cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cholecystokinin modulation of spontaneous and excitatory amino acid-induced activity in the opossum cerebellum.

Cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) is an octapeptide that was initially described in the gastrointestinal tract. Recent studies have shown that this peptide also has an extensive distribution in the central nervous system, including the cerebellum of the opossum. In addition to the protein, binding sites for CCK-8 also have been described in the granule cell and molecular layer of this species. These anatomical data suggest that CCK-8 has a functional role in cerebellar circuitry. In the present study we have determined the physiological effects of CCK-8 on spontaneous and amino acid-induced activity. The results indicate that this peptide has both excitatory and inhibitory effects on spontaneous activity as well as the excitatory responses elicited by application of the excitatory amino acids aspartate, glutamate and quisqualate. The data suggest that CCK-8 may influence more than one population of cerebellar neurons. The findings support a neuromodulatory role for this peptide in cerebellar circuitry.
The cytokinetic basis for the design of efficacious radiotherapy protocols

Abstract Studies were performed to investigate the perturbing effects of ionizing radiations on the cell kinetics of T1699 transplantable mouse mammary tumors (MMT). Cell kinetic parameters included the 3H-TdR labeling index (LI), the DNA synthesis time (TS) and the primer dependent DNA polymerase labeling index (PDPI), an estimate of tumor growth fraction; they were determined by in vitro methods at various times after acute (400–1200 R) and fractionated (1000 R) X-irradiation. The cell kinetic response after both acute and fractionated treatment was generally similar and could be divided into four phases. (1) The initial phase of the response, occurring within the first 24 hr, was characterized by a decrease in 3H-TdR LI, an increase in PDPI and a concomitant lengthening of the TS. (2) The second phase was characterized by a variable, dose dependent interval of decreased cellular proliferation, as evidenced by a lengthening of TS and decreases in both PDPI and 3H-TdR LI. (3) The third phase of the response, the recovery phase, was characterized by increased cellular proliferation as evidenced by the recovery of TS to normal and increases in both PDPI and 3 H-TdR LI to above control levels, in most cases. (4) The fourth phase of the response was characterized by a reestablishment of normal proliferative patterns. Studies with continuing radiotherapy schedules showed that the most effective schedules for local control and ILS were those in which radiation fractions were given just prior to initiation of observed proliferative recovery. The least effective schedules were those in which radiation fractions coincided with the time of maximal proliferative activity.
Further observations on tail regeneration in Anolis carolinensis (Iguanidae, lacertilia)

The rate and extent of tail replacement was followed during two consecutive post-amputation periods in adult and juvenile male Anolis carolinensis, maintained under three different experimental regimes. Great variation, as indicated by the coefficient of variability, was observed in all experimental groups. These data confirm previous studies and demonstrate that variability is not associated with population or individual genetic make-up, age, or environment. The general and specific implications of variability in tail regenerative capacity are discussed.
Parameter Estipiates in a Five-Element Respiratory Mechanical Model

Using four sets of forced random noise impedance data from each of five normal subjects and five patients with obstructuve lung disease, we computed parameter estimates for a three-element series model and a five-element parallel compartment model. For normal subjects, the five-element model provided no better fit to the impedance data than did the simple series model. Estimates obtained from normal subjects using this three-element model were reasonable and reproducible within 25 percent. For all subjects with lung disease, the five-element model provided a significantly (p 0.05) better fit than the three-element model. Estimates for parameters representing central inertance and resistance, airway compliance, and peripheral resistance were reasonable and reproducible-within 18 percent. However, estimates for the compliance of the lung and chest wall were more variable since measured impedance appeared to be insensitive to this parameter in the frequency range used.
Investigations on Viscous Fingering by Linear and Weakly Nonlinear Stability Analysis

Le developpement de la digitation au cours du deplacement du petrole par de l'eau est etudie en presence d'eau interstitielle mobile. Le probleme de la stabilite lineaire de l'ecoulement est resolument numeriquement par deux approches: une lineaire et une faiblement non lineaire
Regulation of rat hepatic δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase and heme oxygenase activities: Evidence for control by heme and against mediation by prosthetic iron

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of in vivo administration of 6 compounds on the activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthetase and heme oxygenase were determined. 2. 2. The order of decreasing potency in reducing ALA synthetase activity was heme. bilirubin. protoporphyrin IX, bilirubin dimethyl ester, CoCl 2 and FeCl 3 . 3. 3. The chelating agents EDTA and deferoxamine did not prevent heme's repression of ALA synthetase or induction of heme oxygenase activity. 4. 4. The dose response, time course, enzyme subcellular distribution and chelation antagonism studies all suggest that heme itself, and not iron, regulates the rate limiting enzymatic steps of rat hepatic heme synthesis and degradation.
Evaluating an alliance-focused treatment for personality disorders.

This paper presents a study with theaim of evaluating the relative efÞcacyof an alliance-focused treatment, briefrelational therapy, in comparison to ashort-term dynamic therapy and acognitiveÐbehavioral therapy on a sam-ple of highly comorbid personality dis-ordered patients. Results indicated thatthe three treatments were equally effec-tive on standard statistical analyses ofchange, including those conducted onrepeated measures and residual gainscores. Some signiÞcant differenceswere indicated regarding clinically sig-niÞcant change and reliable change,favoring the brief relational andcognitiveÐbehavioral models. Therewas also a signiÞcant difference re-garding dropout rates, favoring briefrelational therapy.Keywords: therapeutic alliance, person-ality disorders, brief psychotherapies,treatment outcome, clinical signiÞcance,reliable change, dropout status
Writing Intensive Courses in Theatre

Inspired by the Writing Across the Curriculum/Writing in the Disciplines approaches, this article explores the learning styles of theatre majors, approaches to structuring writing intensive courses and structuring and staging high stakes assignments. It includes strategies for honoring creativity, emotions and intuitions as part of the intellectual process and techniques for mentoring and grading in a time efficient way.
On the Existence of Atmospheric Vortices Downwind of Hawaii during the HAMEC Project

Abstract Aircraft observations west of the island of Hawaii in June 1980 during the Hawaii Mesoscale Energy and Climate (HAMEC) Project have provided the first in situ measurements of airflow within atmospheric vortices downwind of a tall island. A band of low-level westerly winds was observed to extend more than 150 km west of the island along the axis line separating cyclonic vortices to the north of that line from anticyclonic vortices to the south. The theoretical downstream propagation speed of those vortices is obtained from the solution to a quadratic equation, and while previous satellite studies of atmospheric vortices used the larger root (i.e., ∼80% of the ambient flow), the present data are consistent with the smaller root ∼20%). The turbulent Reynolds number for the flow is 140, and the corresponding vortex shedding time is 32 h.
Transport and Deposition of Micro-Aerosols in Realistic and Simplified Models of the Oral Airway

A number of in vivo, in vitro and numerical studies have considered flow field characteristics and micro-particle deposition in the oral airway extending from the mouth through the larynx. These studies have highlighted the effects of flow rates, turbulence and particle characteristics on deposition values in realistic and simplified geometries. However, the effect of geometry simplifications on regional and local deposition patterns remains largely un-quantified for the oral airway and throughout the respiratory tract. The objective of this study is to assess the effects of geometry simplifications on regionally averaged and local micro-aerosol deposition characteristics in models of the extrathoracic oral airway. To achieve this objective, a realistic model of the oral airway has been constructed based on CT scans of a healthy adult in conjunction with measurements reported in the literature. Three other geometries with descending degrees of physical realism were constructed based on successive geometric simplifications of the realistic model. A validated low Reynolds number (LRN) k-omega turbulence model was employed to simulate laminar, transitional and fully turbulent flow regimes for 1-31 microm particles. Geometric simplifications were found to have a significant effect on aerosol dynamics, hot spot formations and cellular-level deposition values in the extrathoracic airway models considered. For all models, regional deposition efficiency results were found to be approximately within one standard deviation of available experimental data when plotted as a function of Stokes number. The realistic geometry provided the best predictions of regional deposition in comparison to experimental data as a function of particle diameter. Considering localized deposition, maximum deposition enhancement factors, which represent the ratio of local to total deposition, were one to two orders of magnitude higher for the realistic model. Geometric factors that significantly contributed to enhanced particle localization in the realistic model include a triangular-shaped glottis and a dorsal-sloped trachea. Therefore, highly realistic models of the oral airway geometry may be necessary to evaluate localized deposition patterns and hot spot formations, which are critical for accurately predicting cellular-level dose.
T cells can distinguish between allogeneic major histocompatibility complex products on different cell types.

In the response of T cells to foreign antigens, the ligand for the T cell α/β receptor is presented on a cell surface as a fragment of antigen complexed to one of the membrane molecules encoded in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)1–5. The receptor apparently interacts via its variable elements (Vβ, Dβ, Jβ, Vα and Jα) with residues within both the antigen and MHC portion of the ligand. The frequency of T cells responding to a conventional antigen plus self MHC is usually quite low, presumably reflecting the relative rarity of receptors with the particular combination of variable elements to match the antigen/MHC ligand. T cells also respond to allogeneic forms of MHC molecules in the absence of added antigen6. In this case the frequency of responding T cells is very high. One hypothesis to explain this observation is that, in the absence of foreign antigen, MHC molecules are complexed to a large array of peptides derived from self-proteins7. In this case the combination of the polymorphic MHC amino acid residues and many different self peptides presents so many possible ligands that the likelihood of recognition by a given T cell receptor is quite high. The recent crystallography experiments which revealed a dramatic binding cleft on the face of a human MHC molecule5 have given impetus to this view, but as yet there is no direct supporting evidence. We have recently described a close association between murine T cell receptors utilizing the Vβ17a element and reactivity to various allogeneic forms of the murine MHC molecule, I-E (ref. 8). In this paper, we show that this I-E ligand is detected on B cells, but not on I-E+ macrophages or fibroblasts expressing a transfected I-E gene. These results strongly suggest a B cell specific product combines with I–E to form the allogeneic ligand for Vβ17a+ receptors and thus support the concept of alloreactivity described above.
Substructure and back stress changes resulting from the cyclic loading of 214Cr1Mo steel at 755 K

Abstract The effect of cyclic loading wave shapes on the cyclic stress-strain behavior and the dislocation-precipitate substructure has been studied for 2 1 4 Cr 1 Mo steel tested at 755 K. Asymmetric loading (constant-strain dwell periods at only one strain limit) creates a higher dislocation density than does symmetric loading (continuous cycling or constant-strain dwell periods at both strain limits). The dislocations are tangled around M2C particles for the asymmetric loading and more uniformly dispersed for the symmetric loading. The loading wave shape is shown to have a more significant effect on the dislocation density than does the plastic strain range. The carbides present in the alloy are very stable as no change was observed after up to 2000 h of cyclic loading at 755 K. The back stress, as measured from hysteresis loops, was found to decrease during constant-strain hold periods, resulting in a reduction in the Bauschinger effect following a dwell period. The results are explained by a difference in the effective strength of dislocation barriers when asymmetric loading is employed.
The Growth of Type-II Infrared Laser Structures

The MBE growth temperature for InAs/InGaSb/InAs/AlSb mid-infrared lasers has been studied. It is found that the best growth temperature is between 370°C and 420°C. A growth temperature above this range will result in excessive interlayer mixing, which degrades the radiative efficiency.
Diversification times among Brassica (Brassicaceae) crops suggest hybrid formation after 20 million years of divergence

 Premise of the study: Cruciferous vegetables, many of which are in the genus Brassica (Brassicaceae), are prized for their nutritive value and have been cultivated for thousands of years. There are numerous wild northwestern Mediterranean species in the tribe Brassiceae, and it is therefore assumed this center of diversity is also the region of origin. Within the tribe, the Nigra and Oleracea clades contain the three diploid Brassica crops, B. oleracea , B. rapa , and B. nigra. These three species hybridized in the past to form the tetraploid crop species B. juncea , B. carinata , and B. napus . Collectively, these crop Brassicas have been thought to be closely related because they can still hybridize.  Methods: Using a combination of molecular phylogenetics, diversifi cation analysis, and historical biogeography, we evaluated the relationships and origins of four nested clades: the tribe Brassiceae, the Nigra-Oleracea clade, the core Oleracea (includes B. oleracea + B. rapa and their respective wild relatives), and Brassica oleracea and relatives.  Key results: We found evidence that the tribe originated around the intersection forming between the Arabian Peninsula and Saharan Africa approximately 24 million years ago (Mya). Our data also suggest that the maternal genomes of the three diploid crop Brassicas are not closely related and that the Nigra-Oleracea clade diverged 20 Mya. Finally, our analyses indicate that the core Oleracea lineage giving rise to B. oleracea + B. rapa originated ≈ 3 Mya in the northeastern Mediterranean, from where ancestors of B. oleracea spread through Europe and B. rapa to Asia.  Conclusions: These results challenge previous hypotheses about the biogeographic origins of the tribe Brassiceae and the crop Brassica species and appear to be correlated with major geological and climatic events in the Mediterranean basin.
Cost-effectiveness of a novel indication of computed tomography of the coronary arteries.

Objective: A common strategy for excluding coronary artery disease among patients presenting with low-risk chest pain is observation unit (OU) admission with serial cardiac biomarkers and stress testing for cardiac risk stratification. Patients with positive- or indeterminate-stress tests are often admitted for cardiac catheterization despite a low likelihood of disease. The aim of this study is to estimate the cost-effectiveness of computed tomography of the coronary arteries (CTCA) in the OU for the evaluation of low-risk chest pain patients with indeterminate- or positive-stress test results. Methods: We conducted a decision analytic study to compare health outcomes and costs between 3 cardiac risk-stratification strategies in a population of patients at low cardiac risk admitted to the OU, who later had indeterminate- or abnormal-stress tests. Our population and test characteristics were based on data obtained both from the published literature and from a retrospective cohort review previously performed at our institution. The 3 strategies compared were (1) A CTCA strategy in which patients with positive- or indeterminate-stress tests subsequently underwent CTCA, and only received catheterization if results were positive, (2) A standard-of-care arm in which all patients with positive- or indeterminate-stress tests were admitted for catheterization, and (3) A do-nothing strategy in which all patients were discharged home after stress testing regardless of outcome. Outcomes measured were cost of care and life expectancy. Sensitivity analysis was performed with a multivariate Monte Carlo methodology. Results: Both the CTCA and standard-of-care strategies dominated the do-nothing strategy in the base case. When comparing the standard-of-care with the CTCA strategy, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $3,423,309 per additional year of life gained. Sensitivity analysis showed that below a willingness to pay of $600,000 per additional year of life, CTCA was the most likely strategy to be cost-effective. Conclusions: In this computer-modeled analysis, the addition of CTCA following positive- or indeterminate-stress tests to an OU cardiac risk-stratification pathway for low-risk chest pain patients achieved significant cost savings with a small decrease in life expectancy per patient. Adding CTCA after indeterminate- or positive-stress test results is a cost-effective intervention for further risk-stratifying low-risk chest pain patients in the OU setting before proceeding to traditional coronary angiography.
Production of hydronium beta alumina from sodium beta alumina and characterization of conversion products

Abstract Different techniques were applied to convert samples of sodium beta alumina to hydronium beta alumina. Fully and partially converted samples, obtained in boiling concentrated H 2 SO 4 from crystals of monofrax sodium beta alumina as starting material, were characterized by chemical analysis, thermogravimetric measurements and X-ray diffraction analysis. The fully hydrated form of hydronium beta alumina contained about three molecules of water normalized for the sodium content of the starting material while the partially hydrated form had about two molecules of water in our work. The conversion appears to proceed with a moving boundary from the surface into the bulk.
Dynamics of neuronal waves

First of all, by studying the existence and stability of traveling wave fronts of the following nonlinear nonlocal model equation $$u_t+au_x+u=\alpha\mathop{\int}_{\mathbb R}K(x-y)H(u(y,t)-\theta){\rm d}y +\beta\mathop{\int}_{\mathbb R}K(x-y)H(u(y,t)-\Theta){\rm d}y,$$ we derive relation between speed index function and stability index function for each of the waves. This model was derived when studying working memory in synaptically coupled neuronal networks, which incorporates low persistent activity rate θ and high saturating rate Θ. We will investigate dynamics of neuronal waves. For this purpose, we will be concerned with the equation for several different kinds of symmetric and asymmetric kernels and will compare speeds of the waves. Our analysis and results on the speed index functions facilitate our investigation on stability of the waves and the estimates of speeds. Secondly, we are concerned with standing waves of the nonlinear nonhomogeneous system of integral-differential equations $$\begin{array}{lll} u_t+u+w& =&\alpha \mathop{\int}\limits_{\mathbb R}K(x-y)H(u(y,t)-\theta){\rm d}y\\ &&+\,\beta \mathop{\int}\limits_{\mathbb R}K(x-y)H(u(y,t)-\Theta){\rm d}y+{\mathcal I}(x,t),\\ w_t&=&\varepsilon(u-\gamma w),\end{array}$$ and the scalar equation $$\begin{array}{lll} u_t+u&=&\alpha \mathop{\int}\limits_{\mathbb R}K(x-y)H(u(y,t)-\theta){\rm d}y\\ &&+\,\beta \mathop{\int}\limits_{\mathbb R}K(x-y)H(u(y,t)-\Theta){\rm d}y+{\mathcal I}(x,t).\end{array}$$
Gastric amyloidoma in patient after remission of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Amyloidosis is commonly systemic, occasionally organlimited, and rarely a solitary localized mass. The latter, commonly referred to as tumoral amyloidosis, is described as occurring in nearly every organ/tissue. Only a few reports of gastric amyloidosis exist today. We describe a 72 year-old black male from Barbados presenting with 3 d of diffuse abdominal pain. His medical history included Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosed five years ago, status-post six rounds of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, prednisone chemotherapy, and currently was in remission. On computed tomography scan of the abdomen, thickening and calcification of the gastric wall was noted along with pneumatosis. On esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a large circumferential friable mass was seen from the gastroesophageal junction to the body. A large nonbleeding 3 cm polyp was also seen in post bulbar area of duodenum. Biopsies were stained with Congo red and gave green birefringence under polarized light, consistent with tumoral amyloidosis. Positron emission tomography scan revealed diffuse gastric mucosa uptake compatible with gastric malignancy without metastatic foci. Treatment for gastric amyloidomas has presently been one of observation or, at most, resection of the amyloid mass. It is not known if our patient required the same approach or if this warranted the re-institution of chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Until more reports of tumoral amyloidosis are made known, treatment as well as prognosis remain uncertain.
History of hydrology: Developments in hydrometeorology

This 1986 AGU Fall Meeting session included six papers. The first three related to bridging the gap between hydrology and hydrometeorology, and the last three related to the concepts of probable maximum precipitation (PMP) and precipitation frequency estimates. The session was well attended and created considerable discussion concerning some historical aspects related to hydrometeorological development. The paper by V. Yevjevich (George Washington University, Washington, D.C.) discussed historical progress in three areas: understanding and description of geophysical processes, precipitation-to-runoff transfer processes, and understanding of modeling of space/time runoff processes. He cited examples taken from African studies that related to these areas. D. Dawdy (hydrologic consultant, San Francisco, Calif.), presented an overview of rainfall runoff modeling that began with the 1960 development of the Stanford Watershed Model by R. K. Linsley (then at Stanford). His discussion was of considerable interest, since he outlined developments in that field over the past 25–30 years, including some developments in which he was an active participant. D. A. Woolhiser (Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, Ariz.), presented an excellent summary of the history of watershed hydrology research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Many experimental watersheds were developed by ARS after its creation in 1954. Excellent sets of hydrometeorological data are available for many of these watersheds.
Acetaminophen-induced cytotoxicity in cultured mouse hepatocytes: Effects of Ca2+-endonuclease, DNA repair, and glutathione depletion inhibitors on DNA fragmentation and cell death

Abstract Hepatotoxic alkylation of mouse liver cells by acetaminophen is characterized by an early loss of ion regulation, accumulation of Ca2+ in the nucleus, and fragmentation of DNA in vitro and in vivo. Acetaminophen-induced DNA cleavage is accompanied by the formation of a “ladder” of DNA fragments characteristic of Ca2+-mediated endonuclease activation. These events unfold well in advance of cytotoxicity and the development of necrosis. The present study utilized cultured mouse hepatocytes and mechanistic probes to test whether DNA fragmentation and cell death might be related in a “cause-and-effect” manner. Cells were isolated by collagenase perfusion, cultured in Williams' E medium for 22–26 hr, and exposed to acetaminophen. Aurintricarboxylic acid, a general Ca2+-endonuclease inhibitor, and EGTA, a chelator of Ca2+ required for endonuclease activation, significantly decreased DNA fragmentation at 6 and 12 hr and virtually abolished cytotoxicity. N-Acetylcysteine also eliminated DNA fragmentation and cytotoxicity. 3-Aminobenzamide, an inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-stimulated DNA repair, failed to alter the amount of DNA fragmentation at 6 hr but substantially increased acetaminophen cytotoxicity in hepatocytes at 12 hr. With the exception of when DNA repair was inhibited by 3-aminobenzamide, Ca2+ accumulation in the nucleus, DNA fragmentation, and hepatocyte death varied consistently and predictably with one another. Collectively, these findings suggest that unrepaired damage to DNA contributes to acetaminophen-induced cell death in vivo and may play a role in necrosis in vivo.
Optical rotatory dispersion of proline-rich peptides from the venom of Bothrops jararaca.

Die optische Rotationsdispersion mehrer prolinreicher Oligopeptide aus dem Gift der SchlangeBothrops jararaca wurde gemessen und mit jener von Oligoprolinen verglichen. Es konnte nur eine qualitative Beziehung zwischen der angedeuteten Strukturrigiditat und der biologischen Wirksamkeit der Peptide festgestellt werden.
Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Trachea

Only three primary malignant melanomas have been identified among large series of tracheal resections. Pertinent clinical and histopathologic features of these rare malignancies, however, have rarely been presented. We present the case of a young woman who underwent tracheal resection for a primary malignant melanoma with clinical and histopathologic verification.
Creation of two tomographic voxel models of paediatric patients in the first year of life.

Tomographic computational models, based on regional segmentation of CT or MRI medical images, have increasingly been proposed as replacements for current stylized mathematical models of human anatomy used in radiation dosimetry studies. While much effort has been devoted towards the creation of adult models, few research studies have been initiated to address the need for models supporting paediatric radiology dosimetry. In this study, two tomographic models were created using a combination of automatic and manual segmentation via a program created in-house using IDL version 5.5. The first model is of a normal 6 day female newborn, and consists of a 512 × 512 × 485 data array. The CT slices of this model were obtained every 1 mm, and 66 different anatomic regions were defined. The second model is of a patient developmentally equivalent to a 2 month male, and was saved as a 512 × 512 × 438 data array. This subject had severe tissue oedema within the gut, kidneys, liver and spleen. The model is thus considered representative of a critically ill child, from a patient subpopulation expected to receive a larger than normal number of diagnostic x-ray exams. The voxel volumes for the two models are 0.35 mm3 and 0.30 mm3, respectively, thus making these models the most detailed in existence for paediatric dosimetry applications. Ratios of organ masses for the UF newborn model to those within the reference ORNL/MIRD model range from highs of 1.2 to 1.7 for the oesophagus and small intestine/colon, respectively, to lows of 0.18 to 0.27 for the mandible and humeri, respectively. For the UF 2 month model, ratios of organ masses in the UF model to those in the 8 week GSF BABY model ranged from highs of 3.7 to 5.2 for the clavicles and spleen, respectively, to lows of 0.2 to 0.3 for the adrenals and scapulae, respectively.
Municipal solid waste generation in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Abstract Waste stream characteristics must be understood to tackle waste management problems in Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Nepal. Three-stage stratified cluster sampling was used to evaluate solid waste data collected from 336 households in KMC. This information was combined with data collected regarding waste from restaurants, hotels, schools and streets. The study found that 497.3 g capita −1 day −1 of solid waste was generated from households and 48.5, 113.3 and 26.1 kg facility −1 day −1 of waste was generated from restaurants, hotels and schools, respectively. Street litter measured 69.3 metric tons day −1 . The average municipal solid waste generation rate was 523.8 metric tons day −1 or 0.66 kg capita −1 day −1 as compared to the 320 metric tons day −1 reported by the city. The coefficient of correlation between the number of people and the amount of waste produced was 0.94. Key household waste constituents included 71% organic wastes, 12% plastics, 7.5% paper and paper products, 5% dirt and construction debris and 1% hazardous wastes. Although the waste composition varied depending on the source, the composition analysis of waste from restaurants, hotels, schools and streets showed a high percentage of organic wastes. These numbers suggest a greater potential for recovery of organic wastes via composting and there is an opportunity for recycling. Because there is no previous inquiry of this scale in reporting comprehensive municipal solid waste generation in Nepal, this study can be treated as a baseline for other Nepalese municipalities.
Tandem transition metal catalyzed isomerization and cationic polymerization

A wide variety of mono-, di- and multifunctional allyl ethers and related compounds are readily polymerized using a newly discovered polymerization reaction which has been termed: a transition metal-catalyzed tandem isomerization and cationic polymerization. Employing dicobalt octacarbonyl in combination with organosilanes, the polymerization of these monomers takes place rapidly to give high molecular weight polymers.
Recent changes in head start psychological services

(1975). Recent changes in head start psychological services. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology: Vol. 4, New Clinical-Community Practices, pp. 10-13.
Workload and availability of technology in metropolitan community pharmacies.

Objective: To assess workload characteristics and the presence of prescription processing technologies within metropolitan community pharmacies in the United States. Design: Cross-sectional postal survey. Setting: 18 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the United States. Participants: 3,000 managers located in community pharmacies processing at least 500 third-party claims per month for four major pharmacy benefits managers. Interventions: 34-item survey instrument designed to collect data about the pharmacy including demographics, workload issues, handling of drug‐drug interactions (DDIs), and pharmacists’ attitudes toward computerized DDI alerts. Main Outcome Measures: Workload (hours of operation, prescription volume, staffing hours, prescription processing intensity) and prescription processing technologies (telecommunication systems, automated counting/filling or verification devices, number of computer terminals, and computer software vendors). Results: Overall, 736 usable surveys were returned (response rate, 25.3%). On average, respondents reported a volume of approximately 1,340 prescriptions per week processed at a rate of almost 17 prescriptions per hour. Independent pharmacies processed approximately 3 prescriptions per hour more than chain pharmacies even though a statistically equal or slightly lower proportion of those pharmacies had automated technologies. The presence of technology was generally high for all pharmacies, particularly countertop tablet/capsule-counting devices and telefacsimile machines. The most common software vendors differed considerably between chain and independent pharmacies. Conclusion: The number of prescriptions processed per hour and number of technologies available increased with the total weekly volume of prescriptions processed in this national survey. A majority of pharmacies had at least one type of automated prescription processing technology and an automated telecommunication system for accepting new or refill prescriptions. Independent pharmacies processed more prescriptions per hour than did chains but did so with fewer categories of technologies.
Adsorption and diffusion dynamics of a Ge adatom on the Si\{100\}(2×1) surface

The Ge-adatom adsorption and diffusion on the fully relaxed Si{100}(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) surface is studied by a combination of molecular-dynamics simulations with Tersoff's potential for the Ge-Si interactions, a simplified transition-state theory of Voter and lattice-gas simulations. Six local minima for adsorption are found on the surface, and the activation energies between each are determined. The macroscopic diffusion follows the Arrhenius behavior with D=4.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ exp(-0.73 eV/kT) ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/sec. In addition, we find that the adatom diffusion is anisotropic in nature and the direction of easy diffusion is perpendicular to the dimers (i.e., parallel to the dimer rows) of the original surface. A comparison with the Si-adatom diffusion shows that the Ge-adatom diffusion is less anisotropic and that Ge adatoms diffuse 2--3 times more slowly than Si adatoms on the same surface. The diffusion coefficients for Ge- and Si-adatom migrations perpendicular to the dimer rows are found to be ${\mathit{D}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\perp}}}^{\mathrm{Ge}}$=2.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ exp(-1.17 eV/kT) ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/sec and ${\mathit{D}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\perp}}}^{\mathrm{Si}}$=4.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ exp(-1.20 eV/kT) ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/sec, respectively.
A numerical and experimental study of three-dimensional transport in the channel of an extruder for polymeric materials

Abstract A numerical study of the three-dimensional flow and heat transfer in a single-screw extruder for polymeric materials such as plastics is carried out. The mathematical model is considerably simplified by conceptually unwrapping the channel and fixing the coordinate system to the rotating screw. Despite this simplification, strong property variations, particularly in the viscosity, complicated cross-sections employed in practical systems, large viscous dissipation effects and non-Newtonian nature of typical extruded materials make the problem a very difficult one to model numerically. Therefore, the transport processes in the extruder channel are simulated by means of a finite-element scheme which employs marching in the down-channel direction. The cross-section of the channel is taken as the commonly used rectangular or self-wiping profiles. An experimental study is also carried out using Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids in order to provide data for the validation of the numerical model and also to quantify possible recirculation in the channel. Numerical results are presented on the temperature and velocity fields, resulting shear effects, pressure rise, heat transfer rates and viscous heating. The comparisons with experimental results indicate good agreement. A strong recirculating flow is found to arise over the cross-section of the channel. It is shown that a three-dimensional modeling of the process is necessary to capture the effects of recirculation in the channel. However, the marching procedure considerably simplifies the model as well as the inclusion of property changes and chemical reactions.
The Dialectical Advantage of the Direct Argument

Traditionally, incompatibilists about moral responsibility and determinism claim that we cannot be morally responsible unless we could have done otherwise and that we cannot do otherwise if we are determined. The Direct Argument for incompatibilism supposedly offers its defenders a dialectical advantage over this traditional approach insofar as it does not appear to rely on either of these controversial claims. Recently, though, David Widerker has argued against this supposition and urged that it is time to say farewell to the Direct Argument. I examine two of Widerker’s criticisms and argue that, while they are not compelling, a revised version of one does show that supporters of the Direct Argument will very likely need to deny that an agent could do otherwise if determinism is true. I conclude that, nevertheless, the Direct Argument may still have considerable dialectical appeal and that neither of Widerker’s criticisms should lead us to say goodbye to it just yet.
Design Rules for Producing Controllable Computer Services

Automatic management of computer services such as databases, e-commerce systems and and other web services, is a highly desirable but challenging problem. We argue that the main reason for this is that the services themselves are usually not designed to be managed by an automatic management algorithm, such as one based on machine learning or control theory. Many times, the services thernselves expose hundreds of tunable parameters and measurements with obscure and highly unpredictable relationships between them. This have given rise to many complicated, error prone and specialized algorithms for each single management goal and system, mainly because these services were not designed with control in mind. This paper presents eight design rules for the implementation of computer services that are easy to cortrol. These rules have been derived from practical experience with several computer services and from theoretical results. If these rules are followed in the design process of the service, it is easy to apply standard solutions from fields such as control theory and machine learning to control the service and reach the desired management goals. We show how to apply these rules by using examples from existing computer services.
Smart instruments: Wireless technology invades the operating room

Wireless medical instruments have revolutionized the medical industry for numerous applications including diagnostics, surgical, in vivo, remote patient monitoring, and indoor positioning. The current research trend is to integrate even more biosensors, electronics, and wireless technologies into low power, small form factor systems that can be worn or directly implanted into patients. Diagnostic monitoring systems can provide non-invasive in vivo tracking and real-time diagnosing capabilities. Smart surgical tools provide wireless sensing and tracking for computer assisted surgery and seamless use intraoperatively. Wireless systems will continue to play an integral role in the future of healthcare technology and hospital infrastructure including various types of wireless sensors networks (body area networks, personal area networks) and devices being deployed inside the hospital and operating room and extended into remote locations including the patient's home and workplace.
Light Extraction Efficiency Enhancement of III-Nitride Light-Emitting Diodes by Using 2-D Close-Packed ${\hbox{TiO}}_{2}$ Microsphere Arrays

The enhancement of light extraction efficiency of InGaN quantum well light emitting diodes (LEDs) was achieved by employing the refractive index matched ${\hbox{TiO}}_{2}$ microsphere arrays. The optimization studies of the dipping method and rapid convective deposition (RCD) method were carried out for the deposition of ${\hbox{TiO}}_{2}$ microsphere arrays onto LEDs. The two-dimensional (2D) close-packed ${\hbox{TiO}}_{2}$ microsphere arrays were deposited by the using optimized conditions of the dipping and RCD methods, respectively. The light extraction efficiencies of LEDs under electrical injection were enhanced by 1.8–1.9 times by utilizing 520-nm diameter amorphous and anatase ${\hbox{TiO}}_{2}$ microspheres via the two deposition methods.
A Design Method for Meander-Line Networks Using Equivalent Circuit Transformations

Many types of coupled structures are used to design microwave filters and equalizers. One such structure is the array of coupled parallel commensurate conductors called a meander line. There are several analysis techniques that may be used to find the equivalent circuit of a meander line. However, these do not provide exact design equations. In this paper, meander-line networks are analyzed and synthesized using the graph-transformation technique. The equivalent circuits of one- and two-port meander-line networks will be developed by using the transformation method, and it will be shown that meander-line networks can be easily designed by using the electronic computer.
Mean-field analysis if ternary and quaternary rare earth transition metal alloys for thermomagnetic recording

A mean-field model developed to analyze ternary (TbFeCo) and quaternary (TbGdFeCo, TbDyFeCo) alloys of interest in thermomagnetic recording is based on the localized mean-field theory and emphasizes the reduction of adjustable parameters. The experimental magnetization versus temperature curves are compared with the model predictions, and good agreement is obtained in all instances. The exchange parameters and atomic moment values obtained are consistent with the current understanding of these alloys. The possibility of including an itinerant model to account for the 3d transition-metal magnetic electrons is considered. >
Classification and prediction of occupational injury risk using soft computing techniques: An Italian study

This study was aimed both at assessing the risk of occupational injury, considering the probability and consequences of injuries that may occur, and at identifying any general factors which may affect the incidence of injuries. The analysis in this paper refers to occupational injuries which occurred in a 5-year period (2002-2006) in an Italian region. Any activities to prevent occupational risks and injuries need to involve an adequate information technology system. Classification and prediction are necessarily involved in this type of data analysis in order to obtain models which describe important categories of data, or to predict the trend of future data. Neuro-fuzzy networks are considered a powerful tool, especially when dealing with these problems of data mining. The aim of this paper was to show through a real application the flexibility and advantages of using the neuro-fuzzy network, a typical soft computing tool, for an occupational injury study. Using these innovative techniques to analyse injury data coming from an Italian region, this study aims to: - obtain a classification of input data according to their importance and/or influence on the trend in injuries; - assess how a variation in one or more pieces of input data can effect occupational injury and subsequently carry out a sensitivity analysis concerning the frequency of the injuries and their consequences; - verify the possibility of comparing past data with the predicted trend in injuries, using the neuro-fuzzy networks trained with the past data. Language: en
Spectra of Auditory Brainstem Responses and Spontaneous EEG

Human auditory brainstem responses (ABR's) are sensory evoked potentials that can be recorded within a few milliseconds following a transient acoustic stimulus. This paper describes results of a simulation study that evaluated alternative techniques for estimating the spectrum of the ABR signal and of the background EEG. The effects of residual noise in the average signal, the number of responses in the average, and the use of smoothing windows were considered. Spectra of human ABR's were also obtained. The spectral energy decreases with frequency to 2 kHz and seems to flatten above 2 kHz. The ABR signal spectrum is limited to below approximately 1.5 kHz. There are three main components: a low-frequency component around 100 Hz, a midfrequency component around 500 Hz, and a high-frequency component at 1000 Hz. Narrow-band filtering suggests that the midfrequency component is primarily associated with Jewett wave V, while the high-frequency component is primarily associated with the early Jewett waves. These two components are probably the most important for determining the latencies of waves. The low-frequency component appears to correspond to a slow wave on which the Jewett waves are superimposed.
A method for generating rational interpolant reduced order models of two-parameter linear systems

Abstract A model order reduction technique for systems depending on two parameters is developed. Given a large system model, the method generates the descriptor matrices of a system model of lower order that is a rational interpolant of the transfer function of the large system—the transfer functions have identical values and derivatives for a finite set of parameter values. The new technique is a generalization of recently developed algorithms for one-parameter systems that are based on projections onto Krylov subspaces defined by the descriptor matrices.
HQL: a set-oriented transaction language for hierarchically-structured data bases

The Hierarchic Query Language (HQL) is a sophisticated query language designed to give "non-programmers" convenient access to the data contained within an IMS-like hierarchic data base. In this paper we outline a particular perception of transactions against collections of data arranged in a hierarchic structure, and show how that perception might be reflected in the syntax and semantics of a user-oriented query language.
A Community-Controlled School: The Effects on Student Perceptions of Locus of Control.

Educators have maintained a continued interest and concern in those activities and organizational patterns which maximize the learning experience for children. During the past decade, much attention has been given to alternative organizational models for large metropolitan school districts which would emphasize a redistribution of the decision-making processes. This focus can be attributed to several factors. First, the civil rights movement and the student rebellion dramatized the need for educational reform (Cass, 1970) and second, the rapidly increasing urban population appeared to be producing a more segregated society with the core of the city generally becoming more black while the fringe and the suburbs remain white. According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health (1969: 2):
Equilibrium Payoff Configurations for Cooperative Games with Transferability

This paper introduces some concepts of equilibrium payoff configurations for n-person games. They are based on the idea that a coalition must be sufficiently stable to break away from a particular payoff configuration and are extensions of the core and the bargaining sets The question of general existence is dealt with, as well as interesting dynamic properties in three-person games
Microscopic reversibility as the organizing principle of molecular machines

Biological motors and pumps are equilibrium devices that couple chemical, electrical and mechanical processes in an environment that is far from equilibrium. Recognition of the key role played by microscopic reversibility in their operation is a first step towards rational design of artificial molecular devices.