cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anisotropic critical fields of NbCu in situ formed composites

We have measured the upper critical field of NbCu in situ formed tape composites and found it anisotropic. The angular dependence of Hc2 is in good agreement with the predictions of the anisotropic Ginzburg-Landau model.
A carbon monoxide and thermometry sensor based on mid-IR quantum-cascade laser wavelength-modulation absorption spectroscopy

A mid-infrared wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) absorption sensor utilizing a quantum cascade laser (QCL) source for carbon monoxide detection at 4.6 μm and high-temperature thermometry has been developed and demonstrated. Measurements are made in a room-temperature gas cell and in high-temperature reflected-shock-heated gases. Room-temperature results demonstrate a minimum CO detectivity of 0.03 ppm per meter of absorption path length at a 1-kHz detection bandwidth, representing an order-of-magnitude increased sensitivity compared to scanned-wavelength direct absorption. High-temperature shock tube measurements demonstrate sensitive thermometry from 850 to 3500 K for pressures near 1 atm at detection bandwidths of 500 Hz and 1 kHz. Sensor determined temperatures agree with the post-reflected-shock conditions within ±1.9% (1σ deviation). To our knowledge, the thermometry measurements presented here represent the first WMS high-temperature thermometry measurements made using a QCL.
From Color Fields to Quark Gluon Plasma

We discuss a model for the energy distribution and the early space-time evolution of a heavy ion collision. We estimate the gluon field generated in the wake of hard processes and through primordial fluctuations of the color charges in the nuclei. Without specifying the dynamical mechanism of thermalization we calculate the energy momentum tensor of the following plasma phase. The results of this model can be used as initial conditions for a further hydrodynamic evolution.
ANISOTROPIC SPIN-LATTICE RELAXATION RATES OF SOME RARE-EARTH-DOPED LANTHANUM TRICHLORIDES

We have measured the temperature dependence and the angular anisotropy of the spin-lattice relaxation rate $\frac{1}{{T}_{1}}$ of cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, terbium, and erbium in single crystals of anhydrous lanthanum trichloride. The experiments were performed at $X$-band frequencies using pulse-saturation techniques on samples containing \ensuremath{\le}2 at.% rare-earth doping for temperatures between 1.65 and 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Angular measurements at constant temperature were made for magnetic-field orientations between 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} with respect to the crystal $c$ axis. The results are interpreted as involving an angular-dependent direct process and isotropic Orbach and Raman mechanisms. These results are compared with theoretically predicted rates obtained from our computer calculations, which are based upon Orbach's approach and require a knowledge of the static crystal-field parameters. Since rare-earth trichlorides have been the object of much optical investigation, these parameters are available for all ions we treat except cerium. Except for this ion, most of the predicted relaxation rates agree with experiments to within a factor of 5 or less, and for all ions the form of the angular anistropy is followed almost exactly. Theoretical treatments which involve the mixing of excited-state wave functions into the ground magnetic doublet through the anisotropic Zeeman interaction are required to explain the observed angular dependence. One of the ions, praseodymium, exhibits a phonon-limited direct-process relaxation rate which is interesting because the apparent hot-phonon equilibration time is about 80 nsec and corresponds to an equilibration path length of only 160\ensuremath{\mu}. Afterneutron bombardment the bottlenecked relaxation rate changed and the equilibration time was apparently reduced to 53 nsec. Prior irradiation of this same sample with 100-keV x rays produced no observable change in the relaxation time. No dependence upon crystal size was observed for the phonon bottleneck in ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$-doped La${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$.
Consequences of thermorheological complexity in viscoelastic materials

An additive compliance model was used to simulate thermorheologically complex behavior of a linear viscoelastic material. Creep compliance isotherms were generated using the model and timetemperature shift factors were determined. Thea T shift factors depend upon both time and temperature in a transient experiment and can be unambiguously determined for all regions of time and temperature. The dynamic response was also obtained using the additive compliance model, and the frequency and temperature dependence of the shift factors were determined for both the in-phase and out-of-phase components of the complex compliance. Thea T shift factor of the in-phase component was a function of both frequency and temperature and was a well defined quantity. The shift factor for the out-ofphase component of the dynamic compliance was not identical to that of the in-phase component; furthermore, this shift factor was undefined for certain regions of frequency and temperature.
Hair-aluminum concentrations and children’s classroom behavior

The study investigated the relationship between children’s hair-Al concentrations and children’s behavioral performance in school. Hair-Al levels of 102 children drawn from a general school population were correlated with teachers’ ratings of the children on the Walker Problem Behavior Identification Checklist (WPBIC). Increasing hair-Al values correlated significantly with increased scores on the WPBIC total scale score. A continuing reexamination of Al exposure in the young is needed in order to determine the margin of safety regarding potentially toxic levels of Al.
Life Cycle Water Use of Energy Production and Its Environmental Impacts in China

The energy sector is a major user of fresh water resources in China. We investigate the life cycle water withdrawals, consumptive water use, and wastewater discharge of China's energy sectors and their water-consumption-related environmental impacts, using a mixed-unit multiregional input-output (MRIO) model and life cycle impact assessment method (LCIA) based on the Eco-indicator 99 framework. Energy production is responsible for 61.4 billion m(3) water withdrawals, 10.8 billion m(3) water consumption, and 5.0 billion m(3) wastewater discharges in China, which are equivalent to 12.3%, 4.1% and 8.3% of the national totals, respectively. The most important feature of the energy-water nexus in China is the significantly uneven spatial distribution of consumptive water use and its corresponding environmental impacts caused by the geological discrepancy among fossil fuel resources, fresh water resources, and energy demand. More than half of energy-related water withdrawals occur in the east and south coastal regions. However, the arid north and northwest regions have much larger water consumption than the water abundant south region, and bear almost all environmental damages caused by consumptive water use.
Direct Interaction in Neutron Inelastic Scattering

The direct interaction contribution to the cross section for the inelastic scattering of neutrons leading to the excitation of a single particle of the target nucleus is derived by using the method of distorted waves. The interaction potential between the incident neutron and target nucleon is taken to be a three-dimensional delta function, and the incident and emergent neutrons are assumed to move in the complex potential of the "cloudy crystal ball" model. The wave functions for the target nucleons are described in terms of the single-particle model.The theory is applied to the excitation of the first level in ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$. The angular distribution of the emergent neutrons is forward-peaked. The magnitude of the cross section is small, however, and the effect will most easily be observed at neutron energies which lie between the levels of the compund nucleus.
The Community College and Technique

Community Colleges, as contemporary educational institutions, are best understood by elucidating their legitimacy needs in a technological society. The nature of a technological society has been most clearly articulated in the work of Jacques Ellul. The growth of the technological society is inextricably tied to a vision of reality centered upon the empirical world and its manipulation by humans. This capacity to manipulate becomes so compelling that reality is virtually ex hausted of anything that cannot be objectively verified and subject to manipulation. Within this framework, precise quantitative measures and manipulation be come the sole form of legitimacy. The community college is caught in this predicament and in compliance mutates into a pseudo-laboratory of interventions on its objects. The proposed trajectory of said institutions is one that is incapable of providing the fertile soil for the development of character or the discovery of meaning.
Feline Degenerative Joint Disease

Objective: To critically review and collate published information on feline degenerative joint disease (DJD) and identify areas in which information is lacking. Study Design: Critical literature review. Methods: Literature search through Pub Med, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau Abstracts published in the English Language, or translated into English (January 1940–August 2008). Results: Although there are no prospective studies, the prevalence of radiographic DJD appears to be high and can be associated with clinical signs of decreased mobility. There appears to be a mismatch between radiographic and clinical examination findings (pain response). There is little information on the cause of DJD in different joints. There are no fully validated subjective or objective assessment systems for the measurement of chronic DJD-associated pain in the cat. Development of a feline model of chronic DJD-associated pain may speed the development and evaluation of candidate pain-alleviating compounds and treatments. Conclusions: The high prevalence of feline DJD and lack of information about it, suggests further investigation is needed. Clinical Relevance: Feline DJD occurs with high frequency, and yet there is little to guide the clinician on prevention or treatment.
Sex selection technology : a prediction of its use and effect

ABSTRACT We surveyed 281 undergraduates to assess their sexual preference for a firstborn child and their willingness to use sex selection technology. Results indicated overall preference for a boy among these respondents whether or not they indicated a willingness to use reproductive technology. Black women reported a greater willingness to use technology than did White women (p < .05), and older respondents (p < .10) also reported a greater intention to use the technology. Catholics were less willing to use technology than all other religious sects (p < .05). Of the 51 respondents who indicated their willingness to use technology, 73% preferred sons (p < .01). This finding held across sex, race, religion, age, and income levels. Support for the women's movement was unrelated to either preference or projected use of sex selection technology.
Faulting Parameters of the September 25, 1998 Pymatuning, Pennsylvania Earthquake

On 25 September 1998 a moderate-size m bLg 5.2 earthquake occurred in northwestern Pennsylvania, near the Ohio border. Early source analyses suggested an unusual, non-double-couple component to the faulting mechanism, but subsequent checks of the near-real-time solutions suggested the non-double-couple component may have been an artifact. We investigate the size of the non-double-couple faulting component, improve mechanism and depth estimates for the Pymatuning event, and explore the reason(s) why early estimates contained large non-double-couple source components. We conclude that the non-double-couple component, while possible, is unnecessary and can be interpreted as a consequence of small amplitude features in near-nodal Rayleigh waves. We show that the Pymatuning earthquake can be explained with a pure double-couple faulting mechanism, corresponding to a near-vertical, mostly strike-slip fault with planes striking 110° and 13°, with dips of 70° and 71° and rakes of 20° and 159°. The estimated moment is 5.6 × 10 22 dyne-cm ( M w = 4.5). Regional waveforms constrain the depth of the event to be shallower than 7.5 km, and a short period teleseismic P waveform from northwest Russia suggests a shallower 2-4 km source. The roughly east-west- or north-south-striking vertical strike-slip mechanism agrees well with existing estimates of the stress field and is similar to the 1986 eastern Ohio earthquake mechanism.
The influence of segregation on grain boundary cohesion

Based upon a detailed thermodynamic analysis where a grain gives up one or several dilute solutes to the grain boundary, we have devised two models which adequately describe the energetics of grain boundary segregation induced intergranular fracture. In the first model the cohesive energy of the precipitate is much smaller than the original material giving rise to easy separation of the boundary region. In the second model a highly cohesive directionally bonded glassy segregate forms at the boundary. The ternary glassy segregate bonds well with itself but not with the surrounding lattice giving rise to a weak interface between the grain boundary segregate and the lattice.
EUS-FNA Mutational Analysis in Differentiating Autoimmune Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

Background/Aims: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) may mimic pancreatic cancer (PC). The detection of DNA mutations in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) material may improve discrimination between AIP and PC and is the context for this study. Methods: In a retrospective study, archived EUS-FNA material from patients with AIP and PC at two centers was analyzed for KRAS mutations and loss-of-heterozygosity analysis involving 18 microsatellite markers. KRAS status and the fractional allelic loss (number of affected microsatellites divided by informative ones) were compared for AIP and PC. Results: Thirty-two patients with 33 samples were studied. There were 16 patients with AIP (17 samples) and 16 patients with PC. DNA amplification failed in 7 samples. Of 25 patients (26 samples), 14 had AIP (7 male, age 57 ± 17 years; mean ± SD) and 11 had PC (7 male, age 65 ± 14 years; mean ± SD). Cytology results for AIP were inflammatory = 3, inconclusive = 10, suspicious for malignancy = 2 and for PC were malignant = 5, suspicious for malignancy = 4 and inconclusive = 2, respectively. KRAS mutation was detected in none of the AIP cases and 10/11 PC cases (91%, Pearson χ2 = 22.16, p or 10/16 PC cases (63%) accounting for PC cases with failed DNA amplification. Mean (±SD) fractional allelic loss for the AIP cases (0.16 ± 0.15) was not significantly different from the PC cases (0.26 ± 0.19). Conclusions: A KRAS mutation in EUS/FNA material from a pancreatic mass is associated with malignancy and may help discriminate from benign conditions such as AIP.
On the state of chromophore protonation in rhodopsin: implication for primary photochemistry in visual pigments.

— Resonance Raman multicomponent spectra of bovine rhodopsin, isorhodopsin, and bathorhodopsin are obtained at low temperature. Application of the double beam, ‘pump-probe’ technique allows an extraction of the rhodopsin and bathorhodopsin spectra in both protonated and deuterated media. Our results show that the Schiff bases of both rhodopsin and bathorhodopsin are fully protonated and the degree of protonation is unaffected by the rhodopsin-bathorhodopsin transformation. Further, the data support the concept or cis-trans isomerization as occurring in this transition. The effect of these results on various models for the primary photochemical event in vision is discussed.
Rethinking Historical Factors: Military and Political Transitions in South America

As South American dictatorships fade into the past, analyses regarding their military legacies have increasingly diverged and disagreed. The purpose of this article is to introduce a factor that has yet to be fully incorporated into these accounts, one that has usually been viewed as less useful in examining political transitions, namely historical military legacies. The study of the military's role in transitions has been hampered by an overemphasis on short-term factors, which in turn has resulted in unexpected empirical outcomes and the stalling of theory-building. Only analyses combining “mode of transition” and historical legacy will adequately explain the persistence of both military autonomy and civilian rule.
Testing for Interaction in Binary Logit and Probit Models: Is a Product Term Essential?

Political scientists presenting binary dependent variable (BDV) models often hypothesize that variables interact to influence the probability of an event, Pr(Y). The current typical approach to testing such hypotheses is (1) estimate a logit or probit model with a product term, (2) test the hypothesis by determining whether the coefficient for this term is statistically significant, and (3) characterize the nature of any interaction detected by describing how the estimated effect of one variable on Pr(Y) varies with the value of another. This approach makes a statistically significant product term necessary to support the interaction hypothesis. We show that a statistically significant product term is neither necessary nor sufficient for variables to interact meaningfully in influencing Pr(Y). Indeed, even when a logit or probit model contains no product term, the effect of one variable on Pr(Y) may be strongly related to the value of another. We present a strategy for testing for interaction in a BDV model, including guidance on when to include a product term.
Sigmoid volvulus – With a twist

Abstract Background: Sigmoid volvulus is a well-known and rather rare and potentially even life-threatening condition in children. Treatment consists of a vigorous rectal enema, eventually followed by surgery if the former management is not successful. The goal of this presentation is to demonstrate exclusive pictures delivering unequivocal direct evidence for both volvulation and successful devolvulation of a classical sigmoid volvulus. Despite a good search we have not found a similarly powerful – because self-explanatory – illustration of a phenomenon that is far better known than actually documented.
Sensate and insensate in-shoe plantar pressures

In the individual with loss of protective sensation, the presence of high plantar pressures has been considered a risk factor for the development of plantar ulceration. Previous studies of insensate plantar pressures have measured a limited number of isolated, barefoot steps in a laboratory setting. Such isolated snapshots of barefoot plantar pressures do not give us insight into possible step-to-step variations or what plantar pressures occur when wearing shoes. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively examine and compare in-shoe plantar pressures during continuous walking by normal sensate and diabetic insensate subjects. A portable, insole data-acquisition system was used for pressure measurement during 4 minutes of normal continuous walking. Seven pressure sensors were placed in each insole under posterior and anterior heels, the metatarsal heads, and hallux. Twelve sensate and five insensate subjects were studied. We found that the insensate group had higher plantar pressures under posterior and anterior heels and the first metatarsals compared with the sensate group. From the study of the coefficients of variation, we demonstrated a larger step-to-step variation in plantar pressures for the insensate during continuous walking, suggesting the need for caution in interpreting the data from isolated force plate steps when studying insensate individuals.
Drug induced structural changes in olfactory organ of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, Rafinesque

The fish anaesthetic tricaine methanosulfate destroyed the cilia on olfactory sensory epithelia of channel catfish, when fish were exposed to tranquilizing doses of the drug. Cilia on the non sensory epithelium appeared to be unaffected by multiple exposures of the drug. Sensory cilia regenerated within 28 days after exposure.
Accelerated crucible rotation: A novel stirring technique in high-temperature solution growth

Abstract The role of diffusion and convection in conventional flux growth is compared with the strong effect of the accelerated crucible rotation technique (ACRT). ACRT allows fast solution flux rates at the growing crystal faces. By this and by homogenization of the solution many problems in flux growth are solved. Control of nucleation in a closed crucible is achieved by combination of ACRT with localized coding. Large inclusion-free crystals with applications in solid state physics and technology have been grown.
On the spatial structure of currents across the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal

The Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal is a man-made waterway connecting two of the largest estuaries on the east coast of the United States: Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay. A set of current meter data collected during April–May 1975 along two cross-sections of the C&D Canal was used to examine the spatial distributions of the currents at tidal and subtidal time scales. The different responses of the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays to tidal and wind forcing produce significant differences in sea level fluctuations between the two ends of the canal. These alongcanal surface slopes produce significant barotropic current fluctuations at both tidal (semidiurnal and diurnal) and subtidal (2-d to 3-d) time scales. Under the influence of bottom friction, the barotropic currents near the surface are stronger than those at depth, but these currents do not exhibit significant lateral variations across the canal. On the other hand, the long-term flow in the canal exhibits strong lateral variability with eastward flow off the south shore of the canal and westward flow off the north shore of the canal. The lateral structure of the long-term flow may carry significant implications for the long-term exchange of material between the two bays.
Diffraction and Resolving Power

The existence of an ultimate absolute limit for resolving power is investigated utilizing the ambiguous image concept, viz., different objects cannot be distinguished if they have identical images. Any absolute limit to the resolving power of an optical system must be based upon the existence of ambiguous images rather than on an arbitrary specification of the precision of image measurement, since precision can always be improved, even at the photon-counting limit. It is shown that for all objects of finite angular size, the image spectrum within the passband of the optical system contains the information necessary to determine the object spectrum throughout the entire frequency domain. Knowledge of the object spectrum implies knowledge of the object. It is shown that two distinctly different objects of finite size cannot have identical images, so that no ambiguous image exists for such objects. Therefore, diffraction limits resolving power in the sense of only the lack of precision of image measurement imposed by the system noise. Equations are derived which describe processing procedures by means of which object detail can be extracted from diffraction images. An illustrative example shows the successful processing of the image of two monochromatic point sources separated by 0.2 of the Rayleigh criterion distance.
Taking the river inside: Fundamental advances from laboratory experiments in measuring and understanding bedload transport processes

Bedload transport in gravel-bed rivers impacts channel stability, the lifespan of hydraulic structures, physical components of aquatic habitat, and long-term channel evolution. Field measurements of bedload transport are notoriously difficult, which precludes understanding many of the processes and mechanics associated with grain motion. Such uncertainties are exacerbated when using bedload transport equations, most of which were derived using data from a single river or set of laboratory flume experiments. Recently, laboratory experiments have focused on better quantifying the processes that impact bedload fluxes, which can then be used to improve sediment transport predictions. We highlight recent advances in laboratory instrumentation that can be used in bedload transport studies. In particular, more accurate ways to measure bedload fluxes, near-bed turbulence, bed grain sizes, and topography hold great promise. Laboratory experiments have also fundamentally improved our understanding of the influence of sediment supply and armoring processes on bedload fluxes and channel conditions. The importance of flow hydrographs in controlling total bedload transport rates and bedload hysteresis has also been demonstrated using flume experiments. Finally, many details about the mechanics of grain motion including flow turbulence, bed arrangement, and particle transport statistics are only possible through laboratory investigations, and we feature key knowledge gaps that can be improved with further study.
Initial characterization of histone H3 serine 10 O-acetylation

In eukaryotic organisms, histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are indispensable for their role in maintaining cellular physiology, often through their mediation of chromatin-related processes such as transcription. Targeted investigations of this ever expanding network of chemical moieties continue to reveal genetic, biochemical, and cellular nuances of this complex landscape. In this study, we present our findings on a novel class of histone PTMs: Serine, Threonine, and Tyrosine O-acetylation. We have combined highly sensitive nano-LC-MS/MS experiments and immunodetection assays to identify and validate these unique marks found only on histone H3. Mass spectrometry experiments have determined that several of these O-acetylation marks are conserved in many species, ranging from yeast to human. Additionally, our investigations reveal that histone H3 serine 10 acetylation (H3S10ac) is potentially linked to cell cycle progression and cellular pluripotency. Here, we provide a glimpse into the functi...
The Ilnik wolf Canis lupus pack: use of marine mammals and offshore sea ice

Most wolf Canis lupus studies have been conducted in inland regions and comparatively little data are available for wolves inhabiting coastal areas. We monitored four members of a coastal wolf pack on the Alaska Peninsula during 2006-2008. Habitat selection ratios indicated a strong association with the coastline, and we documented pack members and other wolves feeding on several species of marine mammals in these areas. In addition, pack members were observed foraging on offshore sea ice on multiple occasions. Observed spatial use and utilization of marine mammals suggest that marine-derived subsidies may provide an important food source to coastal wolf populations. If these subsidies constitute a significant food source for coastal wolves, they likely affect wolf demographics and predator-prey relationships in these areas.
Protecting Children's Rights: “I Want to Live With BOTH Daddy and Mommy”

Counselors and teachers can promote children's rights to nurturance and self-determination by encouraging parents to respect children's desire to live with both parents after divorce.
Transdermal fentanyl: clinical development in the United States.

The first clinical experience in the United States of the transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) for delivery of fentanyl in cancer pain was a small study of five patients. Pain relief was established with intravenous (i.v.) fentanyl. A transdermal system was selected to deliver the same hourly dose while the i.v. infusion was tapered over 6 h. The transdermal system was changed every 24 h for a total duration of 3-156 days. A larger multicentre outpatient trial was conducted in 39 patients for a median of 84 days (range 5-365). The TTS fentanyl dose was established from a conversion table based on the dose of oral immediate-release morphine required to control pain. The TTS fentanyl patches were changed every 72 h. Immediate-release morphine was used on an as required basis for incident pain. The initial study demonstrated that steady-state plasma levels were linearly related to the TTS fentanyl dose. The multicentre trial further demonstrated that patients could be converted from oral morphine to an equianalgesic dose of TTS fentanyl and that pain relief could be maintained for a lengthy period of time on an outpatient basis. The systems were used throughout a variety of concomitant complications of the cancer process. This experience demonstrated the safety and clinical effectiveness of TTS fentanyl in the treatment of chronic cancer pain. TTS fentanyl has been used widely in the USA since it was approved for marketing in 1990.
Effect of pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile and dexamethasone on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Recently, we demonstrated that a microsomal enzyme inducer with a steroidal structure, pregnenolone-16 alpha-carbonitrile (PCN), markedly decreased the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen (AA) in hamsters. Therefore, it was of interest to determine if PCN, as well as another steroid microsomal enzyme inducer, dexamethasone (DEX), would decrease the toxicity of AA in mice, another species sensitive to AA hepatotoxicity. Mice were pretreated with PCN or DEX (100 and 75 mg/kg, ip, for 4 days, respectively) and were given AA (300-500 mg/kg, ip). Twenty-four hours after AA administration, liver injury was assessed by measuring serum activities of sorbitol dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase and by histopathological examination. Neither PCN nor DEX protected markedly against AA hepatotoxicity in mice; PCN tended to decrease AA-induced hepatotoxicity, whereas DEX was found to enhance AA-induced hepatotoxicity and it produced some hepatotoxicity itself. DEX decreased the glutathione concentration (36%) in liver and increased the biliary excretion of AA-GSH, which reflects the activation of AA, whereas PCN produced neither effect. Thus, whereas PCN has been shown to markedly decrease the hepatotoxicity of AA in hamsters, apparently by decreasing the isoform of P450 responsible for activating AA to N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine, this does not occur in mice after induction with either PCN or DEX. In contrast, DEX enhances AA hepatotoxicity apparently by decreasing liver GSH levels and increasing the activation of AA to a cytotoxic metabolite.
Performance analysis of aseismic base isolation systems for a multi-story building

Abstract A comparative study of the performances of several leading base isolation devices including the Rubber Bearing with and without lead core, the Sliding-Joint, the French System, and the Resilient-Friction isolator with and without upper sliding plate for a multi-story building under seismic ground accelerations is carried out. Several earthquake ground accelerations including El Centro 1940, Pacoima Dam 1971, and Mexico City 1985 earthquakes are considered. The acceleration, the base displacement and the structural deflection response spectra for the structure with different base isolation systems under various conditions are obtained and discussed. Several sensitivity analyses for variations in the parameters of the isolators and/or structure are also carried out. The effectiveness of various base isolators under a variety of conditions are studied and advantages and disadvantages of different systems are discussed. The results show that the acceleration transmitted and the column stresses of the structure can be effectively reduced by using properly designed base isolation systems. The results of the sensitivity analyses show the friction-type isolation systems are less sensitive to the variations in the amplitude and frequency content of the ground excitation in comparison to the Rubber Bearing base isolators. The study also shows that the peak accelerations transmitted by the friction-type isolators are not significantly affected by small variations in friction coefficient. Furthermore, variations in mass ratio and damping of the structure or the isolator do not significantly affect the peak responses.
Clinical Meaning in Skin-specific Quality of Life Instruments: A Comparison of the Dermatology Life Quality Index and Skindex Banding Systems

Clinical meaning can be assigned to scores of health status measures by using a variety of approaches. The anchor-based approach involves determining the difference on a quality of life (QOL) scale that corresponds to a self-reported small but important change on a global scale given concomitantly, which serves as an independent anchor. This article focuses on the anchor-based banding approach and reviews methods to assign clinical meaning to QOL measures, specifically the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex. This article also includes pilot data that compares the DLQI and Skindex using these previously validated banding systems.
Finite Element Analysis of Kinematics and Dynamics of Linkages

The kinematics and dynamics of two dimensional linkages is analyzed using an uniformed finite element approach in this paper. Each link in the linkage is a naturally discretized finite element and the joints are the nodes connecting elements. The analysis consists of two parts, namely the kinematics part and the dynamics part. In the first kinematics part, positions, linear velocities and linear accelerations of the joints are used as the solution variables in the finite element formulation. In order to have close-form solutions, the linkage must have only one degree of freedom. These joint variables are then solved for each input link configuration of angular position, velocity and acceleration. The angular positions, velocities and accelerations of the other links are then calculated from the joint variables. The position, linear velocity and acceleration of any point on the linkage, like the center of gravity for a particular link, can also be determined if desired. The second dynamics part uses joint forces as the solution variables in the finite element formulation. In each element, a third node is also defined to allow an external force or torque to be applied. Based on the solutions in the first kinematics part, the joint forces are solved for each input configuration. The forces inside each link can then be determined from the joint forces. A MATLAB program is developed for this finite element analysis on general four bar linkages and is posted on the author’s webpage.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Acute foramen magnum syndrome caused by an acquired Chiari malformation after lumbar drainage of cerebrospinal fluid: report of three cases.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCEThe perioperative use of lumbar drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is relatively common in neurosurgery, and the development of “acquired” Chiari malformations (tonsillar herniation) with lumbar CSF diversion procedures has been reported.CLINICAL PRESENTATION We describe t
A reevaluation of the evidence for a Younger Dryas climatic reversal in the tropical Andes

Abstract A review of the evidence for a Younger Dryas-equivalent climatic reversal in the tropical Andes shows that a number of hypotheses need to be reassessed. Assumptions of the El Abra cold and humid phase in Colombia are compromised by insufficient dating control. Periods of glacier advance in Peru and Bolivia lack sufficient dating control to be correlated with the European Younger Dryas. Only glaciers on the Quelccaya Ice Cap in Peru may have advanced shortly before the onset of the European climatic reversal, but even there a correlation is questionable. A late-glacial advance in the Chimborazo area in Ecuador is considerably older than previously suggested. The same glacier advance has been dated to earlier than 12,000 BP in other areas of Ecuador. The emerging picture suggests two phases of glacier advances in the tropical Andes: 13,000-12,000 BP and 9000–10,000 BP. Both may have been caused by increasing precipitation. Unequivocal evidence for a cold Younger Dryas event in the tropical Andes has yet to emerge.
Expression of Rat Cathepsin S in Phagocytic Cells

Cysteine lysosomal proteases are essential for turnover of intracellular and extracellular proteins. These enzymes are strongly implicated in normal and pathological processes involving tissue remodeling. Among the cysteine proteases, cathepsin S seems to be best suited for such a process since it retains most of its enzymatic activity at neutral pH. In situ hybridization analyses of the adult rat brain, spleen, and lung reveal that cathepsin S mRNA is preferentially expressed in cells of mononuclear-phagocytic origin. After entorhinal cortex lesion of adult rat brain (a paradigm for neuronal degeneration and reactive synaptogenesis), cathepsin S mRNA is dramatically increased in activated microglia in the deafferented dentate gyrus and in macrophages at the wound site, suggesting a role in lesion-induced tissue remodeling. This possibility is further supported by the finding that cathepsin S degrades a number of extracellular matrix molecules at neutral pH and by the finding that inflammatory mediators stimulate its secretion from the microglia and macrophages. These data suggest that cathepsin S is an important player in degenerative disorders associated with the cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system.
Less intensive long-term transfusion therapy for sickle cell anemia and cerebrovascular accident

To determine the efficacy of a less intensive transfusion regimen in preventing recurrent cerebrovascular accidents and reducing transfusion requirements in patients with sickle cell anemia, we offered to 14 patients who had been undergoing aggressive transfusion therapy (sickle hemoglobin concentration kept
ROLE AMBIGUITY IN INSTITUTIONAL MARKETING AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

To adapt to population decline in the traditional college age group, marketing and enrollment management strategies have been proposed as an essential management tool. The working relationships and organizational direction needed to carry out these activities varies in description and efficacy from institution to institution. Academic and student services officers from the largest 61 state university users of ACT data systems were surveyed. On site interviews were conducted on 15 of those campuses. The study revealed a high degree of role ambiguity and organizational resistance to enrollment management strategies. The paper demonstrates a need for clarity and coordination in organizational performance.
Identification of gene regulation patterns underlying both oestrogen- and tamoxifen-stimulated cell growth through global gene expression profiling in breast cancer cells

Abstract Purpose A c-Src inhibitor blocks oestrogen (E 2 )-induced stress and converts E 2 responses from inducing apoptosis to growth stimulation in E 2 -deprived breast cancer cells. A reprogrammed cell line, MCF-7:PF, results in a functional oestrogen receptor (ER). We addressed the question of whether the selective ER modulator 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) could target ER to prevent E 2 -stimulated growth in MCF-7:PF cells. Methods Expression of mRNA was measured through real-time RT-PCR. Global gene expression profile was analysed through microarray. Transcriptome profiles were screened by RNA-sequencing. Results Unexpectedly, both 4-OHT and E 2 stimulated cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner. Expression profiling showed a remarkable overlap in genes regulated in the same direction by E 2 and 4-OHT. Pathway enrichment analysis of the 280 genes commonly deregulated in MCF-7:PF cells by 4-OHT and E 2 revealed functions mainly related to membrane, cytoplasm and metabolic processes. Further analysis of 98 genes up-regulated by both 4-OHT and E 2 uncovered a significant enrichment in genes associated with membrane remodelling, cytoskeleton reorganisation, cytoplasmic adapter proteins, cytoplasm organelle proteins and related processes. 4-OHT was more potent than E 2 in up-regulating some membrane remodelling molecules, such as EHD2 , FHL2 , HOMER3 and RHOF . In contrast, 4-OHT acted as an antagonist to inhibit expression of the majority of enriched membrane-associated genes in wild-type MCF-7 cells. Conclusions Long-term selection pressure has changed the cell population responses to 4-OHT. Membrane-associated signalling is critical for 4-OHT-stimulated cell growth in MCF-7:PF cells. This study provides a rationale for the further investigation of target therapy for tamoxifen resistant patients.
Zr0.7Ti0.3Mn2Fe0.8 as a material for hydrogen storage

Zr0.7Ti0.3Mn2Fe0.8 hydride was prepared and studied as a function of temperature (25–200 °C) and hydrogen equilibrium pressure (0.01–50 atm). The vapor pressure of the quaternary hydride system is approximately 1000 times larger than that of the ZrMn2-H2 system. The hydrogen density of the alloy relative to liquid hydrogen is 0.7. The enthalpy and entropy of hydrogenation are very low, being −14.1 kJ mol-1 and−59.5 J mol-1 K-1 respectively. The low value of ΔH α → β and the rapid kinetics of hydrogen absorption-desorption processes are particularly significant in regard to practical applications of Zr1−xTixMn2Fey alloys for hydrogen storage.
Association of Serum Albumin Concentration, Serum Ionized Calcium Concentration, and Blood Pressure in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey☆

A few small studies of white persons have found a positive association between serum albumin and blood pressure. However, this association might be due to ionized calcium. No data on albumin or ionized calcium have appeared for African Americans or Hispanics, and few for women. To explore the association of serum albumin (g/L) and ionized calcium (mmol/L) with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-94, were analyzed. Results from multiple regressions, controlling for age, overweight, alcohol intake, hematocrit, pulse, antihypertensive medication, and smoking indicate that serum albumin is positively correlated (P < 0.01) to systolic and diastolic blood pressure among non-Hispanic white men 25-59 and 60-89 years old. Ionized calcium was associated negatively with diastolic blood pressure among younger Mexican-American men. In this national sample, serum albumin was consistently associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure only among non-Hispanic white men.
The effect of α‐blocker and 5α‐reductase inhibitor intake on sexual health in men with lower urinary tract symptoms

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of tamsulosin on the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score in men diagnosed with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS Analysis from the national database of a programme of the Prostate Cancer Educational Council identified 7974 men who completed the American Urologic Association Symptom Score (AUA-SS) and SHIM questionnaires. The patients were divided into three groups; group 1, men taking tamsulosin; group 2, men on other prescription medications for treating BPH symptoms; and group 3, men not currently taking any BPH medications. Linear regression was used to assess the association of tamsulosin and other alpha-blocker prescriptions for treating BPH symptoms with the decline in SHIM score. The interaction terms between AUA and the intake of tamsulosin was also adjusted for in the final analysis. RESULTS The median age of the men was 60 years. In groups 1, 2 and 3, (234, 291 and 7449 men, respectively) the mean (sd) AUA-SS was 13.0 (7.2), 12.1 (7.2) and 6.9 (5.8), and the mean SHIM scores 11.7 (6.8), 12.7 (6.5) and 15.9 (6.0), respectively. Adjusting for the AUA-SS, men in group 1 on tamsulosin had a significantly higher SHIM score with increasing AUA-SS score than men on other medications (P < 0.01), offsetting the negative correlation between the AUA-SS and SHIM (P < 0.01). Moreover, men in group 1 were more likely to have a higher AUA-SS and lower SHIM score than men in the other two groups, suggesting more severe symptoms in these men. CONCLUSIONS Men taking tamsulosin to treat LUTS appear to be at an advantage over men taking other alpha-blockers when the effect of LUTS on sexual health is considered. Furthermore, this effect was more profound in patients with more severe LUTS than those with mild and moderate symptoms. Future prospective trials are warranted to confirm this effect.
Mechanical twinning in diopside Ca(Mg,Fe)Si2O6: Structural mechanism and associated crystal defects

Diopside twins mechanically on two planes, (100) and (001), and the associated macroscopic twinning strains are identical (Raleigh and Talbot, 1967). An analysis based on crystal structural arguments predicts that both twin mechanisms involve shearing of the (100) octahedral layers (containing Ca2+, Mg2+ and Fe2+ ions) by a magnitude of c/2. Small adjustments or shuffles occur in the adjacent layers containing the [SiO4]4− tetrahedral chains. While the (100) twins are conventional with shear parallel to the composition plane, this analysis predicts that (001) twins form by a mechanism closely related to kinking. A polycrystalline diopside specimen was compressed 8% at a temperature of 400° C, a pressure of 16 kilobars, and a compressive strain rate of about 10−4/s. Transmission electron microscopy on this specimen has revealed four basic lamellar features: The (001) twins often contain remnant (100) lamellae of untwinned host. Twinning dislocations occur in these (100) lamellae and in the (001) twin boundaries with very high densities. Diffraction contrast experiments indicate that the twinning dislocations associated with both twin laws glide on (100) with Burgers vector b=X [001] where X is probably equal to 1/2 on the basis of the structural analysis. Parallels are drawn between mechanical twinning in clinopyroxenes and clinoamphiboles. The exclusive natural occurrence of basal twins in shock-loaded clinopyroxenes and of analogous ( $$\bar 1$$ 01) twins in clinoamphiboles is given a simple explanation in terms of the relative difficulty of the “kinking” mechanism as compared to direct glide parallel to the composition plane.