cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A test of the linear-no threshold theory of radiation carcinogenesis

It has been pointed out that, while an ecological study cannot determine whether radon causes lung cancer, it can test the validity of a linear-no threshold relationship between them. The linear-no threshold theory predicts a substantial positive correlation between the average radon exposure in various counties and their lung cancer mortality rates. Data on living areas of houses in 411 counties from all parts of the United States exhibit, rather, a substantial negative correlation with the slopes of the lines of regression differing from zero by 10 and 7 standard deviations for males and females, respectively, and from the positive slope predicted by the theory by at least 16 and 12 standard deviations. When the data are segmented into 23 groups of states or into 7 regions of the country, the predominantly negative slopes and correlations persist, applying to 18 of the 23 state groups and 6 of the 7 regions. Five state-sponsored studies are analyzed, and four of these give a strong negative slope (the other gives a weak positive slope, in agreement with our data for that state). A strong negative slope is also obtained in our data on basements in 253 counties. A random selection-no charge study of 39 high and low lung cancer counties (+4 low population states) gives a much stronger negative correlation. When nine potential confounding factors are included in a multiple linear regression analysis, the discrepancy with theory is reduced only to 12 and 8.5 standard deviations for males and females, respectively. When the data are segmented into four groups by population, the multiple regression vs radon level gives a strong negative slope for each of the four groups. Other considerations are introduced to reduce the discrepancy, but it remains very substantial. Since cigarette sales data are available only on a statewide basis, mean radon data for states are analyzed. The linear regression for lung cancer rates vs radon levels is also negative and has a much steeper slope than that for the county data. When cigarette sales per capita is introduced into the regression, the negative slope for dependence on radon level is essentially unchanged.
A variable-arity procedural interface

This paper presents a procedural interface that handles optional arguments and indefinite numbers of arguments in a convenient and efficient manner without resorting to storing the arguments in a language-dependent data structure. This interface solves many of the problems inherent in the use of lists to store indefinite numbers of arguments. Simple recursion can be used to consume such arguments without the complexity problems caused by the use of the Lisp procedure apply on argument lists. An extension that supports multiple return values is also presented.
New view of environmental health toward an environmental research policy for international strategies

We are witnessing a growing concern with the global dimension of many environmental issues, reflected in the increase in the number and significance of international environmental organizations. Yet there is no internationally applicable strategy for environmental research which is management oriented. A new type of research policy, which integrates ideas derived from environmental and human ecology, is required in order to deal with cultural and ecological diversity and their interactions as reflected in the ecology of landscapes. The newly defined concept of environmental health is proposed to fill this gap. This concept integrates the latest developments in landscape evolutionary ecology and environmental health, bringing out a conflict between making the environment conducive to human health and increasing the available options for supporting the essential biological and ecological processes of the environment. Lessons derived from the evolution of human environments are used in order to illustrate how health may become un umbrella for developing an environmental research policy, which could also serve as a catalyst for international environmental projects.
Forming Voting Blocs and Coalitions as a Prisoner's Dilemma: A Possible Theoretical Explanation for Political Instability

Individuals in a committee or election can increase their voting power by forming coalitions. This behavior is shown here to yield a prisoner's dilemma, in which a subset of voters can increase their power, while reducing average voting power for the electorate as a whole. This is an unusual form of the prisoner's dilemma in that cooperation is the selfish act that hurts the larger group. Under a simple model, the privately optimal coalition size is approximately 1.4 times the square root of the number of voters. When voters' preferences are allowed to differ, coalitions form only if voters are approximately politically balanced. We propose a dynamic view of coalitions, in which groups of voters choose of their own free will to form and disband coalitions, in a continuing struggle to maintain their voting power. This is potentially an endogenous mechanism for political instability, even in a world where individuals' (probabilistic) preferences are fixed and known.
Fluid Placement and Diversion in Matrix Acidizing

The authors compare four approaches for efficient placement of acid in matrix-acidization treatments: MAPDIR, particulate diverting agents, viscous acids, and foams. For each process, they develop analytical equations for flow into each reservoir interval and resulting skin factor. They consider treatments in reservoirs with two layers of different permeability but the same initial skin factor and with the same permeability but very different skin factor. MAPDIR reduces overall skin factor fastest but at the cost of injection of large volumes of acid into the higher-injectivity layer. Particulate diverting agents and foams can both effectively divert acid to the low-permeability or more-damaged layer but at the cost of lower injection rate. In their study, particular diverters with the continuous addition of the diverting agent to the acid solution are most efficient. However, quantitative comparisons of foam with the other processes is difficult until more data are available for predicting foam performance in the field. The equations developed here can be applied to a wide variety of other field situations and process parameters.
Titrimetric determination of thiocyanates with sulfatoceric acid

Abstract The direct oxidative titration of thiocyanate has been investigated in order to correlate the divergent views previously expressed. Sulfatoceric acid was used as the oxidant with iodine monochloride as a preoxidant and indicator. The low results at high acidities observed by previous investigators are attributed to loss of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, which can be detected by infrared spectra. Cobaltf(II), zinc(II), and mercury(II) were also determined by titrating the precipitated complex thiocyanates. Accurate and reproducible results were obtained in hydrochloric acid concentrations ranging from 1.7–4.5 N.
Law and Disorder: The Brazilian Landless Farmworkers' Movement

Abstract The Brazilian Landless Farmworkers’ Movement (MST) occupies idle farmland and demands that it be expropriated under the terms of Brazil’s agrarian reform law. The MST uses illegal tactics in the field to force the government’s hand and at the same time asserts its legitimacy with legalism and invocation of public sentiment in favor of land reform. It confronts repression promoted by the landowning class and increasingly from the state itself. Through the combination of militant and legal tactics it has won expropriation of many farms and turned them into successful agricultural enterprises.
Goos-Hänchen shift in negatively refractive media

The Goos-Hanchen shift is calculated when total internal reflection occurs at an interface between "normal" and negatively refractive media. The shift is negative, consistent with the direction of energy flow in the negatively refractive medium.
On modeling of expert knowledge and admissibility of uncertainly measures

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of modeling of expert knowledge as a starting point for inference analysis in uncertain knowledge-based systems. The experts' opinions in a given problem are viewed as additional information in cognitive decision processes. Depending upon which uncertainty measures are used in expert knowledge representation, different inferential engines will be proposed. The flow from data to decisions will be examined in order to help the design of intelligent systems. In considering various types of uncertainty measures, the problem of admissibility will be addressed.
Coordination, Differentiation, and the Timing of Radio Commercials

This paper examines the timing of commercial breaks by contemporary music radio stations. A simple model shows that stations may prefer, all else equal, to choose the same times (coordination) or different times (differentiation) for breaks depending on how listeners behave. It also shows that how much commercials overlap in Nash equilibrium should vary in different ways with observable market characteristics, such as the number of stations, depending on whether stations prefer to coordinate or differentiate. Panel data on the timing of commercials by 1,094 stations provide consistent support for the hypothesis that stations prefer to coordinate on timing.
Tragic heart, magic art

So much sorrow around the heart When muscle fails to do its part: Spells disclosed in mystical script Written by wires to the patient clipped Silent echo reveals alarm Walls that flail from thrombosed harm. A Magician enters, mumbling a spell Offering potions drawn from knowledge well Atenolol, diltiazem, clopidogrel, nitroglycerin The heart atones for patient’s sins. Until with time the walls wear thin, Blood scarce rises past the shins Enter the wizard with magic device. But miracles carry a heavy price: Chest splayed open, heart exposed LVAD installed and chest is closed Patient and pump enjoying life again But quietly wondering if and when Will magic fail and heart grow still. Can witches brew another pill? The fruits of science are all that save Us from failing heart and muddy grave.
Intravenous Digital Angiography Of The Head And Neck: A Clinical Update

The clinical experience of DSA of the head and neck in more than 1,000 patients is presented. In a comparative study of 100 conventional carotid angiograms, the accuracy rate in evaluating extracranial carotids was 97% in technically satisfactory studies. Intra cranial vessels were examined in 55 patients with both conventional selective catheterization and intravenous DSA. In 65% of the patients, the DSA examination was diagnostic. DSA is a safe, rapid procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis and provides diagnostic information comparable to conventional angiography.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On the positivity of the upper Lyapunov exponent in one-parameter families of linear differential systems

For a special class of linear differential systems affinely depending on a real parameter m, we obtain tests for the positivity of the upper characteristic exponent λ(Aμ) for all μ in some set J of positive Lebesgue measure.
Book review: Case-Based Reasoning in Design by Mary Lou Maher, M. Bala Balachandran, and Dong Mei Zhang (Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1995)

Developing computer programs that support the design process has long been an area of study in Artificial Intelligence. Theorem provers, rule-based expert systems, and constraint satisfaction programs have been popular platforms with which to support design since almost the beginning of AI/design research, and more recently analogical or case-based reasoning have shown promise as a substitute for or a complement to those and other technologies. In their new book, Maher, Balachandran, and Zhang give an in-depth look at this newer topic of research---incorporating case-based reasoning in design support programs. The authors, all current or former researchers at the University of Sydney's Key Centre of Design Computing, focus on their own research in the area, describing the techniques for case representation, case recall, and case adaptation they have developed for design, and presenting implemented systems that use these techniques to support design.
Effect of Sodium on the Energetics of Thrombin – Thrombomodulin Interaction and its Relevance for Protein C Hydrolysis

Abstract Measurements of the apparent affinity constant for thrombomodulin (TM) binding to human α-thrombin as a function of both Na+and temperature at constant ionic strength (0.15 M) showed that TM affinity increases in the presence of Na+andvice versa. Moreover, this experimental strategy allowed us to accurately split the free energy of sodium binding into its entropic and enthalpic components for both the TM-free and TM-bound enzyme. Namely, at 25°C, the value of ΔGof sodium binding was found equal to −2.4 kcal/mol in the absence of TM and −3.6 kcal/mol for the thrombin-TM complex. The enthalpic contribution to the free energy of sodium binding is equal to −27 kcal/mol and −21 kcal/mol in the TM-free and TM-bound thrombin forms, respectively. Finally, the entropy change for sodium binding was also affected by TM, being equal to −83 cal/(mol deg) and −58 cal/(mol deg) in TM-free and TM-bound thrombin species, respectively. Moreover, the thermodynamic parameters for TM binding to Na+-free thrombin species were solved. TM binding is characterized by an enthalpy and entropy change equal to −10 kcal/mol and 2 cal/(mol deg), respectively, for Na+-free thrombin. It is well known that Na+binding to thrombin causes conformational transitions and functional activation of the enzyme molecule. The finding that binding of thrombomodulin enhances thrombin affinity for sodium andvice versaraises the question as to whether the change of Na+ligation induced by TM binding could contribute to the change in thrombin specificity for the hydrolysis of Protein C. Therefore, the effect of sodium binding to thrombin on the hydrolysis of human Protein C was extensively investigated. At both 25 and 37°C the value ofkcat/Kmfor Protein C hydrolysis by thrombin in the absence of TM was found to be enhanced by Na+over a concentration ranging from 0 to 150 mM. Application of thermodynamic principles demonstrated that the Na+-thrombomodulin linkage contributes, under physiological conditions of sodium activity and temperature, to reduce significantly the tran- sition-state stabilization free energy for Protein C hydrolysis.
Demand Systems Estimation With Microdata: A Censored Regression Approach

Demand systems estimation increasingly makes use of household-level microdata, mainly to measure the effects of demographic variables. Data based on these household-expenditure surveys present a major estimation problem. For any given household, many of the goods have zero consumption, implying a censored dependent variable. Techniques which do not take this censored dependent variable into account will yield biased results. We utilize a censored regression approach that is computationally simple, consistent, and asymptotically efficient. The results are then presented and compared with those obtained using an uncensored technique.
A Bioassay of Desoxycorticosterone Acetate on the Rat

Abstract An assay for desoxycorticosterone acetate has been developed in which male albino adrenalectomized rats are used as the test animal and a Perkin‐Elmer flame photometer is employed to measure the electrolyte excretion in various six‐hour urine samples. Injections of 5 cc. of 0.9 per cent sodium chloride solution and 0.5 cc. of 10 per cent potassium chloride solution were given at the same time as the desoxycorticosterone acetate to assure the quantitative accuracy of the assay. An injection of 10 per cent potassium chloride solution seems to make the assay accurate quantitatively within a dose range of 6–50 μg. of desoxycorticosterone acetate, using potassium excretion as the indicator.
Multivitamin and Alcohol Intake and Folate Receptor α Expression in Ovarian Cancer

Folate receptor α (FRα) expression in epithelial ovarian cancer may be related to folate intake. We examined this association using multivitamin intake, a proxy for folic acid, and assessed whether the relation was modified by alcohol intake, a folate agonist. Cases ( n = 148) with suspected epithelial ovarian cancer, of ages ≥20 years, were seen at Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, between 2000 and 2004; those with tumor specimens ( n = 108) were included in analyses. Outpatient controls ( n = 148) without cancer and with at least one ovary intact were matched to cases by age (within 5 years) and state of residence. Multivitamin (≥4 pills/wk) and weekly alcohol (≥5 drinks) intakes were assessed. Tumor specimens were analyzed immunohistochemically for FRα. Multivariable rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. In case-control analysis, the RRs of multivitamin intake with absent/weak/moderate and strong-expressing FRα tumors were 0.30 (95% CI, 0.12-0.70) and 0.47 (95% CI, 0.24-0.91), respectively. For alcohol, the associations were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.24-2.86) and 1.65 (95% CI, 0.69-3.93), respectively. In case-case analysis, the RR associated with developing strong-expressing versus other FRα tumors was 3.13 (95% CI, 1.14-8.65) for multivitamins and 1.58 (95% CI, 0.45-5.60) for alcohol. The data did not support evidence for an interaction between multivitamin and alcohol intake with risk of developing a strong-expressing FRα tumor. The association of multivitamin intake with ovarian cancer may depend on FRα expression level.
17β-Estradiol Inhibits the Oxidative Metabolism of U937 Cells Indirectly via Lymphocytes

The effect of 17β-estradiol (E) on the oxidative metabolism of U937 cells was studied. E had no direct effect on the proliferation, surface adherence, or luminol-enhanced luminescence (LEL) of the U937 cells. Exposure of U937 cells to lymphocyte-conditioned medium (LCM) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 allowed a maximal LEL response by cells stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate. In contrast, LCM from lymphocytes exposed to E (LCM-E) did not stimulate LEL to the same extent as did an equal volume of LCM. Increasing the E concentration in the lymphocyte medium was associated with a dosedependent reduction in the LEL response of the U937 cells. Mixing equal quantities of LCM and LCM-E significantly decreased LEL levels. LEL stimulated by LCM, γ-interferon, or differentiation-inducing factor was reduced by the presence of LCM-E. The inhibitory action of LCM-E was reversible and metabolite specific. 17α-E produced an effect that was only one tenth the magnitude of the E effect. These findings indicate that E ...
The drag coefficient as determined by the dissipation method and its relation to intermittent convection in the surface layer

The influence of intermittent convection on surface-layer stress estimates during the GARP Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE) is described. A negative correlation between the drag coefficient (CD) and the wind speed (% MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafeart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGabmyvayaara% aaaa!36DE!\[\bar U\]) is found when short averaging periods are used. Well-defined, discrete events produce this negative correlation, and these events are shown to correspond to the passage of convective plumes. Constraints on averaging times necessary to obtain reasonable stress estimates using the bulk method are discussed.
Selecting Family Measurements

Many of the persistent problems in family measurement are due to inappropriate applications of theory, fuzzy conceptualizations of constructs, poor decisions regarding units of measurement, and disconnections between what researchers want to measure and how they operationalize their variables of interest. This article contains a series of tasks for family researchers to follow in planning their investigations that will help them avoid fundamental family measurement problems.
Style of management and the relevance for workplace health promotion in small and medium sized enterprises

In a small company, the whole company culture, including the management style, is dominated by the owner. The management culture in small companies and above all the management style of the owner determine the chances of successfully introducing workplace health promotion (WHP). For this reason a typology was developed that describes the management personalities who affect the company culture in small enterprises. This provides a guide to the possible success of WHP in connection with the management style. Although a summary of the management and corporate culture of small companies in a few categories cannot show the variety of social reality, it can provide orientation. The typical categories of company social order (a mixture of ownership and leadership) in small and medium-sized enterprises are given below. Furthermore, there is an assessment of what the chances of realising workplace health promotion are in each type of company. Small and medium-sized companies (SME) have a number of organisational characteristics which are just ideal for the introduction and implementation of workplace health promotion. The work of the employer and employees is often the same. Information in the company is generally comprehensive and easily available. The lack of information which employees often complain about in large companies is not a problem. There is a good flow of communication. Small companies have a flat hierarchy that enables participation, the essential requirement for WHP. There is a close social relationship between the company head and the workforce, although it must be said that this closeness can be dangerous, particularly if it is misused as complete social control. The readiness to implement Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) in SME and the degree of success depends largely on the personality of the company manager and the style of leadership. Considering the importance of a manager’s personality for WHP in SME, modules and instruments to assist company owners and managers in SME are to be developed. On behalf of and in co-operation with the Austrian Network for Workplace Health Promotion several modules have been introduced to assist owners and managers of SMEs.
Uncontrolled tachycardia in atrial fibrillation. Management by surgical ligature of A-V bundle and pacemaker.

Abstract An unusual patient with atrial fibrillation is presented whose rapid ventricular rate could not be controlled by conventional medical measures. A search for underlying heart disease and thyrotoxicosis was unrewarding. The tachyarrhythmia did not respond to digitalis, propranolol, reserpine, atrial pacing, or cardioversion. The resultant congestive failure was successfully managed by ligating the atrioventricular conduction pathway and instituting artificial pacing.
Heuristic algorithms for the maximum diversity problem

Abstract Diversity maximization is concerned with selecting a subset of a predetermined number of elements that are as diverse as possible. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the maximum diversity problem with respect to both solution method and practical application. We propose two constructive and two destructive heuristic algorithms for generating suboptimal solutions of his quality to the problem quickly. The special procedures are tested in a simulation study and the empirical results are subject to a standard statistical analysis.
On the growth of icosahedral Al-Pd-Mn quasicrystals from the ternary melt

Abstract Icosahedral Al71Pd21,Mn8 quasicrystals have been grown from the ternary melt via a ‘self-flux’ technique. The nucleation is exceptionally well controlled, and individual grains can have masses of up to almost 30 g (limited only by the dimensions of the growth crucible). The quasicrystals grown by this technique are readily separated from the melt by decanting and clearly manifest a dodecahedral morphology with pentagonal facets. X-ray and electron-diffraction data indicate a remarkably well-ordered structure. with a correlation length of over 1000 A. The magnetic susceptibility has a temperature-independent diamagnetic component and a temperature-dependent paramagnetic term. For temperatures greater than approximately 60 K, the paramagnetic term follows a Curie-Weiss temperature dependence characterized by an average effective moment of 0.62 ± 0.02μB/Mn and a Weiss temperature of −12.8 ± 0.1 K. Deviations from the Curie-Weiss temperature dependence for temperatures less than approximately 60 K ma...
Effect of some organic acid salts of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane in the incubation step on plasma renin activity.

Abstract The tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane salts of the organic acids acetylsalicylic, phenoxyacetic, salicylic, benzoic, acetic, and maleic were used to buffer the pH of plasma between 7.4 and 7.7 in a 1 h incubation step of the procedure for the determination of plasma renin activity. When compared to the plasma renin activity determined with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane hydrochloride or with no buffer, it was found that all of the tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane salts of the organic acids studied produced a statistically significant increase in plasma renin activity except the salt of acetic acid when compared to tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane hydrochloride. In comparison to tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane hydrochloride and unbuffered plasma the organic acid salts and their mean percent difference in plasma renin activity are as follows: tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane phenoxyacetate (101%, 105%); tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane acetylsalicylate (79%, 115%); tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane benzoate (70%, 107%); tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane salicylate (64%, 70%); tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane maleate (32%, 60%); and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane acetate (−1.6%, 43%).
LMFBR Instrumentation and Control

Reactor control and core surveillance instrumentation are important to the safety and economics of LMFBR design and operation. Considerable world wide effort has been expended during the past 10 years on such instrumentation. The results of these efforts in France will be tested in Phenix and the U.K. will test theirs in the PFR reactor when these reactors start up in 1973. Meanwhile, development efforts are continuing on a broad front in the U.S., Euope, Japan on LMFBR instrumentation, particularly in the areas of: high temperature neutron detection acoustic monitoring core exit and entrant coolant monitoring sodium process instrumentation (e.g. leak, level, pressure, flow) detection of incipient failure of critical sodium system components (e.g. reactor vessel, heat exchanger tubes, pipes) This paper summarizes LMFBR core instrumentation and control development in the U.S. and Europe.
Biochemical and molecular properties of the Trypanosoma brucei alternative oxidase.

The protozoal parasite Trypanosoma brucei depends on a mitochondrial non-cytochrome terminal oxidase known as the trypanosome alternative oxidase (TAO) in its mammalian host. We have recently cloned the cDNA from T. brucei bloodstream form and have characterized a 33 kDa mitochondrial protein as TAO. Here we report that the TAO is a single copy gene in T. brucei and its expression is down regulated at the level of transcript abundance during differentiation from the bloodstream to the procyclic trypanosomes. Like other alternative oxidases (AOXs) cloned from different plants and fungi, TAO possesses the conserved sequences at the centrally located predicted membrane spanning domains and the signature sequence at the C-terminal hydrophilic domain for a pair of putative iron binding motifs (E–X–X–H). Phylogenetic analysis of the deduced protein sequences of eight different alternative oxidases cloned from different plants and fungi revealed that TAO is more closely related to the alternative oxidases of the fungi clade than that of plants. TAO has been functionally expressed in Escherichia coli. In the first of the two putative iron binding motifs, site-directed mutagenesis of E215 to A, L, N and Q resulted in the loss of the ability of the TAO gene to complement the heme deficiency of the E. coli mutants (SASX41B and GE1387) by conferring on them a CN-insensitive pathway of respiration. The conservative substitution of E215 by aspartate and histidine reduced the growth of the E. coli auxotrophs by ∼80%. The mutations apparently did not have any effect on the stability of the expressed protein as revealed by the immunoblot analysis of the bacterial protein using TAO monoclonal antibody, which we have developed. Together, these points suggest that E215 plays an important role in the function of TAO. The steady state level of TAO mRNA is down-regulated in the procyclic stage presumably accounting for the low levels of TAO protein in these forms.
Characterization of engineered alumina nanofibers and their colloidal properties in water

Aluminum oxide nanofibers having different fiber diameters were characterized to determine if and how the fiber diameter affects their colloidal behavior and solubility in water. The measurements provide initial data on the behavior of alumina nanofibers in aqueous systems. Three different aluminum oxide materials with average fiber diameters ranging from a few nanometers to a few hundred nanometers were acquired from ANF Technology (Nafen™), MemPro Materials, and Pardam Nanotechnology. The morphology, dimensions, chemical composition, and surface properties of each material were measured using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and N2-BET surface area analysis. Properties measured for aqueous suspensions of the fibers included electrophoretic mobility, point of zero charge, apparent hydrodynamic radius via dynamic light scattering, and solubility. TEM images were used to determine the size distribution of the fiber diameter, and the smooth, non-porous, non-tubular structure of the materials. Fiber diameters were 5–10 nm for Nafen™, 90–175 nm for MemPro, and 150–600 nm for Pardam. SEM showed that samples of the dry materials consisted of long (micron sized) fibers having these diameters. Specific surface area ranged from 2.7 m2/g for the largest diameter Pardam fibers to 136 m2/g for the smallest diameter Nafen™ fibers. The pH of the point of zero charge for the three materials ranged from 5.0 for Pardam to 8.5 for Nafen™ in 10 mM NaCl. Dynamic light scattering revealed that the fibers readily aggregate in both deionized water and solutions of high ionic strength. Fiber solubility ranged from a dissolved aluminum concentration of 23–83 μg/L for pH from 6.67 to 8.23. The observed solubilities were similar to those calculated from thermodynamic data for corundum (α-Al2O3) and boehmite (γ-AlO(OH)), phases that were observed by XRD in the aged materials.
Structures of Eight Thio(semi)carbazones Derived from 2-Acetylpyrazine, 2-Acetythiazole and Acetophenone

The structures of eight related thio(semi)carbazones are described. These are syn,1E-2-acetylpyrazine-3-thiosemicarbazone (1), syn,1E,4Z-2-acetylpyrazine-4-ethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone, (2) and syn,1Z-2-acetylpyrazine-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (3), syn,1E,4Z-2-acetylthiazole-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (4), syn,1Z-phenyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (5), syn,1E,4Z-phenyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (6), syn,1E,4Z-phenyl-4-ethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (7), syn,1E,4Z-2-acetophenone-5-(N-aminothionyl)-3-thiocarbazone (8). Crystal data: for 1: triclinic, P-1, a = 5.4053(10) A, b = 7.435(3) A, c = 11.772(4) A, α = 81.70(3)°, β = 82.59(2)°, γ = 77.38(2)°, and Z = 2: for 2: triclinic, P-1, a = 7.322(3) A, b = 7.8239(16) A, c = 9.783(4) A, α = 87.73(2)°, β = 79.46(3)°, γ = 80.41(2)°, and Z = 2; for 3: orthorhombic, Pnma, a = 13.5210(15) A, b = 6.6914(5) A, c = 11.7214(10) A, and Z = 4; for 4: triclinic, P-1, a = 5.7058(7) A, b = 9.8776(15) A, c = 11.869(2) A, α = 76.389(12)°, β = 86.364(13)°, γ = 88.322(12)°, and Z = 2; for 5: triclinic, P-1, a = 7.5362(3) A, b = 8.6331(4) A, c = 9.8753(4) A, α = 91.401(4)°, β = 102.532(4)°, γ = 110.540(4)°, and Z = 2; for 6: monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.7178(4) A, b = 5.5866(2) A, c = 18.7647(9) A, β = 104.392(5)°, and Z = 4; for 7: monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 8.9557(3) A, b = 9.7418(4) A, c = 13.6864(5) A, β = 94.044(4)°, and Z = 4; for 8: triclinic, P-1, a = 9.8091(5) A, b = 10.6173(4) A, c = 16.4691(7) A, α = 75.540(4)°, β = 80.305(4)°, γ = 65.192(4)°, and Z = 4. Structures 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 form intramolecular N4–H···N1 hydrogen-bonds. Structures 3 and 5 exist in the tautomeric form in which N1 is protonated. Structures of thio(semi)carbazones were found to fall into two categories: those with intramolecular N4-H…N1 hydrogen-bonds, and those which show a tautomeric form in which N1 is protonated.
Success or sorrow: the paradoxical view of crime control campaigns in China

Since Deng Xiaoping introduced a market economy in the mid-1970s, China has achieved great progress and its citizens have greater incomes. Yet, current research documents an increase in organized crime and corruption in China. The focus of this research is on the use of the “strike hard” crime campaigns (yanda and da hei in Mandarin) against organized criminals and economic corruption in China. Crime control campaigns are ongoing and are widely criticized for abuses of power. One of the most frequently mentioned examples of the official abuse of authority is the da hei (strike black) campaign, instigated by former Chongqing mayor and prominent politician Bo Xilai. In 2012, Bo Xilai was detained in a political scandal that continues to engulf Chinese politics. This article discusses whether increasing crime and corruption, growing prosperity, internal migration of rural migrants, and modernization can be viewed as factors that support the use of crime control campaigns. The Chinese view disorder as a threa...
An inequality involving two eigenvalues of a bipartite distance-regular graph

Abstract Let Γ denote a bipartite distance-regular graph with diameter D ⩾4 and valency k ⩾3. Let θ , θ ′ denote eigenvalues of Γ other than k and − k . We obtain an inequality involving θ , θ ′ and the intersection numbers of Γ , which we refer to as the bipartite fundamental bound (BFB). Let E , F denote the primitive idempotents of Γ associated with θ , θ ′, respectively. We show that the following are equivalent: (i) θ , θ ′ satisfy equality in BFB; (ii) the entry-wise product E ∘ F is a linear combination of at most two primitive idempotents of Γ ; (iii) E ∘ F is a linear combination of exactly two primitive idempotents of Γ . Let Φ denote the set of pairs θ , θ ′, where θ and θ ′ are eigenvalues of Γ other than k and − k that satisfy equality in BFB. We determine Φ . The answer depends on a certain expression Δ involving the intersection numbers of Γ . We show Φ ≠∅ and Δ =0 if and only if Γ is 2-homogeneous in the sense of Curtin and Nomura. We show that if D is even and at least 6, then Φ ≠∅ if and only if the halved graph 1 2 Γ is tight in the sense of Jurisic, Koolen, and Terwilliger. We show that for D =4 or D=5, Φ≠∅ if and only if Γ is antipodal.
The Papal Aggression of 1850: A Study in Victorian Anti-Catholicism

For those wishing to generalize about the Victorians the Great Exhibition of 1851 usually proves irresistable. But it does seem an obvious omission that so little is said about the disorders which kept the country upended during the preceding six months, that is, during the episode of the restoration of the Roman Catholic hierarchy, the “Papal Aggression”. Christopher Dawson has urged that the one needs the other to symbolize properly the Victorian frame of mind. Here I wish to outline the underlying causes of this last great outburst of No-Popery feeling in an effort to trace the paradox of the aroused, angry, bigoted Guy Fawkes Day-men of November appearing the next summer as the staid, curious and progressive-minded citizens sunning themselves in the glory of all that glittering machinery so carefully displayed beneath the vaulted glass dome of their Crystal Palace.
Phencyclidine Pharmacokinetics after a Massive Overdose

Excerpt Phencyclidine abuse remains a major problem particularly in urban centers. Regarding the management of phenycyclidine intoxication, recommendations have been made to hasten elimination of p...
Effects of probe valence on the conduction-electron electric-field gradient in the non-cubic metals

A study is reported of the magnitudes of the local electric-field gradient contribution eqce due to conduction electrons at sp-valent impurities in six sp-band non-cubic metals. Available data show a strong correlation of eqce with the valence of the probe ion and show little dependence on impurity size.
Changes in the fatty acid profile of lung, liver and serum of rats intratracheally given silica.

Abstract The esterified (E) and nonesterified (NE) fatty acid ★ level and profile in the lung, serum, and liver of rats are significantly altered after intratracheal administration of silica. The changes include a silica-specific increase of the total long chain (C 16 −C 20:4 ) fatty acid content in the lung, and a decrease in the serum and liver of both groups of rats intratracheally given silica and/or saline. In the silicotic lung, arachidonate and palmitate accumulated at the highest rate. A heat-labile, high-molecular weight component from lung homogenates increases lipogenesis in isolated hepatocytes in vitro . These findings, taken together with evidence indicating increased lipogenesis in the liver of rats treated with silica under identical conditions, suggest a lung-liver communication mechanism which coordinates lipid uptake by the lung and lipid synthesis and release by the liver. The stimulatory factor identified in lung homogenates might play an important regulatory role for hepatic lipogenesis in rats developing silicotic lungs.
Dextroamphetamine and placebo practice effects on selective attention in hyperactive children.

Three groups of three boys referred to a hospital study unit for evaluation of hyperactive behavior were tested on a classification task involving selective attention while on either dextroamphetamine (D) or placebo (P). In two sessions, groups had D first, P second (DP), or PD, or PP. Amphetamine reduces response times in general and reduces interference due to orthogonally varying irrelevant information. Practice while on placebo improves performance in a subsequent placebo session. Practice while on amphetamine does not, however, improve performance in the subsequent session on placebo. Assessment of the extent of the drug-state-related practice effect is necessary for evaluation of long-term benefits of dextroamphetamine therapy in these children.
TCAP: Facilitation of learning in hypothyroid rats

Y-maze spatial discrimination and reversal performance of rats was facilitated by chronic administration of TCAP, a compound reported to have both RNA-stimulating and antithyroid properties. This result was found even in rats exposed to the compound sufficiently early (since conception) for its antithyroid action to produce the usual physical signs of cretinism.
Theory and Implications Regarding the Utilization of Strategic Humor by Leaders

Humor, a communicative tactic used to engender support, is often employed, but rarely understood. Literature in the field of humor has attempted to define situations where humor could be beneficial. Even today few definitive answers exist relating humor to effective leadership communicative behavior. Thus, the purpose of this research is to present current research findings about the symbolic nature of leadership as enacted through humor.Initially, this research details the important symbolic realm within which leaders work. Next, some of the relevant literature dealing with humor is discussed. Specifically, humor is defined and the purposes of humor are elaborated. This research also reviews contemporary leadership literature dealing with humor. Finally, this research evaluates the appropriateness of each form of humor and specific guidelines for effective humor are discussed.
The role of cardiac markers in the emergency department

The emergency department (ED) evaluation of patients with potential acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has traditionally included initial cardiac marker testing for suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI). While ED management decisions for patients with ACS have largely been based on history, physical examination, and a presenting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), there is ample evidence that markers impact treatment decisions and provide risk stratification. Newer, more sensitive markers of myocardial necrosis have blurred the distinction between patients with and without classically defined AMI, and have focused attention on the continuum of ACS from angina to transmural Q-wave MI. Newer antiplatelet agents, the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blockers, are likely to receive increased ED utilization. This use will be partially driven by ED cardiac marker determination. Bedside, point-of-care testing is reliable technology that may shorten time to diagnosis and treatment of ACS in the emergency setting. The ED-based chest pain center (CPC) has become a popular tool to evaluate patients at low- to moderate-risk for ACS and a non-diagnostic ECG. Such centers use serial cardiac marker testing as a mainstay for evaluation and risk stratification. Cost issues have driven many diagnostic patient evaluations from the inpatient setting to such ED observation units. As this becomes more common for low- to moderate-risk patients with chest pain, serial assessment of cardiac markers, and their interpretation by emergency physicians, will become essential.
Optimum Pilot Sequences for Data-Aided Synchronization

We compute the pilot sequences that minimize the Cramer-Rao bound(CRB) for carrier phase offset, carrier frequency offset, and symbol timing offset estimation. If we require the pilot sequence to be drawn from a discrete set of constellation points, then the alternating sequence is the CRB-minimizing sequence. If we relax the constellation constraint and apply a total energy constraint, we obtain three different sequences that minimize the CRB for each of the synchronization parameters. We show that the maximum-likelihood (ML) estimator achieves the CRB for any of the sequences presented. We also explore the impact of using the pilot symbols in a preamble with unknown data symbols immediately following. The interference caused by the unknown data symbols reduces the performance of the ML estimator beyond an SNR threshold.
Shape-memory effect in PLZT ferroelectric ceramics

Abstract The shape-memory effect in PLZT (Lead Lanthanum Zirconate Titanate) ceramics with composition x/65/35 (4.0  x  8.0) has been investigated using bending experiments and temperature cycling. Relationships between load and the degree of bending, together with their temperature dependence, have been determined, and characteristic temperatures associated with the onset and disappearance of the pseudo-plastic shape change are compared with the observed dielectric anomalies. Effects of mechanical stress and electric field on the shape-memory temperatures and the magnitude of strain have also been investigated. It is concluded that domain alignment and the temperature-dependence of spontaneous strain are important factors governing the shape-memory effect in ferroelectrics. Preferred-orientation effects have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis.
Inflammation, genetics, and ischemic heart disease: focus on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes.

Abstract Background Increasing data suggest that ischemic heart disease (IHD) shares several characteristics with common inflammatory diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis), in which the pathogenetic role of inflammatory gene polymorphisms is well established. Variants in the genes for the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the short arm of chromosome 6 show profound “linkage disequilibrium”, leading to the formation of “haplotypes”, i.e., frozen blocks of alleles travelling together through generations. Design We performed a review of published studies linking IHD with gene polymorphisms of the MHC molecules tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and -β, the class II DR human leukocyte antigens, heat shock protein 70-1, hemochromatosis related gene, and complement C4. Results The emerging data are quite conflicting and do not provide definitive evidence for a role of these gene variants in the pathogenesis of IHD; a possible exception is the G252A and polymorphism in the TNF-β gene (also known as lymphotoxin-α) which, in a comprehensive genome-scan linkage analysis of unrelated Japanese, but not in a smaller German population, was linked to myocardial infarction. However, some important biases appear, e.g. different study design and variable linkage disequilibrium among different populations. Conclusions Preliminary positive results should encourage future studies to focus on clinical models of IHD with well-codified inflammatory components, using novel methods (such as haplotype analysis) to assess gene polymorphisms and their clinical effect.
Induction of interleukin-6 in human retinal epithelial cells by an attenuated Herpes simplex virus vector requires viral replication and NFκB activation

Abstract Gene delivery has potential for treating ocular disease and a number of delivery systems have been tested in animal models. However, several viral vectors have been shown to trigger undesirable transient inflammatory responses in the eye. Previously, it was shown that an attenuated Herpes simplex virus vector (hrR3) transduced numerous cell types in the anterior and posterior segments of monkey eyes, but this was accompanied by inflammation. In the retina, retinal pigment epithelial cells were the predominant cell type transduced by hrR3. IL-6 is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine and may play a role in the response to the hrR3 vector. Infection of human ARPE-19 cells with hrR3 resulted in increased IL-6 expression and secretion 3–4 h post-infection. In the presence of acyclovir (70 μM) or in cells infected with UV-inactivated hrR3, IL-6 was not up-regulated indicating viral replication was required. Expression of the HSV-1 α and β genes may be necessary but was not sufficient for NF-κB activation and IL-6 up-regulation. The translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus also occurred between 3 and 4 h post-infection, coincident with increased IL-6 expression. Inhibition of NF-κB translocation by an Adenovirus vector expressing a dominant negative IκB (AdIκBam) inhibited IL-6 up-regulation, indicating that NF-κB plays a role in increasing IL-6 expression in APRE-19 cells. The hrR3 virus lacks viral ribonucleotide reductase (RR) activity, thus RR is not required for NF-κB activation or IL-6 up-regulation in ARPE-19 cells.