cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neonatal exposure to DES in BALB/c male mice: effects on pituitary-gonadal function

Neonatal male BALB/c mice were injected with diethylstilbestrol (DES), estradiol benzoate (E2B), testosterone propionate (TP), progesterone or DES, in combination with E2B, TP or progesterone and examined in adulthood. Body weight was reduced in males exposed to DES, TP or DES + TP, while testicular weight was reduced in animals injected with DES, E2B, TP, DES + TP or DES + progesterone. Exposure to DES and/or E2B also produced reproductive tract abnormalities and concomitant progesterone exposure did not further affect this parameter. Concomitant DES did not further alter the reduced plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels attributable to neonatal TP or E2B treatment. Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in intact males were increased by DES, DES + progesterone or progesterone alone. Assessment of the feedback effects of exogenous gonadal steroids on pituitary gonadotropin release in castrated adults indicated that injection of 125 micrograms TP further increased the already elevated post-castration levels of LH and FSH in mice neonatally exposed to progesterone. The increase in testosterone (T) concentration after intratesticular human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration was significantly attenuated in mice neonatally exposed to DES plus E2B or to progesterone. Basal testicular T levels were significantly elevated in males exposed to DES, alone, or in combination with progesterone. Exposure to DES and TP increased hypothalamic serotonin (5-HT) levels in intact mice, while levels of 5-HT were lower after castration compared to controls. DES + E2B-treated mice had higher norepinephrine (NE) levels, and E2B-treated mice also had higher 5-HT levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Dream and motivation: a psychobiological . approach

Several lines of evidence point to the dream as a mediator of incentive phenomena. We review herein evidence from ontogenetic studies of the pleasure reaction, phylogenetic studies of the evolution of intelligence, studies of brain stimulation and recording, and clinical observations. These all suggest that it is possible to identify an evolutionary specialization of pleasure that (a) has served to mediate cognitive phenomena and (b) that the pontine noradrenergic locus coeruleus nucleus and its projections may play a role in this mediation.
Multiple sites of inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport by local anesthetics.

Abstract Local anesthetics and alcohols were found to inhibit mitochondrial electron transport at several points along the chain. The anesthetics employed were the tertiary amines procaine, tetracaine, dibucaine, and chlorpromazine, and the alcohols were n -butanol, n -pentanol, n -hexanol, and benzyl alcohol. Uncoupled sonic submitochondrial particles from beef heart and rat liver were studied. We report the following: (1) All of the anesthetics were found to inhibit each of the segments of the electron transport chain assayed; these included cytochrome c oxidase, durohydroquinone oxidase, succinate oxidase, NADH oxidase, succinate dehydrogenase, succinate-cytochrome c oxidoreductase, and NADH-cytochrome c oxidoreductase. (2) NADH oxidase and NADH-cytochrome c oxidoreductase required the lowest concentrations of anesthetic for inhibition, and cytochrome c oxidase required the highest concentrations. (3) We conclude that there are several points along the chain at which inhibition occurs, the most sensitive being in the region of Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase). (4) Beef heart submitochondrial particles are less sensitive to inhibition than are rat liver particles. (5) Low concentrations of several of the anesthetics gave enhancement of electron transport activity, whereas higher concentrations of the same agents caused inhibition. (6) The concentrations of anesthetics (alcohol and tertiary amine) which gave 50% inhibition of NADH oxidase were lower than the reported concentrations required for blockage of frog sciatic nerve.
Average dimension and magnetic structure of the distant Venus magnetotail

The first major statistical investigation of the far wake of an unmagnetized object embedded in the solar wind is reported. The investigation is based on Pioneer Venus Orbiter magnetometer data from 70 crossings of the Venus wake at altitudes between 5 and 11 Venus radii during reasonably steady IMF conditions. It is found that Venus has a well-developed-tail, flaring with altitude and possibly broader in the direction parallel to the IMF cross-flow component. Tail lobe field polarities and the direction of the cross-tail field are consistent with tail accretion from the solar wind. Average values for the cross-tail field (2 nT) and the distant tail flux (3 MWb) indicate that most distant tail field lines close across the center of the tail and are not rooted in the Venus ionosphere. The findings are illustrated in a three-dimensional schematic.
Second-order nonlinear optical thin films fabricated from ionically self-assembled monolayers

We demonstrate, for the first time, that a new ionically self-assembled monolayer (ISAM) technique for thin film deposition can be employed to fabricate materials possessing the noncentrosymmetry that is requisite for a second order, nonlinear optical response. Using two different commercially-available polyelectrolytes, we have produced ISAM nonlinear optical thin films with values comparable to that of quartz. As a result of the ionic attraction between successive layers, the ISAM films self-assemble into a noncentrosymmetric structure that has exhibited no measureable decay of at room temperature over a period of more than four months. The x2 of ISAM films has been examined by second harmonic generation using a fundamental wavelength of 1200 nm. The second harmonic intensity of the films exhibits the expected quadratic dependences on fundamental intensity and film thickness while the polarization dependence is consistent with orientation of the chromophore dipole moment perpendicular to the substrate.
Hydrotesting of fossil plant components

Hydrotesting (hydrostatic testing in the ASME Code, and pressure testing in the National Board Inspection Code or NBIC) is a common means of helping assure fitness for future service of pressure boundary components in power plants. In the US, pre-service hydrotesting requirements are generally specified by various sections of the ASME Code (I for boilers, III for nuclear plant components, and VIII for pressure vessels). In case of fossil plants, in-service requirements are generally governed by the NBIC with considerable room for variation depending upon the local jurisdictional authority and Authorized Inspector (AI). This article summarizes the ASME Code and NBIC requirements on hydrotesting, current utility practice in the US, and a material toughness-based approach to helping reduce the risk of brittle failure during a hydrotest through control of test temperature.
Increased tau phosphorylation and cleavage in mouse models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

As the population of the United States ages, the incidence of age-related neurodegenerative and systemic diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and diabetes is increasing rapidly. Multiple studies report that patients with diabetes have a 50–75% increased risk of developing AD compared with age- and gender-matched patients without diabetes. Abnormally phosphorylated tau is a major building block of neurofibrillary tangles, a classic neuropathological characteristic of AD. In addition, proteolytic tau cleavage promotes AD progression due to cleaved tau serving as a nucleation center for the pathological assembly of tau filaments. The current study examines tau modification in type 1 (streptozotocin-injected) and type 2 (db/db) mouse models of diabetes. Tau phosphorylation is increased in the cortex and hippocampus of db/db mice compared with db+ control mouse brain. Interestingly, there is an age-dependent increase in tau cleavage that is not observed in age-matched control db+ animals. Streptozotocin...
Transparent sapphire tools

Abstract The friction conditions and stress distributions in metal-shaping operations can be evaluated using sapphire tooling materials that are transparent and exhibit photoelasticity effects. These techniques have been used in metal cutting and forming to quantify the friction and normal stress boundary conditions. The consequences for controlling a manufacturing system are that the basic process (equivalent to the plant in a control loop) is easier to characterize and several appropriate operating parameters can be calculated a priori. For example, the evaluations of the stress boundary conditions in cutting allow choosing the speed-feed combination to minimize the liklihood of brittle fracture of ceramic tools.
Lipase-catalyzed methanolysis of triricinolein in organic solvent to produce 1,2(2,3)-diricinolein.

The objective of this study was to find the optimal parameters for lipase-catalyzed methanolysis of triricinolein to produce 1,2(2,3)-diricinolein. Four different immobilized lipases were tested, Candida antarctica type B (CALB), Rhizomucor miehei (RML), Pseudomonas cepacia (PCL), and Penicillium roquefortii (PRL). n-Hexane and diisopropyl ether (DIPE) were examined as reaction media at three different water activities (aw), 0.11, 0.53, and 0.97. The consumption of triricinolein and the formation of 1,2(2,3)-diricinolein, methyl ricinoleate, and ricinoleic acid were followed for up to 48 h. PRL gave the highest yield of 1,2(2,3)-diricinolein. Moreover, this lipase showed the highest specificity for the studied reaction, i.e., high selectivity for the reaction with triricinolein but low for 1,2(2,3)-diricinolein. Recoveries of 93 and 88% DAG were obtained using PRL in DIPE at aw of 0.11 and 0.53, respectively. Further, NMR studies showed that a higher purity of the 1,2(2,3)-isomer vs. the 1,3-isomer was achieved at higher aw (88% at aw=0.53), compared to lower aw (71% at aw=0.11). The DAG obtained was acylated by the DAG acyltransferase from Arabidopsis thaliana. Therefore, this enzymatic product is a useful enzyme substrate for lipid biosynthesis. Accordingly, the use of PRL in DIPE at aw 0.53 is considered optimal for the synthesis of 1,2(2,3)-diricinolein from triricinolein.
An SCF study of 10-vertex and 12-vertex boranes and heteroboranes†

For symmetry-constrained boranes B10H, B12H, and their valence isoelectronic analogues containing a single hetero atom, completely optimized geometries were obtained using Hartree–Fock SCF calculations with the 3-21G and 6-31G* basis sets. For the anionic and dianionic species, the geometry optimization was also carried out using the 6-31 + G* basis set. Harmonic vibrational frequencies were obtained at HF/3-21G level. The results compare well with experiment where available.
Logical Theories of Intention and the Database Perspective

While logical theories of information attitudes, such as knowledge, certainty and belief, have flourished in the past two decades, formalization of other facets of rational behavior have lagged behind significantly. One intriguing line of research concerns the concept of intention. I will discuss one approach to tackling the notion within a logical framework, based on a database perspective.
Conditional lévy processes

Abstract These are processes A whose conditional laws, given some driving process X , are those of a process with independent increments. The treatment is limited to such increasing processes A , without assumptions on the law of X . Considering the time T of crossing some fixed threshold value by A , we derive the joint distribution of the state of X at time T , the left-limit of A at T , and the right-limit of A at T . The motivation comes from reliability theory as well as certain problems in the theory of Brownian motion.
Calculations of superconducting properties in yttrium and calcium under high pressure

We have used first-principles electronic structure calculations to generate the bulk modulus as a function of volume as well as the densities of states and scattering phase shifts at the Fermi level. These quantities were used in conjunction with the rigid-muffin-tin theory of Gaspari and Gyorffy and the McMillan theory to determine the electron-phonon coupling and the superconducting transition temperature for yttrium and calcium under high pressures. Our results provide a good interpretation of the measured increase of ${T}_{c}$ in these metals.
Rapid Doxorubicin Efflux from the Nucleus of Drug-Resistant Cancer Cells Following Extracellular Drug Clearance

Following extracellular drug clearance, we analyzed the rate of doxorubicin efflux from the nucleus of three human leukemic cells (K562, Molt4 and CCRF-CEM) and related it to their differential sensitivity to this drug, after a short drug pulse. For many pulse-chase regimes, K562 cell viability was least affected by doxorubicin. In K562 cells, nuclear drug accumulation was greatest, but nuclear drug egress was also greatest. P-glycoprotein over-expression in a doxorubicin-resistant, K562/DOX sub-line did not facilitate doxorubicin efflux from the nucleus. In K562 cells, doxorubicin accumulated in multivesicular bodies (MVBs) through a pH-dependent mechanism. Inhibiting drug sequestration in MVBs did not affect nuclear efflux. The rates of doxorubicin efflux from the nuclei of live and digitonin-permeabilized K562 cells were similar. However, extracting cytoplasmic membranes with Triton X-100 significantly inhibited nuclear drug efflux following extracellular drug clearance. Our results are consistent with drug efflux from the nucleus being primarily mediated by an ATP-independent, passive diffusion mechanism. The effect of membrane extraction suggests that nonspecific drug absorption to cytoplasmic membranes plays a role in facilitating nuclear efflux in K562 cells, perhaps by lowering the concentration of free doxorubicin from a perinuclear diffusion boundary layer.
Electron energy states and miniband parameters in a class of non-uniform quantum well and superlattice structures

Abstract A simple method to compute the carrier energy states, miniband parameters and dispersion characteristics for single and multiple quantum well and superlattice structures is presented. The method utilizes the continuity of the envelope function across the heterojunctions according to the boundary conditions that both the wavefunction ψ and the particle current density ψ′ m ★ be continuous at each interface. The nonuniform potential distribution encountered in doped or compositionally graded materials is approximated by piecewise constant potential functions. In addition to being conceptually simple, the method is readily adopted to fairly complex structures where other more sophisticated methods such as LCAO, reduced Hamiltonian and tight binding theories may become unfeasible or unmanageable. It is shown that for an arbitrary stepped potential variation, the eigenvalues (or the energy states) of quantum wells or a finite number of coupled quantum wells can be found by utilizing a transverse resonance method which is readily implemented on a digital computer for the computation of these eigenvalues. For the case of periodic superlattices, the miniband parameters and the dispersion characteristics are computed from a suitably defined transmission matrix associated with a unit cell of the superlattice which may itself consist of multiple layers. Typical results for the computed parameters for several wells and simple, biperiodic, binary and polytype superlattices consisting of various AlxGa1−xAs and InxGa1−xAs alloys are presented.
A new path to auxin.

Biosynthesis of essential hormones is often complex and redundant. Two independent genetic screens have converged to support a previously conjectured auxin biosynthetic pathway that is responsible for providing auxin during plant development and in response to environmental cues.
Increasing hydraulic energy storage capacity: Flywheel-accumulator

AbstractThe energy storage density of hydraulic accumulators is significantly lower than energy storage devices in other energy domains. As a novel solution to improve the energy density of hydraulic systems, a flywheel-accumulator is presented. Energy is stored in the flywheel-accumulator by compressing a gas, increasing the moment of inertia of the flywheel by adding hydraulic fluid, and by increasing the angular velocity of the flywheel. Through a numerical model of the energy flows in the system, the energy storage of the flywheel-accumulator was demonstrated to be approximately 10 times greater than a conventional accumulator. Furthermore, the flywheel-accumulator allows the hydraulic system pressure to be independent of the quantity of energy stored. The integral flywheel-accumulator presents numerous future research challenges, yet offers the potential to transform and enable numerous applications including plug-in hydraulic hybrid vehicles.
Efficient Calculation of Sparse Jacobians

This paper describes a new approach for efficient Jacobian calculation using automatic differentiation. This approach obviates the need for vector accumulation by reducing certain parts of the computational graph representing the system of equations, allowing the Jacobian to be accumulated through a series of scalar operations. The advantages of this new approach include low spatial complexity, the ability to adapt to available memory if resources are limited, the ability to efficiently handle linear equations in a convenient manner, and low computational complexity. In addition, this approach is particularly well suited for evaluations within an interpretive environment. The approach can be applied to both the forward and reverse modes of automatic differentiation.
Linear transformations on matrices: the invariance of sets of ranks

Abstract Let R E denote the set of all m × n matrices over an algebraically closed field F whose ranks lie in the set E , where E is a subset of {1,2,…, m }. Let T be a linear transformation which maps R E into itself. Under some restrictions on E , or when T is nonsingular, there are nonsingular matrices U and V such that T ( A ) = UAV for every m × n matrix A .
Potential for mercury vapor release from coal combustion by-products

Abstract Determination of the mechanisms of mercury release from coal combustion by-products (CCBs) is one area of research at the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC). One task of this research is to determine the level of mercury that would offgas from various CCBs. In these experiments, six CCB samples were tested for mercury vapor release at ambient and near-ambient temperatures. The results have shown no clear evidence that the rate of mercury release is related to the bulk mercury concentration. The six samples are being retested for ambient temperature release. These new experiments are being done in duplicate in an improved version of the apparatus to verify previous results. Because of improved methods, results indicate that the vapor release of mercury is an order of magnitude lower than previously thought. It is estimated that an annual coal-fired power plant production of 200,000 tons of fly ash a year would potentially offgas less than 0.3 g of mercury.
Is delayed operative treatment worth the trouble with perforated appendicitis is children

Background: Approximately 30% to 50% of appendicitis in children is already perforated at presentation. The optimal management of these children remains controversial. Methods: Ninety-six children (aged 2 tol6 years) were treated for perforated appendicitis. Seventy-one underwent immediate appendectomy and drainage of abscess, if present (group I). In the other 25 an attempt was made to treat with intravenous antibiotics, combined with transrectal (4) or percutaneous (2) drainage of abscess. This treatment was successful in 16 patients (group II), who underwent appendectomy 6 to 8 weeks later, and unsuccessful in 9 patients (group III), who underwent appendectomy 3 to 12 days later. Results: The mean length of stay was as follows: group I, 6.7 days; group II, 8.9 days; and group III, 10.9 days (not significant). The white blood cell count (WBC) at presentation was group 1, 18.6 K; group II, 17.9 K; group III, 18.8 K. The percent fall of WBC on day 4 was group I, 55%; group II, 25.5%; group III, 17% (P >0.05 versus groups I and II). Twenty of 71 patients in group I (28%) developed wound infection (5), pelvic abscess (14), and pancreatitis (1), while 2 of 16 (12.5%) of group II and 1 of 9 (11%) of group III patients required readmission (both P <0.05 versus group I). Conclusions: These data show that initial antibiotic treatment of perforated appendicitis in children, followed by interval appendectomy, is useful for a select group who present with little or no peritonitis, slightly elevated temperature, and WBC that falls at least 25% within 3 to 4 days.
Weak-Electromagnetic K -Meson Decays

We discuss the contributions of the combined first-order-weak plus higher-order-electromagnetic effects to several $K$-meson decays. It is shown that if one uses a chiral SU(3) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}SU(3) pole model to explain both ${K}_{S}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2\ensuremath{\pi}$ and ${K}_{L}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2\ensuremath{\gamma}$ one needs an effective nonleptonic interaction Lagrangian which contains 8, and 27, $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=\frac{1}{2}$ pieces. This gives results for ${K}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}l\overline{l}$ compatible with the experimental data. We also calculate within this model the real part of the ${K}_{L}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}l\overline{l}$ amplitude, which results in a very small contribution to the decay rate.
Beurling primes with large oscillation

A Beurling generalized number system is constructed having integer counting function N B (x) = κ x +O(x θ) with κ>0 and 1/2 <θ <1, whose prime counting function satisfies the oscillation estimate π B (x) =li(x) + Ω(xexp(-c )), and whose zeta function has infinitely many zeros on the curve σ=1−a/logt, t≥2, and no zero to the right of this curve, where a is chosen so that a>(4/e)(1−θ). The construction uses elements of classical analytic number theory and probability.
A comparison of the relative magnitudes of the interaction energies between functional groups with zero, one and two intervening 2p AOs on carbon, and substituent effects on the relative ground-state energies of E-1,2-disubstituted ethenes

Ab initio theoretical calculations have been carried out on directly bonded donor–acceptor (Ẍ–Y) species and on variously substituted E-1,2-disubstituted ethanes, and π interaction energies have been estimated. In conjunction with the previously calculated radical stabilization energies of mono- and disubstituted methyl radicals, a comparison is made of the relative magnitudes of the π interaction energies between groups with zero, one and two intervening 2p AOs on carbon atoms. It is concluded that the stabilizing effect of the π interaction between directly bonded donor Ẍ and acceptor Y groups (zero intervening 2p AOs) is approximately 2·1 times that in the disubstituted methyl radicals (one intervening 2p AO), while in the E-1,2-disubstituted ethenes (two intervening 2p AOs) the stabilizing effect is ˜ 0·7 of that calculated for the disubstituted methyl radicals for both acceptor–donor and acceptor–acceptor disubstituted systems. No correlation is observed with the π stabilization energies of the ‘cross-conjugated’ 1,1-disubstituted ethenes.
A reverse donor-acceptor bistable [2]catenane.

A [2]catenane, composed of a π-electron-rich bis-1,5-dioxynaphthalene[38]crown10 (BDNP38C10) ring, mechanically interlocked with a large macrocycle containing two disubstituted tetraarylmethane “speed bumps” and two different π-electron-deficient units—namely, naphthalene dimide (NpI) and bipyridinium (BIPY2+) units—has been synthesized from a [2]rotaxane, containing the former recognition unit, after performing two sequential Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloadditions with a linker containing the latter recognition unit. The product, which exists as a single co-conformer, wherein the BDNP38C10 ring encircles the NpI unit, undergoes equilibration to give approximately equal amounts of the other co-conformer in which the BDNP38C10 ring encircles the BIPY2+ unit.
Electromagnetic field for a beam incident on two adjacent spherical particles

Through an application of our previously derived single spherical particle-arbitrary beam interaction theory, an iterative procedure has been developed for the determination of the electromagnetic field for a beam incident on two adjacent spherical particles. The two particles can differ in size and composition and can have any positioning relative to each other and relative to the focal point and propagation direction of the incident beam. Example calculations of internal and near-field normalized source function ( approximately |E|(2)) distributions are presented. Also presented are calculations demonstrating the effect of the relative positioning of the second adjacent particle on far-field scattering patterns.
"Two-stage" gel electrophoresis: application to the separation of bovine thyroid stimulating hormone sub-units and calf thymus histones.

Abstract Sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) can be removed from protein by gel electrophoresis. This principle is useful for separating protein bands which are close to each other in SDS gel electrophoresis. We accomplished this by “two-stage” gel electrophoresis. In this system, SDS gel electrophoresis was carried out as the first step. Gel electrophoresis was then continued (after replacing the buffer) without SDS. SDS was then eluted from the gel into the lower buffer during the second stage. Separation of the subunits was significantly improved relative to simple SDS gel electrophoresis.
Use of cluster analysis for gait pattern classification of patients in the early and late recovery phases following stroke.

The mixture of gait deviations seen in patients following a stroke is remarkably variable. An objective system for classification of gait patterns for this population could be used to guide treatment planning. Quantitated gait analysis was conducted for 47 individuals at admission to in-patient rehabilitation and again at 6 months post-stroke for 42 subjects. Non-hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify the gait patterns of patients based on the temporal � /spatial and kinematic parameters of walking. Four clusters of patients were identified at both assessment intervals. At the admission test walking velocity, peak knee extension in mid stance and peak dorsiflexion in swing were the three factors that best characterized the groups. At 6 months the explanatory variables were velocity, knee extension in terminal stance, and knee flexion in pre swing. Differences in muscle strength and muscle activation patterns during walking were identified between groups. # 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Becker Muscular Dystrophy with Bundle Branch Reentry Ventricular Tachycardia

Muscular Dystrophy with Ventricular Tachycardia. This report describes a case of Becker muscular dystrophy presenting with recurrent symptomatic wide complex tachycardia. Electrophysiologic testing demonstrated the mechanism to be bundle branch reentry ventricular tachycardia. It is important to consider this potential mechanism in patients with ventricular arrhythmias who have this particular clinical entity, since radiofrequency catheter ablation can represent a curative treatment.
Multivariate Causal Attribution and Cost-Effectiveness of a National Mass Media Campaign in the Philippines

Cost-effectiveness analysis is based on a simple formula. A dollar estimate of the total cost to conduct a program is divided by the number of people estimated to have been affected by it in terms of some intended outcome. The direct, total costs of most communication campaigns are usually available. Estimating the amount of effect that can be attributed to the communication alone, however is problematical in full-coverage, mass media campaigns where the randomized control group design is not feasible. Single-equation, multiple regression analysis controls for confounding variables but does not adequately address the issue of causal attribution. In this article, multivariate causal attribution (MCA) methods are applied to data from a sample survey of 1,516 married women in the Philippines to obtain a valid measure of the number of new adopters of modern contraceptives that can be causally attributed to a national mass media campaign and to calculate its cost-effectiveness. The MCA analysis uses structural...
The Open Method of Co‐ordination and the Governance of the Lisbon Strategy

Plan of the talk: •I. Revising the Lisbon Strategy: What was at stake? •II. Where’s the evidence? The OMC in action •III. What’s left of Lisbon and the OMC? –Closing the implementation gap through better governance? –Reorienting the relaunch? Towards Lisbon III
Water-Induced Fabric Transitions in Olivine

The interpretation of seismic anisotropy in Earth's upper mantle has traditionally been based on the fabrics (lattice-preferred orientation) of relatively water-poor olivine. Here we show that when a large amount of water is added to olivine, the relation between flow geometry and seismic anisotropy undergoes marked changes. Some of the puzzling observations of seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle, including the anomalous anisotropy in the central Pacific and the complicated anisotropy in subduction zones, can be attributed to the enrichment of water in these regions.
Evaluation dimensions for program development and improvement

Program evaluators can contribute to the responsible growth of their profession by recognizing that formative evaluation procedures should be matched to particular types of program development processes.
Coloration of LiF by 3.0 MeV 3He, 40Ar, 84Kr, and 2.0MeV 129Xe ions

Abstract Coloration studies of alkali halide crystals have been extended by investigating the color centers produced in LiF by 3.0MeV 3 He, 40 Ar, 84 Kr, and 2.0MeV 129 Xe ions. From the F -center growth curves it has been determined that 666 eV and 1150 eV are expended per F -center created by the 3 He and 40 Ar ions respectively; the curves are linear up to approx 2.3 × 10 18 F cc and 2.4 × 10 18 F cc , respectively. The optical absorption spectra of the damage produced by the ions have been quantitatively resolved and compared to the damage produced by gamma rays by means of a least squares Gaussian curve fitting computer program. For the 40 Ar-, 84 Kr- and 129 Xe-irradiations the data are best fitted by the formation of 3 bands near 3.22, 2.97 and 2.22 eV and the 3 He data by a small band near 2.90 eV. Damage profile curves, obtained by etching, yield penetration depths which agree qualitatively with calculated values and show that the damage is fairly uniform.
Consumer Decision Making for Residential Mortgages

The housing market is a key component of the US economy. Stability of the housing market and equity of residential property help to determine consumer confidence and their net worth. Confidence for homeowners is key to any consumer driven economy like that of the United States. However, a decade of low interest rate, lack of a basic credit standard, greed, and competitions among lending institutions created a housing bubble that eventually burst around the middle of 2007. This caused a severe financial meltdown in 2008. While other papers look at the meltdown from a financial market perspective, this paper will look into consumers' ability and biases towards selection of a quality mortgage. We examine various factors including educational background, risk aversion, investment self efficacy, and social position that influence consumers' ability to choose an appropriate mortgage. The results indicate that investment self efficacy has at least some impact on the quality of the mortgage decision.
49 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME OF INFANTS WITH BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA (BPD)

49 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME OF INFANTS WITH BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA (BPD)
A patient-centered health monitoring system

We demonstrate a patient-centered health monitoring system that promotes patient-centered healthcare and self-management. Many patients with chronic diseases require daily measurements and medical attention over a long period of time. Patients often forget to take readings and medications on time. We have developed a patient-centered health monitoring system that interfaces two health monitoring devices, a blood pressure monitor and a digital weight scale, to a laptop computer via Bluetooth wireless communication. Each device takes the patient's measurements, and automatically transmits the measured data to the laptop. The patient and/or a healthcare professional can see the historical data from the blood pressure monitor and the digital weight scale as a list or a graph on the laptop. The system not only performs a statistical analysis of the measured data but also displays the results, to enable the patient to understand his/her health conditions and to become engaged in monitoring his/her health.
Characterization and Early Age Physical Properties of Ambient Cured Geopolymer Mortar Based on Class C Fly Ash

The critical element for sustainable growth in the construction industry is the development of alternative cements. A new technological process called geopolymerization provides an innovative solution, and the presence of aluminum and silicon oxides in fly ash has encouraged its use as a source material. Many previous investigations have involved curing the binder in a heated environment. To reduce energy consumption during the synthesis of geopolymers, the present study investigated the properties of ambient cured geopolymer mortar at early ages. An experimental program was executed to establish a relationship between the activator composition and the properties of geopolymer mortar in fresh and hardened states. Concentrations of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate were ascertained that are advantageous for constructability and mechanical behavior. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques were also used to characterize the material. Test results indicate that there is potential for the concrete industry to use fly ash based geopolymer as an alternative to portland cement.
DEVELOPING SOPHISTICATED QUALITY IMPROVEMENT APPROACHES THROUGH BUSINESS‐ACADEME COLLABORATIONS: INTRODUCTION TO THE SPECIAL ISSUE

The pursuit of better performance has led to a number of business-academe collaborations. These collaborators have developed a number of sophisticated approaches that go far beyond such traditional simple methods as benchmarking against the best company, Ishikawa diagrams on feedback and control, Pareto diagrams, incentive systems based solely on output or quality, standard process control charts, and separate treatment of control charts and product inspection. The authors in this special issue report on approaches like benchmarking industrial performance through industry studies; the use of an artificial-intelligence statistical-tree growing method to analyze complex customer service data; an incentive system based on the total quality management (TQM) concepts of continuous improvement, teamwork, adaptation to change, and a focus on customer satisfaction; and integration of product inspection and process control. Because of the continuing widespread interest in TQM, there is an opportunity to take stock of how successful TQM initiatives have been and how we should consolidate and further extend the knowledge in TQM. Two of the papers report on the gap between what organizations espouse as TQM and what they actually implement and on the literature on TQM.
Pyroelectricity and related properties in the fresnoite pseudobinary system Ba2TiGe2O8-Ba2TiSi2O8

Complete solid solubility is found in the pseudobinary system Ba2TiGe2O8-Ba2TiSi2O8 by studies on ceramics and single crystals (Czochralski technique). The spontaneous birefringence perpendicular to the polar axis of the orthorhombic low temperature phase has been measured versus temperature and silicon contents: the temperature of the phase transition of species 4mmFmm2 is of second order and decreases from 1103 K at 0 at % Si to about 400 K at 40 at % Si. The pyroelectric coefficient in the orthorhombic mm2 and the tetragonal 4 mm phase is of the order of 10−6 C m−2 K−1 in the entire system and has a positive temperature coefficient for all compositions studied except for Ba2TiGe2O8, in which the pyroelectric coefficient changes sign at about 308 K. The spacegroup of the orthorhombic phase is proposed to be C 2v 11 -Cmm2.
Interstitial precursor to silicide formation on Si(111)-(7×7)

We show that cobalt atoms deposited on Si(111)-(7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7) at room temperature occupy near-surface interstitial sites of the silicon lattice at very low coverages. These sites are visible in scanning tunneling microscopy images as slightly lowered groups of 2 or 3 adjacent Si adatoms in an otherwise intact Si(111)-(7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7) surface. At 150 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C the interstitials are mobile and preferentially occupy sites directly under 3-coordinated silicon surface atoms (``rest atoms'') on the faulted side of the 7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7 unit cell. An atom-displacing silicide reaction occurs only for higher coverages, when 7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7 half-unit cells become multiply occupied.
Monotelechelic Poly(oxa)norbornenes by Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization using Direct End-Capping and Cross Metathesis.

Two different methodologies for the synthesis of monotelechelic poly(oxa)norbornenes prepared by living ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) are presented. The first method, termed direct end-capping, is carried out by adding an internal cis-olefin terminating agent (TA) to the reaction mixture immediately after the completion of the living ROMP reaction. The second method relies on cross-metathesis (CM) between a methylene-terminated poly(oxa)norbornene and a cis-olefin TA mediated by the ruthenium olefin metathesis catalyst (H2IMes)(Cl)2Ru(CH-o-OiPrC6H4) (H2IMes = 1,3-dimesitylimidazolidine-2-ylidene). TAs containing various functional groups, including alcohols, acetates, bromides, α-bromoesters, thioacetates, N-hydroxysuccinimidyl esters, and Boc-amines, as well as fluorescein and biotin groups, were synthesized and tested. The direct end-capping method typically resulted in >90% end-functionalization efficiency, while the CM method was nearly as effective for TAs without polar functional gro...
Influence of Tendon Transfer Site on Moment Arms of the Flexor Digitorum Longus Muscle

Background: Adult acquired flatfoot is a common condition that leads to significant morbidity. Along with bony procedures to operatively treat this condition, transfer of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon to the medial cuneiform or navicular is routinely performed. The goal of this tendon transfer is to increase the capacity of the FDL to invert the hindfoot and control the transverse tarsal joints. However, it is not known whether this biomechanical goal is met or whether one transfer site produces a larger mechanical advantage compared to another site. The purpose of this study was to calculate FDL muscle moment arms at the hindfoot with two clinically relevant transfer locations to quantify the change in mechanical advantage of the FDL after tendon transfer. Methods: In seven cadaver specimens, muscle moment arms of the FDL with respect to hindfoot motion were measured using the tendon excursion method before and after the FDL was transferred to the plantar aspect of the navicular and medial cun...
Short range continuous wave radar for target detection in various mediums

This article presents simulation and hardware implementation of a low cost radar that can be used as a speed sensor or a metal detector. The overall hardware costs only U.S. $25 and has maximum free space range of 3.65 m. Its underground range is 4.3 cm under wet soil conditions with free space distance of 50 cm above ground. The proposed model provides a basis for designing a mine detector based on the amplitude of the reflected wave. As the frequency of the wave or the water content of the ground increases, the amplitude of the reflected wave decreases making the detection difficult. A comparison between different attenuations offered to the signal under different soil conditions and different Target's materials is presented. The frequency selected for the design implementation was 10.525 GHz. A speed sensor module, HB100 miniature microwave motion sensor was used to sense the reflected wave and was interfaced with a frequency meter implemented using a microcontroller. The module transmitted a continuous wave with amplitude of 15 dBm. The wave reflected from the target was received by module's receiving antenna. It was amplified using a noninverting amplifier and was converted to pulses using a comparator. These pulses were fed to the in-house microcontroller-based frequency meter, and the speed of the target was observed on the LCD interfaced. Complete ground modeling for different water content and free space modeling was also done. The proposed model provides a low cost stand-alone implementation of the overall radar. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2484–2489, 2014
An interaction potential based lattice Boltzmann method with adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) for two-phase flow simulation

The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for two-phase flow simulation is often hindered by insufficient resolution at the interface. As a result, the LBM simulation of bubbles in bubbling flows is commonly limited to spherical or slightly deformed bubble shapes. In this study, the adaptive mesh refinement method for the LBM is developed to overcome such a problem. The approach for this new method is based on the improved interaction potential model, which is able to maintain grid-independent fluid properties in the two-fluid phases and at the interface. The LBM-AMR algorithm is described, especially concerning the LBM operation on a non-uniform mesh and the improved interaction potential model. Numerical simulations have been performed to validate the method in both single phase and multiphase flows. The 2D and 3D simulations of the buoyant rise of bubbles are conducted under various conditions. The agreement between the simulated bubble shape and velocity with experiments illustrates the capability of the LBM-AMR approach in predicting bubble dynamics even under the large bubble deformation conditions. Further, the LBM-AMR technique is capable of simulating a complex topology change of the interface. Integration of LBM with AMR can significantly improve the accuracy and reduce computation cost. The method developed in this study may appreciably enhance the capability of LBM in the simulation of complex multiphase flows under realistic conditions.
Supereulerian graphs and excluded induced minors

Abstract We show that if a graph G with κ′(G) ⩾ 2 does not have an induced subgraph contractible to K2,3 or to one of the subdivided wheels, then G has a spanning eulerian subgraph. As a corollary, such a graph has a nowhere-zero 4-flow.
Piecing the Puzzle Together:: A Model for Understanding the Theory-Practice Relationship

The field of psychology holds theory to be one of the critical determinants of practice, yet the relationship between the two is difficult to describe. This article presents a seven-level model that delineates the different pathways through which theory affects conceptualization and intervention. Four outer levels of the framework (assumptive world, school, theory, and theorist) provide a way to organize clinical thinking, whereas two inner levels (strategy and technique) direct practice. The critical working hypothesis level serves as a bridge between the two. A case example illustrates the application of this model to clinical data, and implications are emphasized for graduate student training and psychotherapy practice.
L2L: a simple tool for discovering the hidden significance in microarray expression data

L2L is a database consisting of lists of differentially expressed genes compiled from published mammalian microarray studies, along with an easy-to-use application for mining the database with the user's own microarray data. As illustrated by re-analysis of a recent study of diabetic nephropathy, L2L identifies novel biological patterns in microarray data, providing insights into the underlying nature of biological processes and disease. L2L is available online at the authors' website [http://depts.washington.edu/l2l/].
Claudin-1 regulates intestinal epithelial homeostasis through the modulation of Notch-signalling

Objective Claudin-1 expression is increased and dysregulated in colorectal cancer and causally associates with the dedifferentiation of colonic epithelial cells, cancer progression and metastasis. Here, we have sought to determine the role claudin-1 plays in the regulation of intestinal epithelial homeostasis. Design We have used a novel villin-claudin-1 transgenic (Cl-1Tg) mouse as model (with intestinal claudin-1 overexpression). The effect of claudin-1 expression upon colonic epithelial differentiation, lineage commitment and Notch-signalling was determined using immunohistochemical, immunoblot and real-time PCR analysis. The frequently used mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-colitis was used to model inflammation, injury and repair. Results In Cl-1Tg mice, normal colonocyte differentiation programme was disrupted and goblet cell number and mucin-2 (muc-2) expressions were significantly downregulated while Notch- and ERK1/2-signalling were upregulated, compared with the wild type-littermates. Cl-1Tg mice were also susceptible to colonic inflammation and demonstrated impaired recovery and hyperproliferation following the DSS-colitis. Our data further show that claudin-1 regulates Notch-signalling through the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and p-ERK signalling to regulate proliferation and differentiation. Conclusions Claudin-1 helps regulate intestinal epithelial homeostasis through the regulation of Notch-signalling. An upregulated claudin-1 expression induces MMP-9 and p-ERK signalling to activate Notch-signalling, which in turn inhibits the goblet cell differentiation. Decreased goblet cell number decreases muc-2 expression and thus enhances susceptibility to mucosal inflammation. Claudin-1 expression also induces colonic epithelial proliferation in a Notch-dependent manner. Our findings may help understand the role of claudin-1 in the regulation of inflammatory bowel diseases and CRC.
Loss of Adhesion in the Circulation Converts Amelanotic Metastatic Melanoma Cells to Melanotic by Inhibition of AKT

Direct injection of murine K-1735 melanoma cells into the subcutis, lung, or brain of syngeneic mice produces amelanotic tumors, whereas intravenous injection into the lateral tail vein or internal carotid artery produces both amelanotic and melanotic foci in the lung and the brain respectively. We hypothesized that loss of adhesion in the circulation may contribute to the melanogenic phenotypes of cells. To test this, we used enforced suspension culture of K-1735 cells by consistent rotating culture of K-1735 cells. We found that the expression of the microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) and melanin-stimulating hormone receptor (MSHR) were upregulated in cells growing in suspension and were accompanied by inhibitions of AKT and ERK, which were reversed in cells upon regrowth as an adherent monolayer. Inhibition of the AKT pathway was responsible for MITF induction by suspension culture. Stable expression of constitutively active AKT significantly repressed the melanogenesis of K-1735 cells injected via circulation. An amelanotic clone of K-1735 cells was resistant to suspension culture-induced MITF, although the inhibition of AKT pathway was intact. Collectively, these data suggest that the inhibition of AKT pathway due to loss of adhesion within the circulation renders a subpopulation of K-1735 cells to produce melanin.