cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurements of resistive hose detuning in intense relativistic electron beams

Summary form only given. An intense relativistic electron beam injected into dense gas characteristically propagates in a self-pinched mode but is susceptible to the resistive hose instability. This instability typically leads to large amplitude beam motion and the disruption of propagation. Theory and computation suggest that although resistive hose cannot be completely suppressed, its convective growth can be reduced by increasing the average betatron oscillation frequency from head to tail in the beam pulse. In the experiment, a passive ion-focused regime (IFR) cell is used to condition a 5 MeV, 10-20 kA, electron beam produced by the SuperIBEX accelerator. Emittance tailoring is primarily controlled by adjusting the injected beam current and emittance and the IFR cell pressure, geometry, and output foil thickness. At the cell output, beam current, net current, and beam radius are measured, /spl eta/(/spl tau/) is evaluated, and conditioning effectiveness assessed. The beam is subsequently injected into a 2 meter diameter propagation tank. Beam propagation stability is studied by using time resolved optics, open shutter cameras, and net current probe arrays. Beam conditioning and propagation measurements are presented and the results of the experiments are discussed in relation to theory and simulation.
PROGESTATIONAL ACTION OF DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE IN SPAYED-ADRENALECTOMIZED CATS1,2,3

DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE has been shown to be capable of producing a progestational type of endometrium in immature rabbits that were pretreated with estrone (1-5). Hoffman (6) reported that this hormone could induce an estrous type of endometrium in spayed rabbits and that with continued injections the endometrium would become of a progestational type. However, Hohlweg (2) did not obtain this initial estrogenic action and a progestational effect in rabbits was obtained only after the animals had been primed with estrone. The mating response in spayed guinea pigs can be elicited with desoxycorticosterone (3). In the experiments reported here, efforts were made to determine the possible role of the animals own adrenal glands in the progestational activity of desoxycorticosterone acetate. It has been shown that progesterone can be recovered from the adrenal cortex (7), but any action of this gland in the intermediary metabolism of the steroids is unknown.
Exchange Mixing at LII,III X-Ray Edges

The Onodera model of electron-hole exchange coupling at an L II,III X-ray edge is extended (i) giving a lineshape formula expressed in terms of experimentally accessible quantities, and (ii) providing a means of accounting approximately for the energy dependences of both the absorption spectrum above threshold and the exchange interaction. The experimental implications are discussed.
Late Pleistocene climate change, nutrient cycling, and the megafaunal extinctions in North America

This study proposes an ecological mechanism for the terminal Pleistocene population collapse and subsequent extinction of North American megafauna. Observations of modern ecosystems indicate that feedback mechanisms between plant nutrient content, nitrogen cycling, and herbivore–plant interactions can vary between a nutrient accelerating mode favoring increased herbivore biomass and a nutrient decelerating mode characterized by reduced herbivore biomass. These alternate modes are determined largely by plant nitrogen content. Plant nitrogen content is known to be influenced by atmospheric CO2 concentrations, temperature, and precipitation. It is argued that Lateglacial climate change, particularly increases in atmospheric CO2, shifted herbivore–ecosystem dynamics from a nutrient accelerating mode to a nutrient decelerating mode at the end of the Pleistocene, leading to reduced megafaunal population densities. An examination of Sporormiella records – a proxy for megaherbivore biomass – indicates that megafaunal populations collapsed first in the east and later in the west, possibly reflecting regional differences in precipitation or vegetation structure. The fortuitous intersection of the climatically driven nitrogen sink, followed by any one or combination of subsequent anthropogenic, environmental, or extra-terrestrial mechanisms could explain why extinctions took place at the end of the Pleistocene rather than during previous glacial–interglacial cycles.
Exchange Coupling Nanophase Fe-Pd Ferromagnets Through Solid State Transformation

This study continues previous work on off-stoichiometric Fe-Pd alloys using a combined reaction strategy during thermomechanical processing [1,2]. Severe plastic deformation of the initial disordered fcc gamma phase (γ) of compostion Fe-35at.%Pd, followed by heat treatment in the two phase field produces a nano-composite ferromagnet comprised of soft alpha phase/ferrite (α) in a high-anisotropy L10 FePd matrix. The length scale and morphology of the transformation products have been characterized using x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The transformed microstructures exhibit strong texture retention similar to the stoichiometric alloy suggesting a massive ordering mode. The alloy has shown a proclivity to exchange couple at a length scale not in agreement with proposed theories of exchange coupling [3,4]. The magnetic properties were measured using standard vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). This research has been supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF-DMR).
Site of action of the crinkled (cr) locus in the mouse.

Abstract The site of action of the crinkled (cr) locus was determined by combining dermis and epidermis from the tail of 15-day + cr and cr cr mice and by growing the recombined skins in the testes of histocompatible mice. Since cr cr mice have bald tails, the presence or absence of hair in the graft was the feature used to determine gene action. Grafts of the combinations + cr epidermis - + cr dermis and + cr epidermis - cr cr dermis grew hair, whereas grafts of the combinations cr cr epidermis - + cr dermis and cr cr epidermis - cr cr dermis produced no hair. It was concluded that the cr locus, at least for tail skin, is active in the epidermis.
Melts and metasomatic fluids: evidence from U-series disequilibria and Th isotopes

Radioactive disequilibria and Th isotopes in volcanic rocks change in response to the extent and rate of partial melting, the attainment of chemical and isotopic equilibrium, and the presence and composition of a vapour phase before and during melting. Enrichments of 230 Th with respect to 238 U by 10-60% in MORB and intraplate alkalic magmas are attributed to the greater incompatibility of Th in small degree silicate partial melts. Inverse correlations between ( 230 Th)/( 238 U) and ( 230 Th)/( 232 Th) ratios indicate either that partial melting lasts more than 10 5 years, or that smaller degree melts take scores of millenia longer to move from the site of last chemical equilibrium with the source to the eruption site. Disequilibrium enrichments of 226 Ra with respect to 230 Th and of 231 Pa with respect to 235 U by 150-300% occur in oceanic island arc basalts and MORB. The excess 226 Ra in arcs is related to magma genesis, but the other disequilibria may reflect alteration or assimilation within the crust. When these large disequilibria accompany magma genesis they indicate transfer times between source and surface of a few decades to a few millenia and suggest an open system or chemical disequilibrium during melting. Th and U isotope and concentration systematics for lamproites suggest that melting was fast enough to preclude chemical equilibrium between source and melt. Non- silicate fluids may fractionate U-series radionuclides differently and to a greater extent than do silicate melts. This property may explain the U-Th-Ra characteristics of carbonate- and water-rich melts, and distinctive Th isotopic compositions in magmas derived from metasomes in the subcontinental lithosphere.
Two-Component Planar Doppler Velocimetry in High Speed Flows

A planar Doppler velocimetry technique was developed and used to measure two components of instantaneous velocity in an ideally expanded, Mach 2, freejet. The technique utilizes a molecular e lter as a frequency discriminator and uses two cameras to resolve two components of velocity on a plane that is illuminated by a laser sheet. Careful formation of the laser sheet, proper calibration of the splitter/recombiner imaging system, and precise image registration were found to be critical steps in the technique. The velocity measurements obtained with this techniquewerecompared with referencelaser Dopplervelocimetry measurementstaken in thesame e owe eld. The mean velocity results were in very good agreement with the reference measurements, and the turbulence results captured the correct trend but were higher than thereference results. A detailed error analysis describes the error sources inherent in the planar Doppler velocimetry technique. For the current two-component planar Doppler velocimetry system, theestimated uncertainty forthe xandy componentsofvelocity were §5and §3:5%ofthejet centerline velocity, respectively. The errors in the x component of velocity were within the estimated uncertainty. The errors in the y component of velocity exceeded the estimated uncertainty. Possible causes for this difference are discussed.
The Community-Business Matching Project: New Tools for Rural Development

ABSTRACT Sound rural development strategies must consider the delicate tradeoffs necessary between economic, environmental, and social goals or run the risk of unintended long-term effects, such as sprawl at the expense of the environment. This paper introduces Community-Business Matching, a step toward the creation of a more holistic methodology for identifying appropriate economic development opportunities for rural communities and small towns. This paper presents the CBM framework and describes its application in a pilot case, where a small preservation land trust used CBM to identify development opportunities that would help them ensure the long-term preservation of three historic barns. The pilot study found, contrary to the land trust's expectations, that wood products would be more promising businesses for the site than traditional agricultural firms.
Motion control and manipulation of nanowires under electric-fields in fluid suspension

We present an electrophoresis (EP)-based motion control and manipulation of individual nanowires in fluid suspension. The suspended nanowires in dilute solution are precisely driven by the controlled electric field generated by a set of lattice-shape distributed electrode arrays. Built on the dynamic model of nanowire motion in fluid suspension, a vision-based path-following control strategy is presented to guide the nanowire to follow a given desired trajectory. The control system design incorporates the potential function approach to compensate for un-modeled complex electro-osmotic flow motion. We design an integrated process to steer, orientate and deposit multiple nanowires to form various geometric shapes. Extensive experimental results are presented to demonstrate the motion control and manipulation algorithms.
A novel approach to biological control with entomopathogenic nematodes: Prophylactic control of the peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa

Abstract Generally, microbial control agents such as entomopathogenic nematodes are applied in a curative manner for achieving pest suppression; prophylactic applications are rare. In this study, we determined the ability of two Steinernema carpocapsae strains (All and Hybrid) to prophylactically protect peach trees from damage caused by the peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa , which is a major pest of stone fruit trees in North America. In prior studies, the entomopathogenic nematodes S. carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora caused field suppression when applied in a curative manner to established S. exitiosa populations. In our current study, nematodes were applied three times (at 150,000–300,000 infective juveniles/tree) during September and October of 2005, 2006, and 2007. A control (water only) and a single application of chlorpyrifos (at the labeled rate) were also made each year. The presence of S. exitiosa damage was assessed each year in the spring following the treatment applications. Following applications in 2006, we did not detect any differences among treatments or the control (possibly due to a low and variable S. exitiosa infestation of that orchard). Following applications in 2005 and 2007, however, the nematode and chemical treatments caused significant damage suppression. The percentage of trees with S. exitiosa damage in treated plots ranged from 0% damage in 2005 to 16% in plots treated with S. carpocapsae (Hybrid) in 2007. In control plots damage ranged from 25% (2005) to 41% (2007). Our results indicate that nematodes applied in a preventative manner during S. exitios’ s oviposition period can reduce insect damage to levels similar to what is achieved with recommended chemical insecticide treatments.
Multiobjective genetic algorithms for multiscaling excited state direct dynamics in photochemistry

This paper studies the effectiveness of multiobjective genetic and evolutionary algorithms in multiscaling excited state direct dynamics in photochemistry via rapid reparameterization of semiempirical methods. Using a very limited set of ab initio and experimental data, semiempirical parameters are reoptimized to provide globally accurate potential energy surfaces, thereby eliminating the need for full-fledged ab initio dynamics simulations, which are very expensive. Through reoptimization of the semiempirical methods, excited-state energetics are predicted accurately, while retaining accurate ground-state predictions. The results show that the multiobjective evolutionary algorithm consistently yields solutions that are significantly better---up to 230% lower error in the energy and 86.5% lower error in the energy-gradient---than those reported in the literature. Multiple high-quality parameter sets are obtained that are verified with quantum dynamical calculations, which show near-ideal behavior on critical and untested excited state geometries. The results demonstrate that the reparameterization strategy via evolutionary algorithms is a promising way to extend direct dynamics simulations of photochemistry to multi-picosecond time scales.
Thin ferroelectric films of BaTiO3 on doped silicon

Abstract Ferroelectric thin films of BaTiO3 of various thicknesses (near 1000 A) have been fabricated on doped silicon wafers (1–5 ohm-cm) by rf sputtering (13.5 MHz) in pure oxygen. Post-deposition oxidation, annealing, and field stress during deposition improved thin film ferroelectric properties (polarizations, hysteresis loop) which became similar to bulk properties. Electrical characteristics of this structure have been studied in connection with possible use in electrostatic memory devices.
Protective effects of β-adrenergic blockade in isolated ischemic hearts☆

Abstract The protective effects of the β-adrenergic blocking drugs, propranolol and atenolol, were tested in a model of global ischemia and assessed electron microscopically. Cat isolated hearts were perfused retrogradely with arterial blood drawn from donor cats. After a period of equilibration, isolated hearts rendered globally ischemic for 1 h and subsequently reperfused for another hour. Hearts were then flushed with physiological salt solution followed by perfusion-fixation with cacodylate-buffered glutaraldehyde, containing ionic lanthanum. Lanthanum was included as a probe of myocardial membrane integrity. Left ventricular subendocardial samples were processed and examined electron microscopically. Nontreated hearts, which underwent normothermic ischemic and reperfusion, displayed extensive ultrastructural damage. Nonischemic and donor cat control myocardial tissue appeared normal in all respects. Hearts that received either propranolol or atenol maintained their ultrastructural integrity, resembling controls. Ionic lanthanum proved to be reliable as a marker of membrane integrity and permeability, as nontreated hearts displayed intracellular deposition of the marker, indicating that deteriorations of membrane integrity occurred. The results suggest that β-adrenergic blockade may be valuable in preserving myocardium subjected to ischemia and reperfusion.
Probabilistic characterization and simulation of multi-phase random media

The present paper is concerned with the problems of probabilistic characterization and digital simulation of random multi-phase media. A general framework is presented which is able to distinguish the most important features of the microstructure and generate sample realizations that are consistent with these probabilistic characteristics. The present approach is able to incorporate any type of information and is not restricted to first- and second-order moments. Several examples are presented for statistically homogeneous and inhomogeneous media with two and three phases.
The role of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus of the rat in experimental seizures.

Abstract This study determined the effects of discrete microinjections of GABA agonists in the cholinergic nuclei of the pontomesencephalic tegmentum on spontaneous behavior and seizures induced by intravenous pentylenetetrazol, bicuculline or strychnine, in the rat. Injections of both the GABAA agonist piperidine-4-sulfonic acid and the GABAB agonist (−)baclofen in the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus produced a dose-dependent suppression of behavioral arousal and a reduction in the threshold of myoclonic and clonic but not tonic seizures induced by bicuculline and pentylenetetrazol. There were no significant effects on any type of strychnine seizure. Injections in the surrounding brainstem structures, including the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, had little effect on spontaneous behavior and did not significantly alter the thresholds of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. We have previously demonstrated that injections of GABA agonists in the central medial intralaminar nucleus of the thalamus have similar effects on behavior and seizures. Since the central medial nucleus receives important direct cholinergic projections from the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, these two nuclei form a discrete ascending system which regulates seizure threshold.
Management of overbite by controllingincisor and molar movements

Abstract A controversial subject in the history of orthodontic therapy has beenoverbite correction. Some authorities insist that overbite correction should occur only via incisor depression, while others insist that the ability to depress incisors is a myth. Traditionally orthodontists have resorted to "leveling and aligning" on full arch wires, achieving overbite correction by a combination of incisor proclination, posterior eruption, holding against growth, and minimally, true incisor depression. Many authorities, recognizing the pitfalls of traditional leveling techniques, have advocated a segmented approach to overbite correction in an attempt to better control the movement of specific teeth during treatment. Adding to the controversy has been the improved understanding of the role of forces in not only accomplishing selective tooth movement, but in avoiding root resorption and other harmful sequellae of orthodontic therapy. The advent of new diagnostic tools to guide our treatment decisions has only added to our need to better understand the mechanics of overbite correction. If a stable result, the most ideal smile, and the least damage to supporting structures are important treatment considerations, then adherence to treatment objectives based on a more sophisticated diagnosis becomes even more important. In this article, we explore the variety of methods currently used to correct overbite and discuss the efficacy of each in achieving ideal individualized treatment objectives.
Perceptions and Experiences of Two Survivors of Stroke Who Participated in Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Home Programs

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of two survivors of stroke who participated in constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) home programs. Data sources were analyzed with a phenomenological approach, and common themes were identified. Themes were translated using the Occupational Adaptation frame of reference as a template. Three themes were generated from the data: (a) motivational factors and expectations represented personal desires to increase functional ability and environmental demands that created a press to participate in CIMT; (b) neurorehabilitation as an ongoing process suggested that rehabilitation should continue as long as functional deficits exist; and (c) perceived changes in function represented perceived changes in efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction after CIMT. CIMT was found to help the participants in this study become more satisfied with performance and to increase efficiency and effectiveness of function in daily activities.
Performance analysis of large multicast packet switches with multiple input queues and gathered traffic

The well-known head-of-line blocking compromises the performance of input-queued switches with single first-in-first-out (FIFO) queue per input port. For unicast traffic, the virtual output queueing technique can be used to completely avoid the head-of-line blocking. However, since a multicast packet typically has more than one destination, the exhaustive multicast virtual output queueing is impractical and results in out-of-order delivery. One interesting approach to alleviate the head-of-line blocking is to allocate a certain number of FIFO queues at each input port. In this paper, we theoretically analyze the performance of large multicast packet switches with multiple FIFO queues per input port and gathered traffic. With the gathered-traffic scenario, multicast flows gather among fewer input ports and engage more output ports. A model of Markov chain is proposed in this paper to deduce the probability distribution function of residue size at the beginning of a time slot and analyze the probability that an input port is available after a certain number of iterations' competition for service. The closed-form expressions are deduced for saturation throughput, average service time, and average delay for an MxN switch, where both M and N are assumed to be large numbers. Extensive simulations are preformed to verify the theoretical analysis. Numerical results are studied to compare the performance of multicast switches under different configurations. Our theoretical analysis and simulation studies indicate that (1) a small number of queues (e.g., 10 queues in the cases studied in this paper), which is much less than 2^N-1, are a reasonable choice for the tradeoff between the scheduling overhead and the saturation throughput and delay performances; (2) the saturation and delay performances decrease as the traffic gathers among fewer input ports; (3) the analytical results based on the assumption of large switch size are valid for practical large-sized switches.
Near-threshold photodetachment of H- in parallel and crossed electric and magnetic fields.

Photodetachment of negative H{sup {minus}} ions in parallel and crossed static electric and magnetic fields is considered for the case of photon polarization parallel to the electric field. The final-state interaction between the electron and the H atom is included in the framework of the zero-range-potential approximation combined with the frame transformation theory. The cross section shows modulations caused by the electric field that are enhanced by the magnetic field. Singular behavior of the cross section at Landau thresholds due to the magnetic field can be strongly suppressed by a weak electric field. Final-state interaction effects in the case under consideration are significant for very strong magnetic fields {ital B}{ge}60 T.
Alcohol Alters Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Induced Transforming Growth Factor β1 Synthesis in the Medial Basal Hypothalamus of the Prepubertal Female Rat

Background Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) are produced in hypothalamic astrocytes and facilitate luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) secretion. IGF-1 stimulates release by acting directly on the LHRH nerve terminals and both peptides act indirectly through specific plastic changes on glial/tanycyte processes that further support LHRH secretion. Because the relationship between these growth factors in the hypothalamus is not known, we assessed the ability of IGF-1 to induce TGFβ1 synthesis and release and the actions of alcohol (ALC) on this mechanism prior to the onset of puberty. Methods Hypothalamic astrocytes were exposed to medium only, medium plus IGF-1 (200 ng/ml), or medium plus IGF-1 with 50 mM ALC. After 18 hours, media were collected and assayed for TGFβ1. For the in vivo experiment, prepubertal female rats were administered either ALC (3 g/kg) or water via gastric gavage at 07:30 hours and at 11:30 hours. At 09:00 hours, saline or IGF-1 was administered into the third ventricle. Rats were killed at 15:00 hours and the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) was collected for assessment of TGFβ1, IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and Akt. Results IGF-1 induced TGFβ1 release (p < 0.01) from hypothalamic astrocytes in culture, an action blocked by ALC. In vivo, IGF-1 administration caused an increase in TGFβ1 protein compared with controls (p < 0.05), an action blocked by ALC as well as a phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt inhibitor. IGF-1 stimulation also increased both total (p< 0.01) and phosphorylated (p)-IGF-1R (p < 0.05) protein levels, and phosphorylated (p)-Akt levels (p < 0.01), which were also blocked by ALC. Conclusions This study shows that ALC blocks IGF-1 actions to stimulate synthesis and release of hypothalamic TGFβ1, total and p-IGF-1R, and p-Akt levels further demonstrating the inhibitory actions of ALC on puberty-related events associated with hypothalamic LHRH release.
Acid production in normal and foot-and-mouth disease virus infected bovine kidney culture cells.

Bovine kidney culture cells were examined for acid production by known chromatographic procedures. Lactic acid was the major acidic component, accounting for 86 to 90 per cent of the total acidity, while acetic and pyruvic acids accounted for 7 to 9 per cent and 3 to 6 per cent, respectively. Cells infected with FMDV produced greater quantities of lactic acid than uninfected cultures, with probable increases in the only other acids produced, acetic and pyruvic. No other acids of the tricarboxylic acid cycle were detected in either infected or uninfected cells. Studies with cultures partially depleted of endogenous nutrients and exposed to a defined medium containing glucose as the only organic substrate indicated that acetic and pyruvic acids may be derived from an endogenous substrate other than glucose. The contribution of lactic acid to the total acidity increased with increasing glucose concentrations in the medium.
The crystal structure of trimethylenemethanechromium tricarbonyltriphenylphosphine

Abstract The crystal structure of trimethylenemethanechromium tricarbonyltriphenylphosphine has been determined by conventional Patterson and Fourier methods. The structural results of a full matrix least squares refinement (R1 = 0.083, R2 = 0.089) and those of a block-diagonal least squares refinement (R1 = 0.088, R2 = 0.087) are not significantly different by Cruickshank's test. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with 16 molecules in a unit cell of dimensions a = 36.955(3), b = 10.789(1), c = 22799(3) », β = 100.80(1)°. The experimental and calculated densities are 1.36 g/cm3 and 1.35 g/cm3, respectively. Carboncarbon bond distances within the trimethylenemethane ligand, as well as metalligand π-bonding distances, are equivalent with a mean value of 1.42(1) » for the former and 2.23(1) » for the latter. The trimethylenemethane moiety is quite non-planar with the central atom displaced 0.28 » from the plane of the other three carbon atoms. The structure is compared to several previously-reported iron complexes which have trimethylenemethane type ligands. The CrCO bond trans to the triphenylphosphine is short [mean = 1.83(1) » ] compared with the other two [mean = 1.86(1), 1.87(1) » ] in the structure. This is discussed in terms of a trans influence. The effects of the σ and π donor or acceptor properties of various ligands upon the metalCO bond lengths and CO stretching frequencies in numerous metal complexes ad discussed.
CDC27Hs colocalizes with CDC16Hs to the centrosome and mitotic spindle and is essential for the metaphase to anaphase transition

We have isolated cDNAs and raised antibodies corresponding to the human homologs of the S. cerevisiae CDC27 and CDC16 proteins, which are tetratrico peptide repeat (TPR)-containing proteins essential for mitosis in budding yeast. We find that the CDC27Hs and CDC16Hs proteins colocalize to the centrosome at all stages of the mammalian cell cycle, and to the mitotic spindle. Injection of affinity-purified anti-CDC27Hs antibodies into logarithmically growing HeLa cells causes a highly reproducible cell cycle arrest in metaphase with apparently normal spindle structure. We conclude that CDC27 and CDC16 are evolutionarily conserved components of the centrosome and mitotic spindle that control the onset of postmetaphase events during mitosis.
Consciousness at Work: A Review of Some Important Values, Discussed from a Buddhist Perspective

This article reviews the element of consciousness from a Buddhist and a non-Buddhist (Western) perspective. Within the Buddhist perspective, two practices toward attaining expanded and purified consciousness will be included: the Seven-Point Mind Training and Vipassana. Within the Western perspective, David Hawkins’ works on consciousness will be used as a main guide. In addition, a number of important concepts that contribute to expanded and purified consciousness will be presented. Among these concepts are impermanence, karma, non-harming (ahimsa), ethics, kindness and compassion, mindfulness, right livelihood, charity, interdependence, wholesome view, collaboration, and fairness. This article may be of use to students and workforce members who consider a transdisciplinary approach on human wellbeing in personal and professional environments.
Acetic-acid guided visual inspection vs. cytology-based screening for cervical cancer in the Philippines

Abstract Objectives: To compare the validity and acceptability of acetic-acid visualization (VIA), magnified acetic-acid visualization (VIAM), spatula+cotton swab–Papanicolaou (Pap) smear (SS), and cervical brush–Pap smear (CB) in the detection of precursor/early cervical cancer lesions. Methods: A total of 12 992 women aged between 25 and 65 years from 14 Philippine centers were randomly allocated to the four tests. The gold standard was colposcopy with biopsy for positive/suspicious cases. Results: Sensitivity rates [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] were 37 (CI, 26.8–48.5), 34.1 (CI, 24.8–44.8), 14.3 (CI, 6.4–27.8), and 19.1 (CI, 9.2–34.6) for VIA, VIAM, SS, and CB, respectively. Specificity rates were 90.7 (CI, 89.6–91.7), 90.7 (CI, 89–91.1), 97.5 (CI, 96.8–98), and 97.9 (CI, 97.3–98.4), respectively. Kappa for the Pap smear (PS) within centers ranged from −0.154 to 0.783, and between centers from −0.028 to 0.364. Screeners preferred CB; screened-women preferred VIA. Conclusions: The acetic-acid visualization and VIAM methods are recommended for initial cervical cancer screening in the Philippines.
Four-node ‘flat’ shell element: Drilling degrees of freedom, membrane-bending coupling, warped geometry, and behavior

Abstract A very simple way to obtain a quadrilateral shell element is to write membrane and bending stiffness matrices for a flat geometry and add them. This basic membrane-plus-bending element can be modified to incorporate membrane-bending coupling and to accommodate a geometry in which the four nodes are not coplanar. The present paper develops a 24 degree of freedom quadrilateral shell element and concurrently provides a status report on the formulation method by pointing out what works and what does not. Numerical results are good: the element is not the best available four-node shell element in all test cases but is far from the worst.
Indirect photofission of light elements from high-energy neutrinos in the early universe

Abstract High-energy neutrinos in the early universe can produce electron-positron pairs by annihilating with cosmic background neutrinos. These high-energy electrons thermalize to produce a cascade of lower-energy photons which can fission light elements. We use this process to constrain “invisible” particle decays, in which a decaying particle produces neutrinos but no electromagnetically interacting particles in its decay. These limits are applied to specific neutrino and gravitino decay models.
Mechanical-contact-induced transformation from the amorphous to the partially crystalline state in metallic glass

Friction and wear tests were conducted with 3.2- and 6.4-millimeter-diameter aluminum oxide spheres sliding, in reciprocating motion, on a Fe67Co18B14Si1 metallic foil. Crystallites with a size range of 10 to 150 nanometers were produced on the wear surface of the amorphous alloy. A strong interaction between transition metals and metalloids such as silicon and boron results in strong segregation during repeated sliding, provides preferential transition metal-metalloid clustering in the amorphous alloy, and subsequently produces the diffused honeycomb structure formed by dark grey bands and primary crystals, that is, alpha-Fe in the matrix. Large plastic flow occurs on an amorphous alloy surface with sliding and the flow film of the alloy transfers to the aluminum oxide pin surface. Multiple slip bands due to shear deformation are observed on the side of the wear track. Two distinct types of wear debris were observed as a result of sliding: an alloy wear debris, and/or powdery-whiskery oxide debris.
The quality of pharmacoeconomic evaluations of age-related macular degeneration therapeutics: a systematic review and quantitative appraisal of the evidence

Aim To appraise the quality of published pharmacoeconomic studies of therapeutic interventions for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods Systematic review of the literature and evaluation of study quality using the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument. A systematic search of the English-language literature for economic studies of therapeutic interventions for AMD from 1990 to March 2008 was performed. Results A total of 3637 articles were initially identified. Only 24 met eligibility criteria and were rated using the Quality of Health Economic Studies. The mean quality overall rating was 61.6, with quality scores ranging from 18 to 92. There was a higher mean quality score in the studies designed as clinical trials versus observational type designed studies (mean=74.7(11.4), 52.6 (16.5) respectively, p=0.002) and studies in which the statistical analyses were clearly presented versus studies in which the statistical analyses were not so clear (mean=74.3 (12.3), 53.1 (16.1) respectively, p=0.004). Interestingly, government funded studies exhibited a similar mean quality score to studies that were funded by industry (mean=71.0 (15.1), 61.7 (18.5) respectively, p=0.25). A general linear model was fitted using those independent variables which were significantly associated with quality score. The variables ‘study design’ and ‘statistics presented clearly’ were found to be jointly significant and explained nearly 70% of the variation in the dependent variable (R2=0.68). Conclusions Our analysis reveals that the methodological quality of the health economic analysis of AMD therapeutic interventions in the literature is suboptimal. There is considerable variation in methodological rigour between the articles, and we have identified several attributes that are predictive of study quality.
Effect of mescaline HCl on resistance of male mice to histamine stress

Abstract Single intraperitoneal injections of mescaline HCl caused significant decreases in the ability of albino mice to tolerate histamine phosphate when administered intraperitoneally 40 min.after mescaline.The dose levels of mescaline HCl ranged from 5–100 mg./kg.of body weight.Eight subcutaneous injections of mescaline (100 mg./kg.of body weight) administered during a 2-week period showed no difference between the LD 50 values of the test versus saline control groups when challenged with histamine 24 hr.after the eighth and last dose of mescaline.No effects were noted in the body weights and growth patterns of the test mice in the 2-week investigation.
Survivors of industry shake-outs: The case of the U.S. color television set industry

In this article survivors and non-survivors of the ‘shake-out’ in the U.S. color television set industry are compared to determine how and along what dimensions these two classes of businesses differ. Two types of strategy variables are used in 18 hypotheses to probe similarities and differences at both the ‘corporate level’ and ‘business level’ of strategy. Significant differences are found, particularly at the business level. The findings are consistent with those of previous strategy research, but suggest that traditional wisdom regarding size, low costs and market share did not necessarily hold in this industry.
Water Content Measurement of Gas Diffusion Media and Membranes by Neutron Radiography

Neutron radiography is an excellent tool for measuring water in metallic housings; in stable conditions measurement sensitivity down to 4 μm water thickness in a 127 μm pixel has been demonstrated (1). Recent advances in detector technology have produced neutron imaging detectors with spatial resolution approaching or less than 10 μm, enabling direct measurement of the water content in gas diffusion media (GDM) and membranes with a through-plane thickness greater than 100 μm. This improvement in spatial resolution is demonstrated in Figure 1 for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) operated nominal under the same conditions. This article will focus on the performance of high resolution neutron imaging detectors and image analysis methods for fuel cell research.
When Less Is More: Gene Loss as an Engine of Evolutionary Change

Evolutionary change results from differences in the reproductive success of individuals with different genotypes. The downside of this process is easy to grasp: selection constantly purges deleterious mutations from the gene pool. However, we know remarkably little about evolution's upside—that is, about the types of mutations that commonly lead to increased fitness. To understand the biology of natural populations—including, most notably, that of the human—we need testable ideas about the types of mutations that evolution is likely to have favored in the recent past.
LABORATORY LIFE HISTORY OF THE PALAEMONID SHRIMP MACROBRACHIUM AMAZONICUM (HELLER) (DECAPODA, PALAEMONIDAE)

[Macrobrachium amazonicum was reared in the laboratory to gather information on the life history of this species. One day old eggs were slightly elliptical (0.6 X 0.7 mm) and light green; fully matured embryos were 0.63 X 0.85 mm and dark grey. Incubation was 12-15 days at 30±1° C and 19-24 days at 24±2° C. An average of 565±238 larvae were produced by females of 76.3±4.4 mm TL and weighing 3.6±0.6 g. Larvae went through 8-9 stages in 23-26 days at 24±0.25° C before metamorphosis to postlarvae. Postlarval growth was rapid with M. amazonicum reaching sexual maturity in 168±2 days after hatching. Females which produced eggs the first time averaged 59.4±1.8 mm (TL), weighed 1.7±0.1 g, and produced 230±102 larvae. The length-weight relationship of M. amazonicum was similar to that reported for other Macrobrachium species., Macrobrachium amazonicum was reared in the laboratory to gather information on the life history of this species. One day old eggs were slightly elliptical (0.6 X 0.7 mm) and light green; fully matured embryos were 0.63 X 0.85 mm and dark grey. Incubation was 12-15 days at 30±1° C and 19-24 days at 24±2° C. An average of 565±238 larvae were produced by females of 76.3±4.4 mm TL and weighing 3.6±0.6 g. Larvae went through 8-9 stages in 23-26 days at 24±0.25° C before metamorphosis to postlarvae. Postlarval growth was rapid with M. amazonicum reaching sexual maturity in 168±2 days after hatching. Females which produced eggs the first time averaged 59.4±1.8 mm (TL), weighed 1.7±0.1 g, and produced 230±102 larvae. The length-weight relationship of M. amazonicum was similar to that reported for other Macrobrachium species.]
The n × n KdV hierarchy

We introduce two new soliton hierarchies that are generalizations of the KdV hierarchy. Our hierarchies are restrictions of the AKNS n × n hierarchy coming from two unusual splittings of the loop algebra. These splittings come from automorphisms of the loop algebra instead of automorphisms of \({sl (n, \mathbb{C})}\) . The flows in the hierarchy include systems of coupled nonlinear Schrodinger equations. Since they are constructed from a Lie algebra splitting, the general method gives formal inverse scattering, bi-Hamiltonian structures, commuting flows, and Backlund transformations for these hierarchies.
Predicting Behavior of Corrosion Resistant Alloys By Potentiostatic Polarization Methods

Abstract Electrochemical methods for predicting behavior of corrosion-resistant alloys are reviewed and analyzed on the basis of modern electrode kinetic theory. The noble metal alloy concept and o...
Nighttime Dosing of Triazolam in Patients with Liver Disease and Normal Subjects: Kinetics and Daytime Effects

This study was designed to determine whether the severity of liver dysfunction in cirrhosis affects the kinetics and next-day effects of triazolam after bedtime administration of a single oral dose. Eight patients with biopsy-proven cirrhosis and seven normal subjects matched for age, weight, and sex participated as paid volunteers. The first night was the control night, when no nighttime sedative was administered. The next day, psychomotor testing was performed at 8:30 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. Triazolam 0.25 mg was administered at 10:30 pm that evening. Psychomotor testing was repeated on the posttriazolam day in the same manner as on the control day. Blood samples were obtained from a venous catheter at 11 predetermined times in the 14 hours after triazolam administration. Memory testing was also performed. Apparent oral clearance of triazolam was directly related to albumin concentration and indocyanine-green elimination rate constant, and inversely related to partial thromboplastin time expressed as seconds over control. Clearance was 6.69 ± 2.52 mL/min/kg in the normal subjects and 4.99 ± 3.14 in the subjects with cirrhosis. There were no significant differences in Cmax between normal subjects (1.43 ± 0.44 ng/mL) and subjects with cirrhosis (1.62 ± 0.31 ng/mL) or in tmax (2.0 ± 1.0 vs 2.5 ± 1.9 hr) between normal and cirrhosis subjects, respectively. Posttriazolam, cirrhotic subjects took significantly longer to sort cards at 8:30 am than on the control day. There was a significant correlation between extent of impairment on 8:30 am card sorting by suit and AUC0–8 (r = 0.687; P = 0.0046). For all tests other than card sorting, there was less than a 15% change from control day performance. Both normal and cirrhosis subjects recalled significantly fewer items from the two-hour posttriazolam presentation of items than they did on the control night. Thus, the presence of cirrhosis decreases the clearance of triazolam, with the extent of the reduction depending on the severity of the liver dysfunction. Most subjects had minimal daytime psychomotor impairment after receiving triazolam 0.25 mg at bedtime. However, compared with controls and subjects with minimal liver dysfunction, subjects with severe liver disease have greater psychomotor impairment at 8:30 am, which is explained by higher concentrations of triazolam during the night. Whether cirrhotic patients are additionally more sensitive than control subjects cannot be determined from this study. If nighttime sedation with triazolam is deemed appropriate, patients with severe liver dysfunction should receive 0.125 mg as the starting dose.
Changes in brain anatomy during the course of posttraumatic stress disorder

The goal of this study was to determine whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was associated with an increase in time-related decline in macrostructural brain volume and whether these changes were associated with accelerated cognitive decline. To quantify brain structure, three-dimensional T1-weighted MRI scans were performed at baseline and again after a minimum of 24months in 25 patients with PTSD (PTSD+) and 22 controls (PTSD-). Longitudinal changes in brain volume were measured using deformation morphometry. For the group as a whole, PTSD+ patients did not show significant ongoing brain atrophy compared to PTSD-. PTSD+ patients were then subgrouped into those with decreasing or increasing symptoms. We found little evidence for brain markers of accelerated atrophy in PTSD+ veterans whose symptoms improved over time, with only a small left parietal region showing greater ongoing tissue loss than PTSD-. PTSD patients whose symptoms increased over time showed accelerated atrophy throughout the brain, particularly brainstem and frontal and temporal lobes. Lastly, for the sample as a whole, greater rates of brain atrophy were associated with greater rates of decline in verbal memory and delayed facial recognition.
Progression of myopia.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Myopia is an important public health problem because it is common and is associated with increased risk for chorioretinal degeneration, retinal detachment, and other vision-threatening abnormalities. In animals, ocular elongation and myopia progression can be lessened with atropine treatment. This study provides information about progression of myopia and atropine therapy for myopia in humans. METHODS: A total of 214 residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota (118 girls and 96 boys; median age, 11 years; range, 6 to 15 years) received atropine for myopia from 1967 through 1974. Control subjects were matched by age, sex, refractive error, and date of baseline examination to 194 of those receiving atropine. Duration of treatment with atropine ranged from 18 weeks to 11.5 years (median 3.5 years). RESULTS: Median follow-up from initial to last refraction in the atropine group (11.7 years) was similar to that in the control group (12.4 years). Photophobia and blurred vision were frequently reported, but no serious adverse effects were associated with atropine therapy. Mean myopia progression during atropine treatment adjusted for age and refractive error (0.05 diopters per year) was significantly less than that among control subjects (0.36 diopters per year) (P < .001). Final refractions standardized to the age of 20 years showed a greater mean level of myopia in the control group (3.78 diopters) than in the atropine group (2.79 diopters) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The data support the view that atropine therapy is associated with decreased progression of myopia and that beneficial effects remain after treatment has been discontinued.