cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Possible influence of opioid normetabolites on the onset, magnitude and quality of the opioid abstinence syndrome.

Abstract Dependence is viewed as a dynamic state which may be altered with time respecting pattern, magnitude and quality of physical dependence, due in part to the interaction of the parent opioid with its normetabolites. The principal metabolites of acetylmethadol are noracetylmethadol and dinor-acetylmethadol; they are active morphine-like agonists, and their long half-life and accumulation in the plasma apparently account for the delayed onset of abstinence (72 h) after the acetylmethadol is withdrawn. The normetabolites of propoxyphene, norpropoxyphene and dinorpropoxyphene, are very weak morphine-like agonists. Because they accumulate in the plasma in a high ratio compared with the parent compound, they may well account, at least in part, for the relatively mild abstinence that follows propoxyphene withdrawal. Normeperidine is inactive as a morphine-like agonist and appears to have a different action in that it primarily is a convulsant. Although the formation and accumulation of normeperidine may account in part for the characteristics of its abstinence syndrome, undoubtedly a dominant factor is the disappearance of meperidine from the blood plasma (70% per hour in the dog and 17% per hour in man). In the case of normorphine, norcodeine and norlevorphanol, there is difficulty in direct addiction tests in man in elevating the dosage as compared to the parent compound, primarily because of excessive sedation and respiratory depression. Examination of the source of abstinence scores for subcutaneous normorphine, oral norcodeine, oral codeine, oral morphine, subcutaneous morphine, and oral methadone suggests that these compounds may be divided into two categories. Normorphine and norcodeine are in one category and methadone is in the other, probably because of methadone's incapacity to form active normetabolites. The relevance of the observations to comparative studies of abuse of opioids is illustrated.
The Effects of Adriamycin (Doxorubicin HCL) on Human Red Blood Cells

We have studied the effects of adriamycin (doxorubicin HCl) on human red blood cells. The peroxidizing effect of adriamycin on the thiols of red cell constituents resulted in decreased glutathione stability, and oxidation of hemoglobin and membrane protein components 1, 2, and 3, forming large molecular weight complexes. Membrane lipids were also peroxidized. Adriamycin itself did not inhibit the enzymes of the reductions system (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconic dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase) of the red cells. Because adriamycin has the potential of inhibiting ATPase, including both Na-K-dependent ATPase and ouabain insensitive ATPase, at concentrations not inhibitory to other enzymes, the net sodium content increased, and potassium content decreased after incubation of red cells with adriamycin at high concentrations. The experimental results described with adriamycin may serve as a model for the possible mechanism of cardiotoxicity observed in its clinical use, and also explain the potential hemolyzing effect on red cells. There was greater oxidizing effect on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficient than on normal erythrocytes. It is suggested that adriamycin be used with caution in individuals with G-6-PD deficient red cells.
Micellar catalysis, a useful misnomer

Aggregates of amphiphiles often accelerate or ‘catalyze’ thermal reactions, but they also inhibit reactions and current pseudophase models treat both phenomena. Recent advances refine current models, offer new ones, treat solute and ion binding with more sophistication, enhance reactivity and selectivity with special catalysts, and apply the pseuodophase approach to more complex mixtures and novel applications.
Pulse of the seafloor: Tidal triggering of microearthquakes at 9°50′N East Pacific Rise

[1] Unequivocal evidence of tidal triggering is observed for microearthquakes (−0.4 to 2.0 ML) recorded between October 2003 to April 2004 near 9°50′N on the East Pacific Rise (EPR). Although semidiurnal tidal stress changes are small ( 99.9%) nonrandom temporal distribution, with events occurring preferentially near times of peak extension. Due to the proximity of this site to an ocean tidal node, where changes in sea surface height are minimal, periodic stress changes are dominated by the solid Earth tide. In contrast, previous studies on the Juan de Fuca Ridge have shown microearthquake triggering to be a response to seafloor unloading during times of low ocean tide. The modulation of 9°50′N microearthquakes by small-amplitude periodic stresses is consistent with earthquake nucleation within a high stressing rate environment that is maintained near a critical state of failure by on-axis magmatic and hydrothermal processes.
Effect of umbilical cord milking: Upadhyay et al

156 American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Optimal timing of cord clamping is a subject that has garnered much interest recently. Potential benefits of delayed cord clamping, occurring some 30-60 seconds after birth rather than the usual 15-20 seconds after birth, include increases in newborns’ blood volume and hemoglobin level In December, 2012, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, with the assistance and subsequent endorsement of the American Academy of Pediatrics, issued a Committee Opinion that recommended delayed cord-clamping for preterm infants— though not for term infants. This guidance was based on systematic reviews of the available data, which revealed that intraventricular hemorrhage was reduced by nearly 50% in preterm infants when cord clamping was delayed and the neonate was held at a level below that of the placenta. A reduced need for transfusion was noted as well. While term infants had increased levels of hemoglobin and ferritin when clamping was delayed, they also had an increase in hyperbilirubinemia. One issue raised in this opinion was the relative lack of data on cord milking, or the active movement of cord contents toward the infant. Journal Club members discussed a new study by Upadhyay and colleagues, which sheds important light on a relatively new practice.
On the Stability of Variability: Retest Reliability of Metatraits

The variance in a subject's responses to the different -items on a trait scale has been interpreted as an indication of behavioral consistency, truthfulness, and/or traitedness. The present study examined the retest stability of intritem variances on three trait scales. Interitem variance scores showed fairly high retest reliability (in the. 7 range). Shorter, more homogeneous subscales had lower retest reliability scores. Interitem variances did not moderate the stability of trait scores. These results suggest that (a) people are consistent in their degree of variability on a given dimension, (b) highly variable responding to different items on a scale may be a consistent, meaningful pattern rather than an indication of incompetent or random responding, and (c) the simple deletion of high-variance (or "untraited") subjects from a sample will not automatically improve results. Additional findings suggested a positive but weak tendency for people who responded consistently (vs. variably) to the items on on...
Mössbauer Analysis of Meteoritic Iron Minerals

The important role of iron in both the classification of meteorites and the investigation of their preterrestrial history was first shown by Prior [1, 2]. He introduced a chemical classification based on the Fe/Ni ratio of the metal phase and the MgO/FeO ratio of the silicate phase (see Table I) and found that these two ratios decreased together. Prior stated: “... in meteoric stones generally, the poorer they are in nickel—iron, the richer that iron is in nickel, and the richer in iron are the magnesium silicates.” The explanation advanced for this relationship was that meteorites have separated from a single magma which has passed through successive stages of oxidation so that as the metallic iron became progressively more oxidized the residual metal grew richer in nickel.
Spider dystrophy as an ocular manifestation of myotonic dystrophy

Abstract Background Myotonic dystrophy is the most common adult-onset muscular dystrophy. It is an autosomal dominant inherited neuromuscular disease that is characterized by myotonia, muscle weakness, and atrophy. It affects multiple systems including skeletal muscular, gastrointestinal, cardiac, respiratory, central nervous, endocrine, and ocular. Ocular manifestations of myotonic dystrophy include cataract, ocular muscle changes, hypotony, and retinal pigmentary changes in the periphery or in the macula (known as pigment pattern dystrophy). This report presents and discusses the case of a pigmented pattern dystrophy known as spider dystrophy as an ocular manifestation of myotonic dystrophy. Case Report A 44-year-old man with myotonic dystrophy presented to the eye clinic for routine examination. Ocular history included previous bilateral cataract surgery and mild bilateral ptosis for the last “few years.” Dilated fundus examination was remarkable for bilateral macular pigmentary changes in an irregular “spider”-shaped pattern. The patient was asymptomatic without decrease in vision or Amsler grid defects. Optical coherence tomography was normal. A retinal consult concurred with the diagnosis of spider dystrophy. Photo documentation was obtained, and the patient is being monitored annually. Conclusion Pigmented pattern dystrophies, including spider dystrophy, have been associated with myotonic dystrophy. They are set apart from other retinal dystrophies because they rarely affect visual acuity, and the majority of patients are asymptomatic. Progression may lead to reduced vision and in rare cases choroidal neovascularization. Annual dilated examinations, photo documentation, optical coherence tomography, and home Amsler grid monitoring are recommended for follow-up care.
Viscosity Mechanisms in Accretion Disks

The self-sustained turbulence that develops in magnetized accretion disks is suppressed in the weakly ionized, quiescent disks of close binary stars. Because accretion still proceeds during quiescence, another viscosity mechanism operates in these systems. An anticorrelation of the recurrence times of SU UMa dwarf novae with their mass ratio supports spiral waves or shockwaves tidally induced by the companion star as the main process responsible for accretion in the quiescent disks. Other weakly ionized gaseous disks in systems lacking a massive companion must rely on yet another transport mechanism, or they could be essentially passive.
The Roman Catholic Church And The Economic System: A Review Essay

This essay focuses on the economic doctrines propounded in a number of papal encyclical letters on the economy and other church documents. I pay particular attention to Centesimus Annus, Pope John Paul II′s most recent encyclical letter dealing with economic issues. After a brief survey of church doctrine on the economic system and the various desiderata for judging economic systems, the analysis focuses on the Church′s views toward basic institutions of capitalism, its judgment of the system as a whole, its beliefs on the proper role of the government in the economy, and some of its views about certain specific economic policies. J. Comp. Econom. March 1993, 17(1), pp. 129-150. Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081.
COCAINE AND WITHDRAWAL. 447

There continues to be controversy about whether cocaine causes withdrawal symptoms in newborn infants. Some of the controversy arises because many of these mothers abuse multiple drugs. We prospectively studied 444 consecutive mother-infant pairs. Detailed histories, including drug use were obtained by structured interviews on the post-partum floor. Concurrently, maternal and infant urine and meconium samples were obtained, numerically coded and matched to interview data to insure anonymity. Symptoms of withdrawal were obtained by researchers blinded to the toxicology data. 148 of the 444 (32%) were proven to have abused drugs during the pregnancy by history or toxicology data. 82 were proven to abusing cocaine alone (18%). 131 of our newborns had symptoms of withdrawal (29.5%). 40 of the cocaine group (49%) had withdrawal symptoms which was statistically greater than the number in the drug-free group (26%, p=.000). The symptoms among the cocaine using group were consistent with withdrawal as they started within the first few days of life and resolved within a few days. Most of the withdrawal cases were mild, with the most common symptoms being decreased sleep, tremors, increased tone, high pitched cry, hyperactive Moro, and sneezing. 2 of the babies (5%) had withdrawal severe enough to require treatment. In conclusion, cocaine does produce withdrawal which is usually mild, but occasionally requires therapy.
Lipid Peroxide and Lung Prostaglandins

Highly purified hydroperoxides were prepared from auto-oxidized methyl linoleate, and the effect of intravenous injections of these substances on fatty acid composition and E prostaglandin (PGE) concentration in the lungs of rats was studied. Rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain, 185 to 250 gm, were injected intravenously with the hydroperoxide preparation (20 mg/100 gm body weight) and killed after 24 hours. The level of PGE remained relatively unchanged in the lungs of animals which received the injections of hydroperoxides, in spite of extensive tissue damage. Large changes occurred in the arachidonic, oleic, and linoleic acid concentrations in lung lipid, and the biosynthetic activity of the tissue of this organ to convert arachidonic acid to protaglandin E2 was impaired.
Modeling network attack in an aggregate simulation

This paper discusses the nature and scope of threats to military networks and provides an example of modeling those effects in an aggregate deterministic model, in this case, Vector-In-Commander (VIC). VIC is a government owned simulation developed and used by the US Army TRADOC Analysis Center (TRAC) and other military users.The work was done in support of the LandWarNet Interoperability Study, an Army G8/OCAR-sponsored study that attempted to quantify the effects of loss and compromise of tactical networks on forces which rely on the network as a combat multiplier.
Evidence for 13 C/ 12 C fractionation between tree leaves and wood

An isotopic fractionation step between carbon fixed in the leaves and that assimilated into wood cellulose has not previously been included in atmosphere–plant fractionation models. Data presented here, however, show that the magnitude of such a fractionation step may be significant. In an experiment which involved 10 juniper trees from around Arizona, cellulose of leaves was found to be isotopically lighter than that of the corresponding tree rings in all trees by an average of 2‰. In a second experiment, the δ13C of leaf material from a juniper tree sampled at monthly intervals was compared with the δ13C of the corresponding ring. For cellulose, δ13C of the wood varied with changes in δ13C of the leaves and was persistently isotopically heavier by 3–4‰. Furthermore, the observed change in δ13C through the growing season suggests a temperature coefficient of about −0.27‰ °C−1. The direction of this leaf–wood fractionation precludes diffusion processes as the primary cause.
Fretting fatigue behavior of Ti–6Al–4V at elevated temperature☆

Abstract Fretting fatigue behavior of titanium alloy, Ti–6Al–4V at elevated temperature of 260 °C was investigated by conducting experiments and finite element analysis. The static coefficient of friction (COF) increased slightly during the early stage of fretting cycling and then remained constant throughout the rest of the life. The values of COF and its dependence on fretting cycling at 260 °C were almost similar to those at room temperature. This similar behavior of COF at room temperature and 260 °C resulted from the fact that the glaze oxide layers did not form on the Ti–6Al–4V surface at 260 °C. The reductions in fatigue life and fatigue strength due to fretting from their counterparts in plain fatigue were significant at 260 °C as well as at room temperature. However, there was practically no difference between room temperature and 260 °C life data either in the plain fatigue or fretting fatigue condition. A critical plane-based model, modified shear stress range parameter, was found to be effective to correlate the lives from the fretting and plain fatigue at both room and elevated temperatures. Also, it predicted the location of fretting fatigue crack initiation and its orientation which were in agreement with their experimental counterparts.
Branding implications of partner firm‐focal firm relationships in business‐to‐business service networks

Purpose – By outsourcing or partnering with two or more firms to perform certain activities targeted toward customers, firms are engaging in service networks. This research begins to examine how customers evaluate firms in a strategic, B2B service network and how their assessment of firms involved in co‐producing after‐sales service affects their evaluations of a focal selling firm. These evaluations include the key relational outcomes of brand image, satisfaction, and behavioral intentions.Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual model examines the effects of partner firm performance on customers' evaluations of a focal selling firm. Key factors such as focal brand strength and the strength of the relationship between the partner firm and the focal selling firm are proposed to influence this relationship.Findings – Post‐sale business services provided directly to the customer are likely to play an important role in building a firm's brand image and equity, whether those services are provided by the f...
The Harvard "Pareto Circle" and the Historical Development of Organization Theory

A small group of influential scholars, who met at Harvard University during the 1930s and early 1940s to discuss the ideas of Vilfredo Pareto, is shown to have significantly influenced the development of organization theory and the behavioral sciences. The concepts of social system and social equilibrium were posited in a physiological, homeostatic system framework that was a paramount theory for more than three decades. It is proposed that the development of organization theory can be understood best from an historical perspective that includes the influence of cultural, economic, and political conditions and the values of those who developed the theoretical formulations. In addition, it is argued that the personal and institutional academic prestige of those who propose a theory contributes to the influence and acceptance of that theory.
Teaching the Skill of Contextualizing in History

Contextualization, the act of placing events in a proper context, allows teachers to weave a rich, dynamic portrait of a historical period for their students. As teachers strive to identify endurin...
Regulation of mammary epithelial cell homeostasis by lncRNAs.

Abstract The epithelial cells of the mammary gland develop primarily after birth and undergo surges of hormonally regulated proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during both puberty and pregnancy. Thus, the mammary gland is a useful model to study fundamental processes of development and adult tissue homeostasis, such as stem and progenitor cell regulation, cell fate commitment, and differentiation. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as prominent regulators of these essential processes, as their extraordinary versatility allows them to modulate gene expression via diverse mechanisms at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Not surprisingly, lncRNAs are also aberrantly expressed in cancer and promote tumorigenesis by disrupting vital cellular functions, such as cell cycle, survival, and migration. In this review, we first broadly summarize the functions of lncRNAs in mammalian development and cancer. Then we focus on what is currently known about the role of lncRNAs in mammary gland development and breast cancer. This article is part of a Directed Issue entitled: The Non-coding RNA Revolution.
Characterization of Atrioventricular Nodal Behavior and Ventricular Response During Atrial Fibrillation Before and After a Selective Slow-Pathway Ablation

Background The presence of atrioventricular nodal dual-pathway physiology in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) provides an opportunity to characterize the effect of a selective slow-pathway ablation on the ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation (AF). This may have important clinical implications for the nonpharmacological management of AF with a rapid ventricular rate. Methods and Results Selective radiofrequency catheter ablation of the atrioventricular nodal slow pathway was performed with a stepwise approach in patients with documented sustained AVNRT. The AV nodal conduction properties and refractoriness and the ventricular rate during induced AF were assessed at baseline and under autonomic blockade before and after a selective slow-pathway ablation in 18 patients (mean age, 34±8 years). Sustained AVNRT was induced with a mean cycle length of 339±58 ms. A slow-pathway ablation was successfully achieved with 5±4 applications of radiofrequency energy. The shortest ...
Ventilation of larval lampreys

1. The unidirectional ventilation of larval sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) was measured volumetrically. Each animal was loaded in a glass respiratory tube. (Fig. 1). The mouth formed a seal at the tapered end of the tube for inhalation, and the exhaled water was collected at the other end. The resting and stimulated ventilatory volumes of larvae ranged from 0.3 to 3.3 ml/min/g at 20° (Table 1). 2. The velum was more important for resting ventilation than the branchial muscles. 3. Ventilation was progressively reduced by opposing pressures (Figs. 4, 5, 6). The compression of the branchial basket and the immediate reduction in stroke volume were largely passive. A reduction in frequency of breathing (Fig. 7) was reflexive. 4. Exercise, obstruction of intake, and low O2 stimulated ventilation (Figs. 8, 9), both through increased stroke volume and higher frequency. After the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves were sectioned, the increased ventilation following obstruction was reduced (Fig. 10). 5. The nervous control and quantitative aspects of ventilation in larval lampreys resemble those in higher fish.
Global Partnerships in Business Communication: An Institutional Collaboration between the United States and Cuba

Many U.S. universities are developing interinstitutional partnerships in global business communication. Benefits include preparing students for the workplace by immersing them in intercultural proj...
Non-HIV retroviral associations with rheumatic disease

While the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is the recognized cause of adult T cell leukemia, it is also associated with non-neoplastic, ostensibly autoimmune conditions, such as tropical spastic paraparesis. Moreover, among carriers of HTLV-I, the virus is strongly implicated in the development of a type of arthritis, which resembles rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Mice transgenic for HTLV-I tax develop RA-like pathology and Sjogren’s syndrome. Patients with RA and SS in HTLV-I nonendemic regions, such as the United States, are usually serologically negative for antibodies to the structural proteins of HTLV. However, they appear to harbor HTLV-I tax in their peripheral blood mononuclear cells three times as often as individuals who present as healthy blood donors. Because HTLV-I tax transactivates numerous inflammatory cytokines and is not normally found in the human genome, treatment with tax antisense oligonucleotides may provide a new therapeutic approach for selected RA patients proven to be HTLV-I "tax only" positive.
Current Concepts on Action of Synthetic Thrombin Inhibitors

The development of synthetic inhibitors of thrombin and of related arginine-specific esteroproteases is reviewed. The superiority of bis- and tris-benzamidines over benzamidine is discussed and relate
Morphological and biochemical study in X-ray- and dibutyryl cyclic AMP-induced differentiated neuroblastoma cells☆

Abstract X-irradiation or dibutyryl adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP) induced axon formation in mouse neuroblastoma cells in vitro. The differentiated cells showed morphological maturation, as shown by an increase in the cellular and nuclear size. Neuroblastoma cells in the presence of DBcAMP grew at a slightly reduced rate for 2 days; however, at day 3 they reached plateau phase. The removal of DBcAMP and readdition of fresh growth medium at day 4 did not cause renewal of cell division, indicating that morphological cell differentiation for the most part was irreversible. Na-butyrate, 3′5′ cyclic AMP, 5′ AMP, ATP, ADP, 3′5′ cyclic guanosine monophosphate caused inhibition of cell growth but did not produce morphological differentiation. Acetylcholinesterase activity in both the X-ray- and DBcAMP-induced differentiated cells increased by a factor of 10. Na-butyrate and 3′5′ cyclic AMP which inhibited cell division but did not cause morphological differentiation also increased AChE activity to a similar extent.
Disposable polysilicon LDD spacer technology

An advanced 0.5- mu m CMOS disposable lightly doped drain (LDD) spacer technology has been developed. This 0.5- mu m CMOS technology features surface-channel LDD NMOS and PMOS devices, n/sup +//p/sup +/ poly gates, 125-A-thick gate oxide, and Ti-salicided source/drain/gate regions. Using only two masking steps, the NMOS and PMOS LDD spacers are defined separately to provide deep arsenic n/sup +/ regions for lower salicided junction leakage, while simultaneously providing shallow phosphorus n/sup -/ and boron p/sup -/ regions for improved device short-channel effects. Additionally, the process allows independent adjustment of the LDD and salicide spacers to optimize the LDD design while avoiding salicide bridging of source/drain to gate regions. The results indicate extrapolated DC hot-carrier lifetimes in excess of 10 years for a 0.3- mu m electrical channel-length NMOS device operated at a power-supply voltage of 3.3 V. >
Mesoscale eddies northeast of the Hawaiian archipelago from satellite altimeter observations

[1] Enhanced mesoscale eddy activity northeast of the Hawaiian archipelago was investigated by using the high-pass filtered satellite altimetric sea surface height (SSH) data of the past 16 years. The level of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) shows significant interannual variations, which appear well correlated to the large-scale atmospheric wind forcing associated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation index; the EKE levels in the area along the Subtropical Front zone in 1997–1998 and 2003–2005, for example, were three times as large as those in the low EKE years. Spectral analyses in the 3° latitude by 5° longitude subregions revealed the dominant mesoscale periods ranging from 90 days near 18°N to 180 days near 36°N. A 3-layer quasi-geostrophic model constrained by World Ocean Atlas 2005 climatologies was used to explore instability of the regional circulation. The analysis shows a geographical match between baroclinic instability strength and the observed RMS SSH variability and a temporal match between seasonally varying instability strength and the observed seasonal EKE modulation, and suggests that baroclinic instability by the vertically sheared, regional mean circulation provides the energy source for the enhanced eddy variability northeast of the Hawaiian archipelago.
Density and Temperature Effects on the Hydrogen Bond Structure of Liquid Methanol

The hydrogen bond structure of liquid methanol was investigated as a function of pressure and temperature up to 2.8 kbar and from 297 to 413 K. Chemical shifts of the CH3 and OH groups were monitored throughout this pressure and temperature regime, and the chemical shift difference between these two groups was used to describe changes of the hydrogen bond network in methanol. The hydrogen bond equilibrium was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations and a phenomenological model describing clustering in liquid methanol. Results are presented concerning the size and distribution of hydrogen-bonded clusters in methanol as a function of pressure and temperature. The results indicate that the extent of hydrogen bonding decreases upon an increase in temperature. The results for pressure are equivocal, the phenomenological model suggests that hydrogen bonding decreases with increasing pressure, which supports earlier interpretations regarding the measured self-diffusion coefficients in deuterated methan...
Contact angles of drops of enamels on metals

A LTHOTJGH the area of enamel-metal dental restorations has seen the introduction of several new materials in the past ten years, relatively little has been published concerning their nature and properties. l-13 Generally, an enamel-metal system in dentistry consists of a vitreous material that is fused to a gold-platinum casting to produce veneered crowns, jacket crowns, and fixed partial dentures. An important aspect of this system is the adhesion between the enamel and the metal structure ; without true adhesion, the restoration will fail. Adhesion depends upon several factors, but the most important of these is the degree of attraction between the elementary particles of the enamel and the metal. Mechanical tests have been applied to test the strength of the interface between the enamel and metal. Shell and Nielsen1 applied a pull-through shear test, and Custer, Asgar, and Peyton2 employed a beam test for bond strength. O’brien and Ryge3 have reported on the wetting forces between one molten enamel and several materials. Substances have been suggested that are called “bonding agents” to be used in joining these enamels and metals. Although complete information is not available, these “bonding agents” contain compounds or colloidal dispersions of gold in an organic base. Manufacturers recommend that the metal to receive the enamel be coated with a layer of such a material and fired. During the firing operation, a layer of gold is deposited on the surface of the alloy. It was the purpose of this study to determine the degree of wetting by contact angle measurements between several commercial enamels and various metals. These data, in addition to other information, may be used to estimate the strength of the wetting forces involved in the .adhesion between these materials.
Label-free Optical Biosensor Built with Two-Dimensional Silicon Photonic Crystal Microcavity

We experimentally demonstrate a silicon-based photonic crystal microcavity biosensor. This device is capable of detecting ~1 femtogram of analyte. Its performance is tested with glutaraldehyde-BSA model for quantitative measurements and biotin-streptavidin recognition for selectivity demonstration.
Phase-Change in Finite Slabs With Time-Dependent Convective Boundary Conditions

The heat balance integral method is used to solve one-dimensional phase-change problem in a finite slab with time-dependent convective boundary condition, [T∞,1 (t)], applied at the left face. The temperature, T∞,1 (t), decreases linearly with time; the other face of the slab is subjected to a constant convective boundary condition with T∞,2 held fixed at the ambient temperature. Two initial conditions are investigated: temperature of the solid below the melting point (subcooled), and initially at the fusion temperature (Tf ). The temperature, T∞,1 (t) at time t = 0 is so chosen such that convective heating takes place and the slab begins to melt (i.e., T∞,1 (0)> Tf > T∞,2 ). Thus the solid-liquid interface proceeds forward to the right. As time continues, and T∞,1 (t) decreases with time, the phase-change front slows, stops, and may even reverse direction. Hence this problem features sequential melting and freezing of the slab with partial penetration of the solid-liquid front before reversal of the phase-change process. It should, however, be noted that the study is limited to only one solid-liquid interface at any given time during the phase-change process (either melting or freezing) and that slight subcooling of the melt is allowed. The effect of varying the Biot number at the right face of the slab, for both the initial conditions, is also investigated to determine its impact on the growth/recession of the solid-liquid interface. Temperature profiles in both regions (liquid and solid) are reported in detail. The effect of a slower decay rate of T∞,1 (t) on the phase-change process is also analyzed for the initial condition of the slab being at the fusion temperature.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
A normal approximation for testing the equality of two independent Chi-square variables

A simple normal approximation is supplied to test the equality of two independent Chi-square variables. The approximation appears to be valid for degrees of freedom as small as two. Thus no new table of critical values is needed. The standard unit normal distribution tables are sufficient.
Maglev vehicles-raising transportation advances of the ground

Maglev as a practical concept was first proposed by the authors in 1966. The concept was based on using lightweight, very high current superconducting loops suitably positioned on a streamlined vehicle. As the vehicle moves along a guideway containing loops of ordinary aluminum wire at ambient temperature, the superconducting loops induce small electric currents in the guideway loops that are directly underneath them. The magnetic interaction of the permanent currents in the superconducting loops with the induced currents in the guideway loops automatically levitates the vehicle. The levitation is inherently stable about its normal equilibrium suspension point. If an external force (e.g. a wind gust, curve, or change in grade) acts on the vehicle, a magnetic force automatically and immediately develops to oppose the external force. The magnetic force pushes the vehicle back toward its normal equilibrium suspension point. Since Maglev vehicles do not contact the guideway, their speed is not constrained by mechanical stresses, friction, or wear. The speed is limited only by aerodynamic drag or straightness of route. The authors describe how the first generation of Maglev vehicles probably will travel in air; however, as tunneling technology develops and becomes cheaper, long distance, ultra-speed Maglev vehicles that travel in low pressure tunnels will emerge as the second generation. Passengers will then be able to travel between New York and Los Angeles, for example, in a little over an hour, with virtually no energy required.
Politeness Theory and Shakespeare's Four Major Tragedies.

Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson (1987) have proposed that power (P), distance (D), and the ranked extremity (R) of a face-threatening act are the universal determinants of politeness levels in dyadic discourse. This claim is tested here for Shakespeare's use of Early Modern English in Hamlet, King Lear, Macbeth, and Othello. The tragedies are used because: (1) dramatic texts provide the best information on colloquial speech of the period; (2) the psychological soliloquies in the tragedies provide the access to inner life that is necessary for a proper test of politeness theory; and (3) the tragedies represent the full range of society in a period of high relevance to politeness theory. The four plays are systematically searched for pairs of minimally contrasting dyads where the dimensions of contrast are power (P), distance (D), and intrinsic extremity (R). Whenever such a pair is found, there are two speeches to be scored for politeness and a prediction from theory as to which should be more polite. The results for P and for R are those predicted by theory, but the results for D are not. The two components of D, interactive closeness and affect, are not closely associated in the plays. Affect strongly influences politeness (increased liking increases politeness and decreased liking decreases politeness); interactive closeness has little or no effect on politeness. The uses of politeness for the delineation of character in the tragedies are illustrated. (Politeness theory, speech act theory, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, theory of literature, Shakespeare studies)
Psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry: a systematic review

Background: Recent reports indicate that construction workers are at a significant risk of musculoskeletal disorders. While there are several reviews investigating the association between psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders, there are none focusing on those specific to the construction industry. Objective: To review and critically appraise the current epidemiological literature linking psychosocial work factors to musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers. Methods: An online search of relevant databases was conducted. The quality of identified articles was assessed using a quality scoring checklist. The evidence from selected studies was summarized and the results of the critical appraisal were discussed. Results: Eight cross-sectional and two cohort studies were included in this review. High job stress was the most commonly investigated factor followed by job satisfaction, job control and high quantitative job demands. All studies reported an association between musculoskeletal ...
Contributions of incorporated residue and living roots to aggregate-associated and microbial carbon in two soils with different clay mineralogy

Summary We conducted a study to investigate the role of aggregates in the stabilization of residue- and root-derived C in an illitic Mollisol and a kaolinitic Oxisol under the following treatments: (i) incorporated residue, (ii) growing plants, and (iii) both incorporated residue and growing plants. Residue-C dynamics were followed in soils incubated with 13C-labelled wheat residue with and without unlabelled growing wheat plants. Root-C was traced by growing wheat plants with and without unlabelled wheat residue in a 13CO2-labelling chamber. After 46 and 76 incubation days, residue- and root-C were measured in four aggregate size classes and in microbial-C. Both soils had greater residue-derived than root-derived total aggregate-associated C at day 76, which we attributed to the larger residue-C than root-C inputs at the start of the experiment. On an aggregate basis, the ratio of residue-derived over root-derived C decreased in most size fractions over time, indicating a greater potential for longer-term root-C than residue-C stabilization by aggregates in both soils. At both sampling days, all aggregates > 53 µm had greater residue-C concentrations in the illitic soil than in the kaolinitic soil and this difference increased with increasing aggregate size. This suggested a greater affinity of illite clay than kaolinite clay to bind with fresh residue-derived compounds into larger aggregates and hence a greater importance of aggregates in stabilizing residue-C in illitic compared with kaolinitic soils. The stabilization of root-C by aggregates was less affected by clay mineralogy and thus less dependent on the affinity of clay minerals to bind with root-derived compounds.
Fatigue crack layer propagation in polystyrene—Part I experimental observations

Fatigue crack propagation experiments performed on thin, single edge notched, polystyrene specimens show that during slow crack propagation, an intensive zone of crazing surrounds and precedes the propagating crack. The system of the crack and the craze zone constitute a crack layer (CL). The part of the CL ahead of the crack tip, where crazing accumulates prior to CL growth, is called the active zone. The width of the active zone is found to increase by almost an order of magnitude during slow CL propagation. Fractographic analysis reveals two types of discontinuous crack growth bands: multicycle bands and single cycle bands. The point of transition from multicycle to single cycle bands is established and used to extract crack speed from fracture surface markings. The experimental results demonstrate that fracture propagates by the translation, isotropic expansion and distortion of the active zone. Analysis of craze distribution within the active zone reveals that the craze density decreases away from the crack. A considerable difference in the critical energy release rates is observed in specimens fatigued under different loading levels. This is attributed to the difference in the density of crazes at the critical crack tip.
The role of histone acetylation in SMN gene expression

Increasing survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) gene expression may be an effective strategy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been shown to increase SMN transcript and protein levels, but the specific role of histone acetylation in regulating SMN gene expression has not been explored. Using chromatin immunopreciptation, we investigated the levels of acetylated H3 and H4 histones and HDACs associated with different regions of the human and mouse SMN genes in both cultured cells and tissues. We show that the SMN gene has a reproducible pattern of histone acetylation that is largely conserved among different tissues and species. A limited region of the promoter surrounding the transcriptional start site has relatively high levels of histone acetylation, whereas regions further upstream or downstream have lower levels. After HDAC inhibitor treatment, acetylated histone levels increased, particularly at upstream regions, correlating with a 2-fold increase in promoter activity. During development in mouse tissues, histone acetylation levels decreased and associated HDAC2 levels increased at the region closest to the transcriptional start site, correlating with a 40-60% decrease in SMN transcript and protein levels. These data indicate that histone acetylation modulates SMN gene expression and that pharmacological manipulation of this epigenetic determinant is feasible. HDAC2, in particular, may be a future therapeutic target for SMA.
Hardware implementation of a novel, reduced rating active filter for 3-phase, 4-wire loads

This paper presents the hardware results of a new active filter topology with reduced VA rating for 3-phase, 4-wire loads. The scheme consists of a single-phase inverter connected between the zig-zag transformer neutral and the utility neutral in addition to a three-phase inverter connected to the delta winding of the zig-zag transformer. Compared to other reported schemes, the inverter VA rating in this scheme is reduced by a factor of six. This reduction in the inverter VA rating is mainly due to the zero-sequence current inverter having a low VA rating. The equations for this active filter are derived. The simulation results are verified by means of experimental results from a proof-of-concept prototype. >
International Legal Developments Protecting the Autonomy Rights of Sexual Minorities: Who Should Determine the Appropriate Treatment for an Intersex Infant?

During the past decade, the dominant medical protocol for the treatment of intersex infants has come under heavy attack. One of the current debates centers on whether parents should be allowed to consent to nonmedically necessary genital surgery on their intersex infants. Some activists insist that a moratorium on all such surgeries should be imposed until these children reach the age of consent and can make their own decisions. Others believe that parents should be allowed to consent to these surgeries on behalf of their children, but maintain that informed consent procedures must be enhanced. Finally, some argue that the autonomy rights of the intersex infant require that courts review the parental consent to ensure that ethical standards are maintained. Thus far, the Constitutional Court of Colombia is the only high court to have rendered a decision on this issue. This essay discusses the Colombia decision and analyzes recent court decisions from Europe, Australia and the United States involving other sexual minorities to determine how these courts may resolve this issue if they are brought into the controversy. It concludes that courts may not be the ideal forum to resolve these issues because judges may render a decision based upon their own prejudices or stereotypes.
Development of the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF)

SIRTF, -the Space Infrared Telescope Facility, is to be launched by NASA early in 2003. SIRTF will be an observatory for infrared astronomy from space with an 85cm aperture telescope operating at 5.5K and a 2.5-to-5 year cryogenic lifetime. SIRTF's three instruments with state of the art detector arrays will provide imaging, photometry, and spectroscopy over the 3-180um wavelength range. SIRTF will provide major advances for the study of astrophysical problems from the solar system to the edge of the Universe. SIRTF will complete NASA's family of Great Observatories and serve as a cornerstone of the Origins program. Over 75% of the observing time will be awarded to the general scientific community through the usual proposal and peer review cycle. SIRTF will demonstrate major advances in technology areas critical to future infrared missions. These include lightweight cryogenic optics, sensitive detector arrays, and a high performance thermal system, combining radiative and cryogenic cooling, which allows the telescope to be launched warm and to cool in space. These thermal advances are enabled by the use of an Earth-trailing solar orbit which carries SIRTF to a distance of ~0.6 AU from Earth in 5 years. This paper will provide an overview of the SIRTF mission, -telescope, cryostat, instruments, spacecraft, orbit, and operations - in preparation for an accompanying set of detailed technical presentations.
The mechanism of free radical polymerization in the solid state

The solid state polymerization of acrylamide and related monomers has been studied using the tools of electron spin resonance and optical microscopy. The data indicate that the reaction involves free radicals which do not terminate in the usual fashion. The reaction apparently involves a nucleation mechanism in which crystalline defects and the buildup and release of internal stresses affect the rate of reaction.
The roles of encoding, retrieval, and awareness

In the experiment reported here, we examined the processes by which expected (probable) changes are detected more frequently than are unexpected (improbable) changes (the change probability effect; Beck, Angelone, & Levin, 2004). The change probability effect may be caused by a bias toward probable changes during encoding of the prechange aspect, during retrieval of the prechange aspect, or during activation of an explicit response to the change. Participants performed a change detection task for probable and improbable changes while their eye movements were tracked. Change detection performance was superior for probable changes, but long-term memory performance was equivalent for both probable and improbable changes. Therefore, although both probable and improbable prechange aspects were encoded, probable prechange aspects were more likely to be retrieved during change detection. Implicit change detection was also greater for probable changes than for improbable changes, suggesting that the change probability effect is the result of a bias during the retrieval and comparison stage of change detection. The stimuli used in the change detection task may be downloaded from www.psychonomic.org/archive.