cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Avifaunal equilibria and species turnover rates on the channel islands of california.

Abstract Insular species diversities, and their dependence on island size and isolation, have been postulated to represent a dynamic equilibrium between species immigration rates and species extinction rates. This interpretation has been tested by determining the land and freshwater birds breeding on the nine Channel Islands off southern California in 1968 and comparing the results with a similar survey for the years up to 1917. Most of the islands were found to be in equilibrium as to number of species, but between 17 and 62 per cent of the 1917 breeding species had disappeared by 1968, and an approximately equal number of new immigrant species had become established. Percentage turnover rates vary inversely as insular species diversities, with no effect of distance apparent.
Extension of the Low Soft-Photon Theorem

The Low theorem is applied to the radiative cross section for unpolarized particles. It is shown that the first two terms of an expansion in the photon energy depend on the unpolarized, nonradiative cross section only.
Everybody's Business: The Care of Sick Children

My internship was with Honeywell Corporation in St. Petersburg, Florida, working on a project closely associated with the Pinellas County Task Force on Day Care for Mildly Ill Children. According to my faculty mentors at the University of South Florida (USF), it was "out of sequence" in the sense that I was involved in it before I had met all the pre-internship requirements of the applied anthropology program. This came about because in early 1989 I went along with a faculty member to a meeting of that task force (then called ProjectLink because its aim was to connect business firms with providers of day care). In the course of the meeting I volunteered, or was volunteered, to begin some of the research necessary to carry out the task force aim of developing company-sponsored day care for children who were mildly ill. Before I knew it, I was deeply involved in addressing a fascinating set of problems and needs of modern urban life.
Minimally invasive intraoperative CT-guided correction of calcaneal osteosynthesis

This article describes the CT-guided osteosynthesis of calcaneus fractures. This procedure is minimal invasive and offers the opportunity to reduce and to stabilize such fractures very exactly under intraoperative CT-controll only by stab-incisions. A running study will define the ranking of this method.
Gradient echo MRI: Implementation of a training tutorial for intracranial hemorrhage diagnosis

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that gradient echo (GRE) MRI sequences are as accurate as CT for the detection of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the context of acute stroke. However, many physicians who currently read acute stroke imaging studies may be unfamiliar with interpretation of GRE images. Methods: An NIH Web-based training program was developed including a pretest, tutorial, and posttest. Physicians involved in the care of acute stroke patients were encouraged to participate. The tutorial covered acute, chronic, and mimic hemorrhages as they appear on CT, diffusion-weighted imaging, and GRE sequences. Ability of users to identify ICH presence, type, and age on GRE was compared from the pretest to posttest timepoint. Results: A total of 104 users completed the tutorial. Specialties represented included general radiology (42%), general neurology (16%), neuroradiology (15%), stroke neurology (14%), emergency medicine (1%), and other (12%). Median overall score improved pretest to posttest from 66.7% to 83.3%, p p p p = 0.787. Sensitivity for identification of acute hemorrhage improved from 68.2% to 96.4%. Conclusions: Physicians involved in acute stroke care achieved significant improvement in gradient echo (GRE) hemorrhage interpretation after completing the NIH GRE MRI tutorial. This indicates that a Web-based tutorial may be a viable option for the widespread education of physicians to achieve an acceptable level of diagnostic accuracy at reading GRE MRI, thus enabling confident acute stroke treatment decisions.
Uniform L 1 behavior for the solution of a Volterra equation with a parameter

Consider the (scalar) initial value problem \[({\text{P}})\qquad u_t (t,\lambda ) + \lambda \int_0^t {(d + a(t - \tau ))u(\tau ,\lambda )d\tau = 0,\quad u(0,\lambda ) = 1,} \] where $d \geqq 0$ is a constant, $\lambda \geqq 1$ is a parameter, and the subscript denotes differentiation with respect to t. The kernel $a \in L_{{\text{loc}}}^1 [0,\infty )$ is assumed to be nonnegative, nonincreasing and convex. Let $u(t,\lambda )$ be the solution of (P) and define \[w(t) = \mathop {\sup }\limits_{\lambda \geqq 1} \left| {u_{tt} (t,\lambda )\lambda ^{ - 1} } \right|.\] Sufficient conditions (and weaker necessary conditions) concerning the kernel $a(t)$ are established in order that \[ \mathop {\lim }\limits_{t \to \infty } w(t) = 0\quad {\text{and}}\quad \int_0^\infty {w(t)} dt 0,\quad {\bf y}(0) = {\bf x}, \] where ${\bf L}$ ...
Immunology: glyco-engineering 'super-self'

Altered glycosylation of cancer cells confers phenotypic changes that promote spread and evasion of immune responses. A novel method for engineering cell surface glycans is providing insights into these mechanisms.
Modulation of human fibroblast gap junction intercellular communication by hyaluronan

The composition of the extracellular matrix changes during dermal repair. Initially, hyaluronan (HA) concentration is high, however, by day 3, HA is eliminated. HA optimizes collagen organization within granulation tissue. One possible mechanism of HA modulation of collagen packing is through the promotion of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). Gap junctions are gated channels that allow rapid intercellular communication and synchronization of coupled cell activities. The gap junction channel is composed of connexin (Cx) proteins that form a gated channel between coupled cells. HA is reported to enhance Cx43 expression in transformed fibroblasts. GJIC was quantified by the scrape loading technique and reported as a coupling index. The coupling index for human dermal fibroblasts was 4.6 ± 0.2, while the coupling index for fibroblasts treated with HA more than doubled to 10.6 ± 0.7. By Western blot analysis no differences were appreciated in the protein levels of Cx43 or β-catenin, a protein involved in the translocation of Cx to the cell surface. By immuno-histology Cx43 and β-catenin were evenly distributed throughout the cell in controls, but in cells treated with HA these proteins were co-localized to the cell surface. Coupled fibroblasts are reported to enhance the organization of collagen fibrils. It is proposed that HA increases the accumulation of Cx43 and β-catenin on the cell surface, leading to greater GJIC and enhanced collagen organization. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Neuronal population model for the pupil-size effect

Abstract The human pupil has been widely studied as an example of nonlinear biological systems. Many systems, or “black box,” models have been proposed to describe the nonlinear phenomena called “pupillary escape,” “pupillary capture,” the response asymmetry, and, more recently, the “pupil-size effect.” A new neuronal population model is given here which is more homeomorphic than previous models, while retaining the accurate description of the nonlinear responses of the pupil. A signal controlling steady-state pupil size is used to control the recruitment of neuron populations from an inverse “Henneman-coded” pool. Multiple configurations of this neuronal pool are explored by comparing experimental data with computer simulations of the model.
Stimulatory effects of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone on Leydig cell function and spermatogenesis in immature hypophysectomized rats.

Although earlier reports suggest a stimulatory effect of FSH on Leydig cell function, controversy exists due to unavailability of FSH preparations free of contaminating LH. Recent availability of recombinant human FSH preparations made it possible to reinvestigate this question. Immature male rats were hypophysectomized (21–22 days old at surgery) and implanted with osmotic minipumps releasing 8 IU recombinant FSH or 18 IU purified human pituitary FSH (hpFSH)/day, whereas control animals received vehicle alone. After 7 days of treatment, testicular weight increased in the recombinant FSH and hpFSH-treated animals to values 2.3-and 2.5-fold those of controls, respectively. Analyses of the steroidogenic capacity of Leydig cells in testes of rats treated with recombinant FSH or hpFSH also revealed 2.9-and 3.8-fold androgen production in ultra compared to controls. In these rats recombinant FSH and hpFSH increased the LH receptor number in testicular homogenate by 50% and 70%, respectively. The increase in LH...
Pharyngo‐UES contractile reflex in patients with posterior laryngitis

Background: Earlier studies have shown that stimulation of the human pharynx by injection of minute amounts of water stimulates the pharyngo-UES contractile reflex. It has been suggested that this reflex may be activated during pharyngeal reflux of gastric and/or esophageal content, thus increasing the UES pressure and possibly preventing further entry of the refluxate into the pharynx. However, the integrity of this reflex in patients with posterior laryngitis has not been studied. Aim: Evaluate the pharyngo-UES contractile reflex in a group of patients with objective findings of posterior laryngitis. Methods: Fourteen consecutive patients with posterior laryngitis (mean age, 48 ± 6 y) and 13 healthy volunteers (mean age, 53 ± 6 y) were studied by concurrent pharyngeal water stimulation and UES manometry. Results: The threshold volume required to evoke the pharyngo-UES contractile reflex in the laryngitis group (0.4 ± 0.05 mL) was significantly higher than that of the control (0.2 ± 0.04 mL) (P < .05). Following stimulation of the pharyngo-UES contractile reflex, the maximum postinjection pressure in patients (75 ± 6 mm Hg) was similar to that of the controls (78 ± 6 mm Hg). The percent increase in UES pressure following stimulation of the reflex in the laryngitis group (99% ± 15%) was significantly higher than that of controls (55% ± 11%) (P < .05). Conclusions: Compared with normal controls, a significantly larger volume of liquid is required to trigger this reflex in patients with posterior laryngitis. When triggered, the maximum UES pressure induced by the pharyngo-UES contractile reflex is similar between the two groups. These findings suggest an altered afferent sensory limb of this reflex in patients with posterior laryngitis. Key Words: Upper esophageal sphincter, reflux laryngitis, airway protection.
Axial crustal structure of the Lau back-arc basin from velocity modeling of multichannel seismic data

Located west of the Tonga trench, the Lau back-arc basin is a prime environment for studying the interplay between oceanic spreading systems and an active subduction zone. Within the basin lie two complementary, intermediate-rate spreading systems, the Central Lau Spreading Center (CLSC) and the Eastern Lau Spreading Center/Valu Fa Ridge (ELSC/VFR), that are positioned 170 to 40 km away from the active volcanic arc, respectively. Multichannel seismic (MCS) images of both systems reveal systematic variations in axial crustal structure primarily related to the proximity of the volcanic arc, but also related to spreading rate, morphology, and petrology. Upper crustal refraction data selected from the along-axis seismic lines collected during the 1999 MCS survey were modeled in both the time-versus-range (t–x) and intercept time-versus-slowness (τ–p) domains to provide validation and detail to the seismic reflection observations. The results show that as both the proximity to the arc and the spreading rate decrease southward: 1) seismic layer 2A thickens by 0.6 km between the CLSC and VFR, from 0.4 km to 1.0 km, 2) the average depth of the axial magma chamber (AMC) increases from 1.5 km at the CLSC to 2.8 km at the southern VFR, excluding the northern section of the ELSC that shows no continuous AMC reflector, but does show an isolated melt sill, 3) the upper crustal basement velocity decreases from 2.1 km/s at the CLSC to 1.8 km/s at the VFR, and 4) the velocities of both layer 2A and 2B decrease between the CLSC and northern VFR from 3.2 to 2.5 km/s and 5.0 to 3.9 km/s, respectively. Along with a broad axial high morphology, these features of the CLSC — thinner layer 2A, shallower AMC, and faster crustal velocities — correlate best with the fast spreading East Pacific Rise and intermediate spreading Juan de Fuca Ridge. Conversely, the structural characteristics of the central ELSC/VFR have no known counterpart in the global mid-ocean ridge system. We attribute this primarily to the volatile concentration in the magmas coming from the Tonga subduction zone.
The force on a sphere in a uniform flow with small-amplitude oscillations at finite Reynolds number

The unsteady force acting on a sphere that is held fixed in a steady uniform flow with small-amplitude oscillations is evaluated to O(Re) for small Reynolds number Re. Good agreement is shown with the numerical results of Mei, Lawrence & Adrian (1991) up to Re [approximate] 0.5. The analytical result is transformed by Fourier inversion to allow for an arbitrary time-dependent motion which is small relative to the steady uniform flow. This yields a history-dependent force which has an integration kernel that decays exponentially for large time.
Nonteratomatous germ cell tumors in children

Abstract Background/Purpose: Totipotential germ cells may give rise to a broad range of tumors. The teratomatous variety of germ cell tumors has been the subject of several large studies. The goal of the current study was to describe the clinical features of nonteratomatous germ cell tumors (NTGCT) by reviewing a large series of patients. Methods: Between 1945 and 1997, there were 78 cases of nonteratomatous germ cell tumors (NTGCT's) in children at The Children's Hospital, Columbus. Their records were reviewed retrospectively. There were 35 boys and 43 girls (M:F ratio 0.8). Mean follow-up was 87 months. Results : Histological subtypes included germinoma (33 cases, 42%), endodermal sinus tumor (24 cases, 31%), embryonal carcinoma (12 cases, 15%), gonadoblastoma (4 cases, 5%), mixed histology (4 cases, 5%), and choriocarcinoma (1 case, 2%). Forty-two tumors were in gonadal sites, but a significant percentage were extragonadal (36 cases, 46%). Forty-six patients (59%) had localized disease, 18 (23%) had regional disease, and 14 (18%) had metastases. Treatment consisted of surgery and selective chemotherapy and radiation. Complete tumor resection was more likely for gonadal (29 of 42, 69%) than extragonadal primaries (15 of 36, 41%; P ≤ .05). Forty-nine (63%) of all patients survived, whereas 29 (37%) died of their disease. Survival in patients with gonadal primaries (32 of 42, 76%) exceeded that in patients with extragonadal primaries (17 of 36, 47%; P ≤ .01). Survival in patients with localized disease (34 of 46, 74%) exceeded that in patients with regional extention or metastases (15 of 32, 47%; P Conclusions: This study highlights the fact that tumor location, gonadal versus extragonadal, was important in determining prognosis, whereas tumor histology was not. This may be the result of a higher rate of complete tumor resection for gonadal primaries and underscores the important role of surgery in the optimal treatment of these unusual tumors.
The deposition and adhesion of copper films on smooth polymer surfaces

Electroless copper plating (ECP) of polymeric surfaces has found several important applications, such as the metallization of epoxy glass laminates (EGL) employed in the production of printed circuits. In this process EGL boards are degreased and then prepared for metallization by preliminary oxidative etching with chromic acid and then surface activation for ECP. Such activation is typically achieved with catalysts derived from palladium and stannous chlorides or by the use of different photochemical processes [1-4]. The activated boards are then metallized in an electroless copper bath, which contains a copper source, a complexing agent, a reducing agent, a stabilizer and a pH buffer [5]. In order to produce printed circuits on microscopically smooth polymer surfaces, capable of high-frequency signal transmission, we have investigated the possibility of forming adherent copper films on polymer surfaces, which have not been subjected to chemical or mechanical roughening. In this study we have evaluated the suitability of several commercial polymers and blends of polymers for this purpose. We have been able to demonstrate that chemical interaction between the copper film and certain polymer surfaces contributes to the adhesion exhibited by the copper. The substrates chosen for electroless copper plating were thin glossy polymeric films cured on EGL boards. Brominated epoxy and Novolac resins (DER-531 from DOW Chemical Co. and EPIPHEN ER-825-A from Monomer Polymer Laboratories) were used as unblended polymer coatings. These epoxy resins were also blended with poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) (molecular mass 20 000) at weight ratios of epoxy to P4VP of 10:1, 5:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 and these blends were then spin-coated on EGL boards and cured. The addition of P4VP to the epoxy resin aimed at increasing the copper adhesion to the smooth surface, since the pyridine group was expected to be the preferred binding site for copper [6, 7]. The resulting coatings were glossy and without microdefects as observed by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thickness of the layers were estimated by SEM analysis to be about 5 gm. Freshly cured coatings were activated for electroless plating by a photochemical process [3, 4]: a solution of the metal salt (e.g. copper acetylacetonate), photosensitizer and solvent was applied to the polymer surface, which was then irradiated with
Epithermal neutron activation analysis using a boron carbide irradiation filter

The use of boron carbide as a thermal neutron filter in epithermal neutron activation (ENAA) analysis has been investigated. As compared to the use of a cadmium filter, boron provides a greater reduction of activities from elements relatively abundant in terrestrial rocks and fossil fuels, such as Na, La, Sc and Fe. These elements have excitation functions which follow the 1/v law in the 1 to 10 eV lower epithermal region. This enhances the sensitivity of ENAA for elements such as U, Th, Ba and etc. which have strong resonances in the higher epithermal region above 10 eV. In addition, a boron carbide filter has the advantages over cadmium of acquiring a relatively low level of induced activity which poses minimal radiation safety problems, when used for ENAA.
Race differences in antisocial behaviors and attitudes and early initiation of substance use

This article examines racial differences in self-reported delinquency, school trouble, antisocial attitudes, and toughness and in teacher-rated aggressive and inattentive behaviors among fifth grade black, white, and Asian American subjects. Also examined are the relationships of these variables to substance initiation within each racial group. Controlling for socio-economic status, racial groups differed from one another in self-reported delinquency, school trouble and toughness, and in teacher-rated aggressiveness and inattention. Antisocial behavior and attitudes were stronger predictors of substance initiation for Asian American than for black and white children. For white children both self-reported and teacher-rated behavior were significantly related to substance initiation. For black children, only self-reported antisocial behavior, and for Asian American children only self-reported delinquent behavior and attitudes predicted substance initiation. Implications for prevention and research are discu...
Recyclability of a glass fiber poly(butylene terephthalate) composite

The recyclability of a fiber-reinforced poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) composite has been studied. After treatment with a suitable silane, processed regrind composites are successfully recycled, with mechanical properties as good as a comparable, commercial composite. The three processing techniques investigated are injection molding, extrusion compression molding, and compression molding. As expected, processing technique and processing parameters are important in determining the mechanical properties of the molded regrind. Our results show that injection- and extrusion-compression-molded regrind composites have good fiber bundle dispersion and fiber alignment, resulting in tensile properties better than the compression-molded samples. On the other hand, compression-molded samples, which show random fiber orientation and low fiber bundle dispersion, have lower tensile properties, but better impact strength than injection- and extrusion-compression-molded composites.
A Family Centered, Collaborative Introduction to Developmental Disabilities: Experiential Learning for Undergraduates.

In this article, we describe the emergence of the support model of services for persons with developmental disabilities. A rationale is presented for persons with developmental disabilities, their families, and university faculty members collaboratively to plan and deliver an introductory undergraduate course in developmental disabilities congruent with the support model. The content and format of a collaboratively planned course that has been taught and revised for the past 7 years are delineated. The major themes of the course include: the family-centered philosophy, respect for the values and strengths of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, collaborative skills, and knowledge of life span issues and needs. A primary vehicle for teaching the themes is assigning hypothetical babies with severe developmental disabilities to teams of students that must then identify and meet their child's and family's needs from birth into adulthood. Course outcomes, both expected and unexpected...
Rodent Models and Behavioral Outcomes of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Rodent spinal cord injury (SCI) models have been developed to examine functional and physiological deficits after spinal cord injury with the hope that these models will elucidate information about human SCI. Models are needed to examine possible treatments and to understand histopathology after SCI; however, they should be considered carefully and chosen based on the goals of the study being performed. Contusion, compression, transection, and other models exist and have the potential to reveal important information about SCI that may be related to human SCI and the outcomes of treatment and timing of intervention.
Perceptions of communication competence: What's good for the goose is not good for the gander

Synopsis A Language Stereotype Questionnaire consisting of 36 bi-polar items linked stereo typically to either female speech or male speech was used to elicit college students' perceptions of socially desirable or effective speech and language characteristics in two related experiments. Results from Experiment 1, in which participants gave ratings for socially desirable language traits, indicated that female-linked traits were seen as more desirable than male-linked traits. In Experiment 2 participants gave ratings for either an effective female, effective male, or effective adult, sex-unspecified, speaker. Findings indicated that: (1) perceptions of communication competence for an adult, sex-unspecified, more closely resembled that for an adult woman than for an adult man, and (2) stereotypic female language characteristics were preferred over stereotypic male characteristics for competent female and adult communicators. These results suggest the need for a greater delineation of the specific situations under which these language differences might occur and their possible impact on the outcomes of communication.
Potentiation of apomorphine action in rats by l-prolyl-l-leucyl-glycine amide.

Abstract Although the antiparkinsonian activity of l-prolyl-l-leucyl-glycine amide (PLG = MIF-I) has been previously observed in several clinical trials, little is known of the mechanism of action of this tripeptide on the brain. Our study demonstrates potentiation of the action of apomorphine by PLG on the rotational behavior of mature rats which received unilateral 6-OHDA (16 μg) lesions of the striatum as neonates. No change in tyrosine hydroxylase or dopa decarboxylase activities in rat striatal homogenates was found after addition of PLG (10 −8 −10 −3 M). The results suggest that PLG modifies the dopamine receptor, making it more responsive to stimulation by the agonistic agent apomorphine and perhaps by the natural neurotransmitter dopamine.
Watson Urges Measures to Minimize Climate Change

Professor Sir Robert Watson is not optimistic that atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be reduced before there is a 2-degree Celsius increase, and possibly a much larger increase, in global temperatures above pre-industrial temperature levels, he said recently. “There is no evidence politically that we are moving there, so clearly one has to be quite concerned,” said Watson, the chief scientific adviser to the U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He made the comments at the Union Frontiers of Geophysics Lecture and during a later presentation at the AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco in December.
Age-related decline in striatal volume in rhesus monkeys: assessment of long-term calorie restriction

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we measured striatal volume in 22 male rhesus monkeys undergoing calorie restriction (CR) for 11-13 years and 38 monkeys who were fed ad libitum (CON). CR delays the onset of many age-related processes, and this study tested whether it would alter the age-related decline in striatal volume. The CON and CR groups were sub-divided into middle age (less than 24 years old) and old age groups. Contrary to expectation, volumes of the putamen (not the caudate nucleus) were larger bilaterally in the CON than in the CR group both at middle age and senescence. Regression analysis (region volume versus age) indicated bilateral age-related declines in putamen and caudate nucleus volumes in the old CON monkeys, but only for the putamen in the old CR monkeys. Because tests for slopes found no differences between the groups, the data do not establish an effect of CR. Further study, involving sequential imaging, is warranted in order to clarify the possible effects of CR on age-related changes in striatal volume.
Denitrification in anoxic sediments supported by biological nitrate transport

Abstract Biologically available nitrogen (fixed N) is removed from the oceans by metabolic conversion of inorganic N forms (nitrate and ammonium) to N 2 gas. Much of this removal occurs in marine sediments, where reaction rates are thought to be limited by diffusion. We measured the concentration and isotopic composition of major dissolved nitrogen species in anoxic sediments off the coast of California. At depths below the diffusive penetration of nitrate, we found evidence of a large nitrate pool transported into the sediments by motile microorganisms. A ∼20‰ enrichment in 15 N and 18 O of this biologically transported nitrate over bottom water values and elevated [N 2 ] and δ 15 N–N 2 at depth indicate that this nitrate is consumed by enzymatic redox reactions with the production of N 2 as the end product. Elevated N 2 O concentrations in pore waters below the nitrate diffusion depth confirm that these reactions include the denitrification pathway. A data-constrained model shows that at least 31% of the total N 2 production in anoxic sediments is linked to nitrate bio-transport. Under suboxic/anoxic regimes, this nitrate bio-transport augments diffusive transport, thus increasing benthic fixed nitrogen losses and the reducing burial efficiency of sedimentary organic matter.
Methodological Studies Involving Reward and Punishment in Human Learning: I. Effects of Design and Instructions.

Summary.-A 2-choice concept discrimination task provided Ss with varying amounts (0% to 50%) of positive and/or negative feedback or no feedback as to correctness or incorrectness of response. In addition Ss were given either explicit instructions advising them about the no-feedback condition or were given standard instructions without such a warning. No feedback constituted being told neither "right" nor "wrong" to a response. The intent was to prevent S from assuming that no feedback meant either right or wrong, to provide for direct comparison of the effectiveness of Right vs Wrong as feedback sources, and to select the most appropriate of several explanatory models. Results generally favored an extended version of Buchwald's meaning induction hypothesis, and with control over the meaning-induction process positive and negative feedback were interpreted to be equivalent in effectiveness. An experimental literature has developed over the last 60 yr. demonstrating the relative effectiveness of positive vs negative feedback or reinforcers in discrimination-learning situations. Early animal studies showed that discrimination learning in rats was facilitated more by shock for errors than by food for correct responding (Hoge & Stocking, 1912; Warden & Aylesworth, 1927) and that a combination of food and shock yielded superior learning to shock- and food-only conditions.
The Adsorption of Water and Benzene on Amosite and Chrysotile Asbestos

In previous work the authors showed that chrysotile is more porous than amosite and consequently has a higher surface area. In the present work, water with a low molecular cross-section and benzene with a high molecular cross-section are used as adsorbates. Benzene adsorption is extremely slow on both adsorbents with each point taking from 4 to 24 hours for equilibration. Evidently, the larger benzene molecule has a more difficult time working its way through the small pores. The water isotherm on both asbestos minerals is typical Type II which shows that physical adsorption is predominant. In both cases hysteresis was found. Benzene adsorption on amosite resembled Type IV which reflects capillary condensation phenomena. With chrysotile some chemisorption may have occurred. BET surface areas and heats of adsorption are calculated.
Guest Editors' Introduction: Cluster Computing

What is cluster computing? In a nutshell, it involves the use of a network of computing resources to provide a comparatively economical package with capabilities once reserved for supercomputers. In this issue, we look at certain applications of cluster computing to problem solving. As the Beowulf project and clustering revolution celebrate more than 10 years in existence, it's interesting to see what remains the same and what has changed. Let's look at a few aspects of the clustering revolution in more detail.
The Strengthening Mechanism in Consolidated Rapidly Solidified Alloys

Attempts have been made to study mechanisms of strengthening in the Ni68W22C8B2 and the Ni45CO20Cr10MO4Fe5B16 alloy systems during their amorphous crystalline transitions. In the Ni68W22C8B2 system where amorphous particulates of varying sizes have been consolidated at high pressure and low temperature (3.6 MPa, and 673°K respectively), the initial stage of crystallization is marked by transformation of the localized regions of the specimen. These crystallized regions contain microcracks and voids. Micro-hardness measurements from the consolidated specimens indicate an increasing trend in the microhardness with decreasing particulate sizes. Premature failures of the consolidated specimen during tensile stress measurements have been attributed to the presence of microcracks and voids in these specimens. In the Ni45Co20Cr10Mo4Fe5B16 alloy system isothermal annealing of an initially amorphous alloy has been allowed to produce grains of varying sizes. The tensile stress measurements from these thermally annealed ribbons indicate two distinctly different functional relationships between the strength, σ, and the grain size parameter, λ. In the early stage of transformation where grain reach a maximum growth of up to 400 A, the functional form of the strength, σ, with the grain parameter, λ, is σ = σ0 + K Log λ, where σ and K are constants. During latter stages of transformation, where grains larger than 400 A have been formed, the strength, σ, varies with the inverse square root of the grain sizes. This latter relationship is analogous with the well known Hall-Petch relationships, which describes the strength, σ, as a function of the grain sizes in conventionally processed alloys.
The size of the gravitational zone of influence of a planet acting on the orbital elements of small celestial bodies

Abstract Tisserand's definition of the “sphere of action” of a planet is based on the equality of tidal vs. gravitational acceleration ratios of the sun and planet. Opik and others based their relation on equating the differential solar and planetary forces on the particle. Neither expression was formulated to describe the zone of influence surrounding a planet when considering the small but significant (i.e. long-term) perturbative effects of the planets on a particle's orbital elements. For the purpose of determining these effects on interplanetary dust we dervive a zone of influence based on equating the gravitational forces of the sun and planet, and demonstrate its applicability by utilizing the particle's closest approach to the planet as a measure of the zone of influence.
The neuronal empiricism hypothesis: Cerebral cortex is an unsupervised knowledge-seeking neural network

Abstract Recent studies demonstrate clearly that large-, medium-, and small-scale characteristics of the primary visual cortex re-emerge in auditory cortex when visual afferent information is redirected to auditory cortex. The neuronal empiricism hypothesis offers a natural explanation of this remarkable phenomenon, proposing that all cortex utilizes a knowledge-seeking unsupervised learning algorithm and that the specific characteristics exhibited by cortical cells are determined by the interaction of that algorithm with the statistical structure of real-world sensory input.
Malfunction of the Da Vinci robotic system during robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: an international survey.

Abstract Purpose: To determine how urologists manage technical malfunction of the Da Vinci robotic system during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Materials and Methods: A web-based survey was sent to urologists performing RARP. The survey questions were related to the stage of operation during which robotic malfunction occurred, management of malfunctions, and most common types of robotic malfunction. In addition, data were collected concerning surgical volume and training. Results: One hundred (56.8%) of the 176 responding surgeons had experienced an irrecoverable intraoperative malfunction. Eighty respondents experienced mechanical failure before starting RARP, of which 46 (57.5%) rescheduled, 15 (18.8%) performed an open radical approach, 12 (15%) performed standard laparoscopic prostatectomy, and 4 (4.9%) docked another robot. Sixty-three respondents experienced mechanical failure before starting urethrovesical anastomosis, of which 26 (41.2%) converted to an open procedure, 20 (31.7%) con...
The Growth Of Retail Clinics And The Medical Home: Two Trends In Concert Or In Conflict?

There has been growing interest in the patient-centered medical home as a way to provide coordinated, high-quality primary care. At the same time, the number of retail clinics has increased dramatically. Many are concerned that retail clinics undermine the medical home by fragmenting care. In this article we explore the juxtaposition of these trends, highlighting shared characteristics and sources of tension. We describe three types of relationships between retail clinics and primary care providers. We argue that for some relationships there is no conflict, and we describe areas of potential concern for others.
Existence of solutions of games with some non-convexity

Some inf-sup and saddle point theorems are proved for functionsf: X×Y → IR (=reals). The general theorems weaken some of the convexity conditions that are usually imposed onX, Y, andf. Some special cases are considered — these results impose some convexity in the hypotheses but still treat situations not covered by classical theorems.
Homogeneous equal-spin pairing superfluid state of 3He in aerogel.

Pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of the transverse frequency and magnetization of superfluid ${}^{3}\mathrm{He}$ in a 98.2% porous aerogel are observed at temperatures reduced significantly below the bulk ${}^{3}\mathrm{He}$ superfluid transition and are discussed in terms of an isotropic impurity scattering model. Magnetization measurements suggest an equal-spin pairing superfluid. For NMR tipping angles, $\ensuremath{\varphi}40\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, the shifts drop abruptly to zero, unlike the known dependence of either the ${}^{3}\mathrm{He}\ensuremath{-}A$ or ${}^{3}\mathrm{He}\ensuremath{-}B$ superfluid phases.
Theory of oriented flocculation

Abstract It is shown that the Verwey-Overbeek theory for the interaction of two spherical double layers leads to either isotropic or anisotropic flocs. The type of flocculation favored depends only on the particle radius, zeta-potential, and electrolyte concentrations. For flocs of two spherical particles, a minimum in the repulsion energy barrier is found at the ends which is about half as high as the maximum lying between the two particles. The relation of the kinetic energies to the repulsion energies of the colloidal particles indicates that floc growth by attachment of new particles at the ends of the floc is favored in “stable” sols, leading to anisotropic flocculation. For unstable sols, the kinetic energy of most particles is sufficient to overcome the repulsion barrier from any direction, leading to near-isotropic flocculation.
The Growth of Gerontology & Geriatrics in the United States.

Since the confirmation of the Older American's Act (OAA) in 1965, the growth of gerontology and geriatrics, has literally come of age in the United States. Although individual aging courses were offered in higher education prior to passage of the OAA, few gerontology programs had been established. On campuses where gerontology courses were available, they represented electives connected with a pre-existing discipline, such as social work or family studies. However, 1965 was a watershed year for gerontology instruction since it heralded the provision of federal funding support, beginning with that of the Administration on Aging (AoA), to help develop, pilot, and oversee gerontological programs in American institutions of higher learning. Initially, instruction was at an undergraduate level, but later gerontology degree programs were established at the master's level, with the first gerontology degree program originating at North Texas State University, in 1967. This program was followed a year later (1968) by a program at the University of South Florida. While funding from AoA began in 1966, funding from other federal agencies (e.g., the Bureau of Health Professions (BHP); the National Institute on Aging (NIA); the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Mental Disorders of Aging Branch; and the Veteran's Administration (VA))--the five agencies that became the basis for a 1984 and 1987 Report on Education and Training in Geriatrics and Gerontology,--did not begin until the mid 1970s. The mid 1970s reflected the growing awareness of the demographic shift in America and around the world, particularly in developed nations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Inflammatory markers and stroke

Basic and animal research implicate inflammatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, thrombosis, and stroke. Inflammatory biomarkers, particularly high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and lipoproteinassociated phospholipase A2, have been identified as potential predictors of stroke risk and prognosis. Infections may also precipitate stroke. Medications, especially hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins), reduce inflammatory marker levels independently of lipid effects, and the ability of statins to reduce coronary events and stroke correlates with their effect on inflammatory biomarkers. Vaccination against influenza may also reduce stroke risk. Determining whether reduction of biomarkers reduces risk of recurrent stroke, however, requires further study before inflammatory markers become a routine part of the evaluation of stroke patients.
Changes in the frequency of marital intercourse from panel data

Three waves of panel data from a sample of urban U.S. couples in which the wife was under 30 years of age at the first interview show that frequency of intercourse declined about 25% in a 4-year period. Declines were greatest among those with the shortest length of marriage.
Building texture evolution networks for deformation processing of polycrystalline fcc metals using spectral approaches: Applications to process design for targeted performance

Abstract Microstructure sensitive design (MSD) has thus far focused mainly on the identification of the set of microstructures that are theoretically predicted to exhibit a designer-specified combination of elastic–plastic properties. In this paper, we present the extension of the MSD methodology to process design solutions. The goal of process design is to identify a processing route to transform a given initial microstructure into a different microstructure that exhibits superior property combinations by using an arbitrary sequence of available deformation processing options (hereafter referred to as hybrid processing routes). In this paper, we have focused on orientation distribution function (i.e. the 1-point statistics of crystallographic texture in the sample) as the descriptor of microstructure, and considered only the low temperature deformation processes. We have also restricted our attention to Taylor-type crystal plasticity models. With these idealizations, it is shown that it is possible to develop efficient algorithms in the MSD framework to build texture evolution networks that cover most of the texture hull. The advantages of this approach are expounded upon in this paper with selected case studies.
A PREPARATION OF (Z,E)-8,10-TRIDECADIEN-1-OL ACETATE

(1978). A PREPARATION OF (Z,E)-8,10-TRIDECADIEN-1-OL ACETATE. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 5-8.
What can the chronobiologist do to help the shift worker

This article is composed of a review of how the increasing numbers of people working abnormal hours (referred to as "shift workers") can best be helped by the science of chronobiology. While recognizing that chronobiologists can give much general advice regarding such things as diet, sleep hygiene, cardiovascular health, and the need to address social and domestic tensions, this article will focus specifically on the advice that can be given to employers and employees, which is directly rooted in our knowledge of chronobiology.
Formal power series solutions in a parameter

Abstract This paper is a continuation of the previous paper (J. Differential Equations 165 (2000) 255). The main subject is the Gevrey property of formal solutions of an analytic ordinary differential equation in powers of a parameter. In one case, a given formal solution itself is of the Gevrey type, while, in another case, the existence of a formal solution implies the existence of formal solutions of the Gevrey types. These situations are explained systematically in this paper.
Magnetic Order in Rare-Earth Intermetallic Compounds

Neutron diffraction measurements were made on a series of rare-earth intermetallic compounds to determine the type of magnetic order and its relationship to the number of valence electrons in the system. The compounds studied included TbCu, TbZn, TbGa, TbAg, TbHg, and TbIn. The compounds with Cu, Zn, Ag, and Hg were found to have the CsCl-type structure, TbGa the CrB-type structure, and TbIn a complex tetragonal unit cell. TbGa is ferromagnetic with a Curie temperature of 155\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, while TbIn is antiferromagnetic below 190\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. For the compounds with the CsCl structures, TbCu and TbAg are antiferromagnetic with N\'eel temperatures of 115 and 100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, while TbZn and the TbHg are ferromagnetic below 160 and 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, respectively. This difference is magnetic behavior of the compounds with group Ib and IIb metals must be associated with the number of valence electrons rather than with interatomic separations because the lattice constants of the two groups overlap.
The high resolution ultrastructure of the periodicity and architecture of lipid-retained and extracted lung multilamellar body laminations

Abstract High resolution electron microscopy was utilized to study the periodicity and architecture of rat and monkey, lung multilamellar bodies. In lipid retention embedments and polar dehydrants, the lamellar width (LW) was defined as a lipid bilayer. The osmiophilic band that contained two layers of phospholipid heads (PH) of adjacent lipid bilayers in immediate opposition and the translucent band or fatty acid tail layer (FA) were also measured: glutaraldehyde and urea embedment, LW = 66 A, PH = 35–38 A, FA = 31 A; hydroxyethyl methacrylate glutaraldehyde and urea embedment, LW = 55 A, PH = 18 A, FA = 37 A; Epon 812 resin polar dehydrant, LW = 66 A, PH = 35–38 A, FA = 31 A; hydroxypropyl methacrylate polar dehydrant, semihomogeneous matrix without laminations. There was no interlamellar space, so the lamellar width was also the periodicity. In slightly extracted material the PH layer was usually the site of extraction. These results were considered in light of the previously reported measurements of extracted, lipid retained and frozen etched material. In vivo lamellae are probaly 66 A wide, composed of 35–38 A PH and 31 A FA layers and do not exhibit an interlamellar space. Lamellae were observed to fracture at the FA layer at bends, to bifurcate and to anastamose.
The role of nutraceutical proteins and peptides in apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis of cancer cells

The process of carcinogenesis is complex and not easy to eliminate. It includes the initial occurrence of genetic alterations which can lead to the inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes and further accumulation of genetic alterations during tumor progression. Looking for food and food components with biological properties, collectively called nutraceuticals, that can hinder such alterations and prevent the inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes is a very promising area for cancer prevention. Proteins and peptides are one group of nutraceuticals that show potential results in preventing the different stages of cancer including initiation, promotion, and progression. In this review, we summarized current knowledge on the use of nutraceutical proteins and peptides in cancer prevention and treatment. We focused on the role of plant protease inhibitors, lactoferrin and lactoferricin, shark cartilage, plant lectins, and lunasin in the apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis of cancer cells. Also included are studies on bioavailability and clinical trials conducted on these promising proteins and peptides.