cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunophagocytosis of human amyloid fibrils by leukocytes.

Human peripheral blood leukocytes did not phagocytose isolated amyloid fibrils under conditions identical to those where microorganisms or denaturated serum proteins were easily ingested. Treatment of the fibrils with antiserum specific for amyloid rendered the fibrils susceptible to phagocytosis. Degranulation of the white blood cells ensued, and structural alterations of amyloid within phagosomes appeared to take place. It is suggested that immunophagocytosis may be one of the mechanisms whereby amyloid deposits can be eliminated from tissues.
Continuous nonlinear perturbations of linear accretive operators in banach spaces

Let A be a linear, closed, densely defined m-accretive operator from a Banach space X to itself, and let T(t), t ⩾ 0, be the semigroup of operators which has −A as its infinitesimal generator. Let B be a nonlinear, continuous, everywhere defined accretive operator from X to itself, and let S(t), t ⩾ 0, be the semigroup of nonlinear operators which has −B as its infinitesimal generator. It is shown that for all x ϵ X, t ⩾ 0, limn → ∞(T(tn) S(tn))nx = U(t)x exists, U(t)x = T(t)x − ∝0t T(t − s) BU(s) x ds, and U(t), t ⩾ 0, is a strongly continuous semigroup of nonlinear contractions on X. It is shown also that −(A + B) is the infinitesimal generator of U(t), t ⩾ 0, and A + B is m-accretive on X.
Networks, culture, transaction costs and discrimination

Starts out with a survey of various formal theories that have focused on discrimination in the labor market. Argues that Becker’s traditional taste for discrimination model, the various statistical discrimination models and the new cultural communication cost models ultimately yield analytically and observationally equivalent predictions. In particular, these models all imply that we may find occupational segregation across firms. This, in turn, suggests that it is not easy to identify the true causes of discriminatory wage differentials in the labor market and thus that we may have a very hard time sorting out which of these models applies best. Finally, speculates, in the context of Kremer’s model of economic growth, about how changing technologies and structure of production could possibly exacerbate the inequalities predicted by these models of discrimination in the labor market.
Ultrafiltration of wastewater: effects of particles, mode of operation, and backwash effectiveness.

Abstract The effects that wastewater quality and mode of operation have on the performance of an asymmetric, hollow fiber, polysulfone, ultrafiltration (UF) membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of 100,000 Daltons were investigated. Performance was assessed through monitoring membrane flux, transmembrane pressure, effluent biochemical oxygen demand, and operational cost of the experimental system while treating filtered secondary, secondary, and filtered primary effluents. Fluxes achieved for filtered secondary (129–173 l/m2 h), secondary (101–158 l/m2 h), and filtered primary (20–41 l/m2 h) effluents were compared to those obtained at three other locations where similar UF systems were operated. A conceptual model of the impact of an insufficient backwash and of operating the UF system at constant flux on membrane performance is presented to explain the differences in fluxes. Employing pre-membrane granular filtration to remove a portion of the problematic particles in secondary effluent prior to UF led to optimal operational conditions. The costs associated with the operation of pre-membrane granular filtration were offset by the increase in production achieved. Although the use of recirculation could increase maintainable flux when treating a concentrated feed (e.g., filtered primary effluent), the associated costs were high. Improved UF performance was found to result from allowing flux to decline naturally, rather than using a constant flux mode of operation. The effluents produced when filtered secondary and secondary effluents were the feeds would be equivalent to an oxidized, coagulated, clarified, and filtered wastewater as per Title 22 California Wastewater Reclamation Criteria.
A Problem in Optimum Allocation

In this paper we have developed an iterative process for obtaining, in a stratified sampling design, optimum allocation of the total sample to the various strata in order to secure minimum variance at a given cost and, at the same time, provide strata estimates with variabilities not exceeding specified levels. The process has been illustrated and generalized. The application of the extended procedure has been discussed.
Cold Therapy Revisited

This investigation was undertaken to determine whether immediate application of a source of cold would contribute to decreased postoperative swelling and increased patient comfort. Forty-seven patients, who had bilateral impacted third molar mandibular teeth removed, participated in the investigation. Many patients experienced a reduced swelling and moderate to minimal pain on the cold-treated side of their faces.
Haemoglobin and ATP levels in CSF from a dog model of vasospasm

Haemoglobin and adenosine 5'-triposphate (ATP) released from lysed erythrocytes have been postulated to be responsible for delayed cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). However, the concentrations of haemoglobin and ATP in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients or in an animal model of vasospasm have not been reported. In this study, 12 mongrel dogs underwent a double blood injection via the cisterna magna on day 0 and 2, after an initial collection of CSF. On day 3, 5 or 7, the dogs were sacrificed after a second collection of CSF. An angiogram was recorded on day 0 and on the day of sacrifice. Results showed that the diameter of the dog's basilar artery was reduced 20% on day 3 (P > 0.05), 35% on day 5 (P < 0.05) and 45% on day 7 (P < 0.05). The concentrations of OxyHb, deOxyHb and MetHb in CSF were increased (P < 0.05), and all peaked on day 3. OxyHb and MetHb remained significantly higher than control (day 0) from day 3 to day 7, while deOxyHb remained at a high level on day 5 but returned to normal on day 7. In contrast, ATP was decreased (P < 0.05) on days 5 and 7 after SAH compared with day 0. The results indicate that haemoglobin might be involved in the development of cerebral vasospasm. The possible role of ATP in vasospasm remains unclear.
Time as a contrast mechanism in near-field imaging

Abstract Any modulation of a detected signal can be used as a contrast mechanism in imaging applications. Insofar as the time dependence of optical properties of imaged structures can be used to elucidate material properties, such time dependences can provide a modulation which can then be used as a contrast mechanism in imaging. We introduce a system in which time can be used as a contrast mechanism in imaging. We introduce a system in which time can be used as a contrast mechanism to study material nanostructures. Single-crystal silicon wafers are imaged in the infrared using a HeNe laser while the wafer is simultaneously pulsed with visible radiation. By studying the time dependence of the infrared transmittance, defect distribution on the nanometer scale can be imaged, and sample nanostructure can be studied.
Agreement on mission and institutional responses to decline

This study of 56 small- to medium-sized institutions of higher education examines the causal paths between agreement on mission and severity of decline as they predict two types of responses to decline. The mediating effects of causal attributions are also examined. The results suggest that agreement on mission is the better predictor of responses; organizations with a high agreement on mission select fewer operating and strategic responses. An interpretation for these findings is that organizations with a high internal agreement on mission more selectively pursue responses to decline. Decline severity is shown to be of limited value in directly predicting responses to decline for this sample.
Quantitative evaluation of the effect of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers on the porosity of epithelial monolayers.

Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers are a family of water-soluble polymers with a characteristic tree-like branching architecture and a large number of surface groups, which have been used to immobilize a variety of therapeutic molecules for targeted drug delivery. Earlier studies showed that small cationic PAMAM-NH2 and selected anionic PAMAM-COOH dendrimers permeate across in vitro models of the small intestinal epithelium by paracellular and transcellular transport mechanisms. The focus of this research is to mathematically calculate the effect of cationic, anionic, and neutral PAMAM dendrimers on the porosity of epithelial tight junctions as a function of dendrimers concentration, incubation time, generation number, and charge density. Results show that the increase in the concentration, incubation time and generation number of cationic G0–G2 PAMAM-NH2 and anionic G2.5 and G3.5 PAMAM-COOH dendrimers caused a corresponding increase in the porosity of Caco-2 cell monolayers. Neutral G2–G4 PAMAM-OH dendrimers had no effect on the porosity of intestinal cells. These results provide quantitative evidence that the observed increase in permeability of PAMAM dendrimers across Caco-2 cell monolayers is due to their effect on the organization of the tight junctions and the associated increase in membrane porosity. Furthermore, these results emphasize the potential of cationic PAMAM-NH2 and anionic PAMAM-COOH dendrimers to function as carriers for controlled oral drug delivery.
Biogeochemical controls on aluminum chemistry in the O horizon of a red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) stand in central Maine, USA

This study examined the biotic and abiotic processes controlling solution chemistry and cycling of aluminum (Al) in the organic horizons of a northern coniferous forest ecosystem. A mass balance budget indicated that aboveground inputs of Al to the O horizon averaged 0.9 kg ha−1 1 yr−1, with major inputs accounted for by litterfall (69%), followed by precipitation (21%), and net canopy throughfall plus stemflow (10%). Estimated leaching losses of Al from the O horizon averaged 2.1 kg Al ha-1 yr1. We hypothesize that the difference between measured Al inputs and outputs can be accounted for by Al release from weathering of soil minerals admixed into the O horizon. Variations in O horizon solution Al chemistry were influenced by a number of factors, including pH, Al equilibria with different solid-phase organic exchange sites, and Al complexation with humic ligands in soil solution.
World patterns and amounts of detrital soil carbon

Soil carbon data were collected from published sources for 50 measurement sites spanning the globe's major climate and vegetation types. For each site, climate, vegetation, and land-use variables were determined and entered into a multiple curvilinear regression program to predict soil carbon. The best model incorporates an estimate of site disturbance, annual actual evapotranspiration, and annual soil moisture deficit, and yields an R = 0-803. The curvilinear regression equation was coupled with a large climatic database and computer cartography programs to produce first-generation maps of estimated soil carbon. These maps correctly portray soil carbon as high in boreal and cool temperate zones and low in deserts and tropical zones. Computer planimetry of maps of soil carbon for an ‘undisturbed’ world and for a ‘disturbed’ world resulted in estimates of 1457 × 109 mtC and 504 × 109 mtC respectively. These estimates compare favourably with recent estimates using other approaches. Clearly, the disturbance factor is critical to future refinements in estimates, suggesting the need for detailed studies of the relationship between land-use history and the creation and destruction of this important carbon pool.
Motivating factors for attendance of skin cancer screenings

Skin cancer screenings have the potential to reduce melanoma morbidity and mortality, especially if participants are from high-risk subgroups. Little is known about targeting these subgroups. This study investigates the attendance motivations of screening participants, including men 50 years of age and older, who are at heightened risk.
Isolation of Human-Mouse Somatic Cell Hybrids Producing Human Prolactin: Dominant Expression of Hormone Secretion and Regulation

Human PRL (hPRL)-secreting adenoma cells obtained at hypophysectomy were fused with a mutant mouse fibroblast line (LMTK-) which is aminopterin sensitive due to a deficiency in the enzyme thymidine kinase. After fusion with polyethylene glycol, cells containing nuclear material from the two parental lines (heterokaryons) were selected in medium containing hypoxanthine, aminopterin, and thymidine, and resultant clones were screened for hPRL secretion. Functional human X mouse somatic cell hybrid clones secreting hPRL were isolated in order to study hPRL gene expression and regulation. Positive hybrid clones were subcultured and have sustained hPRL secretion. The hybrid nature of the cells was confirmed by fibroblastic morphology resembling the mouse parental cell, mixed karyotype of mouse and human chromosomes, and mixed isozyme banding pattern for human and mouse glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme. Specific expression of the hPRL gene was demonstrated by the presence of electron microscopic secretory granules (650-800 nm), positive immunoperoxidase staining using anti-hPRL serum, and sustained secretion of immunoreactive hPRL, which comigrated with [125I] hPRL standard on Sephadex chromatography. Hormonal modulation of hPRL gene expression by TRH was dominantly expressed in the hybrid cell. Human chromosome 6 was identified in hybrid cells secreting hPRL, and the cells expressed human malic enzyme, a marker for this chromosome, thus confirming the chromosome assignment of the hPRL gene. The results show that functional replicating hybrids secreting hPRL can be isolated. The technique provides a useful in vitro model for the study of hPRL gene expression and modulation.
Review of methods to achieve optical recording at 1Tb/in 2

Technologies that promise optical recording at densities of 1 Tb/in2 are reviewed. Two primary candidates, near-field recording and bit-wise volumetric recording, are emphasized. In both technologies, The goal of recording at 1Tb/in2 appears to be a challenging but obtainable goal. Tradeoffs associated with each technology are also presented.
Customer Entertainment in Relationship Marketing: A Literature Review and Directions for Future Research

Building durable buyer–seller relationships is commonly accepted as a foundation for successful business-to-business selling. As a result, the literature is replete with research that addresses various dimensions of how business executives and salespeople develop interpersonal relationships, create affective commitment, and generate customer loyalty. However, the role of customer entertainment in this dyadic interaction remains largely unexamined. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current knowledge regarding the use of customer entertainment and how it is perceived by both the buyer and the seller and to provide insights for future research in relationship marketing.
Calculation of phonons on the Cu(100) surface by the embedded-atom method.

We present here calculations, based on the embedded atom method, of phonon energies and polarizations on the clean Cu (100) surface. The atomic relaxations and the dynamical matrix are obtained, without fitting to surface properties, in one consistent calculation which is no more computationally demanding than pair potentials. Excellent agreement with experiment is obtained. We find that the force constants are qualitatively different than those obtained by fitting two-body central-potential models, reflecting the many-body nature of the calculation and suggesting that fits based on central-potential models may be misleading.
Improving I/O Performance with Adaptive Data Compression for Big Data Applications

Increasingly larger scale simulations are generating an unprecedented amount of data. However, the increasing gap between computation and I/O capacity on High End Computing machines makes a severe bottleneck for data analysis. As a solution, in-situ analytics processes output data while simulations are running and before placing data on disk. Data movement between simulation and analytics, however, incurs overheads of in-situ analytics at scale. This paper tries to answer the following question: can we use compression technology to reduce the data movement cost and improve the performance of in-situ analytics for peta-scale applications? In particular, we explore when, where, how to use the compression techniques to reduce data movement cost between simulation and analytics. To find out the best algorithm and place to compress data in given situation, we introduce an adaptive data compression algorithm in this paper. The adaptive compression service is developed and analyzed for the in-situ analytics middleware. Experimental results demonstrate that compression service increases data transition bandwidth and improve the application End-to-End transfer performance.
Oxidation kinetics for methane/methanol mixtures in supercritical water

Abstract A detailed chemical kinetics model that had been previously validated for the oxidation of methane and methanol, individually, in supercritical water predicted that the presence of methanol in the reactor feed stream would accelerate the rate of methane disappearance. For example, the methane conversions at 540°C, 273 atm., and 1.0 s were predicted to be 5, 15, 37, and 53% when the methanol/methane molar ratio in the feed was 0, 1, 5, and 15 with constant methane concentration and constant excess oxygen in the feed. To test these and other predictions, we oxidized mixtures of methane and methanol in supercritical water at 540°C and 273 atm. The experimental results showed that the presence of methanol did indeed lead to higher methane conversions. For example, the methane conversions at a residence time of 1.3–1.4 s were 8, 40, and 50% when the methanol concentrations were roughly 0, 5, and 13 times that of the methane concentration in the feed. By qualitatively confirming model predictions for the effect of increasing amounts of methanol on the yields of methane, methanol, CO, and CO 2 during the oxidation of methane/methanol mixtures, these experimental results provide additional evidence that gas-phase combustion chemistry and kinetics can be adapted to develop reliable detailed chemical kinetics models for supercritical water oxidation (SCWO). Moreover, these results show that a mechanism-based model can predict the results of kinetic interactions that occur during the oxidation of a mixture. Phenomenological kinetics models do not possess this predictive capability.
Validation of mega composite sampling and nationwide mass inventories for 26 previously unmonitored contaminants in archived biosolids from the U.S National Biosolids Repository

In the present study, archived U.S biosolids from the 2001 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Sewage Sludge Survey were analyzed with an expanded U.S EPA Method 1694, to determine the occurrence of 26 previously unmonitored pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) among a total of 120 analytes. The study further served to examine the reproducibility of a mega-composite approach for creating chemical mass inventories in biosolids based on pooled samples from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) nationwide. Five mega-composites reflecting 94 WWTPs in 32 states and the District of Columbia were constructed from archived biosolids and analyzed by LC/ESI-MS/MS using a newly introduced analytical method expanding upon U.S EPA Method 1694. In addition, soil-biosolids mixtures from a mesocosm setup were analyzed to experimentally determine the half-lives of biosolids-borne compounds applied on U.S land. Among 59 analytes detected, 33 had been reported previously, whereas 26 are reported in biosolids for the first time, at levels ranging from 1.65 to 673 μg kg−1 dry weight. Newly recognized biosolids constituents were identified as Ca2+ channel blockers, antidepressants, diuretics, β-blockers and analgesics. Using a mass balance approach, the total loading of these 26 pharmaceuticals to U.S soils from biosolids land application was estimated at 5–15 tons year−1. Past and present datasets for 30 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) were determined to be statistically indistinguishable (paired t-test; p = 0.01). This study expands the list of PPCPs reported in U.S biosolids, provides the first estimates of nationwide release rates to and environmental half-lives in U.S agricultural soils, and confirms the utility of using mega-composite sampling for economical tracking of chemical inventories in biosolids on a national scale.
Heterogeneity of Echis venoms from different sources

The heterogeneity of separate Echis carinatus and Echis coloratus venom lots were evaluated by high performance size-exclusion chromatography, as well as by clotting and esterolytic activities. Each lot of E. carinatus and E. coloratus venoms appeared to be unique. The variation in E. carinatus venom activities from snakes within the same species could lead to contradictory biochemical and/or physiological test results.
Effects of surface roughness on the average heat transfer of an impinging air jet

Abstract The effect of surface roughness of a uniformly heated plate on the average heat transfer characteristics of an impinging air jet was experimentally investigated. Two aluminum plates, one with a flat surface and the second with some roughness added to the surface were fabricated. The roughness took the shape of a circular array of protrusions of 0.5 mm base and 0.5mm height. A circular Kapton heater of the same diameter as the plates (70mm) supplied the necessary power. The surfaces of the plates were polished to reduce radiation heat losses and the back and sides insulated to reduce conduction heat losses. Temperatures were measured over a Reynolds number ranging from 9600 to 38500 based on flow rate through a 6.85mm diameter nozzle. The temperature measurements were repeated for nozzle exit-to-plate spacing, z/d, ranging from 1 to 10. The average Nusselt number for both cases was plotted versus the Reynolds number and their functional correlation was determined. The results indicate an increase of up to 6.0% of the average Nusselt number due to surface roughness. This modest increase provides evidence to encourage further investigation and characterization of the surface roughness as a parameter for enhancing heat transfer.
Commentary on ‘Modes of administration of antibiotics for symptomatic severe urinary tract infections’

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Pohl A. Modes of administration of antibiotics for symptomatic severe urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003237. DOI: 10.1002/14 651 858.CD003237.pub2. Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Closed-loop quantum control utilizing time domain maps

Abstract Closed-loop laser control of quantum dynamics phenomena may be accomplished through frequency domain manipulations in the laboratory guided by a learning algorithm. This paper presents an alternative method based on the use of nonlinear input→output maps generated in the time domain, although the actual experiments and control optimization are carried out in the frequency domain. The procedure first involves the construction of input→output maps relating the field structure to the observed control performance. These maps are utilized as a substitute for actual experiments in the subsequent optimization stage in order to find the field that drives the system to a specified target. This closed-loop learning process is repeated with a sufficient number of maps until a control field is found that yields the target observable as best as possible. The overall algorithm is simulated with two model quantum systems. It is shown that excellent quality control can be achieved through this sequential learning procedure, even with individual maps that have only modest global accuracy.
Msx-2 and p21 mediate the pro-apoptotic but not the anti-proliferative effects of BMP4 on cultured sympathetic neuroblasts

Abstract The differentiation, survival, and proliferation of developing sympathetic neuroblasts are all coordinately promoted by neurotrophins. In this study, we demonstrate that bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), a factor known to be necessary for the differentiation of sympathetic neurons (Schneider et al., 1999), conversely reduces both survival and proliferation of cultured E14 sympathetic neuroblasts. The anti-proliferative effects of BMP4 occur more rapidly than the pro-apoptotic actions and appear to involve different intracellular mechanisms. BMP4 treatment induces expression of the transcription factor Msx-2 and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 CIP1/WAF1 (p21). Treatment of cells with oligonucleotides antisense to either of these genes prevents cell death after BMP4 treatment but does not significantly alter the anti-proliferative effects. Thus Msx-2 and p21 are necessary for BMP4-mediated cell death but not for promotion of exit from cell cycle. Although treatment of cultured E14 sympathetic neuroblasts with neurotrophins alone did not alter cell numbers, BMP4-induced cell death was prevented by co-treatment with either neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) or nerve growth factor (NGF). This suggests that BMP4 may also induce dependence of the cells on neurotrophins for survival. Thus, sympathetic neuron numbers may be determined in part by factors that inhibit the proliferation and survival of neuroblasts and make them dependent upon exogenous factors for survival.
Neural precursors express multiple chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, including the lectican family

Abstract Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) abnormally accumulate in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of both human neonates with preterm hydrocephalus, and P8 hydrocephalic mice. We hypothesized CSF CSPGs are synthesized by neural precursors, separated from ventricular CSF by ependyma, which is often disrupted in hydrocephalus. Western blotting demonstrates that neural precursors cultured as neurospheres secrete CSPGs (>30 μg/ml) into their media which appear to be very similar to these CSF CSPGs. Some CSPGs bear the stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 (ssea-1), associated with embryonic/neural stem cells. Neurospheres transcribe many CSPG genes, including the entire aggrecan/lectican family, phosphacan, and tenascin. Phosphacan can be detected in media by Western blotting. Aggrecan can be detected in media after purification using hyaluronic acid affinity chromatography. During differentiation, neurospheres downregulate CSPGs. This is the first report to show that proliferating neural precursors synthesize lecticans, including aggrecan, which are downregulated with differentiation. These observations suggest novel links between CSPGs and CNS precursor biology.
Evaporation and transpiration

A more complete understanding of the evaporative processes and a fund of experimental data have spurred the development of numerical modeling of the energy transfer processes in the lower atmosphere. Numerical simulation for weather forecasts and the prediction of the temperature and moisture fields require accurate prediction of each of the constituents of the energy budget. Models, though still primitive, suggest the relative importance of the input components to demonstrate the major role of the evaporation field in the development of the urban heat island [Myrup, 1969] and to emphasize the major role of positive advection in the evapotranspiration in arid and semi arid zones [Luther, 1970].
Habituation, reinstatement and recovery of predatory responses in two species of teleosts, Carassius auratus and Macropodus opercularis.

Abstract The tendency for predatory responses to habituate and to be reinstated through sensitization and the passing of time was studied in two species of fish (the goldfish and the paradise fish). Prey (live brine shrimp), confined in a clear plastic tube were presented for short daily exposures to individual fish. Bites directed at the stimulus tube containing the prey were the primary response measure. In both species biting decreased significantly over the 6 days of the experiment. Reinstatement of the habituated response occurred by two means: (1) reinforcement (i.e. allowing the fish to chase and consume the prey), and (2) passing of time (10 days) with no intervening stimulation (recovery). Reinstatement could not be produced by presenting a novel stimulus, nutritive stimuli, nor by a shorter recovery interval.
The Politics of Physical Differences: Disability and Discrimination

Although a “minority-group” model has emerged to challenge the traditional dominance of the “functional-limitations” paradigm for the study of disability, research on attitudes toward disabled people has not produced a theoretical orientation that reflects these developments. This paper proposes a new conceptual framework, based on the fundamental values of personal appearance and individual autonomy, for assessing the “aesthetic” and “existential” anxiety aroused by persons with disabilities. Investigations using this perspective might contribute to determining the attitudinal foundations of the competing models that are dividing research on disability.
The identification of solution ideas during organizational decision making

This research investigated the idea development stage of a strategic decision making process. The tactics that decision makers apply to identify ideas were uncovered from a systematic study of 168 decision cases. These tactics and contextual factors describing the decision situation were analyzed to determine how each influences success measured by decision merit, development time, initial adoption, and sustained adoption. A "synthesized template" which integrated useful practices and procedures from several sources had the most success, but this tactic was seldom used. A "cyclical search" in which repeated searches were carried out to learn about opportunities was quite successful when used under conditions of low importance, low urgency, and good staff support. The success of the design tactic, which calls for innovation, improved when urgency was present and multiple alternatives were sought. The idea tactic which imposed a fully developed solution was widely used and seldom successful.
Role of the Extracellular Regions of the Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)/PTH-Related Peptide Receptor in Hormone Binding*

The PTH/PTH-related peptide receptor is a member of a newly discovered family of G-protein-coupled receptors. Strikingly conserved features among these receptors include the positioning of eight extracellular cysteines and several other residues that are located predominantly within the membrane-embedded region. Deletion mutants or receptors with point mutations of the highly conserved cysteine residues were transiently expressed in COS-7 cells to evaluate PTH binding and PTH-stimulated cAMP production. Deletion of residues 61-105, which are encoded by exon E2 in the PTH/PTH-related peptide receptor gene, did not affect receptor function. An epitope derived from Haemophilus influenza hemagglutinin was, therefore, introduced into this portion of most receptors to allow the independent assessment of cell surface expression. PTH binding capacity was not reduced by the deletion of residues 258-278 in the first extracellular loop. Receptors with deletion of either residues 31-47 in the amino-terminal extension...
Commentary on “Validating the Interpretations and Uses of Test Scores”

Kane's paper “Validating the Interpretations and Uses of Test Scores” is the most complete and clearest discussion yet available of the argument-based approach to validation. At its most basic level, validation as formulated by Kane is fundamentally a simply-stated two-step enterprise: (1) specify the claims inherent in a particular interpretation and/or use of test scores (IUA); and (2) provide an evaluation of the claims (validity argument). Kane discusses four types of inferences that provide a scaffolding for addressing these two arguments: scoring, generalization, extrapolation, and decision rules. Decision rules, in particular, are closely related to consequences, which loom large in the argument-based approach to validation. The present commentary on Kane's paper attempts to simplify some of his discussions, while expanding others. The author suggests that Kane's argument-based approach to validation offers by far the best current basis for optimism about improvements in validation.
The role of surface acidity and pore size distribution in the adsorption of 2-methylisoborneol via powdered activated carbon

Abstract Powdered activated carbon (PAC) is a common answer to water utilities’ taste and odor problems. However, these utilities are often uncertain as the characteristics of PAC are critical for optimum taste and odor abatement. In order to separate the effects, if any, that pore structure and surface chemistry have on the adsorption of the odorant 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), two sets of carbons were created: five physically activated (PA)-PACs, with different pore size distributions and similar surface chemistries, and four chemically treated (CT)-PACs with similar pore structures and different surface chemistries. Nitrogen adsorption, reverse mass titrations, and Boehm titrations were used to characterize the physical and chemical attributes of the carbons. Batch tests utilized 14 C-MIB and contact times resembling those found at water utilities. The pore size distributions and the percent removal of MIB for the PA-PACs indicated that a range of micro- and meso-pores (12–100 A) were necessary regardless of natural organic matter (NOM) concentration. The performance of the CT-PACs indicated that surface chemistry did affect MIB removal, but differently depending on the concentration of NOM. In DI water, surface acidity had a strong inverse relationship with MIB removal, but increasing NOM levels lowered the impact of the acidic functional groups. In fact, in a Florida raw water, surface chemistry demonstrated no effects on adsorption as all CT-PACs performed equally.
Augmentation Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

This review discusses augmentation strategies for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder who fail to respond to treatment. A patient's failure to respond to treatment may be due to any of a number of factors, such as noncompliance with a behavioral program, concurrent severe depression or personality disorder, certain ritualistic behaviors, inaccurate diagnosis, and inadequate treatment. It is particularly important that comorbid psychiatric disorders be diagnosed and treated. A review of the literature and my experience with the use of augmenting agents such as lithium, buspirone, clonidine, fenfluramine, antidepressants, anxiolytic agents, and neuroleptics in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder are presented. Existing evidence suggests that some of these approaches are useful for some patients. However, many questions remain, and much research remains to be done on this topic.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SARCOPLASMIC PROTEINS AND THEIR INTERACTION WITH MYOFIBRILLAR PROTEINS

ABSTRACT The protein solubility and molecular-weight distribution of freeze-driedsarcoplasmic proteins (SPs) from rockﬁsh treated under low and high pH aswell as various NaCl concentrations were elucidated. The solubility of SPswas signiﬁcantly suppressed at an acidic pH (2.0–4.0) and in the presence ofhigh salt concentration (0.5 M NaCl). The least amount of protein was lostwhen SPs were treated at pH 2.0 or 3.0 followed by precipitation at pH 5.5.The interaction of SPs with Alaska pollock surimi (myoﬁbrillar proteins) wasalso investigated. The addition of SPs appeared to delay the thermal denatur-ation of myosin and actin. The SPs positively contributed to the gelation ofmyoﬁbrillar proteins as judged by breaking force. INTRODUCTION A new method for preparing ﬁsh protein isolate using pH shift hassigniﬁcant advantages over conventional surimi processing. This revolutionaryapproach can reduce water usage and subsequently minimize wastewater prob-lems. The new method can also provide extremely high yields (35–40%)because it solubilizes nearly all myoﬁbrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins (SPs)through homogenization and pH adjustment before centrifugal recovery. Incontrast, the conventional process removes SPs through washing and dewater-ing, which results in signiﬁcant protein loss and excessive water usage, andcontributes to wastewater problems (Hultin and Kelleher 1999; Hultin
Analysis of laminar vortex shedding behind a circular cylinder by computer-aided flow visualization

Streamline, streakline, and material-line flow-visualization techniques have been numerically simulated in the vortex-shedding flow field from a finite-element simulation of the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations at a Reynolds number of 110. The results have been used (i) to characterize the wake in terms of its critical-point trajectories, and (ii) to verify that the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes model predicts the mechanism of vortex shedding experimentally observed by Gerrard (1978). A technique for determining vorticity balances in the flow field is also presented.
Cost framework for COTS evaluation

We focus on factors that the user should consider when deciding whether to use COTS software. We take the approach of using the common denominator, cost. This is done for two reasons: first, cost is obviously of interest in making such decisions, and second a single metric (cost in dollars), can be used for evaluating the pros and cons of using COTS. The reason is that various software system attributes, like acquisition cost and availability (i.e., the percentage of scheduled operating time that the system is available for use), are commensurate quantities. That is, quantitatively "a low acquisition availability". These units are not multiplicative. However, if it were possible to translate availability into either a cost gain or loss for COTS software, we could operate on these metrics mathematically. Naturally, in addition to cost, the user application is key in making the decision. Thus one could develop a matrix where one dimension is application and the other dimension is the various cost elements. We show how cost elements can be identified and how cost comparisons can be made over the life of the software. Obviously, identifying the costs would not be easy. The user would have to do a lot of work to set up the decision matrix but once it was constructed, it would be a significant tool in the evaluation of COTS. Furthermore, even if all the required data cannot be collected, having a framework that defines software system attributes would serve as a user guide for factors to consider when making the decision about whether to use COTS software or in-house developed software.
Efferent projections from the region of the medial zona incerta containing A13 dopaminergic neurons: a PHA-L anterograde tract-tracing study in the rat

Potential efferent projections of A13 dopaminergic (DA) neurons were identified in the present study by examining the distribution of labelled fibers following iontophoretic injection of the anterogradely transported lectin Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) into the medial zona incerta (MZI), the region of the diencephalon containing A13 DA neuronal perikarya. One week after injection, PHA-L labelled fibers were found throughout the brain with the heaviest labelling occurring ipsilateral to the injection site in the anterior hypothalamic area, lateral hypothalamus, lateral preoptic area, horizontal diagonal band of Broca, and parvocellular region of the paraventricular nucleus. Moderate labelling was observed in the ipsilateral median preoptic nucleus, lateral septum, lateral aspect of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and central nucleus of the amygdala. Moderate labelling was also found in the contralateral MZI and parvocellular region of the paraventricular nucleus. Light labelling was detected in the ipsilateral medial preoptic area, supraoptic nucleus, ventromedial nucleus, arcuate nucleus, vertical limb of the diagonal band of Broca, and in the contralateral lateral hypothalamus. Few immunopositive fibers were present in the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus or the magnocellular region of the paraventricular nucleus. These results reveal that neurons located in the MZI (possibly A13 DA neurons) have ipsilateral efferent axonal projections to a variety of brain regions including the lateral hypothalamus, lateral preoptic area, and the limbic structures at the diencephalic-telencephalic juncture.
Effects of Wingtip Modifications on Handling Qualities of Agricultural Aircraft

The effect of wingtip modifications on the stability and control characteristics of an agricultural airplane has been studied by means of a nonplanar quasi-vortex-lattice method. The method is used to compute the changes in steady state and perturbed state lateral-directional stability and control derivatives produced by wingtip mounted winglets, vortex diffuser vanes, and tip extensions. The study shows that the combination of the excessive positive dihedral effect produced by the winglets and adverse yaw due to aileron deflection can have a detrimental effect on the roll control characteristics of the airplane. Introduction of an aileron-rudder-interconnect, and reduction of the effective dihedral by canting-in of the winglets, or addition of a lower winglet can eliminate the roll control problems.
A canopy stomatal resistance model for gaseous deposition to vegetated surfaces

Abstract A gaseous deposition model, based on a realistic canopy stomatal resistance submodel, is described, analyzed and tested. This model is designed as one of a hierarchy of simulations, leading up to a “big-leaf” model of the processes contributing to the exchange of trace gases between the atmosphere and vegetated surfaces. Computations show that differences in plant species and environmental and physiological conditions can affect the canopy stomatal resistance by a factor of four. Canopy stomatal resistances to water vapor transfer computed with the present model are compared against values measured with a porometer and computed with the Penman-Monteith equation. Computed stomatal resistances from a soybean canopy in both well-watered and water-stressed conditions yield good agreement with test data. The stomatal resistance submodel responds well to changing environmental and physiological conditions. Model predictions of deposition velocities are evaluated for the case of ozone, transferred to maize. Calculated deposition velocities of O 3 overestimate measured values on the average by about 30%, probably largely as a consequence of uncertainties in leaf area index, soil and cuticle resistances, and other modeling parameters, but also partially due to imperfect measurement of O 3 deposition velocities.
Diel Variation in the Pelagic Fish Assemblage in a Temperate Estuary

The pelagic fish assemblage within a temperate estuary was examined to determine if there were diel differences in species richness, total abundance, biomass, and species composition. These comparisons were made over both seasonal (January–December 1996) and annual (August–November 1995; August–December 1996) scales with pop net collections in a shallow (<2 m MLW) embayment within Great Bay in southern New Jersey, USA. In the complete year of sampling in 1996, more than 335,000 pelagic fish, representing 13 families (23 species), were collected during diel sampling with 12 species constituting over 99.9% of the total catch including Clupea harengus (84%), Menidia menidia (10%), and Anchoa mitchilli (4%). A detailed examination determined that nighttime species richness, total abundance and biomass may have been enhanced during some seasons by using artificial light. Diel variation in species composition was similar regardless of the use of the artificial light in all seasons but fall. Annual comparisons between 1995 and 1996 during late summer and fall found these results to be consistent. In general, these findings point out the importance of sampling during both day and night to understand the movement and abundance patterns of estuarine pelagic fishes and their ecological significance in temperate estuaries.
TRP Channels as Mediators of Oxidative Stress

The transient receptor potential (TRP) protein superfamily is a diverse group of cation-permeable channels expressed in mammalian cells, which is divided into six subfamilies based on sequence identity. Three subfamilies have members with roles in oxidative stress: the TRPC subfamily characterized by receptor operated calcium entry channels; the TRPM subfamily with a number of members involved in cell proliferation and death; and the TRPV subfamily which is activated by chemical, mechanical, and physical stimuli. The TRPC members TRPC3 and TRPC4 can serve as subunits of a redox-sensitive ion channel in native aortic endothelial cells. The TRPM family member TRPM2 has a number of physiologic isoforms expressed in many cell types and responds to stimuli including oxidative stress, TNFα, and β-amyloid peptide. The important role of TRPM2 isoforms in cell proliferation and oxidant-induced cell death has been well established using divergent cell systems and techniques including overexpression, channel depletion or inhibition, and calcium chelation. TRPM7 has been shown to be involved in Ca2+ influx and anoxic cell death in cortical neurons. In these cells and in B cells, precise expression of TRPM7 is necessary for cell survival. TRPV1 is involved in oxidant stress-induced pain and in neuronal injury, contributing to diabetic sensory neuropathy. Future studies will likely identify additional channels involved in oxidant injury, as well as better define mechanisms through which these channels are regulated and mediate their effects. Therapeutic approaches to modulate activation of specific TRP channels are likely to have an important impact in reducing tissue damage in a number of diseases resulting from oxidant stress including ischemia/reperfusion injury and diabetes.
Note---Determination of Warranty Reserves: An Extension

This paper extends a previously accepted model, used to estimate the warranty reserves required for nonrepayable products, by discounting future warranty costs to their present value, and by adjusting for expected changes in the general price level. The estimation equations are derived and their implications are discussed.
PLZF Controls the Expression of a Limited Number of Genes Essential for NKT Cell Function

Natural killer (NKT) T cells exhibit tissue distribution, surface phenotype, and functional responses that are strikingly different from those of conventional T cells. The transcription factor PLZF is responsible for most of these properties, as its ectopic expression in conventional T cells is sufficient to confer to them an NKT-like phenotype. The molecular program downstream of PLZF, however, is largely unexplored. Here we report that PLZF regulates the expression of a surprisingly small set of genes, many with known immune functions. This includes several established components of the NKT cell developmental program. Expression of the transcriptional regulators Id2, previously shown to be required for iNKT cell survival in the liver and c-Maf, which shapes the NKT cytokine profile, was compromised in PLZF-deficient cells. Ectopic expression of c-Maf complemented the cells’ defect in producing IL-4 and IL-10. PLZF also induced a program of cell surface receptors which shape the NKT cell’s response to external stimuli, including the costimulatory receptor ICOS and the cytokine receptors IL12rb1 and IL18r1. As an ensemble, the known functions of the molecules whose expression is affected by PLZF explain many defects observed in PLZF / NKT cells.