cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circulating corticosterone in the infant rat: the mechanism of age and thyroxine effects.

ABSTRACT. Infant rats exhibit a marked rise in serum concentrations of corticosterone between postnatal days 12 and 24. As this rise appears to be cued by L-thyroxine, the aim of the current study was to determine the physiological bases of the effects of both age and thyroid status on serum corticosterone. The in vivo response to either adrenocorticotropic hormone (60 mU/g body weight) or dibutyryl 3',5'-cyclic adenylate (0.3 mg/g body weight) increased between 10 and 16 days and was advanced and delayed by hyper- and hypothyroidism, respectively. In contrast, in vitro studies with adrenals from rats aged 10 and 16 days showed no effect of age on either basal or adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated production of corticosterone. Chronic administration of exogenous corticosterone to hyperthyroid animals resulted in significantly higher concentrations of serum corticosterone than did an identical administration to hypothyroid animals. As hyperthyroidism was associated with marked elevations in the concentration of corticosteroid-binding globulin and in the extent of binding of corticosterone, these results suggest that the effects of both age and thyroid status on serum concentrations of corticosterone may reflect changes in the metabolic clearance of the hormone.
Statistical Correlation Between Optical Linewidth Measurement Systems With Variance Components Analysis

Much has been written in the literature concerning the importance of linewidth measurement in controlling the lithographic process. Numerous sources of variability in both the process and the measurement system itself complicate linewidth measurement and control. For this reason, linewidth measurement standards have been developed for use in calibrating systems to provide information as to the precision and variability of the systems in terms of 3-sigma values. In a manufacturing environment however, the measurement system used to determine the final critical dimension is not necessarily the same system that was used to measure the particular dimension during processing. This raises a question concerning the compatibility of the measurement systems. It is therefore desirable to acquire an understanding of the significant differences, if present, between different measurement systems. This can be accomplished by examining the statistical correlation of measurements and by employing statistical models to identify, quantify and compare sources of system variability independent of process variability. Statistical correlation analysis offers a method for assessing the relationship of linewidth measurements and repeatability of different systems. In addition, system variation on factors influencing CD measurements can be modeled using variance components analysis, quantified and evaluated as to significance. Properties to be modeled include repeatability, agreement on accuracy, and precision for various feature types and sizes. The statistical models developed may also be used for calibration purposes. Statistical properties for both standard and alternative calibration procedures will be discussed. Briefly discussed will be Response Surface Methodology for obtaining combinations of factors which tend to minimize linewidth variability.
Biochemical parameters of abnormal endometrium

Abstract Normal and abnormal endometrial tissues have been studied by histologic, histochemical, and biochemical methods. The effect of ovarian steroids upon these tissues has been observed in organ culture. It is apparent that abnormal endometrial tissue, namely, endometrium obtained from women over 40 yr of age with excessive uterine bleeding and classified as proliferative, hyperplastic, or with adenomatous carcinoma, has lost its cyclicity and remained in the proliferative state. In this respect, the tissue-synthetized glycogen in steady amounts fail to reach a peak concentration at any time. Synthetase activity was increased when the endometrium remained in the proliferative phase while phosphorylase activity was decreased in all forms of abnormal endometrium. Likewise, enzyme activity, namely, glucose-6-phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase, was decreased in the abnormal tissue thereby encouraging retention of glycogen rather than releasing the glycogen, a function carried on in normal endometrium after ovulation if conception does not take place. This retention of glycogen in constant amounts in the abnormal tissue suggests that carbohydrate metabolism changes from one of glycogen deposition and release to conversion into the production of cellular energy by the abnormal proliferating cells. The activity of the enzymes of the Krebs' cycle and hexose shunt, as measured by their respective enzyme activity, are increased in abnormal endometrium and may be strong factors in the conversion of retained glycogen into energy and cellular proliferation. Addition of estradiol in organ culture containing normal and abnormal endometrial tissue increased cellular proliferation while the addition of progesterone increased the synthesis of glycogen from glucose in significant amounts.
Testing the utility of first order uncertainty analysis

Abstract First order methods and Monte Carlo analysis are applied to a simple population model. The first order uncertainty predictions are compared to the Monte Carlo results for both a differential and finite difference form of the model's equation. For the differential form of the model, the performance of the first order process is also evaluated using a Euler numerical solution technique to estimate the model's partial derivatives. The first order methods are determined to be valid for the finite difference and differential forms of the model, and valid for the Euler numerical solution technique applied. Uncertainty estimates from both the first order and Monte Carlo processes are examined for consistency and detail. Although Monte Carlo analysis provides detailed estimates of model output variability, first order techniques are demonstrated to be computationally much faster and capable of concisely representing general variability trends. The first order methods are also shown to describe model variability in ways especially useful for research design, model development, and model refinement.
Historical biogeography of lowland species of toads (Bufo) across the Trans-Mexican Neovolcanic Belt and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec

Aim In this study, we investigate phylogeographic structure in two different species groups of lowland toads. First, we further investigate strict parapatry of the Pliocene-vicariant Bufo valliceps/B. nebulifer species pair. Secondly, we test for similar phylogeographic structure in the distantly related toad B. marinus, a species we hypothesize will show a Pleistocene dispersal across the same area. Location The eastern extension of the Trans-Mexican Neovolcanic Belt (TMNB) contacts the Atlantic Coast in central Veracruz, Mexico. Although it is not a massive structure at this eastern terminus, the TMNB has nonetheless effected vicariance and subsequent speciation in several groups of animals. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec unites the North American continent with Nuclear Central America and is also known to be a biogeographic barrier for many taxa. Methods We use sequence data from two mitochondrial DNA genes (c. 550 base-pairs (bp) of 16S and c. 420 bp of cyt b) from 58 individuals of the B. valliceps/nebulifer complex, collected from 24 localities. We also present homologous sequence data from 23 individuals of B. marinus, collected from 12 localities. We conduct maximum-parsimony, maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analyses to investigate phylogeographic structure. We then use parsimony- and likelihood-based topology tests to assess alternative phylogenetic hypotheses and use a previously calibrated molecular rate of evolution to estimate dates of divergence. Results Our results further define the parapatric contact zone across the TMNB between the Pliocene-vicariant sister species B. valliceps and B. nebulifer. In contrast, phylogenetic structure among populations of B. marinus across the TMNB is much shallower, suggesting a more recent Pleistocene dispersal in this species. In addition, we found phylogeographic structure associated with the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in both species groups. Main conclusions The existence of a Pliocene–Pleistocene seaway across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec has been controversial. Our data depict clades on either side of the isthmus within two distinct species (B. valliceps and B. marinus), although none of the clades associated with the isthmus, for either species, are reciprocally monophyletic. In the B. valliceps/B. nebulifer complex, the TMNB separation appears to predate the isthmian break, whereas in B. marinus dispersal across the TMNB has occurred subsequent to the presence of a barrier at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Molecular weight dependence of polystyrene segmental dynamics in dilute blends with poly(vinyl methyl ether)

The segmental dynamics of backbone-deuterated polystyrenes (d 3 PS) with varying molecular weights (1.7-67 kg/mol) have been measured in blends with poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME). 2 H NMR T 1 values at 15 and 77 MHz are reported for the pure d 3 PS and for the dilute d 3 PS component in PVME matrices. The temperature shift that is needed to superpose the NMR T 1 data for the pure d 3 PS and the d 3 PS as a dilute component in the blend ranges from 45 to 70 K. In the framework of Lodge/McLeish model, the self-concentration value for d 3 PS in these dilute blends with PVME is found to be independent of molecular weight. We thus establish for this system that the substantial influence of molecular weight on the blend segmental dynamics can be explained by homopolymer T g differences.
Adaptive aberration correction for specimen induced spherical aberration

Summary form only given. In normal operation with a dry or oil immersion microscope objective there is an index mismatch with a water-based biological sample. This index mismatch causes a depth dependant spherical aberration that severely limits the range that a sample can be imaged along the optical axis. We have previously demonstrated the use of a membrane deformable mirror to correct for off-axis aberrations in a confocal microscopy system. In this study we apply a genetic learning algorithm in conjunction with third harmonic generation to determine the appropriate shape of the deformable mirror to correct for aberrations in longitudinal depth scanning in a confocal microscope.
Socio-demographic and service provision characteristics associated with primary school attendance among the Most Vulnerable Children in Tanzania

Abstract This study examined the associations between the services provided to the Most Vulnerable Children (MVC) in Tanzania (N = 234) by a faith-based community agency, referred to as PASADA, and multiple socio-demographic characteristics and MVC's primary school attendance. For lack of randomized treatment and control groups, the study employed a residualized change model to adjust for selection bias. This involved placing a pre-test (Time 1) measure of the number of days MVC attended school for 40 days before receiving PASADA services into the OLS regression model, which predicted a post-test (Time 2) measure of school attendance 40 days after receiving services for 2 months. Descriptive results indicate that after receiving services, MVC's primary school attendance increased 18%. The OLS residualized change model determined that providing school fees, food assistance, and support meetings were all positively related to MVC's school attendance at Time 2. Of the 16 sociodemographic characteristics, only MVC's gender was statistically significant, indicating that male MVC were more likely to have fewer days of primary school attendance than females. Compared with the traditional multivariate OLS model, the OLS residualized change model accounted for approximately 28% of additional variation in Time 2 school attendance. Social work practice and social policy implications for improving the MVC's primary school attendance were drawn from the findings.
Expression of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in rat tissues is mainly regulated at the mRNA levels

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) is a serine peptidase that cleaves N-terminal dipeptides from polypeptides when the second residue is a proline or an alanine. We have recently cloned cDNAs for rat gp110, a membrane glycoprotein with Mr of 110,000 isolated initially from rat liver. Studies reported here establish that the gp110 for which we have cloned cDNAs is DPPIV. Using the antibodies against and cDNA for DPPIV, we have assessed the tissue distribution of DPPIV by molecular approaches. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that DPPIV is present in the kidney, lung, and small intestine at high levels, in the liver and spleen at moderate levels, and in the heart at low levels. The highest levels of mRNA for DPPIV were detected in the kidney and small intestine as compared to moderate levels found in the lung, liver, and spleen. The lowest levels of DPPIV mRNA were found in the stomach, testis, and heart. No detectable DPPIV protein and mRNA were found in brain or muscle. LDPPIV protein and mRNA are present at much lower levels in fetal livers as compared to the adult liver. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that DPPIV is localized in the bile canaliculus of hematocytes and in the apical membrane domains of kidney tubule and small intestine. Further studies by Southern blot analysis indicate that DPPIV is encoded by a single gene.
Glider observations and modeling of sediment transport in Hurricane Sandy

Regional sediment resuspension and transport are examined as Hurricane Sandy made landfall on the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) in October 2012. A Teledyne-Webb Slocum glider, equipped with a Nortek Aquadopp current profiler, was deployed on the continental shelf ahead of the storm, and is used to validate sediment transport routines coupled to the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). The glider was deployed on 25 October, 5 days before Sandy made landfall in southern New Jersey (NJ) and flew along the 40 m isobath south of the Hudson Shelf Valley. We used optical and acoustic backscatter to compare with two modeled size classes along the glider track, 0.1 and 0.4 mm sand, respectively. Observations and modeling revealed full water column resuspension for both size classes for over 24 h during peak waves and currents, with transport oriented along-shelf toward the southwest. Regional model predictions showed over 3 cm of sediment eroded on the northern portion of the NJ shelf where waves and currents were the highest. As the storm passed and winds reversed from onshore to offshore on the southern portion of the domain waves and subsequently orbital velocities necessary for resuspension were reduced leading to over 3 cm of deposition across the entire shelf, just north of Delaware Bay. This study highlights the utility of gliders as a new asset in support of the development and verification of regional sediment resuspension and transport models, particularly during large tropical and extratropical cyclones when in situ data sets are not readily available.
Change fatigue in clinical practice.

T he University of North Carolina is switching electronic health records (EHRs) next year, and the University of Michigan did so last year. Many others already have or will be adopting them for the first time. What is behind these recent efforts? In two words: meaningful use (see Figure 1). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a set of standards that governs the use of EHRs to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of health care. Attainment of these meaningful use goals is tied to financial incentives, hence the movement by so many health systems and practices to select and implement these systems. Although this change is long overdue, it is a system-wide organizational change that touches everyone. The amount of work, number of people involved, hours of training required, and hardware and software infrastructure needed to make this happen is nothing short of amazing. In addition, the financial and nonfinancial costs are enormous, although they may be recouped over time with the CMS incentives and improved data capture for billing purposes. But this is not the only change occurring in health care or in nursing. Healthcare providers are being asked to implement distress screening, create survivorship care plans, and focus on palliative care in oncology. With our combined 70 years of nursing, we have not witnessed so many big changes in health care in such a short time. The second author of this editorial experienced change fatigue firsthand when selecting a setting to implement her doctor of nursing practice capstone project on distress screening. Selecting a site that embodies the positive attributes of change was vital; therefore, a clinical group was sought with a reputation for beEditorial Deborah K. Mayer, PhD, RN, AOCN®, FAAN—Editor
Effect of X Radiation on Rat Fetal Oral Mucosa in Tissue Culture

Cultures of oral mucosa from 15- to 17-day-old rat fetuses were placed under cellophane membranes on cover glasses of Rose chambers to determine the action of low doses of X radiation on the oral epithelial cells, exclusive of mitotic phenomena. The principal characteristic of the emigrating cells in control cultures was established. The most important changes in surviving cells of the irradiated cultures were the formation of multinucleated giant cells, cellular vacuolization, and movements of the cell membranes (zeiosis and pericyclosis). Even with the low doses, there was a decided inhibition of growth.
Evaluation of Foreign Gene Codon Optimization in Yeast: Expression of a Mouse IG Kappa Chain

We have optimized the codons in an immunoglobulin kappa chain gene to those preferred in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mutant and wild type kappa chain genes were each fused with a synthetic invertase signal peptide that also contained only yeast-preferred codons, and expressed in the F762 yeast strain. The use of yeast-preferred codons resulted in a more than 5-fold increase in the rate of synthesis and at least a 50-fold increase in the steady state level of protein.
Predicted absorptance of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7//YSZ/Si multilayer structures for infrared detectors

High-T/sub c/ superconducting YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ films deposited on silicon substrates with yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) buffer layers have significant potential for radiation detectors. The infrared absorptance of a YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7//YSZ/Si multilayer structure, which strongly influences the detector performance and depends on the layer thicknesses, is analyzed here. The electromagnetic field inside the layers is determined based on the Maxwell equations and the optical constants of these materials. The film thicknesses yielding maximum absorptance are obtained for different wavelengths. The spatial distribution of power flux is determined by integrating the Poynting vector over a finite spectral region. The analytical method presented in this study is recommended for the radiative design of high-T/sub c/ superconducting detectors based on absorbing multilayer structures. >
Interpreting past religious discrimination today.

Much of modern western law now presupposes opposition to discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, and other factors. However, ancient religious Scriptures may have sanctioned c...
Fiber composites : An economical alternative for retrofitting earthquake-damaged precast-concrete walls

Abstract A new approach for seismic retrofitting of lightly‐reinforced precast‐concrete walls is presented. The technique involves epoxy bonding the reinforcing material (composite fabric) to the exterior surface of the wall. The flexible light‐weight fabrics are extremely strong in tension and can significantly increase the flexural and shear capacity of the member. The thin composite fabrics cause little increase in the weight and thickness of the wall, causing little change to the inertial loads and eliminating the need for strengthening of the footings. Following the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake, this technique was applied to a tilt‐up concrete building in southern California. The method proved to be the most cost‐effective alternative to repair this damaged building in a very short time. More than 20,000 ft.2 of wall surface area were strengthened, making this project the largest reported application of this technique. This paper discusses some of the design considerations and the strengthe...
A study of the tetrabromide method of estimating linoleic acid in fatty acid mixtures

1. When linoleic acid is brominated in cold petroleum ether, the yield of insoluble tetrabromides is empirical; it is affected by the composition of the petroleum ether and by the amounts of linoleic acid and of other fatty acids which may be in a given mixture. 2. The tetrabromide number of pure linoleic acid ranges from 103.7 when a 2-gram sample is brominated to practically zero with 10 mg. of the acid. 3. Data are presented describing the tetrabromide yields of linoleic acid alone and in various mixtures with oleic acid, when brominated at the 2.0-, 1.0-, and 0.5-g. levels of sample. From these data curves can be drawn by which it is possible to ascertain by interpolation the per cent of linoleic acid in a mixture. 4. Seventeen concentrates of linoleic acid from corn oil, safflower oil, and butter fat have been assayed from the curves, and the results compared with values calculated from the iodine number. 5. Several linoleic acid concentrates from corn oil were shown to contain appreciable amounts of isomeric dienoic acids. 6. Examination of two linoleic acid concentrates from butter fat shows for the first time the indubitable presence of linoleic acid in this fat.
Inhibition of morphine metabolism by catechol in the chicken kidney

In the Sperber preparation of the chicken morphine is secreted by the renal tubular cells and is metabolized within these cells to morphine ethereal sulfate (MES). When morphine-N-14CH3 was infused into a leg vein, high values for the apparent tubular excretion fraction (ATEF) were obtained. Large excesses of 14C morphine and 14C MES were excreted by the kidney on the infused side. The effect of catechol was determined by adding it to the infusion solution. As the molar ratio of catechol to morphine was progressively increased up to 100 to 1, the excretion of 14C MES diminished to zero while proportionate increases in the excretion of 14C morphine were observed. These changes were not accompanied by any change in the 14C ATEF. When 14C MES itself was infused high ATEF values were obtained and these values were unaffected by large doses of catechol. Thus, catechol clearly inhibited the metabolism of morphine to MES within the renal tubular cells and did not affect the renal tubular transport of either morphine or MES. On the other hand, inhibition of metabolism and transport of catechol could not be demonstrated with morphine infused at high rates.
The empirical determinants of vertical integration

Abstract Theoretical models of vertical integration are tested using a new measure based on the proportion of companies operating in customer and supplier industries that are vertically integrated. We confirm the roles of contractual and transaction-cost factors – small-numbers bargaining, lock-in effects, and the need for industries to share intangible assets. The role of (unobserved) persistent arm's-length contracts (alternative to vertical integration) is supported. Risk-aversion is not a significant motive.
Outcome of tacrolimus conversion therapy for renal allograft rejection: 5-Year follow-up

Tacrolimus has been shown to be an effective and well tolerated agent in primary solid organ transplantation.1–3 We have previously reported that an additional important feature of this drug is its ability to salvage renal allografts in patients experiencing ongoing acute rejection resistant to conventional antirejection therapy.4,5 Salvage can be defined as a return to a defined percentage of baseline renal function or histologic reversal of acute rejection, or both. In our initial experience with 77 patients who developed ongoing rejection while receiving cyclosporine-based immunosuppression, 57 (74%) had a successful outcome after conversion to tacrolimus after a follow-up of 13.9 ± 9.1 months.4 A total of 169 patients (median age 33 years; range 2 to 75 years; 98 males, 71 females) with ongoing rejection after failing baseline cyclosporine therapy have now been converted to tacrolimus in an attempt to reverse rejection.6,7 We herein report the long-term follow-up in this group of patients.
Real Time Laser Damage Detection In Bulk Materials By Strehl Intensities

Real time detection and measurement of laser-induced damage in bulk polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) has been achieved by use of a Strehl intensity detector. PMMA was damaged using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser, λ = 1.06 um and tp = 8 ± 2 nsec (FWHM). A cw HeNe laser probe beam was aligned to propagate collinearly with the Nd:YAG laser beam and come to a focus at approximately the same place in the PMMA sample. The HeNe laser beam's intensity was measured with a Strehl detector and recorded on a strip chart recorder. The steady state Strehl intensity detected the presence and diameter of laser. induced damage sites within + 4.5 um over a 2 um to 20 um array of damage site diameters.
Planning local economic development in the emerging world order

A new consensus is emerging around effective modes of government action in the economic sphere - in essence, a new approach to industrial policy - that has significant implications for the reform of the subnational economic development function currently underway in the UK and US. Leading-edge local and regional economic development practise must be smarter, more flexible, more collaborative among stakeholders, more experimental and evaluative and much less prone to generic diagnoses of economic challenges and the application of universal strategies. In turn, good planning scholarship is needed to help design the organisations and practises that the new model requires and to train the professionals who can function effectively under it.
Growth hormone receptor messenger ribonucleic acid distribution in the adult male rat brain and its colocalization in hypothalamic somatostatin neurons.

The activity of both somatostatin (SS) and GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) neurons within several hypothalamic nuclei is regulated, in part, by the feedback effects of GH. However, whether GH, or its intermediate, insulin-like growth factor I, acts on these neurons to alter the synthesis and release of SS and GHRH is unknown. We argued that if GH itself acts directly on the brain to govern its own secretion, then regions of the brain containing SS and GHRH neurons may express the GH receptor gene. We tested this hypothesis by performing in situ hybridization for GH receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) and mapping its distribution in the brain. We observed GH receptor mRNA-containing cells in various brain regions including the thalamus, septal region, hippocampus, dentate gyrus, amygdala, and hypothalamus. Next we sought evidence for expression of the GH receptor mRNA by SS neurons in the hypothalamus. We addressed this by performing a double-label in situ hybridization to identify neurons expressing both SS mRNA an...
Novolak resins with high thermal stability, high resolution, improved photospeed and etch characteristics for advanced photoresist applications

Novolak resins provide the best overall performarice for «g» arid «i»-line photoresists. There is a continuing need for advanced novolak designs that will provide improved lithographic, thermal, arid etch characteristics that may be reproducibly synthesized. A novolak synthesis process was developed using the solution condensation technique. Cresol mixtures with m-cresol arid 3,5-xylenol at specific ratios provide reproducible novolaks with controlled molecular weights
Gas transfer in the Pluto–Charon system: A Charon atmosphere

Abstract Recent hybrid fluid/molecular kinetic models demonstrated that Pluto’s upper atmosphere is warmer and more extended than previously thought (Erwin, J.T., Tucker, O.J., Johnson, R.E. [2013]. Icarus 226, 375–384; Tucker, O.J., Erwin, J.T., Deighan, J.I., Volkov, A.N., Johnson, R.E. [2012]. Icarus 217, 408–415). Here we examine the effect of Charon on the molecular escape rate from Pluto’s extended atmosphere, simulate the spatial distribution of N2 in this binary system, and describe the resulting accumulation of N2 on Charon. These Monte Carlo simulations are carried out for approximate solar medium conditions at ∼33 AU. Including Charon’s gravity and orbital motion, the atmosphere on the Pluto’s Charon-facing hemisphere is more strongly bound to the system and is more extended than the atmosphere on Pluto’s anti-Charon hemisphere. Accounting for Charon’s gravity the net escape from the system is reduced by ∼5%. Most of the loss is direct from Pluto’s exobase region with ∼1–2% due to scattering by Charon. About ∼0.2% of the flux from Pluto’s exobase impinges on Charon: ∼5.7 × 1025 N2/s at nominal solar medium conditions. This is a source of condensed N2 for Charon’s night side and forms a tenuous atmosphere. For the approximate range of surface temperatures, the residence time of N2 on the surface can range from a fraction of a second to 10s of years with the near surface line of sight column densities varying from ∼3 × 1018 N2/m2 up to >6 × 1019 N2/m2. Such an atmosphere could be detectable during the solar occultation that will occur during the New Horizon encounter providing a measure of the transfer of gas between bodies in this binary system.
Treatment of ruminative thinking by self-monitoring

Abstract A 25-yr-old housewife with a 6-year history of ruminative thinking was treated using two self-monitoring procedures. Ruminative episodes were reduced in rate, but not eliminated, by a simple frequency count. A more intensive monitoring procedure (recording seven variables surrounding each episode) virtually eliminated the episodes. These gains were maintained over 6-monthly follow-ups.
An etching technique to reveal the supermolecular structure of crystalline polymers

Highly polished surfaces of nylon 6, nylon 66, polychlorotrifluoroethylene and polypropylene were etched by aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons at temperatures between 25 and 75°C to reveal surface morphology. Comparison with micrographs obtained with microtomed sections shows the absence of etching artifacts which are known to accompany the use of oxidizing etching agents.
A model of population distribution, traffic congestion, and neighborhood crowding in a circular city

Abstract An idealized static equilibrium model of a circularly symmetric city is presented. The model allows one to compute the spatial distribution of residences, given certain simple and plausible assumptions about the “costs” of transport, housing and neighborhood crowding. The model is chosen so as to guarantee that in first approximation, the residential population distribution which would be considered optimal by a perfect planner is identical to the distribution reached in a push-shove, laissez-faire equilibrium. This aspect of the construction is shown to be related in a simple way to the familiar “external diseconomy” situation in which a free resource is allocated among alternative uses by equating average, rather than marginal products. The existence of an infinite class of models in which the associated planner's optimum and laissez-faire equilibria are equivalent follows naturally from the standard theory of the private and social costs of highway congestion. The model leads naturally to exponentially falling population distributions which exhibit an “urban-suburban” dichotomy, to a particular overall city size, and to an optimal allocation of land between transport and residential uses.
Bi segregation at ZnO grain boundaries in equilibrium with Bi2O3ZnO liquid

Abstract Segregation of Bi at ZnO grain boundaries in the presence of a small amount of Bi-rich liquid has been studied. Below the eutectic temperature (740 °C), a partial monolayer of Bi segregation is observed in equilibrium with a non-wetting solid phase. Above the eutectic temperature, the behavior is more complex. Partial monolayer segregation of Bi is observed in equilibrium with a Bi-rich grain junction liquid which meets many grain boundaries with a zero contact angle. Although at larger volume fractions, the liquid fully wets and penetrates along boundaries, when the liquid fraction is small, a continuous liquid film is not detectable. The grain boundary coverage of Bi has been quantified using STEM, and the interplay between capillary pressure, temperature, and composition in determining boundary coverage and the distribution of liquid is discussed. An alternative interpretation of the segregation as the remnant of a high-temperature intergranular liquid film is considered.
Myocardial macronutrient transporter adaptations in the adult pregestational female intrauterine and postnatal growth-restricted offspring.

Associations between exponential childhood growth superimposed on low birth weight and adult onset cardiovascular disease with glucose intolerance/type 2 diabetes mellitus exist in epidemiological ...
Efficacy of sperm wash media in improving sperm motility

Spermatozoa from 15 fertile men were washed with Ham's F10 and incubated with two commercially available sperm nutrient media for 2, 4, 6, and 24 h. Both sperm capacitation medium (Irvine Scientific Co., Santa Ana, CA) and Pro-ception (Milex Products, Inc., Chicago, IL) proved to be capable of improving sperm motion characteristics. These media may be used for incubating sperm for intrauterine insemination or for in vitro fertilization.
Onset Timing, Thoughts of Self-harm, and Diagnoses in Postpartum Women With Screen-Positive Depression Findings

Importance The period prevalence of depression among women is 21.9% during the first postpartum year; however, questions remain about the value of screening for depression. Objectives To screen for depression in postpartum women and evaluate positive screen findings to determine the timing of episode onset, rate and intensity of self-harm ideation, and primary and secondary DSM-IV disorders to inform treatment and policy decisions. Design Sequential case series of women who recently gave birth. Setting Urban academic women's hospital. Participants During the maternity hospitalization, women were offered screening at 4 to 6 weeks post partum by telephone. Screen-positive women were invited to undergo psychiatric evaluations in their homes. Main Outcomes and Measures A positive screen finding was an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score of 10 or higher. Self-harm ideation was assessed on EPDS item 10: “The thought of harming myself has occurred to me” (yes, quite often; sometimes; hardly ever; never). Screen-positive women underwent evaluation with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV for Axis I primary and secondary diagnoses. Results Ten thousand mothers underwent screening, with positive findings in 1396 (14.0%); of these, 826 (59.2%) completed the home visits and 147 (10.5%) completed a telephone diagnostic interview. Screen-positive women were more likely to be younger, African American, publicly insured, single, and less well educated. More episodes began post partum (40.1%), followed by during pregnancy (33.4%) and before pregnancy (26.5%). In this population, 19.3% had self-harm ideation. All mothers with the highest intensity of self-harm ideation were identified with the EPDS score of 10 or higher. The most common primary diagnoses were unipolar depressive disorders (68.5%), and almost two-thirds had comorbid anxiety disorders. A striking 22.6% had bipolar disorders. Conclusions and Relevance The most common diagnosis in screen-positive women was major depressive disorder with comorbid generalized anxiety disorder. Strategies to differentiate women with bipolar from unipolar disorders are needed. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00282776
Service Learning and Political Socialization.

Social scientists' initial forays into the field of political socialization were directly linked to goals of creating good citizens beginning in childhood (Merriam 1931, 1934; Sears 1990; Wallas 1908). With the advent of behavioralism, however, researchers began viewing the study of political socialization as an end in itself (Ball 1995). The emphasis on objective, scientific analysis caused researchers to abandon participant observation, in-depth interviews, and classroom experiments, thus precluding the collection of interesting and valuable data that could be used to inform the development of civic education programs. Further, the dominant theoretical model assumed that political orientations are transmitted from family members and teachers to young people. This model led to rather sterile debates about which agent was the most influential, rather than to discussions about how agents might successfully inspire the development of democratic citizenship values in children and adolescents (Torney-Purta 1999). Problems of theory and method, contradictory research findings, and evidence of the volatility of political orientations over time contributed to declining scholarly interest in the field of political socialization in the 1980s, especially investigations of preadults (Cook 1985; Merelman 1986). However, political socialization research is currently experiencing a renaissance sparked in part by concerns about citizenship education, of which service learning is an important component. Networks such as the APSA Task Force on Civic Education have been formed to unite educators and researchers. These networks allow for an unprecedented exchange of ideas linking academic inquiry and service learning.
Strategic Planning with Critical Success Factors and Future Scenarios: An Integrated Strategic Planning Framework

This report explores the value of enhancing typical strategic planning techniques with the critical success factor (CSF) method and scenario planning. It synthesizes documented theory and research in strategic planning, CSFs, and future scenarios. It proposes an enhanced, integrated information framework for strategic planning that can help organizations understand the broad range of interrelated elements that influence strategy development. Finally, the report provides insights and lessons regarding the value and limitations of the integrated strategic planning framework and suggestions for future work.
Two-Photon Microscopy of Cells and Tissue

Two-photon excitation fluorescence imaging provides thin optical sections from deep within thick, scattering specimens by way of restricting fluorophore excitation (and thus emission) to the focal plane of the microscope. Spatial confinement of two-photon excitation gives rise to several advantages over single-photon confocal microscopy. First, penetration depth of the excitation beam is increased. Second, because out-of-focus fluorescence is never generated, no pinhole is necessary in the detection path of the microscope, resulting in increased fluorescence collection efficiency. Third, two-photon excitation markedly reduces overall photobleaching and photodamage, resulting in extended viability of biological specimens during long-term imaging. Finally, localized excitation can be used for photolysis of caged compounds in femtoliter volumes and for diffusion measurements by two-photon fluorescence photobleaching recovery. This review aims to provide an overview of the use of two-photon excitation microscopy. Selected applications of this technique will illustrate its excellent suitability to assess cellular and subcellular events in intact, strongly scattering tissue. In particular, its capability to resolve differences in calcium dynamics between individual cardiomyocytes deep within intact, buffer-perfused hearts is demonstrated. Potential applications of two-photon laser scanning microscopy as applied to integrative cardiac physiology are pointed out.
Lipid bilayer regulation of membrane protein function: gramicidin channels as molecular force probes

Membrane protein function is regulated by the host lipid bilayer composition. This regulation may depend on specific chemical interactions between proteins and individual molecules in the bilayer, as well as on non-specific interactions between proteins and the bilayer behaving as a physical entity with collective physical properties (e.g. thickness, intrinsic monolayer curvature or elastic moduli). Studies in physico-chemical model systems have demonstrated that changes in bilayer physical properties can regulate membrane protein function by altering the energetic cost of the bilayer deformation associated with a protein conformational change. This type of regulation is well characterized, and its mechanistic elucidation is an interdisciplinary field bordering on physics, chemistry and biology. Changes in lipid composition that alter bilayer physical properties (including cholesterol, polyunsaturated fatty acids, other lipid metabolites and amphiphiles) regulate a wide range of membrane proteins in a seemingly non-specific manner. The commonality of the changes in protein function suggests an underlying physical mechanism, and recent studies show that at least some of the changes are caused by altered bilayer physical properties. This advance is because of the introduction of new tools for studying lipid bilayer regulation of protein function. The present review provides an introduction to the regulation of membrane protein function by the bilayer physical properties. We further describe the use of gramicidin channels as molecular force probes for studying this mechanism, with a unique ability to discriminate between consequences of changes in monolayer curvature and bilayer elastic moduli.
Sharing a vision for biodiversity conservation and agriculture

Conservation biology and agriculture share a common landscape and a future that demands novel research and practice. Inevitably, limited resources create conflict in the absence of a shared vision forward. Therefore, given the similarities in proximate and even ultimate goals, we must envision a joint path toward renewable and resilient agroecosystems. In this commentary, I highlight the root of past conflicts and share a vision of progress forward that encompasses mutually beneficial outcomes. I include six areas of anticipatory research and inquiry at the intersection of conservation biology and agriculture to better identify shared goals and facilitate more frequent communication among disciplines.
In vivo properties of cerebellar interneurons in the macaque caudal vestibular vermis

Key points We quantify both spontaneous and stimulus-driven responses of interneurons in lobules X (nodulus) and IXc,d (ventral uvula) of the caudal vermis during vestibular stimulation. Based on baseline firing, at least three types of neuronal populations could be distinguished. First, there was a group of very regular firing neurons with high mean discharge rates. Second, there was a group of low firing neurons with a range of discharge regularity. Third, we also encountered putative interneurons with discharge regularity and mean firing rates that were indistinguishable from those of physiologically identified Purkinje cells. The vestibular responses of putative interneurons were generally similar to those of Purkinje cells, thus encoding tilt, translation or mixtures of these signals. Mossy fibres showed unprocessed, otolith afferent-like properties. Abstract The cerebellar cortex is among the brain's most well-studied circuits and includes distinct classes of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons. Several studies have attempted to characterize the in vivo properties of cerebellar interneurons, yet little is currently known about their stimulus-driven properties. Here we quantify both spontaneous and stimulus-driven responses of interneurons in lobules X (nodulus) and IXc,d (ventral uvula) of the macaque caudal vermis during vestibular stimulation. Interneurons were identified as cells located >100 μm from the Purkinje cell layer that did not exhibit complex spikes. Based on baseline firing, three types of interneurons could be distinguished. First, there was a group of very regular firing interneurons with high mean discharge rates, which consistently encoded tilt, rather than translational head movements. Second, there was a group of low firing interneurons with a range of discharge regularity. This group had more diverse vestibular properties, where most were translation-selective and a few tilt- or gravitoinertial acceleration-selective. Third, we also encountered interneurons that were similar to Purkinje cells in terms of discharge regularity and mean firing rate. This group also encoded mixtures of tilt and translation signals. A few mossy fibres showed unprocessed, otolith afferent-like properties, encoding the gravitoinertial acceleration. We conclude that tilt- and translation-selective signals, which reflect neural computations transforming vestibular afferent information, are not only encountered in Purkinje cell responses. Instead, upstream interneurons within the cerebellar cortex are also characterized by similar properties, thus implying a widespread network computation.
On the evidence for species coexistence: a critique of the coexistence program

A major challenge in ecology is to understand how the millions of species on Earth are organized into biological communities. Mechanisms promoting coexistence are one such class of organizing processes, which allow multiple species to persist in the same trophic level of a given web of species interactions. If some mechanism promotes the coexistence of two or more species, each species must be able to increase when it is rare and the others are at their typical abundances; this invasibility criterion is fundamental evidence for species coexistence regardless of the mechanism. In an attempt to evaluate the level of empirical support for coexistence mechanisms in nature, we surveyed the literature for empirical studies of coexistence at a local scale (i.e., species found living together in one place) to determine whether these studies satisfied the invasibility criterion. In our survey, only seven of 323 studies that drew conclusions about species coexistence evaluated invasibility in some way in either observational or experimental studies. In addition, only three other studies evaluated necessary but not sufficient conditions for invasibility (i.e., negative density dependence and a trade-off in performance that influences population regulation). These results indicate that, while species coexistence is a prevalent assumption for why species are able to live together in one place, critical empirical tests of this fundamental assumption of community structure are rarely performed. These tests are central to developing a more robust understanding of the relative contributions of both deterministic and stochastic processes structuring biological communities.
Junctions made using pCdTe films grown with ion-assisted doping (solar cells)

This work is part of a continuing study of p-CdTe thin films grown by ion-assisted doping during vacuum evaporation. Ion-assisted doping has clearly demonstrated an ability to control the carrier density in p-CdTe. Results are reported from In/p-CdTe Schottky barriers and from n-CdS/p-CdTe heterojunctions prepared with a systematic variation in the p-CdTe carrier density. The ion-assisted doping process itself appears to be responsible for a decrease in the J/sub sc/ through a reduction in the minority carrier lifetime and in the interface collection function h(0). J/sub sc/ increased through the use of a two-layer CdTe structure in which undoped CdTe is at the CdS/CdTe interface. >