cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postsynaptic Deregulation in GAP-43 Heterozygous Mouse Barrel Cortex

Formation of whisker-related barrels in primary somatosensory cortex (S1) requires communication between presynaptic thalamocortical afferents (TCAs) and postsynaptic cortical neurons. GAP-43 is crucially involved in targeting TCAs to postsynaptic S1 neurons but its influence on the interactions between these 2 elements has not been explored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that reduced early expression of presynaptic GAP-43 (GAP-43 heterozygous [HZ] mice) alters postsynaptic differentiation of barrel cells. We found a transient increase in cytochrome oxidase staining between P6 and P14 in HZ animals, indicative of increased metabolic activity in barrel cortex during this time. Golgi impregnation and microtubule-associated protein 2 immunohistochemistry showed anomalous dendritic patterning in GAP-43 HZ cortex at P5, with altered dendritic length and branching and abnormal retention of dendrites that extend into developing septa. This deficiency was no longer apparent at P7, suggesting partial recovery of dendritic pruning processes. Finally, we showed early defects in synaptogenesis from P4 to P5 with increased colocalization of NR1 and GluR1 staining in HZ mice. By P7, this colocalization had normalized to wild type levels. Taken together, our findings suggest abnormal postsynaptic differentiation in GAP-43 HZ cortex during early barrel development, followed by adaptive compensation and partial phenotypic rescue.
A two-stream, four-sector, recurrence pattern: Implications from WIND for the 22-year geomagnetic activity cycle

Continuous solar wind data from WIND reveals a new recurrence pattern which implies that speed variations contribute to the 22-year cycle of geomagnetic activity. Near December 1994 solstice, in keeping with expectation, a four-sector interplanetary magnetic field pattern was accompanied by four streams. As the season advanced toward March equinox, however, the streams in the two sectors with away polarity diminished, leaving a strikingly unusual two-stream, four-sector pattern until late April. Since the magnetic field pointed toward the sun in both streams, the polarity effect of Russell and McPherron [1973] combined with the high-speed flow resulted in a recurrent pattern of sustained geomagnetic activity during these sector passages. The solar wind pattern is consistent with Earth's excursion to southern heliographic latitudes at March equinox enabling WIND to sample high-speed flow from only the southern coronal hole. The WIND data imply that the 22-year variation in geomagnetic activity results not only from longer immersion in toward sectors in March and away sectors in September during even solar cycles, as proposed by Russell and McPherron [1973], but also from higher flow speeds in those sectors.
Periodic orbits from nonperiodic orbits on an interval

Abstract This paper demonstrates that any continuous real-valued function which has an orbit with infinitely many limit points must necessarily have periodic cycles of arbitrarily large prime period. We present an example of a function with an orbit whose limit points are exactly Z + .
Some formal aspects of the Melosh and generalized unitary transformations of a class of massive-particle wave equations

The Melosh, Foldy-Wouthuysen, Cini-Touschek, and Majorana transformations of the Dirac Hamiltonian are discussed in a parallel way as special cases of two general unitary transformations for spin $\frac{1}{2}$, which generalize to include all integer and half-integer spins for the Weaver-Hammer-Good class of massive-particle wave equations. It is further shown how to construct a matrix ${\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{3}$ for all spins, the generalization of ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{3}$ for spin $\frac{1}{2}$, and a discussion of "good" and "bad" components of operators and wave functions is given.
The sparking and wear of high current density electrical brushes

Abstract In the operation of high current density electrical brushes sparking is frequently observed to occur. The cause and effects of this sparking were investigated. Experiments were conducted to measure the instantaneous voltage drop and current flow, the relative motions of the brush and slip ring, the brush temperature and the resulting dimensional changes of the brush. The results of these experiments have shown that, above a threshold velocity, sparking was observed and was often periodic in motion across the brush face. The phenomenon is dependent on sliding speed, current density and brush composition. The instantaneous voltage drop is also related to the sparking. Experiments have indicated that there is a noticeable increase in voltage drop with the onset of sparking. During sparking operation it was also found that the wear rate markedly increased. The increased wear with sparking operation can be related to the material properties of the brush. High wear rates occur for materials having high electrical resistivity and low thermal conductivity. Brushes having such compositions are subject to extensive Joule heating and do not have the ability to remove heat from the contact region. Thus, materials which dissipate large amounts of power in the electrical contact are subject to extremely high temperatures and wear. As a result of improved understanding of the wear process, brush materials may be selected and operating conditions set to minimize the wear. p]A model for wear of electrographitic brushes was developed. This model requires only the material properties and operating conditions to predict brush wear. The results of wear predictions agree well with experimental measurements.
Oxidation induction time correlations with radiation dose and antioxidant concentration in EPR and XLPE polymers

Oxidation induction time (OIT), as measured by differential scanning calorimetry, is useful in assessing the extent of degradation in polymeric materials. Values of OIT for typical EPR and XLPE polymer insulation materials used for electric cable insulation in nuclear power plants were measured as a function of both radiation dose and antioxidant concentration after accelerated aging. Irradiations were performed at the University of Virginia Cobalt Irradiation Facility. OIT was found to decrease exponentially with increasing radiation dose and with decreasing antioxidant concentration for both ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulations. It was determined experimentally that, when polymers are subjected to a constant radiation dose rate, antioxidant concentration decreases linearly with time, and it was shown that this variation is consistent with theoretical autoxidation kinetics. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
CO2 Mineral Sequestration: Chemically Enhanced Aqueous Carbonation of Serpentine

As one of the greenhouse gases, it is essential to reduce CO 2 emissions in order to stabilize CO 2 levels in the atmosphere while allowing the continued use of fossil fuels. Abatement of CO 2 by mineral carbonation has been proposed as one of the most promising methods for CO 2 emission control in the flue gas from coal-fired power plants. However, little is known about the fundamental characteristics of CO 2 -mineral reactions. The overall goal of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of the aqueous reactions of CO 2 with Mg-bearing minerals. Specifically, the focus was on the enhancement of the mineral dissolution.
Determinants of Policy Conflict in Michigan Municipalities

Recent literature on the governance of communities reveals a great deal of divisiveness and conflict among governmental and other political actors over questions of policy. In this study, the authors measure and explain the perceived level of policy conflict on city councils. The authors use data from a survey of approximately 1,430 municipal officers representing 92 Michigan municipalities with populations greater than 10,000 to measure conflict. This research focuses on the perceptions of city council members and mayors. Using multivariate statistical techniques, the authors find that respondent demographic characteristics, citywide conditions, and structural factors influence council member and mayoral perceptions of policy conflict.
A Fundamental Study of Synthetic Sapphire as a Bearing Material

Some experiments are reported on the sliding behavior of synthetic sapphire against certain fairly pure metals as a function of temperature. The initial selection of the sapphire-metal couple was determined on the basis of thermodynamic and physical consideration so as to produce, theoretically, a weak interfacial contact, region. It was observed that this basis for selection of desirable sapphire-metal couples needed to be modified to include the effect of the surrounding atmosphere. For example, the couple sapphire-nickel should exhibit theoretically a low wear rate, weak adhesion and low friction. It was found, however, that the adhesion effects for this couple were highly sensitive to the presence of oxygen, and unless the oxygen was completely excluded, high friction and metal transfer occurred. The couple sapphire-gold, on the other hand, exhibited low friction and metal transfer regardless of atmosphere and elevated temperature. Hence, it would appear that the resistance to oxide formation by the m...
Inheritance of Seed Zinc Accumulation in Navy Bean

Human zinc (Zn) deficiency is a widespread condition prevalent in people consuming grain and legume based diets. Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are frequently the major protein source in such diets. One way to reduce the incidence of Zn deficiency may be through the development of high Zn dry beans. Large variation for dry bean seed Zn concentration exists, which would aid in the development of Zn-rich cultivars. The objectives of this study were to determine the inheritance of seed Zn levels in navy bean and to measure seed phytic acid (PA) levels in relationship to seed Zn concentration as an indicator of Zn bioavailability. A high seed Zn cultivar 'Voyager' and a low seed Zn cultivar 'Albion' were used to create the F2 and backcross populations that were field grown in 1999 and 2000. Seed Zn was measured in both years and seed phytic acid was measured in 1999. The results of this experiment suggest that a single dominant gene controls the high seed Zn concentration in the Voyager/Albion cross. In addition, phytic acid levels between the parent cultivars used in this study showed little variability and there was no strong correlation between seed Zn and PA concentrations. The development of dry bean cultivars with increased seed Zn levels should be possible through breeding.
The effect of “viscosity” on the electrophoretic mobilities of the components of synovial fluids and blood serums

Abstract The electrophoretic mobility at the ascending boundary of the components of human synovial fluids has a direct linear relation with the logarithm of the apparent absolute “viscosity.” The hyaluronic component has a mobility almost independent of viscosity, whereas the lines for the albumin, α 1 -globulin, α 2 -globulin and β-globulin show marked dependence on “viscosity” but have approximately the same slopes. When an essentially immobile viscous component (methylcellulose) is added, the mobilities of the moving components decrease in the viscous environment. The previously described second fast-moving (π) component, often found in normal and post-mortem synovial fluids, has been tentatively identified as the P 2 component, and the hyaluronic acid as the P 1 component. This work also provides further evidence that the principal electrophoretic components of synovial fluids correspond to those of blood serums. Additional electrophoretic analyses of post-mortem human synovial fluids are given.
Unifying the Tank and Hopfield linear programming circuit and the canonical nonlinear programming circuit of Chua and Lin

The linear programming network of Tank and Hopfield is shown to obey the same unifying stationary cocontent theorem as the canonical nonlinear programming circuit of Chua and Lin. Application of this theorem highlights an error in the design of Tank and Hopfield and suggests how this can be corrected to guarantee the existence of a bounded solution. The accuracy of the solution is maximized when the circuit of Tank and Hopfield reduces to the simplest special case of the canonical nonlinear programming circuit.
Investigating the interdependence between cell density, biomass productivity, and lipid productivity to maximize biofuel feedstock production from outdoor microalgal cultures

Abstract For biofuel applications, increasing net lipid productivity from continuous flow microalgal cultures is critically important. Parameters that affect net lipid productivity include: cell lipid content, culture flow rate or hydraulic retention time, and biomass concentration. However, these parameters are interlinked and cannot be independently altered. This research is aimed at probing the interdependence between variables and maximizing net lipids from outdoor algal cultures. Three representative algal species for biodiesel production namely, Nannochloris sp., Selenastrum capricornutum , and Scenedesmus dimorphus , were grown in an outdoor continuous-flow system at four different Hydraulic Retention Times (HRT) of 6, 12, 18 and 24 h. The highest biomass cell concentration (250 mg/L) occurred at the longest HRT (24 h) and decreased progressively with shorter HRTs. However, net aerial biomass productivity numbers did not follow a specific pattern. The highest net aerial productivity of 43.4 g/m 2 /day was achieved with Nannochloris sp. species at 6 h HRT, compared to 32.1 g/m 2 /day at 24 h HRT by S. capricornutum species. Net lipid productivity was found to be significantly higher at 24 h HRT, achieving 7.9, 9.6 and 10.4 g/m 2 /day for Nannochloris sp., S. capricornutum , and S. dimorphus respectively. When the media flow was curtailed, the lipid concentrations increased at the expense of protein and carbohydrate contents of the cell.
Application of environmental isotopes in storm-discharge analysis of two contrasting stream channels in a watershed

Abstract Oxygen and deuterium isotopes were used as tracers to identify the rainwater and pre-storm water components of storm runoff in the Cedar River Watershed of northeastern Iowa, U.S.A. Instantaneously discharged water in the main channel, the Cedar River, showed steady chemical characteristics during the storm event. Hydrograph separation by oxygen and deuterium isotopes demonstrated that the discharge water predominantly consisted of ground water (83%). It suggested that the Cedar River is in good hydrologic connections with the upper bedrock aquifer. The rainwater effectively infiltrated into the subsurface forcing the contaminated ground water to discharge into the main channel. In contrast, the Dry Run Creek, a tributary of the Cedar River, demonstrated increased dominance of overland flow. The water in the creek was considerably impacted by the rain event through dilution, and the instantaneously discharged water predominantly consisted of rainwater (54%). The remaining 46% was the subsurface water derived from the shallow alluvial aquifers of sand and gravel deposits. The Dry Run Creek is in hydrologic connections with the alluvial aquifers only, and the less significance of pre-storm water in the creek is attributed to the discontinuous nature of the sand and gravel deposits in the valley area. This isotopic investigation demonstrated that the origin of water components in storm runoff and its geochemical evolution can vary considerably from channel to channel within the same watershed.
Hybrid energy harvesting/transmission system for embedded devices

In most energy harvesting applications the need for a reliable long-term energy supply is essential in powering embedded sensing and control electronics. The goal of many harvesters is to extract energy from the ambient environment to power hardware; however in some applications there may be conditions in which the harvester's performance cannot meet all of the demands of the embedded electronics. One method for addressing this shortfall is to supplement harvested power through the transmission of wireless energy, a concept that has successfully been demonstrated by the authors in previous studies. In this paper we present our findings on the use of a single electromagnetic coil to harvest kinetic energy in a solenoid configuration, as well as background and directed wireless energy in the 2.4 GHz radio frequency (RF) bands commonly used in WiFi and cellular phone applications. The motivation for this study is to develop a compact energy harvester / receiver that conserves physical volume, while providing multi-modal energy harvesting capabilities. As with most hybrid systems there are performance trade-offs that must be considered when capturing energy from different physical sources. As part of this paper, many of the issues related to power transmission, physical design, and potential applications are addressed for this device.
Communication policies, good governance and development journalism

Abstract This article tries to problematise the link between communication, governance and development. The critical importance of a free and balanced flow of information to an engaged and active civil society, through an independent media and transparent government, has long been acknowledged. Communication plays a pivotal role in improving governance in developing countries. The article assesses different communication strategies for the implementation of sustainable development. It distinguishes between short-term and long-term objectives in view of the Millennium Development Goals and new challenges such as globalisation, ICTs and liberalisation. In order to assess this in a more applied way, the article briefly outlines a set of media performance indicators, developed by UNESCO, and refers to recent events in Kenya to argue in favour of a communication for development perspective which focuses on the self-development of local communities. The basic assumption is that there are no countries or communi...
Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair: Mesh Options and Outcomes

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) offers a minimally invasive option for the repair of congenital or incisional abdominal wall hernias. A key component of LVHR is the placement of a prosthetic or biological mesh intraperitoneally to cover the defect without reapproximating the fascial edges with a primary suture repair. The optimum mesh provides high tensile strength, reducing the risk of recurrence, stimulates host tissue ingrowth without promoting adhesion or fistula formation, resists secondary infection and seroma formation, and is affordable. Numerous mesh materials are available on the market, each with specific advantages and disadvantages. However, no single mesh possesses all the qualities of the ideal mesh and relatively few studies have been performed comparing meshes of different materials and design. Currently, the choice of mesh continues to be driven by surgeon preference and individual clinical situation. Here, we review the properties and outcomes of mesh materials currently available for use in LVHR.
NemR is a bleach-sensing transcription factor.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the active component of household bleach, also functions as a powerful antimicrobial during the innate immune response. Despite its widespread use, surprisingly little is known about how cells sense or respond to HOCl. We now demonstrate that Escherichia coli NemR is a redox-regulated transcriptional repressor, which uses the oxidation status of HOCl-sensitive cysteine residues to respond to bleach and related reactive chlorine species. NemR controls bleach-mediated expression of two enzymes required for detoxification of reactive electrophiles: glyoxalase I and N-ethylmaleimide reductase. Both enzymes contribute to bacterial bleach survival. These results provide evidence that bleach resistance relies on the capacity of organisms to specifically sense reactive chlorine species and respond with the up-regulation of enzymes dedicated to detoxification of methylglyoxal and other reactive electrophiles.
2-D Position-Sensitive Scintillation Detector for Neutrons

A 2-di mensional neutron-position scintillation detector, based on the well-proven principle of the Anger ?-ray camera, has been developed. A 6Li-loaded, Ce-activated glass scintilator is coupled via a unique 44 mm thick light guide to a closely spaced hexagonal array of nineteen 5 cm diameter photomultipliers. The 1 mm thick x 22 cm diameter glass scintillator is made up of four optically cemented quadrants. The location of a scintillation is determined by calculating the X and Y centroids using a resistor weighting scheme. A spatial FWHM resolution of 2-3 mm was obtained. At 0.025 eV (1.8 A) the efficiency of the glass is 80% and the FWHM pulse height resolution is 14%. These characteristics in combination with low ?-ray sensitivity in the thin scintillator provide for excellent background rejection. Drift in the photomultipliers' gain results in output change of <0.05 mm/°C. The detector was evaluated in experiments at the pulsed spallation neutron source ZING-P'. In an experiment with a single crystal diffractometer a Laue pattern from a NaCl crystal was obtained. In a resonance radiography experiment Au and in, contained in a test object, were graphically resolved. For these applications the scintillation detector has several inherent advantages over a gas proportional counter.
Little to no genetic structure in the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Suillus spraguei (Syn. S. pictus ) across parts of the northeastern USA

Population genetic studies of ectomycorrhizal fungi at scales larger than 100 km are still relatively rare with highly variable results. In this study, we determined the population genetic structure of the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Suillus spraguei over distances up to 600 km in northeastern USA forests. S. spraguei associates exclusively with five-needled pines and only with white pine (Pinus strobus) in the eastern USA. We used six microsatellite loci to assess the genetic structure between eight sites sampled in the Adirondack Park of New York and seven sites sampled in other forests of New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Except for one site, little to no genetic differentiation was detected in pairwise comparisons of the sites (FST = 0 to 0.05). Only one site was moderately differentiated from most other sites (FST = 0.02 to 0.15). The Mantel test showed no significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances (isolation by distance; R2 = 0.003, P = 0.3). The STRUCTURE analysis also supported the presence of a single cluster (K = 1).
Relationship of low-dose aspirin to Gl injury and occult bleeding: A pilot study†

Background: Low-dose aspirin is commonly used in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the effect of aspirin on occult blood loss caused by gastrointestinal injury. Therefore, we studied endoscopic injury and fecal occult blood loss in patients ingesting different quantities of low-dose aspirin. Methods: Forty healthy volunteers were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, prospective, pilot endoscopic study. Each volunteer underwent 30 days of treatment with dally aspirin 30 mg, 81 mg, 325 mg, or placebo. Subjects completed fecal occult blood test cards before and at the end of treatment of two types: guaiac impregnated (Hemoccult and Hemoccult SENSA) and immunochemical (Hemeselect and FlexSure OBT). Each volunteer underwent upper endoscopy at baseline and after completing 30 days of study medication. Results: Aspirin did not induce significant injury as determined by endoscopy when compared with placebo. Six of 30 volunteers taking aspirin developed erosions, whereas 1 of 10 subjects on placebo developed a new erosion ( p =0.66). Aspirin 325 mg was associated with a higher mean symptom score than the lower aspirin dosages and the placebo group ( p =0.12). Only one subject taking aspirin (325 mg) had fecal occult blood on a single HemeSelect card. No subject had a positive fecal occult blood test with Hemoccult II, Hemoccult II SENSA, or FlexSure OBT cards. Conclusions: Aspirin in dosages commonly used for cardiovascular prophylaxis does not generally cause significant gastric or duodenal mucosal endoscopic lesions. In the absence of frank ulceration, low-dose aspirin does not result in positive fecal occult blood tests. Low-dose aspirin should not interfere with fecal occult blood testing and probably should not be stopped during stool collection.
Grain formation around carbon stars. 1: Stationary outflow models

Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars are known to be sites of dust formation and undergo significant mass loss. The outflow is believed to be driven by radiation pressure on grains and momentum coupling between the grains and gas. While the physics of shell dynamics and grain formation are closely coupled, most previous models of circumstellar shells have treated the problem separately. Studies of shell dynamics typically assume the existence of grains needed to drive the outflow, while most grain formation models assume a constant veolcity wind in which grains form. Furthermore, models of grain formation have relied primarily on classical nucleation theory instead of using a more realistic approach based on chemical kinetics. To model grain formation in carbon-rich AGB stars, we have coupled the kinetic equations governing small cluster growth to moment equations which determine the growth of large particles. Phenomenological models assuming stationary outflow are presented to demonstrate the differences between the classical nucleation approach and the kinetic equation method. It is found that classical nucleation theory predicts nucleation at a lower supersaturation ratio than is predicted by the kinetic equations, resulting in significant differences in grain properties. Coagulation of clusters larger than monomers is unimportant for grain formation in high mass-loss models but becomes more important to grain growth in low mass-loss situations. The properties of the dust grains are altered considerably if differential drift velocities are ignored in modeling grain formation. The effect of stellar temperature, stellar luminosity, and different outflow velocities are investigated. The models indicate that changing the stellar temperature while keeping the stellar luminosity constant has little effect on the physical parameters of the dust shell formed. Increasing the stellar luminosity while keeping the stellar temperature constant results in large differences in grain properties. For small outflow velocities, grains form at lower supersaturation ratios and close to the stellar photosphere, resulting in larger but fewer grains. The reverse is true when grains form under high outflow velocities, i.e., they form at higher supersaturation ratios, farther from the star, and are much smaller but at larger quantities.
A Compact and Highly Fluorescent Orange-Emitting Polymer Dot for Specific Subcellular Imaging

We demonstrate a new compact CN-PPV dot, which emits in the orange wavelength range with high brightness. The small particle size, high brightness, and the ability to highly specifically target subcellular structures make the CN-PPV dots promising probes for biological imaging and bioanalytical applications.
Antidepressants and sleep: a review.

PURPOSE. Insomnia is one of the most common symptoms seen in both primary and psychiatric care. Sleep hypnotics and benzodiazepines are the drugs of choice for insomnia but are not appropriate for all patients. CONCLUSION. The sedating tricyclics, the serotonin-2A receptor antagonist/serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, and the atypical antidepressants can improve sleep and return sleep architecture to its restorative function. The serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, with the possible exception of escitalopram, derange sleep architecture and decrease restorative sleep. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Although most antidepressants cause sedation, not all antidepressants are equal in their effects on producing restorative sleep.
Reproductive and Vegetative Evidence for the Occurrence of Crudia (Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae) in the Eocene of Southeastern North America

Fossil legume fruits and leaflets from two localities in the Middle Eocene Claiborne Formation from western Tennessee are described and assigned to the extant pantropical genus Crudia (Caesalpinioideae, Detarieae). Morphological and anatomical features of the fruits and leaflets are used in evaluating the systematic relationships of these fossils. The fossils are more similar to several Crudia species from tropical America and Africa than they are to the species studied from Asia. These fossils represent the only documented occurrence of Crudia megafossils and confirm its exustence by the Middle Eocene.
A scanning electron microscopic study of the extrapulmonary respiratory tract

Scanning electron microscopy, sometimes supplemented with transmission electron microscopy, was used to study the ultrastructural morphology of the extrapulmonary respiratory tract. Material for observation was taken from male rat respiratory tracts which were fixed in situ and critical point-dried. Goblet cells, brush cells, potential ciliated cells, ciliated cells, cornified vestibule cells and the olfactory mucosa could be distinguished by their characteristic surface morphologies. The distribution of these various cell types throughout the extrapulmonary respiratory tract is described. Transmission electron microscopy of material treated with ruthenium red reveals that a polyanionic surface layer coats all cilia, microvilli and the intervening cell surfaces on all cell types found in the nasal cavities, trachea and extrapulmonary bronchi.
Shock-induced displacive transformations in tantalum and tantalum-tungsten alloys

A recent investigation on the deformation substructure of shocked tantalum by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has for the first-time revealed that a displacive omega transformation can also take place in tantalum (a group V transition metal) under a high shock peak pressure (45 GPa). Plate- or lath-like {omega} phase ({omega}{prime} hereafter) has been observed within shocked tantalum, which is considered to be unusual since tantalum has a bcc structure and exhibits no equilibrium phase transformation up to its melting temperature at ambient pressure. The occurrence of displacive omega transformation within shocked tantalum is of great interest because it provides not only an effective strengthening mechanism for tantalum and tantalum alloys but also an opportunity to study and understand the mechanisms of displacive {beta} {yields} {omega}{prime} transition induced by high strain-rate deformation. Results from the investigation of displacive omega transformation in tantalum and tantalum-tungsten alloy are reported and discussed here.
Chemical interconversion of T-2 and HT-2 toxins and related compounds

Abstract Mild alkaline hydrolysis of 3α-hydroxy-4β, 15-diacetoxy-8α-isovaleroxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-ene (T-2 toxin) gave the 3α,4β-diol (HT-2 toxin) and the 3α,4β,15-triol as well as the 3α,4β,8α,15-tetraol. Partial acetylation of the diol gave mainly the 4β-hydroxy-3α-acetate, isomeric with T-2 toxin.
Overview of vertebrate animal models of fungal infection

Fungi represent emerging infectious threats to human populations worldwide. Mice and other laboratory animals have proved invaluable in modeling clinical syndromes associated with superficial and life-threatening invasive mycoses. This review outlines salient features of common vertebrate animal model systems to study fungal pathogenesis, host antifungal immune responses, and antifungal compounds.
Gastroesophageal reflux laryngitis resistant to omeprazole therapy

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is known to cause a variety of symptoms that lead a patient to seek otolaryngologic care. New advances in the treatment of GERD have enabled otolaryngologists to eliminate most of the signs and symptoms caused by acid reflux. Omeprazole, the most recent pharmacologic advancement, has been reported to be universally successful in controlling acid release from the stomach of patients with GERD. This report describes a series of patients with GERD for whom high-dose omeprazole therapy was not successful in completely reducing gastric acid levels of GERD symptomatology.
Protein-energy malnutrition alters IgA responses to rotavirus vaccination and infection but does not impair vaccine efficacy in mice.

Background Conflicting evidence links malnutrition to the reduced efficacy of rotavirus vaccines in developing countries, where diarrhea and undernutrition remain leading causes of child deaths. Here, we adapted mouse models of rotavirus vaccination (rhesus rotavirus, RRV), rotavirus infection (EDIM), and protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) to test the hypothesis that undernutrition reduces rotavirus vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy.
Cortical mapping of naming errors in aphasia

This study utilized fMRI to examine neurological activity associated with picture naming in twelve persons with chronic aphasia. A group fMRI analysis revealed common neurological activity associated the production of phonemic paraphasias in the posterior perilesional parietal and occipital areas. Semantic paraphasias recruited a wide-spread cortical network including, among others, the bilateral inferior temporal lobule as well as spared cortical areas in the left frontal lobe. These findings suggest that common cortical areas are modulated during the productions of naming errors in aphasic patients; even those with different types and severity of aphasia.
Small accelerators as neutron generators for the borehole environment

The application of small-diameter, electrically operated, pulsed neutron sources are examined. These include thermal neutron lifetime measurements, using pulse rates in the 1000 pulse/s range, and fast neutron inelastic scattering approaches, using pulse rates in the 20000 pulse/s range. For several years a neutron generator suitable for these applications has been available for integration into users' systems. Based on the D-T fusion reaction, it produces neutrons at the 10/sup 8/ n/s level in a 1-11/16-in diameter package. It operates in environments up to 150 degrees C and up to 20000 psi. Experience with this system is described, and factors that limit the life of its sealed accelerator tube are discussed. Design improvements of this system for increased-environmental-temperature applications are also discussed. >
Design-Oriented Thermostructural Analysis with External and Internal Radiation, Part 1: Steady State

This paper presents a steady-state sensitivity analysis formulation covering configuration shape and structural sizing design variables for coupled linear structural analysis and nonlinear thermal analysis including the effects of radiation: in external and internal cavities. A new coupled design-oriented thermoelastic analysis capability is first presented and validated by using an available commercial analysis code. It is then used to calculate shape sensitivities and assess a number of standard approximation techniques in an effort to gain insight regarding the functional relations between design variables and thermoelastic responses. A novel approximation scheme is presented for the category of problems discussed that lead to substantial savings in central processing unit time. A hypersonic wing structure similar to a space shuttle wing is used as a test case.
14. The Effects of a Computer-Based Driving Game on Hypoglycemia Education Among Adolescents with Type-1 Diabetes

Purpose: Individuals with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (Tl OM) are at high risk for hypoglycemia (HG); HG while driving may result in serious accidents. Failure to perform self-blood glucose monitoring (SBGM) before driving and inadequate knowledge about preventive recommendations increases the risk of HG while driving, and is a particular concern for adolescents. The current study piloted an innovative computerbased driving game to increase awareness of risks and inform adolescents of current safety recommendations. Methods: Ninety-nine participants (14-16 years) with TlDM were recruited from adolescent diabetes clinics to participate in a game-based education program about HG. which included driving modules designed to simulate the effects of hypoglycemia on vehicle operator motor skills. Participants completed a short baseline (Tl) preand post-task questionnaire about HG which queried them on the areas of driving behaviors, HG history, driving history. SBGM habits, and self-efficacy regarding hypoglycemia awareness. A short follow-up questionnaire (T2) queried hypoglycemia knowledge and intention to engage in behaviors to reduce the chance of hypoglycemic episodes while driving. Paired sample t tests were used to assess changes in HG knowledge variables. Results: Almost all adolescents reported morning HG as the most frequent time of HG 62% (61/99) before breakfast and 31 % (31 /99) after breakfast, but before lunch. Only 59%(31/99) performed SBGM four or more times daily as recommended; 22% (22/99) tested twice daily or less. Almost a quarter (23%, 20/86) had an episode of severe HG in the past 3 months. Over half (53%, n = 52) of adolescents reported driving every day, 26%(n = 26)did notdrive,21% (n = 21) drove up to three times a week or less. Of those who drive, 41 % ( 30/73) either agreed or strongly agreed that they drive when their blood glucose is <90 mg/dL recommended as safe and 59% (43/73) reported experienced mild HG at while driving at least once. Twenty-six percent (26/99) thought that HG was not serious at all. Following completion of the driving-game module. the percentage of the sample that correctly answered each of the HG knowledge variables was significantly higher than at baseline: lowest safe driving blood gt ucose level (34% Tl, 81 % T2; p < .001 ). intention to test glucose before driving (69% Tl , 92% T2; p .001 ), what to do if blood glucose feels "low" before driving (79% Tl, 92% T2; p < .01). and what to do if blood glucose feels "low" while driving (79% Tl, 90% T2; p < .01 ). Conclusions: A computer driving-game intervention designed to simulate the effects of HG on motor skills was very effective in increasing both short-term know ledge about HG and intentions to increase HG prevention behaviors. Given the limited time for clinicians to interact with adolescent patients, gamebased education modules may be an efficient way to teach adolescents with Tl OM, important skills to prevent HG while driving, as well as reduce the risk of driving-related negative health outcomes.
Measuring Fishing Capacity When Some Outputs Are Undesirable

We estimate capacity when firms produce both desirable and undesirable outputs using a directional distance function model, and a hyperbolic model. We impose different assumptions regarding disposability of undesirable outputs in both models, and vary the direction of vectors in the directional distance function model. We then apply the methods to data from fishing vessels operating in the northwest Atlantic Ocean during a 3-year period. Results differ from previous studies that examined technical efficiency for similar vessels and show that it is difficult for fishing vessels to reduce undesirable outputs without reducing desirable outputs.
Relationship between daytime sleepiness and blood pressure in healthy older adults.

Background Some sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, but few studies have examined the relationship between daytime sleepiness and blood pressure (BP). This study attempted to determine whether scores on a short questionnaire assessing daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]) were associated with BP and could be used to predict hypertension after 5 years in healthy older adults who had not previously been diagnosed with hypertension. Methods A group of 157 healthy men and women 55 to 80 years of age completed an extensive medical examination, a series of psychosocial tests, and two 24-h ambulatory BP sessions. After 5 years the procedures were repeated in 133 (85%) of the subjects. Psychosocial variables and BP were compared in subjects scoring high (score of ≥10) and low ( Results Compared to individuals with low ESS sores, those scoring high had increased casual and sleep BP as well as higher systolic BP levels and diastolic BP variability during waking hours, and reported higher levels of anger, depression, anxiety, and intensity of psychological symptoms as well as lower defensiveness. Individuals with high ESS scores were more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension 5 years later. Groups with high and low ESS scores did not differ significantly on any other variables. Conclusions The ESS, a simple measure of daytime sleepiness, identified individuals at risk for hypertension. Future studies should investigate the possibility that diagnosis and treatment of daytime sleepiness could aid in BP reduction and ultimately in decreased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disorders.
The Use of Meconia to Nondestructively Detect Sublethal Infections in Heliothines (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The utility of using meconia to nondestructively detect entomopathogens of lepidopt- erous heliothines was examined. Early-instar tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens (F.)) or cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)) larvae were inoculated with cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (CPV), Serratia marcescens Bizio, or Nosema heliothidis Lutz and Splendor, and the presence of each of the entomopathogens in adults and the meconia discharged during adult eclosion was determined. As the dose of CPV occlusion bodies and N. heliothidis spores but not S. marcescens cells ingested by larvae increased, a greater number of both adults and meconia were infested with the entomopatho- gens. For all three entomopathogens, no difference was observed between males and females for any of the parameters tested. The accuracy of the meconium method for predicting the presence of the entomopathogens in the adults (i.e., number of individuals in which meconia and adults were both positive, or meconia and adults were both negative) was 92% for CPV, and 79% for S. marcescens and N. heliothidis. Very few false negative predictions (i.e., the meconium was negative but the adult was positive) were observed for CPV (1%). The prevalence of false negative predictions ranged from 2 to 9%, and 5 to 21% for S. marcescens and N. heliothidis, respectively. The prevalence of false positive predictions (i.e., the meconium was positive but the adult was negative) was 7% for CPV, 13% for S.marcescens, and 0% for N.heliothidis. The results of this study demonstrate that although not absolute, the meconium method will be an efÞcacious method to detect nondestructively entomopathogens causing sublethal infections in heliothines, and possibly other insects, and thereby facilitate the rearing of speciÞc pathogen free insects.
Evaluation of the thermodynamic properties of the Re–Ta and Re–W systems

Abstract The phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of the Re–Ta and Re–W systems were analyzed and complete thermodynamic descriptions of the two binary systems were obtained with the CALPHAD technique using a computerized optimization procedure. The thermodynamic descriptions of pure Re, Ta and W elements were taken from the SGTE database. Two binary intermetallic compounds were considered in both binary systems, namely σ phase and χ phase based on available experimental data. Good agreement was obtained between calculated results and experimental data in the two binary systems.
Teledensity Growth Constraints and Strategies for Africa's LDCs: "Viagra" Prescriptions or Sustainable Development Strategy?

AbstractAfrica's Least Developed Countries (LDCs) lag other regions of the world in utilizing telecommunications technologies. The resulting digital divide has hitherto left these countries far behind other regions of the world in various aspects of economic development. Many technology-oriented constraints account for the low levels of teledensity in Africa. Teledensity refers to the number of main telephone lines per one hundred inhabitants. The over-dependence of Africa's LDCs on the West has been reflected in various socio-economic dimensions, including the telecommunications industry.A general desire by the LDCs to break the cycle of perpetual dependence has led to calls for a debate on what strategies can be adopted to turn things around. Possible options include the following: (a) self-sufficiency approach by each country, (b) African Regional/Foreign Alliance approach to solve the regional technology- oriented constraints to teledensity, and (c) the 'viagra' approach of total and perpetual depende...
X-Ray Study of Deuteron-Irradiated Copper near 10°K

Precise measurements of lattice expansion of high-purity copper held near 10\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K during deuteron bombardment were made using a rotating single-crystal method. An expansion of (4.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}21}$ per 7-Mev deuteron/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ was found. No broadening of the Laue-Bragg intensity around the (4,0,0) reciprocal lattice point occurred. These effects are broadly consistent with the introduction of small point centers of dilatation. On the assumption that the damage consists of Frenkel defects, published calculations for the volume expansion due to interstitial atoms and vacant lattice sites in copper and the observed expansion lead to a concentration of defects which is only 0.08 to 0.22 of that predicted by the simple theory of displacement. Several independent measurements of inhomogeneity of the damage indicated an ${E}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ variation of the probability of lattice-atom displacement with deuteron energy, $E$, in agreement with the simple theory. The ratio of resistivity increase (as determined by Cooper et al.) to lattice expansion is 7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ \ensuremath{\mu}ohm-cm for such deuteron irradiation. Use of the empirical defect concentrations then gives a value for the resistivity of 1% of Frenkel defects as 2.1 to 5.6 \ensuremath{\mu}ohm-cm.Thermal recovery of the expansion in the temperature range 10-302\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K was measured. It was strikingly similar to the recovery of electrical resistivity changes produced by deuteron irradiation. About 55% of the recovery occurred in a range below 42\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and the recovery was essentially complete at 302\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Whatever the activating mechanism may be in each stage of recovery, the observed recovery appears predominantly due to mutual annihilation of interstitials and vacancies.
Whales' Respiratory Volume as a Possible Resonant Receiver for 20 Hz Signals

SINCE the advent, some 25 yr ago, of recording equipment responsive over a wide frequency band, listening stations at scattered ocean locations have recorded long, repetitious trains of powerful, low frequency sound pulses that vary over a narrow 6 Hz band centred at about 20 Hz1,2. Once an enigma, the source of these remarkable signals is now thought to be baleen whales, and although several types of signals have been recorded3, implying that more than one species is responsible, strong evidence implicates the finback whale, Balaenoptera physalus, as one of the generators1. The low frequency acoustic mechanisms of whales are as yet unknown4 but, based mainly on sound propagation theory, it has been both suggested2,4 and vigorously argued5 that the whales use the signals for long-range communication.