cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An evolutionary approach to constructing effective software reuse repositories

Repositories for software reuse are faced with two interrelated problems: (1) acquiring the knowledge to initially construct the repository and (2) modifying the repository to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of software development organizations. Current software repository methods rely heavily on classification, which exacerbates acquistition and evolution problems by requiring costly classification and domain analysis efforts before a repository can be used effectively, This article outlines an approach that avoids these problems by choosing a retrieval method that utilizes minimal repository structure to effectively support the process of finding software conponents. The approach is demonstrated through a pair of proof-of-concept prototypes: PEEL, a tool to semiautomatically identify reusable components, and CodeFinder, a retrieval system that compensates for the lack of explicit knowledge structures through a spreading activation retrieval process. CodeFinder also allows component representations to be modified while users are searching for information. This mechanism adapts to the changing nature of the information in the repository and incrementally improves the repository while people use it. The combination of these techniques holds potential for designing software repositories that minimize up-front costs, effectively support the search process, and evolve with an organization's changing needs.
Correlation of manometric and endoscopic data from the esophagogastric area

In 9 patients the inferior esophageal sphincter was identified manometrically and simultaneously by direct vision at endoscopy. It was related to the squamocolumnar junction which was identified visually. The average length of the sphincter was 1.6cm and it was proximal to the hiatus and squamocolumnar junction in all but 1 of the patients. The method described makes it possible to study the closing mechanism of the distal esophagus in vivo.
MATURATIONAL CHANGES OF INSULIN BINDING TO FETAL HEPATOCYTES

To determine if the reported lack of direct insulin netabolic effects in fetal tissues is due to alterations in hormone binding and/or processing, we characterized the binding, internalization, and degradation of insulin by cultured hepatocytes from rat fetuses of 17, 19, and 21 days gestation. When insulin (100 nM) was incubated with fetal hepatocytes, we observed substantial reductions (66%-100%) in immunoreactive insulin. This loss was greatest in cultures prepared from 19 day fetuses. 125I-Insulin binding at 37 C rapidly reached a peak at 30 min. Specific binding was greatest in 19 day cells; 460 fmole/mg protein compared to 150 and 190 fmole/mg protein in 17 and 21 day fetal hepatocytes, respectively. Prior exposure to insulin (100 nM) induced an inhibition of subsequent binding, increasing with gestational age. Only minimal down-regulation was detectable in 17 day hepatocytes. Both internalization and intracellular degradation of 125I-insulin occurred rapidly, following a similar time course for all three ages. Despite the ability of 17 day fetala hepatocytes to bind, internalize, and degrade insulin, we were unable to demonstrate receptor down-regulation. The dissociation of these related processes raises the possibility that these cells have a more rapid rate of receptor turnover than those from 19 and 21 day fetuses.
Polar glass ceramics for sonar transducers

Glass ceramics are shown in this study to be a new class of transduction materials for application in sonar transducers. It is found that glass ceramics of Ba2TiSi2O8 have high hydrostatic voltage sensitivity, low dielectric loss, and low dielectric constant. These properties are also shown to be practically independent of pressure up to 35 MPa. The free‐field voltage sensitivity of a glass‐ceramic prototype hydrophone is higher than that based on a commonly used lead zirconate titanate ceramic element.
Role of nitric oxide in interleukin 2-induced corticotropin-releasing factor release from incubated hypothalami.

Abstract Stimulation of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) release from the hypothalamus by interleukin 2 (IL-2) was recently demonstrated. Cytokines induce nitric oxide synthase (NOS), an enzyme that converts L-arginine into L-citrulline and nitric oxide (NO). NO is believed to be responsible for the cytotoxic action of these agents. The constitutive form of NOS occurs in neurons in the central nervous system and NO appears to play a neurotransmitter role in cerebellar and hippocampal function. We explored the probability that IL-2 and synaptic transmitters might release CRF via NO. The effects of L-arginine, the substrate for NOS, and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMA), a competitive inhibitor of NOS, on IL-2-induced CRF release were studied using mediobasal hypothalami (MBHs) incubated in vitro in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer. L-Arginine did not alter basal and IL-2-induced CRF release after 30 min of incubation but significantly elevated both basal and IL-2-induced CRF release when MBHs were incubated 30 min longer, presumably because the endogenous substrate had been depleted after the initial 30-min incubation period. In 30-min incubations, both carbachol, an acetylcholineomimetic drug, and norepinephrine stimulated CRF release. There was an additive effect of incubation of the MBHs in the presence of carbachol (10(-7) M) and IL-2 (10(-13) M). On the other hand, coincubation of MBHs with norepinephrine (10(-6) M) and IL-2 (10(-13) M) did not produce any additive effect. Addition of NMMA, an inhibitor of NOS, at 1 or 3 x 10(-4) M completely suppressed IL-2-induced release of CRF as well as that caused by IL-2 plus carbachol. In contrast, the release of CRF induced by norepinephrine was not blocked by 3 x 10(-4) M NMMA. The data indicate that IL-2 can activate constitutive NOS leading to increased NO release, which activates CRF release. It appears that NO is also involved in the release of CRF induced by carbachol but not by norepinephrine.
Generation of Gravity Waves by Jet Streams in the Atmosphere

Abstract The characteristics of internal gravity waves generated by tropospheric jet streams are analyzed and discussed. By solving numerically the equations of motion in the linear, inviscid and Boussinesq limit, it is shown that a modal structure exists. Some of these modes have the ability to propagate vertically away from the jet and are likely to he responsible for some of the observed wave activities in the ionosphere as well as at the ground. For selected values of the minimum Richardson number of the flow, growth rates and horizontal phase velocities are given as functions of the horizontal wavenumber, for jet streams of varying width. Finally, a brief study of the stability of the so-called low-level jet, whose spectrum of generated waves undoubtedly will contribute to the dynamics of the nocturnal boundary layer, is undertaken.
Experimentation and Job Choice

In this article, we examine optimal job choices when jobs differ in the rate at which they reveal information about workers’ skills. We then analyze how the optimal level of experimentation changes over a worker’s career and characterize job transitions and wage growth over the life cycle. Using the Dictionary of Occupational Titles merged with the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, we then construct an index of how much information different occupations reveal about workers’ skills and document patterns of occupational choice and wage growth that are consistent with a trade-off between information and wages.
The 2.0 Å crystal structure of a heterotrimeric G protein

The structure of a heterotrimeric G protein reveals the mechanism of the nucleotide-dependent engagement of the alpha and beta gamma subunits that regulates their interaction with receptor and effector molecules. The interaction involves two distinct interfaces and dramatically alters the conformation of the alpha but not of the beta gamma subunits. The location of the known sites for post-translational modification and receptor coupling suggest a plausible orientation with respect to the membrane surface and an activated heptahelical receptor.
Solvation dynamics of room-temperature ionic liquids: evidence for collective solvent motion on sub-picosecond timescales

Abstract Little is known about the microscopic mechanism of solvation dynamics in room-temperature ionic liquids, but experimental studies have found that the solvent response has both sub-picosecond and nanosecond timescale components. We present the results of molecular dynamics calculations of the time-resolved fluorescence response of a chromophore in an ionic liquid, and analyze the solute–solvent interactions responsible for the observed signal. We find evidence for collective cation–anion motion on sub-picosecond timescales, contradicting earlier work suggesting the sub-picosecond response is purely anionic. We present an alternative hypothesis to explain our results and the widely disparate timescales for solvation response.
Interpretation of food specific immunoglobulin E levels in the context of total IgE

Abstract Background Food specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) (fsIgE) cut points are used in the evaluation of food allergies. Concomitant measurement of total IgE (tIgE) is traditionally not obtained. We anecdotally observed elevations in fsIgE mirroring tIgE increases, which may confound accurate interpretation. Objective To determine whether changes in tIgE were associated with fsIgE and whether predictions of fsIgE could be formulated based on tIgE. Methods We studied children younger than 18 years who had both tIgE and fsIgE (egg, n = 136; milk, n = 123; peanut, n = 201; soy, n = 55) obtained simultaneously on 1 or more occasion between January 2008 and February 2011. After institutional review board approval, natural log-transformed (ln) tIgE and fsIgE levels were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression models to assess associations and predict fsIgE using tIgE and other covariates. Results Soy IgE levels were strongly correlated (ρ = 0.85, P P P P Conclusion Our study found significant and parallel relationships between tIgE and fsIgE levels to egg, milk, peanut, and soy. It underscores the importance of examining fsIgE levels in context of tIgE while making diagnostic and management decisions in children with food allergies.
Acute and Long-Term Effects of Botulinum Neurotoxin on the Function and Structure of Developing Extraocular Muscles

Strabismus is a misalignment of the visual axes, due to an imbalance in extraocular muscle (EOM) function. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) treatment can correct the misalignment with permanent therapeutic effects in infants, possibly because the toxin causes structural alterations in developing EOM. To determine whether BoNT indeed permanently weakens developing EOMs, we examined the chicken oculomotor system. Following injections of BoNT in hatchling chicks, we quantified physiological parameters (contractile force measurements) and morphological parameters (myofiber morphometry, innervation, quantitative transmission electron microscopy of mitochondria/fiber types). Treatment of developing EOM with BoNT caused acute reductions of muscle strength and mitochondrial densities, but minimal changes in muscle fiber diameter and neuromuscular junction structures. Contrary to expectations, contractile force was fully recovered by 3–4 months after treatment. Thus, permanent therapeutic effects of BoNT most likely do not cause permanent changes at the level of the peripheral effector organ, but rather involve central (CNS) adaptive responses.
Quantitative analysis of aminophospholipids by high-performance liquid chromatography using succinimidyl 2-naphthoxy acetate as a fluorescent label

Abstract A simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure for the quantitative analysis of ethanolamine- and serine-containing phospholipids in tissue is described. The technique involves reaction of lipid extracts with succinimidyl 2-naphthoxyacetate to give fluorescent derivatives of aminophospholipids. Reaction products are separated by a silica gel column with gradient elution. The eluate monitored by fluorescence detection at 228 nm (excitation) and 342 nm (emission). Ethanolamine and serine plasmalogens can be measured indirectly by converting their derivatives into lysophosphatidylethanolamine and lysophosphatidylserine derivatives with exposure to hydrogen chloride fumes. The method is highly sensitive and selective.
ORAL PROGESTATIONAL ACTIVITY OF SPIRONOLACTONE1

Spironolactone has progestational activity in the rabbit and rhesus monkey. It produced glandular development in the endometrium of the estrogen-primed immature female rabbit over the dosage range of 50 to 200 mg/kg and, at 400 mg/monkey, it delayed estrogen-withdrawal bleeding in ovariectomized monkeys and it inhibited menstruation in regularly cycling monkeys. These data are consistent with the menstrual irregularity and amenorrhea seen in women during treatment with spironolactone.
Evaluation of topical therapy with silver-kaolin (Argostop) in an experimental model of burn wound sepsis.

Abstract Burn wound therapy with silver—kaolin, a topical agent applied as an aerosol spray, was evaluated in male rats given a 20 per cent total body surface area, full thickness dorsal scald burn. Burn wounds treated with silver—kaolin healed at rates comparable to untreated wounds. No significant differences were noted in the numbers or types of organisms colonizing the wounds of treated and untreated rats at 5, 12 and 19 days post-burn. To evaluate the effectiveness of silver—kaolin in treating burn wound sepsis, rats were inoculated on the wound surface with 2–5 × 108 Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This inoculum resulted in 100 per cent mortality in untreated rats. Rats treated with silver—kaolin had a mortality rate of 71 per cent, compared to a 9 per cent mortality rate in rats treated with I per cent silver sulphadiazine. When silver—kaolin was applied to the wound prior to bacterial inoculation, the mortality rate was reduced to 6 per cent. When wounds were treated with kaolin alone and then inoculated with bacteria, the mortality rate was 50 per cent, indicating that part of the effectiveness of silver—kaolin appeared to be due to a barrier effect. These results indicate that silver—kaolin may be useful for preventive topical antimicrobial therapy of acute burns or after wound debridement or excision, but is not suitable for therapy of wounds previously colonized by microorganisms.
In-hole and mainflow velocity measurements of low-momentum jets in crossflow emanating from short holes

Discrete hole film cooling utilizes jet-in-crossflow geometry where the jet is supplied through a short hole which may be pitched relative to the main flow. Typically, the velocity ratio is near one. Under these conditions, the mean flow structure of the jet/mainstream interaction may be strongly affected by the characteristics of the flow within the hole. Magnetic resonance velocimetry (MRV) is used to measure the 3-dimensional mean velocity field for various jets in crossflow with short holes of varied inclination angles and blowing ratios typically of gas turbine applications. Novel measurements of the flow within inclined feed holes are captured using MRV. Secondary flows within the hole are found to be strongly dependent on the inclination of the hole. The traditional counter-rotating vortex pair is observed in the mainstream, as well as high levels of wall-normal vorticity. The 3D vorticity field is used to modify traditional jet-in-crossflow vortex ring theory to apply to low-momentum jets which remain attached to the ejection surface.
Magmatic ‘metasomatism’ in peridotites from the Zambales ophiolite

Evidence for variable amounts of melt-induced metasomatism in upper-mantle peridotites has been observed in the ultramafic section of the Zambales Range ophiolite, Luzon, Republic of the Philippines. These peridotites are locally cut by mafic dikes that in some places visibly ooze into the host peridotite. The mafic silicate magma invaded the peridotite along grain boundaries and crystallized as poikilitic plagioclase and clinopyroxene. Compositional data indicate that the mafic material reacted with the peridotite. Mineral compositions in the mafic dikes are distinct from those in the surrounding peridotite. The compositions of residual olivine and orthopyroxene in the peridotite change with the amount of mafic magma within the peridotite. Fe-Mg exchange predominates; the residual olivine and orthopyroxene in the peridotite are enriched in Fe. Large relative enrichments in other magmaphilic elements (Na, Ti, AT) are also evident. Mafic liquid in transit through the upper mantle may act as a metasomatic agent, locally enriching the peridotite through which it passes and producing small-scale compositional differences in rocks that otherwise have remarkably uniform compositions.
The consequences of differentiation in episodic memory: Similarity and the strength based mirror effect

Abstract When items on one list receive more encoding than items on another list, the improvement in performance usually manifests as an increase in the hit rate and a decrease in the false alarm rate (FAR). A common account of this strength based mirror effect is that participants adopt a more strict criterion following a strongly than weakly encoded list (e.g., Cary & Reder, 2003; Stretch & Wixted, 1998 ). Differentiation models offer an alternative: more encoding leads to a more accurate memory representation for the studied item. A more accurate representation is less confusable with an unrelated item, resulting in a decrease in the FAR ( McClelland & Chappell, 1998; Shiffrin & Steyvers, 1997 ). Differentiation models make additional predictions about reversals in FARs for foils similar to a studied item as a function of the composition of the study list. These predictions were empirically tested and confirmed.
Zenith angle dependence of the geocoronal Lyman-alpha glow.

Review of the observations made on the zenith angle dependence and intensity of the geocoronal hydrogen Lyman-alpha glow by means of one of four extreme ultraviolet photometers flown to an altitude of 264 km on a Nike Tomahawk rocket launched from Thumba, India, in March 1970. The results obtained are compared with Meier and Mange's (1970) theoretical predictions. The possible causes for the discrepancies found are discussed.
Mechanical strength of shells of selected extant articulate brachiopods: Implications for paleozoic morphologic trends

Dried shells of Terebratalia transversa, Laqueus californianus, Hemithyris psittacea, and T. unguicula and alcohol‐soaked, tissue‐lined shells of Terebratulina retusa, Dallina septigera, Cryphus vitreus, and Liothyrella uva were crushed in an apparatus that facilitated measurement of the force (newtons) against the valves at the instant of fracture. The results revealed that the costate shells of T. transversa and T. retusa were the strongest. Force is correlated with valve thickness, but not with size (length). When normalized for valve thickness, the force required to fracture shells is correlated with shell biconvexity (height/length) among pooled species of dried specimens. Geniculate specimens of T. retusa were not stronger than the intraspecific variants with a constant radius of curvature to their valves. The percent‐frequency of plicate, spinose, lamellose and rugate genera increase significantly in the successive stages, Caradocian (Late Ordovician) through Famennian (Late Devonian) at the expens...
RURAL POVERTY, URBAN POVERTY, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

Data from the National Survey of Families and Households are used to compare the psychological well-being of the rural and urban poor. Overall, the urban poor are higher in perceived health than the rural poor, although no differences are apparent in happiness or depression. Significant interactions are present between rural/urban poverty and sex, race, and family status. The psychological well-being of poor African Americans is higher in rural than urban areas, whereas the well-being of poor whites is higher in urban than rural areas. This trend is especially pronounced for depression among males. In addition, single men without children have especially high depression scores in rural areas, whereas married women without children have especially low depression scores in urban areas. The results are interpreted in terms of the environmental quality of inner-city neighborhoods and attitudes toward poverty in urban and rural communities.
Myxoid liposarcoma: study of ten cases.

The ultrastructure of 10 myxoid liposarcomas from 9 patients is presented. Features closely resembling those of developing fetal adipose tissue were seen in all tumors. The various cell types identified ranged from undifferentiated cells to typical multivacuolated and univacuolated lipoblasts. In addition, a secretory-type mesenchymal cell with distended cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum was found in every case as well as intermediate cells with secretory product and lipid accumulation. Relative proportions of these types varied from case to case.A prominent feature in all cases was the particular spatial relationship of the abundant capillaries to the various cell types. The undifferentiated cells had perivascular processes with a tendency to envelop the primitive capillaries. These cells progressively enlarged and acquired features of the differentiated cell types as they separated from the lamina. Mitotic activity, when detectable, was prominent in the capillary wall and its vicinity. Lipoblasts...
Alignment and trapping of molecules in intense laser fields.

The anisotropic interaction of the electric field vector of intense laser radiation with the dipole moment induced in a polarizable molecule by the laser field creates aligned pendular states. These are directional superpositions of field-free states, corresponding to oblate spheroidal wave functions, with eigenenergies that decrease with increasing field strength. We present calculations demonstrating the utility of these states for both laser alignment and spatial trapping of molecules.
Nutritive Value of an Extrusion-Texturized Peanut Protein

Defatted peanut flour was texturized in a Wenger X-25 extruder at 25.1% moisture content and 140°C product temperature. Texturization did not have any significant effect on the amino acid pattern nor on the PER of defatted flour. For example, the PER of the flour was 1.57 as compared to 1.54 for the textured product. Supplementation of both products with 0.3% DL-threonine, 0.2% L-lysine and 0.2% DI -methionine resulted in a 39 and 41% increase in PER, respectively (PER = 2.18).
ASTRAL, a hyperspectral imaging DNA sequencer

We are developing a prototype automatic DNA sequencer which utilizes polyacrylamide slab gels imaged through a novel optical detection system. The design of this prototype sequencer allows the ability to perform direct optical coupling over the entire read area of the gel and hyperspectrographic separation and detection of the fluorescence emission. The machine has no moving parts. All the major components incorporated in this prototype are all currently available “off the shelf,” thus reducing equipment development time and decreasing costs. Software developed for data acquisition, analysis, and conversion to other standard formats facilitates compatibility.
Substance use disorders in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in VA healthcare, 2001-2010: Implications for screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract Background The prevalence and correlates of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and drug use disorder (DUD) diagnoses in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who are new users of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare nationwide has not been evaluated. Methods VA administrative data were used in retrospective cross-sectional descriptive and multivariable analyses to determine the prevalence and independent correlates of AUD and DUD in 456,502 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who were first-time users of VA healthcare between October 15, 2001 and September 30, 2009 and followed through January 1, 2010. Results Over 11% received substance use disorder diagnoses: AUD, DUD or both; 10% received AUD diagnoses, 5% received DUD diagnoses and 3% received both. Male sex, age Conclusions Post-deployment AUD and DUD diagnoses were more prevalent in subgroups of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and were highly comorbid with PTSD and depression. Stigma and lack of universal screening may have reduced the number of DUD diagnoses reported. There is a need for improved screening and diagnosis of substance use disorders and increased availability of integrated treatments that simultaneously address AUD and DUD in the context of PTSD and other deployment-related mental health disorders.
Rapid enzyme hydrolysis of urine extracts for estriol analysis

Abstract A method is described for quantitatively hydrolyzing estriol glucosiduronate (and presumably other urinary steroid glucosiduronates and sulfates) in 2 hr after concentration of the urine and removal of enzyme inhibitors by passage over a column of XAD-2 resin. The estriol is sufficiently pure for direct GLC or mass spectrometry analysis.
Ecology of the Kelp Highway: Did Marine Resources Facilitate Human Dispersal From Northeast Asia to the Americas?

ABSTRACTWe explore the ecology of Pacific Rim marine ecosystems and the idea that the broad geographic range of many nearshore food resources facilitated a dispersal of maritime peoples from Asia to the Americas. Geographically, a coastal route offered less ecological resistance than interior routes, providing a linear corridor entirely at sea level and essentially free of major obstructions after about 16,000 years ago. We show that North Pacific nearshore ecosystems—from Japan to Mexico—contained hundreds of species of edible shellfish, fish, marine mammals, birds, and seaweeds distributed more or less continuously over vast stretches of coast. A coastal route, including kelp forests and estuaries, would have provided a rich mix of marine, estuarine, riverine, and terrestrial resources. A maritime dispersal following Pacific Rim shorelines could have moved relatively rapidly from northeast Asia into the Americas, leaving behind ancestral populations who followed the aquatic corridors of major river drai...
Effect of Particle Size on Gastrointestinal Absorption of Sulfisoxazole in Dogs

After oral administration of sulfisoxazole to dogs, the blood level is affected by the particle size of the drug. Equations which describe this change in the range of experimental testing were derived empirically. Statistical evaluations and probabilities of error are given. The effect of particle size on the blood level of sulfisoxazole in dogs is due largely to the dissolution rate of the drug in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal. The possibility of controlling blood level by controlling the particle size content of a single dose is evident. Faster and higher blood levels of sulfisoxazole can be obtained by reduction of particle size. The proportion of the dose which is absorbed does not change; however, the rate at which this proportion is absorbed does change with a change of particle size.
Interleukin-7 Enhances Proliferation Responses to T-Cell Receptor Stimulation in Naïve CD4+ T Cells from Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Persons

Proliferation responses of naive CD4(+) T cells to T-cell receptor and interleukin-7 (IL-7) stimulation were evaluated by using cells from human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV(+)) donors. IL-7 enhanced responses to T-cell receptor stimulation, and the magnitude of this enhancement was similar in cells from healthy controls and from HIV(+) subjects. The overall response to T-cell receptor stimulation alone or in combination with IL-7, however, was diminished among viremic HIV(+) donors and occurred independent of antigen-presenting cells. Frequencies of CD127(+) cells were related to the magnitudes of proliferation enhancement that were mediated by IL-7. Thus, IL-7 enhances but does not fully restore the function of naive CD4(+) T cells from HIV-infected persons.
Aortic valve replacement in patients with mild or moderate aortic stenosis and coronary bypass surgery

Abstract Purpose To assess whether there is survival benefit for patients with mild or moderate aortic stenosis if they undergo aortic valve replacement at the time of coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods From 1985 to 1995 we evaluated all patients at our institution who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery and who had the echocardiographic diagnosis of mild (mean gradient 1.5 cm 2 ) or moderate (mean gradient ≥30 and ≤40 mm Hg and/or valve area >1.0 ≤1.5cm 2 ) aortic stenosis. Using propensity analysis, survival was compared between 129 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery alone and 78 patients who underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass surgery and aortic valve replacement. Results Perioperative mortality was similar among patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery alone compared with patients who underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass surgery and aortic valve replacement. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, 1-year and 8-year survival were better at 90% and 55% for patients who underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass surgery and aortic valve replacement compared with 85% and 39% for patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery alone ( P P = 0.04). Conclusion Concomitant aortic valve replacement at the time of coronary artery bypass surgery for mild or moderate aortic stenosis appears to convey a survival advantage for patients with moderate aortic stenosis but not for those with mild aortic stenosis.
Who Does what and How Much do They do? Gender and Total Work Time

Abstract It is clear that among dual-earner couples wives typically spend less time in paid labor and more time on housework than husbands, although there have been few studies comparing women's and men's total workloads. In this paper we examine the total workloads of women and men in dual-career marriages and assess the distribution of time between paid work and housework. Our findings indicate that, even among couples where both husband and wife work what can be considered full-time, gender differences in the allocation of time to paid work and housework persist. Men continue to invest more time in paid labor and women in housework even when there is an equitable allocation of total workload. The pattern is the same for couples with unequal total workloads.
Bank Mergers in Late Nineteenth-Century New England: The Contingent Nature of Structural Change

Although New England's unit banking system was declining in profitability during the late nineteenth century, the existing competitive environment prevented large institutions from outperforming their smaller rivals. As a result, there was little change in the structure of the banking system during this period. At the turn of the century, however, a wave of mergers radically transformed the banking sectors of Boston and Providence. Although the greater profitability of the mergers indicates they were a better fit to the economic environment than their smaller predecessors, their creation was only made possible by a special combination of historical circumstances.
A novel micro optical probe for early diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers

In this paper, we present the development of a new micro fiber optical sensor probe with side viewing capability for early diagnosis of cancers in upper gastrointestinal tract. The probe consists of a oblique incidence source and a collection array of microfabricated curved SU-8 waveguides for collecting spatially resolved diffuse reflectance from tissue surface. The probe has been used to measure ex-vivo esophagus specimens to differentiate cancerous tissues from benign ones.
Map-likelihood phasing

The recently developed technique of maximum-likelihood density modification [Terwilliger (2000), Acta Cryst. D56, 965–972] allows a calculation of phase probabilities based on the likelihood of the electron-density map to be carried out separately from the calculation of any prior phase probabilities. Here, it is shown that phase-probability distributions calculated from the map-likelihood function alone can be highly accurate and that they show minimal bias towards the phases used to initiate the calculation. Map-likelihood phase probabilities depend upon expected characteristics of the electron-density map, such as a defined solvent region and expected electron-density distributions within the solvent region and the region occupied by a macromolecule. In the simplest case, map-likelihood phase-probability distributions are largely based on the flatness of the solvent region. Though map-likelihood phases can be calculated without prior phase information, they are greatly enhanced by high-quality starting phases. This leads to the technique of prime-and-switch phasing for removing model bias. In prime-and-switch phasing, biased phases such as those from a model are used to prime or initiate map-likelihood phasing, then final phases are obtained from map-likelihood phasing alone. Map-likelihood phasing can be applied in cases with solvent content as low as 30%. Potential applications of map-likelihood phasing include unbiased phase calculation from molecular-replacement models, iterative model building, unbiased electron-density maps for cases where 2Fo − Fc or σA-weighted maps would currently be used, structure validation and ab initio phase determination from solvent masks, non-crystallographic symmetry or other knowledge about expected electron density.
Effect of Transport and Reaction on the Shape Evolution of Cavities during Wet Chemical Etching

The effect of fluid flow, transport, and reaction on the shape evolution of two‐dimensional cavities during wet chemical etching was studied. Finite element methods were employed to solve for the fluid velocity profiles and for the etchant concentration distribution in cavities of arbitrary shape. A moving boundary scheme was developed to track the shape evolution of the etching cavity. In the case of pure diffusion and under mass‐transfer control, a mask with finite thickness resulted in significantly better etch factor (etch anisotropy) as compared to an infinitely thin mask, albeit the etch rate was essentially unaffected. With fluid flow past the cavity, the etch rate increased fourfold and the etch factor increased by 40% as compared to pure diffusion, under the conditions examined. In addition, the etch rate, etch factor, and cavity wall profiles showed a strong dependence on etch time as the cavity aspect ratio (depth/width) increased with time during etching.
Descriptive analysis of complex odors: reality, model or illusion?

Abstract The primary sensory tool for specifying the characteristics of a complex aroma, fragrance, flavor or other odorous mixture of volatiles is descriptive analysis. Descriptive analysis uses a trained panel to specify the intensities of specific attributes, based on a psychophysical model for intensity scaling. However, the use of descriptive techniques for complex and well-blended aromas gives rise to several problems. The psychophysical intensity model based upon independent odor notes may be a poor way to characterize odor experience, bringing into question whether descriptive analysis is an adequate tool for sensory analysis of complex smells. These problems include the following: (1) disagreement among experts in the most prominent odor notes of a single product and other individual differences problems, (2) a correspondence between similarity scaling and intensity scaling, (3) the substitution of applicability measures for intensity, (4) the need to use mid-tier, general odor terms for profiling complex fragrances, and (5) blending and integration effects. Data will be presented on citrus–woody mixtures showing that ratings of similarity and intensity are highly correlated, suggesting a common underlying process for both ratings. A related issue concerns whether odors and their mixtures are perceived as unitary or analyzable percepts. With these same stimuli, the perception of singularity vs. mixed-ness of stimuli is difficult to predict. Sensory scientists should question the validity of descriptive data for such stimuli and avoid the simplistic mistake of equating data with perception. The use of simple and apparently independent intensity scales may produce the illusion that the odor experience is a collection of independent analyzable “notes” when it is not. ©
Tracking and explaining credit-hour completion

This study highlights factors associated with changes in earned hours for two cohorts of incoming freshmen during their first year. The objectives of this study are twofold: (a) to derive model(s) regressing the cumulative hours earned and differential hours earned on student demographic, socioeconomic, and academic characteristics; and (b) to provide succinct conclusions that will increase students’ satisfactory academic progress (SAP) based on the results. The study sample of 1,598 cases is made up of students from two cohorts of first-time, four-year degree-seeking students who started in the Fall semesters of 2010 and 2011, respectively. There were two measures of the dependent variable: Cumulative hours earned and the difference in earned hours between the Fall and Spring semesters. Multiple linear regression was used to explain the outcome variables using a student’s demographic, socioeconomic, and academic characteristics. The study found that there have been changes at Cameron University related to the freshman first year experience, while there were no significant differences detected between the 2010 and 2011 cohorts. In addition, demographic variables generally did not significantly explain earned hours or changes in earned hours. The significant predictors were generally tied to a student academic standing or factors for which the institution can exercise some control. DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v4i1.132
Rapid, continuous purification of proteins in a microfluidic device using genetically-engineered partition tags

High-throughput screening assays of native and recombinant proteins are increasingly crucial in life science research, including fields such as drug screening and enzyme engineering. These assays are typically highly parallel, and require minute amounts of purified protein per assay. To address this need, we have developed a rapid, automated microscale process for isolating specific proteins from sub-microlitre volumes of E. Colicell lysate. Recombinant proteins are genetically tagged to drive partitioning into the PEG-rich phase of a flowing aqueous two-phase system, which removes ∼85% of contaminating proteins, as well as unwanted nucleic acids and cell debris, on a simple microfluidic device. Inclusion of the genetic tag roughly triples recovery of the autofluorescent protein AcGFP1, and also significantly improves recovery of the enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST), from nearly zero recovery for the wild-type enzyme, up to 40% with genetic tagging. The extraction process operates continuously, with only a single step from cell lysate to purified protein, and does not require expensive affinity reagents or troublesome chromatographic steps. The two-phase system is mild and does not disrupt protein function, as evidenced by recovery of active enzymes and functional fluorescent protein from our microfluidic process. The microfluidic aqueous two-phase extraction forms the core component of an integrated lab-on-a-chip device comprising cell culture, lysis, purification and analysis on a single device.
A design project for system design with systemC

In this paper, we propose a co-simulation project involving design of a heterogeneous system based on an 8-bit RISC processor, which could be used to demonstrate system level design. A system, being a heterogeneous environment involves hardware and software modules, with communication involved between the modules. Because system architects and software engineers commonly use C/C++, we demonstrate the use of SystemC, a C++ class library to model the hardware functionality in the system, thus providing a smoother design flow in such an environment. Replacing the traditional hardware description languages (HDLs) with SystemC minimizes the communication overheads involved in current system design flow, decreases simulation time and thus speeds up the design process.
Downstream hydraulic geometry relations: 2. Calibration and testing

An edited version of this paper was published by AGU. Copyright 2003 American Geophysical Union.
Security in distributed digital libraries: issues and challenges

Providing security for digital libraries is challenging due to their dynamic and distributed nature. The need for security for digital libraries arises from legal, social and sensitivity issues of information. Increased dependence on agent-based architectures for digital libraries and peer-to-peer communications makes them more vulnerable to security threats. Thus, evolving a comprehensively secure distributed digital library system is challenging. In addition to the security guarantees, performance guarantees such as convenience in usage, minimal response time, and high throughput are also required of these systems. In this paper, we address the issues of integrating performance and security in digital libraries. We discuss a variety of security tools that are currently available and their impact on security and performance of digital library systems.
From Student to Teacher: A Successful Transition

This article seeks to contribute to the emerging body of research on learning to teach a second language (L2). Specifically, it examines the learning-to- teach experience of a preservice German language teacher from her own perspective illuminating the contextual, biographical, academic, and cognitive factors affecting her development (Freeman & Johnson, 1998; Freeman & Richards, 1996; Richards & Nunan, 1990). Multiple data collection instruments that generated relevant and rich data were used. They included open-ended interviews, participant observation, class videotaping and stimulus recall procedures, and lesson plans. Analysis of the data revealed that the interplay of factors, such as the learning background the participant brought with her added to her knowledge of the subject matter, her level of commit- ment, and an effective mentoring relationship contributed to the participant's success- ful, productive, and meaningful experience.
Ultrasonographic guidance for location of the trachea during the EXIT procedure for cervical teratoma.

Abstract Cervical teratomas are rare tumors of infancy that are associated with a high mortality rate caused by compression and distortion of the infant's airway. Recent attempts at managing the fetal airway before delivery have focused on the EXIT (ex-utero intrapartum treatment) procedure, in which time to secure an airway is provided while preserving uteroplacental gas exchange. The authors report the use of intraoperative ultrasound guidance during an EXIT procedure for an infant with massive cervical teratoma to aid in identification of the trachea. J Pediatr Surg 38:E12. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Work in progress: alumni mentoring of engineers in a technical communication course

This pilot project integrated the Vanderbilt engineering alumni council mentoring initiative in a technical communication course for all engineering majors. An opportunity for networking with alumni and learning about workforce communication was designed into a two-and-a-half-week report writing assignment working individually and in groups, 41 students interviewed 18 alumni and other professionals about workplace communication and reported their findings. Project components included an alumnus guest speaker and a post-project, alumni-sponsored luncheon attended by 27 students. Results showed that graduates spent a large portion of their work time on various written and oral communication tasks. Alumni and student questionnaire responses indicate that the project was beneficial and should be continued. Using an analytical five-point scale, students rated including a mentoring project next semester with a 4.1/5.0 while alumni rated it 4.6.
Low-Intensity Vibrations Partially Maintain Intervertebral Disc Mechanics and Spinal Muscle Area During Deconditioning

Abstract Background context Reduced spinal loading degrades the intervertebral disc and alters the muscle size. Purpose To determine the ability of high-frequency and low-intensity vibrations to maintain disc biomechanics and prevent muscle changes during hindlimb unloading. Study design Three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were hindlimb unloaded for 4 weeks. In two hindlimb unloaded groups, unloading was interrupted for 15 min/d and the rats were positioned upright on a 90 Hz vertically oscillating plate or a sham control inactive plate. One author owns (provisional) patents regarding the application of vibrations to the musculoskeleton. Methods The motion segments L4–L5 were mechanically evaluated in compression-tension, axial creep, and torsion loading. In vivo microcomputed tomography was used to determine longitudinal psoas and paraspinal muscle area. This work was supported by National Institutes of Health, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate, and NASA-Harriett G. Jenkins Predoctoral and W. Burghardt Turner Fellowships. The author (SJ) holds (provisional) patents regarding the application of vibrations. Results There were no differences between the discs of uninterrupted unloading and sham animals and these groups were pooled. Compared with normally ambulating age-matched controls, hindlimb unloaded discs had altered properties in every loading modality. Psoas area of the unloaded rats increased at L4 and L5 and the paraspinal area decreased at L4. Vibrations (90 Hz) maintained compression-tension properties, partially maintained creep properties, but did not mitigate torsional weakening because of unloading. Low-intensity vibrations prevented the increase in psoas area but did not abate paraspinal muscle loss. Conclusions In support of clinical studies, unloading deconditioned the rodent disc and altered the muscle area. Although brief exposures to upright posture provided only limited benefits, low-intensity vibrations superimposed on upright posture served to preserve disc mechanics during unloading.
Locus ceruleus in rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta): A combined histochemical fluorescence, Nissl and silver study

The locus ceruleus (LC) of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) was investigated using the histochemical fluorescence method and Nissl and ammoniacal silver stains. Caudally, a few fluorescent cells were observed in the lateral wall of the ventriculus quartus near the velum medullaris superior. Rostrally, the fluorescent cells were compactly clustered and reached their greatest density medial and, to a lesser extent, lateral to the tractus mesencephalicus n. trigemini at the level of the decussation of the nervus trochlearis. In the most rostral plane, fluorescent cells were more diffusely scattered ventral and medial to the pedunculus cerebellaris superior with a few cells situated near the nervus trochlearis. Nissl staining of tissue previously used for histochemical fluorescence showed that fluorescent cells were largely found in a region labelled LC in two rhesus monkey brain atlases and erroneously labelled nucleus tractus mesencephalicus n. trigemini in one brain atlas. Ammoniacal silver staining resulted in a dense accumulation of silver granules in the cells found to display a positive reaction for monoamines. The silver stains therefore offer an alternative to the histochemical fluorescence method for identifying the monoamine-containing LC neurons.