cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Traditional Thoughts on the Pathophysiology of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The pathogenesis of symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is multifactorial and varies from patient to patient. Disturbances of motor function in the small intestine and colon and smooth-muscle dysfunction in other gut and extraintestinal regions are prominent. Abnormalities of sensory function in visceral and somatic structures are detected in most patients with IBS, which may relate to peripheral sensitization or altered central nervous system processing of afferent information. Contributions from psychosocial disturbances are observed in patients from tertiary centers and primary practice. Proof of causation of symptom genesis for most of these factors is limited.
Three-dimensional crack tip deformation: an experimental study and comparison to HRR field

Three-dimensional deformation field in the vicinity of a blunt crack in a sheet of low-hardening material is determined using laser speckle and moire techniques. Experimental results are compared with the HRR singularity field. A zone of dominant three-dimensional effects is mapped out ahead of the crack tip. Strain contours, elastic-plastic boundary and maximum shear strain trajectories are also plotted by numerically processing the experimental data.
Probing Surface-Adlayer Conjugation on Organic-Modified Si(111) Surfaces with Microscopy, Scattering, Spectroscopy, and Density Functional Theory

Highly conjugated molecules bound to silicon are promising candidates for organosilicon electronic devices and sensors. In this study, 1-bromo-4-ethynylbenzene was synthesized and reacted with a hydrogen-passivated Si(111) surface via ultraviolet irradiation. Through an array of characterization and modeling tools, the binding configuration and morphology of the reacted molecule were thoroughly analyzed. Atomic force microscopy confirmed an atomically flat surface morphology following reaction, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy verified reaction to the surface via the terminal alkyne moiety. In addition, synchrotron X-ray characterization, including X-ray reflectivity, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray standing wave measurements, enabled sub-angstrom determination of the position of the bromine atom with respect to the silicon lattice. This structural characterization was quantitatively compared with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, thus enabling the π-conjugation of the terminal carbon atom...
Towards Characterization of Soot Morphology, Composition, and Optical Properties From Large Pool Fires

The thermal hazard posed by large hydrocarbon fires is dominated by the radiative emission from high temperature soot. Since the optical and morphological properties of soot are not well known, especially in the infrared, efforts to characterize these properties are underway. Measurements of optical properties and morphology in large fires are important in heat transfer calculations, interpretation of laser-based diagnostics, and to build revised soot property models for fire field models. This research utilizes extractive measurement diagnostics to characterize soot morphology, composition, and optical properties in pool fires. The fires of interest are realistic in size, and considerably larger than recent studies, from transitionally turbulent to fully turbulent JP-8 pool fires. For measurement of the extinction coefficient, soot extracted from the flame zone is transported to a transmission cell where measurements are made using both visible and infrared lasers. Soot morphological properties are obtained by analysis via transmission electron microscopy of soot samples obtained thermophoretically within the flame zone, overfire region, and in the transmission cell. Soot composition, including carbon-to-hydrogen ration and PAH concentration, is obtained by analysis of soot collected on filters. In addition to providing insight into optical properties, soot samples obtained allow researchers to determine that the soot morphology is not affected by the transport to the transmission cell. This paper describes the diagnostics and presents some preliminary data for soot morphology, composition, and optical properties measurements within the flame zone of pool fires.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Some novel flavin-nicotinamide biscoenzymes and their reactivities.

Abstract The present study was undertaken to investigate flavin-nicotinamide reactions and interactions. A series of novel flavin-nicotinamide biscoenzymes have been synthesized by a general three-step procedure. The structures of these compounds were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, absorption spectra and elemental analysis. These compounds consist of short linear hydrocarbon chains interconnecting the N-1 of nicotinamide and the N-10 of the 7,8-dimethyl-isoalloxazine ring. The compounds were reduced with sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4) and the flavin portion was reoxidized with ferricyanide. Re-reduction of the flavin portion by the nicotinamide portion of the molecule was followed anaerobically at 442 nm. When the interconnecting hydrocarbon chain was unsaturated, a second order reaction was observed with a rate equal to that of lumiflavin and 1-propyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (NprNicH2) under the same conditions. When the two halves of the biscoenzymes were connected by saturated three- and four-carbon chains, the expected unimolecular reaction was not observed. Instead, the reduced biscoenzyme, after separation from excess sodium dithionite, was shown to have a strong absorption at 298 nm. This absorption is characteristic of hydration of dihydronicotinamides at the 5,6-double bond. In further studies, the C3-biscoenzyme exhibited an absorption at 600 nm due to a complex between the reduced flavin and oxidized nicotinamide portions of the molecule. Absorbance at 600 nm increased linearly with the C3-biscoenzyme concentration, clearly indicating that this is an intramolecular complex. When the C3-biscoenzyme was at 0°C in 60–75% dimethylformamide buffer solution, no absorption at 600 nm was observed. When excess dithionite was removed, the spectrum under these conditions showed definite peaks at 297 and 357 nm. These respective peaks were attributed to hydrated dihydronicotinamide and dihydronicotinamide species present in the reaction mixture. The reduced flavin was postulated to be a catalyst for the hydration of dihydronicotinamide. This hypothesis was tested by incubating 1-propyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide alone and with several concentrations of reduced riboflavin under basic anaerobic conditions. The results show that the reduced flavin increases the rate of disappearance of the dihydronicotinamide species and that the product shows an absorption near 298 nm. These results indicate that a reduced form of the flavin nucleus catalyzes the hydration of dihydronicotinamides.
Strength of ultrananocrystalline diamond controlled by friction of buried interfaces

Grain boundary (GB) plasticity plays a critical role in deformation of nanocrystalline (NC) materials. However, it has been unclear how strength of these materials depends on GB properties. We use ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) as a model material in which the plastic deformation is mainly located at the GBs and the dislocation processes are not active. We discover that hardness and yield stress have a simple functional dependence on the stress required for GB sliding. Our results on hydrogenated UNCD demonstrate that phenomena from the field of nanoscale friction can be utilized to understand the deformation of NC materials.
Level crossings and anticrossings

Abstract The level-crossing technique of atomic spectroscopy utilizes the spatial interference in the scattering of resonance radiation which can occur when a Zeeman level of one of the fine (hyperfine) structure levels of an atom is brought into coincidence (“crossed”) with a Zeeman level of a neighboring fine (hyperfine) structure level by the application of an external magnetic field. For most experimental geometries (relative orientations of direction of incident radiation, magnetic field, and direction of scattered radiation), a sharp change in the intensity of the radiation reaching the detector will occur provided the magnetic quantum numbers of the two Zeeman levels are appropriately related. From the strength of the magnetic field at crossing, one can calculate in a straightforward manner the separation of the levels at zero magnetic field, i.e. the fine (hyperfine) structure splitting. Anticrossing refers to the situation where the levels involved are prevented from crossing by the presence of a small interaction which couples the two corresponding states. Instead of crossing, the levels “repel” one another and the wave functions of the two states interchange their identities as the magnetic field is swept through the region of close approach. Though the crossing does not actually occur, it is still possible to observe changes in the resonance fluorescence from these levels due to this state mixing. These changes can be observed even if the energy splitting at closest approach is many times the level width and in situations where a normal level crossing signal is not observable.
Potentiometric measurements of the first hydrolysis quotient of magnesium(II) to 250°C and 5 molal ionic strength (NaCl)

The first molal hydrolysis quotient, Q1.1, of Mg2+ was measured potentiometrically from 1 to 250°C at ionic strengths of 0.11, 0.31, 1.01, and 5.0 mol-kg-1 in an aqueous NaCl medium using a hydrogen-electrode, concentration cell. Only hydrolysis of the first four percent of the magnesium in solution could be followed before precipitation of brucite, Mg(OH)2(cr), occurred. The log Q1.1 values were fitted as a function of temperature and ionic strength using four adjustable parameters. The resulting constants are compared with the limited existing low temperature data. At infinite dilution and 25°C the following quantities are reported: logK1.1 = -11.68±0.05, †Hso = 70.1±1.2 kJ-mol-1, †So = 11±4 J-K-1-mol-1, and †Cpo = 0 J-K-1-mor-1. At each ionic strength, including the values extrapolated to infinite dilution, the heat capacity change for the hydrolysis reaction was zero,i.e., logQ1.1 was found to be a linear function of the reciprocal temperature in Kelvin, at least over the measured range of l-250°C. The hydrolysis constants at infinite dilution were modeled to 550°C and two kbar pressure with a function incorporating solvent density using published results obtained at these extreme conditions.
cis,syn,cis-2,3,4,8,9-Penta­chloro-1,5,7,7-tetra­methoxy­tri­cyclo­[4.3.0.02,5]­nona-3,8-diene

The title compound, C13H13Cl5O4, is a highly substituted tricyclic fused-ring diene formed when a nona­chloro­homocubane slowly reacts with an­hydro­us sodium methoxide in tetra­hydro­furan at room temperature. Four chloro substit­uents on the starting material are replaced by methoxy groups. In addition to this replacement, which was detected by NMR techniques, an unexpected opening of the homocubane cage was discovered by the single-crystal X-ray analysis reported herein.
Live en face imaging of aortic valve leaflets under mechanical stress

Soft tissues, such as tendons, skin, arteries, or lung, are constantly subject to mechanical stresses in vivo. None more so than the aortic heart valve that experiences an array of forces including shear stress, cyclic pressure, strain, and flexion. Anisotropic biaxial cyclic stretch maintains valve homeostasis; however, abnormal forces are implicated in disease progression. The response of the valve endothelium to deviations from physiological levels has not been fully characterized. Here, we show the design and validation of a novel stretch apparatus capable of applying biaxial stretch to viable heart valve tissue, while simultaneously allowing for live en face endothelial cell imaging via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Real-time imaging of tissue is possible while undergoing highly characterized mechanical conditions and maintaining the native extracellular matrix. Thus, it provides significant advantages over traditional cell culture or in vivo animal models. Planar biaxial tissue stretching with simultaneous live cell imaging could prove useful in studying the mechanobiology of any soft tissue.
Isolation and transplantation of sturgeon early-stage germ cells.

We report, for the first time, a series of baseline techniques comprising isolation and transplantation of female and male early-stage germ cells in sturgeon to generate a germline chimera as a potential tool for surrogate reproduction and gene banking. Cells were dissociated from testis, characterized by mostly spermatogonia, and from ovary, exclusively comprising oogonia and previtellogenic oocytes, of Acipenser baerii, using 0.3% trypsin (2 hours, 23 °C) dissolved in PBS, isotonic with blood plasma. The dissociated germ cells were sorted by Percoll gradient centrifugation followed by immunolabeling with germ cell–specific vasa antibody DDX4, while 10% to 30% Percoll solution contained 79.4% and 70.8% labeled testicular and ovarian cells. Sorted germ cells were transplanted into a cavity close to a presumptive genital ridge of newly hatched heterospecific Acipenser ruthenus larvae with fluorescein isothiocyanate–labeled endogenous primordial germ cells. The transplanted germ cells were randomly distributed in the body cavity through 30-day posttransplantation (dpt). Subsequently, the cells were organized into genital ridges 50 dpt and proliferated 90 dpt. The number of both transplanted and endogenous germ cells significantly increased from 18.1, 22.2, and 29.1 (30 dpt) to 108.5, 90.8, and 118.5 (90 dpt) in ovarian, testicular, and endogenous germ cells, respectively (P < 0.05). The efficiency of transplantation was 60% (counted 90 dpt).
Design and Performance of a Webmail Server on Bare PC

We describe a Webmail server that runs on a bare PC without an operating system (OS) or kernel, and give details of its architecture, design, and implementation. We also present the results of experiments conducted in a test LAN environment to compare performance of the bare PC Webmail server with conventional Webmail servers Atmail and Mailtraq running on Linux and Windows respectively. Performance is evaluated by measuring the processing time for login requests; inbox requests with a varying number of emails; and composing or retrieving email messages and sending attachments of various sizes. We also measure the throughput for various sizes; and, under stress conditions, the processing and response times with a varying number of connections, and the total and average processing times for the POST command with a varying number of users. The results show that the performance of the bare PC Webmail server is significantly better than that of the OS-based servers. The bare PC Webmail server is an alternative to conventional Webmail systems, and its architecture and design features could be used as a basis for developing future high-performance systems.
A Comparison of Results in Acute and Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures of Arthroscopically Assisted Autogenous Patellar Tendon Reconstruction

We conducted a prospective study of 94 consecutive patients who received a patellar tendon autograft for anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Eighty-seven patients (93%) returned for followup a mean of 28 months postoperatively; 57 had chronic and 30 had acute or subacute ruptures. There were no significant differences between the subgroups for age, sex, articular cartilage lesions, or months of followup. Forty-six meniscal tears were repaired; 27 of these extended into the central avascular region. Rehabilitation emphasized immediate knee motion, but strenuous activity was delayed for at least 4 months. Only one patient had a knee motion complication, and stability (<3 mm, KT-2000 arthrometer, 134 N) was restored in 85% of knees with chronic ruptures and 92% of knees with acute ruptures. Earlier reconstruction should be considered in active persons as symptoms and limitations continued postoperatively in knees with chronic ruptures, leading to overall less satisfactory results. In patient rating of the overall knee condition, 69% of knees with chronic ruptures and 100% of knees with acute ruptures scored in the normal or very good range. Repair of meniscal tears that extend into the central avascular region should be considered, as 24 of the 27 (89%) menisci repaired showed clinical evidence of healing and did not require reoperation.
Computational Modeling Reveals Dendritic Origins of GABAA-Mediated Excitation in CA1 Pyramidal Neurons

GABA is the key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult central nervous system, but in some circumstances can lead to a paradoxical excitation that has been causally implicated in diverse pathologies from endocrine stress responses to diseases of excitability including neuropathic pain and temporal lobe epilepsy. We undertook a computational modeling approach to determine plausible ionic mechanisms of GABAA-dependent excitation in isolated post-synaptic CA1 hippocampal neurons because it may constitute a trigger for pathological synchronous epileptiform discharge. In particular, the interplay intracellular chloride accumulation via the GABAA receptor and extracellular potassium accumulation via the K/Cl co-transporter KCC2 in promoting GABAA-mediated excitation is complex. Experimentally it is difficult to determine the ionic mechanisms of depolarizing current since potassium transients are challenging to isolate pharmacologically and much GABA signaling occurs in small, difficult to measure, dendritic compartments. To address this problem and determine plausible ionic mechanisms of GABAA-mediated excitation, we built a detailed biophysically realistic model of the CA1 pyramidal neuron that includes processes critical for ion homeostasis. Our results suggest that in dendritic compartments, but not in the somatic compartments, chloride buildup is sufficient to cause dramatic depolarization of the GABAA reversal potential and dominating bicarbonate currents that provide a substantial current source to drive whole-cell depolarization. The model simulations predict that extracellular K+ transients can augment GABAA-mediated excitation, but not cause it. Our model also suggests the potential for GABAA-mediated excitation to promote network synchrony depending on interneuron synapse location - excitatory positive-feedback can occur when interneurons synapse onto distal dendritic compartments, while interneurons projecting to the perisomatic region will cause inhibition.
Stepped surfaces of sapphire (Al2O3) with low miller indices

Oxygen-annealed surfaces of sapphire with low Miller indices ((0001), [1010], [1120], [1011]) have been studied in both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and reflection electron microscopy (REM) configurations. The significance of REM diffraction conditions for the determination of the nature of the step heights is discussed. The relationship between the TEM and REM images is explained. The structural features are those that might be expected from considerations of the atom arrangement in the low Miller index planes. The structural features on the surfaces varied with respect to annealing temperature and surface condition. Thermally stable structures that might appear from consideration of the equilibrium-annealing temperature are proposed.
Evaluation of a long-time temperature drift in a commercial Quantum Design MPMS SQUID magnetometer using Gd2O3 as a standard

Abstract The long-time temperature drift in a commercial Quantum Design MPMS SQUID magnetometer was evaluated using time-dependent magnetization measurements of Gd 2 O 3 . In contrast to earlier claims, the amplitude of the drift was found not to exceed 1–1.5 K. After system stabilization for 30 min, the temperature deviation did not exceed 0.2 K and the temperature was fully stabilized in less than 3 h.
Chymistry and taste in the seventeenth century: Franciscus dele Boë Sylvius as a chymical physician between Galenism and Cartesianism.

Franciscus dele Boe (1614-1672), known as Sylvius, was one of the foremost chymical physicians of the mid-seventeenth century. He developed a highly influential and equally controversial theory of chymistry and physiology based on the interaction of acids and alkalis, taught students from across Europe, and performed and guided experimental research on digestion, glands, respiration, and the motion of the heart. Throughout his work, Sylvius grounded his knowledge of the acid and alkali chymical principles in the practice of tasting. In this paper, I expand our knowledge of Sylvius's chymistry and recover the surprising extent and significance of his use of his senses to assay chymical substances. I compare the uses of taste in more traditional Galenic medicine and the emerging chymistry in order to argue that Sylvius's reliance on taste grew directly out of his favoured chymical traditions. Looking to the broader context of philosophical medicine also allows us to see Sylvius's explicit commitment to Cartesian matter theory as an ideal: a metaphysical dream that he accepted yet criticised for its poor fit with the hard work and bodily experience central to proper chymistry and medicine.
The Rolling Motions of Road Vehicles

SUMMARY This paper examines the rolling motions of vehicles with pneumatic tires. From a simplified analysis two sources of instability are identified–one related to center of gravity position and the other to tire and suspension characteristics. When a specimen vehicle is considered, it is shown that current semi-trailer design can display instability from either source.
Production Characteristics of Jerseys and Red Sindhi-Jersey Crossbred Females

Summary Red Sindhis were crossed with Jerseys at three stations as an approach in developing dairy cattle adaptable to the southern United States. The production records of 180 cows in the crossbred groups of 3/4 J, 5/8 J, F 1 , F 2 , and 1/4 J were compared to their purebred Jersey stable-mates or contemporaries. All the crossbred groups were lower in milk and fat yield, but tested slightly higher than their Jersey stable-mates. Level of milk and fat yield, length of lactation, persistency of milk yield, and feed efficiency decreased significantly as the proportion of Sindhi inheritance increased. The differences in production among the crosses at the three stations were almost directly proportional to the level of the Jersey stable-mates. Adjustment for length of lactation did not change the rank of the crossbred groups and was not the only cause of differences among breed groups. Jerseys produced significantly more milk and fat than their maternal crossbred sisters sired by Sindhi and F 1 males, but were not significantly different from their purebred Jersey stable-mates. Differences among crossbred groups were more important than sire differences within groups. Also, little improvement in the production, relative to their Jersey stable-mates, was shown in selected second lactations as compared to first lactation. Certain other characteristics exhibited by the crosses, i.e., temperament, rate of milking, udder characteristics, and eating habits, appeared to impair their usefulness as dairy animals. The results of this study show no advantage of the Red Sindhi-Jersey crossbreds over purebred Jerseys in dairy characteristics under conditions prevailing at three locations.
Conflicting problems in the political organization of space

The political organization of space responds to several potentially conflicting problems. These logically divide between functional problems, which deal with the spatial requirements of a specific service, and system problems, which deal with the spatial requirements of the area and clientele being served. The functional arguments call for thresholds so that jurisdictions are large enough, and accessibility to assure that they are small enough. The systems arguments are also split. Externalities problems require larger jurisdictions, public choice problems require small ones. The solutions to the simultaneous problems may be in conflict, so trade-offs may have to be made. Adapting services to an area, one may assess jointness and distributional efficiency in an effort to derive a solution.
Chaperoning the lympho-stromal dance

In this issue of Blood , Staron and colleagues reveal an unexpected and nonredundant role for gp96 in the early development of B and T cells that may help to better define the critical role of integrins in lymphopoiesis.[1][1] Initially identified as a glucose-regulated protein, gp96 (also referred
Arbuscular-mycorrhizal colonization dynamics of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growing under several production systems on the Southern High Plains, Texas

Abstract The arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) colonization patterns of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growing under the range of management conditions that are employed for the production of this important crop on the Southern High Plains of Texas was examined in 1991 and 1992. Specifically, the mycorrhizal development of cotton grown under continuous center-pivot irrigation, noncontinuous linear-drive irrigation, continuous center-pivot irrigated cotton planted into terminated winter wheat, supplemental dryland, strict dryland, and supplemental dryland cotton planted into terminated winter wheat was evaluated. During 1991, colonization levels were highest for cotton planted into terminated winter wheat. Furthermore, cotton planted into terminated winter wheat developed more arbuscules and had higher levels of mycorrhizae earlier than any of the other production systems examined. During 1992, at 3 weeks after planting, 5 days of cold, wet weather resulted in almost 100% mortality of cotton not previously planted into terminated winter wheat. Mycorrhizal colonization levels were greater for cotton associated with winter wheat than for cotton grown under conventional practices. The higher colonization levels associated with young cotton plants that were grown with winter wheat as compared with cotton under conventional tillage practices suggests that AM-inoculum levels may have been greater before planting in the cotton+wheat management system for both the 1991 and 1992 studies. Maintenance of a hyphal network for developing cotton seedlings may be crucial for cotton to become colonized rapidly during the seedling stage. Seedling establishment on the Southern High Plains is a critical time for cotton because of abiotic stress from high or low temperatures or inadequate moisture. As a result, any benefit from the symbiosis at this time should have a positive effect on survival and subsequent yields.
Impact of sound exposure and aging on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine kinase B receptors levels in dorsal cochlear nucleus 80 days following sound exposure

Recent studies suggested that acute sound exposure resulting in a temporary threshold shift in young adult animals within a series of maladaptive plasticity changes in central auditory structures. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family, is involved in post-trauma peripheral hair cell and spiral ganglion cell survival and has been shown to modulate synaptic strength in cochlear nucleus following sound exposure. The present study evaluated levels of BDNF and its receptor (tyrosine kinase B, [TrkB]) in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) following a unilateral moderate sound exposure in young (7-8 months) and aged (28-29 months) Fischer Brown Norway (FBN) rats. Eighty days post-exposure, auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds for young exposed rats approached control values while aged exposed rats showed residual permanent threshold shifts (PTS) relative to aged controls. BDNF protein levels were significantly up-regulated by 9% in young exposed fusiform cells ipsilateral to the exposure. BDNF levels in aged sound-exposed fusiform cells increased 31% ipsilateral to the exposure. Protein levels of the BDNF receptor, TrkB, were also significantly increased in aged but not in young sound-exposed DCN fusiform cells. The present findings suggest a relationship between the up-regulation of BDNF/TrkB and the increase in spontaneous and driven activity previously observed for aged and sound-exposed fusiform cells. This might be due to a selective maladaptive compensatory down-regulation of glycinergic inhibition in DCN fusiform cells.
Three-dimensional codes to design stellarators

Equilibrium, stability, and transport in stellarators can be studied theoretically by running large computer codes. Some of the codes have excellent resolution, and experimental data have been used to validate the results of numerical calculations. An analysis has been made of recent measurements from the Large Helical Device experiment in Japan to see how they compare with the theory [A. Komori, H. Yamada, O. Kaneko et al., Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 42, 1165 (2000)]. Observations of confinement time at low collisionality like that in a reactor agree well with estimates using a quasineutrality algorithm to determine the electric potential. A nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic calculation of stability for various pressure profiles gives predictions of the beta limit that are consistent with the observations. Correlation of the theory with measurements justifies using the codes as a tool to design quasisymmetric configurations for a modular stellarator experiment promising better performance at reactor conditions.
enhanced dissection of the regulatory genome

Methods for high-throughput and high-resolution dissection of enhancers in Drosophila are described by two independent groups.
Beta decomposition of (HFxZr1_x)80Nb20 ternary alloys

The processes of beta decomposition have been examined in ternary alloys of the form (HfxZr1-x)80Nb20 to determine the influence of Hf additions to a basic Zr80Nb20 composition. In the chill cast condition, Hf additions have been found to decrease the temperature coefficient of electrical resistivity from a value of-0.0015 pct/K for the binary Zr8oNb2o alloy to a value of-0.011 pct/K for a (HfxZr1-x)80Nb20 ternary alloy. This change is explained in terms of the bcc lattice instability typical of Ti, Zr, and Hf alloys. The Hf additions enhance the kinetics of ω-phase precipitation during aging at 648 K. The aging of a (Hf05Zr95)80Nb20 alloy for 12 h results in the precipitation of a high volume fraction of cuboidal shaped co-phase particles. A phase separation which results in the formation of solute lean discs (β1) occurs together with the precipitation of the ω-phase. These discs formed both randomly within the matrix and heterogeneously along dislocations and at grain boundaries.
Radicular vessels are the most probable source of needle-induced blood in lumbar puncture: significance for the thrombocytopenic cancer patient

Despite knowledge of the bleeding hazard to thrombocytopenic cancer patients undergoing lumbar puncture (LP), a retrospective analysis of physician behavior at one hospital revealed no consistent use of platelet transfusions in patients with less than 20,000 platelets/mm3 on the day of LP. A review of the literature and laboratory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) data in two institutions, and the performance of an LP experiment revealed that: (1) Batson's epidural venous plexus is an unlikely source and spinal radicular vessels are the most probable source of needle-induced blood in lumbar puncture; (2) the frequency of encountering needle-induced blood at LP is high, 73% (3) the frequency of brushing a nerve root, with the associated risk of lacerating the radicular artery or vein on its surface with the bevel of the LP needle, is high and may be on the order of 26%; and (4) while the passage of an LP needle, obturator in place, through a blood filled vein may carry red cells into a red cell-free medium, this does not always occur. These new considerations argue for more consistent adherence to the already published recommendation of platelet transfusion immediately prior to LP in patients with low platelets. This issue is of particular relevance to the rapidly growing population of thrombocytopenic cancer patients with extended survival on multiple chemotherapeutic regimens requiring lumbar puncture.
Zinc-deficiency-induced retinal dysfunction in Crohn's disease

A patient with Crohn's disease and low serum zinc concentrations is presented who had markedly abnormal dark adaptation. Oral zinc supplementation produced an improvement in dark adaptation, and discontinuation of zinc therapy was associated with a worsening of dark adaptation. Serum vitamin A levels were normal throughout this period. We suggest that impaired retinal function is another manifestation of zinc deficiency in Crohn's disease that may be improved with zinc supplementation.
CREATINE-CREATININE METABOLISM AND THE HORMONES III. EFFECT OF PARENTERAL INJECTION OF CREATINE AND CREATININE WITH THE SEX HORMONES UPON CREATINE CREATININE EXCRETION IN NORMAL ANIMALS

ARECENT TEXT on biochemistry states that creatinine is a useless waste product and when ingested most of it is excreted into the urine. It further states that about one third of the body creatine is changed into creatinine and that the sex hormones are involved in this process (I). These views have long been accepted in the field of creatine creatinine metabolism and are derived chiefly from the fact that women and children are known to excrete some creatine while men usually do not. The sex hormones, however, do not effect the change of creatine into creatinine, even if creatine were transformed into creatinine. This is shown by the fact that almost as much creatinine is excreted in women as compared to men in 24-hour periods. We have shown that the so called constancy in creatinine elimination in both sexes is not due to body weight or muscle weight but to a uniform protein.
Jesus’ Birth in Luke and the Nature of Religious Language

This chapter aims to employ a modified type of reader-based interpretation of the Lukan birth narratives in order to show how a literary-critical reading supports a view of religious language that is closer to that typified by Bultmann than to that represented by Durkheim. By reader-based criticism an approach to the text that asks first of all about what the auditors in Mediterranean antiquity would have heard when the text was read aloud in their presence. It is the author's belief that an answer to this question then permits an inference about the author's general intent. In the light of such a reading, the author intends to comment on an interpretation of Luke 1-2 which illustrates how biblical study should not be done. The chapter considers the text i.e. Luke 1-2. These two chapters are part of the larger thought unit, 1:5-4:15, in the arrangement of the Third Gospel.Keywords: Bultmann; Durkheim; Gospel; Lukan birth narratives; Luke; Mediterranean antiquity; religious language
Edward Mills Purcell, August 30, 1912–March 7, 1997

I discuss the life, education, personality, and contributions of Edward Mills Purcell (1912–1997) to physics, radio astronomy, astrophysics, biological physics, physics teaching and education, and to the nation.
On šilnikov′s homoclinic-saddle-focus theorem

Abstract Consideration is given to the chaotic dynamics near an orbit homoclinic to a saddle-focus fixed point of Silnikov type. A new type of symbolic system is used to describe the dynamics on the unstable manifold and its relation to the Silnikov dynamics. Techniques based on the Silnikov method are developed for this unifying treatment. These new ideas and techniques should be applicable for a wide variety of homoclinically and heteroclinically related problems.
Mujerista Theology: Strategies for Social Change

Mujerista Theology, the name given to the groundbreaking work of Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, can be understood as a constellation, with each star symbolizing its various concepts, themes, and theories, all forming a pattern that can be perceived from a distance. This pattern — the legacy of mujerista theology — changes as these stars shift against the celestial backdrop over time. This essay explores the implications of Mujerista Theology for social change by exploring three ‘stars’ of the Mujerista Theology constellation — mestizaje-mulatez, lo cotidiano, and subversive narratives — and examining some of the underlying presuppositions operative in Mujerista Theology. It contends that Mujerista Theology significantly contributes to the social change strategies of liberationist, feminist, and Hispanic theologies.
Realizing managed retreat and innovation in state-level coastal management planning

U.S. coastal areas are projected to experience varying degrees of climate-change induced sea level rise (SLR), erosion and inundation in the next century. More than half of the country's population lives in a coastal area, putting growth on a collision course with observed and anticipated climate change impacts. This research examines the current status of the state-level coastal management toolbox and their ease of implementation compared to the ideal of managed retreat, and the emergence of innovative tools in response to climate change impacts. The first of a two-phased methodology, the authors conducted document collection to generate a regulatory context for each coastal state, followed by survey administration to record a temporal slice of both the managed retreat efforts and the self-identified and empirically determined coastal management innovations in 29 coastal states. The authors generated a new definition of innovation in the coastal management canon, and conducted follow-up interviews with those empirically innovative states. Despite site-contingent application of the managed retreat ideal tools, soft stabilization remains the most ubiquitous and easiest tool category to implement in urban coastal areas. The managed retreat ideal's fixed setbacks, land acquisition, and hazardous zoning tools are used more frequently than most modification of development tools, particularly in the innovative states. Coastal management tool innovations reflect the managed retreat ideal's holistic ocean/estuarine shoreline management intent. But additional innovation is needed to generate long-term strategies that balance growth pressure with dynamic coastal processes. Program implementation still lags, given the property rights battles that are increasingly relevant in the current political climate.
X Marks the Spot: Does it matter that O-GlcNAc Transferase is an X-linked gene?

O-GlcNAcylation has emerged as a critical post-translational modification important for a wide array of cellular processes. This modification has been identified on a large pool of intracellular proteins that have wide-ranging roles, including transcriptional regulation, cell cycle progression, and signaling, among others. Interestingly, in mammals the single gene encoding O-GlcNAc Transferase (OGT) is located on the X-chromosome near the Xist locus suggesting that tight dosage regulation is necessary for normal development. Herein, we highlight the importance of OGT dosage and consider how its genomic location can contribute to a gender-specific increased risk for a number of diseases.
Changes in the Structural and Functional Properties of Human Eosinophils During Experimental Hookworm Infection

Normal volunteers were infected with hookworm larvae Necator americanus. Peripheral blood counts showed a mean of 524 ? 29 eosinophils/mm3 of blood before infection and a mean of 3,008 ? 456 eosinophils/mm3 of blood during infection (P< .01). Absolute numbers of neutrophils did not change. Eosinophils and neutrophils from the infected period were compared with the noninfected state in each subject. The percentage of hypodense eosinophils increased from a mean of 34^0 ? 13^0 to 80^0 ? 7^0 during infection (P < .05). Superoxide production of eosinophils increased from a mean of 56 ? 9 to 97 ? 12 nmol of O-/106 cells per 60 min (P < .05) during infection. Chemotaxis of eosinophils to Escherichia coli endotoxin-activated serum increased from a mean average distance migrated of 19 ? 2 nm to 37 ? 6 ^im (P< .05), whereas neutrophil responsiveness did not change. This is the first report of changes in eosinophil density and stimulation of eosinophil function in normal hosts experimentally infected with hookworm. The data indicate that hookworm infection preferentially increases eosinophil production and activity with little effect on neutrophils.
Preparation, X-ray structure, and oxidative reactivity of N-(2-iodylphenyl)tosylamides and 2-iodylphenyl tosylate: iodylarenes stabilized by ortho-substitution with a sulfonyl group.

New tosyl derivatives of 2-iodylaniline and 2-iodylphenol were prepared by the dimethyldioxirane oxidation of the corresponding 2-iodophenyltosylamides or 2-iodophenyl tosylate and isolated as stable, microcrystalline products. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of N-(2-iodylphenyl)-N,4-dimethylbenzenesulfonamide revealed pseudocyclic structure formed by intramolecular I···O interactions between the hypervalent iodine center and the sulfonyl oxygens in the tosyl group. This tosylamide has an excellent solubility in organic solvents and is a potentially useful hypervalent iodine oxidant.
Extrapolation to the complete basis set limit for binding energies of noncovalent interactions

Abstract A means of extrapolating from double and triple-valence basis sets to a complete basis set is examined in the context of the pnicogen bonds in the BH2P⋯NH3 complexes, with B = CH3, H, NH2, CF3, OH, Cl, F, and NO2. Binding energies converge smoothly, and the trends for the various substituents B are unaffected by the basis set size, extrapolation, or level of inclusion of electron correlation, including MP2 and CCSD(T). The approach appears to be successful also for H-bonded systems, in particular the water dimer. In the event that full extrapolation within the context of CCSD(T) is not feasible, several more economical but attractive options are suggested, including a quantitative measure of the accuracy to be expected with each.
Rare earth elements in garnets and clinopyroxenes from garnet lherzolite nodules in kimberlites

Six pairs of coexisting garnets and clinopyroxenes were separated from the sheared and granular garnet lherzolite nodules in kimberlites and analyzed for rare earth elements (REE). The sheared and granular nodules can be distinguished in terms of REE pattern of both clinopyroxene and garnet. However, there are no significant differences in REE partitioning between clinopyroxene and garnet, indicating that the partitioning may be insensitive toP, T and composition. REE partition coefficients between garnet and liquid were estimated by using clinopyroxene-liquid partition coefficients found in the literature and clinopyroxene-garnet partitioning reported here. The estimated values agree with those reported by Philpotts et al. (1972). The estimated whole-rock REE pattern for the sheared nodules is similar to a chondritic pattern suggesting that the sheared nodules appear to be close to the primary mantle material. The REE data suggest that the granular nodules were originally garnet-free assemblages equilibrated with kimberlitic or nepheline-melilite basalt-like liquid, and later recrystallized as a garnet lherzolite assemblage.
On approximate and exact null controllability of delay systems

Approximate and exact null controllability of linear delay equations with a constant delay and scalar control are shown to be equivalent. The main tool is a recent result on equivalence between spectral controllability and finite spectrum assignability.
Electrophysiologic evidence of severe distal nerve segment pathology in the guillain–barré syndrome

We report the clinical and electrophysiologic findings in 4 patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) who, within 48 hours of onset, progressed to flaccid quadriplegia. Evoked muscle action potentials were absent or prolonged in latency and markedly reduced in amplitude within 48 hours of onset of weakness at a time when sensory nerve studies were almost normal. We conclude that pathophysiologic abnormalities may be distal and severe in some patients with GBS and that there is a predilection for motor axons in GBS.
A New CT Collimator for Producing Two Simultaneous Overlapping Slices from One Scan

In this paper, a modification of the EMI CT 5005 collimator isused to simultaneously produce two overlapping two-dimensional sections of the object from one scan. Such a new collimator not only achieves a speedimprovement in the generation of successive overlapping sections, but also yields a reduction of the X-ray dosage used by the standard EMI CT 5005 collimator. It is demonstrated that the quality of the images from these twoslices almost equals the quality of the images that are produced by the EMI CT 5005 collimator from two separate scans.
Interlayer transport in the organic superconductor κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br

Abstract Interlayer magnetoresistance as a function of field and temperature with fields parallel and perpendicular to the current direction in the organic superconductor κ-(BEDT-TTF) 2 Cu[N(CN) 2 ]Br has been measured. For H ∨ I, the isothermal magnetoresistance R(H) displays a peak effect as a function of field. For H ⊥ I, R(H) increases monotonically with increasing field. Comparison of the peak field with the H c2 (T) data suggests that the peak in R(H) occurs in the mixed state. We analyze the data in terms of the resistively shunted Josephson junction model and the density of states fluctuation model.
Displacement of a two-dimensional immiscible droplet in a channel

We used the lattice Boltzmann method to study the displacement of a two-dimensional immiscible droplet subject to gravitational forces in a channel. The dynamic behavior of the droplet is shown, and the effects of the contact angle, Bond number (the ratio of gravitational to surface forces), droplet size, and density and viscosity ratios of the droplet to the displacing fluid are investigated. For the case of a contact angle less than or equal to 90°, at a very small Bond number, the wet length between the droplet and the wall decreases with time until a steady shape is reached. When the Bond number is large enough, the droplet first spreads and then shrinks along the wall before it reaches steady state. Whether the steady-state value of the wet length is greater or less than the static value depends on the Bond number. When the Bond number exceeds a critical value, a small portion of the droplet pinches off from the rest of the droplet for a contact angle less than 90°; a larger portion of the droplet is entrained into the bulk for a contact angle equal to 90°. For the nonwetting case, however, for any Bond number less than a critical value, the droplet shrinks along the wall from its static state until reaching the steady state. For any Bond number above the critical value, the droplet completely detaches from the wall. Either increasing the contact angle or viscosity ratio or decreasing the density ratio decreases the critical Bond number. Increasing the droplet size increases the critical Bond number while it decreases the critical capillary number.
MAGNESIUM REQUIREMENT FOR THE FORMATION OF AN ACTIVE MESSENGER RNA-RIBOSOME-S-RNA COMPLEX.

The interaction of single ribosomes with polyuridylic acid and S-RNA has been found to take place optimally in the presence of 15 m M -magnesium ions. In contrast, one-half as much magnesium ions is required for amino acid polymerization by the product of this interaction, or by naturally occurring polyribosomes. These observations are believed to account for the higher magnesium ion requirement of amino acid incorporation stimulated by added polynucleotide, as compared with that needed for the endogenous activity of systems to which no messenger RNA is added.
Des)confianza en los partidos políticos en América Latina

Este articulo analiza los niveles de confianza ciudadana en los partidos politicos en America Latina utilizando para ello los datos de encuesta que proporciona la ronda 2008 del Barometro de las Americas llevado a cabo por el Proyecto de Opinion Publica en America Latina (LAPOP) de la Universidad de Vanderbilt. Asimismo, se presentan los determinantes que explican los bajos niveles de confianza en los partidos que aparecen en la region. El analisis muestra como el apoyo al sistema politico, y la percepcion de eficacia del gobierno a nivel nacional son factores clave a la hora de explicar la confianza en estas instituciones de representacion.