cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Branching ratios for the three most intense gamma rays in the decay of 47Ca.

Abstract A sample of 47Ca produced through isotope harvesting at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory was used to measure branching ratios of 7.17(5)%, 7.11(5)%, and 75.0(5)% for the 489.2, 807.9, and 1297.1 keV characteristic gamma rays, respectively. Based on these updated branching ratios, the ground state to ground state 47Ca to 47Sc beta decay branching ratio has been indirectly measured as 17.7(5)% and the ground state to 1297.1 keV excited state as 82.2(5)%. These values represent a greatly increased precision for all five branching ratios compared to the currently accepted values (Burrows, 2007). The measurements presented here were made relative to the ingrown 47Sc daughter in a47Ca sample and the well-established 159.4 keV gamma-ray branching ratio and the half-life for the decay of 47Sc ( Reher et al., 1986 ; Meadows and Mode, 1968 ; Mommsen et al., 1980 ). These measurements were supported by verifying that the half-lives measured from characteristic gamma-ray peaks over multiple spectra for both 47Ca and 47Sc were consistent with previously reported values. Additionally, the half-lives of both 47Ca and 47Sc were independently measured with Liquid Scintillation Counting to reverify the previously reported values used in this study to find updated gamma-ray branching ratio values.
Ethics in Human Resources: An Exercise Involving New Employees

This situation-based exercise introduces the concept of an ethical dilemma – a situation in which two or more values are in conflict. Ethical dilemmas in business concern four major areas: human resources, customer confidence, conflicts of interest, and the use of corporate resources (Treviňo & Nelson, 2010). Ethical dilemmas are most difficult to identify when they combine several different areas. New employees are especially vulnerable because they are often overwhelmed with information and have not yet been socialized into the company’s organizational and ethical culture. Human Resource Management can play a critical role fostering an ethical culture by providing orientation and training for all employees. The following case challenges students by placing them in the midst of a realistic business ethics situation.
Digital downconversion test results with a broadband L-band GPS receiver

This paper describes the architecture of a fully digital receiver designed for Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite radionavigation and other spread spectrum applications. By directly sampling L-band radio frequencies with a minimum of analog components, phase coherent measurements can be made across a broad range of frequencies, enabling a set of measurements to be optimally combined from signals of different frequencies. Band pass sampling techniques allow measurements across a 400 MHz bandwidth with signal downconversion performed by digital techniques. The receiver incorporates a unique software configurable topology for frequency selection that enables filter parameters to be loaded dynamically, achieving rapid change of tracking frequency. This allows the receiver channels to be configured for GPS navigation or spread spectrum communications simply through software commands. >
Research and discovery functions in mobile academic libraries: Are university libraries serving mobile researchers?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the availability of discovery functions on mobile devices at academic research libraries in order to determine if research libraries are providing the mobile services that students believe that they need for academic success. Design/methodology/approach – The researcher surveyed 53 academic library mobile apps and mobile web sites at Carnegie rated RU/VH universities to determine the number and variety of discovery functions available. Findings – All of the libraries had some level of research functions available, but there was a discrepancy between those that offered a full range of services and those that offered a minimal level. Research limitations/implications – Due to the transitory nature of the electronic universe, the data offered represents the state of academic library research services in a single moment in time and is subject to change. Practical implications – The research provides other libraries with a description of what comprises an adeq...
A high-speed high-resolution floating-point data acquisition system

This acquisition system is designed and built as a plug-in circuit board for IBM AT, PS/2, and compatibles. It is configured either as a 16 single-ended or 8 differential input channel system, with up to 20-bit conversion resolution potential. It can process the data at a rate up to 100 kHz. The software package includes commands needed for the system initiation, automatic or 9 software programmable gain selection, sampling and conversion, and data normalization. >
In defense of NCCAM

Counterpoint: The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has successfully met the challenge of conducting difficult and controversial research.
Species Sensitivity to Copper

Abstract Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque 1818), and sunshine bass, female white bass Morone chrysops (Rafinesque 1820) × male striped bass M. saxatilis (Walbaum 1792), juveniles (10 and 12 g, respectively) were exposed to copper sulfate (CuSO4) in a series of static toxicity tests to observe species sensitivity. The water used in this study was 18.9°C filtered well water with initial pH of 8.71, and total alkalinity and total hardness of 224 and 110 mg/L, respectively. Estimates of mean 96-hour median lethal concentration (LC50) values were 1.75 mg/L Cu (6.89 mg/L CuSO4) for channel catfish and 0.85 mg/ L Cu (3.35 mg/L CuSO4) for sunshine bass; LC50 values were calculated using nominal CuSO4 concentrations. These values differed significantly. This study demonstrates that sunshine bass juveniles are less tolerant of CuSO4 than channel catfish fingerlings when exposed concurrently in waters from the same source.
International Cooperation in Global Satellite Climate Monitoring

A lack of consensus on the requirements for adequate monitoring of climate change by satellites makes it difficult to identify gaps in the collection of climate-relevant data and prevents national policy makers from taking into account global climate monitoring needs when planning the development of future satellites. Multiple international organizations undertake efforts to identify the high-level/system-level and technical requirements of such a system, and each of these efforts reveals gaps in global climate monitoring capabilities. These efforts require further coordination to achieve global consensus on the highest-priority monitoring needs. With regard to high-level requirements, this will require organizations to align and coordinate their efforts, considering both the most important types of measurements and the most efficient physical architecture for collection. Efforts at identifying detailed technical requirements for climate monitoring are duplicative and need to be consolidated. Coordination...
What Does Genocide Produce? The Semantic Field of Genocide, Cultural Genocide, and Ethnocide in Indigenous Rights Discourse

The semantic field of genocide, cultural genocide, and ethnocide overlaps between Indigenous rights discourse and genocide studies. Since the 1970s, such language has been used to express grievances that have stimulated the construction of Indigenous rights in international law. These particular words signify general concerns with the integrity of Indigenous peoples, thereby undergirding a larger framework of normative beliefs, ethical arguments, and legal claims, especially the right to selfdetermination. Going back to the post-World War II era, this article traces the normative and institutional processes through which this overlapping discourse has emerged. Culminating with the adoption of the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, this process of international lawmaking has critically challenged the conventional interpretation of genocide, especially as the latter has been categorically distinguished from cultural genocide or ethnocide.
Advances in low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) for ever increasing microelectronic applications

Duhg the past few years, customers of electronic component manufacturing fms have been continually increasing their demands on electronic systems engineer and manufacturing fms. Some of the key indicators, which continually drive these increasing demands on LTCC (Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic), are increased system speeds, constant pressures to reduce overall prnducthystem costs, significant reductions in time-to-market and smaller footprints. These key indicators combined with the need to significantly reduce the costs of Non Recuning Engineering (NRE) have led to significant paradigm shifts in the manufacture of microelectronic packaging. A number of these system enhancements/improvements will be covered in this paper.
Changes in agar-agar type duplicating material and agar-agar on heating and storage

Although extensive data have been pub­ lished on the physical properties of agaragar type oral impression materials, there is a shortage of published data on the physical properties of the reversible agaragar type duplicating compounds. Al­ though it may be true that the composi­ tion of these two materials differs pri­ marily in water content, their uses are quite different. I t is the general practice today, when making an oral impression with reversi­ ble hydrocolloid material, to discard the material after it has been used once. The reversible duplicating compound, on the other hand, is reused and is repeatedly cycled between the gel and sol state, and stored at elevated temperatures for periods of time. When the desirable prop­ erties have degenerated, the material is discarded. For this reason the problem of deterioration is of considerable im­ portance. T he object of these experiments was to observe and define more clearly the effect of heating and storage on some of the properties of the agar-agar type duplicating compound. The properties measured in these experiments were pH, viscosity, and crushing time under a con­ stant load.
Induced limb collapse in a sudden slip during termination of sit-to-stand

Despite repeated demonstration of how balance can be restored with protective stepping after the initiation of an induced fall, little is known about how accidental falling to the ground with the participant's body resting in a non-standing posture can be avoided during balance recovery. This is due to the difficulties inherent in experimentally eliciting such an event. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to determine failure rate and the characterization for balance recovery after young adults exposed to an experimentally induced novel slipping perturbation. Twenty-four healthy young adults first performed three to nine trials of regular sit-to-stand. In the following trial, slipping suddenly occurred during the termination of the sit-to-stand when the low-friction platform on which the participant stood was released. Participants were given no prior practice or knowledge of the experiment design. Slipping was then repeated in the subsequent trials. The results demonstrated for the first time that a high percentage (62%) of participants failed to recover standing balance, despite the fact that 14 of these 15 participants had initiated stepping at their first encounter of a sudden slip. Such failure was avoided immediately after the first encounter. It was postulated that a delay in the step initiation might have contributed to substantial vertical descent of the center-of-mass, leading to failure of balance recovery in limb collapse. To verify this and other hypotheses, a shift in experimental paradigms is warranted to include the study of spontaneous protective responses elicited when individuals first encounter previously unfamiliar balance perturbation as in real-life situations.
Effects of ibotenic acid lesion of the medial prefrontal cortex on dopamine agonist-related behaviors in the rat

Abstract Behavioral responses to apomorphine and to the selective D 1 and D 2 dopamine receptor agonists SK&F38393 and quipirole were evaluated in rats following ibotenic acid (IA) or sham lesion of the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). IA-lesioned rats showed an increased responsiveness to the postsynaptic effects of all of the dopamine agonists. Patterns of the responses to the selective agonists administered alone and in combination suggest that these effects might be due to selective increases in the sensitivity of postsynaptic D 1 receptor-associated mechanisms. In addition, IA-lesioned rats pretreated with saline were hyperactive in comparison to sham-lesioned rats when animals were exposed to a novel open field, but spontaneous motor activity did not differ between these two groups when animals were pretreated with low doses (0.03 mg/kg) of quinpirole. The fact that hyperactivity observed in lesioned animals is inhibited by a dose of quinpirole that is felt to act presynaptically, selectively attenuating endegenous dopaminergic tone, suggests that effects of the MPFC lesion may be mediated presynaptically as well.
Galois 2-extensions unramified outside 2

Abstract We classify quadratic, biquadratic and degree 4 cyclic 2-rational number fields. We also classify those quadratic number fields which are not 2-rational, but have a degree 2 extension, which is Galois over Q and is 2-rational. In this case we explicitly describe the Galois group of their maximal pro-2 extension unramified outside 2 and infinity using a result of Herfort–Ribes–Zalesskii on virtually free pro- p groups.
Optimization of extraction and PCR amplification of RNA extracts from paraffin-embedded tissue in different fixatives

A method was developed for fast and efficient isolation of RNA from paraffin-embedded tissue sections for subsequent PCR analysis. This method is based on the binding of RNA to acid-treated glass beads in the presence of a high molarity of guanidinium salt. It can be completed within an hour, and obviates the need for dewaxing and phenol/chloroform extractions. The effect of various fixatives and fixation times was tested and the amplification of actin mRNA fragments ranging in length from 82 to 507 bp was used to demonstrate the presence of RNA in the extracts. The method was compared to existing extraction techniques by studying the quality of the templates for reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification (RT-PCR), using virus-infected and mock-infected paraffin-embedded cell pellets as a model. PCR amplification of cellular and viral RNA was successful for RNA isolated by use of all extraction techniques, although the glass bead method was preferred for its simplicity and rapidity. Specimens fixed with formalin were found to be suitable for PCR, but the best results were obtained with acetone-fixed paraffin-embedded material. Dewaxing of tissue sections had no effect on the yield and quality of RNA extractions, and further purification of the extracts using gel filtration did not improve the results. After the protocols were optimized, rotavirus-infected cell pellets were used to demonstrate that extraction and amplification of dsRNA was possible. The information obtained from the studies with the model system was used for extraction of toroviral and rotaviral RNA from archival intestinal material. These data indicate that paraffin-embedded archival tissue can be used for RT-PCR analysis, adding an important technique to diagnostic pathology and retrospective studies.
Inflow Performance and Production Forecasting of Horizontal Wells With Multiple Hydraulic Fractures in Low-Permeability Gas Reservoirs

The applications of horizontal well technology coupled with hydraulic fracturing in the development of low permeability gas reservoirs are investigated. Analytical single phase and multiphase pseudo-steady state inflow performance equations for a horizontal wellbore intersect ing mul t iple hydraul ic fractures are presented. The effects of permeability anisotropy, wellbore location eccentricity, and fracture characteristics are considered~ The phenomena of non-Darcy flow is also accounted for in the inflow equation associated with the flow of gas phase. These solutions provide a basis for the productivity evaluation and production forecasting of horizontal wells with multiple hydraulic fractures. A new analytical method for predicting the future production performance of gas reservoirs is derived. The method is based on material balance analyses in which explicit pressure expressions as functions of cumulative production data and gas properties are derived for various types of gas reservoirs. Detailed production forecasting procedures are developed by using the derived pressure functions and appropriate inflow performance equations. The new production forecasting method has been further implemented on a computer. As a result, the future production performance of a gas References and Illustrations at end of paper. 303 reservoir can be easily predicted for any given scheme of horizontal drilling coupled with hydraulic fracturing, and combinations of reservoir rock and fluid properties. With an economic evaluation, the new method may be used in the initial screening of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing prospects in low permeability gas reservoirs. It may also be used in daily production operations and reservoir management. A hypothetical case study is presented which demonstrates the applicability of the new inflow performance equations and production forecasting method in the recovery optimization of a low permeability gas reservoir by combining horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technology.
Opioid mu and delta receptor antagonists reduce wet dog shaking elicited by perforant path stimulation.

Abstract Stimulation of the perforant path, a major input to the hippocampal formation, produced significant decreases in the hippocampal levels of methionine enkephalin, dynorphin A(1–8) and an increase in the hippocampal level of gamma-aminobutyric acid. In addition, it was also observed that both mu and delta opioid receptor antagonists reduce wet dog shakes elicited by perforant path stimulation. The antagonists did not affect the changes in hippocampal levels of methionine enkephalin, dynorphin A(1–8) or gamma-aminobutyric acid. The results demonstrate that endogenous opioids are involved in the wet dog shakes elicited by perforant path stimulation. Since electrographic seizure activity occurs in the hippocampus in conjunction with perforant path stimulation-induced wet dog shakes, these data provide further evidence that endogenous opioid peptides play animportant role in regulation of limbic system epileptogenic phenomena.
Thermal Analysis of Laser-Assisted Thermoplastic-Matrix Composite Tape Consolidation

A novel approach to producing composite parts using thermoplastic-matrix tapes is described. A thermal analysis is presented for the case of focused heat sources such as lasers for melting and consolidating the prepregs in a continuous manufacturing process. A numerical grid generation method is employed to account an orthotropic domain made of two-dimensional, continuous fiber anisotropic laminates. Heat of crystallization melting/solidification are included in the form of a heat generation term. The temperature distributions and thermal histories in the laminated composites are presented for varying consolidation speeds. The effects of preheating the consolidated laminate are investigated and the overall feasibility of the proposed process is discussed.
The efficacy of computer-provided reading treatment for chronic aphasic adults

We examined the effects of computer-provided reading activities on language performance in chronic aphasic patients. Fifty-five aphasic adults were assigned randomly to one of three conditions: com...
Synthesis and reactivity of cationic niobium and tantalum methyl complexes supported by imido and β-diketiminato ligands

The synthesis and reactivity of the cationic niobium and tantalum monomethyl complexes [(BDI)MeM(NtBu)][X] (BDI = [Ar]NC(CH3)CHC(CH3)N[Ar], Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3; M = Nb, Ta; X = MeB(C6F5)3, B(C6F5)4] was investigated. The cationic alkyl complexes failed to irreversibly bind CO but formed phosphine-trapped acyl complexes [(BDI)(R3PC(O)Me)M(NtBu)][B(C6F5)4] (R = Et, Cy) in the presence of a combination of trialkylphosphines and CO. Treatment of the monoalkyl cationic Nb complex with XylNC (Xyl = 2,6-Me2-C6H3) resulted in irreversible formation of the iminoacyl complex [(BDI)(XylNC(Me))Nb(NtBu)][B(C6F5)4], which did not bind phosphines but would add a methide group to the iminoacyl carbon to provide the known ketimine complex (BDI)(XylNCMe2)Nb(NtBu). Further stoichiometric chemistry explored i) migratory insertion reactions to form new alkoxide, amidinate, and ketimide complexes; ii) protonolysis reactions with Ph3SiOH to form thermally robust cationic siloxide complexes; and iii) catalytic high-density polyethylene formation mediated by the cationic Nb methyl complex.
Diurnal Variation in Milk and Plasma Urea Nitrogen in Holstein and Jersey Cows in Response to Degradable Dietary Protein and Added Fat

Four Holstein and four Jersey cows fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in two 4 x 4 Latin squares to investigate the effects of varying protein degradability and supplemental fat on diurnal changes in plasma and milk urea N. Dietary dry matter contained 16.2% crude protein with two concentrations of ruminally undegradable protein (RUP) that were obtained by substituting blood meal for a portion of soybean meal. Treatments were 1) 29% RUP and 0% added fat, 2) 29% RUP and 2.7% added fat (Ca soaps of fatty acids), 3) 41% RUP and 0% added fat, and 4) 41% RUP and 2.7% added fat. Dry matter of the total mixed diet fed at 1000 and 1400 h consisted of 30% corn silage, 29% alfalfa haylage, and 41% concentrate. Ruminal ammonia, plasma urea N, and milk urea N were measured every 4 h over a 24-h period. Dry matter intake was depressed 6.7% by added fat. Ruminal ammonia was 25 to 45% lower when the 41% RUP diets were fed. Overall, the concentration of plasma urea N and milk components were not influenced by diet. However, milk urea N was higher in Holsteins than in Jerseys. Both plasma and milk urea N increased within 2 h after the 1000-h feeding followed by a decline at 6 h after the 1400-h feeding. In this short-term study, fat supplementation had no effect on milk production or yields of milk components. The inclusion of blood meal, however, increased the yields of milk components. Plasma and milk urea N did not differ among dietary treatments but varied throughout the day in relation to the time of feeding.
Recent Developments in Biotransport

In the past ten years, one has seen rapid advancements in heat and mass transport applications in biology and medicine. The research activities have been shifted from fundamental development of better theoretical models accurately describing the thermal effect of local vasculature geometry and blood perfusion rate in the 1980s and 1990s to emphases on biotransport research with clear clinical applications and on how to utilize theoretical simulation and imaging techniques for better designing treatment protocols in those applications. This review will first describe briefly technical advancements in bioheat and mass transfer in the past several decades and then focus on two important applications in bioheat and mass transport covering different temperature ranges: hypothermia in brain injury and hyperthermia in tissue thermal damage. The contributions of nanotechnology, imaging tools, and multiscale modeling to the advancements will be discussed in the review.
Two Cheers for 1911

Since Joseph Esherick's survey of recent English-language studies of the 191 1 Revolution appeared in this journal awhile back (Esherick, 1976b), three more books on the subject have been published. Two of them, one by the controversial reviewer himself, are the first to consider the revolution from a "radical" perspective. Esherick, in his review, concerned himself primarily with social and political studies of the 1895-1913 period and excluded from consideration several fine works of intellectual history. He left out the intellectual studies because nearly all of them focus on the ideas of the individual thinkers without examining how "their ratiocinations are somehow useful in explaining the behavior of their subjects. What 'radicals' write in Tokyo is of little interest to me unless it helps me to understand what they did in China" (Esherick, 1976b: 152). I share some of Esherick's dissatisfaction, though for a different reason. Far more frustrating, to me, is the preoccupation of these books either with the seminal thinkers (like Kang You-wei and Yan Fu) or with the radicals intellectuals abroad (typically Liang Qi-chao and the Minbao writers), both to the neglect of more representative members of the scholar-gentry within China. With the possible exception of Marianne Bastid's and Samuel Chu's work on Zhang Jian, there simply are no studies of how the vast majority of the Chinese elite experienced the fundamental intellectual changes of 1895-1913. At first glance, Charlton M. Lewis, Prologue to the Chinese Revolution (1976), appears to fill the gap. To quote the subtitle, it is a study of "the transformation of ideas and institutions in Hunan province, 1891-1907." It traces the changes in gentry attitudes from "anti-foreignism" to "nationalism" as revealed successively in the antimissionary movement in 1891, the radical reforms of 1898, and the rights recovery
Patient-to-Patient Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus

In this issue, reports by Macedo de Oliveira and Ciancio and their coworkers emphasize the importance of good infection-control procedures in avoiding patient-to-patient transmission of disease dur...
Market trends in artificial intelligence in the United States and Japan

Before I start this talk, I should tell you that my perspective on the AI market and its trends is that of a practitioner as well as an observer. In our organization we are biased as practitioners since we are making a business f rom applying artificial intelligence technology and since we perceive that artificial intelligence will develop significantly with time. Therefore , we are espousing a part icular perspective that builds upon assumptions that reflect our particular background. In other words, there is a partisan world view behind the market perspective that I will present to you. As a matter of fact, I will make an exper iment with you, a simulation experiment, trying to take you th rough what might happen in artificial intelligence. To put it differently, what I have been asked to do is to observe a dynamic system that can be characterized as a large billiard ball sitting on a table. On top of the billiard ball there is a small marble. And you have asked me to predict: in which direction will the marble roll off?
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with cardiogenic shock.

In cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has been reported to significantly improve the modest survival benefits afforded by emergency surgical revascularization and thrombolytic therapy. The records of all patients who underwent angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock were retrospectively reviewed to determine whether coronary angioplasty improves survival. Of the 45 patients, 28 (group 1,62%) had successful dilation of the infarct-related artery and 17 (group 2,38%) had unsuccessful angioplasty. The groups were similar in extent of coronary artery disease, infarct location, incidence of multivessel disease and hemodynamic variables. The overall hospital survival rate was 56% (71% in group 1 and 29% in group 2). Group 1 patients had more left main coronary artery disease, and group 2 patients were older and had a higher incidence of prior myocardial infarction. Multivariate analysis showed that the survival advantage in patients with successful angioplasty was statistically significant (p = 0.014) when these factors were taken into account. At a mean follow-up interval of 2.3 years (range 1 month to 5.6 years), there were five deaths (four cardiac and one noncardiac), for a 2.3-year survival rate of 80% in patients surviving to hospital discharge. During the follow-up period, 36% of hospital survivors had repeat hospitalization for cardiac evaluation, 8% had myocardial infarction, 8% had coronary artery bypass surgery and 24% had angina.
ABSCISIC ACID EFFECTS ON FRONDS AND ROOTS OF LEMNA MINOR L.

A B S T R A C T Plants of Lemna minor L. were grown in axenic culture in order to investigate the direct effect of abscisic acid (ABA) on individual fronds and roots. Both frond and root growth rates were inhibited by 60 %, and total growth of both organs was reduced by 30 % with ABA concentrations of 2 mg/l. Abscisic acid inhibited frond reproduction, and treated fronds tended to remain attached to parents. Reduction of root elongation and frond expansion occurred within 1-4 hr. Prolonged exposure to ABA inhibited both cell enlargement and cell division in the roots. The results are discussed in the light of current views on the control of growth with endogenous levels of promoter and inhibitor hormones. THE GROWTH OF Lemna in culture (van Overbeek, Loeffler and Mason, 1967, 1968) and Spirodela (Perry and Byrne, 1969; van Staden and Bornman, 1970) is very sensitive to low concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA). However, those studies showed inhibition of culture growth only after several days exposure to the inhibitorhormone, and its effect on individual plants was not investigated. The purposes of the present investigation were to study rapid kinetic responses
Scelernomic analysis of structures considering connection slip

Abstract A challenge in structural engineering of space and ground radio and light wave reflectors is to retain surface geometry to a high precision in the context of pinned connections and changing loads. This paper describes a direct approach to assessing worst-case geometric degradation of these structures for hypothesized slots in the members. The paper presents the structural model, an analysis procedure, and illustrative results. The model addresses articulated structures with slots small compared with member lengths. The analysis process implies stepwise linear behavior. The examples encompass determinate and indeterminate two-dimensional trusses. The approach results in an analysis process capable of predicting the extremes of slip accumulation. Like limit analysis, it provides behavior prediction in a finite number of steps with guaranteed success. Data from the sample analyses suggest that fabrication tolerances should be much less than allowable member elongations if long-time high precision is desired.
Aqueous biphase systems for liquid/liquid extraction of f-elements utilizing polyethylene glycols

Abstract Aqueous biphasic systems formed by adding a H2O soluble polymer (polyethylene glycol) to an aqueous salt solution ((NH4)2SO4 or K2CO3) have been investigated for use in extracting aqueous Am3+, Pu4+, UO2 2+, and Th4+ ions into the polymer-rich phase. Extraction occurs only in the presence of complexing dyes which preferentially partition to the polymer-rich phase. Three such dyes, arsenazo III, alizarin complexone, and xylenol orange were investigated. Arsenazo III extracts all four metal ions from SO4 2- media but not from CO3 2- solutions. Alizarin complexone quantitatively extracts Th4+ and Pu4+ from SO4 2- media, while Am3+ is the best extracted ion in CO3 2- solution. Xylenol orange extracts only Am3+ from CO3 2- media. In SO4 2- solutions low concentrations of xylenol orange extract Th4+ and Pu4+, while Am3+ and UO2 2+ are extracted at higher concentrations of xylenol orange. H2SO4 can be used to strip the metal ions, while NH4OH often but not always enhances the extraction.
Quark decay functions and heavy hadron production in QCD

The evolution of outgoing quarks and gluons into outgoing hadrons (the analog of parton decay functions) is studied in QCD perturbation theory. The results are characterized by logarithmic scaling violations and large transverse momenta. The various functions describing the production of hadrons containing a single heavy quark are calculated from first principles.
A common path to tumor growth.

Progression of normal cells from the quiescent state into the cell cycle requires passage through the so-called restriction point in the late G1-phase. Here, we summarize evidence suggesting that the regulatory cascade around the product of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene (pRb) is the regulator of the restriction point. The autoregulatory feedback pathway involves pRb itself, cdk4/6, D-type cyclins and the cdk4/6-specific kinase inhibitors of the p16 family, with D-type cyclins meeting best the criteria for the restriction point regulator. Moreover, most recent data from tumor cell biology suggest that one of the members of this regulatory pathway has to become deregulated to allow for tumor growth. Thus, tumor development requires the loss of certain growth-regulating pathway(s) which is achieved by alternative loss of tumor suppressors (e.g. Rb or p16) or hyperactivity of proto-oncogenic counterparts (like cyclin D1 and cdk4). Deregulation of the Rb pathway probably occurs in every tumor either as an initiating or as a progression-promoting event.
1,3-Di(tert-butyl)-2,4-di(tert-butylamido)-2,4-di- methylcyclodisilazane: A Chelating Ancillary Diamide Ligand for Transition Metals.

Improved syntheses for [(MeSiNtBu)2(NtBuH)2] and single-crystal X-ray structures of its trans isomer and of cis-[(MeSiNtBu)2(NtBuLi·THF)2] are described. The new preparative procedures should increase the appeal of this inorganic heterocycle as an ancillary amide ligand.
The “Concept” of Communication

This essay examines multitudinous definitions of ‘communication’ in the light of the meaning of ‘concept’ as reflected in the literature of the philosophy of science. The examination produced 15 main themes from the definitions. Among the 15 conceptual components there are three upon which the definitions rather critically divide. These three points of conceptual split are examined for their impact on theory construction in communication. Some suggestions are made for conceptual clarification.
Particle interception, transport and rejection by the feather star Oligometra serripinna (Echinodermata: Crinoidea), studied by frame analysis of videotapes

Suspension feeding by a stalkless crinoid (Oligometra serripinna) was studied at Lizard Island, Australia, in 1985. The crinoids were placed in a laboratory flume with a slow, unidirectional current of seawater. Nutritive and non-nutritive particles (15 to 180 μm) were introduced upstream from the crinoid, and feeding behavior was recorded at high magnifications on videotape for frame analysis. These direct observations showed that each intercepted particle (whether a dejellied clam egg, Sephadex bead or latex sphere) contacts a single, evidently adhesive tube foot and is rapidly transferred to the pinnular food groove by a bend of the tube foot. The tube foot bends in about 0.1 s and returns to its extended position in 1 to 2 s. Spheres less than 20 μm in diameter cause only the intercepting tube foot to bend. In contrast, larger spheres cause the coordinated bending of the intercepting tube foot plus many of the neighboring tube feet: the stimulus spreads through the reacting group of tube feet at about 1 cm s-1. After transfer to the pinnular food groove, the nutritive particles (dejellied clam eggs) travel at about 1 cm min-1 to the arm axis and thence down the arm food groove at about 4 cm min-1 to the mouth; in contrast, non-nutritive particles (Sephadex beads and latex spheres) are discarded from the pinnular food groove between 1 and 30 s after capture. Tube-foot bending is presumably triggered when arriving particles (whether nutritive or non-nutritive) are detected by sensory cells in the tubefoot epithelium: mechanoreception by itself appears sufficient to initiate bending, although chemoreception may modify the reaction. Then, soon after captured particles have been transferred to the pinnular food groove, the crinoid discards those judged unsuitable (probably by contact chemoreceptors in the food-groove epithelium). Clam eggs with intact jelly layers temporarily hang up on tube feet they contact and then float away in the curent: the jelly evidently interferes with mechanoreception and/or chemoreception by the tube-foot epithelium. Some previous studies of crinoid feeding have suggested that particles are trapped in extensive nets or strands of mucus: we found no evidence for this in O. serripinna, which captures particles predominantly be the direct interception method of the aerosol filtration model.
Thickening behaviour and shrinkage control of low profile unsaturated polyester resins

The rheological and morphological changes of a low shrink unsaturated polyester resin during thickening and curing were investigated. The behaviour of low profile additive (LPA) could be modified by adding a thermo-breakable functional group to its molecule. The thickening reaction of the modified LPA with MDI was much faster than that of LPA with MgO, and the viscosity was stable for 3 months. Because of the thermo-decomposition of the thermo-breakable functional group, the thickened mixture of LPA-M with MDI lost its viscosity greatly at elevated temperatures. The unthickened LPA and thickened LPA-M/MDI samples showed clear phase separation, large internal surface areas and good shrinkage control. The thickened LPA/MDI samples showed little phase separation, very small internal surface area, and poor shrinkage control. The thickened LPA/MgO samples showed some phase separation and good shrinkage control at high moulding temperature. At low moulding temperatures, both phase separation and shrinkage control were poor.
Improperly parametrized rational curves

Abstract A parametric curve is said to be improperly parametrized when, to every point on the curve, there corresponds more than one parameter value. It is always possible to reparametrize an improperly parametrized curve in such a way that it becomes properly parametrized — that is, to each non-singular point on the curve there corresponds exactly one parameter value. This reparametrization always reduces the degree of the rational polynomials which define a rational curve. This paper presents an algorithm for detecting whether a rational curve is improperly parametrized, and also an algorithm for reparametrizing such a curve so as to make it properly parametrized. Examples are given of improperly parametrized rational Bezier curves. The algorithm uses only rational arithmetic operations, and therefore can be implemented in exact integer arithmetic. A floating point implementation is also outlined.
Geophysical monitoring of coupled microbial and geochemical processes during stimulated subsurface bioremediation.

Understanding how microorganisms alter their physical and chemical environment during bioremediation is hindered by our inability to resolve subsurface microbial activity with high spatial resolution. Here we demonstrate the use of a minimally invasive geophysical technique to monitor stimulated microbial activity during acetate amendment in an aquifer near Rifle, Colorado. During electrical induced polarization (IP) measurements, spatiotemporal variations in the phase response between imposed electric current and the resultant electric field correlated with changes in groundwater geochemistry accompanying stimulated iron and sulfate reduction and sulfide mineral precipitation. The magnitude of the phase response varied with measurement frequency (0.125 and 1 Hz) and was dependent upon the dominant metabolic process. The spectral effect was corroborated using a biostimulated column experiment containing Rifle sediments and groundwater. Fluids and sediments recovered from regions exhibiting an anomalous ph...
Coronary artery plaque burden does not affect left ventricular diastolic function in asymptomatic adults with normal ejection fraction.

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is commonly cited as a mechanism underlying diastolic dysfunction. However, the association of CAD without ischemia and left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction has not been convincingly demonstrated in asymptomatic patients. The objective of this study was to determine if such a relation exists using coronary artery calcium score (CACS) as a surrogate for coronary atherosclerosis burden. Methods Consecutive eligible patients with normal ejection fraction who underwent CACS assessment, echocardiography, and stress testing with negative results for obstructive CAD between August 2006 and September 2007 were included in this retrospective study. Clinical variables were collected from the medical record. Diastolic function classification was based on established echocardiographic guidelines recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography. Statistical analysis was used to identify predictors of CACS. Results A total of 349 subjects (302 men) aged 58 ± 6 years were studied. Risk factors included hyperlipidemia ( n = 202 [58%]), hypertension ( n = 127 [36%]), impaired fasting glucose ( n = 78 [22%]), and diabetes ( n = 21 [6%]). Left atrial volume index was weakly correlated with CACS ( r = 0.26, P P = .14) or in a subgroup of younger patients ( n = 140) who matched the ages qualifying for premature CAD ( P = .17). After stepwise elimination multivariate analysis, five variables independently predicted CACS: age ( P P P P = .01), and LV posterior wall thickness ( P = .03). Conclusions In asymptomatic patients with normal LV ejection fraction and negative cardiac stress test results, CACS does not correlate with LV diastolic function as defined by established Doppler echocardiographic criteria. In the absence of ischemia, postinfarction LV remodeling, or previous coronary artery bypass surgery, CAD does not appear be a cause of LV diastolic dysfunction in asymptomatic patients.
Corpses and the spread of cholera.

Cholera is readily treated through rehydration with oral or parenteral fluids. When properly treated the disease has a mortality rate of less than 1% but a rate of mortality of greater than 50% when untreated. Proper treatment for cholera although simple and inexpensive is not available in many parts of the developing world. In some Western African countries such as Guinea-Bissau not only is proper treatment unavailable cultural rituals related to the death of cholera victims help to perpetuate the disease. For example people who are dying of or who have died from cholera may be washed by family members who then prepare funeral feasts for family and friends held very soon after the death. Outbreaks of cholera commonly follow these feasts. Cholera vibrios are spread through fecal-oral contamination. A large inoculum however is needed to produce disease. Outbreaks of cholera occur following such funeral feasts because the handlers of the corpse fail to properly clean their hands before preparing the meal. Cholera vibrios are therefore transferred from the corpse through the handler to the food and/or water used in and with the meal in which they can replicate enough to cause disease. Such outbreaks could be prevented were handlers to properly wash their hands before preparing food and drinking water and other water used in preparing food were decontaminated. Other prevention measures could be to discourage the holding of funeral feasts for people who have died of cholera and to have health workers disinfect corpses before they are handled by families.
Alleviating polarity-conflict at the heterointerfaces of KTaO3/GdScO3 polar complex-oxides

We have synthesized and investigated the heterointerfaces of KTaO3 (KTO) and GdScO3 (GSO), which are both polar complex-oxides along the pseudo-cubic [001] direction. Since their layers have the same, conflicting net charges at interfaces, i.e., KO(−1)/ScO2(−1) or TaO2(+1)/GdO(+1), forming the heterointerface of KTO/GSO should be forbidden due to strong Coulomb repulsion, the so-called polarity conflict. However, we have discovered that atomic reconstruction occurs at the heterointerfaces between KTO thin-films and GSO substrates, which effectively alleviates the polarity conflict without destroying the hetero-epitaxy. Our result demonstrates one of the important ways to create artificial heterostructures from polar complex-oxides.
Efficiency and productivity of world health systems: where does your country stand?

This article deals with estimating efficiency of world health systems using panel data on World Health Organization (WHO) member countries. The Stochastic Frontier (SF) approach is used for this purpose. We evaluate absolute efficiency as well as rankings and their sensitivity across alternative model specifications using both output-maximizing and cost-minimizing frameworks. We also compare productivity of health service (among countries) derived from the output-maximizing and cost-minimizing models. Results show that efficiency rankings of countries vary substantially depending on whether the goal of healthcare provision is output maximization or health cost minimization. The same applies to different SF model specifications.
A Neural Representation of Pitch Salience in Nonprimary Human Auditory Cortex Revealed with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Pitch, one of the primary auditory percepts, is related to the temporal regularity or periodicity of a sound. Previous functional brain imaging work in humans has shown that the level of population neural activity in centers throughout the auditory system is related to the temporal regularity of a sound, suggesting a possible relationship to pitch. In the current study, functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure activation in response to harmonic tone complexes whose temporal regularity was identical, but whose pitch salience (or perceptual pitch strength) differed, across conditions. Cochlear nucleus, inferior colliculus, and primary auditory cortex did not show significant differences in activation level between conditions. Instead, a correlate of pitch salience was found in the neural activity levels of a small, spatially localized region of nonprimary auditory cortex, overlapping the anterolateral end of Heschl9s gyrus. The present data contribute to converging evidence that anterior areas of nonprimary auditory cortex play an important role in processing pitch.