cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Graphical Study of the Stability Relations of Atom Nuclei

Graphical Study of the Electrical Properties of Atomic Nuclei and their Relation to Stability.---The properties considered are: $P$ the number of positive electrons in the nucleus, which is taken to be numerically equal to the atomic weight, $M$ the net positive charge which is equal to the atomic number, $N$ the number of negative electrons which is equal to ($P\ensuremath{-}M$), $[(\frac{N}{P})\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}]$ the excess of the relative negativeness $\frac{N}{P}$ over the minimum \textonehalf{}, and $n$ the isotopic number which is equal to ($P\ensuremath{-}2M$) and also to ($N\ensuremath{-}M$). The relations between each of these five quantities and each of the others for the various atomic nuclei are shown in ten two-dimensional plots which clearly bring out the stability relations and are of particular interest because of the limited region in each plot where atoms are found. Except in the case of hydrogen and of the helium isotope $P=3$, $\frac{N}{P}$ is never less than \textonehalf{} and $\frac{M}{P}$ is never greater than \textonehalf{}; in fact for 85 per cent. of the atoms composing the crust of the earth, both these ratios are equal to \textonehalf{} and $n$ is equal to zero. As the atomic number, that is the net positive charge increases, the relative negativeness necessary to stability increases above \textonehalf{}, more and more; that is, as alpha particles are added extra cementing electrons are required to overcome the increasing mutual repulsion of the positive units of the nucleus. An alpha ray transformation does not change $n$ but increases $\frac{N}{P}$, while a beta ray change decreases $n$ by 2 units and also decreases $\frac{N}{P}$; we therefore find that in each group of isotopes, the ones with larger values of $\frac{N}{P}$ show greater beta-ray and less alpha-ray instability. Stability considerations also help explain the fact that the number of isotopes is on the whole smaller for the lighter atoms. The curves bring out other interesting relations. The number of isotopes is larger for even than for odd numbered elements, especially for $M\ensuremath{\geqq}30$. Also for most atoms, $M$, $n$ and $P$ are either all even or all odd, but $N$ is usually even. The curve for the frequency of occurrence of atoms as a function of $n$ shows periodic maxima four units apart, while as a function of $M$ (or of $N$) the periodic maxima are two units apart. These regularities make it possible to predict the existence of the more abundant isotopes of elements whose mean atomic weights are accurately known; for instance, in the cases of lithium and boron predictions made in 1920 were later verified by Aston and by Dempster.
The ponticulus: an anatomic study.

Hypothesis The purpose of this study was to resolve anatomic ambiguities of the ponticulus so the surgeon will be better able to remove disease from the posterior tympanum. Background The first step in refining an operative approach is to acquire a thorough understanding of the anatomy. A detailed study of one structure of the posterior tympanum, the ponticulus, has not yet been reported. Methods Fifty temporal bone plugs harvested from human cadavers were studied. The presence or absence of the ponticulus, its configuration, and its proximity to other middle ear structures were recorded for each temporal bone. Results There was complete formation of the ponticulus in 33 of the 50 specimens. In 7, only a remnant of the ponticulus formed, and it was completely absent in 10 of the 50 specimens. In the 33 specimens in which the ponticulus was present, it measured less than 1 mm in thickness in 22, it was larger than 1 mm in 7, and in 4 specimens it extended down to the floor of the middle ear as a sheet of bone. In 8 specimens, the ponticulus lay just adjacent to the stapes. Conclusion The ponticulus is present in the majority of ears. It is best defined as a bridge of bone from the pyramidal eminence to the promontory and most commonly occurs as a thin, bony structure. This definitive study of the ponticulus will allow the otologic surgeon to better remove disease from the posterior tympanum.
Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasm (t-MN) is the term recently proposed by the World Health Organization to cover the spectrum of malignant disorders previously described as therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) or therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML). t-MN is a well recognized
Iterative Reconstruction Of Space-Limited Images

This paper describes an approach to the problem of reconstructing a star which has been blurred by atmospheric turbulence and further corrupted by sensor noise. The Knox-Thompson speckle-imaging technique is used to obtain initial estimates of the amplitude and phase spectra of the object. When the noise level is high, these estimates are quite inaccurate at the higher spatial frequencies, and the associated reconstruction is very poor. We attempted to alleviate the problem by throwing away the noisy high-frequency terms and then using a spectral extrapolation algorithm to reconstruct them from the more accurate low frequencies. Spectral extrapolation was done using both the Gerchberg algorithm and a new algorithm described in the paper. These two algorithms and others are discussed in terms of a convenient eigenfunction expansion, and some experimental results are presented. Although these particular results favor the new algorithm, general conclusions must be drawn with caution.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Holmium:YAG laser coronary angioplasty: quantitative angiography and clinical results in a large experience of a single medical center

Clinical experience with the mid IR holmium:YAG laser in a single medical center (St. Paul Ramsey Medical Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, St. Paul, MN) includes 112 patients who underwent holmium laser coronary angioplasty. Utilizing a unique lasing technique; `pulse and retreat,' we applied this laser to thrombotic and nonthrombotic lesions in patients presenting with unstable angina, stable angina, and acute myocardial infarction. A very high clinical success and very low complication rates were achieved. Holmium:YAG laser is effective and safe therapy for patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. Unlike excimer lasers, the clinical success, efficacy and safety of holmium laser angioplasty is not compromised when thrombus is present.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Addicted to Palatable Foods: Comparing the Neurobiology of Bulimia Nervosa to that of Drug Addiction

Rationale Bulimia nervosa (BN) is highly comorbid with substance abuse and shares common phenotypic and genetic predispositions with drug addiction. Although treatments for the two disorders are similar, controversy remains about whether BN should be classified as addiction.
Potential influence of midgut pH and redox potential on protein utilization in insect herbivores

Early insect physiologists recognized the importance of gut physicochemistry, primarily pH, redox potential, and ionic strength, on digestive processes, but studies to date have been primarily restricted to keratin- and wood-feeding insects. Recent investigations show that herbivorous insects have a broad range of gut redox conditions, with pHs ranging from 6.0 to 11.8 and measured redox potentials from −200 to +240 mV. The redox state of the gut is largely dependent on pH, which is well regulated, and the redox activity of ingested material, including plant chemicals, at that pH. Inter- and intraspecific variation in midgut redox conditions appears to be substantial enough to affect digestion via effects on the structure and function of dietary proteins and proteolytic enzymes. The impact of reducing conditions on proteins probably depends on characteristics such as tertiary structure and the number and arrangement of disulfide linkages. In addition to the effects of reducing conditions in dietary proteins, there can be effects on the activities of digestive enzymes, depending on their structure and the nature of their catalytic site. We speculate that phylogenetic and environmental determinants of gut physicochemistry may place constraints on the efficacy of different digestive processes, and may thus influence the evolution of digestive strategies in insects. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Free triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in a group of unipolar depressed patients and normal subjects.

Abstract We examined levels of free triiodothyronine (fT 3 ) and free thyroxine (fT 4 ) in serum from a group of 32 patients with unipolar major depression and 46 normal control subjects using the Amerlex (Amersham, Arlington Heights, IL) RIA procedures for these hormones. Free T 3 levels were significantly lower ( p 3 levels were lower ( p 3 levels than did the female control subjects (5.09 ± 1.06 pmol/L), but the difference was not statistically significant. Lower fT 3 levels were also observed in melacholic depressed patients when compared with nonmelancholic depressed patients or when compared with normal control subjects. No differences in fT 4 were observed between groups in this study.
From the manager's perspective: Classroom contributions to open-source projects

For the past several years, students in computer-science courses have been assigned work on open-source project development. The literature is replete with examples. Yet an instructor desiring to incorporate OSS into a course often has difficulty finding a suitable project and developing a fruitful interaction with its personnel. This paper reports on a survey of managers of OSS projects on how they have interacted with classes and students, and on what faculty can do to work with them effectively. Our findings indicate that instructors need to seek out projects weeks or months in advance, and need to be personally involved in OSS development themselves, and that they need to give their students a good background in design and testing. As a help for instructors looking for a project, we describe several OSS projects that have benefited from student contributions.
Robots' auditory cues are subject to anthropomorphism

Research shows that human responses to robots are largely dependent on the robot's physical attributes. The present study investigates whether robots' auditory cues are interpreted differently depe...
Morphine tolerance and dependence in the locus coeruleus: single cell studies in brain slices.

Abstract Extracellular single unit recordings in vitro from the locus coeruleus in rat brainstem slices revealed the presence of spontaneously active neurons. These cells fired between 0.1 and 3.0 spikes/s and were inhibited by nM concentrations of morphine and clonidine. Locus coeruleus neurons in slices from animals treated chronically, but not subacutely, with morphine exhibited a significant decrease in sensitivity to morphine. This tolerance appeared to be specific for opiates since no decrease in sensitivity was seen for the α 2 -adrenoceptor agonist clonidine. However, in contrast to what has been reported in vivo, no signs of dependence (withdrawal activation) were evident in slices from morphine tolerant animals.
PEDIATRIC BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION-A BIO-ETHICAL MODEL

Informed consent for children is traditionally obtained by agreement between physicians and parents acting for themselves and their child. In marrow transplantation, donors undergo a hazardous procedure of no physical benefit. Parental ability to consent for donor or critically ill recipient is compromised. A system was devised to represent the interests of parents, donor and recipient in this setting. This included peer review, a court appointed donor guardian, psychiatric consultation, full age-appropriate explanations to all parties and judicial review. Despite fears about over-publicity and over-informed participants, outside observers agreed that maximum information transfer occurred which allowed easier hospitalization. Three cases of severe unresponsive aplastic anemia are presented in which selection of decision-makers, use of veto power, and the concept of consensus were involved. In 1 consent for transplantation was unanimous. The patient recovered. Parents refused permission in the second case. The patient died. In a third case consent was felt to be unobtainable from a brain damaged donor. A court permitted this donation. Assessing the competence of a minor to protect his interests and to give consent should be a critical objective of developmental pediatrics. Bone marrow transplantation in aplastic anemia can be regarded as a model for the study and development of approaches to ethical decisions in the application of advanced lifesaving technologies.
New pyrochlores of the type (CdBi) (M,M')2O7

Abstract New cubic pyrochlore oxides of the type (CdBi) (MW)O7 and (CdBi) ( M 1 2 Sb 3 2 ) O 7 ( M = Cr, Ga, V, Mn, Fe, Rh, Sc and In ) were prepared by solid state reactions at 1000°C, starting with oxides of the constituent elements. Attempts to use rare earth cations for M did not lead to single phase pyrochlore products. Electrical conductivity measurements indicate that the compounds were insulators or semiconductors depending on the M cation. Dielectric constants of the insulating pyrochlores were substantial (30–75) and were remarkably independent of temperature and frequency.
Structural Changes in the Lectin Domain of CD23, the Low-Affinity IgE Receptor, upon Calcium Binding

Summary CD23, the low-affinity receptor for IgE (FcɛRII), regulates IgE synthesis and also mediates IgE-dependent antigen transport and processing. CD23 is a unique Fc receptor belonging to the C-type lectin-like domain superfamily and binds IgE in an unusual, non-lectin-like manner, requiring calcium but not carbohydrate. We have solved the high-resolution crystal structures of the human CD23 lectin domain in the presence and absence of Ca 2+ . The crystal structures differ significantly from a previously determined NMR structure and show that calcium binding occurs at the principal binding site, but not at an auxiliary site that appears to be absent in human CD23. Conformational differences between the apo and Ca 2+ bound structures suggest how IgE-Fc binding can be both calcium-dependent and carbohydrate-independent.
Intestinal satiety requires pregastric food stimulation

Abstract Rats were equipped with chronic gastric fistulas to allow sham feeding of a liquid food and with chronic indwelling duodenal catheters to allow intestinal perfusions of liquid food. Following an overnight food deprivation, identical intestinal perfusions of liquid food were delivered at various times before and after the onset of sham feeding. The power of food in the intestine to inhibit sham feeding depended upon contiguous or concurrent sham feeding, and the inhibition was significantly larger when the intestinal perfusion began after 12 min of sham feeding than after 6 min of sham feeding. These results demonstrate that sustained pregastric stimulation is required for the optimal release or full behavioral expression of unidentified satiety signals originating from the small intestine.
Oligopoly competition in fixed cost environments

Abstract Many industries with avoidable fixed costs face competitive price instability problems in an attempt to maintain profitability. We designed an experimental environment where profitability is eroded by the addition of sunk and avoidable fixed costs. While we cannot reject the hypothesis that sunk fixed costs have no effect on prices, we observe a pattern of price signaling and responses which maintain above normal profits. This success implies that a firm does not have to exit such an industry in order to avoid loses, and may help to explain why some competitive industries appear to maintain an inefficient number of firms.
The Great Migration to the North and the Rise of Ethnic Niches for African American Women in Beauty Culture and Hairdressing, 1910–1920

Abstract Ethnic niches are occupations into which minority workers concentrate in order to avoid employer discrimination and to advance economically. During the early years of the Great Migration, beauty culture and hairdressing became ethnic niches for African American women in northern cities. Based upon the labor market disadvantages of race and gender and on the rise of protected consumer markets, these niches sheltered many African American women from unemployment and provided some with ladders of upward social mobility. But while beauty culture and hairdressing created an economic enclave that led to prosperity for a few African American women, this enclave could not economically uplift African American women as a whole. So, like their male counterparts, African American women lacked suitable ethnic niches when they entered the industrial economy of the urban North.
Electron-Pair Donors in Carbocationic Polymerization. III. Carbocation Stabilization by External Electron-Pair Donors in Isobutylene Polymerization

Abstract The polymerization of isobutylene (IB) initiated by a variety of tertiary chloride/TiCl4 or BC13 systems can be very beneficially influenced by deliberately added electron-pair donors (ED's). ED's whose Gutmann's donor number is larger than ∼26, e.g., dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylacetamide (DMA), are most suitable to mediate numerous most desirable effects. Thus, in the presence of DMSO or DMA: (1) quasi-living polymerizations initiated by cumyl chloride (CumCl)/TiCl4 or 2-chloro-2,4,4-trirnethylpentane (TMPCl)/TiCl4 give rise to very narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD) polyisobutylene (PIB) ( M w / M n = 1.1–1.2); (2) the CumCl/BCl3/IB inifer system becomes living and yields PIB with very narrow MWD; (3) the polymerization-inactive TMPCl/BCl3 system becomes active and induces living IB polymerization to narrow-MWD product; (4) indanyl end-group formation, which may occur in the CumCl/BCl3 or p-dicumyl chloride/BCl3, inifer systems, is eliminated. The effect of reaction conditions,...
Are lethal audiogenic seizures a missing link to the sudden infant death syndrome

The pathogenesis of human seizure disorders has largely been derived from rodent models. A number of rodent and chick strains exhibit a genetic predisposition for lethal audiogenic seizures (AGSs) in the first year of life. Consideration is warranted that this disorder may be linked to the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Factors that carry a strong association with SIDS such as hyperthermia and the prone sleeping position would conceivably play a significant role in a human AGS syndrome. Importantly, there is data to support the likelihood that motor seizure activity may be absent in infants with an AGS syndrome. Rodent AGSs may hold important clues to unraveling the mystery of SIDS.
Topological and topological-electronic correlations in amorphous silicon

In this paper, we study several structural models of amorphous silicon, and discuss structural and electronic features common to all. We note spatial correlations between short bonds, and similar correlations between long bonds. Such effects persist under a first principles relaxation of the system and at finite temperature. Next we explore the nature of the band tail states and find the states to possess a filamentary structure. We detail correlations between local geometry and the band tails.
Multicenter Study of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients and Hemodialysis Center Staff Members

Between April 1990 and December 1991, 499 (65%) of 767 patients and 142 (59%) of 239 staff members from 11 chronic hemodialysis centers in different geographic regions of the United States participated in a multicenter prospective cohort study that determined the prevalence and incidence of antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and evaluated their risk factors for HCV infection. Serum samples were tested for anti-HCV by enzyme immunoassay and HCV neutralization assay at baseline and 9 and 18 months later. Collected data included patient and staff demographics, number of years a patient had been on dialysis or staff were employed in the dialysis field, history and dates of blood transfusions, history of injecting drugs, and history of non-A, non-B hepatitis. Anti-HCV was detected in 52 (10%) of 499 patients and in two (1%) of 142 staff members. Logistic regression analysis revealed that in patients, an anti-HCV-positive test was associated with length of time on dialysis (3 or more years), history of injecting drugs, and history of non-A, non-B hepatitis. Anti-HCV positivity was not associated with history of blood transfusions, race, gender, or age. In patients, the cumulative incidence of HCV infection over an 18-month period was 4.6%. Throughout the 18-month follow-up period, no staff members became anti-HCV positive. The association between anti-HCV positivity and increasing patient years on dialysis may reflect the cumulative risk of exposure to infectious blood in the dialysis environment. These results underscore the importance of adhering to universal precautions, scrupulous aseptic technique, and cleaning and disinfection of instruments and environmental surfaces used in the dialysis setting.
Observing birth and placentophagia affects placentophagia but not maternal behavior of virgin rats

To determine whether observing components of periparturitional behavior affects the manifestation of those behaviors in virgin rats, virgins selected for nonplacentophagia and for the absence of spontaneous maternal behavior toward pups were exposed to stimulus rats that were giving birth, eating donor placenta, or eating lab chow. During observations, subjects could either eat donor placenta or just see and smell it. The subjects were tested subsequently for placentophagia and for the rate of onset of pup-induced maternal behavior. The results indicated that: (1) access to placenta in the presence of other rats led to placentophagia; (2) when such placentophagia occurred in conjunction with exposure to other rats that were giving birth or eating donor placenta, the subjects became permanent placentophages (otherwise, the subjects reverted and did not eat on subsequent placentophagia tests); (3) none of the observation conditions, regardless of the availability of placenta during observation, affected the maternal sensitization latency. The results are discussed in terms of social facilitation, exposure learning, and desensitization to exteroceptive stimuli.
The structure of a centrosymmetric protein crystal.

Crystals of racemic rubredoxin, prepared by independent chemical synthesis of the two enantiomers, have been grown and characterized. The unit cell contains two molecules, one of each enantiomer. Examination of the intensity distribution in the diffraction pattern revealed that the crystals are centrosymmetric. This was confirmed by solution of thestructure to 2 A resolution via molecular replacement methods. The electron density maps are of very high quality due to the fact that the phaseof each reflection must be exactly 0° or exactly 180°. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using synthetic racemic proteins to yield centrosymmetric protein crystals with electron density maps that have very low phase error and model bias. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
SU-E-P-06: A Novel Hybrid Planning Approach to Allow More Patients Benefited by the Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy

Purpose: We report a hybrid scattering and scanning beam delivery approach, termed as (HimpsPT), which demonstrated that majority IMPT delivery can be potentially replaced with hybrid IMPT and PSPT delivery with similar or better plan quality. Methods: Three representative clinical cases, including head and neck (HN), skull base chordoma (CNS) and lung cancer, treated in MDACC Proton Therapy Center with IMPT were retrospectively redesigned using HimpsPT. The PSPT plans are designed with the same prescriptions as those of IMPT plans. The whole treatment can be delivered by either alternating or sequential PSPT and IMPT delivery. The dosimetric data and dose distributions of HimpsPT plans are compared with those of IMPT plans. We also performed a worst-case robust analysis for all plans. Results: The target coverages for all cases are comparable. For the HN case, the mean dose of esophagus larynx, left parotid and right submandibular, oral cavity V20, the max dose of cord is 18.0, 36.1, 23.6, 47.2, 0.1, 31.7 Gy in HimpsPT plan, and 25.5, 33.8, 24.9, 49.1, 0.2, 33.8 Gy in IMPT plan. For the lung case, the lung V5, V20, V30, mean lung dose, heart V40, esophagus V70, cord maximum dose are 50.5%, 37.0%, 31.7%, 21.3 Gy, 7.2%, 4.9%, 35.5 Gy in HimpsPT plan, and 55.4%, 36.7%, 30.1%, 21.3 Gy, 7.7%, 8.4%, 36.8Gy in IMPT plans. For the CNS case, brainstem maximum dose is 50.5 Gy in HimpsPT plan and 55.4 Gy in IMPT plan due to sharp penumbra offered by the aperture of the PSPT plan in HimpsPT technique. Conclusion: For majority disease sites, the dosimetric advantage of IMPT technique can be achieved by the hybrid PSPT and IMPT technique, which enables the centers equipped with both scattering and scanning beam facilities to treat more patients which can be benefited by the scanning beam.
Serotonin transporter deficient mice are vulnerable to escape deficits following inescapable shocks

Modulation of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) function causes changes in affective behavior, both in humans and rodents. Stressful life events likewise affect emotional behavior. In humans, a low-expressing genetic 5-htt variant, the s allele of the 5-htt linked promoter region, has been associated with increased risk for depression only where there was a history of stressful life events. To investigate this gene by environment interaction in mice, we compared the effects of inescapable shocks on the behavior of wild-type (5-htt+/+), heterozygote (5-htt+/-) and serotonin transporter deficient (5-htt-/-) mice. Inescapable shocks induce behavioral changes including a shock escape deficit, in a subsequent test when escape is possible. Confirming a gene by environment interaction, we found that stress increases escape latencies in a gene-dose dependent manner (5-htt-/->5-htt+/->5-htt +/+), where as there were no differences among the genotypes in the unstressed condition. The vulnerability to increased escape latency could not be accounted for by enhanced fear learning, as 5-htt-/- mice did not show heightened fear conditioning. The interaction of 5-htt genotype and stress appeared to produce a selective behavioral vulnerability, because no interaction of 5-htt genotype and stress was observed in other measures of anxiety and depression-linked behavior, including the open field, novelty suppressed feeding, and forced swim tests. We replicated prior findings that the 5-htt-/- displays heightened anxiety and depression-like behavior at baseline (unstressed condition). In conclusion, our data offer the possibility for future investigation of the neural basis underlying 5-htt genotype-by-stress interaction shown here.
Simple recipe for blocking ion channels

Ion channels can be inshibited by polyclonal antibodies targeted to a specific extracellular loop.
Symbiosis of the sea star shrimp, Periclimenes soror Nobili, 1904 (Decapoda, Palaemonidae), and cushion star, Culcita novaeguineae Müller & Troschel, 1842 (Echinodermata, Asteroidea, Oreasteridae): host finding and benefits

Symbioses play an integral role in community structure and act as significant selective forces in evolution; hence these relationships have been the subject of much scientific interest. The symbiosis between the pontoniine shrimp, Periclimenes soror Nobili, 1904 and the cushion star, Culcita novaeguineae Muller & Troschel, 1842 was investigated using laboratory experimentation. Host-seeking behavior and benefits imparted to shrimp symbionts were examined. Results from a Y-maze experiment revealed that P. soror appears to actively orient to its hosts, and that chemical cues may play a role in the orientation process. Results from a survivorship experiment suggest that P. soror may be an obligate associate of its host and likely receives alimentation through its relationship with C. novaeguineae. Results from a hiding experiment and color-match experiment indicate that P. soror may also obtain protection from predators through this association by both behaviorally hiding on its host, and also actively changing color to reside cryptically on C. novaeguineae. The findings of this study provide insight into the relationship between P. soror and C. novaeguineae as well as help contextualize this association with symbioses in general.
Consolidation of nanoparticles-development of a micromechanistic model

Abstract A micromechanism-based model is developed for nanoparticle densification during uniaxial and hydrostatic pressing. The model takes into account the effects on densification of agglomeration, bulk and surface impurities, fewer dislocations per particle and low stability of dislocations due to fine size, and other factors unique to nanoparticle systems. The model is applicable to a general nanoparticle system, and is capable of predicting density, densification rate(s), dominant densification mechanisms, and microstructural features, as a function of consolidation parameters. The present model is the first rigorous and comprehensive attempt to extend the Helle–Easterling–Ashby model to the nanocrystalline grain-size regime. Predictions of the model were compared with experimental data on nanocrystalline copper and nanocrystalline molybdenum disilicide and observations reported in literature. A good agreement of model predictions with experimental data for a wide range of material and processing variables was observed.
A survey of parasites identified in the feces of eastern spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius) in western Arkansas.

The endoparasite community of the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) is poorly known. We surveyed parasites found in the feces of 29 eastern spotted skunks captured between March 2005 and January 2007 from a population in west-central Arkansas as part of a broader study of the ecology of the species. We identified 13 species (nine nematodes, four protozoa) from 82 fecal samples. Mean (±SD) number of species per individual skunk was 4.1±2.1, although this is likely an underestimate because some individuals were sampled more intensively than others. Most of the identified parasite species were also found in other skunk species or in other small carnivore species.
Interpreting chromosome aberration spectra.

Ionizing radiation can damage cells by breaking both strands of DNA in multiple locations, essentially cutting chromosomes into pieces. The cell has enzymatic mechanisms to repair such breaks; however, these mechanisms are imperfect and, in an exchange process, may produce a large-scale rearrangement of the genome, called a chromosome aberration. Chromosome aberrations are important in killing cells, during carcinogenesis, in characterizing repair/misrepair pathways, in retrospective radiation biodosimetry, and in a number of other ways. DNA staining techniques such as mFISH ( multicolor fluorescent in situ hybridization) provide a means for analyzing aberration spectra by examining observed final patterns. Unfortunately, an mFISH observed final pattern often does not uniquely determine the underlying exchange process. Further, resolution limitations in the painting protocol sometimes lead to apparently incomplete final patterns. We here describe an algorithm for systematically finding exchange processes consistent with any observed final pattern. This algorithm uses aberration multigraphs, a mathematical formalism that links the various aspects of aberration formation. By applying a measure to the space of consistent multigraphs, we will show how to generate model-specific distributions of aberration processes from mFISH experimental data. The approach is implemented by software freely available over the internet. As a sample application, we apply these algorithms to an aberration data set, obtaining a distribution of exchange cycle sizes, which serves to measure aberration complexity. Estimating complexity, in turn, helps indicate how damaging the aberrations are and may facilitate identification of radiation type in retrospective biodosimetry.
Long term treatment of neonatal aortic smooth muscle cells with βVLDL induces cholesterol accumulation

A model for smooth muscle derived foam cells was developed by treating smooth muscle cells isolated from the aortae of neonatal rabbits with beta VLDL for up to 1 month. Hyperlipidemic beta VLDL isolated from cholesterol fed rabbits induced proliferation of the cells that were maintained in lipid deficient serum. In addition, the lipoprotein fraction stimulated [14C]oleic acid incorporation into [14C]cholesteryl ester, even in cultures that had been chronically exposed to the lipoprotein. The accumulation of cholesterol was evaluated and small amounts of cholesteryl ester were demonstrated in cultures treated for 3 days with beta VLDL. However, continued exposure to the lipoprotein resulted in larger elevations in total cholesterol, approximately 65% of which was in the esterified form in cultures treated with 100 micrograms beta VLDL/ml for 24 days. When cholesterol levels were examined as a function of time, it was determined that both total cholesterol and cholesteryl ester levels increased. Approximately 2-3 weeks after lipoprotein was introduced to the culture, maximum levels were attained. Triglyceride levels were also measured and found to increase more than two-fold in cultures that had been incubated in the presence of beta VLDL for 24 days, when compared to cultures incubated in its absence. Examination of the cultures by electron microscopy revealed intracytoplasmic lipid droplets in beta VLDL treated cells. These results suggest that beta VLDL treatment of neonatal aortic smooth muscle cells provides an ideal model in which to study the lipid laden smooth muscle cells that characterize the atherosclerotic plaque.
Time-dependent non-Abelian Aharonov-Bohm effect

In this article, we study the time-dependent Aharonov-Bohm effect for non-Abelian gauge fields. We use two well-known time-dependent solutions to the Yang-Mills field equations to investigate the Aharonov-Bohm phase shift. For both of the solutions, we find a cancellation between the phase shift coming from the non-Abelian ``magnetic'' field and the phase shift coming from the non-Abelian ``electric'' field, which inevitably arises in time-dependent cases. We compare and contrast this cancellation for the time-dependent non-Abelian case to a similar cancellation which occurs in the time-dependent Abelian case. We postulate that this cancellation occurs generally in time-dependent situations for both Abelian and non-Abelian fields.
Fast burst reactor on-line mass separator

Abstract An on-line separator has been constructed for use with a fast burst reactor, to determine the independent yield and nuclidic mass of some short-lived fission products.
Estimating Exposure Intensity in an Imperfectly Mixed Room

The well-mixed room model is traditionally used to predict the concentration of contaminants in indoor environments. To account for imperfect air mixing, the room supply/exhaust air rate Q is frequently multiplied by a mixing factor m, where 0<m≤1, and an effective ventilation rate QE=m·Q is used in place of Q in the well-mixed room equations. However, this procedure is inappropriate because a well-mixed room model, albeit with an adjusted ventilation rate, is still used to describe an imperfectly mixed room. To illustrate the errors that may result, a two-zone model is described in which a room is conceptually divided into an upper zone and lower zone, where the latter is the zone of occupancy. Air is supplied to and exhausted from the upper zone at rate Q, and air exchanges between the two zones at rate β. The lower zone's true ventilation rate is termed its purging flow rate QL, where QL=[β/(β+Q)]Q. Expressions for the steady-state contaminant levels in the two zones and for decay from the steady-state...
Directed differentiation of hippocampal stem/progenitor cells in the adult brain

Adult neurogenesis is a lifelong feature of brain plasticity; however, the potency of adult neural stem/progenitor cells in vivo remains unclear. We found that retrovirus-mediated overexpression of a single gene, the bHLH transcription factor Ascl1, redirected the fate of the proliferating adult hippocampal stem/progenitor (AHP) progeny and lead to the exclusive generation of cells of the oligodendrocytic lineage at the expense of newborn neurons, demonstrating that AHPs in the adult mouse brain are not irrevocably specified in vivo. These data indicate that AHPs have substantial plasticity, which might have important implications for the potential use of endogenous AHPs in neurological disease.
Hydrido (1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octa-n-pentylphthalocyaninato)-rhodium dimers: Single-crystal X-ray structure and the isomerization of the four isomers

The hydrido(phthalocyaninato)rhodium dimer [(R8Pc)RhH]2 (1; R8Pc2- = dianion of 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octa-n-pentylphthalocyanine) was synthesized from the reaction of [(R8Pc)(MeOH)2Rh]Cl with H2 at 110 °C in 1-pentanol. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study shows that 1 is a dimer. The two Pc ligands are essentially planar and staggered by 35(2)°. The two Rh atoms are not significantly displaced from the planes of the ligands; they are separated by 3.347(3) A. This long Rh−Rh separation suggests that 1 has a bridging hydride ligand. The dimeric structure of 1 is maintained in benzene solution. The 1H NMR spectra show that 1 contains one Rh−H and one N−H moiety for every two R8Pc2- ligands. The νNH band at 3373 cm-1 (the νND band at 2478 cm-1) supports the presence of an N−H moiety in 1. Our belief that protonation occurs on a meso (or peripheral) nitrogen, rather than a pyrrolic nitrogen, is derived from X-ray structural data and 1H NMR results. (1) No uniquely long Rh−N bond is present, and all four p...
Mnemonics for the Aldohexoses That Aid in Learning Structures, Names, and Interconversion of Fischer Projection Formulas and Pyranose Chair Forms

Many second–year undergraduate students have difficulty determining the names of aldohexoses from Fischer projection formulas and pyranose chair forms, and drawing structures from the names of aldohexoses. The mnemonics suggested here are useful aids in figuring out both the structures and the names of aldohexoses, and the interconversion between Fischer projection formulas and pyranose chair forms.
The ‘African Colonists’ of Montevideo: New Light on the Illegal Slave Trade to Rio de Janeiro and the Río de la Plata (1830–42)

New archival evidence from Montevideo reveals a twofold operation that brought enslaved Africans to Rio de Janeiro in the era of the illegal slave trade. This pattern emerged after the negotiation of the only – and largely unsuccessful – Anglo-Brazilian treaty against this traffic (1826) and the independence of Uruguay from Brazil (1825), which led to the foundation of the Uruguayan state in 1830. This operation also disguised the shipment of African slaves, mainly children, to Montevideo as ‘colonists’ in order to avoid both the constitutional ban on the slave trade as well as the British cruisers patrolling the Atlantic.
Essential tasks and skills for online community college faculty

The professional role, tasks, and skills of online community college faculty are evolving. This chapter describes the factors that influence the skill set needed for online faculty to be successful.
Peripheral nerve stimulation for treatment of postherpetic neuralgia: A Case report

Neuromodulation techniques have been successfully used for a varietyof neuropathic pain conditions. Th e aim of this paper is to presenta case of the successful use of a subcutaneously placed peripheralnerve stimulator for treatment of intractable postherpetic neuralgia(PHN). A 57-year old man presented with a two-year history of leftthoracic pain that developed aft er a vesicular rash. Focal neuropathicpain had not responded to treatment with multiple analgesic medicationsand steroid injections. Th e patient had signifi cant relief followingimplantation of a peripheral nerve stimulator. Th is case represents acontribution to the small but growing body of evidence indicating thatperipheral nerve stimulation may be an eff ective option for treatmentof PHN not responsive to less invasive modalities.
Deformation mechanism mapping of α-Zr and zircaloy-2

Abstract Deformation mechanism mapping has recently evolved as a method for quantitatively expressing complex deformation equations while at the same time allowing visual insight into understanding of these deformation processes. Techniques for the generation of deformation mechanism maps are described and specific application to creep of α-Zr and Zircaloy-2 is demonstrated. Because these maps increase our physical understanding of observed relations, they therefore increase the confidence with which data may be extrapolated beyond the range of experiments. It is this predictive-extrapolative feature of deformation mechanism maps that makes them extremely interesting, for example, insofar as applications to nuclear materials.
The environmental culture of practice.

Abstract I am amazed how practice patterns vary across the spectrum of our case management profession. Many factors contribute to our varied perspectives. Ever deal with someone in a different time zone? You've been up and rolling for hours and may be on your third cup of coffee; they're just getting started and may have just had their first cup. Oh, can this interaction be painful! Different time zones may mean translating different accents, dialects, or languages. Perhaps it means dealing with speech speed, too, like the adjustment I made as a New Yorker when I moved to Virginia and was quickly reminded that I was living in the South.
Orientation of pentacene films using surface alignment layers and its influence on thin-film transistor characteristics

We have investigated the effect of surface order on the orientation and mobility of pentacene. The surface order was created using monolayers and polymers that are normally used to align liquid crystals. Rubbed polyvinylalcohol layers were found to align approximately 27% of the pentacene grains within a 30° range. When introduced in a thin-film transistor, they were found to enhance the saturation current by a factor of 2.5. A mechanism for this enhancement is proposed.
The metabolism of testosterone by liver tissue of niacin tryptophan or thiamine deficient rats.

THE role of the vitamins in the metabolic inactivation of hormones by the liver has been investigated by Biskind (1943) using the splenic implantation of the hormone in rats on deficient diets fed ad libitum. In such animals, however, there is a loss of appetite and, therefore, multiple deficiencies develop. Drill and Pfeiffer (1946) have shown by biological techniques that this is a major factor in the reduced estrogen inactivation following thiamine deficiency. The present series of experiments was undertaken, therefore, to attempt to determine the relative role of certain watersoluble vitamins in testosterone metabolism under conditions where the intake of other dietary constitutents was maintained. Niacin deficiency was chosen because of the evidence already obtained that diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPN) is an essential cofactor in the enzymic reaction whereby an alcohol group on carbon-17 of testosterone is oxidized to a ketone (Sweat and Samuels, 1948).
Reactive effects in impedance imaging

The authors identify theoretical and practical benefits of including reactive effects in impedance imaging. Estimates of the size of the smallest inhomogeneity that can be detected by an impedance tomograph that uses reactive voltages show that an improvement in resolution can be expected. For physiologically meaningful data, a reduction of 25% in the radius of the smallest detectable inhomogeneity is feasible. Experiments demonstrate an improvement in detecting biological tissue in a saline bath. Design considerations for a system to achieve these goals are included. >
Asymptomatic aneurysm of the cavernous and supraclinoid internal carotid artery in a patient with Balamuthia mandrillaris encephalitis.

This is the first report to our knowledge of the successful treatment of an asymptomatic mycotic aneurysm associated with Balamuthia mandrillaris encephalitis. A 27-year-old male with end-stage renal disease presented with generalized seizures following renal transplantation. MRI demonstrated multiple brain masses and an aneurysm of the cavernous and supraclinoid carotid artery. Autopsy of the donor’s brain revealed Balamuthia encephalitis. The patient was placed on an anti-amebic regimen, his condition improved, and 126 days after the kidney transplant, MRI brain showed resolution of the aneurysm and improvement of the enhancing lesions. Balamuthia mandrillaris has been shown to cause a granulomatous encephalitis, with prominent vasculitis. This is the first report to demonstrate the risk of aneurysm formation associated with this infection. Prolonged anti-amebic treatment resulted in resolution of the aneurysm without clinical evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The Importance of Investor Heterogeneity and Financial Market Imperfections for the Behavior of Asset Prices

Abstract Incomplete markets arising from uninsurable labor income shocks, borrowing constraints, and trading costs have been suggested as the reason for the empirical failure of the representative consumer model. We broadly survey the related literature and experiment with a calibrated model that nests a number of earlier models. The results suggest that while much remains to be explained, a number of apparently robust implications can be drawn that make the traditional assetpricing puzzles much less puzzling.
A new concept of the isolated perfused heart preparation with on-line computerized data evaluation

A modified perfusion apparatus for electrophysiological, hemodynamic and metabolic studies on hearts of small animal (e.g., rat, guinea pig) has been described. The apparatus consisted of two oxygenators connected to the aortic cannula of the Langendorff perfused heart, each one of which could be used on demand. The constant aortic perfusion pressure was controlled by oxygenating gas (5% CO2 in O2, usually). The perfusing medium could be changed easily and quickly without interruption. Left ventricular pressure was recorded by means of a balloon-catheter, while special suction electrodes obtained the high-amplitude, noise-free electrogram recordings. The coronary effluent partial pressure of oxygen (Po2) was continuously monitored, which enabled the calculation of myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2). The effluent partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pco2) and pH value were also measured simultaneously. A computerized system of data acquisition, calculation, storage, and end report has also been described. In this study, the influence of indomethacin on hypoxia-induced hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the isolated guinea pig heart was observed. The advantages and disadvantages of the described and standard Langendorff apparatus have been discussed also.