cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of heat capacity of Yucca Mountain stratigraphic layers

The heat generated from the radioactive waste to be placed in the proposed geologic repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, will affect the thermal-hydrology of the Yucca Mountain stratigraphic layers. In order to assess the effect of the movement of repository heat into the fractured rocks accurate determination of thermodynamic and hydraulic properties is important. Heat capacity is one of the properties that are required to evaluate energy storage in the fractured rock. Rock-grain heat capacity, the subject of this study, is the heat capacity of the solid part of the rock. Yucca Mountain consists of alternating lithostratigraphic units of welded and non-welded ash-flow tuff, mainly rhyolitic in composition and displaying varying degrees of vitrification and alteration. A number of methods exist that can be used to evaluate heat capacity of the stratigraphic layers that consist of different compositions. In this study, the mineral summation method has been used to quantify the heat capacity of the stratigraphic layers based on Kopp's rule. The mineral summation method is an addition of the weighted heat capacity of each mineral found in a specific layer. For this study the weighting was done based on the mass percentage of each mineral in the layer. The method utilized a mineralogic map of the rocks at the Yucca Mountain repository site. The Calico Hills formation and adjacent bedded tuff layers display a bimodal mineral distribution of vitric and zeolitic zones with differing mineralogies. Based on this bimodal distribution in zeolite abundance, the boundary between the vitric and zeolitic zones was selected to be 15% zeolitic abundance. Thus, based on the zeolite abundance, subdivisions have been introduced to these layers into ''vitric'' and ''zeolitic'' zones. Heat capacity values have been calculated for these layers both as ''layer average'' and ''zone average''. The heat capacity determination method presented in this report did not account for spatial variability in the horizontal direction within each layer.
Competition for inorganic and organic N by blue oak (Quercus douglasii) seedlings, an annual grass, and soil microorganisms in a pot study

Abstract Sources of competition for limited soil resources, such as nitrogen (N), include competitive interactions among different plant species and between plants and soil microorganisms (microbes). To study these competitive interactions, blue oak seedlings ( Quercus douglasii ) were grown alone or grown together with an annual grass, wild oats ( Avena barbata ) in pots containing field soil. We injected 15 N-labeled ammonium, nitrate or glycine into the soil of each pot and harvested plants 5 days later. Plant shoots and roots, soil microbial N and soil KCl-extractable N were analyzed for 15 N content. When oak and grass were grown together, 15 N recovery from the inorganic N treatments (NH 4 + , or NO 3 − ) was 34, 9 and 4% for the grass, microbes and oak seedlings, respectively, and only 1% remained as KCl-extractable N. 15 N recovery from the glycine treatment was 18, 22, 5% for the grass, microbes and oak seedlings, respectively, and 4% remained as KCl-extractable N. When oaks were grown alone, 15 N recovery by soil microbes was 21, 48 and 40% in the NO 3 − , NH 4 + and glycine treatments, respectively. N forms had no effects on 15 N recovery in oak seedlings (7%) and in KCl-extractable N pool (13%). In general, total N recovery by the grass was much greater than by oaks. However, on a fine root surface area or length basis, oaks exhibited higher N uptake than the grass. Our results suggest that the high rooting density and rapid growth rate of the annual grasses such as Avena barbata made them superior competitors for available soil N when compared to blue oak seedlings and to microbes. Soil microbes were better competitors for organic than inorganic N when annual grasses were present, but preferred NH 4 + when competing only with oak seedlings.
A New Family of Demulsifiers for Treating Oilfield Emulsions

A new family of demulsifiers is introduced that very effectively destabilizes water-in-oil emulsions such as those encountered in produced crude oil, particularly oil produced by steam injection or waterflooding. The demulsifiers are unique in their high solubility in water and can, therefore, be effectively used in acid formulations in which demulsifiers are used to prevent sludge formation downhole. Experimental results are presented on emulsion stability for crude oil-water systems. Such emulsion stability tests allow us to compare the new demulsifier with existing demulsifier formulations such as nonylphenol formaldehyde resins that are extensively used today. Drop coalescence tests are presented to confirm the results of the emulsion stability tests. Dynamic surface tension measurements are used to measure the surface dilational properties of oil water interfaces containing the new demulsifier. It is clearly shown that low characteristic relaxation times and high dilational elastic moduli correlate well with emulsion stability and can be used as a criteria for selecting demulsifier formulations. The variation of interfacial tension with surfactant concentration is presented to measure interfacial areas of the demulsifier molecules adsorbed at the oil/water interface using the Gibbs equation. This also allows us to compute the CMC of the new formulations. A wide range of surfactant properties can be obtained by changing the degree of functionalization of the base molecule. When used in combination with other demulsifiers it is extremely effective at breaking water-in-oil emulsions. It's water solubility makes it particularly attractive for use in aqueous formulations that are used for well treatment, such as acidizing formulations.
The conceptual framework of the PMM Network

Understanding the determinants of maternal mortality is a complex task, in part because maternal deaths are influenced by many different categories of events or conditions. Biology, economics, culture, demography and the distribution and effectiveness of health services all contribute. Conceptual frameworks have made important contributions to our understanding of the determinants of other, equally complex events, such as fertility and child survival. Also referred to as 'proximate determinants frameworks', such models are useful because they identify the specific mechanisms through which social, economic and cultural factors lead to the event of interest. Our model identifies the precise sequence of events that lead to maternal death (pregnancy, complication and death) and specifies categories of intermediate factors and distant factors that directly affect one or more of these events. When the world literature on maternal mortality was analyzed in light of the causal pathways laid out in the conceptual framework, it became clear that some pathways are more amenable to intervention and change than others. Implications for strategies, programs and monitoring and evaluation are discussed.
Effectiveness of OSHA sanctions in influencing employer behavior: Single and multi-period decision models

This paper examines, from a decision theory perspective, the effects of sanctions for first instance violations of Occupational Safety and Health Act standards. Current OSHA penalty provisions and administration are discussed. Single and multi-period decision models are developed, based on historical inspection and citation data. It is noted that, in general, a rational economic decision maker would choose not to comply with the Act until he were cited and forced to do so. Finally, recommendations for more effective public policy are suggested.
Dislocation dissociation in stoichiometric MgAl2O4 spinel observed by weak-beam electron microscopy

Abstract Dissociation of dislocations in deformed stoichiometric MgAl,O4 spinel was observed, using weak-beam electron microscopy at 650 kV. The dissociation width was approximately 100 A for dislocations near to edge orientation. The corresponding stacking fault energy was calculated to be 135 ± 20 erg/cm2. In comparison, the stacking fault energy of non-stoichiometric spinel is much lower and is estimated to be approximately 45 and 21 erg/cm2 for compositions of Al2O3/MgO = 1·5 and 3·5, respectively.
The Impact of Systematic Prostate Biopsy on Prostate Cancer Incidence in Men With Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Undergoing Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

ABSTRACTPurpose: We determined the impact of 1 or more systematic (4 to 6 cores) needle biopsies of the prostate on the incidence of prostate cancer in men undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with elevated serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and/or suspicious digital rectal examination.Materials and Methods: Records were reviewed retrospectively for 85 consecutive men 54 to 85 years old who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate for symptomatic BPH. Of the men 56 (66%) had at least 1 prior benign systematic prostate biopsy.Results: Cancer was detected in the transurethral resection specimen in 5 of 29 men (17.2%) who had no prior prostatic biopsy and in 9 of 56 (16.1%) who had at least 1 prior benign biopsy. Among the latter group the probability of cancer being present in the transurethral resection specimen was not related to the number of prior biopsies, PSA concentration or PSA density. Of the cancers detected in men with a...
GERIATRIC SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Historically, little clinical or research interest has been directed at substance use disorders among older adults. The lack of interest may be explained in part by age-related biases (e.g., substance use disorders occur in young and middle-aged but not in older adults). A growing body of epidemiologic evidence, however, now indicates that alcohol use disorders in particular are far more prevalent in older populations than previously recognized. Increasingly, both clinicians and researchers recognize that current methods for detection and treatment of alcohol use disorders may not be optimal when applied in older patients. Better methods of detection and treatment are necessary that take into account the distinctive biologic and psychosocial characteristics of older adults. This article reviews the most recent epidemiologic research and current methods for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders in older adults. The focus is largely on alcohol use disorders because most recent research has been conducted in this area. The more limited information on other substance use disorders is reviewed as well.
Compression cycles in tableting

Abstract When powders are compressed to make a tablet, the powder is placed within a die and compressed by two punches. In general the act of compression is considered to occur in five stages: (a) first the powder rearranges to its closest packing, then (b) the particles deform elastically. (c) Beyond the elastic limits the particles will either fracture or deform plastically, and either of these processes leads to interparticulate bonding, i.e. gives rise to a tablet. (d) After release of the upper punch there is a relaxation of stresses in the bonded mass, and this is followed by (e) ejection of the tablet from the die. It is conventional to describe these processes by monitoring either the die wall pressure ( F ) or the lower punch pressure ( P l ) as a function of the upper punch pressure ( P ). These two types of cycles are conventionally described in the literature by assuming the solid to be a non-porous body. The cycles exhibit a hysteresis loop, and it is shown here that the consequence of considering the body nonporous throughout is that the hysteresis area of the cycles is either a quadratic or a linear function of the maximally applied pressure.
Exploit real-time fine-grained access patterns to partition write buffer to improve SSD performance and life-span

Solid State Drives (SSDs) have become very popular recently due to their high performance and other benefits such as shock-resistance. However, SSDs pose some unique and serious challenges to I/O and file system designers because of flash memory's unique properties, such as out-of-place update, wearing-out, and highly asymmetric performance for read, write and erase operations. Most SSDs employ a log-structured block-based FlashTranslation-Layer (FTL) to solve the out-of-place update problem. The performance of FTLs is often highly sensitive to access patterns, especially the write access patterns. For example, sequential write requests see lower overhead than random writes. Moreover, sequential write requests that are not aligned to the flash page boundary may cause extra write and garbage collection operations, increasing overhead and wear-out. In this paper, we present a novel write buffer design based on sophisticated, fine-grain write access pattern analysis. Our scheme identifies access patterns in a per-process per-stream granularity in the OS buffer cache. These patterns are then used to guide the write buffer to improve the write performance of SSDs that employ a log-structured block-based FTL. Simulation results show that our solutions can improve write performance by up to 38%. Moreover, the schemes reduce SSD erase cycles by up to 56%, which is directly translated to a major improvement on the life-span of SSDs.
Alcohol use and functional disability among cognitively impaired adults.

BACKGROUND: The extent to which alcohol exposure increases risk for functional disability among older adults with cognitive impairment has not previously been assessed. OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential relationship between alcohol use and functional disability among older cognitively impaired adults. DESIGN: Retrospective medical record review. SETTING: Hospital-based geriatric assessment center. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred forty-two consecutive participants with Mini-Mental Status Examination scores of < 24. MEASUREMENTS: Proxy-reported alcohol intake was classified in categories of never, former, light ( 1 but 14 drinks/ week) drinkers, and functional status was determined by proxy-reported performance in seven basic (BADL) and seven instrumental (IADL) activities of daily living (0 = poorest function and 14 = best function). RESULTS: Compared with never drinkers, moderate drinkers demonstrated higher mean BADL (12.2 vs 11.4, P =. 033) and IADL scores (6.6 vs 5.6, P =. 067), whereas heavy drinkers had higher BADL (12.8 vs 11.4, P =. 019) but lower IADL scores (4.8 vs 5.6, P =. 425). Former drinkers demonstrated both lower BADL (10.8 vs 11.4, P =. 107) and IADL scores (3.9 vs 5.6, P =. 011) compared with never drinkers. Evaluation of a potential dose-response effect was limited due to low numbers of light and heavy drinkers. CONCLUSIONS: Among cognitively impaired adults, moderate and heavy drinkers demonstrated better BADL function, whereas former drinkers had poorer IADL function, compared with never drinkers. Prospective studies that incorporate additional measures of exposure (e.g., cumulative lifetime consumption) and function (e.g., performance-based tests) may provide a more comprehensive understanding of alcohol's effects among older cognitively impaired adults.
Theoretical Study of Solvent Effects on the Intramolecular Charge Transfer of a Hemicyanine Dye

4-[2-(4-Dimethylaminophenyl)ethenyl]-1-methylpyridinium iodide (HR) is a solvatochromic dye and is widely used in Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) film preparations. Quantum chemical calculations combined with a cylindrical solvation model are used to investigate the possibility of TICT (twisted intramolecular charge transfer) state formation by rotating part of the molecule around several different chemical bonds. The results account for most of the experimental observations and partially confirm the assumption that the structure of HR is a compromise between benzenoid and quinoid resonance forms. It is revealed that the TICT state can be formed by rotating the dimethylamino group to the perpendicular position in polar solvents. But this probability should be very small due to the relatively high energy barrier to the rotation in the excited state. Rotations of the pyridyl ring and the aniline ring enhance the charge transfer in the first excited state. There is a small energy barrier to the rotation of the pyridy...
A new operative preparation for production of peptic ulcer in the dog.

Summary1. A method for production of experimental peptic ulcer in dogs is presented. Its advantages are reliability, simplicity of post-operative care, rapidity of ulcer development, and survival of animals in good nutritional condition, thus allowing prolonged study in protected animals. The ulcers are produced without extraneous stimulation. 2. Four groups of animals were studied. The effect of vagotomy alone, antrumectomy alone, and vagotomy combined with antrumectomy are evaluated as to incidence of ulcer and period of survival (an indication of the time required for development of ulcer).
The Economic Consequences of Productivity Changes: A Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Analysis

Cutler H. and Davies S. The economic consequences of productivity changes: a computable general equilibrium (CGE) analysis, Regional Studies. This paper uses a data-intensive CGE model to examine sector-specific impacts of increases in total factor productivity and labour and capital productivity. It focuses on the importance of a sector's output in household consumption and firms' intermediate input demand, the importance of labour and capital in value added and the impact on the city's consumer price index (CPI) as factors influencing the transmission mechanism. The general equilibrium effects result in unambiguous increases in household migration for total factor productivity and capital productivity but not for the labour case. This analysis emphasizes the impact on household income and tax revenue per new household. Cutler H. et Davies S. Les consequences economiques des changements de productivite: une analyse EGC, Regional Studies. Cet article utilise un modele d'Equilibre General Calculable (EGC) ...
Effects of Lewis acid catalysts on the hydrogenation and cracking of two-ring aromatic and hydroaromatic structures related to coal

LBL-11855 c Preprint Submitted to Fuel EFFECTS OF LEWIS ACID CATALYSTS ON THE HYDROGENATION AND CRACKING OF TWO-RING AROMATIC AND HYDROAROMATIC STRUCTURES RELATED TO COAL Sadie S. Salim and Alexis T. Bell TWO-WEEK LOAN COPY November 1980 This is a library Circulating Copy which may be borrowed for two weeks. \ For a personal retention copy, call Tech. Info. Dioision, Ext. 6782 I f i Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract W-7405-ENG-48
Note on a Simple, Restorative-Iterative Procedure for Initialization of a Global Forecast Model

Abstract A restorative-iterative procedure is tested in initializing the height and wind fields for a global, barotropic prediction model. Real 500-mb data are used as the basis of initial height values in the midlatitudes and as the basis of the initial stream function values in the Tropics. The procedure is tested for the case of frictionless and adiabatic flow and for the case where friction and a simulated heating function are included. Experiments were also performed in which an “observed” divergent wind was added in the Tropics. Results are encouraging in the sense that use of the procedure substantially reduces the amplitudes of the external inertia-gravity motions excited by the initial imbalance between the mass and wind fields.
Mathematical model of a PEMFC using a PBI membrane

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) operating with Nafion® membranes have encountered numerous problems associated with water management and CO poisoning because of their low temperature of operation. Alternative high temperature membranes have been investigated, one such membrane being polybenzimidazole (PBI). This paper presents a one dimensional mathematical model, which predicts the polarization performance of a PEMFC using a PBI membrane. Peak power densities in the same order as Nafion® are predicted. Results indicate that the greatest scope for improving PBI PEMFC performance is increasing the membrane conductivity and improving the catalyst performance as it interfaces with the PBI membrane.
Assessment of patient opinions of different clinical tests used in the management of glaucoma.

Purpose To compare different tests used in the clinical management of glaucoma, with respect to the testing experience for patients undergoing each test. Design Evaluation of diagnostic tests. Participants A total of 101 subjects with high-risk ocular hypertension or early glaucoma. Methods Subjects were asked to give their opinion on 7 tests used clinically in glaucoma management by assigning each a score between 0 (absolute dislike) and 10 (perfect satisfaction). Main Outcome Measure Tests were ranked for each subject from 1 (favorite test) to 7 (least favorite test) on the basis of patient-assigned scores. Results Goldmann applanation tonometry for measurement of intraocular pressure was ranked significantly better than any other test (median rank 2.5, P ≤0.01). This was followed by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy using a Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (median rank 3.3); frequency doubling technology perimetry (4.0); multifocal visual evoked potential (4.0); optic nerve photography (4.3); and standard automated perimetry (4.8). Short-wavelength automated perimetry was ranked significantly worse than any other test (median rank 5.3, P ≤0.04). Conclusions In many cases, statistically significant differences were found between the patients' opinions of the tests. Information on this issue has to date largely been anecdotal or subjective. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study to assess and compare the patient experience when undergoing these tests. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Detection of carriers and genetic counseling in duchenne muscular dystrophy by ribosomal protein synthesis.

The in vitro protein synthesis by polyribosomes extracted from biopsied muscle (vastus lateralis) was studied in 47 known carriers, 87 possible carriers and in 60 normal females. A significant increase in specific activity of monomeric ribosomes, total polyribosomes and collagen synthesis was found in 46 (97.8 per cent) known carriers and 47 (54 per cent) possible carriers of Duchenne muscular dytrophy. the latter showed an increase in ribosomal protein synthesis in 10 (52.6 per cent) of 19 mothers of isolated cases, 31 (53.3 per cent) of 58 sisters, and 6 (60 per cent) of 10 other female relatives. Serum creatine phosphokinase was increased in 30 (63.8 per cent) of 47 known carriers.
Ultrastructural correlates of naturally occurring differences in transmitter release efficacy in frog motor nerve terminals.

Motor nerve terminals in cutaneous pectoris muscles of the frogRana pipiens release more transmitter and form synapses with higher levels of effectiveness than do those in sartorius muscles. Neuromuscular junctions from these two muscles were compared in the electron microscope to search for ultrastructural correlates of differences in transmitter release and synaptic effectiveness. The following measurements were made from cross-sections of junctions with known levels of effectiveness: (a) the presence of active zones, the presumed sites of transmitter release, (b) active zone size, (c) the perimeter, cross-sectional area, height and width of nerve terminals, (d) number of mitochondria, (e) vesicle density, and (f) the extent to which Schwann cells wrap terminals. Nerve terminals in the two muscles did not differ in size, shape or vesicle density. The more strongly releasing cutaneous pectoris terminals did, however, have significantly larger active zones due to deeper invagination of the terminal into the postsynaptic gutter and lesser interposition of Schwann cell processes between presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes. Cutaneous pectoris terminals also contained more mitochondria, presumably to supply the greater energy demand imposed by high release levels.
Heritability in Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of Characteristics Associated with Resistance to Varroa jacobsoni(Mesostigmata: Varroidae)

This study uses sibling analysis to measure the heritability in honey bees, Apis mellifera L., of characteristics that have been associated with resistance to the mite, Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans. Twenty-eight uniform colonies of bees were established on 13 May in Baton Rouge, LA, each with 1 kg of mite-infested bees and a queen. The 28 unrelated queens in these colonies were divided into 7 groups of 4 based on the insemination of 4 queens with the same mixture of semen from 1 of 7 sire colonies. After worker progeny from these queens had replaced the initial bee populations, a colony was related as a full sister to the other 3 colonies in its sire group and unrelated to the other 24 colonies. Heritability ( h 2) was 1.24 for proportion of mites in brood, 0.65 for hygienic behavior, 0.89 for the duration of the capped period, 0.46 for suppression of mite reproduction, and 0.00 for physical damage to mites (measured by the presence of physically broken or dented mites on the bottom board). These results suggest that it should be possible to enhance the expression of 4 of these 5 characteristics with selective breeding of bees, thus reinforcing confidence in our ability to breed honey bees for resistance to V. jacobsoni.
Teachers' reasoning about school fights, contexts, and gender: an expanded cognitive developmental domain approach

Teachers' moral reasoning about intervening in school fights in violence-prone subcontexts is an under-studied topic. The authors propose that concepts from cognitive developmental domain theory (CDD), public health, and environmental psychology be used conjointly to explore teachers' judgments about intervention in violence-prone subcontexts such as hallways, playgrounds, and cafeterias. It is argued that teachers (along with other members of the school community) have different preformed informational assumptions about violence-prone school subcontexts that systematically influence their judgments and interpretation of events in those locations. Two important informational assumptions are (1) the individuals' or groups' estimation of risk for physical harm or potential provocation in specific locations within the school and (2) the individuals' or groups' beliefs about the school staff's professional role or responsibility to monitor and intervene in violence-prone areas. In addition, the authors present evidence concerning teachers' informational assumptions about the gender of the intervening teachers and fighting students. Applications of this conceptual framework and future directions for research are explored.
Diversity of animal small RNA pathways and their biological utility

Higher eukaryotes employ extensive post-transcriptional gene regulation to accomplish fine control of gene expression. The microRNA (miRNA) family plays important roles in the post-transcriptional gene regulation of broad networks of target mRNA expression. Most miRNAs are generated by a conserved mechanism involving two RNase III enzymes Drosha and Dicer. However, work from the past few years has uncovered diverse noncanonical miRNA pathways, which exploit a variety of other RNA processing enzymes. In addition, the discovery of another abundant small RNA family, endogenous short interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs), has also broadened the catalogs of short regulatory RNAs. This review highlights recent studies that revealed novel small RNA biogenesis pathways, and discusses their relevance to gene regulatory networks.
Stable isotope geochemistry of early Protezozoic carbonate concretions in the Animikie group of the Lake Superior region: evidence for anaerobic bacterial processes

Abstract Thirteen carbonate concretions from the Rove, Thomson and Gunflint Formations of the early Proterozoic (∼ - 2.0 Ga) Animikie Group in the Lake Superior region were analyzed for variations in carbon and oxygen isotopes. The isotope data of ferroan dolomite concretions from the Rove Formation yield trends comparable to the isotope systematics displayed by authigenic carbonate in modern, organic-rich, marine burial environments. The isotope systematics of the ferroan dolomite concretions suggest that carbonate initially precipitated in a zone of bacterial methane production, and later, at greater burial depths, in a zone of thermal decarboxylation. Recrystallization of calcite concretions in the Rove and Thomson Formations has homogenized the oxygen isotopic composition. However, because the carbon system was apparently rock dominated, the primary σ13C signateres have been preserved. Calcite concretions from the Rove Formation display a strong correlation between σ13C weight percent carbonate, and position in the concretion. The data suggest that these concretions formed progressively during burial in the zone of bacterial sulfate reduction. Sulfur isotopic analysis of pyrite disseminated in the concretions yield high, positive σ34S values. Isotopic data for the pyrite and the host concretion are consistent with models that suggest that high positive σ34S values of early Proterozic pyrite result from bacterial reduction of a limited supply of seawater sulfate. The isotopic composition of concretions in the Gunflint Formation suggest early formation in a system open with respect to seawater bicarbonate. The detailed isotopic study of Precambrian carbonate concretions is a useful approach for investigating Precambrian organic matter diagenesis and the evolution of bacteria.
Sparing for redundant disk arrays

One of the main advantages of a redundant disk array architecture is that it provides fault tolerance against disk drive failures. This improvement in reliability can be further enhanced if spare drives are also added to the array since a failed drive can be expeditiously replaced. Furthermore, even though data can be reconstructed from the other drives of a redundant array in the event of a drive failure, performance is degraded substantially in this mode of operation. Clearly it is desirable to get out of this degraded mode of operation as quickly as possible. Again, having spare drives in the array will facilitate that. The purpose of this paper is to study some of the issues related to sparing in a redundant disk array. In particular, we will try to understand the effect on reliability of different sparing schemes. We will also examine the economic trade-offs of having spare drives in a system.
Cocaine inhibits human endothelial cell IL-8 production: the role of transforming growth factor-beta.

Cocaine use is associated with modulation of a broad range of biological functions including the capacity to influence cytokine production in murine and human immunoeffector cells. Little is known, however, regarding the effects of cocaine on endothelial cell cytokine production. Because the vascular endothelium actively participates in acute and chronic inflammatory responses and interleukin-8 (IL-8) is one of the key cytokines involved in the inflammatory process, modification of the production of IL-8 by vascular endothelial cells may interfere with the host response to infection or tissue injury. We investigated the effect of cocaine on endothelial cell IL-8 production. Conditioned supernatant from EA.hy 926 cells were evaluated by ELISA following in vitro cocaine exposure. Cocaine decreased IL-8 production in a dose-responsive manner, and this reduction correlated with down-regulation of IL-8 mRNA expression. Cocaine also increased the production of TGF-beta by EA.hy 926 cells and anti-TGF-beta abrogated the cocaine-mediated decrement of IL-8 production, indicating that cocaine down-regulates endothelial IL-8 production by increasing TGF-beta. Our findings suggest that the immunomodulatory effects of cocaine may be mediated, in part, by modification of endothelial-derived cytokine production.
Boosting the Immune Response: The Use of iNKT cell ligands as vaccine adjuvants

Natural killer T (NKT) cells comprise a small, but important T cell subset and are thought to bridge the innate and adaptive immune responses. The discovery of NKT cells and extensive research on their activating ligands have paved the way for modulation of these potent immunoregulatory cells in order to improve the outcome of various clinical conditions. Efforts to modulate NKT cell effector functions have ranged from therapy for influenza to anti-tumor immunotherapy. These approaches have also led to the use of NKT cell agonists such as α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) and its analogs as vaccine adjuvants, an approach that is aimed at boosting specific B and T cell responses to a vaccine candidate by concomitant activation of NKT cells. In this review we will provide a comprehensive overview of the efforts made in using α-GalCer and its analogs as vaccine adjuvants. The diverse array of vaccination strategies used, as well as the role of NKT cell activating adjuvants will be discussed, with focus on vaccines against malaria, HIV, influenza and tumor vaccines. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the efficacy of NKT cell-specific agonists as adjuvants and further suggest that these compounds warrant serious consideration during the development of vaccination strategies.
Management Development in East Anglia

Establishes the level, range and scope of current management education, training and development (METD) activity in small and medium‐sized enterprises and identifies good practice and assesses barriers to METD including issues of provision, access and cost. Seeks to identify practical approaches to management development in small – and medium‐sized enterprises and establishes candidate profile for competence‐based management qualifications.
IR spectroscopy and density functional theory of small V+(N2)n complexes.

V + (N 2 ) n clusters are generated in a pulsed nozzle laser vaporization source. Clusters in the size range of n = 3-7 are mass selected and investigated via infrared photodissociation spectroscopy in the N-N stretch region. The IR forbidden N-N stretch of free nitrogen becomes strongly IR active when the molecule is bound to the metal ion. Photodissociation proceeds through the elimination of intact N 2 molecules for all cluster sizes, and the fragmentation patterns reveal the coordination number of V + to be six. The dissociation process is enhanced on vibrational resonances and the IR spectrum is obtained by monitoring the fragmentation yield as a function of wavelength. Vibrational bands are red-shifted with respect to the free nitrogen N-N stretch, in the same way seen for the C-O stretch in transition metal carbonyls. Comparisons between the measured IR spectra and the predictions of density functional theory provide new insight into the structure and bonding of these metal ion complexes.
PASS, an alternative method of teaching introductory psychology

A new teaching method based on positively reinforcing attempts at mastery was introduced and empirically tested to determine its validity. The program, labeled Programmed Achievement Study System (PASS), makes use of traditional learning principles by providing rewards (bonus points) contingent upon reaching specified mastery criteria. Specifically, college students enrolled in introductory psychology were awarded additional points if they demonstrated mastery of concept areas on retake quizzes administered during a given week. PASS students, as compared to a control condition, demonstrated higher performance on a final examination given at the end of the semester. These results suggest that the PASS contingencies are preferable to those contingencies operating in more traditional classrooms. A theoretical rationale based on the principles of operant conditioning is discussed.
Collision-induced dissociation of polyatomic ions in glow discharge mass spectrometry

Abstract The problem of isobaric interferences resulting from polyatomic ions that overlap analytically significant isotopes is a major hindrance encountered in elemental mass spectrometry. The use of collision-induced dissociation (CID) as a means of removing these polyatomic species from the ion beam prior to mass analysis is reported here. Low energy CID in the second stage of a triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer is seen to reduce isobaric interferences due to polyatomic ions in glow discharge mass spectra. Investigations into the effect of collision gas pressure and collision energy indicate that this reduction must be weighed against the overall loss in sensitivity due to scattering. Tandem mass spectrometry offers the possibility of investigating the dissociation of polyatomic species created in the glow discharge as well as the ability to identify peaks in the mass spectrum which show a contribution from polyatomic ions.
A kinetic model for predicting oxidative degradation rates in combined radiation-thermal environments

A general theoretical model has been derived for the case of oxidative degradation dominated by the slow breakdown of hydroperoxide species. The model has been used to predict the general dose-rate behavior for this mechanism. The model also suggests a method for creating isothermal dose-rate curves through a time-temperature-dose-rate superposition procedure which utilizes no adjustable parameters. The superposition procedure and the kinetic model are quantitatively verified using accelerated aging laboratory data and real-time nuclear power plant aging data on a PVC material.
Swimming ability of eels ( Anguilla rostrata, Conger oceanicus ) at estuarine ingress: contrasting patterns of cross-shelf transport?

The transport of eel early life stages may be critical to their population dynamics. This transport from ocean spawning to freshwater, estuarine and coastal nursery areas is a combination of physical and biological processes (including swimming behavior). In New Jersey, USA, the American eel (Anguilla rostrata) enters estuaries as glass eels (48.7–68.1 mm TL) in contrast to the Conger eel (Conger oceanicus) that enters as larger (metamorphosing) leptocephali (68.3–117.8 mm TL). To begin to understand the mechanisms of cross-shelf transport for these species, we measured the potential swimming capability (critical swimming speed, Ucrit) under ambient conditions throughout the ingress season. A. rostrata glass eels were collected over many months (January–June) at a range of temperatures (4–21°C), with relative condition declining over the course of the ingress period as temperatures warmed. C. oceanicus occurred later in the season (April–June) and at warmer temperatures (14–24.5°C). Mean Ucrit values for A. rostrata (11.7–13.3 cm s−1) and C. oceanicus (14.7–18.6 cm s−1) were comparable, but variable, with portions of the variability explained by water temperature, relative condition, ontogenetic stage, and fish length. Travel times to Little Egg Inlet, New Jersey, estimated using 50% Ucrit values, indicate it would take A. rostrata ~30 and ~60 days to swim from the shelf edge and Gulf Stream, respectively. Travel times for C. oceanicus were shorter, ~20 days from the shelf edge, and ~45 days from the Gulf Stream. Despite differences in life stage, our results indicate both species are competent swimmers, and suggest they are capable of swimming from the Gulf Stream and/or edge of the continental shelf to estuarine inlets.
Experimental evaluation of a box beam specifically tailored for chordwise deformation

This paper describes an experimental methodology based upon the use of a flexible sling support and load application system that has been created and utilized to evaluate a box beam that incorporates an elastic tailoring technology. The design technique used here for elastically tailoring the composite box beam structure is to produce exaggerated chordwise camber deformation of substantial magnitude to be of practical use in the new composite aircraft wings. The traditional methods such as a four-point bend test to apply constant bending moment with rigid fixtures inhibit the desired chordwise deformation from occurring, hence the need for the new test method. The experimental results for global camber and spanwise bending compliances correlate well with theoretical predictions based on a beamlike model.
The Chicxulub impact event and its environmental consequences at the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary

Abstract An impact-mass extinction hypothesis for the Cretaceous–Tertiary (K/T) boundary transition has been confirmed with multiple lines of evidence, beginning with the discovery of impact-derived Ir in K/T boundary sediments and culminating in the discovery of the Chicxulub impact crater. Likewise, a link between the Chicxulub impact crater and K/T boundary sediments has been confirmed with multiple lines of evidence, including stratigraphic, petrological, geochemical, and isotopic data. The environmental effects of the Chicxulub impact event were global in their extent, largely because of the interaction of ejected impact debris with the atmosphere. The environmental consequences of the Chicxulub impact event and their association with the K/T boundary mass extinction event indicate that impact cratering processes can affect both the geologic and biologic evolution of our planet.
When Science Studies Religion: Six Philosophy Lessons for Science Classes

It is an unfortunate fact of academic life that there is a sharp divide between science and philosophy, with scientists often being openly dismissive of philosophy, and philosophers being equally contemptuous of the naivete of scientists when it comes to the philosophical underpinnings of their own discipline. In this paper I explore the possibility of reducing the distance between the two sides by introducing science students to some interesting philosophical aspects of research in evolutionary biology, using biological theories of the origin of religion as an example. I show that philosophy is both a discipline in its own right as well as one that has interesting implications for the understanding and practice of science. While the goal is certainly not to turn science students into philosophers, the idea is that both disciplines cannot but benefit from a mutual dialogue that starts as soon as possible, in the classroom.
Effects of porosity on electric fatigue behaviour in PLZT and PZT ferroelectric ceramics

Electric fatigue, namely the decay of the polarization and the consequent elastic strain with increased number of switching cycles under high a.c. field, severely limits the applications of ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials in high-strain electro-mechanical actuators and in thin films used in non-volatile memory devices. Electric fatigue tests have been conducted on lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) ferroelectric ceramics. It was found that electric fatigue can be initiated by various factors, the porosity being one of them. Electric fatigue occurred in low-density(93%–97%) PLZT 7/65/35 ceramics after 104 switching cycles, while the high-density (>99%) PLZT specimens of the same composition did not fatigue after 109 switching cycles. It was also observed that for PZT ceramics, fatigue proceeded much more slowly in the samples with higher density (∼98%) than those with lower densities (92%–96%). A tentative explanation for the origin of the fatigue mechanism associated with porosity is proposed.
EARLY PULMONARY LESIONS IN PARTIALLY IMMUNE ALCOHOLIZED MICE FOLLOWING INHALATION OF VIRULENT PNEUMOCOCCI

1. The serial section examination of 71 partially immune alcoholised mice which were killed at intervals following the inhalation of virulent pneumococci showed pulmonary localisation in 7 or 9%. 2. In the case of the mouse the initial lesion of pneumococcus pneumonia is in the alveolar wall and the exudate into the alveolar lumen occurs secondarily.
Prediction of spring-back and side-wall curl in 2-D draw bending

Accurate prediction of spring-back is essential for the design of tools used in automotive sheet-stamping operations. The 2-D draw bending operation presents a complex form of spring-back occurring in sheet-metal forming since the sheet undergoes stretching, bending and unbending deformations. These three sets of deformation can create complex stress-strain states in the sheet which result in the formation of side-wall curls after the sheet is allowed to unload. Accurate prediction of the side-wall curl requires using finite-element shell models which can account for curvature and stress variation through the thickness caused by bending and unbending of sheet. Since such models are generally computationally intense, an alternative and efficient method of predicting side-wall curls is desirable. This paper describes a novel and robust method for predicting spring-back and side-wall curls in 2-D draw bending operations, using moment-curvature relationships derived for sheets undergoing plane-strain stretching, bending and unbending deformations. This model makes use of the membrane finite-element solution to calculate spring-back. The accuracy of the model is verified by comparison with finite element (ABAQUS) and experimental results.
Impact of human genome project on treatment of frail and edentulous patients

Objective: Because of ongoing increases in life expectancy and deferment of edentulousness to older age, dentists are facing a different challenge to satisfy elderly denture wearers with a higher prevalence of chronic diseases. This discussion introduces the Human Genome databases as novel and powerful resources to re-examine the core problems experienced by frail and edentulous patients. Background: Recent studies demonstrated that mandibular implant overdentures do not necessarily increase masticatory function, perception and satisfaction in denture wearers with adequate edentulous residual ridges. It has been demonstrated that the rate of edentulous residual ridge resorption significantly varies among individuals. The prognosis and cost-effectiveness of denture treatment, with or without implants, may largely depend on how the edentulous ridge is maintained. However, reliable clinical methods permitting dentists to predict the long-term health of the edentulous residual ridge are lacking. Materials and methods: With the completion of the Human Genome Project, the genomic sequence database from this multinational consortium will provide a unique resource to determine the genetic basis of similarity and diversity of humans. Results: One base pair in every 100 to 300 base pairs of the genome sequence varies among humans, suggesting that genetic diagnosis using the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may provide a novel opportunity to differentiate our edentulous patients. Conclusions: Future dental service for the elderly will require a personalized care paradigm, using highly sensitive diagnostic technology such as SNP genomic analysis, for recommending the treatment with greatest potential benefit.
Composition of Disfichlis palmeri grain, a saltgrass

Seeds from the halophyte plant Distichlis palmeri were collected, ground, and chemically analyzed for nutrient composition. The seed's protein, fat, carbohydrate, and ash content were within ranges found in tables for barley, corn, sorghum, and wheat. Minerals were either the same, slightly lower or higher than table values given for other cereal grains. The sodium content of the seed was fourfold higher than other cereal grains.