cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Materials requirements for high heat flux components

In-vessel components in all types of fusion devices are exposed to both high heat and high particle fluxes. Increased pulse lengths and high levels of auxiliary heating power in machines now coming on line and in various states of planning pose new demands on materials. The requirements of heat removal combined with constraints posed by plasma-materials interactions lead to problems of materials selection, development, characterization, fabrication and testing. Specifications for components in current and future machines are summarized, and heat removal technology in regimes applicable to fusion components is reviewed. Possible solutions to materials problems encountered in the design of high heat flux components are shown in a review of some recent pump-limiter design studies. Finally, development needs and some of the test facilities being developed to help address them are discussed.
Rules, Principles, Algorithms and the Description of Legal Systems

. Although the Hart/Dworkin debate has as much to do with Dworkin's affirmative theory of judicial discretion as with Hart's more comprehensive theory of law, the starting point was of course Dworkin's attempt to demolish the “model of rules,” Hart's alleged analysis of legal systems as collections of conclusive reasons for specified legal consequences. The continuing relevance of this attack for the prospects for any theory of law is the subject of the present essay.
Measures of Geographically Uneven Subpopulation Group Change and Local Group Transitions: Examples from Los Angeles

The author notes the shortcomings of quantitative tools available for the analysis of local area transitions between subpopulation groups, particularly when compared to the power of methodologies available for the study of static segregation geographies. The author derives simple statistics for examining single-group, two-group, and multigroup subpopulation change and provides empirical examples of the properties and uses of these statistics. These measures of group change and transition are suitable for the continuous measurement and modeling of ecological outcomes in multigroup context. Statistics are also derived to measure aggregate regional unevenness in local subpopulation group change.
Are attention deficit disorders with and without hyperactivity similar or dissimilar disorders

From a population of 625 children in grades 2–5, 10 children were identified as those with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADD/H) and 20 children were identified as those with attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity (ADD/WO). When compared with matched normal control children on a battery of teacher ratings, peer ratings, and self-report measures, markedly different patterns of characteristics were found for the two ADD groups. ADD/H children exhibited aggressive conduct disorders, bizarre behavior, were guiltless, very unpopular, and performed poorly in school. In contrast, ADD/WO children were found to be anxious, shy, socially withdrawn, moderately unpopular, and poor in sports and school performance. Both groups exhibited depression and poor self-concepts, but differed in the specific areas of low self-esteem. These different patterns suggest that ADD/ H and ADD/WO are dissimilar syndromes and perhaps should not be considered to be subtypes of the same disorder.
Permission and assent for clinical research in pediatric anesthesia

IMPLICATIONS This article discusses the process and specific nature of informed consent for clinical research in pediatric anesthesia. For informed consent to be meaningful, permission from the child's proxy must be obtained and the child's assent must be tailored in a manner that is sensitive to the abilities of children.
Student use of a reserve collection: a survey

Following the automation of the reserve system, Kent Library at Southeast Missouri State University decided to ascertain student use of the reserve collection via a survey. Reports the findings of that survey, which asked questions such as how students know items are on reserve, how they request items, whether the reserve printout is useful, and what action is taken if the material is already charged out. Raw data are presented, along with comments about answers to several of the questions, a discussion about three correlations, conclusions that can be drawn from the survey, and recommendations.
Tracheal aspirate pH is alkaline in pre-term human infants

The pH of sputum and exhaled breath condensate is abnormal in several pulmonary disorders. Though airway pH regulatory proteins may be abnormally expressed in human development, the tracheal aspirate pH of infants born prematurely has not been studied. Undiluted mid-tracheal aspirate samples were obtained on the first day of life from pre-term (23-30 weeks' gestation) and term (> or =37 weeks' gestation) infants for pH measurement; subsequently, pH was measured on days 7, 14 and 21 from the pre-term infants who remained intubated. Thirty-five pre-term infants and eight term infants had samples collected on the first day of life. The mean pH of the pre-term infant samples (8.31 +/- 0.35) was significantly higher than that of the term infants (7.83 +/- 0.39). The pH in pre-term infants' airways fell with prolonged endotracheal intubation; the maximal decrease was of -1.37 +/- 0.96 pH units to 6.89 +/- 0.77. Pre-term infants have a higher tracheal aspirate pH than full-term infants, and their airways tend to become more acidic with prolonged mechanical ventilation. The present data demonstrate for the first time that premature infants may have abnormal tracheal aspirate pH.
AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF STATE SUPPORT FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

There are few practical problems in which the economist has a more direct interest than those relating to the principles on which the expense of the education of children should be divided between the state and the parents.–Alfred Marshall, Principles of Economics
The isolation and characterization of sphingomyelinase from human placental tissue.

Abstract Human placental sphingomyelinase activity was eluted as a single symmetrical peak from Sephadex G-200 with a molecular weight of 290 000; however, the enzyme behaved heterogeneously on ion exchange chromatography. A specific species of sphingomyelinase was purified approx. 10 000-fold to a constant specific activity of 274 000 nanomol of sphingomyelin hydrolyzed per mg protein per h. When the purified enzyme was examined on sodium dodecyl sulfate disc gel electrophoresis, two distinct protein bands in approximately equal proportions with molecular weights of 36 800 and 28 300 were found. The specificity of the enzyme is directed towards both the hydrophilic phosphocholine and the hydrophobic ceramide moieties of sphingomyelin. Possible interrelationships between the heterogenous forms of placental sphingomyelinases are discussed.
Spin and orbital contributions to surface magnetism in 3d elements.

We have determined theoretically both the orbital and the spin contribution to the magnetic moment on the (001) surfaces of fcc Mn, bcc and fcc Fe, hcp Co, and fcc Ni. We used a surface geometry that corresponds to the bulk crystal structure (except for Mn) with no relaxation of the surface. In addition to enhanced spin moments at the surface we find that the orbital moment for surface states is greatly enhanced (sometimes by more than 100%). We also present calculations for different spin configurations in fcc Fe, and we find that two competing spin configurations exists. fcc Mn is found to have a surface spin moment slightly larger than the surface moment of bcc Fe. Detailed information from the calculations is presented, i.e., density of states, charge-density contour plots, and orbital-projected spin moments.
Scientific Peer Review: A Case Study From Local And Global Analyses.

The dialog between Staddon (2001, 2004) and Baum (2004) raises general questions about the nature of scientific peer review. Their dialog displays effects on peer review of differences of opinion about the relative merits of local and global analyses. Baum (1995, 1997, 2001, 2002) favors global analyses as a paradigm different, newer, and better than the local, dynamic, real-time approach that plays a significant role in Staddon (2001). According to the Kuhnian perspective (Kuhn, 1996) Baum advocates, we can better understand his review of Staddon (2001) by considering the implications for it of his commitment to the idea that a global analysis is a superior scientific paradigm. This commentary examines some characteristics of local and global analyses, as well as some of their possible implications for peer review in the context of a reviewer's belief in the Kuhnian idea of incommensurability: According to this idea, a reviewer who either is, or who believes he is, from one paradigm is unlikely, for better or worse, to understand or perhaps even tolerate work from a different paradigm. It is recommended that a process be developed to encourage “truth in peer reviewing” to reduce possible conflicts of interest embedded in the current conception of scientific peer review.
Translocation X;10 in a case of congenital acute monocytic leukemia.

Abstract Unusual cytogenetic findings were noted in the leukemic cells from a patient with congenital acute monocytic leukemia (AMol or M5, according to the FAB classification), whereas, the chromosomes of cultured skin fibroblasts were normal. G-banded karyotypes of leukemic cells showed an X-autosome translocation, 46,X,t(X;10) (Xpter→q13::10q11.2→qter)(10pter→q11.2::Xq28→q13:: X q28→qter). Review of reported cases of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) with rearrangements involving chromosomes #10 or X showed a high frequency of abnormalities of the short arm of #10 in myelomonocytic (M4) and monocytic (M5) leukemias, particularly in patients less than 2-yr-of-age. Although previously reported cases of ANLL in infants are predominantly of these types, the translocation observed in this case is unique. Fragile sites known to exist on chromosomes #10 and X are not associated with neoplasia and, except for Xq27–28, were not at the breakpoints of the case presented. The precise location of a human cellular oncogene recently identified on the X chromosome remains unknown.
Bragg scattering from a filamentary array

Abstract Elastic scattering from a filamentary array is studied using Fermi's “golden rule”. The intensity of the Bragg peaks varies dramatically with the magnitude of the incoming wave vector.
Longitudinal associations between health behaviors and mental health in low-income adults

Although there are established relationships between physical and mental health, few studies have explored the relationship between health behaviors and mental health over time. To explore rates of health-compromising behaviors (HCBs) and the longitudinal relationship between HCBs and depression, anxiety, and stress, five waves of data were collected over 1 year from 482 patients at an urban public health clinic (47 % female, 68 % African-American, M age = 28). Smoking (61 %), binge drinking (52 %), illegal drug use (53 %), unprotected sex with non-primary partners (55 %), and fast food consumption (71 %) were common, while consumption of fruits or vegetables (30 %) and breakfast (17 %) were rare. Cross-lagged models identified within-time associations between HCBs and depression/anxiety and stress. Additionally, depression/anxiety and stress predicted later HCBs, but HCBs did not predict later mental health. Results suggest that targeting mental health may be important to promoting improvements across multiple health behaviors.
Hamilton Echelle Spectroscopy of the 1993 March 6 Solar Flare

We report on a successful program that used the Hamilton echelle spectrograph and the coud{acute e} auxiliary telescope at Lick Observatory to take spectra of solar flares. Our observations consist of high-resolution ({lambda}/{delta}{lambda}{approximately}48,000) spectra covering the entire optical region from approximately 3800 to 9000 {Angstrom} in each exposure. These are the first time-resolved high-resolution optical spectra of this type obtained for a solar flare. On 1993 March 6 we observed a relatively large ({ital GOES} class M7.7) solar flare event. Our sequence of observations began before flare maximum and continued for more than 1 hr. We present our high signal-to-noise spectra and compare them with similar stellar flare observations. We find that the hydrogen-emitting layers in flares on the Sun differ markedly from those in flares on dMe stars, though the total energy emitted in various emission lines can be rather similar. We also find that the amount of energy released in the optical emission lines is similar to that emitted in soft X-rays. We find evidence for Stark broadening in the Balmer lines for members lower in the series than reported in earlier studies. This appears to have occurred because the optical depth in the Balmer lines is lowermore » than in previously reported flares. Early in the flare, the H{alpha} and H{beta} line profiles appear to be asymmetric as a result of {ital absorption} by chromospheric material expanding upward into the corona. We also examine solar flare model atmospheres synthesized with the non-LTE code MULTI and find that our observations can be generally understood in terms of equilibrium models of electron-beam- and X-ray-heated chromospheres in equilibrium with coronal loops in which the pressure is rather high; however, there remain marked differences between the theoretical predictions and our observations, implying that substantial refinement of the models is in order. Several photospheric lines show flare enhancements as well. The temporal behavior of these line enhancements is identical to that of the chromospheric lines, but there is no indication that significant flare heating penetrates to continuum formation depths. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Astronomical Society}« less
The Development of Cellulosic Fuels

Because plants can be deployed inexpensively on a large scale to capture and store solar energy in biomass, one way of moving toward the development of carbon neutral fuels is to use plant biomass for production of fuels. The efficient production of biofuels by routes other than gasification will require innovation in three main areas: sustainable production of feedstocks that do not compete with food production, depolymerization of feedstocks, and conversion of feedstocks to fuels. At present, it is expected that gasoline and diesel replacements will ultimately be derived from cellulosic biomass. In this respect there is renewed interest in identifying plants that have optimal biomass accumulation and understanding the production issues associated with large-scale cultivation and sustainable harvesting of such species. Additionally, the importance of enhancing soil carbon and nutrient retention while minimizing inputs will require an integrated approach to the development of cellulosic energy crops. The challenges on the processing side include the development of improved catalysts for polysaccharide and lignin depolymerization and conversion to fuels as well as the development of microbial strains that can convert a wide range of sugars to next generation fuels under harsh conditions.
The Tao of Textbooks: Taoism in Introductory World Religion Texts

Despite an abundance of new pedagogical techniques and technological innovations, textbooks remain a vital part of education at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Students generally accept the authority of their texts, at times believing them to be more reliable than the instructor. Consequently, we must be confident that the presentation of religious traditions is both accurate and balanced. This is particularly true for Taoism, which has become increasingly popular and popularized. Following up Russell Kirkland's Note from the Classroom in the June 1998 issue of this journal, “Teaching Taoism in the 1990s,” this study examines the coverage of Taoism in the thirteen most widely used Introductory World Religion textbooks. Through a quantitative analysis of the accounts, we can determine which texts give our students the most responsible description of a long misunderstood tradition. This review focuses on the amount of text devoted to (1) “religious” and “philosophical” Taoism, (2) the Tao Te Ching and Chuang Tzu, (3) quotations and sources, (4) Taoist schools, (5) women, and (6) morality.
A fast algorithm for Gröbner basis conversion and its applications

The Grobner walk method converts a Grobner basis by partitioning the computation of the basis into several smaller computations following a path in the Grobner fan of the ideal generated by the system of equations. The method works with ideals of zero-dimension as well as positive dimension. Typically, the target point of the walking path lies on the intersection of very many cones, which ends up with initial forms of a considerable number of terms. Therefore, it is crucial to the performance of the conversion to change the target point since we have to compute a Grobner basis with respect to the elimination term order of such large initial forms. In contrast to heuristic methods found in the literature, in this paper the author presents a deterministic method to vary the target point in order to ensure the generality of the position, i.e. we always have just a few terms in the initial forms. It turns out that this theoretical result brings a dramatic speed-up in practice. We have implemented the Grobner walk method together with the deterministic method for varying the target point in the kernel of Mathematica. Our experiments show the superlative performance of our improved Grobner walk method in comparison with other known methods. Our best performance is 3 × 104times faster than the direct computation of the reduced Grobner basis with respect to pure lexicographic term order (using the Buchberger algorithm and the sugar cube strategy). We also discuss the complexity of the conversion algorithm and prove a degree bound for polynomials in the target Grobner basis. In the second part of the paper, we present some applications of the conversion method for implicitization and geometric reasoning. We compare the efficiency of the improved Grobner walk method with other methods for elimination such as multivariate resultant methods.
The Country and the Grassroots: Rural action for local control of energy policy and development

This paper presents an ongoing ethnographic study of a coalition of grassroots groups in central New York State that organized in the spring of 2006 to protest the construction of a 110 foot, 400,000 volt, 192-mile long direct current high voltage electrical transmission line from Utica, NY to New Windsor, NY. The study involves how a newly conceived energy corporation, New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI), is capitalizing upon the U.S. 2005 Energy Act which claims that national energy emergencies exist in regions of the United States that are deemed congested by the Department of Energy. Citizen’s organizations are jointly protesting the proposed power line on the basis that the assertion that their region is currently in an energy “emergency” is fallacious. The grassroots movement speaks to the sociological questions of democratic practice, citizen’s roles in scientific discourse and governmental policy-making, and widely differing claims to knowledge of energy issues. [Article copies available for a fee from The Transformative Studies Institute. E-mail address: journal@transformativestudies.org Website: http://www.transformativestudies.org ©2008 by The Transformative Studies Institute. All rights reserved.]
A Simulation Model ofPodisus maculiventris(Say) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) and Mexican Bean Beetle,Epilachna varivestis(Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Population Dynamics in Soybean,Glycine max(L.)

Abstract We present a predator–prey model (PREDPREY) that describes the population dynamics of the generalist predator Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) and Mexican bean beetle Epilachna varivestis (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in soybean, Glycine max (L.). PREDPREY is a state-variable model that uses a distributed-delay function to represent temperature-dependent development of both predator and prey species. The predator submodel includes descriptions of immigration, predator search, functional response, survivorship, and reproductive characteristics. The prey submodel includes descriptions of immigration, survivorship, and reproductive characteristics. The plant model describes plant growth as a function of leaf area accumulation over time. The model tracks changes in predator and prey populations over a single growing season using a 1-day time step. The model captures the essence of predator–prey dynamics to provide reasonable predictions of population patterns. Comparison of the no-predator scenario to the standard simulation (1000 predators/ha) indicates that predators bring about a 24% reduction in peak prey (larval) density and a 47% reduction in overwintering prey (adult) numbers. Sensitivity analyses indicate that reproductive and survivorship characteristics of the prey have a relatively large impact on pest density. Among predator characteristics, developmental rate and most reproductive parameters have a greater impact than do search parameters and survivorship. Plant growth rate has a greater impact than the initial size of plants. The model can be used to evaluate the relative effectiveness of natural enemies, investigate augmentative biological control strategies, and evaluate biological control strategies as part of larger IPM programs.
CHARACTERIZATION OF COPPERPLATING PROCESS FOR CERAMIC SUBSTRATES

This report presents the results of a systematic study to reduce process variability. A series of experiments were conducted to identify the control variables which caused variation in the process and their new settings for improved results. The copperp..
Rate constants for the reactions of OH with HFC-134a (CF3CH2F) and HFC-134 (CHF2CHF2)

Measurements of rate constants for HFC-134 (CF2HCF2H) relative to CH3CCl3, HFC-125, and HFC-134a are reported. The measurements were made in a slow-flow, temperature controlled photochemical reactor, and were based on relative rates of disappearance of the parent compounds as measured by FTIR spectroscopy. Hydroxyl radicals were generated by 254-nm photolysis of O3 in the presence of water vapor. NASA/JPL rate constants for the reference compounds are used to derive temperature-dependent rate constants of both compounds. Rate constants obtained from the different reference compounds are in excellent agreement. The presently recommended rate constant for HFC-134a is about 25 percent too high.
Information and Conditional Inference

Abstract Consider non-Bayesian inference about a parameter of interest β in the presence of a nuisance parameter λ based on a statistic S = (T, A). If the conditional distribution of T given A does not depend on λ and if A contains no information about β in the presence of λ, then A is said to be ancillary for θ in the presence of λ, and inference about θ is to be based on the conditional distribution of T given A. This approach has been the basis for several definitions of ancillarity in the presence of a nuisance parameter; the definitions vary in how the phrase “no information about θ in the presence of λ” is interpreted. In this article a definition of ancillarity in the presence of a nuisance parameter is proposed using a definition of “no information about θ in the presence of λ” based on Bayesian inference.
Increased ABA sensitivity results in higher seed dormancy in soft white spring wheat cultivar ‘Zak’

As a strategy to increase the seed dormancy of soft white wheat, mutants with increased sensitivity to the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) were identified in mutagenized grain of soft white spring wheat “Zak”. Lack of seed dormancy is correlated with increased susceptibility to preharvest sprouting in wheat, especially those cultivars with white kernels. ABA induces seed dormancy during embryo maturation and inhibits the germination of mature grain. Three mutant lines called Zak ERA8, Zak ERA19A, and Zak ERA19B (Zak ENHANCED RESPONSE to ABA) were recovered based on failure to germinate on 5 μM ABA. All three mutants resulted in increased ABA sensitivity over a wide range of concentrations such that a phenotype can be detected at very low ABA concentrations. Wheat loses sensitivity to ABA inhibition of germination with extended periods of dry after-ripening. All three mutants recovered required more time to after-ripen sufficiently to germinate in the absence of ABA and to lose sensitivity to 5 μM ABA. However, an increase in ABA sensitivity could be detected after as long as 3 years of after-ripening using high ABA concentrations. The Zak ERA8 line showed the strongest phenotype and segregated as a single semi-dominant mutation. This mutation resulted in no obvious decrease in yield and is a good candidate gene for breeding preharvest sprouting tolerance.
A Study of the Deformation and Fracture of a Dual-Phase Steel

A metallographic study of the tensile deformation and fracture of a commercial dual-phase steel shows that extensive plastic deformation of the martensite occurs mainly in the neck of the tensile specimen. The average load-transfer stress in martensite was roughly calculated from a shear-lag model, and it was found that it exceeds the estimated martensite yield stress value at strains corresponding to the ultimate uniform elongation, and beyond. Ductile fracture begins with void formation at martensite-ferrite interfaces, most frequently at the poles of closely spaced martensite particles situated on ferrite grain boundaries. Large inclusions and martensite banding also affect the fracture process.
Two ribosome binding sites from the gene 0.3 messenger RNA of bacteriophage T7

Abstract Ribosome-protected regions have been isolated and analyzed from the bacteriophage T7 gene 0.3 mRNA labeled in vivo . Two discrete sites which are nearly equally protected by ribosomes are obtained from what was previously assumed to be a monocistronic message. Use of appropriate T7 deletion mutant RNAs has allowed mapping of both ribosome-recognized regions. Site a is positioned very close to the 5′ terminus of the mRNA and is apparently the initiator region for the major gene 0.3 protein, which acts to overcome the host DNA restriction system. Site b is located within several hundred nucleotides of the 3′ end of the RNA and probably initiates synthesis of a small polypeptide of unknown function. Both ribosome binding sites exhibit features common to other initiator regions from Escherichia coli and bacteriophage mRNAs. The proximity of site a to the RNase III cleavage site at the left end of gene 0.3 may explain why processing by RNase III is required for efficient translation of the major gene 0.3 protein.
Radiation Therapy and Immunotherapy: Growing Pains

The effects of ionizing radiation on the immune system are under active preclinical and clinical investigation. In the United States, approximately 50 clinical trials are currently testing the addition of radiation therapy to various immunotherapeutic strategies. With such an exponential growth of interest, it might be useful to pause and reflect on the challenges associatedwith thepromise of this newareaof research. The recently reported results by Kwon et al (1) of a large, multi-institutional, prospective, randomized trial in men with metastatic castrate-resistant and docetaxelrefractory prostate cancer offer the occasion for this editorial. All patients in this study were pretreated with radiation therapy targeting bone metastases (8 Gy in a single fraction) and then randomly assigned to receive either ipilimumab or placebo. The rationale for the experimental arm was based on the hypothesis that ipilimumab would enable antitumor immunity, after radiation had converted the tumor into an in situ vaccine by inducing immunogenic cell death and exposing cryptic tumor antigens (1-3). Unfortunately, this important and wellconducted study failed to meet its primary endpoint of an improved median overall survival for the experimental arm. Only on subset analysis was it possible to detect a difference in median overall survival for patients with “good prognostic features” (1). Though not yet reported by Kwon et al, immunologic surrogates for antitumor immunity (such as changes in the peripheral blood immune cells, tumor
Ultrastructural evaluation of murine bladder epithelium exposed to verapamil.

The effect of single or multiple instillations of high verapamil concentrations on the cytoarchitecture of the bladder epithelium was assessed by electron microscopy. Ruthenium red was used to evaluate the surface mucopolysaccharide coats and the integrity of junctional complexes between luminal or nonluminal cells was found in any experimental animals, nor was there a breakdown of the junctional complexes between luminal cells. These data suggest that verapamil may be safely used intravesically as adjunct to standard chemotherapy.
Putting super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to work.

Super-resolution microscopy is poised to revolutionize our understanding of the workings of the cell. But the technology still has some limitations, and these must be taken into consideration if widespread application is to yield biological insight.
25 MATERNAL SOCIAL RISK FACTORS AS PREDICTORS OF COMPETENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

A three year follow-up of previously reported educational intervention program--delivered to matched sample of 36 socially disadvantaged mother-infant pairs during first year of life--resulted in the development of a maternal social risk score instrument. In the retrospective analysis of 15 social variables describing multi-problem families, mother's age, education, plans for returning to school, living arrangement, geographic living area, and any reported socially deviant behavior were most predictive of social risk status. Interaction between social risk scores of mothers and performance of their infants was analyzed. There was a negative correlation between risk scores of mothers and performance of their infants at year one (r=-.388; p <.02); at year two (r=-.488; p < .008) and at year three (verbal, r=-.340; p <.049 and cognitive, r=-.288; p<.099). An instrument which is able to assess maternal risk at birth may be an important new parameter in preventive pediatric treatment.
A laboratory exercise illustrating the sensitivity and specificity of Western blot analysis.

Western blot analysis, commonly known as “Western blotting,” is a standard tool in every laboratory where proteins are analyzed. It involves the separation of polypeptides in polyacrylamide gels followed by the electrophoretic transfer of the separated polypeptides onto a nitrocellulose or polyvinylidene fluoride membrane. A replica of the separated polypeptides from the gel is created on the membrane, which is then probed with antibodies or other ligands to identify specific polypeptide(s). Here, we report an undergraduate laboratory exercise involving Western blotting. During the 3-week laboratory exercise, students investigated the likelihood of the presence of a serum albumin in fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) homogenate, bovine calf serum (BCS), and fetal bovine serum (FBS). Students isolate proteins from fruit fly larvae and perform sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), electrophoretic blotting, and immunoassay comparing those proteins with BCS and FBS proteins. Their results indicate that serum albumin is present in BCS and FBS but is absent in fruit flies. In the process, the specificity and sensitivity of Western blot analysis is demonstrated. The laboratory exercise can be easily incorporated into any college-level biochemistry or molecular techniques laboratory. The procedure used can be easily adapted to study other proteins. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 39, No. 4, pp. 291-297, 2011
Total Urinary Catechol Excretion in Cardiovascular and Other Clinical Conditions

Although colorimetry (method of Shaw) permits neither a differentiation of epinephrine and norepinephrine nor their separation from other catechols, it reveals the total urinary catechol excretion, including those portions which were inactivated in the body. No significant abnormalities were found in arterial hypertension, in congestive heart failure, after myocardial infarction and during emotional stress. Thoracolumbar sympathectomy depressed total catechol excretion temporarily. In renal uremia, the regularly demonstrable elevation of the blood catechols was paralleled by a diminution of the conjugated catechols in the urine. It appears to be due to renal retention.
Heteroepitaxial growth of InP and GaInAs on GaAs substrates using nonhydride sources

The heteroepitaxial growth of InP and Ga0471n053 As on GaAs substrates have been investigated by using tertiarybutylarsine (TBA) and tertiarybutylphosphine (TBP) as group V sources. The group III sources are ethyldimethylindium (EDMIn) and triethylgallium (TEGa). The growth process was carried out in a hydrogen flow in a horizontal reactor, where the substrates were placed on a radiatively heated, silicon carbide-coated graphite plate. Heteroepitaxial InP layers with mirror smooth surfaces were deposited on GaAs substrates using a two temperature growth process under atmospheric pressure: a buffer layer was deposited at 400°C followed by the deposition of an epitaxial layer at 500°-550°C. InP layers deposited without intentional doping are n-type with a net electron concentration of (2-3) x 1016 cm3. The FWHM of the excitonic peak of the 4.2 K photoluminescence of an InP layer of 1.1 m thickness is 5.2 meV. Heteroepitaxial Ga0471n053As layers were also deposited on GaAs substrates by the two temperature growth process under reduced pressure using an InP or a Ga0471n053As buffer layer grown at 400°C and the subsequent epitaxial growth at 5OOO 550°C. The composition of the GaInAs layers was determined by x-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, and optical absorption measurements. As-grown surfaces of Ga0471n053As layers of about 2 jm however, dislocation density on the order of 108 cm2 was observed by chemical etching and SEM examinations.
Examining the practical challenges of an Augmented Reality cyber-infrastructure framework

In this paper, we present issues to be addressed and practical solutions for these issues in an Augmented Reality (AR) cyber-infrastructure framework currently being developed. This framework provides services to AR application developers and users for creating, sharing, publishing, and consuming AR content. It also helps in managing different content datasets, including user-generated AR content, internal and external content repositories. The practical development challenges can be categorized into three groups: computation challenges, sensor capability challenges, and challenges associated with development and deployment of the platform. Specifically, these challenges include finding the optimal update frequency for tracking a user's motion, working with delays in the GPS, thread synchronization, adverse interactions with the hosting device, as well as debugging and testing of a pose computation in AR application. Limitations and practical solutions for both an AR mobile device and AR frameworks are discussed, along with an analysis of characteristics of AR frameworks.
Potential gains from trading bad outputs: The case of U.S. electric power plants

Abstract Jointly with kilowatt-hours (kWh), electric power plants also produce CO 2 , NO x , and SO 2 . In this paper, we apply an environmental production model based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) to compare the production of kWh under command-and-control regulation of the undesirable byproduct with tradable permit regulation of the byproduct . This is done for each of the three undesirable outputs and combinations of them. We apply our model to a dataset of 80 coal-fired electric power plants from 1995 to 2005. From this we can identify the potential gains from trading the most common undesirable outputs produced by coal-fired electric power plants.
Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A at Environmentally Relevant Doses Adversely Affects the Murine Female Reproductive Tract Later in Life

BackgroundExposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during critical developmental periods causes adverse consequences later in life; an example is prenatal exposure to the pharmaceutical diethylst...
Hypothesized predictors of patient–physician trust and distrust in the elderly: implications for health and disease management

This study notes the differences between trust and distrust perceptions by the elderly as compared with younger populations. Given the importance of trust and distrust in compliance, changing behaviors, and forming partnerships for both health and disease management, it is necessary to be able to measure patient–doctor trust and distrust (PDTD). Following recent conceptualizations on trust and distrust as coexistent states, this study hypothesizes predictors of PDTD. We are proposing that these predictors form the basis for designing, developing and validating a PDTD scale (PDTDS). It is important to capture the trust–distrust perceptions of older patients as they confront the complexities and vulnerabilities of the modern healthcare delivery system. This is necessary if we are to design interventions to change behaviors of both the healthcare provider and the older patient.
Formal quality control for a proton Monte Carlo system in radiation therapy

TOPAS (TOol for PArticle Simulation) is a Monte Carlo particle transport tool being released to a wide variety of proton therapy users worldwide. Because TOPAS provides unprecedented ease in 4D placement of geometry components, beam sources and scoring, including options to place geometry components, beam sources or scorers within each other, Quality Control (QC) for TOPAS is both critical and challenging. All simulation details (geometry, particle sources, scoring, physics settings, time-dependent motions, gating, etc.) are specified in the TOPAS Parameter Control System (which catches many user errors). QC includes Unit and End-to-End Testing. Each code unit is tested (each geometry component, particle source option, scoring option, etc.) and these unit testing procedures are shared with end users so they can reproduce tests. End-to-End testing of several full clinical setups is routinely performed. End-to-End testing presents a challenge since one cannot anticipate all the ways users will combine TOPAS flexible units for their specific project. Automated checking catches geometry overlaps and some other problematic setups, but one can never rule out the potential for problems when users combine units in new setups. QC is ultimately a partnership between the tool developer and the user. Key is that the developer be clear to the end user about what has been tested and what has not.
Bicoid by the Numbers: Quantifying a Morphogen Gradient

Morphogen gradients are typically analyzed from static images of fixed embryonic tissues. Two papers in this issue of Cell now report live imaging of the Bicoid gradient in developing fruit fly embryos (Gregor et al., 2007a, 2007b). Their findings indicate that the gradient is highly reproducible from embryo to embryo and reveal that the nuclear dynamics of Bicoid are critical for maintaining precision within the gradient.
Localization of α1(I) Collagen mRNA in Myocardium from the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat During the Transition from Compensated Hypertrophy to Failure

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) commonly develop impairment of myocardial function between ages 18-24 months. Isolated muscle studies demonstrate depressed myocardial contractility and increased passive stiffness. Studies of the extracellular matrix in SHR with failure (SHR-F) demonstrate an increased expression of genes encoding extracellular matrix components (ECM), hydroxyproline concentration and fibrosis relative to age-matched non-failing animals. In the present study, tissue sections of hearts from SHR-F, non-failing SHR (SHR-NF) and non-hypertensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were hybridized with a cDNA probe for alpha1(I) collagen mRNA, which was found by Northern blot analysis to be elevated in SHR-F relative to hearts from control animals. In situ hybridization studies demonstrate increased perivascular and interstitial collagen alpha1(I) gene expression in myocardium from the SHR relative to WKY. In addition, failing hearts from the SHR demonstrate focal alpha1(I) collagen mRNA accumulation in the endocardium and at sites of degenerating single myocardial cells.
Pragmatic reasoning from multiple points of view: A response

In our response we consider several broad sets of issues raised in the commentaries on our target article. We provide an elaboration of the general theory of pragmatic reasoning schemas and of the mechanisms posited to explain perspective effects and other contextual influences on reasoning. We consider the strengths and limitations of a number of alternative proposals offered by the commentators. Finally, we discuss possible links between pragmatic schemas and more elementary "building blocks" for human reasoning.
Hick’s law: Its limit is 3 bits

Hick’s law states that choice reaction time is a linear function of the amount of information provided by the reaction stimulus. Thus a straight line is predicted for the function that relates choice reaction time to the logarithm of the number of response alternatives. Although some (but not all) studies have confirmed this relationship, the range of response alternatives has been almost completely limited to 2 to 8 choices. Three experiments now extend the range to 16 choices and beyond. In all of them, a curvilinear function is obtained. Longstreth’s power law better fits the data (Longstreth, El-Zahhar, & Alcorn, 1985). It is concluded that Hick’s law is an approximation to the complete power function and that it becomes noticeably deficient only beyond 3 bits of stimulus uncertainty (i.e., 8 choices).
Radiographic Parameters in Predicting Outcome of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Yttrium-90 Microsphere Radioembolization

Background. In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, selection criteria for transarterial hepatic selective internal radiotherapy are imprecise. Additionally, radiographic parameters to predict outcome of transarterial hepatic selective internal radiotherapy have not been fully characterized. Patients and methods. Computed tomography (CT) scans of 23 patients with unresectable primary hepatocellular carcinoma before and after transarterial hepatic selective internal radiotherapy with yttrium-90 microspheres were retrospectively reviewed. Selected radiographic parameters were evaluated and correlated with progression-free survival and overall survival. Response to treatment was assessed with Response RECIST 1.1 and Morphology, Attenuation, Size, and Structure (MASS) criteria. Results. On the post-SIRT CT, 68% of tumors demonstrated decreased size (median decrease of 0.8 cm, ); 64% had decreased attenuation (median decrease 5.7 HU, ), and 48% demonstrated increased tumor necrosis (). RECIST-defined partial response was seen in 10% patients, stable disease in 80%, and 10% had disease progression. Median progression-free survival was 3.9 months (range, 3.3 to 7.3), and median overall survival was 11.2 months (7.1 to 31.1). Pretreatment lower hepatopulmonary shunt fraction, central hypervascularity, and well-defined tumor margins were associated with improved progression-free survival. Conclusion. In patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, pretreatment CT parameters may predict favorable response to SIRT and improve patient selection.
Essential fatty acid deficiency and home total parenteral nutrition patients

The requirements for essential fatty acids in patients on home parenteral nutrition are not well described. We therefore studied the needs of 12 patients receiving parenteral nutrition for at least 4 mo (range: 4 mo-17.3 yr; mean 7.0 +/- 5.2 yr). Prior to the study, each patient had been receiving intravenous lipids either weekly or biweekly and had a triene to tetraene ratio (TTR) on plasma phospholipids performed at least annually. A TTR > or = 0.2 was considered diagnostic for essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD). The purpose of this study was to determine the required intravenous lipid supplementation in patients on home total parenteral nutrition (HTPN). Patients with an initial TTR of 0.2 at some point in the study. Phase I consisted of patients who at initiation of the study had normal TTRs and were taken off lipid supplementation until their TTR became abnormal. Phases II, III, IV, and V consisted of lipid delivered in total nutrient admixtures in biweekly doses of 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4 g of fat/kg bodyweight, respectively. Eight patients normalized their TTRs on the biweekly lipid regimens; one patient expired before his ratio normalized; and three patients could not be made deficient in essential fatty acids after 26 or more wk of fat-free parenteral nutrition. Most patients required 1.2 to 2.4 g of lipid/kg bodyweight/biweekly to correct serologic EFAD. The clinical background, as well as the length of small bowel remaining, did not seem to identify those patients who required lipid supplementation nor the final dose of lipid needed to normalize their TTRs.
Response to Regula tion An Organizational Process Framework

Federal regulation of organizations is an increasingly important theoretical and policy topic. Current regulation analyses are deficient in that they overrely on economic assumptions and market sector organizations. This article proposes an organizational process framework for investigating and understanding how local organizations respond to federal regulation based on the argument that conventional approaches, which focus on system properties and outcomes, lead to neither theoret ical nor policy insights. Additionally, it suggests alternative strategies for investigation.
Local Indices for Degenerate Variational Inequalities

We provide an index formula for solutions of variational inequality problems defined by a continuously differentiable function F over a convex set M represented by a finite number of inequality constraints. Our index formula can be applied when the solutions are nonsingular and possibly degenerate, as long as they also satisfy the injective normal map (INM) property, which is implied by strong stability. We show that when the INM property holds, the degeneracy in a solution can be removed by perturbing the function F slightly, i.e., the index of a degenerate solution is equal to the index of a nondegenerate solution of a slightly perturbed variational inequality problem. We further show that our definition of the index is equivalent to the topological index of the normal map at the zero corresponding to the solution. As an application of our index formula, we provide a global index theorem for variational inequalities which holds even when the solutions are degenerate.
Comparing the performance of EPICS Channel Access with a new implementation based on ICE (the Internet Communications Engine)

The current Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) Channel Access (CA) protocol has been developed and used in the EPICS community for nearly 20 years. It has the advantage of stability and high performance. However, it is hard to maintain and extend. Despite being open source, in practice only the original author makes changes to it. The argument for a replacement based on modern communication technology is compelling. The Internet Communications Engine (ICE) is a communications middleware platform that is being widely used. This paper will present the implementation of a replacement for EPICS Channel Access based on ICE. The performance comparison with the original will also be presented.