cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microsegregation in Al–4.5Cu wt.% alloy: experimental investigation and numerical modeling

Abstract Microsegregation in Al–4.5 wt.%Cu alloy was investigated experimentally using directional solidification and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The degrees of dendrite tip undercooling were measured for growth rates from 0.0038 to 0.2 mm s−1 with a temperature gradient of 50°C cm−1 at the liquid–solid interfaces. A modified Scheil model incorporating back diffusion, undercooling and dendrite arm coarsening was used to calculate the degrees of microsegregation. The partition coefficients obtained from the thermodynamic models of the solid and liquid phases and the measured cooling curves were used as the inputs to carry out the microsegregation calculation. While the calculated results using the Scheil model deviate significantly from the experimental data, those from the modified Scheil model are much better. Out of the three geometrical models, i.e. plate, sphere and cylinder, to approximate the shapes of the dendrites, the sphere is the best. However, the calculated results using the spherical model is near accord with the data for small fractions of solids and those using the cylinder is better at large fractions of solids. Two different thermodynamic descriptions of the Al–Cu system were used to demonstrate the importance of reliable phase diagram data in studying the degree of microsegregation.
Linear programming, complexity theory and elementary functional analysis

We propose analyzing interior-point methods using notions of problem-instance size which are direct generalizations of the condition number of a matrix. The notions pertain to linear programming quite generally; the underlying vector spaces are not required to be finite-dimensional and, more importantly, the cones defining nonnegativity are not required to be polyhedral. Thus, for example, the notions are appropriate in the context of semi-definite programming. We prove various theorems to demonstrate how the notions can be used in analyzing interior-point methods. These theorems assume little more than that the interiors of the cones (defining nonnegativity) are the domains of self-concordant barrier functions.
Using cognitive interviews to refine a household contacts survey on the epidemiology of community-associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Community-associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections have become epidemic in many parts of the world and are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. In preparation for a large longitudinal CA-MRSA Household Contacts Study, we developed a survey of potential CA-MRSA risk factors. To assess the survey’s interpretation, comprehension, and cultural- and age-appropriateness, we conducted cognitive interviews, which prompt respondents to reveal cues to the thought processes involved when responding, among eight patients who represented various demographic criteria and CA-MRSA risks. The interviews used a combination of face-to-face interviews and self-administered surveys. Testing the Household Contacts Study survey instrument using cognitive interviews provided insight into ways to address potentially ambiguous survey items and patient concerns. An unexpected finding that the cognitive interviews uncovered was the emotional impact that diagnosis of MRSA had on resp...
Synthesis, characterization, and structures of uranium(III) N,N-dimethylaminodiboranates.

The reaction of UCl4 with sodium N,N-dimethylaminodiboranate, Na(H3BNMe2BH3), in diethyl ether affords the uranium(III) product U(H3BNMe2BH3)3, which has been crystallized as two different structur...
Improving attendance at intake in children's outpatient services of a community mental health centre.

Summary Concern that non-attendance at initial appointments may lead to increased delays for new clients attempting to enter treatment, led to the development of an intervention to improve attendance at intake in children's out-patients services of a community mental health centre. The new procedure encouraged parents who telephoned the centre to come into children's services to complete a behaviour checklist on their child before receiving an initial appointment time. In the sample of 464 consecutive initial appointments scheduled over the study period, there was a reduction in the broken appointment rate from 37·7% during baseline to 26·5% during the intervention phase. Although this was a simple, flexible and inexpensive intervention, it is suggested that the result is replicated with a controlled experimental design, and interventions are tailored to specific types of attendance problems.
Orienting versus learning instructions in children's free recall: New evidence

Abstract Ninety-six first graders were given a list of either words or pictures to process under three types of incidental orienting instructions (semantic, directed at list organization; semantic, directed at individual item characteristics; and physical) and an intentional-learning instruction. For pictures and words, list organizational instructions were the most effective, and were superior to intentional-learning instructions. In contrast, individual item-orienting instructions were not better than intentional-learning instructions on either list. Additionally, different patterns of instructional effects emerged on the two list types, which were interpreted with respect to both available data and contemporary processing theories.
Variable-Temperature Spectroelectrochemical Study of Horseradish Peroxidase

The reduction potentials of the compound II/ferric and compound I/compound II couples have been studied, using potassium hexachloroiridate as a mediator titrant, by thin-layer spectroelectrochemistry. Compound I, which is 2 equiv more oxidized than the ferric (i.e., resting) form of the enzyme, was reversibly formed via a compound II intermediate; no evidence for a ferric porphyrin pi-cation radical intermediate was obtained. At 25 degrees C, E degrees' (compound I/compound II) = 897.9 +/- 3 mV (NHE) and E degrees'-(compound II/ferric) = 869.1 +/- 2 mV. Redox thermodynamic parameters, obtained from the temperature dependences of the reduction potentials of both couples, are reported. The reaction entropies (delta S degrees rc) for the compound II/ferric and compound I/compound II couples are 19.8 +/- 3.9 and 12.1 +/- 3.7 eu, respectively. This result indicates that the reorganization energy for the macrocycle-centered couple is lower than that for the metal-centered one. Together with our observation that E degrees' for the former is ca. 30 mV greater than that for the latter, these results suggest that compound I is more reactive toward outer-sphere reductants than compound II. In particular, the electron self-exchange rates for the compound I/compound II and compound II/ferric couples are estimated to be 4.4 x 10(-1) and 4.9 x 10(-4) M-1 s-1, respectively. Surprisingly, the formation of compound I from ferric HRP is accompanied by an almost zero standard entropy (delta S degrees') change.
THE USE OF SYMMETRICAL “DO” AND “DON'T” REQUESTS TO INTERRUPT ONGOING ACTIVITIES

The results of a modified functional analysis demonstrated that aggression, displayed by a 27-year-old man, was occasioned by the use of "don't" requests to interrupt the client's ongoing and often inappropriate activities (e.g., lying on the floor, pica, inappropriate touching of others). Subsequent analyses demonstrated that aggression was lower when ongoing activities were interrupted with symmetrical "do" requests than with "don't" requests. An intervention utilizing symmetrical "do" requests (i.e., prompting an individual to engage in an incompatible behavior) to interrupt such activities resulted in reduced levels of aggression.
Sex and psychological need in triadic bargaining

Differences in bargaining behavior in a three-person coalition game were examined as a function of motivation—the need for safety and the need for self-esteem—and sex. Males tended to revise initial demands for reward downward over a bargaining session to a greater extent than did females. Ss high in safety needs tended to underrate the value of their own resources, but an attempt to account for the sex difference in terms of a need hierarchy was unsuccessful.
Recurrent coarctation of the aorta after successful repair in infancy.

Abstract Twenty unselected infants who survived repair of coarctation of the aorta were restudied an average of 6.2 years postoperatively. Eight patients (40 percent) showed no significant difference in blood pressures between the arms and legs and had normal pressures in their arms. These patients have been followed up for an average of 5.1 years postoperatively. Another 8 patients (40 percent) had moderate blood pressure differences between the upper and lower limbs. These patients have been followed up for an average of 6.6 years postoperatively. Further follow-up of this group will be required to determine how many will need reoperation. Four patients (20 percent), although asymptomatic, had recurrent severe coarctation of the aorta that will require reoperation. These patients have been followed up for an average of 6.9 years postoperatively. The mechanism of the recurrent coarctation is not clear, but there is evidence that the coarctation is incompletely relieved in some and that it develops with growth in others. All infants surviving repair of coarctation of the aorta must be closely followed up for possible recurrent coarctation until they reach adult size.
Computer simulation of voltage sensitive calcium ion channels in a dendritic spine

Abstract Membrane current through voltage-sensitive calcium ion channels at the postsynaptic density of a dendritic spine is investigated. To simulate the ion channels that carry such current and the resulting temporal and spatial distribution of concentration, current, and voltage within the dendritic spine, the immersed boundary method with electrodiffusion is applied. In this simulation method a spatially continuous chemical potential barrier is used to simulate the influence of the membrane on each species of ion. The amplitudes of these barriers can be regulated to simulate channel gating. Here we introduce this methodology in a one-dimensional setting. First, we study the current–voltage relationship obtained with fixed chemical potential barriers. Next, we simulate stochastic ion-channel gating in a calcium channel with multiple subunits, and observe the diffusive wave of calcium entry within the dendritic spine that follows channel opening. This work lays the foundation for future three-dimensional studies of electrodiffusion and advection electrodiffusion in dendritic spines.
Increased specificity and sensitivity of insulin antibody measurements in autoimmune thyroid disease and type I diabetes

Insulin autoantibodies (IAA), a marker for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), have been reported in other diseases such as thyroid disease and after treatment with sulfhydryl containing medications. Reported prevalences of IAA in non-diabetics vary widely, probably due in part to methodological differences between laboratories. In addition, certain sera may have a high non-specific binding to insulin. We compared a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for IAA which included non-specific binding with an RIA that incorporated a competitive displacement with cold insulin to remove non-specific binding. Using the RIA which measured specific plus non-specific binding, IAA positivity was found in 22/92 (23.9%) of sera from thyroid disease patients, 16/124 (12.9%) of random masked sera from a hospital laboratory, 27/335 (8.1%) of first degree relatives of IDDM patients, 63/178 (35.4%) of subjects with newly diagnosed IDDM, and 0/92 (0%) of normal controls. Insulin antibodies (IA) were found in 80/99 (80.8%) of insulin-treated diabetic subjects. In contrast, using the displacement assay which allowed measurement of specific binding, the frequency of IAA positivity was lower for subjects with thyroid disease (7/92 (7.6%)), random hospital sera (12/124 (9.8%)), and for first degree relatives of IDDM patients (8/335 (2.4%)), while higher for subjects with newly diagnosed IDDM (71/178 (39.9%)). Subjects with insulin-treated diabetes (78/99 (78.8%)) and normal subjects (1/92 (1.1%)) showed little change. Strikingly, three of the eight (37.5%) relatives of IDDM patients that were positive in the RIA measuring specific binding were detected only because cold displacement was utilized. We conclude: (1) subjects with thyroid disease and first degree relatives of IDDM patients frequently have high non-specific binding for IAA in an RIA not employing a cold displacement step, (2) in some newly diagnosed IDDM patients and first degree relatives of IDDM patients, IAA may be missed by an assay not optimized to measure specific binding, and (3) displacement with cold insulin increases both the specificity and sensitivity of RIAs measuring insulin autoantibodies.
Identification of Bordetella pertussis in a Critically Ill Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patient by Direct Genotypical Analysis of Gram-Stained Material and Discrimination from B. holmesii by Using a Unique recA Gene Restriction Enzyme Site

Bordetella pertussis was diagnosed in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient by a newly developed method in which bacterial DNA is amplified directly from sputum Gram-stained slides. The validation of the method is described along with an additional new PCR-based assay that can distinguish between B. pertussis and Bordetella holmesii.
Gene expression profiling in Daphnia magna part I: concentration-dependent profiles provide support for the No Observed Transcriptional Effect Level.

Ecotoxicogenomic approaches to environmental monitoring provide holistic information, offer insight into modes of action, and help to assess the causal agents and potential toxicity of effluents beyond the traditional end points of death and reproduction. Recent investigations of toxicant exposure indicate dose-dependent changes are a key issue in interpreting genomic studies. Additionally, there is interest in developing methods to integrate gene expression studies in environmental monitoring and regulation, and the No Observed Transcriptional Effect Level (NOTEL) has been proposed as a means for screening effluents and unknown chemicals for toxicity. However, computational methods to determine the NOTEL have yet to be established. Therefore, we examined effects on gene expression in Daphnia magna following exposure to Cu, Cd, and Zn over a range of concentrations including a tolerated, a sublethal, and a nearly acutely toxic concentration. Each concentration produced a distinct gene expression profile. ...
The NCAR Climate System Model, Version One*

The NCAR Climate System Model, version one, is described. The spinup procedure prior to a fully coupled integration is discussed. The fully coupled model has been run for 300 yr with no surface flux corrections in momentum, heat, or freshwater. There is virtually no trend in the surface temperatures over the 300 yr, although there are significant trends in other model fields, especially in the deep ocean. The reasons for the successful integration with no surface temperature trend are discussed.
Evaluation of Digestible Energy and Protein for Growth and Nitrogen Retention in Juvenile Florida Pompano, Trachinotus carolinus

Juvenile Florida pompano (6.3 ± 0.50 g) were fed 1 of 12 diets formulated with an array of crude protein (340, 380, 420, 480, or 500 g/kg diet) and crude lipid (60, 100, 120, 160, or 180 g/kg diet) levels and estimated digestible protein to digestible energy (DP/DE) of 18.9–26.8 mg/kJ. In a second trial, apparent protein and energy digestibilities were empirically determined and coefficients used to calculate actual digestibilities. Digestible energy (DE) intake was 4.2–13.0 kJ/fish/d, and digestible protein (DP) intake was 0.13–0.32 g/fish/d. Average daily gain increased as a function of both DP and energy. Growth increased with increasing DP in all diets containing 24.0 mg/kJ DP/DE or greater until a plateau at 366 g DP/kg. Nitrogen gain was also a function of both DP and DE. Increasing energy at constant protein improved protein utilization. DP to maximize growth and nitrogen gain was between 356 and 366 g/kg. DE to attain maximum growth in juvenile Florida pompano is at least 15.4 MJ/kg with a DP/DE between 23.8 and 25.1 mg/kJ.
Vibrational state dependence of the Ã, state lifetime of HONO

Abstract Lower limits to the subpicosecond lifetimes of specific vibrational levels of the quasistable A state of HONO are obtained through photodissociation experiments in a supersonic jet. Laser-induced fluorescence of the OH fragment ejected by the A state of HONO is used as a probe for A-X absorption of the parent. The excited-state lifetime, estimated through A-X absorption widths measured by scanning the photodissociation wavelength, shows a dependence on the number of quanta of the optically accessible -NO stretching ( v 2 ) vibration and is interpreted in terms of the topology of the A state surface.
Computer simulation of the quench-induced strength degradation in glass plates

Abstract A computer simulation of the strength degradation of quenched soda-lime glass specimens was performed. The evolution of quench-induced crack growth was studied with (1) no subcritical crack growth effect, and (2) subcritical crack growth included. The computer simulation quanlitatively indicates that the means retained strength exhibits a gradual decrease with increasing quench temperature difference. Subcritical crack growth enhances the thermal shock damage.
Cryogenic pumping gas target system

Abstract A small-volume gas-target system has been built which uses immersion of one of two like chambers into liquid helium for contaminant-free pumping. An unlimited number of gas exchanges can be made without opening the system. Hence, rapid cycling of “gas in-gas out” measurements can be made with expensive gases which are returned to the reservoir. This operation is practical with total gas quantities of 10 cm 3 STP or more. Reliability in six experiments to date has been such that no gas loss or contamination has been measured and only one leak, before startup, has appeared.
Enhanced coronary vasoconstriction to oxidative stress product, 8-epi-prostaglandinF2α, in experimental hypercholesterolemia

Objectives: The F2-isoprostanes are a family of novel prostaglandin isomers and a stable product of in vivo oxidative stress. 8-epi-prostaglandinF2α, a member of this isoprostane family, is a vasoconstrictor and its local release may contribute to the abnormal vasomotor tone associated with hypercholesterolemia. We therefore aimed to outline the role of 8-epi-prostaglandinF2α as a coronary vasoconstrictor in experimental hypercholesterolemia. Methods and results: Pigs were randomized to two experimental groups (each n =9): normal (N) and high cholesterol (HC) diet. To determine the vasoconstrictive effects of 8-epi-prostaglandinF2α in vitro, doses from 10−9 to 10−5 M were used to constrict coronary epicardial rings. Plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the HC group compared with the N group ( P <0.005) as were plasma 8-epi-prostaglandinF2α levels ( P <0.001). 8-epi-prostaglandinF2α immunoreactivity was present in the vessel wall in both groups. Normal vessels with intact endothelium ( n =8 rings) contracted to 8-epi-prostaglandinF2α (maximal contraction 15.5±8.74%). In the HC group, rings with intact endothelium had a greater contractile response to 8-epi-prostaglandinF2α compared to normals (72.3±7.9%; n =8; P <0.0001). This was reversed by preincubation with NOR-3, a NO donor (maximal contraction 6.7±1.56%; n =5; P <0.0001). Enhanced contraction in normal vessels occurred with endothelial denudation (98.4±3.56%; n =6; P <0.0001) and with preincubation of the endothelium-intact rings with l- N MMA ( N -monomethyl-l-arginine), an NO synthase inhibitor (85.5±10.3%, n =6, P <0.001). The enhanced contraction seen with hypercholesterolemia did not occur with other prostanoid vasoconstrictors. Conclusion: Experimental hypercholesterolemia leads to a significant increase in 8-epi-prostaglandinF2α levels in addition to enhanced 8-epi-prostaglandinF2α-induced coronary vasoconstriction, in vitro. These findings support a role for the F2-isoprostanes in the regulation of coronary vasomotor tone in pathophysiologic states.
On becoming homeless: A study of chronically mentally ill persons

A naturalistic study that focuses on the process of homelessness after psychiatric hospitalization is presented. The posthospital adjustments of 132 former patients were examined for 6 months. Thirty-six percent of these individuals became homeless, and a qualitative research approach was used to frame four categories that described how individuals in each category moved into homelessness. Categories identified were the Wanderers, Tenuous Planners, Socially Disadvantaged Homeless, and the Dropouts. Suggestions of how to reintegrate them back into the community after hospitalization are presented.
Amylin replacement therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Amylin is a pancreatic β-cell hormone that is cosecreted with insulin and plays an important physiologic role in glucose homeostasis. Pramlintide is an analogue of amylin recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration and represents the first new treatment for people with type 1 diabetes since the discovery of insulin more than 80 years ago. Pramlintide has been shown to reduce the day-to-day fluctuations in glucose values that are commonly seen despite maximized insulin therapy alone. Additional proven clinical benefits include flattening of the postprandial glucose values, reducing the A1C, and concomitant weight loss. This combination of benefits makes pramlintide an important therapeutic tool for improving the metabolic control and quality of life of people with type 1 diabetes.
On the Subtleties of Method and Style in the Laṭāʾif al-ishārāt of al-Qushayrī

Abstract The Laṭāʾif al-ishārāt of Abū l-Qāsim al-Qushayrī (d. 465/1072) is a comprehensive, line-by-line mystical commentary on the Qur’an. In this article, an analysis of the comments on the first four sūras demonstrates how Qushayrī crafted a distinctively cohesive way of responding to the Qur’anic text that avoids any sharp or simplistic division of the exoteric and the mystical. This is partly accomplished by not addressing verses in an overly selective way, and partly by mirroring the shifting modes of discourse and content of the Qur’an itself. Qushayrī adeptly incorporates into his commentary the intellectual discourses of his time in exegesis, theology and mysticism, and then expands his rhetorical repertoire with the more emotive and aesthetic dimensions of poetry, rhymed prose and metaphor. Qushayrī’s methodology allows him to use tangible human experience to explain what might otherwise seem like otherworldly or abstract ideas, and to provide concrete advice for mystical aspirants. The esoteric and exoteric are seamlessly interwoven in his commentary through the ethos of adab, understood as a hermeneutic, a sensibility, and a life strategy for those seeking nearness with the divine.
The immersed boundary method: A projection approach

A new formulation of the immersed boundary method with a structure algebraically identical to the traditional fractional step method is presented for incompressible flow over bodies with prescribed surface motion. Like previous methods, a boundary force is applied at the immersed surface to satisfy the no-slip constraint. This extra constraint can be added to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations by introducing regularization and interpolation operators. The current method gives prominence to the role of the boundary force acting as a Lagrange multiplier to satisfy the no-slip condition. This role is analogous to the effect of pressure on the momentum equation to satisfy the divergence-free constraint. The current immersed boundary method removes slip and non-divergence-free components of the velocity field through a projection. The boundary force is determined implicitly without any constitutive relations allowing the present formulation to use larger CFL numbers compared to some past methods. Symmetry and positive-definiteness of the system are preserved such that the conjugate gradient method can be used to solve for the flow field. Examples show that the current formulation achieves second-order temporal accuracy and better than first-order spatial accuracy in L"2-norms for one- and two-dimensional test problems. Results from two-dimensional simulations of flows over stationary and moving cylinders are in good agreement with those from previous experimental and numerical studies.
Ultrasonic Cleaning-Induced Failures in Medical Devices

Ultrasonic cleaning is often used as part of the manufacturing process of small medical devices such as guide wires and vascular implants. Ultrasonic cleaning at frequencies close to the natural frequency of the device can result in resonance, resulting in significant mechanical damage and possibly premature failure. This paper provides case studies of ultrasonic cleaning-induced fatigue and corresponding failures in small medical devices. Preventative measures, including analytical tools such as finite element analysis (FEA), to ensure that ultrasonic cleaning frequencies do not result in resonance and stresses sufficient to cause fatigue damage are also discussed.
Association of an intracranial arteriovenous malformation and a meningioma

A case of a simultaneously discovered arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and a meningioma is presented. A review of the literature revealed only four similar cases, but there have been 30 reports of other intracranial tumors in association with AVM. The possible mechanisms of this rare association are discussed.
Experimental Study of Blade Vibration in Centrifugal Compressors

Blade vibration in turbomachinery is a common problem that can lead to blade failure by high cycle fatigue. Although much research has been performed on axial flow turbomachinery, little has been published for radial flow machines such as centrifugal compressors and radial inflow turbines. This work develops a test rig that measures the resonant vibration of centrifugal compressor blades. The blade vibrations are caused by the wakes coming from the inlet guide vanes. These vibrations are measured using blade mounted strain gauges during a rotating test. The total damping of the blade response from the rotating test is compared to the damping from the modal testing performed on the impeller. The mode shapes of the response and possible effects of mistuning are also discussed. The results show that mistuning can affect the phase cancellation which one would expect to see on a system with perfect cyclic symmetry.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Effect of nitridation on the reliability of thick gate oxides

Abstract In this work the effect of nitridation on the reliability of thick (60 nm) gate oxides used in discrete power MOSFETs is investigated. Nitridation was carried out by post-oxidation anneal in N 2 O at 1000 °C. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy characterization did show that the nitrogen resulting from N 2 O nitridation piles up in the oxide at the Si–SiO 2 interface regardless of nitridation time. The results obtained show improved breakdown field ( E bd ), and charge-to-breakdown ( Q bd ) characteristics for nitrided thick oxides. Also, lower mid-bandgap interface trap density ( D it ) was observed in the case of nitrided oxides. Key conclusion from this experiment is that nitridation of thick (>50 nm) gate oxide performed to suppress boron penetration into the MOSFET channel region is not having an adverse effect on its electrical characteristics.
Impact of organizational structure on acquisitions and collection development

The library’s organizational structure is examined within a framework of acquisitions and collection development. A review of the literature and analysis of data obtained in a survey reveal no clear pattern of an optimal organizational structure to enhance acquisitions and collection development activities.
Suspended-sediment transport in the surf zone: response to breaking waves

A field experiment designed to investigate the influence of wave breaking on suspended-sediment transport was conducted at Duck, NC, from 6 to 9 September 1985. Arrays of optical backscatter sensors, electromagnetic current meters and pressure sensors were deployed at five positions on a shore-normal transect that spanned the surf zone. At each position measurements were made of cross-shore and longshore velocity, sea-surface fluctuations, and suspended sediment at five levels above the bed. Experimental data runs were conducted when incident swell waves ( Hs = 0.5m, T= 10–12s) broke (primarily plunging) within the experimental transect. This paper describes the spatial characteristics of the plunge-to-bore tranformation region and describes (1) the cross-shore variability of sediment resuspension, including the mean concentrations and mean suspended load; (2) the net longshore and cross-shore flux across the surf zone; (3) mean suspended-sediment profiles as a function of wave type, e.g. plunging, spilling and bore, and unbroken at four positions across the surf zone; and (4) discusses the relative contribution of each wave type to the net longshore and cross-shore sediment flux.
Investigation of Stainless Steel Corrosion in Ultrahigh-Purity Water and Steam Systems by Surface Analytical Techniques

Stainless steel pipes with different degrees of rouging and a Teflon®-coated rupture disc with severe corrosion were thoroughly investigated by combining multiple surface analytical techniques. The surface roughness and iron oxide layer thickness increase with increasing rouge severity, and the chromium oxide layer coexists with the iron oxide layer in samples with various degrees of rouging. Unlike the rouging observed for stainless steel pipes, the fast degradation of the rupture disc was caused by a crevice corrosion environment created by perforations in the protective Teflon coating. This failure analysis clearly shows the highly corrosive nature of ultrapure water used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, and demonstrates some of the unexpected corrosion mechanisms that can be encountered in these environments.
Effect of age on serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone and its biological effects.

Immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels, nephrogenous cAMP (ncAMP), and tubular maximum phosphate reabsorption (TmP) were measured in 10 young and 12 healthy volunteers. The fasting urinary calcium to creatinine ratio (Ca:Cr) was also quantitated as an index of bone resorption. Aging was attended by increased iPTH levels (6.9 ± 0.8 us. 3.4 ± 0.4 /¼leq/ml; P < 0.01) as well as increased ncAMP levels (2.48 ± 0.28 vs. 1.12 ± 0.21 nmol/100 ml glomerular filtrate; P < 0.005) and decreased TmP (2.9 ± 0.2 vs. 4.1 ± 0.2 mg/100 ml glomerular filtrate; P < 0.005), indicating that the increased iPTH levels reflected the biological effects of the hormone. A significant positive correlation of iPTH and ncAMP and a significant negative correlation of iPTH and TmP were observed. The Ca:Cr was increased in the older volunteers (0.10 ± 0.02 vs. 0.05 ± 0.01; P < 0.05). The elderly subjects had significantly decreased daily calcium ingestion, serum phosphate and albumin, and creatinine clearance. Our findings sugge...
States of an Atomic Electron Pair

Doubly excited states of atoms have now been studied for twenty years. The simultaneous excitation of two electrons from the ground state of an atom (or ion) leads to phenomena qualitatively different from those exhibited by single excitation. New basis states, new models and new quantum numbers are required to describe some of these phenomena. Broad-ly, all two electron states can be divided into two classes, those in which single particle behavior dominates and those which have to be considered throughout in terms of the electron pair. This distinction, the basic differences in the two types of states, the attendant implications for their experimental observation, and the broader setting of this study of the quantum mechanics of strongly perturbed or non-separable potentials are discussed.
Cyclic evolution of bouncing for contacts in commercial RF MEMS switches

This paper systematically investigates for the first time the evolution of switch bounce for the Omron 2SMES-01 switch as a function of lifetime cycling. We demonstrate that the first bounce duration monotonically increases by as much as 20% over 200 million cycles. In addition, the amplitude of tertiary bounces monotonically increase by as much as 100 % over the same interval with the spontaneous occurrence of new bounces persisting as cycle count increases. Measurement of switch bouncing provides a readily accessible form of transient analysis of RF MEMS contacts and has the potential to become an indispensable tool for in-situ switch diagnostics related to adhesion forces, contact hardening, and film formation. A novel automated platform for studying both static and dynamic switch characteristics over the lifetime of an RF MEMS switch is demonstrated as well.
Threonine metabolism by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

83 strains ofPseudomonas aeruginosa were unable to utilizel-threonine as carbon-energy source, although this compound served as sole nitrogen source. Auxotrophs ofP. aeruginosa 9-D2 that requiredl-serine or glycine for growth could grow in the presence ofl-threonine. Extracts ofP. aeruginosa 9-D2 grown in the presence ofl-threonine contained threonine dehydrogenase and alpha-amino beta-ketobutyrate: CoA ligase activities; threonine aldolase was not detectable. Cells grown in the absence ofl-threonine produced no detectable threonine dehydrogenase.l-Leucine neither stimulated nor repressed threonine dehydrogenase levels. Glycine, and to a lesser extentl-serine, repressedl-threonine-mediated threonine dehydrogenase synthesis. A mutant of strain 9-D2 was isolated that could utilizel-threonine as sole carbon-energy source. This strain produced elevated levels of threonine dehydrogenase, but only slightly higher levels of alpha-amino beta-ketobutyrate: CoA ligase activities.
Moderation of the daily dose of HRT: Prevention of osteoporosis

Abstract Introduction and methods: Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in clinical practice. Between 30% and 50% of postmenopausal women and almost 50% of all people over the age of 75 are estimated to have osteoporosis. HRT is well known for reducing the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women but compliance with long-term HRT therapy remains low. The use of low dose HRT reduces the estrogenic adverse events which often cause patients to stop therapy. In this paper, the current literature on the benefits of low dose HRT and osteoporosis prevention are reviewed. Results: Various studies have assessed the efficacy of low-dose HRT (25 mcg/day transdermally; 0.3 mg/day orally) in the prevention of osteoporosis. Low dose HRT is effective at reducing bone loss in postmenopausal and oophorectomised women. In one study of 218 postmenopausal women, a dose of 0.3 mg/day of esterified estrogen resulted in a small but significant increase in whole body BMD compared to a decrease in the placebo group. The addition of calcium supplements may have a synergistic effect on the reduction of bone loss. Conclusion: Low dose estrogen, taken either orally or transdermally, can prevent or reverse postmenopausal bone loss and appears to be a useful alternative to higher dosages in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The option of starting HRT at low dose gives physicians the ability to titrate doses to suit individual patients whilst ensuring adequate bone protection and the minimum of hyperestrogenic side effects.
A new syndrome of multiple hemangiomas, right dominant double aortic arch, and coarctation.

ble aortic arch, type B interruption of the left arch, coarctation, aberrant subclavian arteries, and associated multiple right-sided facial and upper limb superficial and deep hemangiomas. Clinical summaries PATIENT 1. A baby girl was born by elective cesarean birth for cephalopelvic disproportion at term in August 1984 and required ventilatory assistance for 6 days for hyaline membrane disease. During this period she was found to have a continuous cardiac murmur and heart failure. There was no history of congenital heart disease in the family, which included one healthy sibling. Multiple capillary hemangiomas were noted over the right side of her face, shoulder, and arm and a deeper hemangioma was present on the back of her neck. Congenital aortic lesions are occasionally associated with clinical syndromes. Recognition of these syndromes is important in aiding clinical diagnosis and accurate surgical management. We describe the case histories of 2 children who appear to have a new vascular syndrome comprising right dominant douA NEW SYNDROME OF MULTIPLE HEMANGIOMAS, RIGHT DOMINANT DOUBLE AORTIC ARCH, AND COARCTATION
The European Union 2002 Directive on Sexual Harassment: A Feminist Success?

The European integration process has provided both challenges and opportunities for domestic women's movements. The European Union (EU) Directive on equal treatment of men and women of 2002 is the outcome of the lobbying efforts of an emerging European transnational advocacy network on gender. The binding Directive for the first time prohibits sexual and gender harassment. It calls on member states to better protect the rights of victims of sexual harassment and to ensure the integrity, dignity and equality of women and men at work. This paper examines the potential of the Directive to effect significant changes in the EU member states, in particular, to improve victims’ rights in member-state laws. The argument is that the 2002 Directive is the outcome of a political compromise among the member states, on which feminist discourses did have some bearing. On the one hand, the 2002 Directive can be interpreted as a success of feminist activism, in particular, in the very definition, linking the problem to sex discrimination. On the other hand, it does not go as far as feminists had hoped; for example, the EU has left member states to deal with the most difficult aspects of the problem: prevention, implementation and enforcement of the laws.
The inhibition of morphine: UDP-glucuronyltransferase in rabbit liver microsomes by cyproheptadine.

Abstract The reactivity of the non-narcotic substances, cyproheptadine and N-desmethylcyproheptadine with morphine: UDP-glucuronyltransferase was studied in rabbit hepatic microsomal preparations. Cyproheptadine produced a potent competitive inhibition of morphine glucuronidation in vitro (Ki=0.08 mM) whereas its N-desmethyl derivative was significantly less effective (Ki=0.4 mM). No cyproheptadine glucuronide was formed in these reactions suggesting that cyproheptadine acts as a dead-end inhibitor. Results indicate that the mechanism of the inhibition of morphine: UDP-glucuronyltransferase by cyproheptadine is similar to that produced by opioids and is related to the presence of the N-alkyl group in it structure.
Homestead Size, Gender, and Aggression among Gusii Children

Behavioral aggression in natural settings was in- vestigated in relation to gender and homestead membership size among 43 Gusii children between the ages offour and eight. No differences were found in the frequency of boys' and girls' ag- gression, an outcome already observed in the same community of "Nyansongo" during the Six Cultures Study a decade earlier. An association between children's aggression and the number of persons with whom they resided ("homestead size") was inter- preted asfollows: (a) cross-culturally, large social groups punish child aggression, apparently due to the potential disruptiveness of aggression in crowded quarters; (b) punitive treatment of ag- gression tends not to control aggressivity but, rather, to breed it; and, as predicted, (c) children from the larger homesteads ex- hibited a higher frequency of aggression. As with the gender out- come, the homestead-size/aggression findings were elucidated by aspects of the coverage provided by the earlier Six Cultures Study.
Business Entities: An SOA Approach to Progressive Core Banking Renovation

The challenges in banking industry are forcing banks torenovate their core systems to survive fierce competition.A progressive renovation approach is preferable to totalreplacement because it is less intrusive and risky. In thispaper, we present an incremental core bankingrenovation methodology based on the concept of businessentities. We implemented this methodology to develop anSOA solution to dynamic product bundling for an Asianbank. This renovation project provided an opportunity forus to explore SOA design principles regarding servicecomponent modularity, service reusability, changemanagement and integration, and also to empiricallydemonstrate the advantages of the business entity-centricapproach in achieving well-designed SOA solutions.
Dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors during adolescence: associations with 10-year changes in body mass index.

Abstract Background Dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors are common among adolescents and questions exist regarding their long-term effect on weight status. Objective To examine 10-year longitudinal associations between dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors and changes in body mass index (BMI) from adolescence to young adulthood. Methods and Procedures A diverse population-based sample of middle school and high school adolescents participating in Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) was followed up for 10 years. Participants (N = 1,902) completed surveys in 1998–1999 (Project EAT-I), 2003–2004 (Project EAT-II), and 2008–2009 (Project EAT-III). Dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors at Time 1 and Time 2 were used to predict 10-year changes in BMI at Time 3, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and Time 1 BMI. Results Dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors at both Time 1 and Time 2 predicted greater BMI increases at Time 3 in males and females, as compared with no use of these behaviors. For example, females using unhealthy weight control behaviors at both Time 1 and Time 2 increased their BMI by 4.63 units as compared with 2.29 units in females not using these behaviors ( p Conclusions Findings clearly indicate that dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors, as reported by adolescents, predict significant weight gain over time.
Theorizing New Media: Reflexivity, Knowledge, and the Web 2.0*

A recent wave of popular and scholarly discourse has hailed the arrival of the Web 2.0, marking a new generation of Internet users who share and collaborate on popular social networking sites such as MySpace and user-generated communities such as YouTube and Wikipedia. Social and cultural critics have attempted to take stock of the implications of these various technological changes with specific emphasis on the state of knowledge in contemporary society. This article aims to theoretically examine knowledge in the context of new media technologies with particular attention paid to the notion of “reflexivity.” Focusing on the work of Scott Lash, whose theory of reflexivity radically differs from various other interpretations, I suggest that knowledge, in its modern formulation—as reasoned, stable, and linear—must be rethought for the information age, critiquing some of the predominant scholarly and popular media criticisms that suggests media to be mere enhancements of human forms of communication, knowledge, and sense-making. I conclude by considering some of the ontological dimensions of the transformations in the dynamics of knowledge in new media technologies.
Nikolal Alexandrovich Mel'gunov on the Reformation and the Work Ethic *

Nikolai Alexandrovich Mel'gunov, the son of a well-to-do landowner, was born in 1804 in the province of Orel, south-west of Moscow. He was educated largely at home by private tutors and was well read at an early age. When Mel'gunov was still a boy the family moved to Kharkov and soon thereafter their home became a center of intellectual and social life. Among those who participated in the gatherings at the Mel'gunovs were professors from the newly-established University of Kharkov as well as government officials.
Glycogen metabolism in the developing accessory lobes of Lachi in the nerve cord of the chick: Metabolic correlations with the avian glycogen body

Glycogen synthase, glycogen phosphorylase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphatase were determined for the first time in the necessary lobes of Lachi from late embryonic chicks. The activities of these enzymes were compared with those found in other glycogen-metabolizing tissues, specifically the glycogen body, liver, and skeletal muscle, obtained from the same embryos. The data show that, as in the glycogen body, the accessory lobes of Lachi lack glucose-6-phosphatase, but contain relatively high activity levels of glycogen synthase I, total and active glycogen phosphorylase, and the dehydrogenases of glucose-6-phosphate and 6-phosphogluconate. The percent of glycogen synthase I activity in the Lachi lobes is from two- to 20-fold greater than observed in the glycogen body, liver, or muscle, whereas the percent of glycogen phosphorylase a activity is comparable to that of the liver, but greater than that in the glycogen body or muscle. The activity of each dehydrogenase of the pentose phosphate cycle in the Lachi lobes is similar to that noted in the glycogen body, but is over two- or fivefold greater than that activity found in muscle or liver. Our data, together with other recent evidence, suggest that the role of glycogen in these functionally enigmatic tissues may be to support the precocious process of myelin synthesis in the developing bird, as well as possibly to provide alternate sources of energy for the avian central nervous system.
Postgenomic Analyses Reveal Development of Infectious Anaplasma phagocytophilum during Transmission from Ticks to Mice

Obligate intracellular bacteria of the Rickettsiales order have evolved to colonize both arthropod and mammalian hosts, but few details are known about the bacterial adaptations that occur during transmission from blood-feeding arthropods to mammals. Here we apply proteomics and transcriptome sequencing to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, in Ixodes scapularis tick salivary glands, to detect proteins or genes expressed by the pathogen during transmission feeding by the tick. We detected expression of 139 genes, representing 11% of the open reading frames (ORFs) in the A. phagocytophilum genome. The predominant categories of proteins were ribosomal proteins, cell surface proteins, chaperones, and uncharacterized proteins. There was no evidence of DNA replication enzymes, suggesting that most of the A. phagocytophilum cells were no longer dividing. Instead, protein expression reflected conversion to the extracellular, infectious "dense-core" (DC) form. High expression of a DC-specific marker, APH_1235, further suggested this developmental transition in ticks. We showed that blocking APH_1235 with antibodies reduced A. phagocytophilum infection levels in mammalian cell culture. This work represents a starting point for clarifying essential proteins expressed by A. phagocytophilum during transmission from ticks to mammals and demonstrates that the abundantly expressed, DC-associated APH_1235 protein is important during in vivo infection by A. phagocytophilum.