cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience in Application of Evidence-Based Policy

Objective. To determine the impact of an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) to develop skills needed to apply an evidence-based approach to population-level practice decisions.Design. A 4-week evidence-based medicine APPE was implemented that included active-learning techniques and online learning modules, participation in state drug-policy committee meetings, and completion of an evidence-based medicine review for a specific drug agent or class.Assessment. Students’ mean score on application of principles related to biostatistics and information mastery on posttests increased 15.8% from pretest to posttest. Students’ mean score on a 22-question information mastery quiz was 90.8%. Mean scores for course evaluation components ranged from 4.8 to 5.0 on a 5-point Likert scale. All respondents indicated they would recommend the APPE to other students.Conclusions. An APPE that incorporated content from active drug-policy committees increased students’ evidence-based medicine skills and enhanced their...
Deterministic photon bias in speckle imaging

Abstract A new approach is presented for calculating photon bias terms in speckle imaging. Photon bias is shown to be a deterministic quantity that can be calculated without use of the expectation operator. The derived quantities are identical to previous results and extends them to the important case of the bispectrum where photon events are assigned different weights. In that regime the bias is a frequency dependent complex quantity that must be calculated for each frame.
Dead reckoning through the water column with an acoustic Doppler current profiler: Field experiences

Underwater vehicles currently rely on external acoustic tracking systems to estimate position when away from the surface or the seafloor. Many vehicles dead reckon near the seafloor using a Doppler velocity log. This paper presents a method for dead reckoning through the water column using over-lapping water profiles measured by a vehicle-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler. Under mild assumptions, the vehicle can simultaneously estimate its own global velocity at the same time as identifying the ocean current profile. The estimation problem is solved using batch least squares, recursive least squares, or a simple online depth bin averaging scheme. We discuss challenges encountered in implementing the approach during three field deployments of the autonomous underwater vehicle Sentry, and provide estimates of the ocean current, the vehicle velocity, and integrated position.
An ultrasonic ocean oil pollution monitor

An ultrasonic beam normally incident on a water-oil interface is used to characterize the presence of an oil film on ocean surface. The ultrasonic characteristics of oil are also obtained and used to identify the oil, as well as the oil layer thickness or parts per million as the case may be. The ocean surface is assumed to me smooth to within one-eighth of wavelength, and if otherwise, a calibration for that particular surface roughness is used to eliminate the effect of such roughness. The temperature compensation is assumed to be incorporated in the hardware design for such apparatus, since temperature variation of physical parameters is well documented in the literature. The classification task may further be considerably simplified, if the possible types of oil expected in such determination for a given location are specified.
Synthetic Jets for Thermal Management of Microelectronic Chips

Thermal control of electronic devices has been an active research area of heat transfer technologies. The impetus is straightforward: decreasing the temperature of a component increases its performance as well as its reliability. In the present study, a single microchip is placed in a 2D channel. A simple triangular cavity configuration is used to investigate the effectiveness of a synthetic jet for its thermal management. The study presents altered main channel flow results for various synthetic jet configurations and different membrane oscillation frequencies. The effect is that synthetic jet enhances mixing by imparting momentum to the channel flow thus manipulating the temperature field in a positive manner. Computations carried out for both continuum and slip flow regimes.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Night-time lights of the world: 1994–1995

Abstract The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Operational Linescan System (OLS) has a unique low-light imaging capability developed for the detection of clouds using moonlight. In addition to moonlit clouds, the OLS also detects lights from human settlements, fires, gas flares, heavily lit fishing boats, lightning and the aurora. By analysing the location, frequency, and appearance of lights observed in an image time series, it is possible to distinguish four primary types of lights present at the earth's surface: human settlements, gas flares, fires, and fishing boats. We have produced a global map of the four types of light sources as observed during a 6-month time period in 1994–1995. We review a number of environmental applications that have been developed or proposed based on the night-time light data. We examine the relationship between area of lighting, population, economic activity, electric power consumption, and energy related carbon emissions for 200 nations, representing 99% of the world's population.
Detection and characterization of alpha-crystallin intermediate with maximal chaperone-like activity.

Abstract Lens α-crystallin has been reported to act like a chaperone molecule, with the chaperone-like activity enhanced by partial unfolding. The nature of the partial unfolding, however, is not fully understood. In this project, the unfolding and refolding process of α-crystallin was studied with guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl). Trp fluorescence (tertiary structure) and far-ultraviolet circular dichroism (UVCD) (secondary structure) demonstrated the presence of an intermediate in the unfolding pathway. ANS (1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate) fluorescence clearly indicated a two-step transition in the unfolding-refolding process and showed that maximum hydrophobicity of the α-crystallin occurred at 0.8-1.0 M GdnHCl. This α-crystallin intermediate appears to be in a molten globule state; conformational study by near- and far-UVCD measurements indicated that α-crystallin intermediate exhibited tertiary structure which was significantly altered from that of the native protein, but had nearly the same secondary structure. Quaternary structure (size of aggregate) of the intermediate also remained unchanged from that of the native protein, as shown by FPLC size exclusion chromatography. The maximal hydrophobicity of the α-crystallin intermediate in the unfolding-refolding pathway was accompanied by maximal protection of βH-crystallin from aggregation. However, an adverse effect of partial unfolding is that the α-crystallin intermediate aggregates at high concentrations. Together, these results clearly demonstrated the biological significance of the α-crystallin intermediate: it is a more effective chaperone than native α-crystallin.
A Fabry-Perot Cavity Used as a High-Extinction-Ratio Resonant Polarizer with Application to Quantum Optics Measurements

The use of Fabry-Perot ring cavities with an odd number of reflections as high-extinction-ratio resonant polarizers is shown. Experimental results from quantum-noise measurements using cavities as spatial and spectral filters, and resonant polarizers are presented.
Sinc methods for domain decomposition

Sinc basis functions form a desirable basis for solving singular problems via domain decomposition. This is because both the Sinc-Galerkin and sinc-collocation methods converge exponentially, even in the presence of boundary singularities. This suggests the future possibility of combining sinc methods used in the vicinity of singularities with other methods, such as finite difference methods, used in the remainder of the original domain. For these reasons, a thorough investigation of the implementation of sinc methods in the context of domain decomposition is the necessary first step. This work deals with sinc methods for second-order ordinary differential equations with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. Both sinc-collocation and Sinc-Galerkin methods are presented. The two traditional methods of domain decomposition, overlapping and patching, are described. Thus all the groundwork is laid to readily determine which method is most suited to any given problem. Numerical results are presented for both decomposition methods that exhibit the nearly identical errors achieved whether one uses the sinc-collocation method or the Sinc-Galerkin method.
VEGF protein associates to neurons in remote regions following cortical infarct

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is thought to contribute to both neuroprotection and angiogenesis after stroke. While increased expression of VEGF has been demonstrated in animal models after experimental ischemia, these studies have focused almost exclusively on the infarct and peri-infarct regions. The present study investigated the association of VEGF to neurons in remote cortical areas at three days after an infarct in primary motor cortex (M1). Although these remote areas are outside of the direct influence of the ischemic injury, remote plasticity has been implicated in recovery of function. For this study, intracortical microstimulation techniques identified primary and premotor cortical areas in a non-human primate. A focal ischemic infarct was induced in the M1 hand representation, and neurons and VEGF protein were identified using immunohistochemical procedures. Stereological techniques quantitatively assessed neuronal-VEGF association in the infarct and peri-infarct regions, M1 hindlimb, M1 orofacial, and ventral premotor hand representations, as well as non-motor control regions. The results indicate that VEGF protein significantly increased association to neurons in specific remote cortical areas outside of the infarct and peri-infarct regions. The increased association of VEGF to neurons was restricted to cortical areas that are functionally and/or behaviorally related to the area of infarct. There was no significant increase in M1 orofacial region or in non-motor control regions. We hypothesize that enhancement of neuronal VEGF in these functionally related remote cortical areas may be involved in recovery of function after stroke, through either neuroprotection or the induction of remote angiogenesis.
Myxopapillary ependymoma of the filum terminale: a light and electron microscopic study

The histology of a myxopapillary ependymoma of the filum terminale in a 15-year-old girl was studied by light and electron microscopy. The neoplasm contained both papillary and compact areas of cell growth. The papillary regions consisted of vacuoiated cuboidal cells arranged around hyaline/vascular cores that were variably mucin-positive. In the compact regions, the tumor cells were intensely immunoreactive for glial fibrillary acidic protein and occasionally formed perivascular pseudorosettes. Ultrastructural ex amination revealed interdigitating cell processes, sometimes resting on a basement membrane. Surface specializations included numerous microvilli and occasional cilia. The cilia had an abnormal micro tubular pattern (e.g., 8 + 1, 7 + 0). The cytoplasm of the tumor cells contained numerous 7–10 nm intermediate filaments and large numbers of abnormal microtubular aggregates, consisting of 4 to 50 single microtubules enclosed by a limiting membrane. These microtubular aggregates may represent a characteristic feature of myxopapillary ependymoma of the filum terminale. Cancer 58:310–317, 1986.
Equipment to enable safe handling of people

Susan A Beresford discusses the legislation that guides the use of moving and handling equipment by carers, and outlines the different types of equipment that are available.
Reversal of insulin effects in fat cells may require energy for deactivation of glucose transport, but not for deactivation of phosphodiesterase

Abstract The reversal of insulin effects on sugar transport and phosphodiesterase in fat cells was studied after arresting further actions of insulin with KCN, NaN 3 , 2,4-dinitrophenol, or dicumarol. These agents rapidly lower the ATP concentration and concomitantly block the actions of insulin added later. Contrary to our expectation, the above inhibitors failed to initiate deactivation of the hormone-stimulated transport system. Instead, in the presence of the agents the transport system remained activated even after cells had been washed with an insulin-free buffer. This effect of the inhibitors was reversed when cells were washed with an inhibitor-free buffer containing glucose or pyruvate. The above inhibitors also blocked the deactivation of sugar transport stimulated by mechanical agitation. The effects of the inhibitors could not be explained by their possible effects on the basal transport activity, the intracellular urea space, or the cell count. The insulin-stimulated phosphodiesterase activity was rapidly lowered when cells were exposed to the above inhibitors. Apparently, these agents did not denature phosphodiesterase itself since the latter could be reactivated by insulin when inhibitor-treated cells were washed with a glucose-containing buffer. None of the above agents, except dicumarol, significantly inhibited phosphodiesterase activity in a cell-free system. It is suggested that the effects of insulin on sugar transport and phosphodiesterase are reversed by different mechanisms. ATP or metabolic energy may be involved in the deactivation of sugar transport, but not in that of phosphodiesterase.
Cotransfection of DC with TLR4 and MART-1 RNA induces MART-1-specific responses.

Background Cotransfection of dendritic cells (DC) with MART-1 and constitutively active TLR4 (caTLR4) RNA enhances the maturation of DC. Materials and methods Immature DC were cotransfected with RNA constructs encoding MART-1 and caTLR4, and CTL responses were analyzed. Results Cotransfection of DC with MART-1 + caTLR4 enhanced the expression of CD80 and CD83 surface markers and increased the secretion of cytokines IL-6, IL-12, and TNFα. Neither the native nor the A27L-modified MART-1 RNA could induce significant DC maturation or cytokine secretion. More importantly, DC cotransfected with caTLR4 + MART-1 RNA induced MART-1-specific CTL responses of a higher magnitude than DC transfected with either the native or A27L MART-1 RNA. When the MART-1 RNA-transfected DC were treated with DC-maturing cytokines, the induced CTL were less frequent and less lytic than those induced with MART-1 + caTLR4. A 2- to 100-fold increase in MART-1 tetramer+ cells and 2- to 10-fold increases in IFNγ secretion and cytotoxicity were seen in CTL induced with MART-1 + caTLR4 compared to CTL induced with either MART-1 or A27L RNA. CTL induced with the mixed RNA displayed high percentages of CD8+ cells coexpressing CD45RA, CD56, and 2B4 antigens. Transfection with caTLR4 alone induced DC maturation, but did not induce lytic CTL, suggesting that CTL responses were induced solely by MART-1 epitopes. Conclusions caTLR4 increases the CTL-inducing capacity of DC generating a lytic response specific for the accompanying antigen. These results demonstrate the possibility of enhancing the immunogenicity of the native MART-1 and other RNA derived from weakly immunogenic tumors in DC-based immunotherapy.
Consumer response to integrated pest management and certification

Abstract This study investigated consumer awareness of integrated pest management (IPM) and the effects of two marketing strategies. Specific objectives were to find whether eastern Massachusetts farmstand and farmers' market customers purchasing sweet corn care how their food is grown, whether they are aware of IPM, whether they would prefer to buy IPM-certified sweet corn and why, and whether the marketing methods presently available to IPM-certified growers can enhance awareness of IPM. In 1993, the Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture in collaboration with the IPM Program at the University of Massachusetts began a pilot IPM certification program for sweet corn and strawberries, designated ‘Partners with Nature’ (PWN). This study compared a ‘passive’ and ‘active’ PWN marketing strategy with a control that did not have any PWN publicity. The passive strategy was simply display of a PWN certificate and poster. The active strategy also included newspaper advertisements, clear labeling of corn as IPM-certified at the point of selection, a PWN sticker placed on bags of corn at payment, personally thanking customers for ‘buying our IPM-certified sweet corn’, and IPM brochures available to customers. Thirty purchasers of IPM-grown corn were interviewed at each of six farmstands and six farmers' markets. The dominant reason why customers patronize farmstands and farmers' markets was convenience. As found by other northeastern surveys, awareness of IPM was low: only 19% had heard of IPM before the survey, and only 38% of these could mention a specific method used in IPM. Although 45% of the respondents initially said that they did not care how their food is grown, 85% said that they would prefer to buy IPM-certified sweet corn after hearing a short definition. The definition gave only environmental benefits, but 74% of the customers preferring IPM-certified corn said they would buy it because it is safer or healthier. Most of the respondents claimed that they would be willing to pay 10% more for IPM-certified corn. Simply displaying an IPM poster had no significant results on consumer preference for IPM-grown produce, but active marketing significantly raised awareness of IPM and the PWN program. This study demonstrated the willingness of customers to support IPM because they believe it will have positive consequences for human health and environmental quality. It is concluded that sweet corn marketing based on IPM certification positively influenced consumer reactions to IPM; and a more extensive, diverse marketing strategy would enhance consumer awareness and support.
Internal Phosphorus Loading and Macrophytes: an Alternative Hypothesis

ABSTRACT Rooted, submersed macrophytes, primarily Elodea densa, have apparently served to restrict internal phosphorus loading during the summer in shallow Long Lake, Washington, instead of contributing phosphorus through senescence (process of aging). Internal loading was consistently controlled for five years by treatment by drawdown and alum, and mean, whole-lake macrophyte biomass ranged from about 30 to 250 g/m2 during the 12 study years. Instead of the positive relationship between macrophyte biomass and lake phosphorus content during the summer that has been observed by others, the two variables had an inverse relationship. Gross internal loading (before and after alum control), estimated by a nonsteady-state model, was greater during years when low winds ( 16 km/h). This indicates the importance of stability in creating an anoxic layer over the sediment, followed by wind mixing to entrain it into the water column. Thus, rather than serving as a d...
Extinction and resurrection in gene networks

When gene regulatory networks operate in regimes where the number of protein molecules is so small that the molecular species are on the verge of extinction, the death and resurrection of the species greatly modifies the attractor landscape. Deterministic models and the diffusion approximation to the master equation break down at the limits of protein populations in a way very analogous to the breakdown of geometrical optics that occurs at distances <1 wavelength of light from edges. Stable stochastic attractors arise from extinction and resurrection events that are not predicted by the deterministic description. With this view, we explore the attractors of the regular toggle switch and the exclusive switch, focusing on the effects of cooperative binding and the production of protein in bursts. Our arguments suggest that the stability of lysogeny in the λ-phage may be influenced by such extinction phenomena.
Time required for garbage collection in retention block-structured languages

This paper investigates the time requirements for an implementation of retention block-structured languages that uses a garbage collector as its sole means for recovering inaccessible storage. The usual three-pass markcompactify-and-update garbage collector is optimized to eliminate the need for the third pass in the event that the executed program is lifetime well-stacking.
Absorption spectrum of plutonium hexafluoride in the 3000–9000 Å spectral region

Abstract The absorption spectrum of PuF 6 is investigated using a long-pass multiple reflection cell. Cross sections over the spectral region of 3000–9000 A are reported. Due to the enhanced sensitivity of our apparatus the wavelengths and absorption cross sections are significantly improved over the previously available data.
Metabolism of Aldosterone by the Splanchnic Organs of the Dog

The role of the splanchnic organs of the dog in aldosterone metabolism was investigated. 3H-aldosterone was infused at a constant rate. Following equilibration, simultaneous blood samples were drawn from an artery, hepatic vein, superior mesenteric vein, splenic vein and renal vein. The concentration of free 3H-aldosterone and its tetrahydroaldosterone glucuronide conjugate were determined in each plasma sample. The concentration of aldosterone-18-glucuronide failed to reach equilibrium during the time period of the experiment. From these values percent extractions were calculated. For free aldosterone the mean percent extractions for the hepatic vein, superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein were: 84.7% ± 5.4 (SE), 53.0% ± 4.2 (SE) and 15.8% ± 5.7 (SE) respectively. These results indicate that there is net uptake of free aldosterone not only by the splanchnic bed as a whole, but also by the intestine and spleen. For tetrahydroaldosterone glucuronide the mean percent extractions for the hepatic vein, sup...
Characterization of ascites-derived ovarian tumor cells from spontaneously occurring ovarian tumors of the chicken: evidence for E-cadherin upregulation

Ovarian cancer, a highly metastatic disease, is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Chickens are widely used as a model for human ovarian cancer as they spontaneously develop epithelial ovarian tumors similar to humans. The cellular and molecular biology of chicken ovarian cancer (COVCAR) cells, however, have not been studied. Our objectives were to culture COVCAR cells and to characterize their invasiveness and expression of genes and proteins associated with ovarian cancer. COVCAR cell lines (n = 13) were successfully maintained in culture for up to19 passages, cryopreserved and found to be viable upon thawing and replating. E-cadherin, cytokeratin and α-smooth muscle actin were localized in COVCAR cells by immunostaining. COVCAR cells were found to be invasive in extracellular matrix and exhibited anchorage-independent growth forming colonies, acini and tube-like structures in soft agar. Using RT-PCR, COVCAR cells were found to express E-cadherin, N-cadherin, cytokeratin, vimentin, mesothelin, EpCAM, steroidogenic enzymes/proteins, inhibin subunits-α, βA, βB, anti-mullerian hormone, estrogen receptor [ER]-α, ER-β, progesterone receptor, androgen receptor, and activin receptors. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed greater N-cadherin, vimentin, and VEGF mRNA levels and lesser cytokeratin mRNA levels in COVCAR cells as compared with normal ovarian surface epithelial (NOSE) cells, which was suggestive of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. Western blotting analyses revealed significantly greater E-cadherin levels in COVCAR cell lines compared with NOSE cells. Furthermore, cancerous ovaries and COVCAR cell lines expressed higher levels of an E-cadherin cleavage product when compared to normal ovaries and NOSE cells, respectively. Cancerous ovaries were found to express significantly higher ovalbumin levels whereas COVCAR cell lines did not express ovalbumin thus suggesting that the latter did not originate from oviduct. Taken together, COVCAR cell lines are likely to improve our understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of ovarian tumors and its metastasis.
Sexism as Original SinDeveloping a Theacentric Discourse

CHRISTIAN FEMINIST THEOLOGIANS have received negative assessments of their treatment of sin. A mild criticism holds that feminists are relatively inattentive to the topic of sin because they are preoccupied with valorizing "women's experience" (Yeager). A more severe analysis charges that because of an obsession with "the promotion of the full humanity of women," feminists are narcissistic and risk self-deception on the question of sin; they identify sin in the patriarchy but refuse to apply it to women (Stroup). Christian feminist theology has not always effectively challenged these persistent criticisms. As Rosemary Ruether suggests, feminists have had a strong aversion to the topic of sin because of the special way the Christian tradition associates sin with women (72-115, 160, 165-183). Close arguments on behalf of feminist positions on sin are very much in order. In contrast to the criticisms sketched above, I hold that Christian feminist discourse about sin is constructive. It offers an important contribution to our theological understanding of historically specific forms of human waywardness, not simply of one kind of sin (sexism). To make my case, I begin with a proposal about the nature of discourse in order to show the strengths and weaknesses of feminist accounts of sin.
Problem‐solving performance in naturalistic groups: A test of the ecological validity of the functional perspective

Critics argue that the use of zero‐history laboratory samples to study the processes of small‐group communication lacks ecological validity and limits our ability to determine the usefulness of small group communication theories for the everyday practitioner. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the functional perspective of small‐group communication has real‐world significance by testing its predictive ability in naturalistic problem‐solving groups in an organizational setting. Statistical analyses provided partial support for the relationship between functional requisites and problem‐solving performance in an applied setting. Specifically, analysis of the problem, orientation/establishment of operating procedures, and evaluation of the positive consequences of alternatives were each found to have an independent main effect on the level of decision utility.
The temperature and angular dependence of the upper critical field of YBa2Cu3O7-δ crystals☆

Abstract The upper critical field is determined from the onset of diamagnetism in dc magnetization measurements. The slopes of the upper critical field are −1.9 T/K and −10.5 T/K corresponding to coherence lengths of 16 A and 3 A parallel and perpendicular to the CuO-planes. The angular dependence can be described with a 3D anisotropic Ginzburg-Landau theory with a critical field anisotropy of five.
Remarks on some comments on concurrent readers and writers by Reidar Conradi

The Synchronization primitive P * was introduced by Conradi in order to present a more compact and efficient algorithm for synchronization of concurrent readers and writers. Unfortunately, Conradi's solutions fail when the conventional definitions of semaphores are used in conjunction with this primitive. This paper proposes a definition of the semaphore operations P, V and P * that make Conradi's readers-writers solutions correct. This definition is compatible with the definition given by Dijkstra.
Size Control and Surface Modification of Colloidal Semiconductor Particles

Several methods for the control of semiconductor particle sizes, in particular in the quantum size regime, are surveyed. Rational choice of solvent polarity, reaction temperature, concentration of reactants, solution pH, and counterions will determine the size and size distribution of the particles. Sizes of colloidal particles formed in microheterogeneous environments will often be predetermined by the dimensions of the micropores and cavities within the network of the medium. This is the situation in zeolite and clay cavities, and in polymer networks. Self-aggregation of amphiphillic molecules often generates microdomains which may be utilized to direct the particle precursors or the particles themselves into these domains and thus limit their growth. Finally, complexation at the surface of the particles may limit and control the growth processes of the particles. The latter approach also allows functional modification of the particles' surface.
Implementing elements of evidence-based practice into scientist-practitioner training at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has become the predominant model of training and is emerging as a common model of practice for many non-psychology health care professions. Recognizing the relevance of EBP to psychology, the American Psychological Association (APA) developed and endorsed an official policy statement on EBP for the practice of professional psychology. There is now a pressing need to consider ways that EBP can inform scientist-practitioner training. The present article proposes clinical competencies associated with the practice of EBP, and describes initial efforts to implement elements of EBP into training at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. These efforts have occurred in both the classroom and practicum training experiences, and are geared toward helping students become more effective users of the evidence base through their clinical work. Challenges to the implementation of EBP in clinical psychology training are discussed as well.
A simpler surgical technique to treat aseptic nonunion-associated femoral length discrepancy.

In a prospective study from December 1986 to August 1989, 17 consecutive patients with femoral shortening due to aseptic nonunion of femoral shaft fractures were treated with limitedly open Gross-Kempf locking nailing with a lengthening procedure. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year (average 25 months). There was a 88.2% union rate with an average union period of 5.2 months. Average lengthening was 2.4 cm (1.0 ∼ 3.0 cm) , and average operation time 90 min (70 ∼ 130min). The blood loss was slight (average 200ml). Complications (11.8%) were 5.9% implant failure and 5.9% nonunion which were not difficult to manage. No neurovascular complications were noted. We conclude that for 5 cm shortening or less in femoral aseptic nonunion, this treatment constitutes the simplest technique and can achieve a very satisfactory result.
Vertical prosecution and career criminal bureaus: How many and who?

Abstract In recent years LEAA has encouraged prosecutors to establish vertical prosecution units to handle the cases of defendants with serious conviction records. The vertical units, called Career Criminal Bureaus, result in enhanced trial posture and permit greater managerial control over plea bargaining. Because vertical handling is more costly in manpower than the horizontal handling commonly employed in large prosecutors' offices, the optimal organizational structure is likely to involve a mixture of both vertical and horizontal prosecution. A theoretical model for determining the optimal mix is developed in the first part of this article. In the second part, a simulation model is used to evaluate the various rules that are or could be used to select cases. Contrary to actual practice, the analysis suggests that relatively weak cases should be selected for vertical handling.
Estradiol elevates protein kinase C catalytic activity in the preoptic area of female rats.

Estrogen acts in the brain to regulate female reproductive physiology and behavior, and protein kinase C (PKC) is estrogen-regulated in many estrogen-responsive tissues. We examined whether estrogen regulates PKC in the hypothalamus (HYP) and preoptic area (POA), brain regions which mediate estrogenic control of female reproductive function. PKC activity in tissue from hormone-treated and control female rats was measured, in the presence of phorbol ester and calcium, by quantifying 32P incorporation into a substrate peptide. PKC catalytic activity increased significantly in POA tissue extracts from estradiol-treated, ovariectomized (OVX) female rats but not in HYP or cortical extracts. Phorbol ester potentiation of cAMP accumulation also was examined to determine whether the ability of PKC to potentiate adenylyl cyclase activity was affected by estrogen. PKC stimulation potentiated forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation to a greater degree in POA, but not HYP, slices from estrogen-treated OVX female rats. PK...
Cultivation and characterization of macrophages from murine embryonic skin. Are they Langerhans cells

Abstract We have observed a population of trypsin-resistant adherent cells in long-term primary cultures of murine embryonic skin. These cells were subsequently demonstrated to share a variety of characteristics with cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. The trypsin-resistant adherent cells stained positively for nonspecific esterase, exhibited surface receptors for Fc-IgG, and complement components as well as strong phagocytic activity. Additionally, these cells exhibited membrane ATPase enzyme activity and a large proportion of the cells expressed la antigens as detected by cytotoxicity and membrane fluorescence. The possible relationship between these trypsin-resistant adherent cells and Langerhans cells of the skin is discussed.
Amorphous-silicon thin-film transistors made at 280°C on clear-plastic substrates by interfacial stress engineering

A process temperature of ~300°C produces amorphous-silicon (a-Si) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with the best performance and long-term stability. Clear organic polymers (plastics) are the most versatile substrate materials for flexible displays. However, clear plastics with a glass-transition temperature (Tg) in excess of 300°C can have coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) much larger than that of the silicon nitride (SiNx) and a-Si in TFTs deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The difference in the CTE that may lead to cracking of the device films can limit the process temperature to well below that of the Tg of the plastic. A model of the mechanical interaction of the TFT stack and the plastic substrate, which provides design guidelines for avoid cracking during TFT fabrication, is presented. The fracture point is determined by a critical interfacial stress. The model was used to successfully fabricate a-Si TFTs on novel clear-plastic substrates with a maximum process temperature of up to 280°C. The TFTs made at high temperatures have higher mobility, lower leakage current, and higher stability than TFTs made on conventional low-Tg clear-plastic substrates.
Interactions between rod and cone channels above threshold: a test of various models.

Abstract Brightness-matching and magnitude estimation data were obtained to test alternative explanations of the rod-cone interaction above threshold. Steady adapting fields were selected such that 500 and 640 nm test flashes presented in the parafovea stimulated largely the rod and cone systems, respectively. In the brightness-matching experiment stimuli of combined 500 and 640 nm light were matched to a white foveal standard flash set at various levels above threshold. Similarly, in the magnitude estimation experiment, brightness estimates were obtained for single 500 and 640 nm flashes as well as for superimposed combination flashes. Combination stimuli appeared brighter than their individual components. Overall, the results suggest that rod and cone signals elicited by a single flash combine in an excitatory fashion; there is no evidence for rod-cone inhibition in this study. Further, the results for the suprathreshold and threshold conditions are qualitatively similar. The signals from the rod and cone systems combine less well than signals within a system but to a greater degree than predicted by probability summation or vector addition models.
Effects of ion beam assisted deposition, beam sharing and pivoting in EB-PVD processing of graded thermal barrier coatings

Abstract The development of advanced thermal barrier coatings of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) that exhibit lower thermal conductivity through better control of electron beam-physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) processing is of prime interest to both the aerospace and power industries. Recently, processing technology was developed to create graded TBCs by coupling ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD) with substrate pivoting in the alumina-YSZ system. The Electron Beam-1200 kW (EB-1200) PVD system was used to deposit a variety of TBC coatings with micron layered microstructures and reduced thermal conductivity of 1.5 W/mK. The use of IBAD produced fully stoichiometric coatings at a reduced substrate temperature of 600 °C and a reduced oxygen background pressure of 0.1 Pa. In addition to the process technology, the results of Direct Simulation Monte Carlo plume modeling and spectroscopic characterization of the PVD plumes are presented.
Analysis of interdecadal trends in chlorophyll and temperature in the Central Basin of Long Island Sound

Abstract Few coastal systems have time series data that allow researchers to examine the impact of two important stressors on estuarine ecosystems: climate change and eutrophication. The Central Basin of Long Island Sound (LIS), between New York and Connecticut, is one such system. LIS has seen annual average surface temperatures increase at a rate of 0.03 °C/yr since 1976, with increases most pronounced during summer and early fall. Over the past 15 years, annual stratification (difference between mean annual surface and bottom temperatures) has also increased at the same rate. Despite expansion of waste-water treatment and declining point-source nutrient input, LIS remains eutrophic. An increase toward historic mean annual chlorophyll concentration has occurred since a minimum in the early 1990s, driven in part by higher fall chlorophyll values. There is also an apparent shift in the seasonality of phytoplankton blooms, with more frequent fall chlorophyll peaks and reduced early spring peaks relative to the 1950s. Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) analysis of phytoplankton communities from fall and summer 2002–8 indicated that cyanobacteria and flagellates are associated with higher amounts of chlorophyll at higher temperatures during these two seasons. These results suggest that as surface temperatures continue to increase, smaller cells and flagellates may maintain chlorophyll values at higher levels despite decreased or static surface nutrient concentrations in this system.
Gene dosage in a deletion for a nuclear-coded, mitochondrial enzyme.

IT is a general principle of mammalian biochemical genetics that enzymatic activity is proportional to gene dosage; that is, co-dominance of the biochemical phenotype is usual in heterozygotes. A well studied exception is the lethal albino locus of mice. The radiation-induced lethal albino alleles cause prenatal or early neonatal death. The mutations are unusual in their lack of gene dosage effect. Four alleles (c14cos, c112K, c65K, c3H) that are expressed in newborns as absence of pigment, hypoglycaemia, and neonatal death are associated with glucose 6-phosphatase deficiency1,2. Heterozygotes distinguishable by pigment dilution have the same glucose 6-phosphatase levels as normal homozygotes in a number of situations, including enzyme induction with corticoids, glucagon, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, by producing alloxan diabetes, and during normal post-natal development3,4. Four other enzymes (tyrosine aminotransferase, serine dehydratase, bilirubin glucuronyl transferase, and spectrophotometrically-determined cytochrome P-450) that are deficient in lethal albino homozygotes are present in normal levels in heterozygotes (refs 3–5 and M. M. Thaler, R. P. E., and S. Gluecksohn-Waelsch, in preparation). There is evidence that mutation of something other than structural genes for the enzymes is involved. Residual amounts of glucose 6-phosphatase and tyrosine aminotransferase are present in lethal albino homozygotes. Complementation of these lethal albino alleles with two additional lethal albino alleles, c6H and c25H obtained from Harwell, resulted in normal enzyme levels4,5. Also, abnormalities of endoplasmic reticulum of lethal albino hepatocytes are strikingly evident on electron microscopy6. Enzymes deficient in homozygotes are either cyclic AMP-induced or microsomal. A mutation in the gene for a membrane structural protein or in the gene for a component of the cyclic AMP induction system has been suggested as an underlying defect which might account for the deficiency of a number of enzymes and the failure to demonstrate heterozvgote dosage effect, although biochemical and immunological techniques have not yet detected any abnormality (R. P. E., P. Siekevitz, K. Jacobs, and S. Gluecksohn-Waelsch, in preparation).
QSAR Evaluation of Cyanohydrins' Fumigation Toxicity to House Fly (Musca domestica) and Lesser Grain Borer (Rhyzopertha dominica)

Using fumigation toxicity data of 11 natural and synthetic cyanohydrins to house fly (Musca domestica) and a stored-product pest, the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica), the quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) of cyanohydrins were examined by Oxford Molecular CAChe 3.2 and Microsoft Excel. This analysis used eight physicochemical parameters. Correlation between the LC(50) values for house fly and lesser grain borers was also evaluated. The results showed that log P, polarizability, and molar refractivity are the best descriptors to explain the relationship between the structure of cyanohydrins and biological effects in house flies, and to a lesser degree in lesser grain borers. A significant relationship was also found between the toxicity to house flies and lesser grain borers.
Biomechanical device towards quantitative massage

Massage therapies are widely employed for improving and recovering tissue functions and physical activities. It is generally believed that such therapies would promote health and well-being by many possible mechanisms, including fastening muscle blood flow, parasympathetic activity, releasing relaxation hormones and inhibiting muscle tension, neuromuscular excitability and stress hormones. Nonetheless, most of current research is based on statistics and thus qualitative, preventing the in-depth study of the effectiveness. This is partially due to the lack of appropriate tools for quantitative loading and in situ assessment of tissue performance. To address this, we develop a biomechanical device to mimic massage therapies by applying controllable mechanical forces to animal tissues during cyclic mechanical motions. The device can apply compressive loads normal to the tissue surface and generate lengthwise motion along the tissue surface. Mechanical forces are applied with controllable magnitudes, frequencies and durations. Tissue mechanical response is recorded and correlated to the loading parameters. The changes of bulk tissue compliance and viscoelastic properties under various loading conditions are evaluated. The improvement of tissue functions and inhibition of muscle inflammation are examined. The results show that the peak torque production increased after massage, which suggests the recovery of muscle functions. A reduced number of infiltrating leukocytes is also observed in the subject muscle fibers after massage. Findings of this study suggest that the biomechanical device offers a quantitative analysis of massage actions, which will help to determine the optimal range of loading conditions required for safe and effective use of massage therapies.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Inversion of dynamical indicators in quantitative basin analysis models. I. Theoretical considerations

Present-day observed downhole quantities, which a dynamical model of basin evolution should account for, include: total depth drilled, formation thicknesses, variations of porosity, permeability and total fluid pressure with depth, and depths of unconformities. Following a line of logic previously employed with multiple thermal indicators, it is shown how the observed quantities can be used in a nonlinear inverse sense to determine, or at least constrain, parameters and functions entering quantitative models of dyanmical sedimentary evolution. A procedure is given so that the inverse methods can be used: (a) with single well data; (b) with multiple well data; and (c) simultaneously with thermal indicator data, which have already been previously successfully inverted using a tomographic procedure. Parameters that can be evaluated using the dynamical indicator inversion (dynamical tomography) include, but are not limited to, values dealing with geological events (such as unconformity timing and amount of material eroded, the “openness” or “shutness” of faults; critical fracture pressure, etc.), as well as values dealing with intrinsic, or assumed, lithologic equations of state (such as power law values in connections between permeability and void ratio, or between frame pressure and void ratio). The dynamical tomography procedure can be used with or without weighting the data and/or the dynamical indicators; is guaranteed to produce a closer correspondence between predicted and observed behaviors at each nonlinear iteration; and is guaranteed to keep all parameters within any chosen domain. When used in a multiple well setting, the dynamical tomography method enables an assessment to be made of the assumed invariance to spatial location of parameters in equations of state, as well as allowing geologic process parameters to vary with well location. The procedure also automatically incorporates the ability to determine precision, resolution, sensitivity, and uniqueness of any or all parameters, both associated with equations of state and associated with geological processes. Thus, a sharper understanding is achieved of the trustworthiness and uncertainty of quantitative basin analysis models in respect of: (i) intrinsic assumptions of a model; (ii) implicit or explicit parameter dependences for both geological events and imposed functional dependences of variables; (iii) resolution with respect to finite sampling and measurement error or uncertainty in the quality and quantity of observed data.
A singular state of membrane lipids at cell growth temperatures

Cells adjust their membrane lipid composition when they adapt to grow at different temperatures. The consequences of this adjustment for membrane properties and functions are not well understood. Our report shows that the temperature dependence of the diffusion of a probe molecule in multilayers formed from total lipid extracts of E. coli has an anomalous maximum at a temperature corresponding to the growth temperature of each bacterial preparation (25, 29, and 32 °C). This increase in the lateral diffusion coefficient, D, is characteristic of membrane lipids in a critical state, for which large fluctuations of molecular area in the plane of the bilayer are expected. Therefore, changes in lipid composition may be due to a requirement that cells maintain their membranes in a state where molecular interactions and reaction rates are readily modulated by small, local perturbations of membrane organization.