cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the residence time distribution in idealized groundwatersheds

The relative cumulative frequency distribution of residence times F(T) is calculated for an entire groundwatershed under steady-state conditions and assuming Dupuit-Forchheimer flow. It appears that F(T) is always the same: F(T) = 1 -exp(−TT), provided that the aquifer recharge rate and T are constant over the groundwatershed. T is the weighted mean residence time for the groundwatershed and is defined at T = nHN, where n is the aquifer porosity, H is the saturated aquifer thickness, and N the areal recharge rate owing to precipitation. In such an idealized groundwatershed the function F(T) appears independent of the groundwatershed size, shape, and nature of the stream network. It is also independent of regional variations in the hydraulic conductivity, provided the aquifer is locally homogeneous. Under unconfined flow conditions, where H varies, the relative frequency distribution of the residence time does depend on all of these parameters, but may be approximated by F(T), as demonstrated for the case of a one-dimensional groundwatershed. The frequency distribution of the residence times, dFdT, is the response curve for an instantaneous unit pulse of a conservative tracer, applied over the entire groundwatershed. The findings are of significance for studying the effects of non-point source pollution on the scale of one or more watersheds.
Autonomic and endocrine factors in the regulation of food intake

Destruction of the ventromedial hypothalamus produces hyperphagia, hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia. These changes appear to be partly the result of increased firing rate of the vagus nerve and reduced firing rate of the sympathetic nerves. These reciprocal changes in the function of the autonomic nervous system appear to provide an adequate explanation for the hyperinsulinemia in this syndrome, and for the reduced heat expenditure. Destruction of the lateral hypothalamus, has effects opposite to those of the ventromedial hypothalamus with a reduction in food intake, a decrease in body fat, and an increase in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. These reciprocal functions of the hypothalamus are associated with different adrenergic receptors. A medial hypothalamic alpha-adrenergic system mediates the epinephrine stimulation of feeding, and a beta-adrenergic system mediates the lateral hypothalamic inhibition of eating. Peptides from the endorphin family can stimulate food intake, but most other peptides are inhibitory. Growth hormone and thyroid hormone stimulate food intake under appropriate conditions. Insulin and adrenal steroids appear to play the most important role of all the hormones in regulating food intake. Deficiency of adrenal glucocorticoids is associated with decreased food intake and a wasting of body flesh. Increased levels of glucocorticoids, on the other hand, produce a variety of truncal obesity. In animals with ventromedial hypothalamic lesions and obesity, adrenalectomy will reverse the obesity. In genetically obese rats and mice, adrenalectomy will attenuate the progression of the syndrome. These effects appear to be through a reduction of food intake, and an increase in energy expenditure. Injections of insulin will stimulate food intake and may lead to obesity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Environmental tobacco smoke and lung cancer: Uncertainties in the population estimates but not in the causal association — a rejoinder to gross

This article is a rejoinder to the article by Gross in this issue, in which he claims that ‘any range [of estimates of lung cancer deaths attributable to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)] must encompass an estimate of zero deaths, and that the uncertainties are so great as to cast serious doubt on the use of any quantitative estimate’. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) conclusion that ETS is a human lung carcinogen was based on the total weight of evidence, not just the 11 U.S. epidemiology studies of ETS and lung cancer that Gross discusses with respect to the population risk estimates. This conclusion was unanimously endorsed by the Agency's independent Scientific Advisory Board and is in concurrence with the conclusions of other organizations. As for the population risk estimates, the EPA report acknowledges uncertainties in these estimates. However, we maintain that the estimate of 3000 lung cancer deaths per year in U.S. non-smokers is a reasonable point estimate. Furthermore, we have relatively high confidence in this estimate compared to cancer risk estimates for other environmental pollutants, because it is based on human data from actual environmental exposure levels.
Independent sets and lacunarity for hypergroups

Sets of independence are studied for compact abelian hypergroups and they are used, along with Riesz products, to investigate lacunarity questions on the dual object. It is shown that bounded Stechkin sets are always Sidon and that every bounded infinite subset of the dual contains an infinite Sidon set which is also a Λ set. Independent sets are shown to always be Sidon and a necessary condition for Sidonicity is provided. A result of Pisier is used to show that for compact non-abelian groups Sidon and central Λ are equivalent. Several applications are provided, primarily to questions regarding lacunarity on compact groups.
Brain stem neurons in modified pathways for motor learning in the primate vestibulo-ocular reflex

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) stabilizes retinal images by generating smooth eye movements that are equal in amplitude and opposite in direction to head turns. Whenever image motion occurs persistently during head turns, the VOR undergoes motor learning; as a result image stability is gradually restored. A group of brain stem neurons that are in the modified pathways has now been described. The neurons express changes in firing in association with motor learning in the VOR and receive monosynaptic inhibition from the flocculus of the cerebellum. The changes in firing have an appropriate magnitude and are expressed at the correct latency to account for the altered VOR. The response properties of the neurons point to their brain stem vestibular inputs for further investigation of the site of motor learning.
Sorbents based on bentonite from the Apsheron deposit for treating spent compressor oils

Apsheron bentonite has been treated with aqueous hydrochloric acid to produce a modified form, which has been examined for the treatment of spent compressor oil type KM-40. The modified bentonite is better at treating the oil than the natural material. Physicochemical studies have shown that its surface bears acid centers, which participate in the treatment.
Joint and Simultaneous K-sensing Detection in Deterministic and Random Sensor Networks

Different from existing works that address the sensing coverage and connectivity for general-purpose Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) applications or treat the sensing coverage and connectivity separately, this work investigates the K-sensing detection problem of a WSN in detecting a mobile intruder by integrating the sensing coverage and connectivity. To be specific, the intruder has to be sensed by K(K>=1) connected sensors simultaneously or jointly for successful detection. We discover that joint K-sensing detection differs from the simultaneous K-sensing detection to a significant extent and deterministic sensor deployment does not always outperform its random counterpart especially for simultaneous $K$-sensing detection under the same network investment. In addition, there exists a threshold ratio of transmission range to sensing range in determining the detection capability of a WSN and the threshold ratio varies under different application scenarios and requirements.
Sulfenylation and Halogenation of Di-and Trianions Derived from Substituted Glutarimides

Abstract In a program designed to synthesize and evaluate glutethimide derivatives 1 for antiprogestational activity1 we required a general method for introducing a variety of substituents at C-5. Traditional methods for functionalizing an α carbon of glutarimide derivatives involve (1) cyclization of an appropriately substituted acyclic precursor2, (2) imide bromination followed by SN2 delivery of the desired substituent3, or (3) generation of the dianion of the imide with an alkali amide in liquid ammonia and reaction with an electrophile4. The utilization of an intermediate dianion was prompted, in large measure, by limitations imposed by the first two methods, i.e., the large number of synthetic operations re-quired to prepare a series of highly functionalized acyclic precursors and the paucity of nucleophiles capable of displacing bromide without concomitant side reactions.
The middle turbinate window approach in endoscopic sinus surgery

Despite the surgeon's desire to preserve the middle turbinate during endoscopic sinus surgery, partial resections of the turbinate may still be necessary. The key to partial resections is to resect enough to improve the view and to prevent scarring over the cavity without affecting olfaction. Another key is to preserve the stabilizing attachments of the turbinate to prevent it from lateralizing over the cavity. This article describes and illustrates a partial resection technique used on more than 300 turbinates. This technique allows the turbinate to retain its function and preserve it as a useful landmark for future surgery.
The effects of rejuvenating agents on recycled aged CRM binders

The recycling of asphalt pavements containing crumb rubber modifier (CRM) modified binders is increasing in areas having these types of asphalt pavements more than 10 or 15 years old. The performance and physical and rheological properties of the blends of aged CRM binders containing rejuvenating agents due to the presence of CRM have not been considered in detail. In this study, two CRM binders and one control binder of PG76-22 were artificially aged and then used as recycled materials by adding different rejuvenating agents, i.e. a rejuvenator and a softer binder. The properties of the blends of the three aged binders containing various percentages of the rejuvenating agents were evaluated using Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) as well as viscosity tests. The test involved three different aging states of the blends: original, RTFO residual and RTFO+PAV residual. Results from this study show that: (1) the aged CRM binders can be rejuvenated back to a targeted PG grade; (2) the ...
Practical aspects of electron holography

Abstract The electron-optical parameters required to generate an electron hologram are discussed. It is shown that the new generation of commercial field emission transmission electron microscopes (FEG TEM) meet the conditions required. Practical details of the procedures to set up and record a hologram are described. The steps necessary to reconstruct the hologram are also discussed and an outline is provided of a program for the Apple Macintosh™ personal computer which implements these operations. The integrity and accuracy of the reconstruction program has been tested by means of a detailed simulation of high-resolution holograms starting from dynamical multi-slice calculations of the exit wavefront.
Age Differences in Memory Span.

Abstract Five-year-olds recalled fewer items than adults in memory-span tasks involving both familiar and unfamiliar faces. This occurred even though the use of rehearsal and recoding strategies was minimized for adults. This residual age difference may be partially accounted for by two further processing limitations in children. The five-year-olds needed more time than adults to name a face (Experiment 1) and to encode a face (Experiment 2). In order to test whether limitations in children's initial recognition and stimulus-identification processes could account for recall performance, Experiment 3 reduced adults' exposure duration in the memory-span task. This led to a drastic reduction in the age difference. Other factors contributing to remaining age differences included adults' adaptability in using various alternative encoding and retrieval strategies which elevated their recall performance.
The Dependence of Nuclear Forces on Velocity

It is shown that the Majorana force may be considered as a special case of a neutron-proton interaction dependent on velocity and angular momentum. Any interaction of this more general form, which is non-Wignerian, and represents attraction, accounts for the saturation properties of nuclear binding in the same way as do the Heisenberg and Majorana potentials. An analysis of the binding in heavy nuclei in terms of angular momentum is given on the basis of the Fermi-Thomas statistical model. An illustration is given showing that the assumption of velocity dependent forces is also consistent with the properties of light nuclei: a particular form of interaction, containing two parameters, is found to give results much the same as those of the ordinary Majorana theory. Finally, the most general dependence of two-particle forces on spin, separation, and velocity, consistent with the conservation laws, is determined, and it is pointed out that experiments on the scattering of fast neutrons in hydrogen are capable of deciding between Majorana forces and a more general form of velocity dependence.
Human platelets contain gelsolin. A regulator of actin filament length.

Abstract Morphologic and biochemical studies suggest that actin in human platelets polymerizes in response to various stimuli and that shortening of actin filaments can be regulated by calcium. We report that human platelets contain gelsolin, a protein of Mr 91,000 that binds reversibly to actin in the presence of calcium. Platelet gelsolin exhibits immunologic crossreactivity with rabbit macrophage gelsolin and shortens actin filaments as demonstrated by viscosity measurements and gel point determinations. Gelsolin is active in micromolar calcium concentrations and its effects upon actin filaments are reversible. Gelsolin may be a dynamic regulator of actin filament length in the human platelet.
Early Beneficial Effect of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition on Blood—Brain Barrier Permeability as Measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Countered by Impaired Long-Term Recovery after Stroke in Rat Brain:

Proteolytic disruption of the extracellular matrix with opening of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) because of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) occurs in reperfusion injury after stroke. Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition blocks the early disruption of the BBB, but the long-term consequences of short-term MMP inhibition are not known. Recently, a method to quantify BBB permeability by graphical methods was described, which provides a way to study both early disruption of the BBB and long-term effects on recovery in the same animal. We used a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor, BB1101, to determine both the usefulness of the Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method for treatment studies and the long-term effects on recovery. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed in control (N=6) and drug-treated (N=8) groups on a dedicated 4.7-T MRI scanner. Adult Wistar-Kyoto underwent a 2-h middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by an MRI study after 3 h of reperfusion, which consisted of T2- and diffusion-weighted techniques. Additionally, a rapid T1 mapping protocol was also implemented to acquire one pre-gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid baseline data set followed by postinjection data sets at 3-min intervals for 45 mins. The same animal was imaged again at 48 h for lesion size estimation. Data was postprocessed pixel-wise to generate apparent diffusion coefficient and permeability coefficient maps. Treatment with BB-1101 significantly reduced BBB permeability at 3 h, but failed to reduce lesion size at 48 h. Behavioral studies showed impairment in recovery in treated rats. Magnetic resonance imaging allowed for the monitoring of multiple parameters in the same animal. Our studies showed that BB-1101 was an excellent inhibitor of the BBB damage. However, results show that BB-1101 may be responsible for significant deterioration in neurologic status of treated animals. Although these preliminary results suggest that BB-1101 is useful in reducing early BBB leakage owing to reperfusion injury in stroke, further studies will be needed to determine whether the later detrimental effects can be eliminated by shorter time course of drug delivery.
Lymphomas and lymphoproliferative diseases of the lung

Abstract Primary pulmonary lymphoma is a rare disease and the majority of cases represent extranodal marginal zone lymphoma, followed by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Other lymphomas that commonly involve the lung include lymphomatoid granulomatosis, a neoplasm of large EBV-positive B cells that are typically outnumbered by non-neoplastic T cells, and classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, which usually reflects systemic dissemination or direct mediastinal extension. The differential diagnosis of marginal zone lymphoma includes secondary involvement by other systemic low-grade B-cell lymphomas and chronic reactive conditions, such as nodular lymphoid hyperplasia, while the other entities elicit a differential diagnosis that includes various high-grade lymphoid neoplasms. A specific diagnosis can usually be achieved on the basis of histological evaluation and immunophenotyping, although molecular genetic studies may be required in certain situations. Such a multiparameter approach may be warranted to accurately diagnose these entities due to differing clinical implications in terms of prognosis and treatment.
Diagnosis and classification of atrial septal aneurysm by two-dimensional echocardiography: report of 80 consecutive cases

Atrial septal aneurysms have been related (either by association or as potential causes) to systolic clicks, atrial arrhythmias, systemic and pulmonary embolism, atrioventricular valve prolapse and atrial septal defect. To study these associations and the incidence of atrial septal aneurysm, we reviewed 80 consecutive patients (female to male ratio 1.9:1, mean age 47 years, range 1 day to 89 years) who had been identified prospectively as having an atrial septal aneurysm. These were found in 36,200 two-dimensional echocardiogranhic studies (incidence: 0.22% overall; 0.29% in the last year of the study done between 1978 and 1984). Three types of fossa ovalis aneurysm and one type of aneurysm involving the entire atrial septum were observed; a fossa ovalis aneurysm with leftward projection and excursion of less than 5 mm or an aneurysm involving the entire atrial septum with rightward projection was not observed. Atrial septal aneurysm occurred more often as an isolated abnormality than in association with other cardiac malformations, although all patients with an aneurysm involving the entire atrial septum had complex congenital cardiac anomalies of the hypoplastic right heart type. The reported associations between atrial septal aneurysms and atrial septal defect, atrioventricular valve prolapse, midsystolic clicks, atrial arrhythmias and cerebral ischemic events were examined. A hypothesis based on interatrial pressure gradients is proposed to explain the different motions and configurational characteristics of fossa ovalis aneurysms observed in these patients. All patients in whom atrial septal aneurysm is demonstrated should undergo examination for atrial septal defect. Atrial septal aneurysm should be specifically looked for in patients who have these associations and who undergo two-dimensional echocardiography, especially if these abnormalities are unexplained.
Isolation of a human lymphoblastoid line heterozygous at the thymidine kinase locus: possibility for a rapid human cell mutation assay.

A thymidine kinase heterozygote designated H2BT has been isolated from the human lymphoblast line HH4. Significant increase in the trifluorothymidine-resistant fraction was observed in the new cell line following treatment with the mutagens ICR-191 and butylmethansulfonate. Phenotypic expression was complete forty-eight hours after treatment.
Monoenergetic Neutron Techniques in the 10- to 30-Mev Range

A review is given of the techniques for detection of 10- to 30-Mev monoenergetic neutrons with emphasis being placed on absolute neutron flux measurements. Charged particle reactions, which result in monoenergetic neutrons, are discussed; the published cross-section data for the neutron producing reactions involving the hydrogen isotopes are collected and presented as a function of energy and angle. Sources of background neutrons are considered. Tables of neutron energies including relativistic effects for the hydrogen isotope reactions are presented.
Optimally robust credible sets with a class of priors

Abstract We determine a credible set A that is the “best” with respect to the variation of the prior distribution in a neighborhood Γ of the starting prior π 0 ( θ ) . Among the class of sets with credibility γ under π 0 , the “optimally robust” set will be the one which maximizes the minimum probability of including θ as the prior varies over Γ . This procedure is also Γ -minimax with respect to the risk function, probability of non-inclusion. We find the optimally robust credible set for three neighborhood classes Γ , the e -contamination class, the density ratio class and the density bounded class. A consequence of this investigation is that the maximum likelihood set is seen to be an optimal credible set from a robustness perspective.
A3 adenosine receptor deficiency does not influence atherogenesis

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease, the progression of which is modulated by several factors, including inflammation and hypercholesterolemia. The A(3) adenosine receptor (A(3)AR) has been reported to affect mast cell degranulation leading to inflammation, as well as to influence cardiovascular homeostasis. Here, we show that its deletion can also impact vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation in vitro. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that A(3)AR deficiency would affect atheromatous lesion development in vivo. Our results indicate that the expression of the matrix enzyme lysyl oxidase (LO) is increased while the proliferation potential of VSMC is decreased in A(3)AR-null aortas. This is in accordance with the previously reported inverse correlation between LO level and proliferation. Nevertheless, we found that A(3)-deficiency does not protect vessels against atherogenesis. This was demonstrated in mouse models of high fat diet-induced atherosclerosis and guidewire-induced femoral artery injury. We conclude that the contributions of the A(3)AR to inflammation and to modulating LO levels are not significant enough to control vascular response to injury.
Stem Cells, Dot-Com

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of suspect goods and services has burgeoned because of the Internet. Despite very limited approval for use, DTC stem cell–marketed “treatments” have emerged for an array of conditions, creating global public health and safety risks. However, it remains unclear whether such use of stem cells is subject to drugs or biologics regulations. To address this gap, regulatory agencies should be given clear authority, and the international community should create a framework for appropriate stem cell use. In addition, consumer protection laws should be used to scrutinize providers.
A Nonproteolytic “Trypsin-like” Enzyme Purification and Properties of Arachain

By the use of the proteolytic substrates benzoyl-dl-arginine-p-nitroanilide and benzoyl-l-arginine ethyl ester the enzyme arachain has been purified 325-fold from acetone powders of ungerminated peanuts. The pH optimum for the hydrolysis of benzoyl-dl-arginine-p-nitroanilide was 8.1 in tris buffer, and for benzoyl-l-arginine ethyl ester was 7.5 using N - 2 - hydroxyethylpiperazine - N' - 2 - ethanesulfonic acid buffer. The purest fraction showed one main band with one to three minor bands on disc gel electrophoresis. The major protein component had an S(20,w) of 6.20. The energy of activation for the hydrolysis of benzoyl-dl-arginine-p-nitroanilide was calculated to be 16 kilocalories. The Michaelis constant for benzoyl-dl-arginine-p-nitroanilide was 10 micromolar and for benzoyl-l-arginine ethyl ester was 110 micromolar. The enzyme showed essentially no activity with casein, dimethyl casein, or bovine serum albumin as substrates. A large number of peptides were hydrolyzed by the enzyme, only l-leucyl-l-tyrosine being resistant of the peptides tested. The results suggest that arachain is not a "trypsin-like" protease but is a peptide hydrolase.
Shape criteria of Bernstein-Bézier polynomials over simplexes

Abstract This paper discusses the criteria of convexity, monotonicity, and positivity of Bernstein-Bezier polynomials over simplexes.
How long do you treat clinically diagnosed neonatal sepsis with negative cultures

As a Pediatric Infectious Diseases specialist it is very common for me to be asked to comment on how long a child with a particular illness should be treated with antibiotics. While I do have some opinions based upon experience, it is usually very difficult to apply Evidenced-Based Medicine to this situation. Once an infection is defined, one can look up the opinions of experts in textbooks and medical reviews for guidance but often it is either difficult to categorize the infection status of a particular patient with complex or unique findings, or the recommendations are vague. Why is this?
Oxygen Sensitivity of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Generation Depends on Metabolic Conditions

The mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a central role in many cell signaling pathways, but debate still surrounds its regulation by factors, such as substrate availability, [O2] and metabolic state. Previously, we showed that in isolated mitochondria respiring on succinate, ROS generation was a hyperbolic function of [O2]. In the current study, we used a wide variety of substrates and inhibitors to probe the O2 sensitivity of mitochondrial ROS generation under different metabolic conditions. From such data, the apparent Km for O2 of putative ROS-generating sites within mitochondria was estimated as follows: 0.2, 0.9, 2.0, and 5.0 microM O2 for the complex I flavin site, complex I electron backflow, complex III QO site, and electron transfer flavoprotein quinone oxidoreductase of beta-oxidation, respectively. Differential effects of respiratory inhibitors on ROS generation were also observed at varying [O2]. Based on these data, we hypothesize that at physiological [O2], complex I is a significant source of ROS, whereas the electron transfer flavoprotein quinone oxidoreductase may only contribute to ROS generation at very high [O2]. Furthermore, we suggest that previous discrepancies in the assignment of effects of inhibitors on ROS may be due to differences in experimental [O2]. Finally, the data set (see supplemental material) may be useful in the mathematical modeling of mitochondrial metabolism.
Ethanol-induced adaptation of alcohol dehydrogenase activity in rat brain.

ALTHOUGH the presence of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in cerebral tissue has been established1, a physiological role for such a brain ethanol-oxidizing system has been unclear. The brain may be more biochemically adaptive than was once thought2; thus, it seemed possible that brain ADH may be substrate-induced. We now report that significant elevations of brain ADH activity occur in alcohol-imbibing rats; no changes from control values were found in liver ADH, liver aldehyde dehydrogenase (AldDH), or brain AldDH activities.
Towards enhancing two-dimensional electron gas quantum confinement effects in perovskite oxide heterostructures

We explore the possibility of achieving highly confined two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) within one single atomic layer through a comprehensive comparison study on three prototypical perovskite heterostructures, LaAlO3/ATiO3 (A = Ca, Sr, and Ba), using first-principles electronic structure calculations. We predict that the heterostructure LaAlO3/BaTiO3 has a highly confined 2DEG within a single atomic layer of the substrate BaTiO3, and exhibits relatively higher interfacial charge carrier density and larger magnetic moments than the well-known LaAlO3/SrTiO3 system. The long Ti-O bond length in the ab-plane of the LaAlO3/BaTiO3 heterostructure is responsible for the superior charge confinement. We propose BaTiO3 as an exceptional substrate material for 2DEG systems with potentially superior properties.
Variante d'artère poplitée piégée impliquant le chef latéral du muscle gastrocnémien : A propos d'un cas

L'artere poplitee piegee est une anomalie congenitale des rapports de l'artere poplitee avec les structures musculo-tendineuses alentours, a l'origine le plus souvent d'une compression extrinseque de l'artere par le chef medial du muscle gastrocnemien. Nous discutons ici la decouverte d'une nouvelle variante d'artere poplitee piegee impliquant un faisceau musculaire anormal du gastrocnemien lateral comprimant l'artere poplitee contre le muscle gastrocnemien medial.
Phonon densities of states of La 2-x Sr x NiO 4 : Evidence for strong electron-lattice coupling

The inelastic neutron-scattering spectra were measured for several Sr concentrations of polycrystalline ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}{\mathrm{NiO}}_{4}.$ We find that the generalized phonon density-of-states is the same for $x=0$ and $x=1/8.$ For $x=1/3$ and $x=1/2,$ the band of phonons corresponding to the in-plane oxygen vibrations (80--90 meV) splits into two subbands centered at 75 and 85 meV. The lower frequency band increases in amplitude for the $x=1/2$ sample, indicating that it is directly related to the hole concentration. These changes are associated with the coupling of oxygen vibrations to doped holes which reside in the ${\mathrm{NiO}}_{2}$ planes and are a signature of strong electron-lattice coupling.
Effects of Curing and Test Conditions on the Salt Scaling Durability of Fly Ash Concrete

Some specifications currently limit the amount of fly ash used in concrete exposed to de-icer salts and freezing conditions because of concerns over salt scaling durability. There is concern that the standard test method commonly used to assess concrete salt scaling performance, ASTM C672, is overly severe and not representative of field conditions. There is also concern that the use of fly ash as a mass replacement could lead to additional damage because of the higher paste volume that results from the lower specific gravity of fly ash relative to Portland cement. In this study, concrete mixtures with 40 % replacement by mass were tested according to ASTM C672 using a constant cementitious material mass and a constant paste volume. Specimens were tested at an outdoor field exposure site to test the severity of ASTM C672 and the effects of specimen size on salt scaling resistance. The experiments showed that the fly ash source has a large effect on the salt scaling resistance in laboratory testing, although the increase in cement paste volume from the mass replacement of cement did not correlate with decreased performance. Laboratory-size specimens showed much higher salt scaling than larger companion slabs cast from the same concrete batches.
Using simplex codes to improve OTDR sensitivity

A coding technique for improving the sensitivity of optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) is proposed. The technique uses optical codes derived from Hadamard matrices and does not use correlation. The sensitivity realized by this new method is shown to be superior to that obtained using Golay codes. >
Chlorophenols from wood preservatives in broiler house litter

A survey of fresh shavings from 32 commercial broiler houses for 2,3,4,6-tetra-and pentachlorophenols has shown levels of 4 to 307 parts/million (mean 53) and 1 to 83 parts/million (mean 12), respectively. Most of this was lost during the period of growth of the chickens, residual levels of 0 to 5.6 parts/million (mean 0.7) and 0 to 4.1 parts/million (mean 0.3), respectively, being present in the spent litter. Only traces of the corresponding anisoles were found in a few samples. Observations on the source of these chlorophenols, their implications in relation to musty taint in chickens and the route by which they are lost from the litter are discussed.
A rational theory of system-making systems

All current models of software development abstract away key interactions of the hosting organization, the results of which can be seen in practice with the common reoccurrence of large software intensive system project failures. Poor model matches with reality can be detected by anomaly, by paradox, and by poor results when approved process is properly applied. The current paradigm is that the software development process (and the more inclusive systems development process) must be abstracted away from the host organization, and that this abstraction must be treated as the whole of the model. This model began its life as a useful fiction to permit a cutting out of what for small projects were (at the time) second-order factors to enable a more concentrated analysis on the principal factors. For the smaller software project, this model has, and continues to work quite well. But over the decades, as systems and systems makers have grown in size and complexity, this working fiction has outgrown its ability to model reality, and at the same time due to past success, has assumed the trappings of a truth; a law not to be questioned. Arguments to date on software process have been only about what variant methodology to apply and how strict one should be in applying methods, but never about the validity of the boundaries of the model. All efforts for improvement have been no more than continual tweaking of a bad model to see what happens. The paradigm for a better model begins with the realization that the larger the system maker and the larger the system, the greater the influence of the internally directed goals, the politics and the structures of the organization have on the design and implementation of the product. This paper attempts to reintroduce these externalities through a new model; the system-making system model. This model can be used to explain observations; predict outcomes; identify where current theory should no longer be treated as law and where current practice should no longer treated as optimal. The advantage of this model happens also to be its only drawback (sigh), that politics must be discussed.
Ozonation of acid yellow 17 dye in a semi-batch bubble column

Abstract A semi-batch bubble column was used to evaluate the effect of ozonation on the removal of acid yellow 17 dye from water. Results indicate that ozonation is very effective at removing acid yellow 17 dye from synthetic textile wastewater. The ozone consumed to apparent dye removal ratio ranged from 2 to 15,000 mg ozone per mg of dye decolorized and was dependent on both ozonation time and apparent dye concentration. The biodegradability of the dye wastewater was evaluated by monitoring changes in 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5 ) with respect to chemical oxygen demand (COD). Results indicate that the wastewater biodegradability increased with an increase in ozonation time. Film theory was used to kinetically model the gas–liquid reactions occurring in the reactor. Modeling results indicated that during the first 10–15 min of ozonation, the system could be characterized by a fast, pseudo-first-order regime. With continued ozonation, system kinetics transitioned through a moderate then to a slow regime. Successful modeling of this period required use of a kinetic equation corresponding to a more inclusive condition. Model results are presented.
σ-1 Receptors Protect RGC-5 Cells from Apoptosis by Regulating Intracellular Calcium, Bax Levels, and Caspase-3 Activation

Purpose sigma-1 Receptor ligands prevent neuronal death associated with glutamate excitotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo. However, the molecular mechanism of the neuroprotective effect remains to be elucidated. The present study was undertaken to determine whether sigma-1 receptor agonists provide neuroprotection by decreasing glutamate-induced calcium mobilization and preventing apoptotic gene expression. Methods Cell death was measured by using a calcein-AM/propidium iodide cell-survival assay. Western blot analysis determined the expression levels of Bax in normal RGC-5 cells. Caspase-3 activation after glutamate treatment was determined with a carboxyfluorescein caspase-3 detection kit. Glutamate-induced intracellular calcium mobilization was measured by using ratiometric calcium imaging. Results sigma-1 Receptor-overexpressing RGC-5 (RGC-5-S1R) cells had lower glutamate-induced intracellular calcium mobilization than did normal RGC-5 cells, and the sigma-1 receptor ligand (+)-SKF10047 reduced the glutamate calcium response in normal and RGC-5-S1R cells. (+)-SKF10047 protected RGC-5 cells from glutamate-induced cell death, and the RGC-5-S1R cells showed a significant resistance to glutamate-induced apoptosis compared with the control RGC-5 cells. BD1047, a sigma-1 receptor antagonist, blocked the protective effect of (+)-SKF10047. Western blot analysis showed that (+)-SKF10047 inhibited the increase in Bax after glutamate treatments. Glutamate-mediated cell death involved activation of caspase-3, and sigma-1 receptor activation prevented an increase in caspase-3 expression. Conclusions The results suggest that sigma-1 receptors regulate intracellular calcium levels and prevent activation of proapoptotic genes, thus promoting retinal ganglion cell survival. The sigma-1 ligands appear to be neuroprotective and are a potential target for neuroprotective therapeutics.
Effects of a novel tylophorine analog on collagen-induced arthritis through inhibition of the innate immune response.

Objective To test the effects of a novel tylophorine analog, DCB 3503, on the prevention and treatment of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Methods DBA/1J mice were immunized with type II collagen, and in some cases, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to boost the development of arthritis. DCB 3503 was injected intraperitoneally before or after the onset of CIA. Mice were monitored to assess the effects of DCB 3503 on the clinical severity of the disease, and pathologic changes in the joints were examined histologically. Levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum and joint tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by cytometric bead array analysis. The effect of DCB 3503 on LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines from bone marrow–derived dendritic cells was determined by flow cytometry. Results DCB 3503 significantly suppressed the development and progression of CIA. Moreover, DCB 3503 completely blocked the LPS-triggered acceleration of joint inflammation and destruction. Consistent with its effects in vivo, DCB 3503 significantly suppressed the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines in inflamed joints as well as cytokine synthesis by macrophages examined ex vivo. Treatment also reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12, TNFα, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1) produced by bone marrow–derived dendritic cells in vitro. However, DCB 3503 showed no direct effects on T cell proliferation and B cell antibody response. Conclusion Because of its ability to specifically suppress innate immune responses, DCB 3503 may be a novel therapeutic agent for inflammatory arthritis in humans.
Quantitative studies on lipolytic enzyme activity in degenerating and regenerating nerve.

1. In the phenomenon of Wallerian degeneration in a cut peripheral nerve the process of myelin degradation in the distal stump is, by the ordinary staining methods of histology, unusually retarded in comparison with the same process in necrosis of nervous tissue, e.g. in infarcts. 2. The Glick acidimetric method for lipase and esterase in tissue sections was used to determine lipolytic esterase activity quantitatively in rabbit sciatic nerves above and below the line of experimental transection at varying intervals of time after operation. 3. The enzyme activity per milligram of tissue (dry weight) fell steadily in the peripheral stump to 40 per cent of the normal average value; while in the proximal stump in the region of the regenerating neurites it rose steadily to 300–400 per cent of normal. As reunion of the stumps occurred, the zone of highest esterase activity passed into the upper extremity of the now reunited distal portion. 4. Reasons are given for attributing the increased ali-esterase activity to the regenerating neurites themselves.
THE ASYMMETRY OF SUNSPOT CYCLES AND WALDMEIER RELATIONS AS A RESULT OF NONLINEAR SURFACE-SHEAR SHAPED DYNAMO

The paper presents a study of a solar dynamo model operating in the bulk of the convection zone with the toroidal magnetic field flux concentrated in the subsurface rotational shear layer. We explore how this type of dynamo may depend on spatial variations of turbulent parameters and on the differential rotation near the surface. The mean-field dynamo model takes into account the evolution of magnetic helicity and describes its nonlinear feedback on the generation of large-scale magnetic field by the α-effect. We compare the magnetic cycle characteristics predicted by the model, including the cycle asymmetry (associated with the growth and decay times) and the duration-amplitude relation (Waldmeier's effects), with the observed sunspot cycle properties. We show that the model qualitatively reproduces the basic properties of the solar cycles.
Foraging in nature: foraging efficiency and attentiveness in caterpillars with different diet breadths

. 1. Seventy-seven individual last-instar caterpillars foraging in the field were examined for 6 h each. They represented four species of Arctiidae of similar size and habitat use. Two, Hypocrisias minima and Pygarctia roseicapitis, are specialists restricted to particular plant genera. The other two, Grammia geneura and Estigmene acrea, are extreme generalists that use many host plant species from multiple plant families. 2. Parameters of behavioural efficiency were monitored. Generalists spent more time walking, rejected more potential host plants, took longer to decide to feed after inspecting a plant, and took relatively more small feeding bouts compared with specialists. 3. This is the first test of differential foraging efficiency in the field in relation to diet breadth of insects and the data indicate that generalists are less efficient in their foraging activities and may suffer from divided attention. The need for attentiveness to enhance efficiency and thereby reduce ecological risk is discussed.
The existence of a local 5-hydroxytryptaminergic system in peripheral arteries.

Background and purpose: 5-HT is a vasoconstrictor exhibiting enhanced effects in systemic arteries from subjects with cardiovascular disease. The effect of endogenous 5-HT on arteries is controversial, because the concentration of free circulating 5-HT is low and a 5-hydroxytryptaminergic system has not been identified in peripheral arteries. We hypothesized that a local 5-hydroxytryptaminergic system (including 5-HT synthesis, metabolism, uptake and release) with physiological function exists in peripheral arteries. Experimental approach: The presence of key components of a 5-hydroxytryptaminergic system in rat aorta and superior mesenteric artery was examined using western blot analyses, immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry. The function of the rate-limiting enzyme in 5-HT biosynthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), and 5-HT transporter was tested by measuring enzyme activity and 5-HT uptake, respectively. Isometric contraction of arterial strips was used to demonstrate the function of released endogenous 5-HT in arterial tissues. Key results: mRNA for TPH-1 was present in arteries, with low levels of TPH protein and TPH activity. Expression and function of MAO A (5-HT metabolizing enzyme) was supported by immunohistochemistry, western analyses and the elevation of concentrations of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HT metabolite) after exposure to exogenous 5-HT. The 5-HT transporter was localized to the plasma membrane of freshly isolated aortic smooth muscle cells. Peripheral arteries actively took up 5-HT in a time-dependent and 5-HT transporter-dependent manner. The 5-HT transporter substrate, (+)-fenfluramine, released endogenous 5-HT from peripheral arteries, which potentiated noradrenaline-induced arterial contraction. Conclusions and implications: This study revealed the existence of a local 5-hydroxytryptaminergic system in peripheral arteries. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 663–674; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.111; published online 14 April 2008
Horizontal Root Growth: Water Uptake and Stomatal Resistance under Microgravity

With the increased interest of plants in space, gravity cannot be ignored in studies of plant–water relations. Although photosynthesis has been measured on the International Space Station, apparently no published information exists concerning the stomatal resistance of plants in space. Growth is directly related to stomatal opening, which is controlled by hormones produced in the roots. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of gravity on plant water take and stomatal resistance. To simulate gravity-free conditions, wheat plants ( Triticum aestivum L. ‘Jagger’) were grown in columns oriented horizontally. Two experiments, each with a different depth of planting (3 cm or 3 mm), were performed in a growth room. Four columns (7 cm diam., 40 cm long), filled with a commercial potting mix were used in each experiment: two were placed horizontally and two were placed vertically. Stomatal resistance was measured with a steady-state porometer. In the first experiment (3-cm planting depth), plants in horizontal columns emerged poorly. In the second experiment (3-mm planting depth), plants in horizontal columns emerged, but leaves often were plastered on the soil surface, making it difficult to determine stomatal resistance. In both experiments, roots in columns placed on their sides did not grow into the columns. Because the plants grown horizontally could not take up water, they wilted and died, and stomatal resistance readings were high (>50 s cm −1 ).
Common pediatric fractures and dislocations

Orthopedic injuries in children are a common chief complaint in our emergeney department. Due to the unique characteristies of the growing bone, pediatric fracture patterns differ from those in adults. In this article, common pediatric orthopedic injury patterns, their potential complications, and treatment are diseussed.
Observationally constrainable free parameters of scalar field inflation models

Abstract We present an approximate estimate, in the slow “reheating” scenario, of the late time power spectrum of adiabatic energy density inhomogeneities generated during an early, scalar field dominated, de Sitter inflation epoch, when the scalar field potential, V(Φ) ∼ V0 − λΦα (where V0, λ and α are positive parameters). If α is not too large, the power spectrum is fairly sensitive to the value of the Hubble parameter at “reheating”, except in the α = 4 case (when it only depends logarithmically on the value of this parameter). When α is sufficiently large, the power spectrum is much more sensitive to the value of the Hubble parameter at “reheating”, than it is to the value of the dimensionless coupling constant (λ multiplied by the appropriate power of V0), which is, therefore, not unduly constrained by observational data; also, in this regime, the slow “reheating” prescription resembles the rapid “reheating” prescription. For a moderately large α (e.g., α = 8 or 10), the magnitude of the energy density perturbation is consistent with the late time large-scale observational limit, provided the energy scale of inflation is not too high (for α = 8 or 10 it needs to be ∼2 × 1010 or 1011 GeV); the dimensionless coupling constant does not have to be small (in both cases it is ≳ 10−2).