even dangerous medical procedures. In review of the literature, there have been four reports of patients feigning oncological disease. We admitted a 27-year-old woman who had undergone operative insertion of a Port-A-Cath and multiagent chemotherapy for "advanced ovarian cancer." Physicians should be aware of Munchausen's syndrome in order to avoid costly medical procedures and unnecessary operations and to stop the patient's vicious circle of pathological lying and self-inflicted injury.
Ecotypic differentiation in the marine diatom Skeletonema costatum : influence of light intensity on the photosynthetic apparatus

Three genetically distinct clones of Skeletonema costatum (Grev.) Cleve were grown at 20°C under high (274 μE m-2 s-1) and low (27 μE m-2 s-1) light conditions and their photoadaptive photosynthetic responses compared. When all three clones were grown under low light, pigment analyses and fluorescence excitation spectra demonstrated that the accessory pigments, chlorophyll c and fucoxanthin, became more important in light-harvesting compared to chlorophyll a. Photosynthetic unit sizes increased for Photosystems I and II in low light, but photosynthesis vs irradiance characteristics were not reliable predictors of photosynthetic unit features. Fluorescence excitation spectra and photosynthesis vs irradiance (P-I) relationships indicated that changes in energy transfer occurred independent of changes in pigment content. Large increases in accessory pigment content were not accompanied by large increases in excitation from these pigments. Changes in energy transfer properties were as important as changes in PSU size in governing the photoadaptive responses of S. costatum. When the three clones were grown under identical conditions, each had a separate and distinct pattern of photoadaptation. Significant differences among clones were found for pigment ratios, photosynthetic unit sizes for Photosystems I and II and efficiency of energy transfer between pigments. These strikingly different photoadaptive strategies among clones may partially account for the great ecological success of the diatom species. This is the first quantitative investigation of the importance of both chlorophyll c and fucoxanthin to the adaptive responses of diatoms to light intensity, and represents the most complete characterization of the photoadaptive responses of a single species of marine phytoplankter to differences in light environment.
Snow Tweets: Emergency Information Dissemination in a US County During 2014 Winter Storms.

INTRODUCTION: This paper describes how American federal, state, and local organizations created, sourced, and disseminated emergency information via social media in preparation for several winter storms in one county in the state of New Jersey (USA). METHODS: Postings submitted to Twitter for three winter storm periods were collected from selected organizations, along with a purposeful sample of select private local users. Storm-related posts were analyzed for stylistic features (hashtags, retweet mentions, embedded URLs). Sharing and re-tweeting patterns were also mapped using NodeXL. RESULTS: RESULTS indicate emergency management entities were active in providing preparedness and response information during the selected winter weather events. A large number of posts, however, did not include unique Twitter features that maximize dissemination and discovery by users. Visual representations of interactions illustrate opportunities for developing stronger relationships among agencies. DISCUSSION: Whereas previous research predominantly focuses on large-scale national or international disaster contexts, the current study instead provides needed analysis in a small-scale context. With practice during localized events like extreme weather, effective information dissemination in large events can be enhanced. Language: en
Surface crosslinking of polyethylene using a hydrogen glow discharge

Linear high-density polyethylene is crosslinked by exposing it to a hydrogen glow discharge and alternatively by exposing it to a low-pressure Hg–A ultraviolet lamp in a dry nitrogen atmosphere. For the UV lamp case, the crosslinked gel is measured as a function of the radiation dose. For the plasma case, the crosslinked gel is measured as a function of the exposure time. The two gelation curves are alternatively compared to an exponentially attenuated light theory and a diffusion theory. Excellent agreement exists between the measured gel-versus-dose curve and the theoretical curve based on the light theory for a monochromatic light beam at 1849 A. The gelation curve for the hydrogen glow discharge case can be explained using the identical theory but applied to a spectrum of light covering the range from 1200 A to 1900 A. The different curves can be explained in terms of the different spectra. Energy transfer between the plasma and the polymer due to excited atoms, and/or charged particles, is not required to account for the different gel curves.
Information Systems Outsourcing by Large American Industrial Firms: Choices and Impacts

Outsourcing is one of the most widely discussed topics in information systems today. Yet, in spite of a number of articles describing the experiences of individual firms, little is known about outsourcing in general. To address this, a survey was mailed to the CIO or equivalent of the 500 largest industrial firms in the United States. The results from the 110 responses received indicate the extent and effects of outsourcing among users of such services. The survey also collected data about the outsourcing plans of nonusers. The survey provided information about the planning and implementation issues encountered, benefits achieved, and impact on performance. This study is a benchmark of current outsourcing practice. In addition, this study tests some commonly accepted assumptions about the reasons for outsourcing, and the effects of outsourcing on the firm
Simultaneous Particle and Molecule Modeling (SPAMM): An Approach for Combining Sectional Aerosol Equations and Elementary Gas-Phase Reactions

ABSTRACT A method for writing the sectional aerosol equations in a form suitable for combination with a detailed kinetic model for gas-phase reactions has been developed. The sectional equations are given for arbitrary values of d, the ratio of molecular weights of adjacent bin boundaries, and are solved for d ≥ 2 for three different cases of the intra-bin distribution: (1) constant mass density w.r.t. ln(v), where v = molecular weight; (2) constant number density w.r.t. ln(v), or alternately, constant mass density w.r.t. v; (3) constant number density w.r.t. v. All the solutions given conserve mass; the extent of deviation from conservation of particle number is evaluated. An example of the approach is given for soot formation in combustion. The aerosol sections describe mass above 400 amu, with d = 2. Aerosol reactions are: bin-bin coagulation; addition of C2H2; addition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) with 2 to 10 benzenoid rings; oxidation via OH attack. The set of aerosol reactions is appen...
The membrane‐tethering protein p115 interacts with GBF1, an ARF guanine‐nucleotide‐exchange factor

The membrane‐transport factor p115 interacts with diverse components of the membrane‐transport machinery. It binds two Golgi matrix proteins, a Rab GTPase, and various members of the soluble N ‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) family. Here, we describe a novel interaction between p115 and Golgi‐specific brefeldin‐A‐resistant factor 1 (GBF1), a guanine‐nucleotide exchange factor for ADP ribosylation factor (ARF). GBF1 was identified in a yeast two‐hybrid screen, using full‐length p115 as bait. The interaction was confirmed biochemically, using in vitro and in vivo assays. The interacting domains were mapped to the proline‐rich region of GBF1 and the head region of p115. These proteins colocalize extensively in the Golgi and in peripheral vesicular tubular clusters. Mutagenesis analysis indicates that the interaction is not required for targeting GBF1 or p115 to membranes. Expression of the p115‐binding (pro‐rich) region of GBF1 leads to Golgi disruption, indicating that the interaction between p115 and GBF1 is functionally relevant.
Changes in expression of the low affinity receptor for neurotrophins, p75NGFR, in the regenerating olfactory system

Abstract We have disrupted the integrity of the rat olfactory neuroepithelium using intranasally applied TX-100, a procedure known to reversibly eliminate the sensory neuron input from the neuroepithelium to the olfactory bulb [Margolis et al. (1974) Denervation in the primary olfactory pathway of mice: biochemical and morphological effects. Brain Res.81, 469–483]. One week after TX-100 exposure, we observed a disruption of the pseudo-stratified organization of the neuroepithelium which was accompanied by a 60% reduction in neuroepithelial width, compared to saline-treated controls. Full recovery of the neuroepithelium was not observed until 16 weeks post-lesion. During this post-lesion period, we monitored the expression of the low affinity receptor for neurotrophins, p75NGFR, in the olfactory bulb of saline- and TX-100-treated animals, using the monoclonal antibody, MAb192. In saline-treated animals, p75NGFR-immunoreactivity (p75NGFR-ir) was localized to individual glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, with little or undetectable p75NGFR-ir in the olfactory nerve layer. We have previously reported that pre-lesioned levels of p75NGFR-ir in the glomerular layer were dramatically reduced while an induction of p75NGFR-ir was observed in the olfactory nerve layer, one and two weeks after intranasal exposure to TX-100 [Turner & Perez-Polo (1992) Regulation of the low affinity receptor for nerve growth factor, p75NGFR, in the olfactory system of neonatal and adult rat. Int. J. Devl Neurosci.10, 343–359]. In this paper, we demonstrate that this previously reported reduction in glomerular p75NGFR-ir took 16 weeks to fully recover and was, thus, coincident with the post-lesion recovery of the neuroepithelium. In the olfactory nerve layer, the return of p75NGFR-ir to pre-lesioned levels took only four weeks. No changes in neuroepithelial width and integrity or alterations in p75NGFR-ir in the olfactory bulb were observed in saline-treated animals. Thus, the TX-100-induced removal of the peripheral input to the olfactory bulb resulted in a reversible change in expression of p75NGFR-ir in the bulb. We believe that these changes are a reflection of the regenerative capacity of the olfactory system.
Preservice teachers reflect on the authority issue: A case study of a student teaching seminar

Abstract Recent studies of reflective teacher education imply that beginning teachers are unable to implement educational alternatives in school classrooms if they neither possess nor attempt to develop a strong sense of personal autonomy. This research was undertaken to gain insights into the examination and growth of personal autonomy in a reflective, inquiry-oriented teacher education program. We analyzed how often beginning teachers displayed a “critically reflective spirit” when their self-directed, student teaching seminar was pervaded by an issue identified as being central to their personal and professional development—the issue of authority. Contrary to expectations, our findings indicated that a nondirective seminar devoted to promoting personal autonomy and collaborative problem solving did not meet the needs of individuals in the midst of student teaching.
Schottky Barrier Detectors on 4H-SiC n-type Epitaxial Layer for Alpha Particles

Abstract Schottky barrier detectors have been fabricated on 50 μm n-type 4H-SiC epitaxial layers grown on 360 μm SiC substrates by depositing ∼10 nm nickel contact. Current–voltage ( I – V ) and capacitance–voltage ( C – V ) measurements were carried out to investigate the Schottky barrier properties. The detectors were evaluated for alpha particle detection using a 241 Am alpha source. An energy resolution of ∼2.7% was obtained with a reverse bias of 100 V for 5.48 MeV alpha particles. The measured charge collection efficiency ( CCE ) was seen to vary as a function of bias voltage following a minority carrier diffusion model. Using this model, a diffusion length of∼3.5 μm for holes was numerically calculated from the CCE vs. bias voltage plot. Rise-time measurements of digitally recorded charge pulses for the 5.48 MeV alpha particles showed a presence of two sets of events having different rise-times at a higher bias of 200 V. A biparametric correlation scheme was successfully implemented for the first time to visualize the correlated pulse-height distribution of the events with different rise-times. Using the rise-time measurements and the biparametric plots, the observed variation of energy resolution with applied bias was explained.
Weaning from mechanical ventilation: adjunctive use of inspiratory muscle resistive training.

We used inspiratory resistive training (IRT) in an effort to improve the respiratory muscle endurance of 27 patients with respiratory failure who had failed repeated weaning attempts using standard techniques. Seven patients had primary neuromuscular diseases; the other 20 had primary lung diseases. All patients had stable respiratory failure, without gross malnutrition or electrolyte disorders. Their best initial T-piece duration averaged 6.4 +/- 8.4 (SD) h, with pHa 7.33 +/- 0.09 and PCO2 63 +/- 4 torr at the end of the T-piece trial. We provided a mean of five weekly training sessions of spontaneous breathing through an adjustable nonlinear resistor, with gradually increasing duration and resistance. When initial T-piece tolerance was less than 2 h, two to ten breaths of mechanical ventilation were provided during IRT sessions. No training session exceeded 30 min, and mechanical ventilation was provided between IRT sessions. Under this regimen, maximal inspiratory pressure improved from -37 +/- 15 to -46 +/- 15 cm H2O (p less than .001) and vital capacity improved from 561 +/- 325 to 901 +/- 480 ml (p less than .001). Twelve of the 27 patients were successfully weaned after 10 to 46 days; five more were weaned to nocturnal ventilation, for a total of 63%. We conclude that IRT can improve respiratory muscle strength and endurance in patients with respiratory failure, and can allow many of them to be weaned from mechanical ventilation.
FELONIOUS KILLINGS OF STATE POLICE AND HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICERS: A DESCRIPTIVE AND COMPARATIVE EVALUATION

Uses statistics from FBI annual reports (1985‐1992) to compare felonious killings, analyzing and comparing with data for deaths of non‐state police officers. Finds that state police officers are feloniously killed in proportional numbers to non‐state officers, with both classes showing a recent downward trend. Calls for further research, by region or state, into the higher percentage of killings in Southern USA. Finds similar patterns in state and non‐state police officer killings but identifies some elements of divergence. Recommends that this data be used in police training to emphasize high‐risk factors such as routine traffic stops. Notes that domestic disputes do not cause a large number of police killings. Suggests that the wearing of body armor be made mandatory.
α-Catenin contributes to the strength of E-cadherin-p120 interactions.

Cadherin–catenin interactions play an important role in cadherin-mediated adhesion. Here we present strong evidence that in the cadherin–catenin complex α-catenin contributes to the binding strength of another catenin, p120, to the same complex. Specifically, we found that a β-catenin–uncoupled cadherin mutant interacts much more weakly with p120 than its full-size counterpart and that it is rapidly endocytosed from the surface of A-431 cells. We also showed that p120 overexpression stabilizes this mutant on the cell surface. Examination of the α-catenin–deficient MDA-MB-468 cells and their derivates in which α-catenin was reintroduced showed that α-catenin reinforces E-cadherin–p120 association. Finally, a cross-linking analysis of the cadherin–catenin complex indicated that a large loop located in the middle of the p120 arm-repeat domain is in close spatial vicinity to the amino-terminal VH1 domain of α-catenin. The six amino acid–long extension of this loop, caused by an alternative splicing, weakens p120 binding to cadherin. The data suggest that α-catenin–p120 contact within the cadherin–catenin complex can regulate cadherin trafficking.
Terminal Differentiation into Plasma Cells Initiates the Replicative Cycle of Epstein-Barr Virus In Vivo

In this paper we demonstrate that the cells which initiate replication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the tonsils of healthy carriers are plasma cells (CD38hi, CD10-, CD19+, CD20lo, surface immunoglobulin negative, and cytoplasmic immunoglobulin positive). We further conclude that differentiation into plasma cells, and not the signals that induce differentiation, initiates viral replication. This was confirmed by in vitro studies showing that the promoter for BZLF1, the gene that begins viral replication, becomes active only after memory cells differentiate into plasma cells and is also active in plasma cell lines. This differs from the reactivation of BZLF1 in vitro, which occurs acutely and is associated with apoptosis and not with differentiation. We suggest that differentiation and acute stress represent two distinct pathways of EBV reactivation in vivo. The fraction of cells replicating the virus decreases as the cells progress through the lytic cycle such that only a tiny fraction actually release infectious virus. This may reflect abortive replication or elimination of cells by the cellular immune response. Consistent with the later conclusion, the cells did not down regulate major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, suggesting that this is not an immune evasion tactic used by EBV and that the cells remain vulnerable to cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte attack.
Time Travel and Consistency Constraints

The possibility of time travel, as permitted in General Relativity, is responsible for constraining physical fields beyond what laws of nature would otherwise require. In the special case where time travel is limited to a single object returning to the past and interacting with itself, consistency constraints can be avoided if the dynamics is continuous and the object's state space satisfies a certain topological requirement: that all null‐homotopic mappings from the state‐space to itself have some fixed point. Where consistency constraints do exist, no new physics is needed to enforce them. One needs only to accept certain global topological constraints as laws, something that is reasonable in any case.
Design and Fabrication of VHF Tapped Power Inductors Using Nanogranular Magnetic Films

The design and fabrication of coupled inductors with low profile, low cost, and high power density for tapped-inductor high-step-down dc-dc power converters in the very-high-frequency (30-300 MHz) range are presented. The inductor consists of a multilayer thin-polyimide printed circuit board with nanogranular thin-film magnetic material deposited on both sides and on beveled cuts to form a fully linked closed core. The magnetic material Co-Zr-O has good soft magnetic properties, high resistivity, and high flux density capability. Multilayer Co-Zr-O/ZrO2 thin films are used to improve the performance of the magnetic core. A winding loss model of this coupled inductor is presented. Coupled inductors with turns ratios 2 and 10 for several different converter applications have been designed, fabricated, and measured. Loss in the magnetic material is investigated. Small-signal and large-signal measurements show good performance of the fabricated components with high-frequency, high-field excitation.
NMR characterization of electron beam irradiated vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene copolymers

Abstract Electron beam irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF–TrFE)] copolymers have been recently shown to exhibit “giant” electrostrictive stains. In this work, 19 F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to probe structure of P(VDF–TrFE) copolymers before and after irradiation in order to elucidate the chemistry associated with the development of outstanding electroactive properties. The two-dimensional solution-state 19 F NMR of as-synthesized copolymers reveals strong (∼300 Hz) geminal indirect coupling ( 2 J ) and the resulting assignments have some differences from the previous literature. The most frequently occurring sequence containing TrFE is CH2CF2CHFCF2CH2, followed by CF2CH2CHFCF2CF2. This reveals a strong preference for the TrFE units to be isolated and a slight preference for the head-to-tail addition. Both sequences contain VDF polymerized in the same direction around the central TrFE monomer unit. Resolution of bonding environments in the insoluble irradiated P(VDF–TrFE) required the use of fast (25 kHz) magic angle spinning (MAS) solid-state 19 F NMR at elevated temperature. Of the resolved peaks formed by irradiation, the side group CF3CH
Estimating the Fundamental Matrix by Transforming Image Points in Projective Space

This paper proposes a novel technique for estimating the fundamental matrix by transforming the image points in projective space. We therefore only need to perform nonlinear optimization with one parameterization of the fundamental matrix, rather than considering 36 distinct parameterizations as in previous work. We also show how to preserve the characteristics of the data noise model from the original image space.