cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sufficient conditions for the existence of sunspot equilibria

Abstract This paper reports on conditions on agents' preferences and endowments sufficient to guarantee the existence of sunspot equilibria in a simple overlapping generations model of pure exchange. Sunspot equilibria are those in which uncertainty extrinsic to the economy operates through expectations to yield a fulfilled expectations competitive equilibrium in which the extrinsic randomness has real effects on prices and allocations. The paper also provides necessary and sufficient conditions for these equilibria to have agents trading in a fixed stock of valued fiat money. The condition derived can be interpreted as requiring that intertemporal income effects appropriately dominate substitution effects.
Control of FSH, follicular development and estrus synchronization in the mare with steroid-free follicular fluid

Abstract Twenty-two pony mares were used in a project designed to determine the effectiveness of different treatments in controlling FSH, follicular development and synchronization of estrus and ovulation. Mares in Group 1 (n=8) received daily oral altrenogest (0.044 mg/kg); those in Group 2 (n=7) received daily altrenogest (0.044 g/kg) and, during the last 4 days of treatment they received steroid-free follicular fluid, (15 cc) intravenously (I.V.) two times a day; Mares in Group 3 (n=7) received daily intramuscular (I.M.) injections of progesterone (80 mg) and estradiol valerate (7 mg). All treatments lasted for 10 days, at the end of which prostaglandin (PgF 2 α, 10 mg) was administered. Sexual behavior, follicular development and FSH concentrations were monitor daily. Concentrations of FSH in Group 2 mares, were not significantly different (P>0.05) from those of Group 1 until the mares in Group 2 were treated with follicular fluid (P 0.05). Steroid-free follicular fluid appears to induce atresia in larger follicles (>11 mm), and the initiation of new follicular wave. The combination of progesterone and estradiol valerate appears to delay follicular growth and not to induce atresia, since larger follicles (>11 mm) continued to grow after treatment. Both treatments (groups 2 and 3) resulted in ovulations within 5 days period. The treatment in Group 1 did not have any effect on FSH or follicular development and ovulations were dispersed through a 9-day period. We concluded that steroid-free follicular fluid offers a new possibility to synchronize ovulation in the mare by controlling FSH and follicular development.
Integrating hepatitis, STD, and HIV services into a drug rehabilitation program.

Background Considering the difficulties in providing screening and vaccination services for inmates in short-stay incarceration facilities, an evaluation was conducted of the integration of prevention services in an alternative sentencing drug rehabilitation program (alternative to incarceration) in San Diego CA. Methods During the period April 1999 to December 2002, clients were asked to complete a brief risk-assessment questionnaire, and were offered hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serologic testing, STD screening, and HIV counseling and testing. Results Of the estimated 1125 rehabilitation program enrollees, 930 (83%) participated in the integration program services. Most clients were male (64%), were aged >30 years (64%), and few (7%) reported previous HBV vaccination. Of the 854 clients eligible for hepatitis B vaccination, 98% received the first dose, 69% the second dose, and 42% completed the series. Eleven percent of clients had prior HBV infection, and 14.7% had HCV infection, with positivity rates being highest among those with a history of injection drug use—HBV, 19%, and HCV, 36%. HIV infection was rare (prevalence, 0.3%), and STDs were uncommon (chlamydia prevalence, 2%, and gonorrhea prevalence, 0.6%). Total annual cost of integration services (excluding HIV testing) was $31,994 equating to $122 per client served. Conclusions Alternative sentencing drug rehabilitation programs provide a venue to efficiently deliver integrated hepatitis and other prevention services. Considering the vast number of high-risk persons in drug rehabilitation, probation, parole, and inmate release programs, an opportunity exists to greatly expand hepatitis services.
Evaluation of ligand field stablization in spinels using mössbauer determined cation distributions

Abstract The Mossbauer determined cation distributions of FeV2O4, FeCr2O4, FeMn2O4, Fe3O4, FeCo2O4, CoV2O4, CoCr2O4, CoMn2O4, CoFe2O4 and Co3O4 are compared with the quantitative d-orbital stablization energies of McClure and of Dunitz and Orgel. They are also compared with the qualitative ligand field stabilization energies of Cotton. These theories do not account for observation in the cases of FeMn2O4, FeCo2O4 and CoFe2O4.
NMDA receptor blockade augmented nicotine-evoked dopamine release from rat prefrontal cortex slices.

Abstract Nicotine evokes dopamine release through activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and tobacco cigarette smoking is more prevalent among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Blockade of ionotropic glutamate (NMDA) receptors can induce changes in central dopamine and glutamate circuits, which models the symptoms of schizophrenia. The effect of the NMDA receptor antagonist, ketamine, on the effect of nicotine in rat prefrontal cortex was examined using a slice superfusion assay in which cortical slices were preloaded with [ 3 H] dopamine. A wide range of ketamine concentrations (0.1–300 μM) did not evoke [ 3 H] overflow from slices, indicating that NMDA receptor blockade did not induce dopamine release. Ketamine, at concentrations that model the symptoms of schizophrenia (1–10 μM), augmented the effect of nicotine (1–100 μM) to evoke [ 3 H] overflow from slices and decreased the threshold nicotine concentration to evoke [ 3 H] overflow. This indicates that NMDA receptor blockade increased the potency and efficacy of nicotine to evoke dopamine release from prefrontal cortex slices, suggesting that ketamine induced hypersensitivity to nicotine. The present results support a role for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the pathophysiology and treatment of schizophrenia.
MINERAL AGES AND METAMORPHISM

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, 1960.
Activation Energy of Direct-Current Electrical Conductivity of Ice with HF and NH3 Added

The activation energies of ice with varying amounts of impurities added were investigated with sintered platinum electrodes. For both types of impurities the activation energy was minimum at a concentration of 10(-4)M. The experimental arrangement and possible reasons for the existence of a minimum in activation energy are discussed.
Tenotomy and the spinal monosynaptic reflex

Abstract Monosynaptic reflexes from lumbosacral segments of the cat spinal cord have been measured 1–7 weeks after unilateral tenotomy of hind-limb muscles. Previous findings of increased reflexes from stimulation of nerves from tenotomized muscles have been confirmed. Studies of heterosynaptic reflexes indicate that the changes are due to increased synaptic effectiveness of the afferent fibers rather than to changes in motoneuron excitability. Since the maximum potentiated reflex is not increased after tenotomy, it appears that no new connections to motoneurons are established by the afferent fibers from the tenotomized muscles. The percentage reflex depression produced by low frequency activation of the reflexes is unchanged by tenotomy. We interpret this to indicate that the total transmitter pool that these fibers have available is increased, since a change in the fractional release of transmitter would not by itself explain this finding.
FACIT collagens: diverse molecular bridges in extracellular matrices

The collagens form a large family of proteins. Collagen fibrils, composed of staggered arrays of fibrillar collagen molecules (types I, II, III, V and XI), provide a supporting scaffold for extracellular matrices of connective tissues. The non-fibrillar collagens are less abundant than the fibrillar collagens, but it is becoming clear that they have important functions in the matrix. Recently, a group with unique structural characteristics has been defined and named the FACIT (Fibril-Associated Collagens with Interrupted Triple-helices) group. There is evidence that these collagens may serve as molecular bridges that are important for the organization and stability of extracellular matrices.
Organizational Learning and CRM Success: A Model for Linking Organizational Practices, Customer Data Quality, and Performance

Abstract A high quality customer database is a cornerstone of successful interactive marketing strategies and tactics. Based on the notion that customer data quality is not only a technical but also an organizational problem, this study develops and tests an organizational learning framework of the relationship between organizational processes, customer data quality and firm performance. The findings show that high quality customer data impact both customer and business performance and that the most important driver of customer data quality comes from the executive suite. A large portion of the impact of organizational culture on performance is mediated by customer data quality and data sharing. The results support the presence of a hierarchy of effects for enhancing data quality that runs from organizational learning (committed to a shared vision for CRM data), to cross-functional learning (marketing/IT cooperation, marketing/IT integration) to functional learning (data sharing).
Dose-dependent changes in the synaptic strength on dopamine neurons and locomotor activity after cocaine exposure

Changes in synaptic strength on ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons are thought to play a critical role in the development of addiction-related behaviors. However, it is unknown how a single injection of cocaine at different doses affects locomotor activity, behavioral sensitization, and glutamatergic synaptic strength on VTA dopamine neurons in mice. We observed that behavioral sensitization to a challenge cocaine injection scaled with the dose of cocaine received 1 day prior. Interestingly, the locomotor activity after the initial exposure to different doses of cocaine corresponded to the changes in glutamatergic strength on VTA dopamine neurons. These results in mice suggest that a single exposure to cocaine dose-dependently affects excitatory synapses on VTA dopamine neurons, and that this acute synaptic alteration is directly associated with the locomotor responses to cocaine and not to behavioral sensitization.
Practical Stability Limits in Turning

In this paper we establish a practical formula that could be used to augment existing linear stability charts for turning to include the occurrence of contact loss between tool and workpiece in turning. We show that the contact loss discontinuity in the global model is responsible for the creation of the experimentally observed coexistence of subcritical instability and hysteresis in the cutting process. Comparison of experimental data with extensive numerical simulations nicely support the theoretical findings.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Real and complex-exponential describing functions for transient analysis of non-linear control systems†

A real exponential describing function as an analysis tool for studying the transient response of a class of non-linear feedback systems was developed by Bickart (1966). In this paper describing functions are developed for similar analysis more suitable to higher-order non-linear feedback systems. The two classes of describing functions developed are identified as real exponential or complex exponential. Here, signals in ℒ2 ( − ∞, t] a space of the space of square integrable signals defined on (−∞, t ], are approximated by the sum of n signals in ℒ2 1, m (−∞, t)one-dimensional sub-spaccs of ℒ2 ( − ∞, t] having the mth function from the set of reversed time orthogonalized real or eponential functions as a basis. A system mapping ℒ2 1, m(−∞, t] into itself is associated with a system mapping ℒ2 1, m(−∞, t] into itself; the latter system is characterized by a gain—real or exponential describing function. These multiple one-dimensional system mappings give rise to approximation components of the response whos...
The solubility of nitrogen, oxygen and argon in water and seawater

Abstract Recent precise data on the solubilities of nitrogen, oxygen and argon in distilled water and seawater are fitted to thermodynamically consistent equations by the method of least squares. The temperature dependence of the Bunsen solubility coefficient is treated using the integrated van't Hoff equation. It is shown that the Setchenow relation gives an adequate representation of the salting-out effect. Equations expressing the solubilities of these gases, as a function of temperature and salinity, in units of the Bunsen coefficient, ml/l., and ml/kg are given along with solubility tables in each of these units.
COMPLICATIONS OF SPINAL AND EPIDURAL ANESTHESIA

In conclusion, major complications after neuraxial techniques are rare but can be devastating to the patient and the anesthesiologist. Prevention and management begin during the preoperative visit with a careful evaluation of the patient's medical history and appropriate preoperative discussion of the risks and benefits of the available anesthetic techniques. Alternative anesthetic techniques, such as peripheral regional techniques or general anesthesia, should be considered for patients at increased risk for neurologic complications following neuraxial block. The decision to perform a regional anesthetic technique on an anesthetized patient must be made with care, as these patients are unable to report pain on needle placement or injection of local anesthetic. Efforts should also be made to decrease neural injury in the operating room through careful patient positioning. Postoperatively, patients must be followed closely to detect potentially treatable sources of neurologic injury, including expanding spinal hematoma or epidural abscess, constrictive dressings, improperly applied casts, and increased pressure on neurologically vulnerable sites. New neurologic deficits should be evaluated promptly by a neurologist, or neurosurgeon, to document formally the patient's evolving neurologic status, arrange further testing or intervention, and provide long-term follow-up.
Holomorphic germs and the problem of smooth conjugacy in a punctured neighborhood of the origin

We consider germs of conformal mappings tangent to the identity at the origin in C. We construct a germ of a homeomorphism which is a C ∞ diffeomorphism except at the origin conjugating these holomorphic germs with the time-one map of the vector field V(z) = z m ∂ ∂z. We then show that, in the case m = 2, for a germ of a homeomorphism which is real-analytic in a punctured neighborhood of the origin, with real-analytic inverse, conjugating these germs with the time-one map of the vector field exists if and only if a germ of a biholomorphism exists.
The signals initiating the mass exodus of a honeybee swarm from its nest

Animals that travel in groups must synchronize the timing of impending departures to ensure group cohesion. The mechanisms used by a honeybee, Apis mellifera, colony to organize the departure of a swarm from its nest remain a mystery. We examined the signals that trigger a swarm's explosive exodus from the parental nest, and we documented the concurrent changes in bee density and mobility. Using video recordings of swarms exiting observation hives, we analysed how bees in three swarming colonies prepared for and then performed their sudden departures. Over the 60 min before swarm exodus, the production of piping signals gradually increased and ultimately peaked at the start of the swarm departure. Also, during swarm exodus, bee density (number of bees in 100 cm2) dropped markedly, whereas the average bee velocity (mm/s), and the production of buzz-run signals, spiked dramatically. Neither waggle runs nor shaking signals showed increases before or during swarm exodus. The explosive departure of a honeybee swarm from its parental nest shows how animals can use the same communication signals in different contexts; we now know that honeybees use piping and buzz-run signals to initiate both a swarm's departure from its nest and a swarm's take-off from its bivouac site. This study also shows how a small minority of individuals in a social insect colony can operate as an oligarchy to make an important decision, i.e. when a swarm should leave its nest to found a new colony.
Hormonal alteration of methotrexate and folate polyglutamate formation in cultured hepatoma cells.

Abstract Glutamylation of the antifolate methotrexate in H35 hepatoma cells was stimulated by physiologic concentrations of insulin and dexamethasone. At saturating concentrations of the hormone a 2.7-fold stimulation could be obtained with insulin (65 n m , 16-h exposure) and a 1.8-fold stimulation with dexamethasone (100 n m , 16-h exposure). The increases in glutamylation caused by the hormones were not additive, and both were inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide. N 6 , O 2′ -dibutyryl cAMP and theophylline caused a modest reduction of glutamylation in control and dexamethasone-treated cultures, but repressed the stimulation caused by insulin by approximately one-third. Enhancement of synthesis by dexamethasone and insulin was associated with increases in the tri-, tetra-, and pentaglutamate derivatives of methotrexate, with little change in intracellular methotrexate and methotrexate diglutamate. When the conversion of folinic acid into the folylpolyglutamate pool was examined in folate-depleted H35 cells, insulin and dexamethasone had similar effects. The results suggest that these hormones play a role in the glutamylation of the folate coenzymes in a liver-derived transformed cell line in culture and that these effects are also reflected in the interaction of the cells with antifolates such as methotrexate.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Market Liquidity

Investors rely heavily on the trustworthiness and accuracy of corporate information to provide liquidity to the capital markets. We find that the rash of financial scandals caused a severe deterioration in market liquidity in the form of wider spreads, lower depths, and a higher adverse selection component of spreads vis-` a-vis their benchmark levels. Regulatory responses including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) had inconsequential short-term liquidity effects but highly significant and positive long-term liquidity effects. These liquidity improvements are positively associated with the improved quality of financial reports, several firm-specific variables (e.g., size), and market factors (e.g., price, volatility, volume).
Measurements of concentration probability density functions in reacting and nonreacting turbulent jets

A method for obtaining reactant and product concentration statistics in a chemically reacting turbulent flow is presented. A photolysis/chemiluminescence technique is used to probe the “diffusion flame” resulting from the reaction of O 3 and NO in an axisymmetric flow. Two lasers, operated at λ=260 nm and 337.1nm photolyze O 3 and NO 2 , respectively, and the chemiluminescent output of the reaction of O+NO→NO 2 + hv is analyzed to obtain the concentration information. Examples of the type of information obtained using the technique are given. For a nonreacting NO/NO 2 /N 2 jet exhausting into pure N 2 , on-axis probability density functions (pdf's) for the jet gas are slightly skewed while off-axis pdf's are highly skewed or bimodal. For a reacting jet of N 2 containing O 3 exhausting into an NO/N 2 atmosphere, measurements of c O 3 · c NO and c O 3 · c NO are shown. The reactant correlations are strongly negative on-axis in and near the jet core and become less correlated in the mixing layer.
Phase-Selective Fundamental and Second Harmonic Tensammetry

Abstract Phase-selective fundamental and second-harmonic tensammetry show that the desorption of uncharged surfactants is strongly influenced by the supporting electrolyte in the region of the desorption peaks. Quantitative data, however, can be extracted only if assumptions are made about adsorption isotherms, and in particular about the potential-dependence of the surface coverage around the desorption peaks. A satisfactory model and theoretical treatment has to be developed. In the meantime, such studies can provide useful empirical data.
Dynamic materials: The chemistry of self-healing

A reversible covalent reaction in which two oxygen-insensitive radicals combine to form a carbon–carbon bond provides the mechanism by which a polymer gel can self-heal at room temperature without the need for any external stimulus.
Open-Source Model Checking

We present GMC^2, a software model checker for GCC, the open-source compiler from the Free Software Foundation (FSF). GMC^2, which is part of the GMC static-analysis and model-checking tool suite for GCC under development at SUNY Stony Brook, can be seen as an extension of Monte Carlo model checking to the setting of concurrent, procedural programming languages. Monte Carlo model checking is a newly developed technique that utilizes the theory of geometric random variables, statistical hypothesis testing, and random sampling of lassos in Buchi automata to realize a one- sided error, randomized algorithm for LTL model checking. To handle the function call/return mechanisms inherent in procedural languages such as C/C++, the version of Monte Carlo model checking implemented in GMC^2 is optimized for pushdown-automaton models. Our experimental results demonstrate that this approach yields an efficient and scalable software model checker for GCC.
Community Policing: The Middle Manager’s Perspective:

Community policing has evolved as the new organizational orthodoxy of policing. Volumes have been written on the subject by academics and research scholars. However, the voices of those who are charged with the reorganization of their departments and the implementation of community policing have been relatively silent. This article presents data drawn from the content analysis of the written views of community policing held by a select sample of middle managers from across the country. The respondents were attending the administrative officers course at the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville. During the course of their studies, they read current anthologies on community policing research. These findings identify and discuss a number of problems that they have encountered in the implementation of community policing. As such, they represent a practitioner’s assessment of community policing.
Pesticide Use and Breast Cancer Risk among Farmers’ Wives in the Agricultural Health Study

The authors examined the association between pesticide use and breast cancer incidence among farmers' wives in a large prospective cohort study in Iowa and North Carolina. Participants were 30,454 women with no history of breast cancer prior to cohort enrollment in 1993-1997. Information on pesticide use and other information was obtained by self-administered questionnaire at enrollment from the women and their husbands. Through 2000, 309 incident breast cancer cases were identified via population-based cancer registries. Rate ratios were calculated for individual pesticides using Poisson regression, controlling for confounding factors. Breast cancer standardized incidence ratios were 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.74, 1.02) for women who reported ever applying pesticides and 1.05 (95% confidence interval: 0.89, 1.24) for women who reported never applying pesticides. There was some evidence of increased risk associated with use of 2,4,5-trichloro-phenoxypropionic acid (2,4,5-TP) and possibly use of dieldrin, captan, and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-TP), but small numbers of cases among those who had personally used the pesticides precluded firm conclusions. The authors found no clear association of breast cancer risk with farm size or washing of clothes worn during pesticide application, but risk was modestly elevated among women whose homes were closest to areas of pesticide application. Further follow-up of this cohort should help clarify the relation between pesticide exposure and breast cancer risk.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Regulates Proliferation of Preglomerular Vascular Smooth Muscle and Mesangial Cells

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in regulating the effects of 2 of its substrates, neuropeptide Y(1-36) and peptide YY(1-36), on proliferation of and collagen production by preglomerular vascular smooth muscle and glomerular mesangial cells from spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats. In cells from hypertensive rats, neuropeptide Y(1-36) and peptide YY(1-36) stimulated [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation (cell proliferation index), cell number, and [(3)H]-proline incorporation (index of collagen synthesis); and sitagliptin (dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor) significantly enhanced most of these effects. Neuropeptide Y(3-36) and peptide YY(3-36) (products of dipeptidyl peptidase IV) had little effect on [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation, and sitagliptin did not enhance the effects of either peptide. BIBP3226 (Y(1) receptor antagonist) blocked the effects of neuropeptide Y(1-36) and peptide YY(1-36) on [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation in the absence and presence of sitagliptin. Neuropeptide Y(1-36) and peptide YY(1-36) stimulated [(3)H]-thymidine and [(3)H]-proline incorporation and cell number in cells from normotensive rats; however, the effects were weak and mostly not affected by sitagliptin. Real-time PCR and Western blotting showed similar dipeptidyl peptidase IV mRNA and protein levels in cells from hypertensive versus normotensive rats, with greater levels in smooth muscle versus mesangial cells. Both cell types converted peptide YY(1-36) to peptide YY(3-36) in a concentration-dependent manner that was attenuated by sitagliptin, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity was greater in smooth muscle versus mesangial cells. In conclusion, dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors might entail a risk of renal dysfunction because of abnormal proliferation of cells in the preglomerular microcirculation and glomeruli.
Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of the Lower Extremity

Complex regional pain syndrome, formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or causalgia, is a difficult therapeutic problem for the orthopaedic surgeon treating an affected lower extremity. Despite many divergent and often conflicting theories, the cause of the severe pain, alterations in regional blood flow, and edema is unknown. Interventions that have proved successful for treating similar conditions in the arm and hand frequently do not relieve pain similarly in the lower extremity. Common treatment regimens target individual components of this symptom complex, namely, sympathetic or afferent nerve hyperactivity, vasomotor instability, or regional osteoporosis. Despite widespread use of some of these treatments, few controlled clinical trials quantify their effectiveness. This challenging syndrome is best managed by a multidisciplinary team, including chronic pain management specialists, physical therapists, and orthopaedic surgeons.
STIGMATIZED INDIVIDUALS AND THE PROCESS OF IDENTITY

We conducted intensive interviews with ten gays and ten lesbians drawing on research and theorizing on gay and lesbian identity, symbolic interactionism, and stigma. Key concepts from symbolic interactionism, reflected appraisals and situational identity negotiation, provide a more coherent theoretical way to examine identity development and the situated complexity of identity negotiation and disclosure among gays and lesbians. Romantic relationships are significant because they aid in identity development but also complicate social interactions by confronting many heterosexuals' “phantom acceptance” of gays and lesbians. These findings inform the literature on gay and lesbian identity by critiquing the stage models of identity and connecting this literature back to the symbolic interactionist literature on self and identity.
Microcontact Spring Reliability: Design Against Interfacial Fracture

The microcontact spring technology, based on stress-engineered thin film strips, is a potential solution to the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) forecasted flip chip die-to-package interconnect requirements. Preventing interfacial fracture due to monotonic loading during fabrication of these springs is one primary issue to ensure its reliability. This work applies a combined analytical and experimental framework to examine the interfacial integrity of microcontact springs, which are a form of thin film cantilevered plates. An analytical model, based on nonlinear plate theory, is discussed and validated for its use as a tool for predicting structural reliability in thin film cantilevers (i.e., microcontact springs). Further application of the plate theory is used to understand design guidelines of the microcontact spring to minimize delamination and to understand the impact of bifurcation of curvature on delamination. Finally, experimental interfacial fracture toughness data, based on the results of a modified decohesion test (MDT), are discussed and applied to create a design map for microcontact spring fabrication. Although this work is being applied to the application of microcontact springs, most of the trends are generic to any intrinsically stressed film plate.
Educating a Modern Business Workforce: An Integrated Educational Information Technology Process

This article reflects on the intersection of traditional and information technology- (IT-) mediated education and proposes the need to develop a revised teaching pedagogy that better reflects the skills required for success in the 21st-century business environment. Building on the premise that neither a homogeneous traditional nor IT-mediated workplace is prevalent, it is argued that educational institutions should provide both traditional and IT-mediated alternatives, not simply because they make education more accessible to their students but because of workplace demands and therefore student needs for proficiency in the use of these enabling technologies. The implications of this premise are discussed in terms of communication skills, pedagogical and curricular change, tacit knowledge, and outcome measurement.
Effect of swine waste concentration on energy production and profitability of aerobic thermophilic processing

Abstract Improvements to aerobic thermophilic processing have led to the ability to recover significant amounts of energy as hot water (∼55°C). This energy can easily be made useful in swine production facilities as a source of heating for farrowing or nursery buildings, aquaculture tanks or greenhouses for most of the year. Work is underway to investigate alternative uses for the energy in the hot months. Potentially, the energy may be used to dry the residual solids from the process (∼40% of the original amount of solids) and these solids may be used for application as: (1) field fertilizer in the non-growing season, (2) a high value organic food fertilizer, and (3) dry solids for co-firing in electric power stations. Heat produced may also be used to generate induced draught in chimneys to aid in building ventilation, reducing electric power consumption, and also to power state-of-the-art refrigeration/chilling systems for cooling production buildings. This work makes use of a design and economic model for a given configuration of aerobic thermophilic treatment suitable for swine production facilities to evaluate the effects on economics and energy production of various swine waste concentrations. While actual waste from the animal may be in the 130 g l −1 dry solids range, waste for treatment is often diluted based on hog watering rates and building cleanout and flush systems. Some concentrations are as low as 15 g l −1 . Lower waste concentrations require larger initial expenditures related to increased reactor volumes and tend to strongly affect the profitability of the process. Straightforward engineering design considerations permit profitable use of this technology even in these low concentration ranges.
Effect of Nanotube Functionalization on the Elastic Properties of Polyethylene Nanotube Composites

The effects of the chemical functionalization of a single-wall carbon nanotube in nanotube/polyethylene composites on the bulk elastic properties are presented. Constitutive equations are established for composites containing both functionalized and nonfunctionalized nanotubes using an equivalent-continuum modeling technique. The elastic properties of both composite systems are predicted for amorphous and crystalline polyethylene matrices with various nanotube lengths, volume fractions, and orientations. The results indicate that for the specific composite materials considered in this study most of the elastic stiffness constants of the composite with functionalized nanotubes are either less than or equal to those of the composite without functionalized nanotubes.
Research Methods in Neuropsychology

This chapter provides a broad overview of contemporary experimental methods in neuropsychology. It begins with a brief discussion of neuropsychological inference, focusing on basic assumptions and on ways that neuropsychological research can yield useful information about brain-behavior relationships. Then, a brief description of major approaches to neuropsychological research, beginning with the traditional lesion approach and its application to the evaluation of brain dysfunction through group and single case experiments. Descriptions of additional techniques, including reversible lesion methods (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, WADA technique), human laterality paradigms (dichotic listening, tachistoscopic visual presentation, dual task framework), electrophysiological approaches (ERP, autonomic psychophysiology) and structural (voxel-based morphometry, diffusion weighted imaging) and functional neuroimaging (PET, SPECT, fMRI, MEG) are then undertaken. Each section considers the rationale for the technique, outlines its strengths and weaknesses, and provides some examples of how it has been used in addressing today's problems in neuropsychology. Opportunities and promises of cross-platform approaches to neuropsychological research are highlighted. Keywords: research methods; neuropsychology; lesion methods; laterality functional neuroimaging; electrophysiology; review
Regulation of 3′,5′-cAMP in Preglomerular Smooth Muscle and Endothelial Cells From Genetically Hypertensive Rats

Our previous studies show that inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) augments agonist-induced renovascular 3',5'-cAMP secretion more in isolated, perfused kidneys from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) versus Wistar-Kyoto normotensive rats (WKY); however, whether this is because of PDE4 inhibition in renovascular smooth muscle cells or endothelial cells is unknown. Therefore, we examined the effects of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (broad-spectrum PDE inhibitor) and RO 20-1724 (selective PDE4 inhibitor) on isoproterenol-induced 3',5'-cAMP levels in cultured WKY and SHR preglomerular vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and RO 20-1724 augmented isoproterenol-induced 3',5'-cAMP levels similarly in WKY versus SHR endothelial cells. In contrast, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and RO 20-1724 augmented isoproterenol-induced 3',5'-cAMP levels significantly more in SHR, compared to WKY, smooth muscle cells (P<0.0001). In both cell types from both rat strains, mRNA levels for the PDE4B subtype exceeded levels for the PDE4A, PDE4C, and PDE4D subtypes, and small interfering RNA knockdown of PDE4B mRNA in SHR smooth muscle cells increased isoproterenol-induced 3',5'-cAMP. mRNA levels for the PDE4B2 variant exceeded levels for the PDE4B1, PDE4B3, PDE4B4, and PDE4B5 variants. In vivo, infusions of RO 20-1724 increased the urinary excretion of 3',5'-cAMP more in SHR than WKY (P=0.0211). We conclude that (1) the greater effect of PDE4 inhibition on renovascular 3',5'-cAMP is mediated by inhibition of PDE4 in renovascular smooth muscle cells, not endothelial cells; (2) the major PDE4 subtype in both renovascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells is PDE4B with variant PDE4B2 likely being dominant; and (3) inhibition of PDE4 in vivo increases renal 3',5'-cAMP levels more in genetically hypertensive rats.
E2f1, E2f2, and E2f3 Control E2F Target Expression and Cellular Proliferation via a p53-Dependent Negative Feedback Loop

E2F-mediated control of gene expression is believed to have an essential role in the control of cellular proliferation. Using a conditional gene-targeting approach, we show that the targeted disruption of the entire E2F activator subclass composed of E2f1, E2f2, and E2f3 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts leads to the activation of p53 and the induction of p53 target genes, including p21 CIP1 . Consequently, cyclin-dependent kinase activity and retinoblastoma (Rb) phosphorylation are dramatically inhibited, leading to Rb/E2F-mediated repression of E2F target gene expression and a severe block in cellular proliferation. Inactivation of p53 in E2f1-, E2f2-, and E2f3-deficient cells, either by spontaneous mutation or by conditional gene ablation, prevented the induction of p21 CIP1 and many other p53 target genes. As a result, cyclin-dependent kinase activity, Rb phosphorylation, and E2F target gene expression were restored to nearly normal levels, rendering cells responsive to normal growth signals. These findings suggest that a critical function of the E2F1, E2F2, and E2F3 activators is in the control of a p53-dependent axis that indirectly regulates E2F-mediated transcriptional repression and cellular proliferation.
Sequence Analysis of Native Oligosaccharides Using Negative ESI Tandem MS

Carbohydrates exhibit many physiologically and pharmacologically important activities, yet their complicated structure and sequence pose major analytical challenges. Although their structural complexity makes analysis of carbohydrate difficult, mass spectrometry (MS) with high sensitivity, resolution and accuracy has become a vital tool in many applications related to analysis of carbohydrates or oligosaccharides. This application is essentially based on soft ionization technique which facilitates the ionization and vaporization of large, polar and thermally labile biomolecules. Electrospray-ionization (ESI), one of the soft ionization technique, tandem MS has been used in the sequencing of peptides, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and more recently carbohydrates. The development of the ESI and tandem MS has begun to make carbohydrate analysis more routine. This review will focus on the application of the ESI tandem MS for the sequence analysis of native oligosaccharides, including neutral saccharides with multiple linkages, and the uronic acid polymers, alginate and glycosaminoglycans structures containing epimers.
Structure-function analysis of BfpB, a secretin-like protein encoded by the bundle-forming-pilus operon of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli.

Production of type IV bundle-forming pili by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) requires BfpB, an outer-membrane lipoprotein and member of the secretin protein superfamily. BfpB was found to compose a ring-shaped, high-molecular-weight outer-membrane complex that is stable in 4% sodium dodecyl sulfate at temperatures of ≤65°C. Chemical cross-linking and immunoprecipitation experiments disclosed that the BfpB multimeric complex interacts with BfpG, and mutational studies showed that BfpG is required for the formation and/or stability of the multimer but not for the outer-membrane localization of BfpB. Formation of the BfpB multimer also does not require BfpA, the repeating subunit of the pilus filament. Functional studies of the BfpB-BfpG complex revealed that its presence confers vancomycin sensitivity, indicating that it may form an incompletely gated channel through the outer membrane. BfpB expression is also associated with accumulation of EPEC proteins in growth medium, suggesting that it may support both pilus biogenesis and protein secretion.
Low-temperature metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of Al2O3 for advanced complementary metal-oxide semiconductor gate dielectric applications

A low-temperature metalorganic chemical vapor deposition process was developed and optimized, using a design of experiments approach, for the growth of ultrathin aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) as a potential gate dielectric in emerging semiconductor device applications. The process used the aluminum β-diketonate metalorganic precursor [aluminum(III) 2,4-pentanedionate] and water as, respectively, the metal and oxygen source reactants to grow Al 2 O 3 films over a temperature range from 250 to 450 °C. The resulting films were analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction measurements, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, nuclear-reaction analysis for hydrogen profiling, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The as-deposited Al 2 O 3 phase was amorphous and dense and exhibited carbon and hydrogen incorporation of, respectively, I and 10 at.%. Postannealing at 600 °C led to a reduction in hydrogen concentration to 1 at.%, while maintaining an amorphous Al 2 O 3 matrix.
Spectroscopic analysis of Nd3+(4f3) absorption intensities in a plastic host (HEMA)

Spectroscopic and laser properties of Nd3+ embedded in a 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) solid plastic host are characterized. The Judd–Ofelt model has been applied to the room temperature absorption intensities of Nd3+(4f3) transitions in HEMA to determine the three phenomenological intensity parameters: Ω2, Ω4 and Ω6. The intensity parameters are then utilized to determine the radiative decay rates (emission probabilities of transitions) and branching ratios of the Nd3+(4f3) transitions from the upper manifold state 4F3/2 to the lower-lying multiplet manifolds 4IJ′. The predicted decay rates and branching ratios of the Nd3+(4f3) inter-manifold transitions in HEMA are compared with those in other laser host media. From the radiative decay rates, the radiative lifetime of the Nd3+4F3/2 excited state is determined. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Parameter Estimation by Parameter Signature Isolation in the Time-Scale Domain

It is shown that output sensitivities of dynamic models can be better delineated in the time-scale domain. This enhanced delineation provides the capacity to isolate regions of the time-scale plane, coined as parameter signatures, wherein individual output sensitivities dominate the others. Due to this dominance, the prediction error can be attributed to the error of a single parameter at each parameter signature so as to enable estimation of each model parameter error separately. As a test of fidelity, the estimated parameter errors are evaluated in iterative parameter estimation in this paper. The proposed parameter signature isolation method (PARSIM) that uses the parameter error estimates for parameter estimation is shown to have an estimation precision comparable to that of the Gauss―Newton method. The transparency afforded by the parameter signatures, however, extends PARSIM's features beyond rudimentary parameter estimation. One such potential feature is noise suppression by discounting the parameter error estimates obtained in the finer-scale (higher-frequency) regions of the time-scale plane. Another is the capacity to assess the observability of each output through the quality of parameter signatures it provides.
Health Care's Future Is So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades

Futurists, investors, and health-law programs all try to catch a glimpse of the future of healthcare. Lucky for you, you’ve got me. I’m from the future. I’ve travelled back in time from the year 2045. And I am here to tell you, the future of healthcare reform is awesome.
Practical Applications of the Energy Function Method

In the previous chapters we have discussed the theoretical aspects of energy function analysis of power systems. These were basically (i) motivation for energy function analysis through equal area criterion, (ii) internal node and structure preserving energy functions, (iii) reduced order energy functions, (iv) energy functions for detailed models, and, finally, (v) the characterization of the stability region of the post-fault stable equilibrium point and justification of the PEBS method. It is fair to say that in the power system stability area theory has sometimes tended to be ahead of practical applications. The final aim of any theoretical advance is the possibility for application for real world systems.
Defining Better Test Strategies with Tradespace Exploration Techniques and Pareto Fronts: Application in an Industrial Project

Test strategies are usually defined following a point-design like method. Starting with a set of verification requirements and programmatic constraints, and usually with a generic test sequence, a baseline test approach is defined. Then, the baseline is optimized until an acceptable strategy is found. Academia has consistently shown however the benefits of using tradespace exploration techniques instead of point-based designs. Some industrial applications seem to corroborate such findings. Yet, both academia and industry have limited the use of tradespace exploration techniques to selecting design concepts. This paper proposes that broadening the use of tradespace exploration techniques and Pareto frontiers to other activities in the field of systems engineering domain yields similar benefits. In particular, this paper presents the actual application of tradespace exploration techniques and Pareto frontiers in an industrial context to select a test strategy for a system. This paper provides thus three main contributions. First, the paper demonstrates that tradespace exploration and Pareto frontiers can be beneficial beyond concept selection. Second, the paper presents a process to use tradespace exploration techniques and Pareto frontiers for selecting test strategies. Finally, the paper showcases the application of the proposed technique and process in a real industrial setup, which yielded a number of lessons learnt.
Regulating Compounding Pharmacies after NECC

FDA rules are often forged in crisis. Compounding pharmacies are at the center of a controversy after an outbreak of fungal meningitis that was traced to methylprednisolone acetate from the New England Compounding Center. Congress is already discussing new regulations.
Bursting Bundle Raytrace - Definition And Applications

A bursting bundle is a ray trace extension which defines incremental rays spread about a principle ray. The user can define the extent and the geometry of the spread. The burst can originate anywhere within the optical system. This provides the designer a new tool to help model unusual problems. A mathematical development is presented and some examples are discussed.