cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decision-based software development: design and maintenance

A software maintenance task comprises the activities of understanding, assessment, analysis, realization and verification of the required changes. A decision-based software development methodology in which the various software objects are related by the decisions in which they are involved, is proposed. A decision relates a problem to its solution, gives alternate solutions which were considered and justifies the particular solution chosen. A decision or related set of decisions, provides a view of the software system relevant to that decision and allows the retrieval of source code which resulted from that decision. The design of D-HyperCase, a prototype decision-based software development support system, is described. Since this system is being developed using the decision-based approach, development experiences are discussed. >
How to Repair Unconscionable Contracts

Several doctrines of contract law allow courts to strike down excessively one-sided terms. A large literature explored which terms should be viewed as excessive, but a related question is often ignored - what provision should replace the vacated excessive term? This paper begins by suggesting that there are three competing criteria for a replacement provision: (1) the most reasonable term; (2) a punitive term, strongly unfavorable to the overreaching party; and (3) the maximally tolerable term. The paper explores in depth the third criterion - the maximally tolerable term - under which the excessive term is reduced merely to the highest level that the law considers tolerable. This solution preserves the original bargain to maximal permissible extent, and yet brings it within the tolerable range. The paper demonstrates that this criterion, which received no prior scholarly notice, is quite prevalent in legal doctrine, and that its adoption is based on powerful conceptual and normative underpinnings.
An Association between the Allele Coding for a Low Activity Variant of Catechol-O-methyltransferase and the Risk for Breast Cancer

Abstract Mounting evidence suggests that catechol metabolites of estradiol may contribute to the development of estrogen-induced cancers. O-Methylation, catalyzed by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), inactivates catechol estrogens. COMT is polymorphic in the human population, with 25% of Caucasians being homozygous for a low activity allele of the enzyme (COMTLL). We hypothesized that low activity COMT may be a risk factor for human breast cancer and designed a PCR-based RFLP assay to determine COMT genotype in a cohort of 112 matched, nested case-control samples. In the total study population, the odds ratios for the association of breast cancer risk with COMTHL and COMTLL genotypes were 1.30 [confidence interval (CI), 0.66–2.58] and 1.45 (CI, 0.69–3.07), respectively. Postmenopausal COMTLL women had a greater than 2-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer [odds ratio (OR), 2.18; CI, 0.93–5.11]. The association of COMTLL with the development of postmenopausal breast cancer was stronger and statistically significant in those women with a body mass index >24.47 kg/m2 (OR, 3.58; CI, 1.07–11.98). When COMTLL was combined with either glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 null or with GSTP1 Ile-105-Val/Val-105-Val (intermediate/low activity, respectively) genotypes, the risk for developing postmenopausal breast cancer was also significantly increased. Our findings suggest that the allele encoding low activity COMT may be an important contributor to the postmenopausal development of breast cancer in certain women.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid Synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells Permeabilized with Ether

Abstract Cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae permeabilized by treatment with ether take up and incorporate exogenous deoxynucleoside triphosphate into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). With ρ+ strains, more than 95% of the product was mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This report characterizes ether-permeabilized yeast cells and describes studies on the mechanism of mtDNA synthesis with this system. The initial rate of in vitro mtDNA synthesis with one strain (X2180-1Bρ+) was close to the rate of mtDNA replication in vivo. The extent of synthesis after 45 min was sufficient for the duplication of about 25% of the total mtDNA in the cells. The incorporated radioactivity resulting from in vitro DNA synthesis appeared in fragments that were an average of 30% mitochondrial genome size. Density-labeling experiments showed that continuous strands of at least 7 kilobases after denaturation, and up to 25 kilobase pairs before denaturation, were synthesized by this system. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that a large proportion of DNA product after short labeling times appeared in 0.25-kilobase fragments (after denaturation), which served as precursors of high-molecular-weight DNA. It is not yet clear whether the short pieces participate in a mechanism of discontinuous replication similar to that of bacterial and animal cell chromosomal DNA or whether they are related to the rapidly turning over, short initiation sequence of animal cell mtDNA. In ρ0 strains, which lack mtDNA, the initial rate of nuclear DNA synthesis in vitro was 1 to 2% of the average in vivo rate. With temperature-sensitive DNA replication mutants (cdc8), the synthesis of nuclear DNA was temperature sensitive in vitro as well, and in vitro DNA synthesis was blocked in an initiation mutant (cdc7) that was shifted to the restrictive temperature before the ether treatment.
A photoelectric colorimetric assay for gentian violet by comparison with a standard powder

Abstract A colorimetric photoelectric quantitative method has been developed whereby the gentian violet content of tablets may be determined by comparison with a standard reference powder. Samples of gentian violet may be compared with each other.
A Geographic Approach to Sectoral Carbon Inventory: Examining the Balance Between Consumption-Based Emissions and Land-Use Carbon Sequestration in Florida

Carbon accounting is an important analytical task that provides baseline information to assist in establishing emissions targets, developing market-based carbon trading programs, and facilitating s...
Evaluation of polymeric thin-film waveguides as chemical sensors

Polymeric optical waveguides were employed as sensors, based on the chemical interaction of the polymer with its environment. As the polymer preferentially absorbs chemicals from a sample matrix, the waveguiding properties of the polymeric film change. These changes in the refractive index and the thickness of the film are expressed as shifts in the waveguide propagation modes, which can be monitored to provide a very reproducible sensor signal. Because the waveguides are typically less than one micron thick, these sensors also have short response rates. An evaluation of the responses of several polymeric thin film waveguides and their cross sensitivities is presented.
Prehospital Management of Congestive Heart Failure

The evolution of prehospital treatment of decompensated congestive heart failure has in some ways come full circle: rather than emphasizing a battery of new pharmacotherapies, out-of-hospital providers have a renewed focus on aggressive use of nitrates, optimization of airway support, and rapid transport. The use of furosemide and morphine has become de-emphasized, and a flurry of research activity and excitement revolves around the use of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation. Further research will clarify the role of bronchodilators and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the prehospital setting.
Sudden onset of atrial flutter during continuous venovenous hemodialysis.

A 56-YEAR-OLD MAN was admitted to the authors’ intensive care unit with an exacerbation of congestive heart failure concomitant with hypotension (80/49 mmHg) and hyperkalemia (6.2 mmol/L). The patient had end-stage cardiomyopathy and hemodialysis-dependent renal failure resulting from chronic human immunodeficiency virus infection. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed biventricular failure with an ejection fraction of 15%. A chest radiograph showed cardiomegaly and pulmonary edema. A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) showed normal sinus rhythm and nonspecific T-wave changes in the lateral leads. Inotropic support (intravenous infusions of dobutamine and dopamine) was begun to support the patient’s arterial blood pressure, and continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) was initiated for the treatment of hyperkalemia. Approximately 1 hour after CVVHD was begun, the intensive care unit nurse reported the presence of new-onset atrial flutter to the resident on call. A new 12-lead ECG was consistent with this diagnosis (Fig 1). Clinical symptoms were absent as a result of the arrhythmia, and the physical signs, including heart rate (86 beats/min) and arterial blood pressure (100/65 mmHg), essentially were unchanged. In response to this apparent medication-related atrial flutter, the intravenous infusion of dobutamine was discontinued and the infusion rate of dopamine was reduced. CVVHD of intravascular
Differential Knowledge of Display Rules for Positive and Negative Emotions: Influences from Parents, Influences on Peers

The current study examined different types of display rule knowledge and their relation to parental control of children’s emotional expression and children’s social competence. A sample of 61 third-grade children (50% Euro-American, 40% Latino, and 10% African-American, Asian-American or other) participated in the current study. Children’s knowledge of display rules for positive and negative emotions was explored, as were the different reasons for endorsing the use of display rules. Parental level of control of children’s emotions was also examined. Findings indicate that children who endorsed the use of display rules for both positive and negative emotions were rated as more competent by both teachers and peers. Parental control of children’s expression of emotion was negatively related to children’s knowledge of display rules and better social outcomes.
Ligand-induced protein mobility in complexes of carbonic anhydrase II and benzenesulfonamides with oligoglycine chains.

This paper describes a biophysical investigation of residual mobility in complexes of bovine carbonic anhydrase II (BCA) and para-substituted benzenesulfonamide ligands with chains of 1–5 glycine subunits, and explains the previously observed increase in entropy of binding with chain length. The reported results represent the first experimental demonstration that BCA is not the rigid, static globulin that has been typically assumed, but experiences structural fluctuations upon binding ligands. NMR studies with 15N-labeled ligands demonstrated that the first glycine subunit of the chain binds without stabilization or destabilization by the more distal subunits, and suggested that the other glycine subunits of the chain behave similarly. These data suggest that a model based on ligand mobility in the complex cannot explain the thermodynamic data. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange studies provided a global estimate of protein mobility and revealed that the number of exchanged hydrogens of BCA was higher when the protein was bound to a ligand with five glycine subunits than when bound to a ligand with only one subunit, and suggested a trend of increasing number of exchanged hydrogens with increasing chain length of the BCA-bound ligand, across the series. These data support the idea that the glycine chain destabilizes the structure of BCA in a length-dependent manner, causing an increase in BCA mobility. This study highlights the need to consider ligand-induced mobility of even “static” proteins in studies of protein-ligand binding, including rational ligand design approaches.
Development of cascade showers in dense media.

I have discovered a new way of solving for the evolution of an electromagnetic cascade shower when the cross sections have been altered by the density. This method relies on a set of Green's-function solutions to the usual diffusion equations of approximation A of Rossi and Greisen. The Green's functions explicitly account for the energy and density dependence of the cross sections. This technique gives distribution functions for showers in material at any density, and for all incident and final energies. In particular, this method has been used to study the development of cascade showers at the surface of a neutron-star polar cap. Particles emitted by nuclei excited by a cascade shower are thought to be an important plasma source for radio pulsars. Showers computed using the density-suppressed cross sections penetrate much deeper than the usual Bethe-Heitler showers, which reduces the importance of the excited nuclei for pulsar models. The integrated cross sections introduced by the Mellin-transform techniques of approximation A lend themselves to a description of shower evolution in terms of the mean shower properties. The solutions to the mean shower development equations are at best a rough guide to the evolution of the shower as a whole, butmore » they clearly illustrate the increasing penetration depth of the shower caused by the reduced cross sections.« less
New insights into the molecular pathophysiology of polycystic kidney disease

New insights into the molecular pathophysiology of polycystic kidney disease. Polycystic kidney diseases are characterized by the progressive expansion of multiple cystic lesions, which compromise the function of normal parenchyma. Throughout the course of these diseases, renal tubular function and structure are altered, changing the tubular microenvironment and ultimately causing the formation and progressive expansion of cyctic lesions. Renal tubules are predisposed to cystogenesis when a germ line mutation is inherited in either the human PKD1 or PKD2 genes in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) or when a homozygous mutation in Tg737 is inherited in the orpk mouse model of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Recent information strongly suggests that the protein products of these disease genes may form a macromolecular signaling structure, the polycystin complex, which regulates fundamental aspects of renal epithelial development and cell biology. Here, we re-examine the cellular pathophysiology of renal cyst formation and enlargement in the context of our current understanding of the molecular genetics of ADPKD and ARPKD.
Single-sideband hybrid AM-PM signal models

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The adsorption of ethylene oxide on Ag(110) and Pt(111): Relevance to selective olefin oxidation

Abstract The interactions of ethylene oxide (EtO) with the Ag(110) and Pt(111) surfaces have been studied using XPS, TDS, AES and EELS. On Ag(110), the interaction is very weak, with only molecular desorption observable. The heat of adsorption is ≈ 10.1 kcal mole −1 . In contrast, decomposition reactions strongly predominate on Pt(111) at low coverage. Molecular desorption is only seen at high coverages. The heat of adsorption decreases from > 11.9 to 10 kcal mole −1 with increasing coverage. Condensed multilayers desorb at ≈ 140 K. Ultimate decomposition products on Pt(111) include H 2 and CO gas, and carbon residue on the surface. Evidence suggests that adsorbed decomposition intermediates may include atomic hydrogen, CO, acetyl and ethylidyne species, with at least one other, yet unidentified, species. These results imply that, if produced, adsorbed ethylene oxide would be unlikely to escape a reactor containing Pt catalyst without further decomposition reactions. This may help explain the uniqueness of Ag catalysts in ethylene epoxidation.
ISOTOPIC GCMS STUDY OF THE MECHANISM OF METHANE PARTIAL OXIDATION TO SYNTHESIS GAS

An isotopic pulse is combined with a gas chromatography−mass spectrum to investigate the mechanism of the partial oxidation of methane. For a pulse reaction of CH4/CD4/O2 (1/1/1) at 600 °C over a reduced NiO/SiO2 catalyst, besides CH4 and CD4, large amounts of CHD3, CH2D2, and CH3D were detected in the exit gas. This indicates that CH, CH2, and CH3 species are formed during the reaction, i.e., that CH4 is activated via its dissociation before its oxidation. The amount of methane involved in the isotopic exchange reaction was larger than that converted to CO and CO2. Consequently, the dissociation of methane is not rate determining. Over an unreduced NiO/SiO2 catalyst, CH4 and CD4, without any CHxDy (x + y = 4), were detected in the exit gas, indicating that methane reacts directly with oxygen without its predissociation. For the reaction of CH4/CD4(1/1) with the lattice oxygen of the catalyst, CH4 and CD4, without any CHxDy (x + y = 4), were detected in the exit gas, indicating that methane reacts directl...
The Lesser of Two Weevils: Molecular-Genetics of Pest Palm Weevil Populations Confirm Rhynchophorus vulneratus (Panzer 1798) as a Valid Species Distinct from R. ferrugineus (Olivier 1790), and Reveal the Global Extent of Both

The red palm weevil (RPW) is a major pest of palms. It is native to southeast Asia and Melanesia, but in recent decades has vastly expanded its range as the result of multiple accidental anthropogenic introductions into the Middle East, Mediterranean Basin, Caribbean, and U.S.A. Currently regarded as a single species, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), RPW displays remarkable color variation across its range, and consequently has a taxonomic history littered with new species descriptions and synonymization. We compared DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene from RPW populations throughout the native and invaded ranges, to investigate the specific status and invasion history of this serious economic pest, and to identify possible common routes of entry. Analyses of COI haplotype data provide conclusive support, corroborated by sequences of additional nuclear gene regions, for the existence of at least two predominantly allopatric species. The true R. ferrugineus is native only to the northern and western parts of continental southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, and is responsible for almost all invasive populations worldwide. In contrast, the second species, which is currently synonymized under R. ferrugineus and should be resurrected under the name R. vulneratus (Panzer), has a more southern distribution across Indonesia, and is responsible for only one invasive population; that in California, U.S.A. The distribution of COI haplotypes is used to discuss the possible existence of further cryptic species, sources and routes of entry of different invasive populations, and the implications of our findings for current control methods.
Environmental regulation and U.S. states' technical inefficiency

Abstract Using data on 48 states from 1982–1994, we estimate the impact of environmental regulation on technical inefficiency of U.S. states' manufacturing sector. The result indicates that environmental stringency has significant and positive impacts on U.S. states' technical inefficiency.
Inverse identification of inputs of a random utility based model using optimal control

Abstract The random utility based multiregional input–output (RUBMRIO) model is used by several integrated land use and transportation models (ILUTMs) to forecast commodity flows in a region and for spatial allocation of production activities. It makes use of multiregional input–output models which are based on random utility theory. In this work, we use optimal control techniques to find optimal final demand and transportation costs of a RUBMRIO model, that would lead to a desired level of commodity flow and production costs. At first, the RUBMRIO model is formulated as a discrete time dynamical system. It is shown, using Lyapunov argument, that the fixed point of the dynamical system is input-to-state stable (ISS). Then, a discrete time optimal control problem is formulated with states as commodity flows and production costs, and the final demand and transportation costs as control inputs. An optimization problem is then solved to obtain control inputs that would lead to desired commodity flows and production costs. Further, the proposed methodology is applied to a numerical example. It is shown that the optimal control based method can achieve user specified commodity flows and production costs up to an acceptable accuracy level.
Protective effect of ethyl alcohol in profound hypothermia

Summary These studies evaluate the effect of alcohol on cardiac action in rats in profound hypothermia. Two milliliters of 50% alcohol were injected intraperitoneally in 250-g rats, and the animals were respired with room air with diminishing tidal volumes while cooled by immersion in iced salt water (−15°C). Rectal temperatures and electrocardiograms were monitored. Rewarming was by 40°C waterbath and a heat lamp focused over the chest. In 24 alcoholic rats cardiac standstill occurred at 3.1°C (range 0 to 6°C), with body temperatures dropping to an average of 0°C and a range of −2 to 1°C. The heart restarted at 12 to 15°C compared to 25 to 30°C in the controls. All 10-min arrested animals were permanent survivors; all 30-min arrested animals returned to normal cardiac action and spontaneous respiration. In 16 control rats cardiac arrest occurred at 5.1°C (range 2 to 9.0°C), with body temperature falling to 1°C average (range −1.0 to + 2°C). Only 3 animals (with only 10-min arrests) survived—2 for 2 hrs and one permanently. Arterial blood gases at the end of arrest showed pCO2 ranging from 21 to 63 mm Hg, pO2 from 32 to 90, pH from 6.7 to 7.1, and profound base deficits. Alcoholic rats did not cool or warm appreciably faster, and fibrillation occurred only twice in each group. The electrocardiographic changes were modified by alcohol, which prevented A-V dissociation and disappearance of the P wave until much lower temperatures had been reached than in the controls. Thus, alcohol does offer definite cardiac protection and better survival during profound hypothermia, apparently by allowing cardiac function to continue to a low temperature.
Redirecting direct manipulation or what happens when the goal is in front of you but the interface says to turn left

The feeling of directness arises when the interface permits the user to manipulate an interface object in a way analogous to manipulating the real object. However, we argue here that the essence of direct manipulation is not directness per se, but manipulation of task relevant objects in a task relevant manner. The research reported studies users of HyperCard after 20 hours of practice. We found that when users deviated from taught strategies that 25% of the time they invented new strategies that attempted a more direct manipulation of the task object than that permitted by the design of the interface.
The Work of Antoine Despine: The First Scientific Report on the Diagnosis and Treatment of a Child with Multiple Personality Disorder

Abstract Papers describing the signs and symptoms of multiple personality disorder (MPD) are increasing in the contemporary scientific literature where, ironically, the clinical researchers of today are rediscovering phenomena already documented in nineteenth century medical texts. Indeed, 150 years ago, there were already psychiatric monographs discussing the diagnosis and treatment of MPD. One of these monographs was written by Antoine Despine, a French physician who, in 1840, described the diagnosis and treatment of a child MPD. Despine is presented in his historical context as are the symptoms pathognomonic of MPD that Despine relates in his index patient, Estelle. His diagnosis and treatment are reviewed and compared to the treatments endorsed by today's MPD specialists.
Development of social role understanding

The concepts of social roles and role intersections have been used to explain adults' social competence. However, children's social competence in terms of developing role concepts has not been systematically delineated. After a brief review of the few developmental studies that have been performed in this area, a systematic developmental sequence of role understanding in children from 1 to 13 years of age is discussed and a method for assessing such sequences is described. The sequence, which was based on K. W. Fischer's (1980, Psychological Review, 87, 477–531) construction-inclusion model of conceptual skill development, was tested in several studies using two sets of social roles and tasks and was found to be highly scalable and age related. The significance of role concept development is also discussed as it relates to the development of social competence in other domains.
The Wage and Employment Dynamics of Minimum Wage Workers

This study uses panel data to examine the wage and employment dynamics of minimum wage workers. Compared with workers earning above the minimum, minimum wage workers are much more likely to be new entrants or to exit the labor market. Changes in industry, occupation, and access to job training are particularly important to improving the wages of minimum wage workers. Many minimum wage workers earn less than their potential wage temporarily because of nonwork circumstances that make higher-paying jobs less attractive. duration of minimum wage employment. At one extreme, if minimum wage workers were entry-level workers who quickly accumulate skills that push their wages above the minimum, a minimum wage hike would have a relatively short term effect on any given worker's income. On the other extreme, if all minimum wage workers find themselves in "dead end" jobs that provide no opportunities for wage growth, a hike in the minimum wage could have long-term effects on their incomes. There are several studies that provide insights into the wage growth of minimum wage workers. Using 1984-1985 data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), Smith and Vavrichek (1992) show that over 60% of workers earning the minimum wage in 1984 were earning more than the minimum wage one year later. For those with wage gains, the typical wage increase was approximately 20%. Long (1999) finds similar results using the 1992-1993 SIPP. Using National Longitudinal Survey data from the early 1980s, Schiller (1994) finds that, after entering a minimum wage job, only 15% of continuing workers were still earning the minimum wage after three years. While most minimum wage workers realize sufficient wage growth to rise above the minimum wage relatively quickly, a significant minority does not. The existing literature provides some insight into which workers are most likely to be "stuck" at the minimum. A fairly consistent finding is that less educated workers and part-time workers are less likely to rise above the minimum. However, the understanding of the processes at work in determining the extent of wage growth is limited.
The role of the neutrophil in rheumatoid arthritis

Neutrophils acquire lysosomal granules and assembly systems for producing soluble mediators of inflammation during the process of maturation in the bone marrow. Subsequently, they emigrate from the circulation when they become attracted to joint spaces of rheumatoid arthritis patients by chemoattractants such as the complement split product, C5a, and leukotriene B4. Exposure to immune complexes, rheumatoid factor, and cytokines in the synovial fluid results in neutrophil activation with release of granule contents, toxic oxygen metabolites, and proinflammatory products of the arachidonic acid cascade. This process is analogous to a local Arthus reaction in which activation of the complement system is a central event. Some of the inflammatory materials released by this reaction contribute to the cartilage destruction seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Because others are chemoattractants themselves, they perpetuate intraarticular inflammation and permit the predominance of acute inflammatory cells in lesions maintained by chronic inflammation.
The prospect of vaccination against group a β-hemolytic streptococci

Group A streptococcus is a widespread human pathogen that causes a broad spectrum of human disease. The persistent high burden and severity of illness in developing and industrialized countries speaks to the need for a safe and effective vaccine. Modern approaches to vaccine construction include M protein type-specific vaccines, vaccines utilizing conserved M antigens, and vaccines based on other conserved surface-expressed or secreted antigens. Vaccine candidates in various stages of development offer promise for prevention of Group A streptococcal infections and their sequelae.
Some disequilibrium dynamics of exchange-rate changes

Abstract The aim of this paper is to suggest a formal dynamic model of the adjustment path of an economy during the time interval between an exchange-rate change and the attainment of a new equilibrium. It is a ‘first-pass’ model insofar as its structure and dynamics are very simple (a labor market and a commodity market are specified, with wage, price, and employment adjustment as functions of excess demand). The two principal conclusions are: exchange-rate changes may produce short-run effects qualitatively opposite to their long-run effects, not only in the current account, but also in employment and output; and knowledge of disequilibrium adjustment speeds for each sector of the economy taken in isolation appears to yield a misleadingly optimistic forecast of the disequilibrium adjustment speeds when all sectors adjust simultaneously to an exchange-rate change.
The cellular and synaptic location of activated TrkB in mouse hippocampus during limbic epileptogenesis

Understanding the mechanisms of limbic epileptogenesis in cellular and molecular terms may provide novel therapeutic targets for its prevention. The neurotrophin receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) is thought to be critical for limbic epileptogenesis. Enhanced activation of TrkB, revealed by immunodetection of enhanced phosphorylated TrkB (pTrkB), a surrogate measure of its activation, has been identified within the hippocampus in multiple animal models. Knowledge of the cellular locale of activated TrkB is necessary to elucidate its functional consequences. Using an antibody selective to pTrkB in conjunction with confocal microscopy and cellular markers, we determined the cellular and subcellular locale of enhanced pTrkB induced by status epilepticus (SE) evoked by infusion of kainic acid into the amygdala of adult mice. SE induced enhanced pTrkB immunoreactivity in two distinct populations of principal neurons within the hippocampus-the dentate granule cells and CA1 pyramidal cells. Enhanced immunoreactivity within granule cells was found within mossy fiber axons and giant synaptic boutons. By contrast, enhanced immunoreactivity was found within apical dendritic shafts and spines of CA1 pyramidal cells. A common feature of this enhanced pTrkB at these cellular locales is its localization to excitatory synapses between excitatory neurons, presynaptically in the granule cells and postsynaptically in CA1 pyramidal cells. Long-term potentiation (LTP) is one cellular consequence of TrkB activation at these excitatory synapses that may promote epileptogenesis.
A comparison of the effects of bile salts on the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine of the rat.

Abstract 1. 1. A comparison of the effectiveness of free and conjugated bile salts on the appearance of free and esterified cholesterol into the rat lymph was made using a modification of Bollman's technique for the cannulation of the thoracic duct. 18 to 24 h after operation an emulsion, containing protein, carbohydrate, monoolein and a trace dose of [4-14C]cholesterol, was administered by stomach tube. The influence of natural bile or individual bile salts on the absorption of cholesterol was studied. 2. 2. The data collected included radioactive measurements of free cholesterol, as well as cholesteryl palmitate, cholesteryl oleate, cholesteryl linoleate and cholesteryl arachidonate in lymph. 3. 3. Evidence is presented indicating that the quantity of bile salt used and/or its chemical specificity are factors which produce different rates of absorption and esterification of cholesterol. A significant amount of cholesterol is absorbed without esterification. 4. 4. The free-cholesterol pool of the intestinal wall first becomes enriched (3–4 h after emulsion administration) after which this free-cholesterol pool is drawn upon for esterification. 5. 5. At the hour of peak absorption, about 80% of the total cholesterol is esterified when the rats are given natural bile. 6. 6. A high dose (269 mg) of taurocholate produces a pattern of absorption and esterification of cholesterol very similar to that of natural bile. On the other hand, 269 mg of taurodeoxycholate produces absorption of cholesterol mainly in the free form. 7. 7. Taurochenodeoxycholate is the most effective bile salt when tested at the moderate level of 100 mg; it gives 40% or less esterification. At this dosage level, taurocholate, taurodeoxycholate and cholate are borderline in stimulating absorption of cholesterol and less than 40% is esterified. Glycocholate, deoxycholate, glycodeoxycholate, chenodeoxycholate, glycochenodeoxycholate, lithocholate, glyco- and taurolithocholate, dehydrocholate, glyco- and taurodehydrocholate are not effective at this level. These findings are explicable either by failure of the bile salt to form micelles (i.e. free and conjugated dehydrocholate) to facilitate absorption or by its failure to activate the esterification mechanism (i.e. chenodeoxycholate) or both, at this concentration of bile salt. 8. 8. Administration of low dose levels of conjugated bile salts (up to 35 mg) promotes very poor absorption of free cholesterol, none of which is esterified; a finding which results from the concentration of the bile salt being too low to reach its critical micellar concentration.
The radius and Coulomb energy of the He3 nucleus

Abstract The radius and Coulomb energy of He 3 are calculated using a symmetrical wave function appropriate to hard-core nuclear potentials and sufficiently flexible to describe adequately the asymptotic form and two-particle correlations in this system, requirements which are sufficient to fix the parameters of the wave function. For hard-core radius d ≈ 0.5–0.6 fm, the r.m.s. radius agrees with that measured by Hofstadter and Collard and the Coulomb energy is within 0.05 MeV of the difference between the (H 3 , He 3 ) binding energies. From this comparison, we conclude that deviations from charge symmetry amount to no more than of relative order α/π for the low energy nn and pp interactions in the 1 S 0 state.
Representations: Reconciling Design for Disassembly Rules With Design for Manufacturing Rules

The paper presents a tool for selecting appropriate Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly rules during product design while considering Design for Disassembly rules and end-of-life recovery conditions. This tool exposes the relations between the various types of design rules and end-of-life recovery parameters. Four different relationship types are developed in this research: recovery conditions and recovery options relationship, Design for Disassembly rules and recovery options relationship, Design for Disassembly rules and recovery conditions relationship, Design for Disassembly rules, and Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly rules relationship. The purpose of this research is to build these relations and transform these relationships into a database. The database serves as tool from which design rules can be retrieved by running queries. In addition to design rule retrieval, the tool also shows the relationships with various design rules, recovery options, and recovery conditions. This provides designers with information as to which rules are in conflict and which are complementary for the specific situation under consideration. To illustrate this tool, it is applied to motor-drive assembly and thermal gun sight, which are already design products. Additionally the application of the tool is demonstrated using a hypothetical scenario which involves products like coffee cup, cell phone and stapler.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Developing views of nature of science in an authentic context: An explicit approach to bridging the gap between nature of science and scientific inquiry

Reform efforts emphasize teaching science to promote contemporary views of the nature of science (NOS) and scientific inquiry. Within the framework of situated cognition, the assertion is that engagement in inquiry activities similar to those of sci- entists provides a learning context conducive to developing knowledge about the meth- ods and activities through which science progresses, and, in turn, to developing desired views of NOS. The inclusion of a scientific inquiry context to teach about NOS has in- tuitive appeal. Yet, whether the learners are students, teachers, or scientists, the empirical research does not generally support the claim that engaging in scientific inquiry alone enhances conceptions of NOS. We studied developments in NOS conceptions during a
Adsorption of selenium by amorphous iron oxyhydroxide and manganese dioxide

Abstract This work compares and models the adsorption of selenium and other anions on a neutral to alkaline surface (amorphous iron oxyhydroxide) and an acidic surface (manganese dioxide). Selenium adsorption on these oxides is examined as a function of pH, particle concentration, oxidation state, and competing anion concentration in order to assess how these factors might influence the mobility of selenium in the environment. The data indicate that 1. 1) amorphous iron oxyhydroxide has a greater affinity for selenium than manganese dioxide, 2. 2) selenite [Se(IV)] adsorption increases with decreasing pH and increasing particle concentration and is stronger than selenate [Se(VI)] adsorption on both oxides, and 3. 3) selenate does not adsorb on manganese dioxide. The relative affinity of selenate and selenite for the oxides and the lack of adsorption of selenate on a strongly acidic surface suggests that selenate forms outer-sphere complexes while selenite forms inner-sphere complexes with the surfaces. The data also indicate that the competition sequence of other anions with respect to selenite adsorption at pH 7.0 is phosphate > silicate > molybdate > fluoride > sulfate on amorphous iron oxyhydroxide and molybdate ≥ phosphate > silicate > fluoride > sulfate on manganese dioxide. The adsorption of phosphate, molybdate, and silicate on these oxides as a function of pH indicates that the competition sequences reflect the relative affinities of these anions for the surfaces. The Triple Layer surface complexation model is used to provide a quantitative description of these observations and to assess the importance of surface site heterogeneity on anion adsorption. The modeling results suggest that selenite forms binuclear, innersphere complexes with amorphous iron oxyhydroxide and monodentate, inner-sphere complexes with manganese dioxide and that selenate forms outer-sphere, monodentate complexes with amorphous iron oxyhydroxide. The heterogeneity of the oxide surface sites is reflected in decreasing equilibrium constants for selenite with increasing adsorption density and both experimental observations and modeling results suggest that manganese dioxide has fewer sites of higher energy for selenite adsorption than amorphous iron oxyhydroxide. Modeling and interpreting the adsorption of phosphate, molybdate, and silicate on the oxides are made difficult by the lack of constraint in choosing surface species and the fact that equally good fits can be obtained with different surface species. Finally, predictions of anion competition using the model results from single adsorbate systems are not very successful because the model does not account for surface site heterogeneity. Selenite adsorption data from a multi-adsorbate system could be fit if the equilibrium constant for selenite is decreased with increasing anion adsorption density.
Polishing vitreous carbon.

Le carbone a l'etat vitreux a ete utilise comme materiau reflechissant pour les miroirs RX sous incidence rasante a faible energie
Facile synthesis of silver core – silica shell composite nanoparticles

Abstract Combining metal nanoparticles and dielectrics (e.g. silica) to produce composite materials with high dielectric constant is motivated by application in energy storage. Control over dielectric properties and their uniformity throughout the composite material is best accomplished if the composite is comprised of metal core – dielectric shell structured nanoparticles with tunable dimensions. We have synthesized silver nanoparticles in the range of 40–100 nm average size using low concentration of saccharide simultaneously as the reducing agent and electrostatic stabilizer. Coating these silver particles with silica from tetraalkoxysilanes has different outcomes depending on the alcoholic solvent and the silver particle concentration. A common issue in solution-based synthesis of core–shell particles is heterogeneous nucleation whereupon two populations are formed: the desired core–shell particles and undesired coreless particles of the shell material. We report the formation of Ag@SiO2 core–shell particles without coreless silica particles as the byproduct in 2-propanol. In ethanol, it depends on the silver surface area available whether homogeneous nucleation of silica on silver is achieved. In methanol and 1-butanol, core–shell particles did not form. This demonstrates the significance of controlling the tetraalkoxysilane hydrolysis rate when growing silica shells on silver nanoparticles.
Applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve efficiency, timeliness of care, and quality of care in an internal medicine residency clinic.

OBJECTIVE Patients' connectedness to their providers has been shown to influence the success of preventive health and disease management programs. Lean Six Sigma methodologies were employed to study workflow processes, patient-physician familiarity, and appointment compliance to improve continuity of care in an internal medicine residency clinic. METHODS We used a rapid-cycle test to evaluate proposed improvements to the baseline-identified factors impeding efficient clinic visits. Time-study, no-show, and patient-physician familiarity data were collected to evaluate the effect of interventions to improve clinic efficiency and continuity of medical care. RESULTS Forty-seven patients were seen in each of the intervention and control groups. The wait duration between the end of triage and the resident-patient encounter was statistically shorter for the intervention group. Trends toward shorter wait times for medical assistant triage and total encounter were also seen in the intervention group. On all measures of connectedness, both the physicians and patients in the intervention group showed a statistically significant increased familiarity with each other. CONCLUSION This study shows that incremental changes in workflow processes in a residency clinic can have a significant impact on practice efficiency and adherence to scheduled visits for preventive health care and chronic disease management. This project used a structured "Plan-Do-Study-Act" approach.
Bilinear time series in non-Gaussian signal modeling

Non-Gaussian processes are taken to be the output of a bilinear system driven by a Gaussian white noise. The authors develop a 2D quarter-plane bilinear model as a nontrivial generalization of a 1D bilinear time series model. A maximum-likelihood-based parameter estimation method is then developed. Finally, the validity of the model is illustrated by simulation examples. >
The spherical pinch

This is essentially a review article covering several years of work on the spherical pinch (SP) concept of plasma formation and containment. Central to this concept is the creation of a hot plasma in the center of a sphere, plasma which is then compressed by strong imploding shock waves launched from the periphery of the vessel. The experimental program, which started with the classical cylindrical theta-pinch and continued with the inductive spherical pinch, has taken a turn, in recent times, with the discovery of the scaling laws governing spherical pinch experiments, which prescribe that high gas pressures are required for achieving fusion breakeven conditions. As a consequence, energy deposition in present spherical pinch devices is done through resistive, rather than inductive, discharges. In a pilot experimental program of modest initial condenser bank energy (∼ 1 KJ), we find that the instantaneous energy deposition in the central plasma can lead to temperatures of the order of 2 KeV, in agreement with the prediction of the Braginskii resistivity for such a plasma, and with the relation to the velocity of the diverging shock wave generated by the sudden deposition of energy into this plasma. Moreover, when the imploding shock waves contain the central plasma, we find the containment time to be as long as 5.4μ sec and the plasma to be stable. In discharges in deuterium, neutrons are emitted close to 107 per shot. From the experimental parameters of the plasma, one can derive a particle density for the shocked gas equal to 3.21×1019 cm−3, a plasma temperature equal to 730 eV and a productnτ=1.73 × 1014 cm−3· sec.
Structure and growth of stearate monolayers on calcite; first results of an in situ X-ray reflectivity study

Abstract The adsorption of organic molecules at mineral–fluid interfaces has a profound influence upon geochemical reaction and transport processes, yet little is known about the in situ structures or properties of organic layers at mineral–fluid interfaces. We describe an X-ray reflectivity study of stearate monolayers adsorbed at the calcite surface from methanolic solutions. Using these measurements we are able to determine important aspects of the in situ structure, bonding, adsorption, and growth mechanisms of stearate monolayers. The experimental approach demonstrated here can be applied widely in studying the interaction of organic molecules with mineral surfaces in aqueous systems.
A simple and rapid matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry method to screen fish plasma samples for estrogen-responsive biomarkers.

In the present study, we describe and evaluate the performance of a simple and rapid mass spectral method for screening fish plasma for estrogen-responsive biomarkers using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time of flight mass spectrometry coupled with a short-term fish assay. Adult male sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) were placed into aquaria consisting of vehicle control and the following estrogen agonist treatments: 17β-estradiol (0.00625, 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 μg/L, 4-tert-pentylphenol (100 μg/L), methoxychlor (6 and 12 μg/L), and bisphenol A (100 and 1,000 μg/L). Treatments with chlorpyrifos (80 μg/L) and endosulfan (0.6 μg/L) served as nonestrogenic negative controls. Test concentrations were maintained using an intermittent flow-through dosing apparatus. Plasma was obtained from individuals, diluted and applied to an inert surface, and analyzed by MALDI. Multiple protein peaks, ranging from 2.9 to 12.9 kDa, were identified as markers of estrogenic effects when comparing estrogen-treated and control fish using interpercentile reference values. A binary classification tree model was constructed from plasma protein profiles of the vehicle control and the 0.2 μg/L of 17β-estradiol treatments and then used to evaluate all samples. Treatments with the estrogen agonists 17β-estradiol, 4-tert-pentylphenol, methoxychlor, and bisphenol-A generated reproducible diagnostic biomarkers based on the presence of specific estrogen-responsive plasma proteins. The controls and nonestrogenic compounds chlorpyrifos and endosulfan did not produce this estrogen-responsive protein profile. A no-observed-effect level for 17β-estradiol at 0.025 μg/L was estimated from concentration–response exposures. The MALDI method described here provides a straightforward, sensitive, and specific tool to screen chemicals for estrogenic activity.