cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FE Calculations of J-Integrals on Crack Length in a Constrained Elastomeric Disc With Crack Surface Pressures and Isothermal Loads

In this study, we performed linear and nonlinear FE (Finite Element) analyses to compute J-integrals for a centrally perforated star-shaped disc, which is made of an elastomeric material, under crack surface pressures and isothermal loads. Deformations of the disc were constrained by a circular steel ring enclosing the disc. Different crack sizes were assumed to exist in the front of the star-shaped notches. For linear the analysis, material compressibility was modeled with Poisson’s varying form 0.48 to 0.4999. In addition, with the presence of the crack surface pressure, the J-integral needs to be modified by including an additional line integral. Numerical studies showed that the value of the J-integral increases with the increase of the crack length, reaches a maximum value at 1in of crack length, and then decreases gradually. Both linear and nonlinear analyses agree qualitatively but differ quantitatively. It was also found that values of the J-integral strongly depend upon the material compressibility.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Transformed human brain pericytes enhance endothelial wound healing and angiogenic sprout formation (670.5)

We have recently discovered that density-stressed human brain pericytes transform to a stem cell-like phenotype; they form spheres that self-renew and generate daughter cells with varying morphologies. Co-culture of transformed pericytes with endothelial cells in a scrape wound assay increased the rate of wound healing as compared with non-transformed co-cultures. The goal of this study was to identify mechanisms by which transformed pericytes increase the rate of wound healing and to test the hypothesis that transformed pericytes increase the rate of angiogenic sprout formation. To stimulate sprout formation, primary human brain endothelial cells and pericytes were co-cultured in a collagen matrix with vascular endothelial growth factor. In a scrape wound assay, lipophilic cell membrane dyes (DiO, DiD; Molecular Probes) were used to visualize and track respective cell types. Transformed pericytes increased sprout formation by 2.13 ± 0.08 fold (p<0.05) compared to endothelial cells co-cultured with non-tr...
Determination of multipath channel parameters using wavelet decomposition

In this paper we develop deterministic expressions for the channel path amplitudes and path phases using the wavelet transform of the received signal. We treat two cases. One case applies to pilot tone signaling and the other one is concerned with the detection of a sequence of symbols over the multipath channel. In the first case, intersymbol interference (ISI) is not a factor, while in the second, due to time dispersion of the transmitted symbols within the channel, ISI becomes a major contributor to the distortion to which the transmitted signal is subjected. We use a wideband model of the multipath channel based on which we derive a discrete representation of the received signal. The discrete samples are then used to compute the highest level wavelet coefficients, through convolution with the coefficients of the Haar wavelet. Using the computed wavelet coefficients, we apply simple algebra to resolve the individual path amplitudes and path phases.
Respiratory Quotient Is Inversely Associated with Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity

The relative amounts of the macronutrients oxidized by an individual are reflected in the respiratory quotient (RQ), which varies inversely with lipid oxidation. A high RQ, indicating a relatively low lipid oxidation, and a low activity of the sympathetic nervous system have both been identified as risk factors for body weight gain. The stimulatory effect of norepinephrine on lipid oxidation suggests that low lipid oxidation may contribute to the relationship between low sympathetic nervous activity and body weight gain. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether low basal muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), a direct measure of sympathetic nervous outflow, is independently associated with low lipid oxidation. Intraneural recordings of basal MSNA were performed in 39 healthy, nondiabetic males, 19 Caucasians (mean ±sd, 33 ± 9 yr, 91± 23 kg, and 28 ± 11% body fat) and 20 Pima Indians (30 ± 5 yr, 94 ± 25 kg, and 35 ± 8% fat) immediately after measurement of 24-h RQ in a respiratory chamb...
Diode laser heterodyne spectroscopy on the ν1 band of sulfur dioxide

Abstract Diode laser heterodyne techniques have been used to obtain the frequencies of 55 ir absorption lines of 32 S 16 O 2 . From these data and from previous microwave and millimeter wave measurements, new spectroscopic constants for the ν 1 band have been determined. The new constants have been used to predict new optically pumped submillimeter wave emissions.
How well do surface slip measurements track slip at depth in large strike-slip earthquakes? The importance of fault structural maturity in controlling on-fault slip versus off-fault surface deformation

Abstract Comparisons of observed surface displacements with geodetically inferred slip at depth in six large ( M w ⩾ 7.1 ) strike-slip earthquakes reveal a correlation between the structural maturity of the fault and the ratio of deep slip to surface slip that occurs on localized zones of surface rupture. Specifically, structurally immature faults (⩽25 km of total displacement) manifest only ∼50–60% of total slip on narrow fault surface traces versus ∼85–95% for structurally mature faults (⩾85 km total slip). The same pattern holds when structurally simple parts of a surface rupture are analyzed separately from parts that exhibit obvious structural complexity (e.g., discontinuous or multiple traces or significant dip slip). These results imply that geologic measurements of surface slip along structurally immature faults are likely to significantly underestimate the true slip at depth in large earthquakes. This observation has implications for a number of important problems, including determination of fault slip rates, which are based on surface offsets; earthquake probability assessments, which are based on geologic fault slip rates; comparisons of geologic and geodetic rate data in the search for strain transients; the structural evolution of fault zones; estimation of paleo-earthquake magnitudes based on geomorphic offsets; analyses of the relative importance of faulting vs. distributed deformation in accommodating relative plate motions in continental crust; the design and construction of infrastructure built near active faults; and possibly for the prediction of strong ground motions, which may at least partially depend on the degree of slip localization to the surface.
Immersive training systems: Virtual reality and education and training

This paper provides an introduction to the technology of virtual reality (VR) and its possibilies for education and training. It focuses on immersion as the key added value of VR, and analyzes what cognitive variables are connected to immersion, how it is generated in synthetic environments, what immersion is, and what its benefits are. The central research question is the value of tracked, immersive visual displays over non-immersive simulations. The paper provides a brief overview of existing VR research on training and transfer, education, and procedural, cognitive and maintenance training.
Mars Seasonal Polar Caps as a Test of the Equivalence Principle

The seasonal polar caps of Mars can be used to test the equivalence principle in general relativity. The north and south caps, which are composed of carbon dioxide, wax and wane with the seasons. If the ratio of the inertial to gravitational masses of the caps differs from the same ratio for the rest of Mars, then the equivalence principle fails, Newton's third law fails, and the caps will pull Mars one way and then the other with a force aligned with the planet's spin axis. This leads to a secular change in Mars's along-track position in its orbit about the Sun, and to a secular change in the orbit's semimajor axis. The caps are a poor E6tv6s test of the equivalence principle, being 4 orders-of-magnitude weaker than laboratory tests and 7 orders-of-magnitude weaker than that found by lunar laser ranging; the reason is the small mass of the caps compared to Mars as a whole. The principal virtue of using Mars is that the caps contain carbon, an element not normally considered in such experiments. The Earth with its seasonal snow cover can also be used for a similar test.
Labile and Stable Nitrogen and Carbon in Mine Soil Reclaimed with Manure-Based Amendments

Organic C and nutrients in manure can improve degraded mine soil quality if they are retained in the soil. Composting manure or mixing manure with a high C/N ratio material before application could facilitate this improvement. The effects of these manure stabilization techniques on N and C retention in mine soil were investigated in two incubation experiments with six treatments: unamended soil, lime and fertilizer (14.3 Mg ha ―1 ), two rates of composted poultry layer manure (78 and 156 Mg ha ―1 ), and layer manure mixed with paper-mill sludge (PMS) (50 Mg ha ―1 manure, 102 and 183 Mg ha ―1 PMS) to provide C/N ratios of 20 and 30. In one experiment, amendments were laboratory applied just before incubation; in the other, amendments were field applied 1 yr before incubation. Carbon dioxide evolution and labile N and C were measured during incubation and microbial biomass N was determined at the end of the incubations. In laboratory-amended soil, all treatments produced similar quantities of labile N while compost and manure + PMS treatments resulted in stable soil N pools that were 2.5 to 2.7 times larger than in the unamended soil. In field-amended soils, stable N pools were similarly increased by compost and manure + PMS treatments. Large CO 2 production and microbial biomass N from manure + PMS treatments suggested that rapid microbial turnover of N was an important factor in stabilizing manure N. These results indicate that the combined manure + PMS amendment was as effective as composting in building stable N pools in mine soil.
Three-dimensional osteometric scaling and normative modelling of skeletal segments

Many analytical biomechanics methods require extensive three-dimensional descriptions of anatomical geometry. In particular, researchers requiring the three-dimensional coordinates of specific boney landmarks (e.g. tendon and ligament attachments) are often forced to extrapolate such measurements from an experimental specimen set to their subject geometry. This work offers an approach to two problems inherent above; accurate extrapolation of specimen landmark locations to subject homologues and statistical accumulation of normative three-dimensional anatomical landmark data bases. A least squares solution for an affine scaling transformation from specimen to subject is used which incorporates both right-left and same hand comparisons. A two stage technique is formulated to consecutively remove landmark location variation and to size a normative specimen from a set of similar specimens. This ability to statistically represent a specimen set will provide better geometric models for other analytical studies and prosthetic design and evaluation.
Signal structure and precision in optical measurements: A new perspective to optimal experimental techniques

Precision in wavelength modulation spectroscopy measurements is quantified via Shannonpsilas information theory. The optimal harmonic detection order, yielding maximum information (in bits), is best obtained by quantitative considerations of the signal structure rather than those of conventional signal-to-noise ratios.
Faculty and student perceptions of academic counselling services at an academic health science center

There are limited data on support services that facilitate students’ academic success at academic health science centres. The authors explored faculty and students’ perceptions of available academic counselling services (ACS) at an academic health science centre in the Southeastern United States. Participants were surveyed in May and June of 2011 regarding the ACS available at the institution. Fifty-nine percent of faculty respondents (N = 471) agreed that academic counselling was a necessary part of the institution, but only 26 % reported knowledge of how to refer students for academic counselling. Only 18 % stated they had previously referred a student for services. Fifty-four percent of student respondents (N = 360) agreed that academic counselling was a necessary part of the institution and 60 % stated that they would seek these services if needed. However, only 35 % of students reported that they were aware of how to access the services. These findings suggest a discrepancy between the belief that academic support services have value and their knowledge about how to utilize the services. It is recommended that academic health science centres consider the promotion of available academic support services amongst both faculty and students when designing and implementing programmes to reduce this potential obstacle to service utilization.
Treatment of congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia using ethiodized oil lymphangiography

Historically, congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia (CPL) has had poor treatment outcomes despite aggressive therapy. There are recent reports of ethiodized oil (Lipiodol) lymphangiography successfully treating lymphatic leakage in adults. In this report, we describe two infants with CPL complicated by chylothoraces successfully treated by instillation of ethiodized oil into the lymphatic system. Congenital atresia of the thoracic duct was demonstrated on the lymphangiogram in both patients before treatment. Both patients have shown good short-term outcomes without supplemental oxygen or fat restricted diets at 9 months of age. Ethiodized oil lymphangiography represents a new treatment modality for some patients with CPL.
Field-Directed Self-Assembly of Magnetic Nanoparticles

Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the size range of 8−12 nm have been prepared and allowed to self-assemble on GaAs substrates in the presence of strong magnetic fields. A long range ordering is observed in which the particles self-assemble into a distribution of elongated clusters with a predominant orientation lengthwise along the field direction. Hysteresis loops measured parallel and perpendicular to the alignment direction show substantial directional dependence. The coercive fields in the direction parallel to the alignment field are larger than those perpendicular to it by 57% and 136% at 100 and 5K, respectively. A broad peak is observed in magnetization profiles obtained with zero- field-cooling.
Results of surgical treatment of nonhepatic recurrence of colorectal carcinoma.

The sites of first recurrence of colorectal cancer include liver (more than 30%), lung and locoregional disease (20-2S%), other intraabdominal sites (15-20%), and elsewhere (10%). Isolated locoregional disease accounts for 5-19% of colon recurrences and 7-33% of rectal recurrences. Between 7% and 20% of locally recurrent colorectal cancer can be resected with curative intent. Overall, complete resection of a localized recurrence yields a mean survival of 33-59 months, with long-term survival achieved in 30-50% of patients. Regional recurrence of rectal cancer may require abdominal-sacral resection for adequate margins, with 5-year survival of 18-24%
585 EFFECT OF LOW DOSE IRRADIATION ON SUBSEQUENT RENAL HYPERTROPHY IN CHILDREN WITH WILMS' TUMOR

The effects of irradiation (XRT) combined with multiagent chemotherapy (CT) on compensatory renal hypertrophy following nephrectomy in childhood have received little attention. Treatment details and serial intravenous urograms in 30 children with Wilms' tumor subjected to nephrectomy and postoperative XRT and/or CT were reviewed. Eleven children received whole abdomen XRT (WAXRT) which delivered 1200-1300 rad to the remaining kidney. Nineteen patients were given no initial irradiation to the remaining kidney (OXRT) with 17 receiving renal fossa treatment only and 2 no irradiation. Renal growth, assessed by seriallceph-alocaudad measurements in treated patients, was plotted and compared to previously published figures of normal growth as well as hypertrophy following nephrectomy for benign causes in childhood. The mean and median slope of renal growth for the WAXRT group was 0.50 and 0.37 respectively while it was 0.56 and 0.50 for the OXRT group. The cumulative slope for the WAXRT group was 0.43 versus 0.55 for the OXRT group. When children who required subsequent pulmonary irradiation which necessarily irradiated the upper portion of the kidney were excluded from the OXRT group, the cumulative slope increased to 0.62. These results suggest a possible effect of low dose irradiation on renal hypertrophy.
How Quality, Value, Image, and Satisfaction Create Loyalty at a Chinese Telecom

Abstract This study proposes and tests an integrative model to examine the relations among service quality, value, image, satisfaction, and loyalty in China. Analysis of survey data from 118 customers of a Chinese mobile communications company reveals that service quality directly influences both perceived value and image perceptions, that value and image influence satisfaction, that corporate image influences value, and that both customer satisfaction and value are significant determinants of loyalty. Thus, value has both a direct and indirect (through satisfaction) impact on customer loyalty. Other variables mediate the impact of both service quality and corporate image on customer loyalty.
Roadmap for elimination of gastric cancer in Korea

Most gastric cancers are caused by infection with the common human bacterial pathogen, Helicobacter pylori. It is now accepted that gastric cancer can be prevented and virtually eliminated by H. pylori eradication and this knowledge was responsible for country-wide H. pylori eradication combined with secondary cancer prevention for those with residual risk that was introduced in Japan in 2013. Korea is a high H. pylori prevalence and high gastric cancer incidence country and a good candidate for a gastric cancer elimination program. The presence of an H. pylori infection is now considered as an indication for treatment of the infection. However, antimicrobial drug resistance is common among H. pylori in Korea making effective therapy problematic. Country-wide studies of the local and regional antimicrobial resistance patterns are needed to choose the most appropriate therapies. H. pylori and gastric cancer eradication can be both efficient and cost effective making it possible and practical to make Korea H. pylori and gastric cancer free. There is no reason to delay.
Profound alteration in an alpha beta T-cell antigen receptor repertoire due to polymorphism in the first complementarity-determining region of the beta chain

Abstract Amino acid residues that are critical in maintaining the framework structure of immunoglobulin heavy- and light-chain variable (V) regions are strongly conserved in the V alpha and V beta proteins of the alpha beta T-cell antigen receptor (TCR alpha beta). Consequently, it has been proposed that TCR alpha beta has a conformation similar to that of an immunoglobulin Fab fragment and that the regions of the TCR homologous to the three immunoglobulin complementarity-determining regions (CDRs 1, 2, and 3) bind to the peptide antigen-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule ligand. A single amino acid substitution in the predicted CDR1 of the V beta 3 protein of certain mouse strains dramatically altered TCR alpha beta usage in an antigen-specific MHC-restricted immune response but did not abrogate V beta 3 specificity for the superantigens minor lymphocyte stimulatory locus (Mls)c and staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA). The results confirm the importance of the V beta CDR1 in antigen-MHC molecule recognition, supporting the Fab-like structural model of TCR alpha beta, and provide further evidence that conventional antigen-MHC recognition and superantigen recognition are mediated by distinct regions of the TCR beta chain. They also suggest that allelic polymorphism may be a significant source of diversity in the TCR repertoire.
A tribute to Jagadis Chunder Bose on the occasion of his sesquicentennial birthday celebration [Reverberations]

Jagadis Chunder Bose, popularly known as J.C. Bose, was a quiet, gentle, and unassuming scientist, with an avuncular disposition. You wouldn't know if you just took a casual glance at him, but who--in the opinion of many--was well ahead of his time by about 50 or 60 years. Many of the pioneering discoveries he made, for instance in the areas of wireless propagation, mm waves, crystal detectors, and semiconductor physics, to name just a few, date back to late 19th and early 20th century, long before they became so intertwined with our lives that we don't even give them a second thought when we use devices based on these discoveries.
Terahertz absorption spectra of 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane (HMX) polymorphs

Interest in terahertz spectroscopy of organic compounds has been driven by its potential utility as a stand-off detection technology for explosives. Much work has focused on identifying the spectral signatures of explosives compounds and understanding the molecular origin of the complex, low-frequency modes in the terahertz regime. We present distinct absorption spectra in the terahertz region for polymorphs of the secondary high explosive 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane (HMX). For α-HMX, we couple experiments to solid-state density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) calculations, and find excellent agreement. This work underlines the importance of careful sample preparation when examining spectra and comparing experimental work with calculations.
Loss of STAT1 expression confers resistance to IFN-γ-induced apoptosis in ME180 cells

Abstract Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) induces apoptosis in many tumor cell lines and sensitizes tumor cells to apoptosis by tumor necrosis factor family members. IFN-γ induces the expression of many early response genes such as interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) by activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factor proteins. We found that ME180 cells became resistant to IFN-γ-induced cell death after 4–5 passages in culture. These resistant cells were characterized by a loss of STAT1 expression and a loss of inducible IRF-1 expression. We describe for the first time the emergence of a STAT1-deficient ME180 cell line.
Today's business libraries: a vital local resource in a challenging economy

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to provide several examples of libraries that have recognized the importance of freely offering a wide array of business resources to individuals and businesses. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings – In a challenging economy, it is inconceivable that any new library's planning would not include a business center that can support those seeking employment, businesses seeking startup opportunities, current information on markets, their trends and analyses, and first and foremost, free resources available to all seeking to build a stronger economy constructed on the importance of access to data and information. Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to highlight the position the library maintains as a vital local business resource in today's challenging economy.
Wavelength response of ring-type head with arbitrary gap depth

In 1953 Westmijze found analytic solutions for the fields and wavelength responses of ring-type-head models with zero and infinite gap depths and demonstrated that the wavelength responses for these two extreme cases are substantially different. A model two-dimensional electromagnet that is equivalent to a more general ring-type-head model that takes into consideration a final gap-depth value is considered. It is shown that the Westmijze head models are actually two specific cases of this more general model. Using the theory of complex analytic functions, the gap between the two Westmijze models is bridged and an analytic solution for the wavelength response of a ring-type head with an arbitrary gap depth is derived. Graphs of the responses calculated for several gap depths are presented. These graphs illustrate that the gap depth has no practical effect on wavelength response as long as the ratio of pole thickness to gap size exceeds 0.5. However, further decrease of this ratio causes considerable changes in wavelength responses. >
Transverse spin asymmetries for three-jet production in hadronic collisions.

Using helicity-amplitude techniques, we derive the partonic level transverse spin-spin asymmetries ${\stackrel{^}{a}}_{\mathrm{NN}}$ for the processes relevant to the hadronic production of three-jet events: namely, $q{q}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}q{q}^{\ensuremath{'}}g$ and $\mathrm{qq}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{qqg}$. Just as in the case of two-jet production, we find that the partonic level asymmetries (${\stackrel{^}{a}}_{\mathrm{NN}}$) are roughly 10 times smaller than the corresponding longitudinal asymmetries (${\stackrel{^}{a}}_{\mathrm{LL}}$).
Large, multimedia programming—concepts and challenges

Programming environments must adapt to the challenges of new application domains. As digital produiction techniques diffuse through the media industry, we expect to see increasing demands for applications in such areas as content creation and management (e.g., authoring tools and multimedia databases); broadband group communication (e.g., tele-learning and telepresence); and media-rich virtual worlds (e.g., virtual museums). To build these applications we need highly extensible programming environments for distributed and interoperable components. Object-oriented technology appears to offer the needed flexibility. This talk will look at what object-oriented technology can contribute to multimedia programming we discuss the notion of “media objects” and introduce an object-oriente:d framework for media processing hardware and software components.
Tissue aluminium distribution in growing, mature and ageing rats: relationship to changes in gut, kidney and bone metabolism

The purpose of this study was to determine whether accumulation and turnover of aluminium differed among growing (2 month old), mature (8 month old) and ageing (19 month old) rats and assess whether these differences could be ascribed to physiological changes with age. One day after a large oral dose (0.8 mmol Al in 0.75 M citrate) growing rats had the highest concentrations of aluminium in tibias, whereas ageing rats had the highest concentrations of aluminium in kidneys. The half-life of aluminium in tibias (38 v. 58 v. 173 days in growing, mature and ageing rats, respectively) and kidneys (9 v. 12 v. 16 days) lengthened with age. According to stepwise multiple regression analysis, 73% variation in tibia aluminium concentrations was explained by final body weight of rats, length of time after dosing, tibia weights, haematocrits, urinary hydroxyproline excretion, ulna calcium concentrations, and urinary creatinine excretion but 57% variation in kidney aluminium concentrations was explained by length of time after dosing and feed intake. Although age, per se, was a significant predictor of spleen and liver aluminium concentrations, the measured changes in gut, kidney, bone and mineral metabolism were less predictive of aluminium concentrations in livers and spleens than in bone.
Right ventricular outflow obstruction caused by constrictive pericardial disease.

Abstract Chronic constrictive pericarditis impairs normal diastolic filling of the heart and usually results in the classic clinical triad of increased venous pressure, ascites and a small quiet heart.1 Occasionally, however, this process may simulate other cardiac abnormalities, as illustrated by the following case.
Changing Practice Patterns in Peripheral Arterial Disease

The development of interventional radiologic techniques during the past decade has changed our approach to the treatment of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (LE-PAD). Balloon and laser-assisted angioplasty, atherectomy (rotary and directional devices), stent implantation, and thrombolysis as well as combinations of all of these approaches, at times with concomitant or secondary surgery, have been used in our institution. A review of our practice patterns during the past 5 years was performed to analyze changing attitudes and results with these newer techniques. All new patients seen in consultation for LE-PAD during three alternate years were reviewed with regard to demographics, initial complaints, initial treatment modality, initial outcome, indications for and results of secondary treatment, and ultimate outcome (at 1 year). The 603 patients were seen during the following three 12-month periods: 1987 to 1988, 1989 to 1990, and 1991 to 1992. An intention-to-treat analysis revealed (1) the number of patients seen for peripheral arterial disease has increased steadily; (2) in the last year more were initially treated with intervention as the primary modality; (3) the results of such catheter-based procedures improved only slightly over this 5-year period, despite our learning curve and the fact that we discarded several ineffective interventional approaches; (4) the fraction of patients primarily operated on and the excellent results of surgery have not changed; and (5) the number of operations for proximal (aortoiliac) disease has decreased markedly, with a corresponding increase in distal reconstructions. The evolution of our current approach to the treatment of LE-PAD is based on this continuing experience.
PARADES, PUBLIC SPACE, AND PROPAGANDA: THE NAZI CULTURE PARADES IN MUNICH

Abstract.As the birthplace of the Nazi Party and the official Capital of the Movement, Munich assumed a high profile within the party's propaganda apparatus. While Berlin became the political and f...
Longitudinal Cognitive Decline in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease:

Progressive cognitive impairment is a defining feature of the dementia of Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet disagreement exists over which abilities decline most precipitously and which cognitive tests are more sensitive. In this study, 51 AD patients in the early to middle stages of illness and 22 age-matched normal controls were administered a battery of neuropsychological tests at 6-month intervals over a 2-year period. While the performance of the normal controls remained stable over the 2 years, the AD patients displayed progressive decline on all tests. The greatest declines occurred on tests requiring lexical/semantic processing (Boston Naming Test) and comprehension of syntactic relationships (Token Test). Performance on visuospatial tests (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Block Design, Benton Visual Retention Test, Spatial Delayed Recognition Span Test) declined less rapidly. The findings support previous reports that language impairment may be central to the dementia of AD, and that confrontation naming is particularly sensitive to decline in this illness.
Laser Attenuation Measurements of Soot Volume Fractions During Reduced-Gravity Combustion of Heptane and Heptane/Hexadecane Droplets

Abstract Results from reduced-gravity experiments on combustion of heptane/hexadecane mixture droplets and heptane droplets are presented. Initial droplet diameters were about 1 mm, and initial hexadecane mass fractions in the droplets were 0.6. The droplets were burned in air at 0.1 MPa. Attenuation of the beam from a diode laser was used to gain information on average soot volume fractions in the vicinities of the droplets. Results indicate that average soot volume fractions increased over the observation time for heptane droplets. For heptane/hexadecane mixture droplets, however, results indicate that average soot volume fractions increase after ignition, decrease when a flame contraction occurs, and then increase again after the flame contraction has been completed. Interpretation of the data indicates that peak soot volume fractions as high as about 50 ppm existed in these experiments. Simplified theory is developed to predict effects of droplet heating on quasisteady soot shell locations. The theory...
Using a Relational Database to Index Infectious Disease Information

Mapping medical knowledge into a relational database became possible with the availability of personal computers and user-friendly database software in the early 1990s. To create a database of medical knowledge, the domain expert works like a mapmaker to first outline the domain and then add the details, starting with the most prominent features. The resulting "intelligent database" can support the decisions of healthcare professionals. The intelligent database described in this article contains profiles of 275 infectious diseases. Users can query the database for all diseases matching one or more specific criteria (symptom, endemic region of the world, or epidemiological factor). Epidemiological factors include sources (patients, water, soil, or animals), routes of entry, and insect vectors. Medical and public health professionals could use such a database as a decision-support software tool.
Atom gratings produced by large-angle atom beam splitters

An asymptotic theory of atom scattering by large amplitude periodic potentials is developed in the Raman-Nath approximation. The atom grating profile resulting from the scattering is evaluated in the Fresnel zone for triangular, sinusoidal, magneto-optical, and bichromatic field potentials. Analytic asymptotic expressions are obtained for the Fourier components of the atomic wave function following scattering. It is shown that, owing to the scattering into two groups of momentum states rather than two distinct momentum components, the corresponding spatial density profiles differ significantly from pure sinusoids.
Film Morphology and Thin Film Transistor Performance of Solution-Processed Oligothiophenes

The relationship between film morphology and thin film transistor (TFT) performance was investigated for two symmetrical α,ω-substituted sexithiophene derivatives containing thermally removable solubilizing groups. Solution deposition methods such as spin-coating, dip-casting, and inkjet-printing were optimized for solvent and annealing temperatures, and several substrate surface treatments were explored. The resulting thin films were characterized with AFM and the observed semiconductor performance was found to correlate with the morphology of the films, with the most crystalline films exhibiting the highest performance. Devices showed overall mobilities as high as 0.07 cm2/V s with on/off ratios > 108, which are among the highest reported values for oligothiophenes solution cast at room temperature.
Static stretch sensitivity of Ia and II afferents in the cat's gastrocnemius

The static discharge characteristics of deefferented Ia and II spindle afferents in the cat medical gastrocnemius muscle have been compared with respect to incidence and firing rate of spontaneously firing units, length threshold of non spontaneous units, linearity of the response to stretch, and position sensitivity. Measurements of the stretch response were taken 20 s after each step increase in length so as to obtain the nearly fully adapted rate. Under this condition the frequency-length relationship was quite linear, especially for group II units. The mean position sensitivity of group II fibers exceeded that of I a fibers in the ratio of 1.5∶1.0. The incidence of spontaneously discharging units was about 20% for both types of unit.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) of the New Antineoplastic 9,10-Anthracenedicarboxaldehyde Bis[(4,5-Dihydro-1 H-Imidazole-2-yl)hydrazone] dihydrochloride (CL 216,942; Bisantrene)

Abstract 9,10-anthracenedicarboxaldehyde bis[(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-2-yl) hydrazone] dihydrochloride, (Bisantrene, CL 216,942, or NSC-337766) (Fig. 1) is a new anthracenedione derivative which has significant antitumor activity in a number of animal tumor systems including L1210 leukemia, P388 leukemia, Liberman plasma cell tumor, B16 melanoma, Ridgeway osteogenic sarcoma and colon tumor 26 in mice (1). Although structurally, it bears some resemblance to doxorubicin, bisantrene differs in producing less myocardial toxicity at equitoxic doses. Therefore, Bisantrene may be a useful antitumor agent in doxorubicin sensitive tumors (2). In order to study the pharmacokinetics of the agent in conjunction with the phase I and II clinical trial in our institute, we developed an analytical method for Bisantrene. The sampling and analytical methods are rapid, reproducible, highly sensitive and applicable to the determination of the agent in plasma, urine and cerebrospinal fluid.
Inhibitory mechanisms of Cr(III) oxidation by δ-MnO2

The oxidation of Cr(III) by Mn-oxides is inhibited at pH values greater than 4. In this paper, we show that the inhibition is due to the formation of a Cr(OH)3 precipitate on δ-MnO2. Subsequent to the oxidation of an amount of Cr(III) equal to a monolayer of surface coverage, surface-facilitated nucleation of Cr(OH)3 terminates the redox reaction between Mn(IV)Mn(III) and Cr(III). The Cr(OH)3 phase acts both as a barrier to electron transfer between solution Cr(III) species and Mn(IV)Mn(III), and as a redox stable sink for Cr(III). This system imposes some unique boundaries on surface precipitation as direct inner-sphere surface complexation of Cr(III) would result in an electron transfer reaction between Cr(III) and Mn(IV)Mn(III). Therefore, the electrostatic influence of the surface appears to promote the nucleation of this hydrolyzable metal ion.
Microcomputer Control of Switched Reluctance Motor

A microcomputer-based four-quadrant control system of a switched reluctance motor is described. The control was implemented with a speed feedback loop, a torque feedback loop, and both the torque and speed feedback loops combined. In addition the controller incorporates a startup operation, sequencing, and synchronized angle steering control. The angle controller was designed using dedicated digital hardware, whereas the other functions were implemented using an Intel 8751 single-chip microcomputer. The complete control system was tested in the laboratory with a 5-hp drive, and the test results were found to be excellent.
The Sertoli cell junctional complex: structure and permeability to filipin in the neonatal and adult guinea pig.

The development and maintenance of the Sertoli cell junctional complex were investigated in prepubertal and adult guinea pigs. To correlate the structure of the blood-testis barrier with its permeability, the polyene antibiotic filipin (a cholesterol-binding agent of low molecular weight: 570.70) was added to the fixative as a tracer visible in freeze-fracture replicas. Discontinuous zonules, intermediate junctions (i.e., adhering fasciae) and gap junctions all proved permeable to filipin in the two age groups. Only the continuous occluding zonules characteristic of the adult guinea pig's testis were impermeable to the tracer. In pubertal animals, the establishment of the blood-testis barrier coincided with the completion of the junctional strands in occluding zonules. The formation of occluding zonules was similar in the newborn and the adult. In the adult, the Sertoli cell junctional complexes contained three types of cell junctions: occluding, adhering, and gap junctions. The sequence of occluding and adhering junctions from the base to the apex of the epithelium was the reverse of that demonstrated in most epithelia. The impermeable continuous occluding zonules at the base showed parallel patterns of uninterrupted junctional strands, whereas the permeable discontinuous zonules found higher in the epithelium showed a meandering pattern of broken strands. Our observations indicate that (1) Sertoli cell junctional complexes form near the young germinal cells at the base of the seminiferous epithelium and break down near the older germinal cells toward the apex; (2) the various patterns and orientations of the junctional strands reflect, respectively, the different stages of disintegration of the occluding zonules and the conformation of the mature Sertoli cell to the irregular contours of the germinal cells; (3) there is no relationship between permeability and junctional strand orientation; and (4) the cellular contacts between Sertoli cells and germinal cells situated below the blood-testis barrier may represent the early stages of formation of junctional elements which ultimately become incorporated into the Sertoli cell junctional complex.
Atomic force microscopy study of rubbed polyimide films

The surface of rubbed polyimide films was studied as a function of the film thickness and applied load using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Three dominant consequences of rubbing on the film topography were observed: scratches confined to the near surface of the film, tears that extended to the substrate, and strings of islands or droplets aligned parallel to the rubbing direction. Tears, found only in films less than 50 nm thick, varied in areal density and shape due to variations in the film thickness, rubbing load, and adhesion to the substrate. Strings of droplets aligned in the rubbing direction were seen on most samples without discernible dependence on the thickness or rubbing load. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1470–1477, 2001
Gentlemanly capitalism in New Zealand

This article responds to McAloon's contribution to this journal criticising the argument advanced by P.J. Cain and myself in British Imperialism. McAloon's research on Canterbury and Otago merits serious attention, but it is argued here that he is mistaken in claiming that it disproves the case we made for applying our concept of gentlemanly capitalism to New Zealand. Both the structure of ‘settler capitalism’ and the social characteristics of the settlers themselves provide a good fit with our interpretation. Nevertheless, McAloon deserves credit for putting this subject on the agenda, and it is to be hoped that other historians of New Zealand (and also of Australia) will now reconsider the relationship between the ‘rules of the game’ established by the imperial centre and the degrees of dependence experienced by the constituent parts of the empire.
Resistance to fracture of endodontically treated premolars restored with new generation dentine bonding systems.

MOD cavities in 60 endodontically treated teeth were restored using six different methods. Copper rings were filled with commercial hard-setting cement and the teeth were placed up to the level of the cemento-enamel junction. The teeth were grouped according to restorative method, mounted in an Instron TT machine, and the buccal walls subjected to a slowly increasing compressive force until fracture occurred. The force of fracture of the walls of each tooth was recorded and the results in the various groups compared. All teeth fractured in a similar manner irrespective of the restorative method used. All groups restored with the newer bonding system had higher resistance to fracture than those restored with an acid etch chemically cured composite resin technique. The groups restored with Den-Mat Tenure Core Paste or a Variglass VLC base and Prisma APH were significantly stronger than the acid etch Concise restored teeth (P 0.05).
Evaluations of leadership in preferential and merit-based leader selection situations

Abstract This study investigated whether information can mitigate the adverse effects associated with preferential selection of a female leader. Groups of subjects were brought together in a laboratory to complete an In-Basket exercise. The perceived method of leader selection (preferential or merit-based) was manipulated. Fifteen minutes into the task, group members were either informed that the leader was performing very well or that the group was performing very well, or they did not receive any performance information. It was hypothesized that a preferentially selected female leader would receive lower ratings by group members on several dimensions of leader performance (e.g., effectiveness, initiating structure and consideration, contribution to the success of the group) and that group members would be less satisfied with the leader under this condition. Moreover, we expected leader-based information to mitigate the adverse effects of preferential selection. Analyses indicated that preferentially-based selection resulted in lower ratings on prototypical leadership characteristics, lower ratings of leader effectiveness, and a tendency to recommend replacing the leader in future tasks. In addition, signifcant feedback effects were found on ratings of leader behavior, ratings of leader effectiveness, and perceptions of the leader's contribution to the group's performance. Moreover, when group members were provided with specific information about leader performance, the adverse effects of preferential selection were minimized. Results, limitations, and future research are discussed.
Aspirin intolerance: Unaltered susceptibility of platelet cyclo-oxygenase to inhibition by aspirin in vitro

Abstract Inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis has been proposed as a mechanism of aspirin-induced asthma. In order to verify the existence of a generalized abnormal sensitivity of the PG cyclo-oxygenase in intolerant patients, we have compared the inhibitory effects of aspirin on platelet PGE 2 and PGF 2α spontaneous formation in vitro, in 10 healthy subjects, 10 aspirin-sensitive asthmatics, and 10 nonasthmatic aspirin-sensitive patients. No statistically significant differences were found in the pattern nor in the absolute concentrations of both PGs in the control platelet superfusates. Moreover, the synthesis and release of both PGs were inhibited by aspirin with the same potency in the three groups studied.
Cell markers and the side population phenotype in ocular surface epithelial stem cell characterization and isolation.

Abstract The ocular surface is covered by two rapidly renewing and embryologically-related linings, the corneal and conjunctival epithelia. The long-term survival of these tissues is ultimately dependent on their respective resident stem cells. In the corneal epithelium, the stem cells and their early precursors are exclusively circumscribed to the narrow vascularized limbal rim that provides epithelial precursor cells to the critically transparent central cornea. Limbal damage causes an interruption of this essential cell supply and allows the invasion of the corneal surface by the conjunctival epithelium, an event that ultimately leads to corneal scarring. The limited supply of immunocompatible tissue is a major hindrance to efforts to develop effective procedures for ocular surface reconstruction. This review describes some of the current work and strategies being developed to achieve the isolation of the limbal stem cell and define its genetic, biochemical, and functional make-up. The study of isolated ocular surface stem cells will foster basic understanding of the environmental requisites for their survival and proliferation in a self-replicative mode, leading eventually to advances in therapeutic approaches.