cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knowledge-Based System Integration in a Concurrent Engineering Environment

The systematic integration of humans with the tools, resources, and information assets of an organization is fundamental to concurrent engineering (CE). In an integrated environment, all entities must first be connected, and they then must work cooperatively. Services that support “concurrency” — through communication, team coordination, information sharing, and integration — in an interactive and formerly serial product development process provide the foundation for a CE environment. Product developers working concurrently in their application domains need “built-in” tools and “operated-in” tools in a computer-aided CE environment. The latter group of tools evolves over time and requires continuous extensions and changes since each next product development is either new or an improvement of the previous one. Product developers need a CE programming environment in which they can build programs from other developed programs, built-in tools, and knowledge bases describing how to perform a complex design process. This paper describes a type of system integration provided by means of a knowledge-based environment that encompasses programs, CAx tools, and knowledge bases. The presented approach is illustrated by selected examples.
Musculoskeletal and performance effects of monocular display augmented, articulated arm based laser digitizing

Processes of capturing solid geometry features as three-dimensional data for analysis, simulation, or reverse engineering require the use of laser-based reverse engineering hardware, commonly known as digitizers. The most common digitizers used within manufacturing contexts are articulated arm-based coordinate measuring machines, which have been augmented with a laser-head probe. Typical usage times for the digitizing equipment can range into the hours, thereby placing operators at risk for the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), though exact load magnitudes of exposure to risk factors for MSDs during object digitization are unknown. Further, other technologies (such as monocular/heads-up displays) may be combined with laser digitizers that may reduce load magnitudes. This paper explores the possibility of an occluded monocular display augmentation, results and discussion are presented.
A feasibility study using TomoDirect for craniospinal irradiation

The feasibility of delivering craniospinal irradiation (CSI) with TomoDirect is investigated. A method is proposed to generate TomoDirect plans using standard three-dimensional (3D) beam arrangements on Tomotherapy with junctioning of these fields to minimize hot or cold spots at the cranial/spinal junction. These plans are evaluated and compared to a helical Tomotherapy and a three-dimensional conformal therapy (3D CRT) plan delivered on a conventional linear accelerator (linac) for CSI. The comparison shows that a TomoDirect plan with an overlap between the cranial and spinal fields might be preferable over Tomotherapy plans because of decreased low dose to large volumes of normal tissues outside of the planning target volume (PTV). Although the TomoDirect plans were not dosimetrically superior to a 3D CRT linac plan, the patient can be easily treated in the supine position, which is often more comfortable and efficient from an anesthesia standpoint. TomoDirect plans also have only one setup position which obviates the need for matching of fields and feathering of junctions, two issues encountered with conventional 3D CRT plans. TomoDirect plans can be delivered with comparable treatment times to conventional 3D plans and in shorter times than a Tomotherapy plan. In this paper, a method is proposed for creating TomoDirect craniospinal plans, and the dosimetric consequences for choosing different planning parameters are discussed.
Litigating in LLCs

One of the most important issues involving limited liability companies is the appropriate way to characterize and handle disputes among members. Courts and legislatures borrowed the derivative suit remedy from corporations and limited partnerships and applied it to LLCs without adequately considering whether this application was appropriate. In fact, this remedy is not suited to the typical business associations for which LLC statutes are designed — that is, closely held fi rms in which members generally participate directly in management. In this setting, the derivative remedy creates costs and complications that are unnecessary because more appropriate remedies are available, including member- authorized suits on behalf of the entity, direct suits by the injured parties, and contractual arbitration. Accordingly, the derivative suit should not be a default remedy for LLCs. More generally, this analysis provides an example of the potential risks of borrowing LLC rules from other types of business associations.
Physiological, pharmacological and behavioral evidence for a TRPA1 channel that can elicit defensive responses in the medicinal leech

Transient receptor potential ankyrin subtype 1 (TRPA1) channels are chemosensitive to compounds such as allyl isothiocyanate (AITC, the active component of mustard oil) and other reactive electrophiles and may also be thermodetectors in many animal phyla. In this study, we provide the first pharmacological evidence of a putative TRPA1-like channel in the medicinal leech. The leech's polymodal nociceptive neuron was activated by both peripheral and central application of the TRPA1 agonist AITC in a concentration-dependent manner. Responses to AITC were inhibited by the selective TRPA1 antagonist HC030031, but also by the TRPV1 antagonist SB366791. Other TRPA1 activators - N-methylmaleimide (NMM) and cinnamaldehyde (CIN) - also activated this nociceptive neuron, although HC030031 only inhibited the effects of NMM. The polymodal nociceptive neurons responded to moderately cold thermal stimuli (<17°C) and these responses were blocked by HC030031. AITC sensitivity was also found in the pressure-sensitive sensory neurons and was blocked by HC030031, but not by SB366791. AITC elicited a nocifensive withdrawal of the posterior sucker in a concentration-dependent manner that could be attenuated with HC030031. Peripheral application of AITC in vivo also produced swimming-like behavior that was attenuated by HC030031. These results suggest the presence of a TRPA1-like channel in the medicinal leech nervous system that responds to cold temperatures and may interact with the leech TRPV-like channel.
Fabrication technique of highly dense aligned semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes devices

A fabrication technique using dielectrophoresis is demonstrated to align semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs) and improve electronic devices performance. The proposed method produces highly dense aligned nanotubes (>40 s-SWCNTs/µm) and low sheet resistance (&#60;10 KΩ/□).
The Physics of Glaciers, 3rd Edition

At one time or another, who among us has not marveled at the beauty of the snow and ice-covered Alps, or admired the tenacity of polar explorers and the adventurous spirits of climbers on the glacier-clad summits of the high Himalaya? The fascination of distant ice covered expanses has enlisted more than a few recruits into the ranks of glaciologists, but many, if not most, of today's students of glaciology are a slightly less romantic and more mathematical lot, attracted by the quantitative world of physics and the applied sciences of polar climatology, ice mechanics, and snow hydrology. Once a relatively quiet branch of geophysics filled with venturesome climbers capable of reaching the objects of their study, glaciology is now a field that is fueled by a rapid influx of talent, technology, and new ideas due to the increasingly acknowledged relationships between global climate, sea level, and ice sheets. While the understanding of glacier processes has seen significant progress, as a result there is also a sense of being overwhelmed by the voluminous and sometimes speculative theories and field observations associated with an expanding discipline.
Expression of voltage-dependent calcium channels in the embryonic rat midbrain.

Abstract The diversity of expression of high-voltage activated voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC) was investigated with whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings from dissociated embryonic rat ventral mesencephalic cells over a 7-day culture period. Cell phenotype was identified post-recording by fluorescent immunocytochemistry as tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH+) or glutamic acid decarboxylase positive (GAD+). Both TH+ and GAD+ cells displayed high-threshold calcium (Ca2+) currents activated by depolarisations positive to −60 mV. In both cell types, pharmacological dissection using selective VDCC inhibitors, ω-agatoxin IVA (Aga IVA), ω-conotoxin GVIA (GVIA) and nifedipine demonstrated the existence of P/Q-, N- and L-type VDCC, respectively. The remaining residual current could be blocked by cadmium. It was found that the contribution to the whole-cell current by the N-type channel was greater in TH+ cells than GAD+ cells at each time point examined, whilst the contribution to the whole-cell current by the L-type channel was greater in GAD+ cells than TH+ cells. However, over the 7-day culture period, the expression of VDCC types in both cell phenotypes changed in a similar fashion, with the contribution to the whole-cell current from the N-type current decreasing, and the contribution from the R-type current increasing. Our data could provide new insights into a range of neurodevelopmental mechanisms related to Ca2+ homeostasis in developing mesencephalic neurons.
Microstructural variations of lignite, subbituminous and bituminous coals and their high temperature chars

Abstract Microstructure of a North Dakota lignite, a Washington subbituminous and a New Mexico bituminous coal and their chars produced by devolatilization in nitrogen at 1000 to 1300°C was investigated in this work using the CO 2 adsorption method conducted at 25°C. For each coal and char, specific surface area, micropore volume, micropore surface area, mean equivalent radius of micropores and characteristic energy of adsorption, as well as micropore volume distribution, were determined, and their variations with devolatilization temperature studied and interpreted. It was found that, overall, specific surface areas, micropore volumes and micropore surface areas of chars decreased monotonically as devolatilization temperature was raised from 1000 to 1300°C, although most of these values were much larger than that of their parent coals. The micropore volume distributions of the three coals and their high temperature chars were interpreted and found to provide an interesting insight into the micro structural variations of these coals and chars.
Semi-insulating polysilicon: Growth, processing and structural characterization

Abstract X-ray diffraction of semi-insulating polysilicon (SIPOS) on Si, oxidized Si and Al2O3 substrates showed the presence of an anomalous form of crystalline Si and the absence of crystalline SiO2. SIPOS on Si and oxidized Si substrates contained an additional phase which grew with oxygen concentration, whereas SIPOS on Al2O3 contained no such phase.
Singularity Analysis and Avoidance of Variable-Speed Control Moment Gyros - Part I : No Power Constraint Case

Single-gimbal control moment gyros (CMGs) have several advantages over other actuators for attitude control of spacecraft. For instance, they act as torque amplifiers and, thus, are suitable for slew maneuvers. However, their use as torque actuators is hindered by the presence of singularities, which, when encountered, do not allow a CMG cluster to generate torques about arbitrary directions. A method to overcome this drawback is the use variable-speed single-gimbal control moment gyros (VSCMGs). Whereas the wheel speed of a conventional CMG is constant, VSCMGs are allowed to have variable wheel speed. Therefore, VSCMGs have extra degrees of freedom that can be used to achieve additional objectives, such as singularity avoidance and/or power tracking, in addition to attitude control. In the present article, a gradient method using null motion to avoid singularities is presented. It is proved that there exists a null motion for all singularities, if a certain number of CMG wheels operate in VSCMG mode. In addition, the analysis is adapted to the case of conventional CMGs. The result verifies the already known conditions for the existence of null motions for CMG clusters.
Aerosol time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry during the Atlanta Supersite Experiment: 1. Measurements

[1] In August 1999 an intensive field campaign was conducted in Atlanta, Georgia, focusing on the characterization of urban particulate matter. During the study an aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) was used to measure continuously the aerodynamic size and chemical composition of individual particles in the fine fraction (0.2–2.5 μm) of the atmospheric aerosol. The inorganic and organic components of the particles were analyzed using laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, generating positive and/or negative ion mass spectra. Here an overview of the ATOFMS results is presented with respect to the major species detected, including sodium, carbon (EC, OC, EC/OC), dust (Li, Na, Al, K, Ca, Fe), sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium. As described, many of the dust particle types have similar composition to those observed in ATOFMS coal source characterization studies. The ion signals, size distributions, and temporal evolution (30–60 min resolution) of the different particle types are described. The complexity of the Atlanta aerosol is shown here on an individual particle basis, demonstrating how single particle data obtained with ATOFMS can be used to gain unique insights into the mixing state of urban aerosols. The second paper in this two part series focuses on the scaling procedures used for converting the unscaled ATOFMS data presented in this paper into atmospherically representative number concentrations [Wenzel et al., 2002].
Enzymatic hydrolysis of poultry meal with endo- and exopeptidases

The objective of this research was to determine whether commercial proteases are capable of hydrolyzing denatured poultry by-product proteins that have gone through a rendering process. The material used for this research was low-ash poultry meal obtained from a local poultry processor. Samples of poultry meal were treated with the commercial proteases Alcalase, Flavourzyme, Protamex, and Liquipanol that were added individually or as a combination of 2 proteases, which were incorporated either simultaneously or sequentially. Temperature was controlled during the reaction to the optimal level for each enzyme, and pH was initially adjusted to the most favorable level for each enzyme and was maintained during the course of the reaction by addition of NaOH at established intervals. Consumption of NaOH was used to calculate the degree of hydrolysis. At the end of the hydrolysis, the molecular weight of selected hydrolysates was determined by size exclusion chromatography and by gel electrophoresis. In addition, amino acid analysis was performed on selected hydrolysates. Results show that the sequential treatment with Alcalase and Flavourzyme served best for the preparation of poultry meal hydrolysates with a maximum degree of hydrolysis of 11.1% and the highest hydrolyzable material recovered at 58%, which is attributed to the combined nature of the endo- and exocatalytic action of Alcalase and Flavourzyme, respectively. Hydrolysate with Flavourzyme or the combination of Flavourzyme and Alcalase were both good methods to produce significant amounts of free amino acids. This research shows the feasibility of hydrolyzing poultry by-products that went through a rendering process using different brands of commercial proteases. Findings from this research are important in the preparation of palatants, in which relatively inexpensive hydrolyzed poultry meal could be used to improve the flavor of companion animal food products.
The interstellar (C-12)N/(C-13)N ratio toward Zeta Persei

High-resolution, high signal-to-noise observations of interstellar CN toward Zeta Per are performed to determine the C-12/C-13 isotope ratio in this line of sight. Observations of (C-12)N/(C-13)N in several diffuse clouds are performed to assess whether CN suffers from isotope-selective effects. Values are obtained which are higher than the value toward Zeta Oph determined by Crane and Hegyi (1988) and lower than the results toward the more reddened stars HD 21483 obtained by Meyer et al. (1989) and Palazzi et al. (1990). Theory and observations indicate the existence of a spatial C-12/C-13 gradient which decreases toward the Galactic center at an approximate rate of 12 percent/kpc at the distance of the solar radius. It is argued that since a gradient of this character cannot explain the CN results, isotope-selective effects provide a more likely explanation for the large range in (C-12)N/(C-13)N ratios.
Qualitative analysis of beliefs and perceptions about sudden infant death syndrome in African-American mothers: implications for safe sleep recommendations.

Objective To investigate, by using qualitative methods, perceptions about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in African-American parents and how these influence decisions. Study design Eighty-three mothers participated in focus groups or individual interviews. Interviews probed reasons for decisions about infant sleep environment and influences affecting these decisions. Data were coded, and themes were developed and revised in an iterative manner as patterns became more apparent. Results Themes included lack of plausibility, randomness, and vigilance. Many mothers believed that the link between SIDS and sleep position was implausible. Because the cause of SIDS was unknown, they did not understand how certain behaviors could be defined as risk factors. This confusion was reinforced by perceived inconsistency in the recommendations. Most mothers believed that SIDS occurred randomly ("God's will") and that the only way to prevent it was vigilance. Conclusions Many African-American mothers may not understand the connection between SIDS and sleep behaviors or believe that behavior (other than vigilance) cannot affect risk. These beliefs, if acted on, may affect rates of safe sleep practices. Efforts to explain a plausible link between SIDS and safe sleep recommendations and to improve consistency of the message may result in increased adherence to these recommendations.
Optical data packet synchronization and multiplexing using a tunable optical delay based on wavelength conversion and inter-channel chromatic dispersion

10 Gb/s non-return-to-zero (NRZ) on-off keyed (OOK) optical data packets are synchronized and time-multiplexed using a 26-ns tunable all-optical delay line. The delay element is based on wavelength conversion in periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguides, inter-channel chromatic dispersion in dispersion compensating fiber (DCF) and intra-channel dispersion compensation with a chirped fiber Bragg grating (FBG). Delay reconfiguration time is measured to be less than 300 ps.
A Note on Technology Transfer by a Monopoly

This paper studies the incentive for a monopoly to license its technology. It shows that a patent-holding monopoly may be willing to license its proprietary technology to a potential competitor when such a technology transfer has a market-expanding effect.
Effect of vitamin D deficiency on the crystal chemistry of bone mineral.

SummaryThe results suggest that in the first 60 days of development the bone apatite of Wistar rats raised on a vit D-deficient diet is less mature crystallographically and chemically than the bone...
Liver antioxidant defenses in mice fed ethanol and the AIN-76A diet

The effects of chronic alcohol (EtOH) ingestion on antioxidant defenses in mice fed AIN-76A liquid diets were investigated. C57Bl/6 female mice were divided into three groups and fed the AIN-76A liquid EtOH diet containing EtOH to provide 31% of total caloric intake (TCI), the same basic diet containing EtOH to provide 35% of TCI, or an isocaloric AIN-76A liquid control diet. After 3 weeks, the mice were killed and livers were excised for biochemical analysis. Liver reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and activities of both Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Cu/Zn-SOD were significantly decreased by both levels of EtOH. Activities of catalase and glutathione transferase (GT) were significantly increased, whereas glutathione peroxidase (GP) activity was not affected by either level of EtOH. Our previous study using the Lieber-DeCarli liquid EtOH diet caused a decline of total SOD and GP activities. The results suggest that chronic EtOH administration decreases liver antioxidant defenses; however, the mice fed the AIN-76A EtOH liquid diet can maintain a higher antioxidant defense capability than those fed Lieber-DeCarli EtOH liquid diet.
Gd-labeled liposomes for monitoring liposome-encapsulated chemotherapy: quantification of regional uptake in tumor and effect on drug delivery.

Recently developed sterically stabilized liposomes are used clinically for delivery of anticancer chemotherapy (currently the drug doxorubicin, Doxil®). In investigational drug development they are studied as targeted (by surface attached antibody or receptor ligands) and nonspecific drug delivery strategies for a variety of pathologies (cancer, arthritis, AIDS). Liposomes have also been considered as potential MRI contrast media vehicles, primarily for blood pool enhancement (1) and for contrast enhancement in the diagnosis and characterization of tumors (2–7). However, little work has been aimed at using liposomal MRI contrast material for purposes of image-based tracking of drug delivery of liposome-drug formulations. Intravenously administered liposomes are distributed passively by flowing blood and extravasate, usually slowly, in territories where vascular endothelium is either (a) very leaky due to large intracellular gaps such as in inflammatory zones, tumors and healing wounds; or (b) fenestrated such as liver or spleen. Selective concentration of liposomes in tumors is slow-typically requiring day(s) for maximal accumulation—which imposes certain limitations on strategies for external image-based detection, as well as upon the liposome itself. Non-sterically stabilized liposomes are cleared from the blood within a few hours via the reticuloendothelial system and accumulation in tumor is obviated kinetically. Sterically stabilized liposomes are successful for antitumor application because they remain in the circulation much longer, with plasma half-lives on the order of days, and substantial accumulation in tumor is possible. Similarly for image-based external detection strategies, the use of PET or SPECT tracers bound to liposomes would fail to the short radioactive half-lives of acceptable radionuclides. Consequently, only liposomal-bound CT or MRI contrast media would be viable candidates for this purpose. In the current study, sterically stabilized liposomes labeled with encapsulated GdDTPA-BMA were examined as probes for quantitative tracking of liposomal drug delivery in implanted osteogenic sarcoma model. The purpose of the study was to evaluate dose-response in the context of intravenously administered dose versus the response of R1 accumulation in the tumor.
Influence of meal weight and caloric content on gastric emptying of meals in man

This study was designed to assess the relative influence of meal weight and caloric content on gastric emptying of liquid and solid meals in man. A dual radioisotopic method which permits noninvasive and simultaneous measurement of liquid- and solid-phase emptying by external gamma camera techniques was employed. Nine healthy volunteer subjects ingested 50-, 300-, and 900-g lettuce and water meals adjusted to either 68, 208, or 633 kcal with added salad oil. The following observations were made: (1) absolute emptying rates (grams of solid food emptied from the stomach per minute) increased directly and significantly with meal weight; (2) increasing meal total caloric content significantly slowed solid food gastric emptying but did not overcome the enhancing effect of meal weight; and (3) liquid emptying rates were uninfluenced by meal total kcal amount.
Implementing the world bank's water resources management policy: a priority on toxic substances from nonpoint sources

Compared to point source discharges, nonpoint or diffuse source contaminants cause more widespread degradation of surface and groundwater quality worldwide. While it is in the economic interest of all nations to establish programs for abatement of nonpoint source pollution, priorities must be established, and particularly dangerous contaminants that are hazardous, toxic or radioactive by nature deserve the highest priority. This paper makes the case for why these dangerous contaminants from nonpoint sources must urgently be addressed. The nature and significance of these contaminants are reviewed and the complex, multimedia sources of the releases are identified, including “donations” and export of hazardous materials to developing countries. Examples are cited from North America, Europe, the former Soviet Union and Asia of the enormous extent of contamination of soil, groundwater, surface water, fish, and wildlife from these persistent toxic chemicals. They are persistent in the environment, build up in fish through food chains, and contaminate human food. These chemicals mimic hormones and disrupt the development of offspring as they cause complex reproductive, metabolic, neurological, and behavioral changes as well as cancer risks. A new Water Resources Management Policy recently adopted by the World Bank places a priority on pollution prevention measures for industry, abatement of nonpoint source discharges, development of effective government regulatory institutions, and remediation/restoration of contaminated sites and ecosystems. Relevant elements of the policy are presented. In addition, the importance of economic instruments (polluters pays funds) for waste site cleanup and remedial action requirements being included during privatization of industrial sites are stressed.
Comment on “Costs of banking system instability: Some empirical evidence”

We have become accustomed to thinking that it is poor countries that suffer most from banking crises. This view is challenged by Glenn Hoggarth, Ricardo Reis and Victoria Saporta (HRS), who focus on the output loss caused by banking crises. There are several new things in this paper. First, new estimates of output losses during 42 banking crises around the world. Second, analysis of these estimates suggesting inter alia that rich countries may actually do worse out of banking crises on average than poor countries, at least when ‘‘doing worse’’ is measured by the new measure of output losses. Obviously this begs the tough question how much of output fluctuations are explainable by banking crises, and (thirdly) the authors present a brave attempt to quantify this too. Let me take these three points one by one. Pointing out the weaknesses of one standard approach to measuring output losses (the so-called IMF 1998 approach, which sums the annual gap between actual and trend GDP growth rates for the period until the growth rate returns to its previous average), the authors argue that it is desirable not to take ‘‘bygones as bygones’’ but to cumulate the total shortfall of the level of output below the previous trend path of output itself, not just of its rate of growth. The new measure (GAP2) is only weakly correlated with the old (the correlation coefficient being just 0.33), and insignificantly so with fiscal costs, so we are definitely dealing with a new animal here (see Fig. 1). Still, we need to treat it with caution when we see some of the numbers the method turns up. For developing countries the measured range is very wide indeed: from 47% in Ghana (output growth accelerated there while they were addressing the banking problems) to þ112% of GDP during the 1980s in the Philippines. It is instructive Journal of Banking & Finance 26 (2002) 857–860
Ligand-exchange chromatography of amino sugars and amino acids on copper-loaded silylated controlled-pore glass

Abstract The application of silylated controlled-pore glass (CPG) particles as a stationary phase for the liquid chromatographic separation of selected amino acids and amino hexoses is reported. Copper-loaded columns prepared from CPG particles whose surface was silylated to immobilize an ethylenediamine functional group were employed. Copper bleeding from the column occurred but was compensated by 10 -4 M copper in the ammoniacal eluent. Hydrolysis of the siloxane bonded to the surface limited the practical lifetime of a column to 50 h of continuous operation.
Real-time rendering of atmospheric glories

The glory is a colorful atmospheric phenomenon which resembles a small circular rainbow on the front surface of a cloudbank. It is most frequently seen from aircraft when the observer is directly between the sun and the clouds. Glories are also sometimes seen by skydivers looking down through thin cloud layers. They are always centered around the shadow of the observer's head (or camera).
Speech disorders in olivopontocerebellar atrophy correlate with positron emission tomography findings

We compared the severity of ataxic and spastic dysarthria with local cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (lCMRGlc) in 30 patients with olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA). Perceptual analysis was used to examine the speech disorders, and rating scales were devised to quantitate the degree of ataxia and spasticity in the speech of each patient. lCMRGlc was measured with 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose and positron emission tomography (PET). PET studies revealed marked hypometabolism in the cerebellar hemispheres, cerebellar vermis, and brainstem of OPCA patients compared with 30 control subjects. With data normalized to the cerebral cortex, a significant inverse correlation was found between the severity of ataxia in speech and the lCMRGlc within the cerebellar vermis, cerebellar hemispheres, and brainstem, but not within the thalamus. No significant correlation was found between the severity of spasticity in speech and lCMRGlc in any of these structures. The findings support the view that the severity of ataxia in speech in OPCA is related to the functional activity of the cerebellum and its connections in the brainstem.
Cross-platform integration with XML and SOAP

The current rage for middleware has provided tremendous opportunities for those who love to build complex distributed software applications. Interoperability is no longer a fringe movement; it's become mainstream. The big three-Microsoft, IBM, and Sun Microsystems-are now investing considerable resources into interoperability research. I tackle the abstract concept of software interoperability and how the Extensible Markup Language (XML) and Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) can assist in integrating business applications. Together with the concept of Web services, these standards could provide an alternative to what organizations do today: rely on the batch export of data to integrate software applications.
The role of interfacial phenomena in the structure of carbon deposits

Abstract We have used a variety of experimental techniques, including controlled atmosphere electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, and electrical conductivity measurements to examine the structures of carbon filaments produced from the decomposition of hydrocarbons over copper-nickel and nickel catalysts. The structure of the carbon filaments formed at temperatures over the range 450 to 700°C were found to be extremely sensitive to the chemical nature of the catalyst particles. Alloy particles, particularly those rich in nickel, were found to produce much more ordered filament structures than those grown on nickel particles. This behavior is rationalized in terms of the differences in interfacial energy of the respective catalyst surfaces in contact with the carbon surface. It is speculated that metals that readily wet graphite will produce highly ordered carbon filament structures. There appears to be an upper temperature limit for filament growth from copper-nickel alloys, which is governed by the tendency of copper to preferentially segregate to the catalyst surface. Activity can be restored by subsequent reduction to the active temperature regime.
Chemistry of SO2 on Ru(001): formation of SO3 and SO4

Abstract The interaction of SO 2 with Ru(001) at temperatures of 300 and 100 K has been studied using synchrotron-based high-resolution photoemission, INDO/S self-consistent field calculations, and a thermochemical analysis based on the bond order conservation Morse potential (BOC-MP) formalism. At 300 K and small exposures of SO 2 , sulfur dioxide completely decomposes (SO 2 →S a +2O a ), leaving atomic oxygen and two kinds of sulfur species on the Ru surface (S and S n +O). Several coordination modes for adsorbed SO 2 (η 1 -S a-top, η 1 -S bridge, η 2 -O,O bridge, η 2 -S,O bridge) were examined using INDO/S and the BOC-MP formalism. It was found that adsorption geometries in which the molecule is dicoordinated via O,O or S,O are the most probable precursors for dissociation. For large exposures of SO 2 at 300 K, SO 3 and SO 4 species appear on the Ru(001) surface, thus confirming the theoretical predictions derived from the BOC-MP method which indicate that formation of SO 3 and SO 4 can take place only when the number of empty adsorption sites is limited. This prediction was also proved during the adsorption of SO 2 on an O/Ru(001) surface with θ O =0.25 ML, producing similar types of species as at saturation of SO 2 on Ru (S n +O, SO 4 and S). Experiments performed at a surface temperature of 100 K showed a very rich surface chemistry. Five different surface species were observed after SO 2 dosing: atomic S, S n +O, SO 2 , SO 3 and SO 4 . Annealing to 260 K leaves mainly atomic S and SO 4 on the surface and the latter is completely decomposed by 350 K.
A new watt-hour meter

A most important link in the chain of electric energy supply always has been the watt-hour meter. Meters have been developed and improved during more than 50 years; now new material has made possible a design with magnetic suspension of the moving element.
Motivation for Reading and Upper Primary School Students' Academic Achievement in Reading in Kenya.

This study examined primary school students' reading motivation and performance on the standardized exam. Participants included 901 seventh and eighth grade students from Kenya. There were 468 females and 433 males. Contrary to previous studies, results showed reading challenge and aesthetics, but not efficacy, predicted reading achievement, indicating reading motivation may not influence achievement similarly across cultures. Gender differences were found in reading achievement but not motivation, an indication of a complex relationship between reading motivation and achievement. Students who read mostly for compliance and recognition did poorly in reading. Eighth graders did better in both reading motivation and achievement.
Polymer ultradrawability: the crucial role of α-relaxation chain mobility in the crystallites

An explanation of the varying (ultra)drawability of semicrystalline polymers is proposed, based on NMR evidence of αc-relaxation-associated helical jumps and chain diffusion through the crystallites of polyethylene and several similarly “αc-mobile” polymers; these include isotactic polypropylene, poly(ethylene oxide), poly(oxymethylene), poly(tetrafluoroethylene), poly(vinyl alcohol), and several others. The chain motions provide a mechanism by which hot drawing of these polymers can extend an initially formed fiber morphology by an order of magnitude to draw ratios > 30, without melting. A second class of polymers, including nylons, poly(ethylene terephthalate), syndiotactic polypropylene, isotactic polystyrene, and isotactic poly(1-butene) (form I) lack a crystalline α-relaxation and the associated chain mobility. Therefore, these polymers are “crystal fixed” and drawability is limited to draw ratios < 14, arising mostly from break-up of crystalline lamellae and deformation of the amorphous regions. On this basis, we can explain which polymers are drawable to high draw ratios, given a sufficiently low level of entanglement. The motion through the crystallites is thermally activated and the applied stress only biases the direction of the jumps; this explains the crucial role of temperature and rate in tensile drawing and solid-state extrusion processes. The behavior of the crystal-fixed, poorly drawable polymers strongly suggests that melting, straight chain pull-out, and sliding on crystal planes are not significantly operative during ultradrawing, and that weak intermolecular forces are not a sufficient condition for ultradeformation. Various stages of drawing are distinguished and other models of ultradrawability are discussed critically.
Nonoperative treatment of simple meconium ileus : a survey of the Society for Pediatric Radiology

To determine the practice pattern regarding nonoperative treatment of simple meconium ileus, a survey was sent to directors of 66 pediatric radiology departments in the USA and Canada. Thirty-nine responses were received reporting 1,236 patients. A wide variation of enema techniques and contrast media were used. While the success rate did not correlate with osmolality, mode of administration, catheter size, or perforation rate there was a significantly higher overall success rate with the use of Gastrografin versus no-Gastrografin (p<0.00076) and the use of additives such as Tween-80 and Mucomyst versus techniques without additives (p<0.00001). Perforation did not correlate with success rate, osmolality, or type of contrast medium. The only two instances of rectal perforations were associated with the use of ballon-tip catheter.
Technology and students with handicaps

Technological advances have opened the door for numerous educational interventions with handicapped children. These range from simple hand-held calculators for use in arithmetical problem solving to interactive videodisk systems that provide multimodal representations of complex knowledge and skills. As has been the case historically, curricular materials, in this case software, and implementation lag far behind. In a sense this is an enviable position because it provides developers with an opportunity to concentrate on the development of quality software. One component needed for an overall successful technological endeavor is to extend the useful life of the materials so that they can be integrated into long-term programing.
Adaptive digital holography for gain-enhanced imaging

An iterative feedback loop using a spatial light modulator provides wavefront shaping in a holography experiment. In addition to hardware components, an algorithmic technique to provide uniform illumination to the target prevents image oversharpening.
Childhood Chronic Nausea: Is It Just a Queasy Stomach?

Chronic nausea is an increasingly acknowledged complaint in children. It is commonly encountered in association with functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders but can also occur in isolation. As such, there is no pediatric diagnostic classification for chronic idiopathic nausea. The pathophysiology appears complex, from foregut motor and sensory disturbances to autonomic imbalance and CNS influences. Also, there is scarcity of specific treatments that target this highly bothersome symptom. Treatment is mainly empiric or aimed at other functional complaints. Our retrospective data indicate a high prevalence of comorbid conditions in children with chronic nausea. These include migraines, autonomic disturbances, sleep problems, fatigue, and anxiety. Identifying specific features and targeting these therapeutically may be essential for improved treatment outcomes.
THE ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE OF SMOOTHLY DEFORMED CRYSTALS: WANNIER FUNCTIONS AND THE CAUCHY-BORN RULE

The electronic structure of a smoothly deformed crystal is analyzed for the case when the effective Hamiltonian is a given function of the nuclei by considering the regime when the scale of the deformation is much larger than the lattice parameter. Wannier functions are defined by projecting the Wannier functions for the undeformed crystal to the space spanned by the wave functions of the deformed crystal. The exponential decay of such Wannier functions is proved for the case when the undeformed crystal is an insulator. The celebrated Cauchy–Born rule for crystal lattices is extended to the present situation for electronic structure analysis.
Autoradiographic Studies of X -chromosome Duplication in an XO / X -isochromosome X Mosaic Human Female

ACCORDING to Lyon's hypothesis1,2, one of the two X-chromosomes in each XX cell of the normal human female and perhaps in all mammalian females is genetically inactivated at a certain stage of embryogenesis. This inactive X chromosome becomes condensed or heteropycnotic and forms the sex chromatin. Inactivation is presumed to occur at random. The heteropycnotic X can thus be either maternal or paternal in origin. Ohno and Cattanach3 have recently provided direct cytological evidence of this in the mouse. In the skin of animals with a variegated phenotype due to a translocation of the wild-type allele of a coat colour gene to the X chromosome (Xt), the wild-type patches of skin were populated by cells containing a condensed inactive chromosome (presumably the normal X). Mutant-type patches from the same animal contained cells in which a visibly larger chromosome, presumably the Xt, was heteropycnotic.
New selection criterion for piezoelectric transducer materials for optimal electro-acoustic power conversion

Conventional design for piezoelectric transducers tends to favor materials with high electromechanical coupling coefficient. However, when the converse piezoelectric effect is used in the design of transducers for maximum mechanical displacement, transducer performance measured by power conversion depends also on other factors such as the type of acoustic wave generated and material constants. An analysis of a piezoelectric transducer shows that maximum mechanical displacement is inversely proportional to the dynamic electromechanical coupling coefficient and the square of acoustic wave velocity. This implies that a slow shear wave in a material having low electromechanical coupling is preferred. Simulation results of different materials for transducer and substrate are presented.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sədät, Migration, and Refugeeism as Portrayed in Ethiopian Song Lyrics

This essay explores the history of the concepts of sədat (migration) and sədatannannat (refugeeism), tracking the changing Ethiopian perspectives on separation from homeland as conceived and conveyed through song lyrics. After detailing traditional Ethiopian notions of sədatannannat, the author surveys song lyrics about Ethiopians living abroad, first in military service in Libya (1911–1930) and in Korea and Japan (1950s), then for educational purposes in Europe and the United States (1945–1974). In contrast to either silence or negativity about sədatannannat in songs about these earlier periods, lyrics dating from after the emergence of the Ethiopian diaspora (1974–present) invoke the concept as an integral part of Ethiopian life, moving it from a term of shame to a desirable status with connotations of success and initiative. (5 April 2009)
Augmented D1 dopamine receptor signaling and immediate-early gene induction in adult striatum after prenatal cocaine.

Background Prenatal exposure to cocaine can impede normal brain development, triggering a range of neuroanatomical and behavioral anomalies that are evident throughout life. Mouse models have been especially helpful in delineating neuro-teratogenic consequences after prenatal exposure to cocaine. The present study employed a mouse model to investigate alterations in D 1 dopamine receptor signaling and downstream immediate-early gene induction in the striatum of mice exposed to cocaine in utero. Methods Basal, forskolin-, and D 1 receptor agonist-induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels were measured ex vivo in the adult male striatum in mice exposed to cocaine in utero. Further studies assessed cocaine-induced zif 268 and homer 1 expression in the striatum of juvenile (P15), adolescent (P36), and adult (P60) male mice. Results The D 1 dopamine receptor agonist SKF82958 induced significantly higher levels of cAMP in adult male mice treated with cocaine in utero compared with saline control subjects. No effects of the prenatal treatment were found for cAMP formation induced by forskolin. After an acute cocaine challenge (15 mg/kg, IP), these mice showed greater induction of zif 268 and homer 1 , an effect that was most robust in the medial part of the mid-level striatum and became more pronounced with increasing age. Conclusions Together these findings indicate abnormally enhanced D 1 receptor signal transduction in adult mice after prenatal cocaine exposure. Such changes in dopamine receptor signaling might underlie aspects of long-lasting neuro-teratogenic effects evident in some humans after in utero exposure to cocaine and identify the striatum as one target potentially vulnerable to gestational cocaine exposure.
Non-Destructive Characterization of Polyimide/Copper and Polyimide/Gold Interphases Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering and Reflection-Absorption Infrared Spectroscopy

The polyamic acid of pyromellitic dianhydride was cured against copper and gold substrates. SERS and reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIR) results indicate that acid groups of the polyamic acid reacted with metal ions on the substrates to form carboxylate salts when the polyamic acid was spin-coated onto metal substrates. Formation of carboxylates on the copper surface extended several hunted angstroms into the polyamic acid films, while only trace levels of carboxylate were formed on the gold surface. Formation of carboxylate salts suppressed the curing of polyamic acid on copper substrates
Depression: Motivational deficit versus social manipulation

Two hypotheses of depression were tested. One states that depression is a motivational deficit, where motivation equals a person's expectancy of an outcome multiplied by the value of that outcome. An alternative hypothesis states that depression is a social manipulation aimed at eliciting sympathy from others. To test these hypotheses, 60 undergraduates were divided into a depressed, a psychiatric control, and a normal control group. All undergraduates rated a list of outcomes in terms of their expectancies and again in terms of their valuations. Half of each group completed their ratings in a public setting, half in a private setting. A series of 3(groups) ×2(settings) analyses of variance supported none of the social-manipulation predictions: Depressives never exhibited more severe pathology in the public setting than in the private setting. On the other hand, all of the predictions generated by the motivational deficit hypothesis were supported: Depressives exhibited lower reward expectancies, higher punisher expectancies, and lower reward motivation than both control groups, suggesting that these motivational deficits are not the result of psychopathology in general. Further, depressives tended to undervalue rewards and to be underaverse to punishers.