cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Densification of composite powder compacts in pressure cycling

Abstract The effect of pressure cycling on the consolidation of green composites from powders is investigated. Mixed powders of lead and various amounts of alumina were consolidated under static and cyclic pressure at room temperature in constrained “uniaxial” consolidation experiments. The experiments show that in static compaction, density dramatically decreases with increasing ceramic content. In a separate series of experiments, the compacts were subjected to a large number of loading cycles where the pressure varied from zero to a constant maximum value. Virtually identical results are obtained when the powder mixtures were dilute in ceramic. However, at high ceramic contents much higher densities were obtained in stress cycling. Increasing the compaction pressure cycle amplitude and the number of cycles significantly increases the compacted density, but changes in the frequency have relatively little effect at the same number of cycles. Green composites fabricated with cyclic pressure also have significantly increased hardness and rupture strength relative to those produced in static compaction. The improved consolidation is explained and qualitatively analyzed in terms of the volumetric mismatch between the metal and ceramic that is naturally produced in a pressure change. This produces deviatoric stresses in the metal phase. These in turn facilitate plastic deformation and consolidation. This effect of volumetric mismatch creating deviatoric stresses which aid plastic flow and, hence, densification is believed to be quite general.
The agonies of displacement: Ethiopian women refugees in Khartoum, Sudan

For the overwhelming majority of the Ethiopian refugees in urban Sudan, there seems to be no end to their plight. Their lives are in limbo. When they left their homeland most thought thei exile would be temporary. They sought temporary refuge only until the conditions at home improved and they might return in safety. Unfortunately, the conditions for their repatriation have never developed. Armed conflicts in Ethiopia still continue to rage unabated. the regime in power also continues to abuse fundamental human rights.
The Role of the Upper Extremity Surgeon in the Management of Tetraplegia

Despite its demonstrated benefits, the majority of patients with tetraplegia do not have upper extremity surgery. Many upper extremity surgeons are unfamiliar with the techniques, long-term care providers are often unaware of the options or are biased against surgery, and patients might resist surgery based on lack of awareness, misinformation, or hope of a cure. Although it is not without its challenges, some consensus as to a general algorithm for the care of the tetraplegic patient does exist. At the recent 10th International Meeting on Surgical Rehabilitation of the Tetraplegic Upper Limb, there was little disagreement about when and what surgery to perform. The physical examination tools, clinical decision making, and surgical skills required to treat this population should, therefore, be accessible to the vast majority of hand surgeons who wish to take on these rewarding cases. Patients with specific, realistic, functional goals will realize the best self-perceived outcomes.
Suppression of fibre nonlinearities in hybrid fibre coax systems by distributed Raman amplification

Distributed Raman amplification is used to reduce the optical power launched into the transmission fibre of an analogue communication system. This reduces all impairments caused by fibre nonlinearities. The authors have experimentally demonstrated 8–15 dB nonlinear crosstalk reduction in an analogue wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) system.
Video-assisted thoracoscopy as an important tool for trauma surgeons: a systematic review

Trauma patients frequently have serious chest injuries. Retained hemothoraces and persistent pneumothoraces are among the most frequent complications of chest injuries which may lead to major, long-term morbidity and mortality if these complications are not recognized and treated appropriately. Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) is a well-established technique in surgical practice. The usefulness of VATS for treatment of complications after chest trauma has been demonstrated by several authors. However, there is an ongoing debate about the optimal timing of VATS. A computerized search was conducted which yielded 450 studies reporting on the use of VATS for thoracic trauma. Eighteen of these studies were deemed relevant for this review. The quality of these studies was assessed using a check-list and the PRISMA guidelines. Outcome parameters were successful evacuation of the retained hemothorax or treatment of other complications as well as reduction of empyema rate, length of hospital stay, and hospital costs. There was only one randomized trial and two prospective studies. Most studies report case series of institutional experiences. VATS was found to be very successful in evacuation of retained hemothoraces and seems to reduce the empyema rate subsequently. Furthermore, the length of hospital stay and costs can be drastically reduced with the early use of VATS. Early VATS is an effective treatment for retained hemothoraces or other complications of chest trauma. We propose a clinical pathway, in which VATS is used as an early intervention in order to prevent serious complications such as empyemas or trapped lung.
Effects of olfactory bulb lesions on brain monoamines.

Abstract Unilateral olfactory bulb lesions in the rat caused a selective decrease and increase of norepinephrine in the telencephalon and the brainstem, respectively. There were no changes in the concentration of dopamine or serotonin in the ipsilateral telencephalon or brainstem of rats with unilateral lesions. The increase in brainstem norepinephrine concentration in animals with olfactory bulb lesions was reduced when the animals were kept 5 to a cage post-operatively, rather than in isolation.
Deactivation efficiency and degree of control over polymerization in ATRP in protic solvents

Copper-mediated ATRP in protic solvents is characterized by inefficient deactivation due to reversible dissociation of a halide ligand from the ATRP deactivator CuIILnX (L = bipyridine or another amine or imine, X = Br, Cl), which may be followed by competitive coordination of solvent to the CuII center. This process is strongly solvent-dependent and leads to fast and often poorly controlled polymerizations. The loss of a halide ligand from the deactivator in ATRP reactions in the presence of water or other coordinating compounds can be suppressed by the addition of halide salts allowing the regeneration of the dissociated CuII−X species and, therefore, increasing the deactivation rate. The deactivation step in ATRP, which is of primary importance for control over the polymerization, can also be accelerated by employing a catalyst system initially containing a sufficiently large amount of CuII−halide complex. These approaches are illustrated by conducting the controlled radical polymerization of 2-hydroxy...
Social interactions of juvenile Collared peccaries, Tayassu tajacu (Mammalia: Artiodactyla)

Is there a predictable relationship between species-typical behavioural development and social organization in mammals? Earlier work on canids and rodents suggested that adult sociality is associated with a developmental schedule in which juveniles showed, among themselves: (1) frequent social play; (2) frequent amicable contact; (3) frequent olfactory contact; (4) a delay in the emergence of agonistic behaviour. In the highly social Collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) the behaviour of juveniles conformed only partially to this scheme. Juveniles engaged in social play with each other at an early age, but showed no other observable amicable or olfactory contact until eight to twelve weeks of age and showed no delay in the emergence of agonistic behaviour among themselves. Adults, in contrast, were conspicuously tolerant of juveniles, and 86% of juvenile social interactions in the first year took place with adults.
Learning Needs and Efforts of the Black Elderly

The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-perceived educational needs and activities of adults age sixty-five and older from varying backgrounds, with attention given to comparing black elderly (N = 51) with white elderly (N = 59) respondents. Sex, SES, and educational level differences also were investigated. Interviews were conducted using Tough's learning project procedure, Hiemstra's instrumental and expressive education instrument, and a general educational needs checklist developed by the investigator. Findings revealed significant race, sex, SES, and educational level differences in general educational needs. Significant race, SES and educational level differences were found in both learning projects and instrumental and expressive education. The number of significant race differences suggests that the cultural orientation of older blacks may have an affect on their interest and participation in educational endeavors.
An examination of the relationship between general life stress, racism-related stress, and psychological health among black men.

This study explored the relationship among general life stress, racism-related stress, and psychological health in a sample of 220 Black men. Participants completed a personal data form, the Perceived Stress Scale (S. Cohen, T. Kamarck, & R. Mermelstein, 1983), a modified version of the Schedule of Racist Events (H. Landrine & E. A. Klonoff, 1996), and the Mental Health Inventory (C. T. Veit & J. E. Ware, 1983). Results of hierarchical regressions indicated that when general stress was controlled, racism-related stress predicted an additional 4% of variance in psychological distress for working class men and an additional 7% for middle-upper class men. Racism-related stress also predicted an additional 5% of variance in psychological well-being for middle-upper class men; however, it was not predictive of psychological well-being for working class men. Implications for counseling practice and future research are discussed.
The role of phosphocreatine breakdown in the metabolic support of locomotion by clawed frogs, Xenopus laevis

Abstract 1. 1. The concentration of phosphocreatine in hind leg muscle was determined in clawed frogs, Xenopus laevis , forced to swim at maximal velocity over various distances (0–5250 cm). 2. 2. Frogs, averaging 5.4 cm snout-vent length, swam at an average speed of 69.2 cm/sec (12.8 body lengths/sec). 3. 3. Each frog swam at a constant speed over the distance it was forced to swim and none showed any indication of fatigue. 4. 4. Phosphocreatine concentration decreased at the rate of 0.00894 μmol/g muscle/cm traversed, from an initial value of 16.7 μmol/g muscle, during the first 1400 cm of swimming, and stabilized at about 4.1 μmol/g muscle thereafter. 5. 5. The rate of ATP production from phosphocreatine breakdown in clawed frogs over 1400 cm of sprint swimming is 0.619 μmol ATP/g muscle/sec, almost nine times the rate of ATP production from anaerobic glycolysis leading to the production of lactate.
Computability of a topological poset

Abstract For subspaces X and Y of Q the notation X ⩽ h Y means that X is homeomorphic to a subspace of Y and X ∼ Y means X ⩽ h Y ⩽ h X . The resulting set P ( Q ) / ∼ of equivalence classes X ¯ = { Y ⊆ Q : Y ∼ X } is partially-ordered by the relation X ¯ ⩽ h Y ¯ if X ⩽ h Y . In a previous paper by the author it was established that this poset is essentially determined by considering only the scattered X ⊆ Q of finite Cantor–Bendixson rank. Results from that paper are extended to show that this poset is computable.
Corneal endothelial cell changes 5 years after laser in situ keratomileusis: Femtosecond laser versus mechanical microkeratome

Purpose To compare corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) and morphology between flap creation with a femtosecond laser and flap creation with a mechanical microkeratome 5 years after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Setting Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. Design Prospective randomized masked paired-eye study. Methods In this study of LASIK for myopia or myopic astigmatism, fellow eyes were randomized by ocular dominance to flap creation by a femtosecond laser or by a mechanical microkeratome. Central endothelial images were analyzed before and 3 years and 5 years after LASIK; endothelial cell variables were compared between treatments at each examination. Relationships between endothelial cell loss and contact lens wear, residual bed thickness, and preoperative refractive error were evaluated. Results There were no differences in the ECD, percentage of hexagonal cells, or coefficient of variation of cell area between treatments at any examination (all P = .99); the smallest detectable differences were 120 cells/mm 2 , 5%, and 2%, respectively. The mean annual rate of corneal endothelial cell loss was −0.1% ± 1.2% (SD) and −0.1% ± 1.0% for the femtosecond laser and the mechanical microkeratome, respectively. Endothelial cell loss was not associated with contact lens wear, residual bed thickness, or preoperative refractive error. Conclusions The energy delivered to the cornea during femtosecond laser flap creation did not affect the corneal endothelium 5 years after LASIK when compared with flap creation with a mechanical microkeratome. Corneas that have had either method of flap creation could be accepted as donor tissue for endothelial keratoplasty from the standpoint of endothelial health. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Security education within the IT curriculum

As IT educators we have been asked to bring an increased awareness of information security into our classrooms and to help our students to gain a better awareness of the security implications of many of the things that they do. IT is not, however, a monolithic field, rather it is a discipline made up of several fairly well defined interest areas each of which have their own pedagogical concerns and issues, only some of which are in the area of security. This study is designed to gain a better understanding of the extent to which IT programs and the interest areas within them have changed to include a greater security component, and the means by which this has been accomplished (e.g. through the addition of new courses or the modification of existing courses).Data to support this area of inquiry has been drawn from several sources. Surveys were sent to attendees of CITC3 that directed them to a web form that gathered information about their perceptions of the need to change their programs and the means by which they had carried out the changes. Interviews were conducted with RIT teaching faculty during bi-monthly interest area meetings and a sample of survey respondents to gain a more in-depth understanding of the issues surrounding both the means and the extent of the changes they had accomplished.All of the respondents to this study felt that they needed to increase the amount of security content in their IT programs. While all of the respondents described their efforts as works in progress, only two had added new courses. Respondents were equally unanimous in feeling that security content needed to be spread across many courses rather than isolated in one course.Results from interviews conducted during interest area meetings with RIT faculty indicate the following: While all of the interest areas indicated the need to modify their curriculum to enhance the security content in it, each of the interest areas had a very different conception of how this should be accomplished.Only the networking group saw the need to add additional courses to the existing curriculum.The database group felt that adding new security modules to existing courses was the best way to enhance the security content in their interest area.The programming group interpreted the need to enhance students' awareness of security as a need to enhance students' awareness of good programming techniques and structures.
Models should account for correlated observation errors

Scientists need to account for observation errors in models. In some cases, such as when multiple observations are derived from a single direct measurement, the errors in different observations are correlated. Noting that few groundwater studies have taken into account correlated observational errors, Tiedeman and Green investigated the effect of error correlation on parameter estimates, predictions, and measures of uncertainty in a simple generic inverse model and in a more complex groundwater transport model of denitrification. They compared model results obtained with and without error correlations and found that not accounting for error correlations can significantly affect the results.
On quantified weighted MAX-SAT

In this paper, we introduce quantified weighted MAX-SAT (Q-W-MAX-SAT) as the problem of assigning values to existentially quantified variables permitted by order of quantification, so that the sum of the weights of satisfied clauses equals or exceeds a given threshold, for all combinations of all values of universally quantified variables. Q-W-MAX-SAT serves as a prototypical conditional decision-making problem in which satisfying all constraints is either impossible or unnecessary or satisfying some constraints is more important than satisfying some other constraints. We report on two branching heuristics and four simplification rules to solve Q-W-MAX-SAT efficiently, along with an empirical evaluation.
Crying with left temporal lobe seizures and Wada testing.

Abstract Dacrystic seizures are characterized by crying and are rare in patients with epilepsy. The crying that occurs during complex partial seizures is expressed as an unconscious behavior unassociated with sadness or depressive quality. It has been reported to occur with focal seizures that are localized to the frontotemporal regions and is frequently lateralized to the nondominant hemisphere. We describe a woman with left temporal lobe epilepsy and recurrent complex partial seizures with crying behavior that was reproduced during left carotid methohexital anesthesia, suggesting functional inactivation by two different mechanisms. Following left amygdalohippocampectomy she became seizure free for > 2 years without perioperative mood destabilization. Localized functional networks that involve limbic structures may be involved in patients with dacrystic seizures with a favorable outcome following epilepsy surgery.
Integrating substance abuse treatment and criminal justice supervision.

The drug abuse treatment and criminal justice systems in this country deal with many of the same individuals. Approximately two-thirds of clients in long-term residential drug abuse treatment, one-half of clients in outpatient drug abuse treatment, and one-quarter of clients in methadone maintenance treatment are currently awaiting a criminal trial or sentencing, have been sentenced to community supervision on probation, or were conditionally released from prison on parole (Craddock et al., 1997). Conversely, 60 to 80 percent of prison and jail inmates, parolees, probationers, and arrestees were under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the commission of their offense, committed the offense to support a drug addiction, were charged with a drug- or alcohol-related crime, or are regular substance users (Belenko and Peugh, 1998). The co-occurrence of drug abuse and crime is not simply an artifact of criminalizing drug possession. Drug use significantly increases the likelihood that an individual will engage in serious criminal conduct. More than 50 percent of violent crimes, including domestic violence, 60 to 80 percent of child abuse and neglect cases, 50 to 70 percent of theft and property crimes, and 75 percent of drug dealing or manufacturing offenses involve drug use on the part of the perpetrator—and sometimes the victim as well (e.g., Belenko and Peugh, 1998; National Institute of Justice, 1999). Sustained abstinence from narcotics is associated with a 40- to 75-percent reduction in crime (e.g., Harrell and Roman, 2001). In dealing with drug abusers who are criminal justice offenders, many clinicians and service providers support a public health perspective, contending that clients are best served through a focus on treatment, with only minimal involvement of the criminal justice system. They sometimes find themselves at odds with public safety proponents who say that criminal offenders require constant supervision to succeed. Both views are valid, but neither is adequate in itself. Research has shown that neither the pure public safety nor an exclusively public health approach to the problem works fully; instead, it supports an integrated approach that has very specific implications for best practices (see Marlowe, 2002, for review). This article briefly reviews results obtained from one-dimensional public safety and public health strategies and presents promising findings from integrated public health-public safety programs. Finally, the implications for best treatment practices and client-program matching are discussed.
The chemistry of 5-hydroxy-6-(hydroxyalkyl)uracils. Synthesis of spiro[pyrimidine-4,2′-pyrano[3,2-d]pyrimidines]

Both 5-acetoxy-6-(acetoxymethyl)-1-methyluracil 1 and its parent diol 11 are converted into the spiro[pyrimidine-4,2′-pyrano[3,2-d]pyrimidine] 6 when treated, respectively, with hot methanolic pyridine and with one equivalent of acetic anhydride. The formation of 6 can be explained in terms of the generation and dimerization of the reactive 5-oxo-6-methylene pyrimidine 2. The structure of 6 was determined by 13C nmr spectroscopy and by chemical transformations that lead to the pyrimidinylethylhydantoin 9 and the 6,6′-[1,2-ethanediyl]bispyrimidine 10. The more complex 5-hydroxy-6-(hydroxyalkyl)uracils represented by the 6,5′-cyclourid-ines 17 undergo an analogous dimerization when treated with acetic anhydride to give structures 22a and 22b. Dimer 22a was also prepared via the 5-phosphate ester 18. The stereochemistry of dimers 22a and 22b, which is apparent from their 1H nmr spectra, indicates that two molecules of the enones 21a or 21b dimerize in a highly stereoselective manner.
Envisioning a Kinder, gentler world: On recognition and remuneration for care workers

In this paper, I argue that the status of those who take care of persons with disabilities, and persons with disabilities, are inextricably linked. That is, devaluing the status of one necessarily devalues that of the other. Persons with disabilities and those who help care for them must form an alliance to advance their common interests. This alliance can gain insight and inspiration from feminist thought insofar as caretaking is literally linked to problems of the representation of caretaking as "women's work,' and more philosophically, by borrowing from the toolbox of feminist social, political, and economic analyses.
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Staging Techniques and Endoscopic Ultrasound: Tissue Is Still the Issue

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the United States will continue to be a major public health issue, particularly as our elderly population grows. As surgery offers the best hope of cure for NSCLC, staging of NSCLC is critical because it directly impacts on the management of lung cancer. Cost, quality of life, safety, and accuracy of various staging methods all influence the clinical outcome. Staging of NSCLC is evolving due to the emergence of new and improved technologies. The objective of this article is to review the current methods used in staging of NSCLC. Currently, positron emission tomography and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) show promise in identifying patients that may benefit from surgery. Histologic confirmation via EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration, however, may still be necessary to accurately stage the mediastinum.
Current treatment recommendations for correcting vitamin D deficiency in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis are inadequate.

Objectives To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxy vitamin D [25-OHD] levels in plasma Study design Retrospective chart review of 262 pediatric patients from January 2003 to December 2006 with linear and logistic regression analyses. Results Vitamin D deficiency prevalence declined in the years studied from 86.5% to 46.2%. Patients >12 years old were more likely to have deficiency than patients 2 P value=.80, .34, and .22, respectively). Conclusions The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high, but declined with time. Age, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and season were associated with 25-OHD levels. Despite 33% of patients responding to 50 000 IU of ergocalciferol once a week, this recommendation does not adequately treat most patients with CF who have vitamin D deficiency.
Measuring the adhesion of sol-gel derived coatings to a ductile substrate by an indentation-based method

Abstract The adhesion of sol–gel derived coatings to underlying substrates is a critical parameter. However, measuring the adhesion can be very difficult because such coatings have low cohesive strength and are brittle. In this study, an indentation-based method was used to measure the adhesion of sol–gel derived coatings to ductile substrates. A diamond Rockwell C indenter was driven through a sol–gel coating and into the underlying substrate. Extensive plastic deformation of the substrate caused an annular crack to develop at the coating–substrate interface. A microindentation technique was developed to measure the radius of the annular crack. The interface toughness was then calculated from the crack radius value, along with coating thickness, residual stress and mechanical properties of the coating and substrate.
Global System Theory and ‘Market-friendly’ Religion

AbstractThis article explores some implications of the interplay of neoliberal economic policy and religion for Leslie Sklair's global system theory (GST), and some implications of Sklair's theory for the study of contemporary religion. We first suggest that Sklair needlessly restricted his theory's scope by analyzing culture in terms of consumerist ideologies without systematic consideration of religious doctrines and practices. Second, based on studies of ‘market Islam’ and our own research on neo-Pentecostal Christianity in Guatemala, we argue that Sklair's notion of a transnational capitalist class is needed for an adequate understanding of the rapid growth of these religious movements. We conclude that GST can benefit from consideration of contemporary religious change, while the study of contemporary religion has perhaps even more to gain from theorizing the influence of transnational elites.
Credit card possesion and use: Changes over time

Abstract Changes over time in the consumer's decision to possess and to use credit cards are examined using samples drawn from the Atlanta, Georgia area. Comparisons across time are made possible by a unique data set, which was generated by conducting surveys using the same instrument in 1971 and 1983. The decisions to hold bank, store, gasoline, general, or any credit card are examined separately. The decision to use a credit card is studied within the context of four types of purchases: gasoline, furniture, household goods, and clothing. Given the values of the explanatory variables, probit analysis is used to estimate the conditional probabilities of possession and use. Descriptive statistics for both the population and the sample indicate that the portion of those holding credit cards has increased over the period (with the exception of gasoline cards). However, the probit results indicate that the probability of holding a credit card in 1983 is lower than the probability in 1971 if the financial and demographic explanatory variables are held constant. This finding is consistent with the concept that credit cards are approaching their saturation point. While the growth in credit-card holders is declining, the use of credit cards has increased for furniture, clothing, and household goods purchases, but not for gasoline. Looking only at those who have a credit card, the intensity of use has increased for all purchases including gasoline.
The Columbia Regional Geospatial Service Center System: A Proven Model for the United States

During the past 20 years, the role of geospatial technology in society has increased dramatically. However, the impact of these technologies in rural areas remains minimal. In Texas, a federally funded project called the Columbia Regional Geospatial Service Center System (the System) has emerged as a model for bringing the benefits of geospatial technology to all portions of society. The model involves distributed, academically based Centers, each with regional specializations, linked together into a unified system for addressing critical needs in emergency response, economic development, and natural resource management. The Centers operate on three focus areas, i.e., data, applications, and training. The Columbia Center has been in operation for five years and has demonstrated the practical strength of the System through numerous local and statewide projects, responses to natural disasters, and other geospatial activities.
Fear of Success and the Need for Power

This study was an extension of Hoffman's (1977) follow-up of Horner's (1968) female subjects. The 34 women who showed fear of success had significantly more need for power than the 33 women without...
Numerical treatment of the half-space problem of radiative transfer.

Abstract The fundamental half-space problem of radiative transfer is reconsidered in the light of several recent articles appearing in this journal. A realistic computational method making use of an off-the-shelf numerical Laplace-transform inversion is presented and demonstrated.
On Chu spaces in uncertainty analysis

A very general algebraic framework, known as Chu spaces, has recently been systematically used in modeling of information flow in distributed systems and in modeling of concurrency in computer science. In this paper, we explore this framework in the context of uncertainty modeling and analysis. We investigate two important Chu categories in probabilistic and fuzzy systems. We address fundamental questions in the modeling aspects toward applications.
Application of extreme value analysis to crevice corrosion

Abstract Extreme value statistics have been applied to the crevice corrosion front that advances under elastomeric seals to aluminum surfaces. The exponential cumulative extreme value distribution provided an accurate description of the distribution of corrosion fronts quantified by tracing. Extreme value analysis can be applied to seals of small test samples to estimate the most probable maximum corroded depths of larger structures and, thereby, required seal widths. Variations in the calculated most probable maximum corroded depths introduced by subjectivity in tracing are considered. Crevice corrosion kinetics were determined using sets of fixtures salt spray tested for 2–60 days. These fixtures were assembled with 2024-T3 or 380 cast aluminum and silicone adhesive, ethylene–propylene–diene monomer, or Viton rubber elastomeric sealants. An empirical power law function was used to model the most probable maximum corroded depth under the seals versus test time. For tight seals to smooth surfaces, the dependence on time varied as t p with p =0.35–0.40, which is similar to the time dependence obtained in pitting corrosion studies.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreases matrix metalloproteinase-9 production in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis,

Objectives The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FA) on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) production by immune cells in multiple sclerosis (MS). Quality of life, fatty acid levels, and safety were also evaluated.
EFFECTS OF PROLONGED INFUSION OF THE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDES ESCHERICHIA COLI ENTEROTOXIN AND ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE ON THE OUTCOME OF ACUTE ISCHEMIC RENAL FAILURE IN THE RAT

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP), has protective effect on the outcome of acute renal failure in animals when infused over short periods of time. Escherichia Coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) acts on a particulate guanylate cyclase receptors leading to an increase in cytosolic cGMP similar to ANP. STa has longer duration of action and induces significant natriuresis in the healthy kidney, however. Therefore the effects of prolonged infusion of STa and ANP on the outcome of ischemic Acute Renal Failure (ARF) was assessed in the rat. Three groups of rats were used in the experiment, control group (n = 6), had ischemic ARF induced by 30 minutes of left renal pedicle clamping and right nephrectomy. SG group (n = 7) had similar surgery to the control group followed by 1 microg intraperitoneal (i.p.) loading dose of STa and placement of mini-osmotic pumps delivering 0.1 microg/hour of STa for 72 hours. AG group (n = 8) also had similar surgery to the control group followed by i.p. injection of 10 microg of ANP and placement of mini-osmotic pumps delivering 1 microg/hour of ANP for 72 hours. 72 hours post the induction of ARF, there were no statistical differences among the three groups' creatinine levels, hematocrit and body weights. ANP level was significantly higher in the AG group compared to controls, 5387.6 +/- 878.8 and 36.2 +/- 10.0 pg/mL respectively, p < 0.001. Urinary sodium (U(Na)) on the other hand reached highest levels in the SG group compared to controls 16.4 +/- 5.0 and 5.0 +/- 0.0 meq/L respectively, p = 0.028. In conclusion Sta induces significant natriuresis in ischemic ARF without changing the course of renal impairment. Likewise prolonged infusion of ANP does not alter the course of ischemic ARF.
"UNMAPPED COUNTRY": UNCOVERING HIDDEN WOUNDS IN DANIEL DERONDA

With THESE WORDS the NARRATOR of George Eliot's Daniel Deronda appears to invite readers to map Gwendolen Harleth's psyche, to trace its history, the places it has been, and the events that appear to have been, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, erased from her memory. This passage is typical of the way that questions of identity in George Eliot's last novel seem consistently to reflect emerging Victorian concepts of memory. Probably as a direct result of the burgeoning interest in the positivist philosophy of Auguste Comte, we see at mid-century a general trend toward the empirical study of the mind according to the model used in the natural sciences: observation and taxonomical classification. Scientists thus observed the physical attributes and behaviors of individuals and then attempted to classify each within the larger species of humans and their behav iors. From this point, scientists would then speculate about the existence of general categories or even laws governing the functions of the mind. It comes as no surprise, then,
Operating Aspects of an Oil Pumping Ring Seal

Past analyses have left several unanswered questions regarding the operation of a pumping ring seal. This paper addresses some of these unresolved problems. In particular, treatment of the film-ring interfacial boundary condition and the return portion of the pumping cycle are numerically investigated. Further a simple model is proposed to determine whether or not the seal operates fully flooded.
Update on the Clinical Efficacy and Side Effects of Clozapine

Clozapine (CLOZ) is an atypical antipsychotic drug being used with increasing frequency throughout the world and has recently been commercially marketed in the United States. Its unique properties make it a promising but challenging drug to use in the treatment of schizophrenia. In order to use CLOZ most effectively and efficiently, clinicians must be aware of its potential benefits and risks. This report is a review and critical evaluation of current knowledge regarding the clinical efficacy and side effects of CLOZ. Although CLOZ has proven to be effective in some treatment-refractory schizophrenic patients and to produce relatively few extrapyramidal side effects compared to classical neuroleptic drugs, several issues require further investigation including what defines neuroleptic intolerance, the optimal dose range, and the appropriate duration of a CLOZ treatment trial. Similarly, studies are needed to determine what role CLOZ should have in the treatment of patients with predominantly negative symptoms and those patients who are only partially responsive to standard neuroleptics. In addition, important questions remain as to what other conditions might be indications for CLOZ, for example, schizoaffective disorder, affective psychoses, and idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
Degradation mechanisms in electronic mold compounds subjected to high temperature in neighborhood of 200°C

Plastic encapsulated microelectronics (PEMs) has found wide spread applications in automotive environments for varied roles. Transition to hybrid electric vehicles and fully electric vehicles has increased the trend towards greater integration of electronics in automotive under hood environments. Electronics in such applications may be mounted directly on engine and on transmission. Electronics under hood may be subjected to temperatures in neighborhood of 200°C. Commercially available PEMs are able to operate in the neighborhood of 175°C. However, sustained operation at temperatures of 200°C or higher is beyond the state of art. Materials and processing techniques needed for sustained high temperature operation for 10 years and 100,000 miles of vehicle operation are yet unknown. There is need for studies for understanding the failure mechanisms of PEMs at sustained high temperature. In this paper, new approach is discussed to study physical and chemical stability of molding compound when it is subjected to very high temperature for prolonged duration. Four mold compound candidates were selected for test purpose. They were subjected to thermal aging at 200°C and 250°C, for 5000 hours. For degradation study, bulk mold compound specimens as well as 20 pin SOIC devices, encapsulated with MC candidates were used. Test vehicle was bonded with gold wires, and Pd coated Al pad. For bulk mold compound samples, weight loss test, DMA, FTIR, XPS tests were performed at fixed time intervals. To study integrity of SOIC devices, resistance spectroscopy, x-ray inspection and current leakage tests were selected. Another set was subjected to 120 hours of aging at 130°C/100%RH condition to check leakage current. Performance of MC candidates at high temperature was evaluated using all these tests. Sensitivity of each test towards detecting degradation of EMC's is also discussed and most effective tests are suggested.
Suramin inhibits bone resorption and reduces osteoblast number in a neonatal mouse calvarial bone resorption assay

The antineoplastic properties of suramin, a polyanionic agent with demonstrated antigrowth factor activity, are under evaluation in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials. Suramin has been shown to have antitumor activity in patients with advanced, hormone refractory prostate cancer. During these trials, significant resolution of osseous pain was observed in nearly three quarters of the patients treated with suramin. To evaluate the effect of suramin on bone cells, we studied the effect of suramin on bone resorption in a neonatal mouse calvarial assay. Suramin inhibited bone-resorbing activity in a dose-related fashion and had an additive effect with calcitonin. Calvaria pretreated with suramin had less bone-resorbing activity, fewer attached osteoblasts, and less medium alkaline phosphatase activity than control calvaria. Suramin also inhibited osteoclastic release of tritiated proline from labeled bone in a dose-dependent fashion. The effect of metastatic prostate carcinoma on bone is incompletely under...
Site and Extent of Protein Digestion in Lactating Cows Fed Alfalfa Silage or Baled Alfalfa Hay

Abstract Four lactating Holstein cows fitted with T-type cannulae in the proximal duodenum and terminal ileum were in a three-period switchback experiment to monitor nitrogen digestion and sites and extent of nutrient digestion when alfalfa, preserved as hay or as silage (47.9% dry matter), was served as the forage and major source of nitrogen in the ration. Cows were fed four times daily, and diets contained 65% forage and 35% grain. Lanthanum and samarium served as indigestible markers for calculating digesta flow rates and nutrient digestibilities. Apparent digestibility of organic matter tended to be greater for the silage diet, primarily due to increased disappearance of organic matter in the small and large intestine. Nonammonia nitrogen flows to the duodenum were 79 and 74% of nitrogen intake for hay and silage diets. The apparent degradability of dietary crude protein in the rumen was 80% for both forage sources. This indicates that alfalfa hay and alfalfa low-moisture silage were equal in ability to supply protein to the small intestine, even though nitrogen solubilities for hay and silage were 40 and 63%. Digestibilities of amino acids in the small intestine were not affected by source of forage and were 62.3 and 58.1% for hay and silage diets. Apparent digestibilities of individual amino acids in the small intestine differed.
Characterization of epidermal growth factor in mouse testis.

Considerable evidence exists to suggest that epidermal growth factor (EGF) influences spermatogenesis directly. The tissue source of this EGF, however, is not yet clear. In this study we examine whether the testis itself can serve as a source of EGF. Gel filtration fractions of acid extracted testes exhibited the ability to displace 125I-EGF from testis membranes. The testicular fractions containing the 125I-EGF displacement activity coeluted within the same range as those of submandibular gland (SG) fractions containing mature EGF and prepared in an identical fashion. Next, we employed specific antisera probes to investigate first, whether the testis synthesizes this EGF displacement activity and second, to determine the cell distribution of the testicular EGF. Two types of antisera probes were employed: 1) commercially available antisera to mature EGF (EGFm), i.e. the 6,000 M(r) peptide, and 2) polypeptide specific antisera to the C-terminus of the EGF precursor (EGFp), i.e. the 140,000 M(r) integral me...
Total Energy of Copper, Silver, and Gold

The pseudopotential theory of $d$-band metals discussed by the author in a previous paper is used to consider the total energy of the noble metals. The theoretical total-energy calculation is completed by adding to the total electronic energy the direct electrostatic repulsion between ions and subtracting from it an energy equal to the electron-electron interaction. The result is expressed as a sum of four quantities: a free-electron energy, a band-structure energy, an electrostatic (or Ewald) energy, and an overlap energy. The first three are directly analogous to the usual quantities found in the simple-metal total energy. The fourth contribution enters as a result of overlapping atomic $d$ states and is most conveniently expressed in terms of a repulsive pair potential. Energy-wave-number characteristics are evaluated for copper, silver, and gold by the numerical procedures previously used to calculate the form factors of these metals. Two improvements relating to exchange approximations are introduced, however. The most important of these involves a modification of the Kohn-Sham conduction-core, $d$ exchange potential in a manner suggested by Lindgren. This removes the spurious behavior otherwise obtained at long wavelengths in both the form factor and the energy-wave-number characteristic. The overlap potential for each metal is evaluated as a function of the separation between two ions in the metal and then fitted to a simple analytic form. Applications to the calculation of the binding energies, the low-temperature stable phases, and the phonon spectra of the noble metals are described. All three metals are calculated to be most stable in an hcp structure, rather than in the observed fcc structure. Reasonable phonon spectra are obtained, although large Kohn anomalies, which have not been reported experimentally, are seen in copper.
Thrombospondin in early human wound tissue.

We examined partial thickness incised human wounds of 2, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days of age for the presence of thrombospondin by immunostaining and light microscopy. At 2, 3, 5, and 7 days after wounding, thrombospondin is present primarily at the cut edges of the lateral and deep margins of the wound. It appears to be cleared from these extracellular matrix sites, and is no longer detectable in those sites in most 14-day-old wounds. Thrombospondin staining is present, however, in increased amounts around the vascular channels within and adjacent to the 7- and 14- day wounds in increased amounts relative to vascular channels distant from the wound. Our observations are consistent with known in vitro data regarding the binding of thrombospondin to fibrin and components of the extracellular matrix, as well as with data showing that proliferating endothelial cells secrete more thrombospondin than quiescent endothelial cells. These data support the hypothesis that thrombospondin plays a role in the early organization of the extracellular matrix of wounds.
The Effect of Sagittal Orientation of the Distractor on the Biomechanics of Mandibular Lengthening

Abstract Purpose: It has been previously demonstrated that distractors placed parallel to the mandible in the transverse plane, without regard to the vector of distraction create lateral displacement tendencies at the appliance-bone interface, leading to potential clinical problems and complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of linear distractor orientation in the sagittal plane relative to the anatomic axis of the mandible (mandibular plane) and the maxillary occlusal plane. Materials and Methods: A 2-dimensional model of the human mandible was generated for computer simulation of osteodistraction. Positional changes of the distal mandibular segment were then analyzed during 10 mm of incremental lengthening based on distractor orientation relative to the maxillary occlusal plane. Results: Distractors placed parallel to the inferior border of the mandible without regard to the maxillary occlusal plane created a vertical translation of the distal bone segment resulting in an anterior openbite. The magnitude of the anterior open bite was proportional to the angle between the vector of distraction and the maxillary occlusal plane, and to the amount of distraction. Placement of the distractors parallel to the maxillary occlusal plane eliminated the tendency for an anterior openbite. Conclusions: The orientation of the distractors relative to the maxillary occlusal plane is one of the important biomechanical parameters that must be included in preoperative planning for mandibular osteodistraction.