cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Dysfunction in HIV-1 Transgenic Mouse: Role of Stress and BAG3

Since highly active antiretroviral therapy improved long-term survival of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, AIDS cardiomyopathy has become an increasingly relevant clinical problem. We used human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 transgenic (Tg26) mouse to explore molecular mechanisms of AIDS cardiomyopathy. Tg26 mice had significantly lower left ventricular (LV) mass and smaller end-diastolic and end-systolic LV volumes. Under basal conditions, cardiac contractility and relaxation and single myocyte contraction dynamics were not different between wild-type (WT) and Tg26 mice. Ten days after open heart surgery, contractility and relaxation remained significantly depressed in Tg26 hearts, suggesting that Tg26 mice did not tolerate surgical stress well. To simulate heart failure in which expression of Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is reduced, we down-regulated BAG3 by small hairpin ribonucleic acid in WT and Tg26 hearts. BAG3 down-regulation significantly reduced contractility in Tg26 hearts. BAG3 overexpression rescued contractile abnormalities in myocytes expressing the HIV-1 protein Tat. We conclude: (i) Tg26 mice exhibit normal contractile function at baseline; (ii) Tg26 mice do not tolerate surgical stress well; (iii) BAG3 down-regulation exacerbated cardiac dysfunction in Tg26 mice; (iv) BAG3 overexpression rescued contractile abnormalities in myocytes expressing HIV-1 protein Tat; and (v) BAG3 may occupy a role in pathogenesis of AIDS cardiomyopathy.
The Metal-Insulator Transition and Superconductivity in Amorphous Molybdenum-Germanium Alloys

The metal-insulator (M-I) transition in amorphous molybdenum-germanium (a-MoxGel-x) alloys is found at x~0.10. The electrical conductivity measurement has shown exponential behavior due to the variable-range hopping in the insulating and ✓T-dependence in the metallic regime at low temperature. Differential tunneling conductance has shown an anomalous behavior in the tunneling density of states near the Fermi level as a function of energy and composition. Low-temperature specific heat has been measured and indicates there is a finite density of states through the M-I transition. Localization, electron interactions and superconductivity near the M-I transition are discussed.
Understanding the Educational Lives of Community College Students: A Photovoice Project, a Bourdieusian Interpretation, and Habitus Dissonance Spark Theory

Too little research exists that provides windows into the day-to-day lives of community college students. The purpose of this paper is to explicate one finding and concomitant grounded theory derived from a photovoice project aimed at understanding the educational lives of community college students. Participants saw the community college as a means to obtain a freer life, in the broadest sense. An integration of Bourdieusian thought and scholarship on role theory led to the creation of a constructivist grounded theory termed habitus dissonance spark theory, which suggests that community college enrollment is prompted by habitus dissonance, or discomfort with perceived levels of social agency, or freedom, in life. This paper outlines the finding and resultant grounded theory and its implications.
Towards a History of the Theory of Socialist Planning: Volume I

This set of volumes has two practical purposes. First, to provide scholars with a coherent set of readings which captures all of the main contributions to the debate on socialist planning. Second, to demonstrate through the selection of readings that the theory and history of socialist planning must be studied simultaneously and not separately, if we are to improve our understanding of the history and collapse of socialism in the twentieth century. The purpose of theory is to do history, and history unguided by theory is not possible. All historical accounts are guided by theory, and the question is not theory versus no theory, but articulated versus non-articulated theory. Articulated theory is what is necessary to advance understanding, while non-articulated theory tends to cloud understanding.
Decreased precipitation exacerbates the effects of sea level on coastal dune ecosystems in open ocean islands

The alteration of fresh and marine water cycling is likely to occur in coastal ecosystems as climate change causes the global redistribution of precipitation while simultaneously driving sea-level rise at a rate of 2–3 mm yr−1. Here, we examined how precipitation alters the ecological effects of ocean water intrusion to coastal dunes on two oceanic carbonate islands in the Bahamas. The approach was to compare sites that receive high and low annual rainfall and are also characterized by seasonal distribution (wet and dry season) of precipitation. The spatial and temporal variations in precipitation serve as a proxy for conditions of altered precipitation which may occur via climate change. We used the natural abundances of stable isotopes to identify water sources (e.g., precipitation, groundwater and ocean water) in the soil–plant continuum and modeled the depth of plant water uptake. Results indicated that decreased rainfall caused the shallow freshwater table on the dune ecosystem to sink and contract towards the inland, the lower freshwater head allowed ocean water to penetrate into the deeper soils, while shallow soils became exceedingly dry. Plants at the drier site that lived nearest to the ocean responded by taking up water from the deeper and consistently moist soil layers where ocean water intruded. Towards the inland, decreased rainfall caused the water table to sink to a depth that precluded both recharge to the upper soil layers and access by plants. Consequently, plants captured water in more shallow soils recharged by infrequent rainfall events. The results demonstrate dune ecosystems on oceanic islands are more susceptible to ocean water intrusion when annual precipitation decreases. Periods of diminished precipitation caused drought conditions, increased exposure to saline marine water and altered water-harvesting strategies. Quantifying species tolerances to ocean water intrusion and drought are necessary to determine a threshold of community sustainability.
Incorporation of optical enzymatic sensing chemistry into biocompatible hydrogels

Oxidative enzymes coupled with analyte-sensitive luminophores present a way to optically transduce levels of biochemical substrates. In combination with implantable biocompatible materials, such sensing chemistry could become a powerful tool in the continuous monitoring of analytes in a non-invasive manner. This work presents model optical sensing systems containing the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) and an oxygen-sensitive or pH-sensitive luminophore incorporated into biocompatible poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) hydrogels. Gel discs were exposed to step intervals of glucose in the physiologic range (0–400 mg/dL) to determine sensor response. Gels containing pH-sensitive chemistry showed drops in pH from 7.2 to 5.9 over the full glucose range. Gels containing GOx and O 2 -sensitive phosphor showed extremely high percent change in response (1270%) as glucose was increased. Addition of catalase (CAT) reduced the sensitivity of the O 2 -sensitive gels (995%), but also increased the analytical range by 26%. These findings show the promise of the described optically-transduced hydrogel systems with adjustable response profiles in the development of fully-implantable biosensors.
Perovskite: The Electrically Active Structure

Metal oxides that have particularly strong electrical responses very frequently have the perovskite structure, or incorporate elements of that structure into more complex arrangements. These include ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics, and superconducting oxides. These structures often involve alternating layers in coherent, intergrowth patterns. It will be shown how a wide variety of active metal oxides with extremely complex compositions can be organized into systematic families. The perovskite structure is so favorable in these materials that it persists even when the composition is far from the ideal ABO 3 .
Fast inactivation of Shal (Kv4) K+ channels is regulated by the novel interactor SKIP3 in Drosophila neurons

Shal K+ (K(v)4) channels across species carry the major A-type K+ current present in neurons. Shal currents are activated by small EPSPs and modulate post-synaptic potentials, backpropagation of action potentials, and induction of LTP. Fast inactivation of Shal channels regulates the impact of this post-synaptic modulation. Here, we introduce SKIP3, as the first protein interactor of Drosophila Shal K+ channels. The SKIP gene encodes three isoforms with multiple protein-protein interaction domains. SKIP3 is nervous system specific and co-localizes with Shal channels in neuronal cell bodies, and in puncta along processes. Using a genetic deficiency of SKIP, we show that the proportion of neurons displaying a very fast inactivation, consistent with Shal channels exclusively in a "fast" gating mode, is increased in the absence of SKIP3. As a scaffold-like protein, SKIP3 is likely to lead to the identification of a novel regulatory complex that modulates Shal channel inactivation.
Polymorphism and haplotype structure in River Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) coding sequence.

Most of the 160 million river buffalo in the world are in Asia where they are used extensively, both as a food source and for draught power. Only recently have investigations begun exploring the buffalo genome for variation that might influence health and productivity of these economically important animals. This paper describes the sequence variability of the toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) gene, which recognizes bacterial flagellin and is a key player in the immune system. TLR5 is comprised of a single exon that is 2577 bp and codes 858 amino acids. We examined single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within the coding region. Overall, 17 SNPs were discovered, seven of which are non-synonymous. Our study population yielded four different haplotypes. We examined predicted protein domain structure and found that river buffalo, swamp buffalo, and African Forest buffalo shared the same protein domain structure and are more similar to each other than they are to cattle and American bison, which are similar...
Why Markets in Proto-Deceptive Goods Should Be Restricted

In recent years there has been much philosophical discussion over the question of whether the prohibitions on markets in such items as human body parts and gene sequences, and services such as human reproductive labor and sex, should be lifted. Yet despite the attention paid to this issue there are been surprisingly little discussion of the question of whether markets in certain items that are currently freely traded should be restricted or eliminated. In particular, there has been little discussion of the question of whether markets in items that could be readily used to deceive people should be restricted. I argue in this paper that one of the central moral values of the contemporary West - respect for personal autonomy - requires that such markets be restricted.
Complexly fractionated syllogistic quantifiers

Consider syllogisms in which fraction (percentage) quantifiers are permitted in addition to universal and particular quantifiers, and then include further quantifiers which are modifications of such fractions (such as “almost 1/2 the S are P” and “Much more than 1/2 the S are P”). Could a syllogistic system containing such additional categorical forms be coherent? Thompson's attempt (1986) to give rules for determining validity of such syllogisms has failed; cf. Carnes & Peterson (forthcoming) for proofs of the unsoundness and incompleteness of Thompson's rules. Building on Peterson (1985), the coherence of such a syllogistic can, however, be demonstrated with an algebra which provides its semantics; e.g., “almost 1/2 the S are P” is represented as “−(3(SP)≫SP)”.
What Kind of Doing is Clinical Ethics

This paper discusses the importance of Richard M. Zaner’s work on clinical ethics for answering the question: what kind of doing is ethics consultation? The paper argues first, that four common approaches to clinical ethics – applied ethics, casuistry, principlism, and conflict resolution – cannot adequately address the nature of the activity that makes up clinical ethics; second, that understanding the practical character of clinical ethics is critically important for the field; and third, that the practice of clinical ethics is bound up with the normative commitments of medicine as a therapeutic enterprise.
The importance of quality: A post September 11 perspective

In these difficult times, many businesses have cut production and workforce to control costs. But what about quality? Customers still demand a quality product at a reasonable price. The authors first explain how to evaluate the costs of quality, and give tips on setting up a quality management system. They then discuss how companies have responded in this turbulent era, and what we can expect in the future. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
H-2 and Background influences on tissue grafts across the H-Y barrier

Male liver was grafted to kidney beds in syngeneic female mice. Relative influences ofH-2 haplotype, genetic background or interaction ofH-2 haplotype with genetic background on anti-H-Y response were evaluated using 27 inbred strains carrying eightH-2 haplotypes of independent origin and three naturally occurring recombinants. Females ofH-2b haplotype acutely rejected the male graft as is reported for other tissue graft systems. AnH-2 haplotype influence was found for all haplotypes studied, with a greater variation of immunologic response revealed by histological analysis of liver grafts than is demonstrated by skin grafts. Strains carryingH-2k,H-2j andH-2p haplotypes expressed the greatest range of immunological variability with responses ranging from graft proliferation to graft rejection. Strains carrying theH-2d haplotype had the most consistent responses with little reaction to the graft. The strong immune response by SJL/J (H-2s) female mice to the H-Y antigen is not typical of otherH-2s strains, but is compatible with the reported hyperresponsiveness of this strain to alloantigens.
Synthesis of carbon films with ultra-low friction in dry and humid air

Abstract Using pulsed dc magnetron sputtering, we synthesized hydrogenated amorphous carbon films with and without sulfur doping. These films were smooth and amorphous, with low compressive stress (
Photoperiodic Effects on the Emanation of Volatiles from Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Florets

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants acclimated to photoperiods of 18 hours light, 6 hour dark in plant growth chambers exhibited a daily cyclic pattern of floret volatile emanation with a maximum emanation of about 6.5 nanograms of hydrocarbons/floret.30 minutes. This maximum was reached about 6 to 8 hours into the light period. After 8 hours of light, emanation of volatiles decreased rapidly to less than 0.1 ng/floret.30 min even though light and temperature remained constant. Under continuous illumination, only a small increase of volatile emanation occurred during the following 24 hours. It appeared that a dark period was necessary to promote floret volatile emanation. Floret volatile emanation was drastically affected for at least 7 days following a photoperiod change. A photoperiod change caused 6-fold concentration oscillations every 2 hours. The results are interpreted on the basis of a very active floral metabolism controlled by photoperiodically induced rhythms.
Neal Theory of Home Health Nursing Practice

The delivery of patient care is increasingly taking place in home settings requiring home healthcare nurses to provide skilled, efficient care within a short period to patients with complex and chronic illnesses (Aliotta & Andre, 1997). Today, the demands placed on the practice of home healthcare nurses by changes caused by altered reimbursement patterns, integrated networks of delivery, use of new technology, and use of new outcome and quality measurement systems significantly affect home healthcare nursing practice. However, none of the established theories of institutional care, home health, community health, or public health nursing provide an appropriate research-based model for home health nursing practice as it exists today or as it is predicted to occur in the future.
Readiness for behaviour change in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: implications for multidisciplinary care models

Background & Aims Weight management is a cornerstone of treatment for overweight/obese persons with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This exploratory study sought to: (i) evaluate readiness to change weight-related behaviours; (ii) assess psychosocial characteristics that may interfere with weight loss; and (iii) evaluate how baseline psychosocial features associate with 6-month change in weight in persons with NAFLD receiving standard medical care. The purpose of this investigation was to develop hypotheses regarding relationships between psychosocial factors and weight for use in future fully powered studies and clinical interventions
PLASMA WAVE PROPAGATION IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF A MAGNETIC NEUTRAL POINT.

A linearized magnetohydrodynamic formalism is used to examine the propagation in two dimensions of transverse waves in a plasma in which is embedded a curl-free magnetic field. Only waves of frequency less than the ion cyclotron frequency are considered. The behavior of a wave packet near the magnetic neutral point is deduced from the general solution to the problem, which is found in terms of Bessel functions whose order is frequency dependent. It is shown that a disturbance propagates through the medium with a group velocity that decreases from the speed of light at large distances from the neutral point to zero at the neutral point, and that the amplitudes of the velocities associated with the disturbance diverge there. It is suggested that the ‘stagnation’ of waves near the origin and the deformation of the magnetic field resulting from the large plasma-flow velocities may provide a clue to the formation of the magnetic neutral sheet required by several flare theories and a theory of the acceleration of cosmic rays.
Effect of age on the thioltransferase (glutaredoxin) and thioredoxin systems in the human lens.

Purpose. To investigate the effect of age on the key oxidation repair enzymes of the thioltransferase (TTase) and thioredoxin (TRx) systems in the human lens.
Mixed-metal supramolecular complexes coupling phosphine-containing Ru(II) light absorbers to a reactive Pt(II) through polyazine bridging ligands.

Supramolecular bimetallic Ru(II)/Pt(II) complexes [(tpy)Ru(PEt2Ph)(BL)PtCl2]2+ and their synthons [(tpy)Ru(L)(BL)]n+ (where L = Cl-, CH3CN, or PEt2Ph; tpy = 2,2‘:6‘,2‘ ‘-terpyridine; and BL = 2,2‘-bipyrimidine (bpm) or 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine (dpp)) have been synthesized and studied by cyclic voltammetry, electronic absorption spectroscopy, mass spectral analysis, and 31P NMR. The mixed-metal bimetallic complexes couple phosphine-containing Ru chromophores to a reactive Pt site. These complexes show how substitution of the monodentate ligand on the [(tpy)RuCl(BL)]+ synthons can tune the properties of these light absorbers (LA) and incorporate a 31P NMR tag by addition of the PEt2Ph ligand. The redox potentials for the Ru(III/II) couples occur at values greater than 1.00 V versus the Ag/AgCl reference electrode and can be tuned to more positive potentials on going from Cl- to CH3CN or PEt2Ph (E1/2 = 1.01, 1.55, and 1.56 V, respectively, for BL = bpm). The BL0/- couple at −1.03 (bpm) and −1.05 V (dpp) fo...
A Spherical Model Calculation for Volumetric Response of Porous Rocks

The problem of external pressurization and release is solved for a hollow sphere of incompressible material obeying Coulomb's law of failure. The resulting relations between the applied pressure and the porosity of the sphere are used in formulating constitutive relations for the volumetric response of porous rocks. The theoretical predictions are compared with experimental data for a sandstone and a tuff. (auth)
The Synergistic Effect of Pasireotide and a Raf-1 Activating Agent in Carcinoids

Somatostatin analogs are the mainstay treatment for controlling tumor proliferation and hormone secretion in carcinoid patients. The new somatostatin analog Pasireotide (SOM230) may be more effective than others in its class, given its broader receptor spectrum and elevated binding affinity. Recent data suggest that ERK1/2 phosphorylation may potentiate the anti-tumor effects of somatostatin analogs in carcinoids. Additionally, ERK1/2 phosphorylation by Raf-1 activating agents has been shown to suppress biomarker expression in carcinoids. Thus, drugs that activate the Raf-1/MEK/ERK1/2 pathway may be synergistic with somatostatin analogs such as SOM230. Here, we investigate the effects of SOM230 in combination with Teriflunomide (TFN), a Raf-1 activator, in a human carcinoid cell line. Introduction
Using the Diagnostic Assessment of the Severely Handicapped-II (DASH-II) to measure the therapeutic effects of risperidone.

Background Within the scope of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover medication study, the Diagnostic Assessment of the Severely Handicapped-II (DASH-II) was evaluated as a measurement for determining the effectiveness of the medication risperidone in treating the problem behaviour of 21 people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Method Participants’ caregivers completed the DASH-II during the placebo/baseline phase of the study and the maintenance phase of the study, and completed the Aberrant Behavior Checklist – Community (ABC-C) weekly throughout the entire study. The results obtained using the DASH-II were compared to those obtained using the ABC-C, an instrument shown to be well correlated with the DASH-II. Results Results suggest that while the DASH-II and the ABC-C were well correlated during the placebo/baseline phase of the current study, they were not well correlated at completion of the 6-month maintenance phase of the medication trial. Conclusion The DASH-II, while appropriate for assisting in the diagnosis of psychopathology in people with ID, does not appear to monitor changes in problem behaviour as a result of risperidone use as well as the ABC-C. Differences in the frequency of problem behaviour that each measure evaluated and the applicability of using the DASH-II to measure medication effects on problem behaviour are discussed.
Comments on "Nonlinear Sequential Circuits"

This correspondence describes a way to find the co-efficients of the polynomials which were used to represent nonlinear sequential circuits.1
Looking for a Silver Lining: The Possible Positives of Declining Energy Return on Investment (EROI)

Abstract: Declining energy return on investment (EROI) of a society’s available energy sources can lead to both crisis and opportunity for positive social change. The implications of declining EROI for human wellbeing are complex and open to interpretation. There are many reasons why frugal living and an energy diet could be beneficial. A measure of wellbeing or welfare gained per unit of energy expended (WROEI) is proposed. A threshold is hypothesized for the relation between energy consumption and wellbeing. The paper offers a biophysical-based social science explanation for both the negative and positive possible implications of declining EROI. Two sets of future scenarios based on environmental and economic trends are described. Six types of social change activism are considered essential if the positives of declining EROI are to balance or exceed the negatives. Keywords: energy; EROI; human wellbeing; thresholds; degrowth; scenarios; social change 1. The Implications of Declining EROI for Human Wellbeing
Complete classification of spatial surfaces with parallel mean curvature vector in arbitrary non-flat pseudo-Riemannian space forms

Submanifolds with parallel mean curvature vector play important roles in differential geometry, theory of harmonic maps as well as in physics. Spatial surfaces in 4D Lorentzian space forms with parallel mean curvature vector were classified by B. Y. Chen and J. Van der Veken in [9]. Recently, spatial surfaces with parallel mean curvature vector in arbitrary pseudo-Euclidean spaces are also classified in [7]. In this article, we classify spatial surfaces with parallel mean curvature vector in pseudo-Riemannian spheres and pseudo-hyperbolic spaces with arbitrary codimension and arbitrary index. Consequently, we achieve the complete classification of spatial surfaces with parallel mean curvature vector in all pseudo-Riemannian space forms. As an immediate by-product, we obtain the complete classifications of spatial surfaces with parallel mean curvature vector in arbitrary Lorentzian space forms.
The Zeeman Effect in the OH Bands

Apparatus and experimental procedure. The Zeeman effect in the $^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}\ensuremath{\Pi}$ OH bands in the near ultraviolet has been photographed with a 21-foot grating at 7 field strengths, varying from 5000 gauss to 34000 gauss. Up to 22000 gauss a discharge in water vapor was used as the source. Two types of quartz tubes were employed, one viewed laterally, the other end-on and placed between rectangular pole-faces. At high fields the Back-box arc, operating in water vapor, was employed.Nature of the OH bands. The structure of the bands is briefly reviewed. New data on the satellite lines are presented, from which the $\ensuremath{\rho}$-type doubling in the $^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ states for which $v=0 \mathrm{and} 1$, is found to be 0.216 ($K+\frac{1}{2}$). Wave-number data on the hitherto unobserved $^{\mathrm{PP}}P_{21}$ branch are also given. The agreement between the calculated and observed wave numbers, as well as the Zeeman effect, establishes the identity of this branch.Theoretical calculation of the Zeeman patterns in OH. Hill's theory of the Zeeman effect in doublet states is applied to OH. In the $^{2}\mathrm{II}$ state the molecule behaves in the field as though quite rigid, symmetrical patterns being produced. The exact treatment of a $^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ molecular state, is given here for the first time. This state gives rise to large magnetic energy patterns which are shown in diagrams, as are also the resulting Zeeman spectrum patterns. The variety of ordering of the magnetic levels in the two states involved is the cause of strange patterns, consisting, for all lines except those near the origin, of a narrow concentrated part and a wide diffuse part.Results and comparison with the theory. The results of observations on the Zeeman patterns are given in tables and diagrams and quantitatively compared with the theoretical expectations. The lines are treated in three groups, (1) lines near the origin, whose fine structure is resolved, (2) lines of intermediate ${J}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}$ whose patterns were completely observed, (3) lines of larger ${J}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}$. The agreement with the theory is satisfactory.
Competition and resistance to starvation in larvae of container-inhabiting Aedes mosquitoes.

. 1. Hypotheses about declining populations of container-inhabiting Aedes mosquitoes following the invasion by additional species were tested. 2. The larval competition hypothesis was studied experimentally in pure and mixed cultures of Aedes aegypti (L.), A.albopictus (Skuse) and A.triseriatus (Say). The experiments used decomposing leaf litter in the laboratory, as opposed to most previous research which used non-natural food. 3. Resistance to starvation is introduced as a new measure of larval performance and competitiveness. The hypothesis is that more successful larvae store larger energy reserves and resist the lack of food longer. 4. Contrary to previous research showing better performance of A.aegypti in mixed cultures, A.albopictus developed faster and had greater survival when natural food was used. 5. Resistance to starvation was greater in the better performing species (i.e. A.aegypti with non-natural food and A.albopictus with leaf litter). Oxygen consumption by starved larvae was similar in the three container species, and in the ground-water mosquito, A.taeniorhynchus (Wied.), whose resistance to starvation was comparatively very low.
Grounding and Computer Technology

Industrial grounding practices have been irrevocably altered by the advent of computer technology. Today, this grounding is further impacted by the constant evolution of computers, which is made transparent to the engineer by the advent of the microprocessor, large-scale integration, distribution, and networking. The engineering psyche involved in the grounding of today's industrial facilities is addressed. Vendor and customer concerns and goals are defined, and a structured approach to handling computer technology grounding is provided.
Solutions of exponential growth to systems of partial differential equations

Integral representation formulas are established for functions of exponential growth satisfying a system of homogeneous partial differential equations with constant coefficients. This is a special case of a theorem of Ehrenpreis, but our proof is relatively short and gives the representing measures explicitly.
The role of diffusion in polymer degradation reactions with special reference to thermal degradation of poly-α-methylstyrene in solution*

Abstract A short survey of some diffusion-controlled reactions has been given, such as termination reactions, formation of monomer from polymers at high temperatures and reaction of N02 gas with thin films stacked together. Further, poly-α-methylstyrene has been thermally degraded in absence of air in several solvents of different viscosities at 210°, 220° and 240°. The solvents were cyclohexanol, which has a high viscosity, cyclohexane and a 1:1 molar mixture of these two solvents. The degradation process consists of random initiation, depropagation and termination. In the very initial stages of the degradation, the termination consists of a reaction between polymer radicals, while somewhat later a termination reaction between a polymer radical and a monomer molecule is operative. At a certain critical chainlength, the kinetic chainlength becomes larger than the polymer chains and termination is eliminated. The experimental rate constants for chain scission and monomer formation have been found to be directly proportional to the reciprocal solvent viscosities. This indicates that the overall reaction is diffusion controlled. All experimental facts agree with the assumption that the rate determining step is the diffusion of polymer radicals out of cages, after a potential chain scission has taken place forming an encounter pair in a cage. This escape is quite a rare event. Diffusion constants, radii of gyration of the polymer radicals, rate constants for chain scission (escape from a cage), cage concentration and equilibrium values for equilibrium constants for cage formation from the polymer and its reverse reaction have been calculated. Arrhenius equations for the various experimental rate constants have been derived.
Critical comparison of sources and detection methods in atomic spectrometry

Over the past three decades, the nature of atomic spectrometric analysis has changed dramatically. In the 1960's, flame and furnace atomic absorption were dominant, with furnace techniques gradually achieving prominence. In contrast, the 1970's witnessed the introduction of the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and the direct current plasma (DCP). Although the ICP is still the most frequently used excitation source, the decade of the 1980's has seen a resurgence of interest in the glow-discharge lamp (GDL) and the microwave-induced plasma (MIP). Today, novel sources are continually being introduced, supported by combinations of gas mixtures and operated alternatively at DC, microwave or radio frequencies. These advances must be assessed against the backdrop of more unconventional atom-formation techniques that involve the use of high-powered lasers, rare-gas sputtering systems, or tandem (coupled) sources.
On-line prediction of software reliability using an evolutionary connectionist model

An on-line adaptive software reliability prediction model using evolutionary connectionist approach based on multiple-delayed-input single-output architecture is proposed. Based on the currently available software failure time data, genetic algorithm is used to globally optimize the number of the delayed input neurons and the number of neurons in the hidden layer of the neural network architecture. Bayesian regularization is applied to our network training scheme to improve the generalization capability. The corresponding optimized neural network architecture is iteratively and dynamically reconfigured in real-time as new actual failure time data arrives. The performance of our proposed approach has been tested using four real-time control and flight dynamic application data sets. Numerical results show that our proposed approach is robust across different software projects, and has a better performance with respect to next-step-predictability compared to existing neural network model for failure time prediction.
Solubility of Apatite, Monazite, Zircon, and Rutile in Supercritical Aqueous Fluids with Implications for Subduction Zone Geochemistry

Solubilities of accessory minerals (apatite, monazite, zircon and rutile) in supercritical aqueous fluids have been measured to evaluate the role of these fluids in the mobilization of accessory mineral-hosted trace elements. We have characterized the effects on solubility of pH, X H 2 O (addition of CO 2 ), pressure ( P = 1.0-3.0 GPa), temperature ( T =800-1200 °C), and dissolved silicate and NaCl concentration. Fluorapatite solubility in pure H 2 O is low, not more than 0.4 wt% at all conditions studied, but increases strongly with decreasing pH. Changes in P, T, X H 2 O M NaCl (the molality of NaCl), and dissolved silicate concentration have comparatively little effect on apatite solubility. Monazite is even less soluble in H 2 O (not more than 0.2 wt% ). Limited data suggests that monazite solubility increases with increasing P and T and with decreasing pH, but is insensitive to M NaCl . Zircon reacts with H 2 O to form baddeleyite (ZrO 2 ) + silica-rich fluid. ZrO 2 solubility in H 2 O and 1 m HCl is less than 0.2 wt% . Zircon, and therefore ZrO 2 , solubility in quartz-saturated fluids± HCl ±NaCl and in H 2 O -CO 2 fluids is also very low. Rutile is more soluble than the other minerals examined, in the wt% range, and its solubility increases with increasing P and T . Results indicate that high P-T aqueous fluids can dissolve significant amounts of Ti but very little Zr, and little phosphate unless the fluids are acidic. In most cases, apatite, monazite and zircon will remain present during episodes of aqueous fluid metasomatism and therefore will exert control, as ‘residual phases’, over element distribution. The higher solubility of rutile relative to other accessory minerals at high pressure may result in the depletion of high field strength elements relative to large ion lithophile elements observed in subduction zone volcanics.
IV. Endogenous dopamine and serotonin release from the explanted rat tuberohypophyseal system: Effects of electrical stimulation and neurotensin

Abstract Excised blocks of brain tissue encompassing the hypothalamic periventricular nucleus, arcuate nucleus, infundibular stalk and attached pituitary neurointermediate lobe (NIL) were obtained from rats and perifused in vitro. The intact tuberohypophyseal dopaminergic pathway projecting from cell bodies in the hypothalamus to terminations in the pars intermedia and posterior lobes was thus isolated. An electrode placed in the explant delivered electrical pulses at various frequencies to hypothalamic targets. Products released in the immediate vicinity of the NIL were continuously collected and assayed for dopamine and serotonin content. Electrical stimulation of the arcuate nucleus from 1.0 – 10.0 Hz produced a frequency-dependent increase in dopamine, but not serotonin, release from the NIL. Stimulation of the infundibular stalk, however, elevated the release of both neurotransmitters. Addition of neurotensin (0.001 – 1.0 uM) to the bathing media produced a concentration-dependent increase in dopamine, but not serotonin, release. These experiments demonstrate the utility of the tuberohypophyseal explant as a model for use in the study of dopaminergic neuronal function in this neuroendocrine axis.
Halogen anion formation by polybrominated compounds in negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Bromine anions from polybrominated biphenyls and bromobenzenes form in great abundance by dissociative electron capture. Nitrogen reagent gas moderates bromine expulsion more than does methane. The relationship between bromine anion to molecular anion ratio and the number of bromine atoms in the molecule is logarithmic. Asymmetric arrangement of bromine atoms favors decreased bromine anion formation. Increased source temperature favors dissociative electron capture, but also decreases sensitivity. The apparent composition of polybrominated biphenyl mixtures is strongly influenced by the range of masses scanned if bromine anions are excluded.
CPATH: distributed expertise - collaborating with other disciplines

This project tries to provide a clarified and comprehensive understanding of the computing disciplines that allows shared experiences and expertise within and across the community. This collective sharing enables computing faculty to collaborate with other disciplines that use computing to enhance groups, and to create new cross-disciplinary areas of study and research. This involves the integration of computing with other disciplines like engineering, sciences, business, and arts and explores the challenge by bringing together instructors and researchers across the disciplinary boundaries. Distributed Expertise enhances teaching and learning experiences for students of computing and other disciplines in which computational thinking and computing models contribute to a variety of applications. This project is a collaboration by Villanova University, Virginia Technology University, and The College of New Jersey (TCNJ).
What is left of the endoscopic antireflux devices

Purpose of reviewWe critically analyze existing endoscopy-based interventions for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The focus is on the effectiveness of available procedures and to delineate goals for future research.Recent findingsRecent evaluations of the EndoCinch system reveal poor long-te
Early diagnosis of ataxia-telangiectasia using radiosensitivity testing.

Abstract Objectives: To utilize radiosensitivity testing to improve early diagnosis of patients with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T). Study design: We established normal ranges for the colony survival assay (CSA) by testing cells from 104 patients with typical A-T, 29 phenotypic normal patients, and 19 A-T heterozygotes. We also analyzed 61 samples from patients suspected of having A-T and 25 patients with related disorders to compare the CSA with other criteria in the diagnosis of A-T. Results: When cells were irradiated with 1.0 Gy, the mean survival fraction (μSF ± 1 SD) for patients with A-T was 13.1% ± 7.2% compared with 50.1% ± 13.5% for healthy control patients. These data served to define a diagnostic range for the CSA (ie, 36%), and a nondiagnostic intermediate range of 21% to 36%. The mutations of patients with A-T with intermediate radiosensitivity tended to cluster around the functional domains of the ATM gene. Conclusions: The CSA is a useful adjunctive test for confirming an early clinical diagnosis of A-T. However, CSA is also abnormal in other chromosomal instability and immunodeficiency disorders. (J Pediatr 2002;140:724-31)
Relationship Velocity: Toward a Theory of Relationship Dynamics:

Abstract The dynamic components of relational constructs should play an important role in driving performance. To take an initial step toward a theory of relationship dynamics, the authors introduce the construct of commitment velocity— or the rate and direction of change in commitment—and articulate its important role in understanding relationships. In two studies, the authors demonstrate that commitment velocity has a strong impact on performance, beyond the impact of the level of commitment. In Study 1, modeling six years of longitudinal data in a latent growth curve analysis, the authors empirically demonstrate the significance of commitment velocity as a predictor of performance. In Study 2, the authors use matched multiple-source data to investigate the drivers of commitment velocity. Both customer trust and dynamic capabilities for creating value through exchange relationships (i.e., communication capabilities for exploring and investment capabilities for exploiting opportunities) affect commitment...
Stimulation of Lateral Branch Development in Young Sweet Cherry Trees in the Orchard Without Bark Injury

The goal of the trials reported here was to determine the potential for replacing physical disruption of the bark layer with appropriate surface-active chemical products added to bioregulator solutions applied to unpruned 1-year-old sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) shoots to induce lateral branching. Two surfactant products, Pentra-bark (Quest Products Corp., Louisberg, KS.) and Syl-Tac (Wilbur-Ellis Co., Fresno, CA), combined with Promalin (PR, Valent BioSciences, Walnut Creek, CA) and applied to uninjured bark resulted in approximately the same increase in branching as produced by PR applications to scoring or nicking cuts. Surfactant concentrations higher than 1% v/v were usually necessary to produce increased branching. High concentrations of PR were not effective unless supplemented with a surfactant. Painting active solutions in 3–4 cm wide bands every 30 cm was just as effective as painting those solutions along the length of the outward-facing side of 1-year-old shoots. Use of appropriate surfactant...
‘There is no justice in a police department’: a phenomenological study of police experiences

This is a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach that examines police officers’ experiences with and perceptions of justice within their departments. The main research question under investigation in this study is: How do officers perceive organizational justice within their departments? Interviews with current and former police officers were conducted over a five-month period, and the officers’ responses were analyzed in order to identify themes related to the research question. Findings indicate that most police officers experienced or witnessed some form of unfairness within their department and these perceptions are related to the officers’ sense of value.
Lipidomic analysis of endocannabinoid metabolism in biological samples

The endocannabinoids are signaling lipids present in many living organisms. They activate G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors to modulate a broad range of biological processes that include emotion, cognition, inflammation and reproduction. The endocannabinoids are embedded in an interconnected network of cellular lipid pathways, the regulation of which is likely to control the strength and duration of endocannabinoid signals. Therefore, physiopathological or pharmacological perturbations of these pathways may indirectly affect endocannabinoid activity and, vice versa, endocannabinoid activity may influence lipid pathways involved in other metabolic and signaling events. Recent progress in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry has fueled the development of targeted lipidomic approaches, which allow researchers to examine complex lipid interactions in cells and gain a broader view of the endocannabinoid system. Here, we review these new developments from the perspective of our laboratory's experience in the field.
A k-generation approach to wireless fingerprinting for position estimation

Traditional approaches to pattern based positioning have proposed schemes specifically tailored for the area of interest in which they are employed. Many, when applied to a generic search environment, may not scale computationally due to either a very large tracking area, very fine granularity in the database, or both. Here, a novel framework for fingerprinting that utilizes a k-generation structure is proposed. This significantly reduces the required number of computations while maintaining comparable accuracy to the traditionally used single-generation approach. This is the key enabler that allows generalization of our framework to any search space. We validate this approach through simulation and show that the a multigeneration approach indeed provides computational gains while simultaneously maintaining accuracy. Second, we show how a natural grouping of constituent members can improve accuracy. We use graph spectral partitioning to demonstrate this effect. The end result is a framework that can be generalized to any size search space with an arbitrary level of granularity.
Massive ice avalanches on Iapetus mobilized by friction reduction during flash heating

The great distance travelled by long-runout landslides, observed previously on the Earth and Mars, requires a mechanism of friction reduction. Identification and analysis of long-runout landslides on Saturn’s moon Iapetus suggests that the Iapetian landslides are enabled by flash heating of the icy sliding surface.
Note on the baryon asymmetry thermalized by the anomalous electroweak processes

Abstract The thermalized cosmological baryon asymmetry in the presence of the anomalous electroweak interactions is commented on, and the value given by Kuzmin et al. is corrected.
Cortical Plasticity Following Motor Skill Learning During Mental Practice in Stroke

Background and purpose. Mental practice (MP), which involves cognitive rehearsal of physical movements, is a noninvasive, inexpensive method of enabling repetitive, task-specific practice (RTP). Recent, randomized controlled data suggest that MP, when combined with an RTP therapy program, increases affected arm use and function significantly more than RTP only. As a next step, this 10-subject case series examined the possibility that cortical plasticity is a mechanism underlying the treatment effect of MP when combined with RTP. Method. Ten chronic stroke patients (mean = 36.7 months) exhibiting stable, moderate motor deficits received 30-minute therapy sessions for their affected arms, occurring 3 days/week for 10 weeks, and emphasizing valued activities of daily living (ADLs). Directly after therapy, subjects received 30-minute MP sessions, which required MP of the ADLs performed during therapy. Behavioral outcomes were blindly evaluated using the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Fugl-Meyer Asses...
Early Deterioration Followed by Improvement in Contractility During Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography: An Unusual Response

Abstract In 2 patients with severe proximal coronary artery stenosis and normal wall motion in this territory, we observed marked wall motion abnormalities with low and intermediate doses of dobutamine, followed by marked improvement with continued dobutamine infusion. This unusual response suggests ischemic preconditioning and recruitment of coronary collaterals and would be recognized only by monitoring of images obtained at all stages of dobutamine infusion. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1999;12:1110-3.)