cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of interzonal heat and mass transfer by natural convection

Abstract Experiments to measure the interzonal heat and mass transfer were carried out in two full size adjoining rooms under two different conditions. Before starting the tests, one of the rooms was heated to an average temperature of 32°C, while the other room was cooled to an average temperature of 19°C. To start the first type of tests, the auxiliary heating and cooling were turned off and the door blocking the opening opened. For the second test, auxiliary cooling was turned off, while the auxiliary heat was left on in the heated room. Visual observations of the flow phenomenon were made. Velocity and temperature profiles of the air-flow through the opening, and air temperatures in the test rooms were measured. The experimental mass and heat flow rates were computed from the velocity and temperature data and compared with the values predicted by the existing algorithms based on the application of the Bernoulli's equation. The agreement between the measured and predicted values is better for a value of discharge coefficient C = 0.45 than it is for C = 0.611 (the theoretical value of C for a sharp edged orifice quoted in the literature).
Effect of different levels of corn oil in the diet upon the rate of hexobarbital, heptachlor and aniline metabolism in the liver of the male white rat

Abstract At low dietary intakes of corn oil there is a decreased ability of the liver, in an in vitro system, to metabolize drugs. Half of this decrease in rate of aniline, hexobarbital and heptachlor occurs at corn oil intakes equivalent to linoleate intakes of 0.1, 1 and 1% of calories, respectively. High corn oil intakes are equally deleterious (half decrease at intakes equivalent to 9% linoleate) in the case of hexobarbital. Biochemical results were confirmed by sleeping time measurements. Results are interpreted as confirming the linoleate requirement of the male rat as being about 2% of calories, and it is suggested that the optimal linoleate intake is about 3% of calories.
Theoretical studies of energy transfer and reaction in H+H2O and H+D2O collisions

We present the results of a quasiclassical trajectory study of vibration–rotation excitation and reaction in H+H2O(000) and H+D2O(000) collisions, including detailed comparisons with experiment. All calculations have used a semiempirical potential surface due to Schatz and Elgersma, and the H2O initial and final states were numerically determined by solving for the good action variables associated with vibrational motions. Our studies of collisional excitation emphasize comparisons with recent experiments by Lovejoy, Goldfarb, and Leone [J. Chem. Phys. 96, 7180 (1992)] in which fast hydrogen atoms produce vibrationally and rotationally excited water. As in the experiments, we find a propensity for the production of rotational states in which the rotational angular momentum vector is predominantly aligned perpendicular to the water molecule plane (c‐axis excitation). This propensity is found for all excited vibrational states of H2O, but it is significantly stronger in the experiments [where only the (001) state was studied] than in the calculations. An analysis of trajectory motions indicates that the primary excitation mechanism for states which show the c‐axis propensity involves a nearly planar collision in which the incoming H impulsively strikes one of the water hydrogens. Failed reactive collisions associated with either abstraction or exchange as well as reactive exchange collisions give the same propensity but they are not the dominant mechanism for producing aligned water. In studies of the reaction H+D2O→OD+HD, we analyze product vibrational and rotational state distributions in detail, making comparison with recent studies of Adelman, Filseth, and Zare [preceding paper, J. Chem. Phys. 98, 4636 (1993)] as well as earlier work. The product HD energy partitioning is found to be in excellent average agreement with experiment, with the HD receiving much more of the available energy than does OD. There are, however, differences in some of the HD rotational distributions, with the experiment showing a much stronger inverse correlation between HD rotational and vibrational excitation than is found in the calculations.
Elastic-Dynamic Rotor Blade Design with Multiobjective Optimization

An efficient multidisciplinary design optimization methodology is applied in the design of a rotor blade to meet minimum weight, minimum vibration, and maximum material strength requirements. The design study is a high-aspect-ratio articulated flexible blade with a thin-walled multicell cross section at high tip Mach numbers. The rotor blade analysis consists of two subsets to increase efficiency in numerical methods used in each discipline. The first subset is an elastic analysis using an idealized model by chordwise segments and spanwise elements, which can provide efficient material reassignment for minimum weight design. The second subset is a dynamic analysis for optimal natural frequency placement and vibratory vertical hub shear reduction. A high-order finite element from the gradient adaptive transfinite element family formulated by the second author is used to reduce computational requirements and to improve results without increasing the number of elements. The optimization procedure is decomposed into two levels for efficient handling of the design variables and objective functions and their correlation
Measuring Person-Environment Fit in Nursing Homes

The importance of understanding the congruence of people with their environments is well established in social work. This article presents an approach for measuring this conceptualization in long-term care settings. Three scales were developed and tested in nursing home settings with the results showing excellent reliability and strong validity.
Assessment and management of chronic hepatitis B

An understanding of the natural history of CHB is critical for the management of the liver disease. Three clinical patterns with different clinical outcomes are recognized: HBeAg-positive CHB, HBeAg-negative CHB,and inactive CHB. Patients with elevated aminotransferase levels and HBV DNA greater than 105 viral copies per mL in serum and with features of chronic hepatitis on liver biopsy are candidates for therapy regardless of HBeAg status. Multiple host and viral factors and safety profiles of current therapies need to be considered carefully before recommending therapy. There appears to be no role for HBV genotyping in the management of patients. Three antiviral agents are approved for use against CHB infection:IFN-a, lamivudine, and adefovir. Efficacy is moderate at best and is limited by the poor tolerability of IFN and the development of resistance, coupled with concerns regarding the long-term safety with nucleoside analogs. Several new nucleoside and nucleotide analogs and novel agents are at various stages of development as potential therapies for CHB. The ideal compound would be one that is active against all replicative intermediates of the virus and has a low toxicity profile. Despite current shortcomings, the future of therapy for HBV is promising, as newer therapeutic options are being developed based on an understanding of the HBV life cycle.
The Role of the Initial Discount in the Pricing of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

Abstract Little attention has been given to the role of the initial discount in the pricing of adjustable-rate mortgages. Only recently has the importance of the initial discount in the selection of adjustable-rate mortgages been recognized. This study finds that the initial discount plays a central role in the pricing process. It is shown that the initial discount is related to the features of adjustable-rate mortgages, such as the points, the caps, and most importantly the margin, the interest rate environment, and the demand for adjustable-rate mortgages.
On the regulation of minimum mid‐tropospheric temperatures in the Arctic

[1] Observations indicate a minimum mid-tropospheric Arctic winter temperature of about −45°C at 500 hPa. This minimum temperature coincides with that predicted for moist adiabatic ascent over a sea surface near its salinity-adjusted freezing point. NCAR/NCEP Reanalysis data show that convective heating maxima averaged over the 50–70°N latitude band coincide both in longitude and altitude with total horizontal energy flux maxima entering the Arctic, indicating the significance of convection over open water on the winter Arctic energy budget. NCAR CCM single column model experiments simulating convective warming of a cold airmass moving over open water and radiative cooling as it moves again over cold land/sea ice support the hypothesis that the −45°C threshold can be maintained for 10–14 days after convective warming occurs. We speculate on the implications of this regulatory mechanism on surface temperatures.
In situ formation of aluminide intermetallic particles in a magnesium alloy

Abstract Adding nickel to a magnesium alloy (AM60B) during melting produced two types of intermetallic particles in the alloy: manganese nickel aluminide (Al 60 Mn 11 Ni 4 ) and nickel aluminide (Al 0.42 Ni 0.58 ). The addition of 0.5 wt.% of Ni by wire dissolution resulted in the formation of Al 60 Mn 11 Ni 4 particles that were normally fine and uniformly distributed in the cast ingot, promoting grain refinement and significant improvement of tensile properties. Al 0.42 Ni 0.58 particles were formed when nickel was added in powder form, and the particles were prone to coarsening and segregation during the melting process.
Three-dimensional analysis of interface cracks in rubber materials

Three-dimensional and plane stress finite element analyses were carried out to investigate the stress fields and fracture parameters of interface cracks in rubber materials. The tearing energy computations for any arbitrarily shaped 3D crack front in dissimilar materials were obtained using the virtual crack extension method. The finite element results obtained are validated against existing alternate solutions and experimental data for cracks in homogeneous as well as bimaterial cases. The effects of different rubber material models, tearing energy distributions, crack extension angles, and three-dimensional regions at the crack tip for interface cracks are presented and discussed. It is shown that nonlinear materials have larger three-dimensional effects near the interface crack front, and that this effect increases as the material mismatch increases.
Widespread continental rifting: Some considerations of timing and mechanism

Two marked periods of continental rifting can be identified in the geologic record. The younger of these led to the breakup of Pangea and has been attributed to subcontinental hot-spot activity. There is widespread evidence of an older late Proterozoic period of continental rifting that may have led to the breakup of a postulated proto-Pangea. These events appear to overlap in time with the assembly of continents into superconti-nents and can be explained in terms of heat dissipation from the mantle in situations where spreading centers are geographically remote from the central portions of supercontinents. The model provides an explanation for the shortlived nature of supercontinental assemblies and a conceptual framework within which the remarkable similarities of the late Proterozoic rock record—including major stratiform copper deposits—on various continents can be understood.
Pressure drop through a packed bed of binary mixture.

Two models are presented to estimate the average specific permeation resistance through a packed bed of binary mixture of particles. To confirm the validity of these models, packing and permeation experiments are carried out for systems of both spherical and non-spherical particles with particle size ratio ranging from about 2 to 10, and it is shown that estimated results agree well with experimental values. The variation of average specific permeation resistance with mixing ratio and particle size ratio is also shown.
Staged reconstruction of long segment urethral strictures in men with previous pediatric hypospadias repair.

Purpose: Reconstruction of long segment urethral stricture disease in adults with a history of pediatric hypospadias repair remains complex secondary to poor urethral blood supply, extensive penile scarring and the need for significant amounts of graft or flap tissue. We describe our experience with staged urethroplasty in this cohort of men.Materials and Methods: A total of 15 males underwent staged urethroplasty for urethral stricture disease following previous hypospadias repair in childhood. All men underwent 2-stage repair with a minimum of 6 months separating each operation. Bulbar urethral stricture disease due to previous dilation was seen in 2 of the 15 men (14%). Graft sources included buccal mucosa in 12 cases, full-thickness hairless abdominal wall skin in 2, penile skin in 1 and posterior auricular tissue in 1.Results: Median patient followup was 22 months (range 5 to 62) after stage 2 closure. Median patient age at presentation was 31 years (range 19 to 57). Mean stricture length was 8 cm (r...
Clivus chordoma associated with a pontine arachnoid cyst.

Correspondence to: Dr Giovanni Sabatino, Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University, L go A Gemelli, 8, 00168 Rome, Italy giosaba@inwind.it A 30-year-old man presented with gradually worsening gait disturbances. Neurological examination showed an ataxic gait associated with mild paraparesis; the legs were hyper-reflexive, with a Babinski sign on the left leg. The patient underwent a spine MRI, which did not show any pathological abnormalities. After a few days he developed dysmetria in his left side and vertigo. Cranial MRI showed a tumour in the middle clivus (arrow, figure) and a contiguous cyst (asterisk, figure) that was compressing and dislocating the pons, both of which were hypointense in T1-weighted images. A transsphenoidal approach was used to excise the lesion that eroded the dural membrane ventral to the pons. An arachnoid cyst was found dorsally to the tumour and excised. Histological examination showed a typical chordoma. Postoperative MRI showed that the tumour had been removed completely and the cystic lesion had disappeared. After surgery, the patient had a transient worsening of paraparesis, which had improved substantially by the 9-month follow up. We postulate that the tumour, after eroding the dura, created a local flow alteration to the cerebrospinal fluid and formation of the cystic lesion. The unusual clinical presentation was probably a result of the arachnoid cyst compressing and dislocating the pons, rather than the chordoma, which commonly presents with a palsy of the sixth nerve.
Time-Resolved Synchrotron X-ray Scattering Study on Propylene–1-Butylene Random Copolymer Subjected to Uniaxial Stretching at High Temperatures

Synchrotron wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to characterize the structure evolution of propylene–1-butylene (P–B) random copolymer subjected to uniaxial tensile deformation at 100 °C. Polymorphism and preferred orientation of the crystal phases were examined quantitatively by 2D WAXD. The results indicated that three ensembles of crystalline modifications with distinctive orientation modes coexisted during stretching. The orthorhombic γ-form adopted a tilted cross-β configuration, in which the c-axis had a tilt angle with respect to the fiber axis. The monoclinic α-form in the mother lamellae had a c-axis orientation with polymer chains parallel to the fiber axis. In the α-phase daughter lamellae, the unit cell assumed an a-axis orientation, where the c-axis had an 80° angle with respect to the fiber axis. Stretching transformed the γ-phase into the energetically more stable α-phase. In the late stage, the system was dominated by the α-phase with paral...
CHIRAL SEPARATIONS USING HEPARIN AND POLYELECTROLYTE MULTILAYERS IN CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS

Reports on the use of heparin as a chiral additive show widely different separation conditions and inconsistent results. A systematic evaluation of the separation of pheniramine enantiomers using heparin as a chiral selector suggested that heparin was interacting with the capillary surface at acidic pH. Further testing confirmed the interaction between heparin and the capillary surface at acidic pH causing an increase in the electroosmotic flow (EOF). Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) was chosen as a potential means to eliminate the interaction between heparin and the capillary surface. Generation of the PEMs on a bare capillary was monitored by measuring the changes in EOF following the deposition of each polyelectrolyte layer; deposition provided consistent EOF intensities and facilitated control over EOF direction. Results from this study indicated that a stable PEM system could be generated, which prevents the interaction of heparin with the capillary surface. This PEM system showed excellent reproduci...
Does Dividend Policy Drive Earnings Smoothing

SYNOPSIS: This paper examines the earnings-smoothing behavior of dividend-paying firms. We show that dividend-paying firms engage in more earnings smoothing than non-payers through both real activities and accrual choices. More specifically, dividend-paying firms with positive (negative) pre-managed earnings changes engage in more downward (upward) earnings management than non-payers. Additional tests suggest that the results are driven by dividend-related incentives and not the differences in the economic characteristics of dividend-paying firms, are robust to alternative measures of earnings management, and are not due to spurious correlation. We also show that earnings smoothing, in part, explains the higher earnings persistence of dividend-paying firms. These findings are consistent with a firm's dividend policy having an incremental impact on earnings-smoothing behavior. JEL Classifications: M41; G35
NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN LOW CALORIE FATS AND OILS SUBSTITUTES

Low calorie fats and oils substitutes are intended to replace conventional fats and oils in the diet while retaining the required physical and organoleptic properties, but with less than 9 kcal/g. Indeed, some of the fat substitutes will contribute zero calorie to the diet. The most notable is olestra® (now olean®) developed by Procter and Gamble Company. This fat substitute, chemically referred to as sucrose polyester or sucrose fatty acid polyester, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration on January 24, 1996, for use in savory snacks. Other fat substitutes with potential to partially replace some, but not all the calories from fat are either under development or are already in the market. Obviously, none of the fat substitutes, including olestra®, is free from possible side effects when consumed. However, the potential benefits may outweigh the problems when consumed in moderation. A new group of reduced calorie fat substitutes gaining recognition is a family of structured or specialty lipids with the same triacylglycerol backbone as conventional fats and oils, but contain short or medium-chain fatty acids in addition to the long-chain fatty acids or contain poorly digestible fatty acids in amounts or at positions that they do not occur naturally. Examples are: caprenin®, salatrim (BenefatTM, developed by Nabisco Foods Group and marketed by Cultor Food Science), and variants of these for specific nutritional, pharmaceutical and physical properties and applications.
Effects of σ agonist compounds on local cerebral glucose utilization: relationship to psychotomimetic properties

The effects of 3, structurally unrelated sigma agonist compounds on local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) were compared. The common effects of sigma agonist compounds on LCGU included a moderate, global elevation of LCGU. Superimposed upon this elevation were larger increases in LCGU occurring mainly in components of the limbic system, and the pyramidal and extrapyramidal motor systems. The only structures whose metabolic rates were significantly elevated by all 3 compounds were the frontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex. The altered metabolic activity in these limbic brain regions may underly the psychotomimetic effects produced by sigma agonist compounds.
Insect cellular and chemical limitations to pathogen development: the Colorado potato beetle, the nematode Heterorhabditis marelatus, and its symbiotic bacteria

Abstract This research examines possible factors limiting pathogen development and reproduction in a novel host insect. The nematode Heterorhabditis marelatus and its symbiotic bacterium, Photorhabdus luminescens, kill 98% of nematode-treated Colorado potato beetle (CPB) prepupae, but the nematode reproduces in only 1–6% of beetles. We examined nematode/bacterial inhibition at each step of the normal developmental pathway to determine host feature(s) limiting nematode reproduction. We found that in vivo encapsulation of nematodes occurred in only 1.6% of CPB, and in 5% of in vitro hanging drops of hemolymph. Thus, the cellular defense system did not strongly limit nematode reproduction in the CPB. The symbiotic bacterium was negatively affected by a heat-labile factor found in the CPB’s hemolymph which often caused the bacterium to switch from the primary form that produces antibiotics and nutrients necessary for the nematodes’ development, to a secondary form that provides only limited nutrients. A 58 kDa protein was isolated and bioassayed for activity against P. luminescens, but caused a delay in bacterial growth rather than the primary–secondary form switch. Thus, the identity of the heat-labile factor could not be confirmed as being the 58 kDa protein. The heat-labile factor did not directly affect the nematode. The addition of lipids in the form of olive oil to heated CPB hemolymph allowed nematodes to reproduce in 17% of hanging drops, in contrast to zero reproduction in hemolymph without oil. Reproductive nematodes were smaller when grown in CPB hemolymph than in hemolymph of the highly susceptible Galleria mellonella. These data suggest that both the toxic heat-labile factor and a lack of appropriate nutrients alter the CPB–bacterium–nematode interaction. These factors preclude the use of this otherwise highly effective nematode–bacterial complex in the longterm control of the CPB.
A bioautographic method for the identification of inositol and inositol phosphate

Abstract A bioautographic method, utilizing Saccharomyces carlsbergensis strain 4228, was shown to be capable of detecting and distinguishing between myoinositol, myoinositol 2-phosphate, and other derivatives of myoinositol. The method was shown to respond to as little as 1 μg inositol and is effective even in the presence of lipid hydrolyzates. A discussion of the applicability of the method to the detection of inositol and its derivatives in lipid hydrolyzates and other natural materials is included.
Looking across contexts in foreign language student teacher supervision: A self-study

In the following self-study, I consider how my involvement in a teacher preparation program that features looking across multiple contexts of second language teaching influenced my supervisory prac...
Mid-infrared diffuse reflection of a strongly absorbing analyte on non-absorbing and absorbing matrices. Part II: thin liquid layers on powdered substrates.

The average total path length traveled by photons in mid-infrared diffuse reflection spectrometry of powdered potassium chloride matrices coated with a thin layer of silicone oil has been estimated. The average path length of the photons that had passed through the silicone oil layer was first calculated by the application of the Beer–Lambert law. The total path length through the coated particles was then estimated by dividing the path length of the silicone oil by its concentration. The average path length of the photons that had been diffusely reflected from KCl particles with an average diameter of ∼5 μm that had been coated with a very thin layer of the silicone oil (corresponding to a concentration of 0.01% w:w) was estimated to be about 8 mm. This path length was significantly reduced either as the silicone oil concentration or the absorption of the matrix was increased. The result helps to explain why diffuse reflection spectrometry is a far poorer sampling technique for trace analysis when the matrix has strong absorption and why diffuse reflection is not a very promising technique for the standoff detection of nonvolatile chemical warfare agents.
The Role of Sleep in Memory Consolidation and Brain Plasticity: Dream or Reality?:

The notion that a good night of sleep improves memory is widely accepted by the general public. Among sleep scientists, however, the idea has been hotly debated for decades. In this review, the authors consider current evidence for and against the hypothesis that sleep facilitates memory consolidation and promotes plastic changes in the brain. They find that despite a steady accumulation of positive findings over the past decade, the precise role of sleep in memory and brain plasticity remains elusive. This impasse may be resolved by more integrated approaches that combine behavioral and neurophysiological measurements in well-described in vivo models of synaptic plasticity.
Underflow process for direct-chip-attachment packaging

In flip-chip packaging, an underfill mixture is placed into the chip-to-substrate stand-off created by the array of solder bumps, using a capillary flow process. The underfill mixture is densely filled with solid silica particles to achieve the desired effective coefficient of thermal expansion. Thus, during the flow process, the underfill mixture is a dense suspension of solid particles in a liquid carrier. The flow behaviour is a complex function of the mixture properties, the wetting properties, and the flow geometry. The determination of the correct metrics to characterize the flow behaviour is a major goal of our ongoing DARPA funded investigation of the underfill flow process. This paper reports on the use of a plane channel capillary flow to characterize underfill materials. We define and explore a metric termed the flow parameter which scales as /spl sigma/cos(/spl theta/)//spl mu//sub app/. The measured flow behaviour provides evidence that both the contact angle (/spl theta/) and the suspension viscosity (/spl mu//sub app/) vary with time under the influence of changing flow conditions. The flow parameter is useful in detecting both of these phenomena. The contact angle variation is consistent with the literature on wetting dynamics, where /spl theta/ is observed to be a function of the contact line speed. Nonlinear fluid behaviour is evident for both model suspensions and commercial underfill materials.
Correlation of Paraspinal Atrophy and Denervation in Back Pain and Spinal Stenosis Relative to Asymptomatic Controls

J Objective: To determine the relationship among spinal stenosis, back pain, paraspinal muscle denervation, and paraspinal muscle atrophy. Design: A prospective masked, double-controlled study. Setting: A university hospital and outpatient spine clinic. articipants: Ten asymptomatic subjects, 10 subjects with mechanical low back pain, and 15 subjects with symptomatic spinal stenosis; age range, 55-80 years old. Interventions: Magnetic resonance imaging measurements of minimum spinal canal diameter, paraspinal muscle cross-sectional area at the level of the L5-S1 disk, and quantified paraspinal electrodiagnostic testing (MiniPM) were performed by examiners blinded to each other’s results and to the participants’ clinical information. Main Outcome Measurements: Paraspinal muscle cross-sectional area and MiniPM scores. Results: A paraspinal cross-sectional area decreased significantly from asymptomatic subjects (3872 mm) to subjects with low back pain (3627 mm) and to subjects with spinal tenosis (2985 mm). In the stenosis group, there was a trend toward increased paraspinal enervation in the subjects with severe spinal stenosis, but this was not statistically ignificant. onclusions: Symptomatic spinal stenosis results in greater paraspinal muscle atrophy han low back pain alone. The extent of paraspinal atrophy was not significantly explained y the extent of denervation, thus, it may be reversible, and the role of paraspinal muscle ehabilitation in patients with spinal stenosis deserves further study. PM R 2013;5:39-44
Bridging the gap between science and law: the example of tobacco regulatory science.

In the 20th century, public health was responsible for most of the 30-year increase in average life expectancy in the United States.1 Most of the significant advances in public health (e.g., vaccinations, water fluoridation) required the combined effort of scientists and attorneys. Scientists identified public health threats and the means of controlling them, but attorneys and policymakers helped convert those scientific discoveries into laws that could change the behavior of industries or individuals at a population level. In tobacco control, public health scientists made the groundbreaking discovery that smoking caused lung cancer, but attorneys and policymakers developed and implemented the policies and litigation strategies that helped reduce smoking rates by more than half over the past 50 years.
Deposition and Characteristics of Polysilicon Films for Integrated-Circuit Applications

The deposition conditions used to form polysilicon layers are determined to a large extent by the geometry of the reactor used to deposit the films. The structure of the films and the electrical behavior of devices incorporating the polysilicon layers are, in turn, influenced by the deposition conditions. Operation in the reaction-rate limited regime is necessary for film uniformity in a high-volume reactor; this is achieved by operating at low temperatures and low pressures. The temperature gradient often used in this reactor changes the structure of the deposited films, and cannot be used for devices which depend sensitively on the structure. Diffusion in polysilicon is influenced by the grain boundaries and, consequently, depends sensitively on the deposition conditions. The electrical properties of devices with their active layers within the polysilicon layer itself depend strongly on the structure of the polysilicon. Even conventional MOS transistors in which the polysilicon serves only as a conducting electrode can be affected by the structure of the polysilicon. Therefore, the deposition conditions of the polysilicon films and the resulting structure must be considered to obtain the desired electrical properties in the devices being fabricated.
The Occurrence of Unusual Amounts of Estrogens in the Urine of Boys with Progressive Muscular Dystrophy1

IN VIEW OF RECENT reports (1, 2, 3) that large doses of vitamin E cause improvement in certain cases of progressive muscular dystrophy we have been interested in the problem of what factors might increase the demands for vitamin E or might be antagonistic to the biological action of alpha toco’ pherol. The suggestion has been made (4, 5) and later criticised (6) that the presence of excessive amounts of estrogenic substances may have such an effect. Without entering this controversy it suffices at the present time to state that these reports led us to study the excretion of estrogens in the urine of several young boys with typical pseudohypertrophic progressive muscular dystrophy. Our procedure for the extraction and bioassay of estrogens was essentially that described by Cherry and Bernstein (7). A liter or less of urine from these patients, acidified by the addition of 5 cc. of concentrated HC1 to each 100 cc. of urine, was boiled with a reflux condenser for 1 hour. After cooling the urine was vigorousl...
Overview of issues and research related to special trackwork for shared high-speed-rail passenger and heavy-axle-load freight operations

Special trackwork, including turnouts and crossing diamonds and their components, plays a vital role in railway infrastructure by providing route flexibility to trains as they travel across a network. As the interest in shared rail corridors involving heavy-axle-load freight traffic and high-speed-rail passenger traffic grows, special trackwork represents a significant challenge due to diverging loading characteristics and design priorities. This paper presents an overview of the issues related with special trackwork for shared rail corridors, as well as an in-depth analysis of the relevant research to date. The relevance of different shared operation types and research needs are also presented. This study can be used to assist in the planning of new passenger services on freight rail lines, or vice versa, in the USA, and may also be relevant to shared rail corridor development in other countries.
The Joyce language report

Definition d'un langage de programmation pour le traitement reparti. Ce langage est base sur CSP et Pascal. Un programme en Joyce definit des procedures concurrentes qui communiquent par des canaux synchrones. Les procedures peuvent etre recursives
The effect of the chemical structure of low-profile additives on the curing behavior and chemorheology of unsaturated polyester resin

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of the chemical structure of low-profile additives on the curing behavior and chemorheology of unsaturated polyester resin during isothermal cure. For the study a general-purpose unsaturated polyester resin was cured in the presence of t-butyl perbenzoate as Initiator. The curing behavior of the resin was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Three different thermoplastic low-profile additives were used, namely poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), poly(styrene-co-butadiene), which is also known as KRATON DX-1300, and dehydrochlorinated Isobutylene/isoprene copolymer, often referred to as conjugated diene butyl (CDB) rubber. Each of the these additives, about 30 weight percent, was first dissolved in styrene. The solution was then mixed with unsaturated polyester resin and CaCO3. The CaCO3 particles helped stabilize the emulsions consisting of resin and KRATCN, and of resin and CDB. For each resin formulation, a series of isothermal DSC runs were made at various levels of cure pressure. It was found that for all three low-profile resins investigated, the final degree of cure went through a maximum as cure pressure was increased from atmospheric to 6.21 MPa (900 psi). We have observed evidence that in the presence of an initiator generating free radicals, the unsaturated double bonds in the KRATON and CDB undergo grafting reactions with the styrene monomers and unsaturated polyester resin, increasing the glass transition temperature of KRATON and CDB, to an extent which varies with the cure conditions employed. Both steady and oscillatory shearing flow properties were determined using a cone-and-plate rheometer. The rheological measurements indicate that the resin/CaCO3/KRATON and resin/CaCO3/CDB systems give rise to gel times shorter than the resin/CaCO3/PVAc system. It is concluded that both KRATON and CDB are more effective, both for enhancing the rate of cure of unsaturated polyester resin and imparting impact properties to the cured composites, than those thermoplastic low-profile additives that contain neither unsaturated double bonds nor a chemical structure that has rubber-like properties in the solid state.
Interannual variability of tropical cyclone activity and regional Hadley circulation over the Northeastern Pacific

The interannual variability of the regional Hadley circulation (HC) and tropical cyclone (TC) activity over the Northeastern Pacific (NEP) was investigated. The interannual variability of the HC in the NEP hurricane season is found dominated by a mode (M1EP) regulating the strength and meridional extent of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. M1EP has a more robust correlation with NEP TC activity than the El Nino–Southern Oscillation sea surface temperature indices. The strong correlation is attributed to the impacts of M1EP on environmental conditions. In addition, the leading mode of the Atlantic HC, which has an anticorrelation with M1EP, also strongly impacts NEP TC activity. The findings, together with Zhang and Wang (2013), highlight the role of the HC in controlling the variability of TC activity as well as the interbasin connection between the NEP and the Atlantic. The regional HC is thus recommended as a useful metric to benchmark models in simulating TC activity.
Serious adverse events experienced by survivors of stroke in the first year following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.

Purpose To identify the incidence of adverse events (AE) that occurred in stroke survivors during the first year following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and to determine the type and patterns of AE. Methods Data were collected for 12 months on events resulting in admissions to the emergency department, hospital, long-term care facility, or death. Descriptive statistics were used to depict the patterns of AE and univariate comparisons were made of the differences between survivors who did or did not experience one or more AE. Results Of the 159 participants, 50% reported a total of 163 AE. Most AE (82.2%) were unexpected and the majority occurred during the first 6 months; 12 recurrent strokes and 6 transient ischemic attacks occcurred. Conclusions Education on prevention and treatment of common AE is important prior to discharge. Anticipatory guidance may help survivors and caregivers modify their lifestyle and prevent common AE.
Differential Involvement of BB Loops of Toll-IL-1 Resistance (TIR) Domain-Containing Adapter Proteins in TLR4- versus TLR2-Mediated Signal Transduction

TLRs sense pathogens and transmit intracellular signals via the use of specific adapter proteins. We designed a set of "blocking peptides" (BPs) comprised of the 14 aa that correspond to the sequences of the BB loops of the four known Toll-IL-1 resistance (TIR) domain-containing adapter proteins (i.e., MyD88, TIR domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-beta (TRIF), TRIF-related adapter molecule (TRAM), and TIR-domain containing adapter protein (TIRAP)) linked to the cell-penetrating segment of the antennapedia homeodomain. LPS (TLR4)-mediated gene expression, as well as MAPK and transcription factor activation associated with both MyD88-dependent and -independent signaling pathways, were disrupted by all four BPs (TRAM approximately MyD88 > TRIF > TIRAP), but not by a control peptide. In contrast, none of the BPs inhibited TLR2-mediated activation of MAPKs. Only the MyD88 BP significantly blocked Pam3Cys-induced IL-1beta mRNA; however, the inhibitory effect was much less than observed for LPS. Our data suggest that the interactions required for a fully functional TLR4 signaling "platform" are disrupted by these BPs, and that the adapter BB loops may serve distinct roles in TLR4 and TLR2 signalosome assembly.
Implications of Marital/Partner Relationship Quality and Perceived Stress for Blood Pressure Among Older Adults

Objectives. Although higher quality marriages are associated with better health outcomes, less is kno wn about the mechanisms accounting for this association. This study examines links among marital/partner quality, stress, and blood pressure and considers both main and moderating effects. Method. P articipants from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 1,854; aged 57–85 years) completed in-person interviews regarding their marital/romantic partner relationships and perceived stress. Interviews included blood pressure assessments. Results. Linear re gression models revealed no main effects of spousal/partner quality or stress on blood pressure. However, spousal/partner quality moderated the link between stress and blood pressure. Specifically, there were negative associations between stress and blood pressure among people reporting more confiding, less reliance, and greater demands from spouses/partners. Discussion. Findings highlight the comple xity of relationship quality. Individuals appeared to benefit from aspects of both high- and low-quality spouse/partner relations but only under high levels of stress. Findings are inconsistent with traditional moderation hypotheses, which suggest that better quality ties buffer the stress–health link and lower quality ties exacerbate the stress–health link. Results offer preliminary evidence concerning how spousal ties “get under the skin” to influence physical health.
Developmental roles of the BMP1/TLD metalloproteinases.

The astacin family (M12A) of the metzincin subclan MA(M) of metalloproteinases has been detected in developing and mature individuals of species that range from hydra to humans. Functions of this family of metalloproteinase vary from digestive degradation of polypeptides, to biosynthetic processing of extracellular proteins, to activation of growth factors. This review will focus on a small subgroup of the astacin family; the bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1)/Tolloid (TLD)-like metalloproteinases. In vertebrates, the BMP1/TLD-like metalloproteinases play key roles in regulating formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) via biosynthetic processing of various precursor proteins into mature functional enzymes, structural proteins, and proteins involved in initiating mineralization of the ECM of hard tissues. Roles in ECM formation include: processing of the C-propeptides of procollagens types I–III, to yield the major fibrous components of vertebrate ECM; proteolytic activation of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, necessary to formation of covalent cross-links in collagen and elastic fibers; processing of NH2-terminal globular domains and C-propeptides of types V and XI procollagen chains to yield monomers that are incorporated into and control the diameters of collagen type I and II fibrils, respectively; processing of precursors for laminin 5 and collagen type VII, both of which are involved in securing epidermis to underlying dermis; and maturation of small leucine-rich proteoglycans. The BMP1/TLD-related metalloproteinases are also capable of activating the vertebrate transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-like “chalones” growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8, also known as myostatin), and GDF11 (also known as BMP11), involved in negative feedback inhibition of muscle and neural tissue growth, respectively; by freeing them from noncovalent latent complexes with their cleaved prodomains. BMP1/TLD-like proteinases also liberate the vertebrate TGF-β-like morphogens BMP2 and 4 and their invertebrate ortholog decapentaplegic, from latent complexes with the vertebrate extracellular antagonist chordin and its invertebrate ortholog short gastrulation (SOG), respectively. The result is formation of the BMP signaling gradients that form the dorsal–ventral axis in embryogenesis. Thus, BMP1/TLD-like proteinases appear to be key to regulating and orchestrating formation of the ECM and signaling by various TGF-β-like proteins in morphogenetic and homeostatic events. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 78:47–68, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Objective measurement of periocular pigmentation.

Purpose: To evaluate the Minolta CR-400 chromameter in objectively measuring periocular/facial pigmentation in subjects of different ethnicities. Methods: The CR-400 was used to obtain skin color measurements from 75 African-American, Caucasian and Hispanic subjects in 16 facial and periocular locations. Comparisons between ethnic and Fitzpatrick groups and instrument reliability were analyzed. Results: Significant differences in L* were observed among all three ethnic groups, while values a* and b* were less sensitive to differences in pigmentation. Comparison between Fitzpatrick groups again identified value L* as being the most sensitive, demonstrating significant differences between the more heavily pigmented groups. The 16 facial locations measured were found to be statistically similar to each other, and the chromameter demonstrated excellent inter- and intra-instrument reliability. Conclusions: The Minolta CR-400 chromameter reliably measures facial pigmentation and can be useful for studies evaluating changes in skin pigmentation. Value L* is the parameter that is most sensitive to differences between ethnic and Fitzpatrick groups. Overlap between groups was observed, demonstrating that in future studies, each individual must serve as their own control when monitoring changes in pigmentation. The similarity between all the locations tested demonstrates uniformity of facial pigmentation within an individual.
HLA factors in transplantation for nonmalignant hematologic disorders

In this issue of Blood , a study by Horan and colleagues shows that differences in the HLA alleles of patients and unrelated donors in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for nonmalignant diseases result in increased risk for adverse treatment outcome. 1 This is the largest dataset examined so far for the evaluation of HLA mismatches in HSCT for nonmalignant diseases. It includes predominantly pediatric patients diagnosed with 39 diseases. Many patients received nonmyeloablative conditioning; a significant proportion of the infused grafts were depleted of T-lymphocytes; 6 diseases account for 77% of the cases.
Pulsed Power Hydrodynamics: A Discipline Offering High Precision Data for Motivating and Validating Physics Models

The discipline of pulsed power hydrodynamics is a new application of low-impedance, pulsed power technology, developed to study implosion hydrodynamics, instabilities, turbulence, and material properties in a highly precise, controllable environment at the extremes of pressure and material velocity. The discipline of pulsed power hydrodynamics arose in response to the need for economical, high-precision data to validate sophisticated numerical models used in current numerical simulations and to motivate the development of new models for future simulations. The international capability in pulsed power technology that has evolved over several decades in response to numerous other programmatic needs played a pivotal role in the development of the new discipline by enabling demonstrations of the techniques and production of introductory data long before a dedicated facility could be conceived, planned, and built. The high-precision, cylindrically imploding liner is the tool most frequently used to convert electromagnetic energy into the hydrodynamic (particle kinetic) energy needed to drive strong shocks, quasi-isentropic compression, or large volume adiabatic compression for the experiments. At typical parameters, a 30-gr, 1-mm- thick liner with an initial radius of 5 cm, driven by a current of 20 MA, can be accelerated to 7.5 km/sec producing mega-bar shocks in medium density targets. Velocities up to 20 km/sec and pressures >20 Mbar in high density targets are possible. The Atlas facility, designed and built by Los Alamos, houses the world's first laboratory pulsed power system designed specifically to explore this relatively new family of pulsed power applications. Constructed in the year 2000 and commissioned in August 2001, Atlas is a 24-MJ, high-performance capacitor bank delivering currents up to 30 Megamperes with a rise time of 5 to 6 musec. The first Atlas liner implosion experiments were conducted in September 2001, and 16 experiments were conducted in the first year of operation before Atlas was disassembled to be moved to the Nevada Test Site, where experiments began again in July 2005. Applications of pulsed power hydrodynamics techniques currently include material property topics such as: exploration of material strength at high rates of strain; material failure including fracture, damage, and spall; and interfacial dynamics at high relative velocities and high interfacial pressures. Implosion dynamics and a variety of complex hydrodynamic geometries have been explored and experiments to explore perturbation growth and transition to turbulence are under consideration. Longer term applications include the study of the behavior and properties of strongly coupled plasmas and the equation of state of metals and non-metals at pressures above 10 Mbar. This paper will provide an overview of the programmatic evolution that led to the birth of the discipline of pulsed power hydrodynamics.