cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shear versus dilatational damage mechanisms in the compressive failure of fibre-reinforced composites

Abstract Experiments are described that lead to the conclusion that there appears to exist a shear-damage controlled upper limit to the compressive strength of fibre-reinforced ceramics. At low strain rates, hydrostatic confinement increases strength by suppressing dilational microfracture until the failure mechanism transforms to shear via microkink band formation. However, this mechanism saturates at a finite level. At higher strain rates, the unconfined strength is observed to reach this confined state through the rate dependence of the kinking process alone. On the other hand, the application of confinement in the high strain rate range cannot push the strength beyond the shear-controlled ceiling. In related experiments, the pressure-strain rate dependence of the compressive flow strength of the matrices of several polymeric composites were determined. At low rates, strength was found to increase with confinement, as has been noted by previous investigators. However, high strain rate compressive strength was inversely proportional to confining pressure.
Novel Ca receptor signaling pathways for control of renal ion transport.

Purpose of review A rise in extracellular Ca acting through the calcium sensing receptor (CaR) causes physiologically significant loss of Na, K, Cl, Ca, and water. The CaR is expressed in all nephron segments, but its effects on ion and water transport in specific segments as well as the mechanisms by which it regulates ion and water transport is not fully understood. This review will summarize recent information regarding the renal transport effects of the CaR. Recent findings Considerable progress has been made in characterizing TRPV5, the regulated Ca entry pathway in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), but precisely how the CaR contributes to its regulation is not known. The CaR interacts with, and inactivates, a K channel, Kir4.1, in the renal distal convoluted tubule. Recently described loss-of-function mutations in this K channel lead to a complicated phenotype that includes salt wasting, suggesting that inactivation of Kir4.1 by the CaR may contribute to the salt wasting observed in response to CaR activation. Summary The CaR mediates the effects of extracellular Ca on the kidney and is an essential control point in regulation of Ca balance and possibly physiologic regulation of NaCl balance, but the circumstances for regulation of Na balance are not fully established in mammals. The thick ascending limb of Henle and the distal convoluted tubule appear to be the nephron segments most responsible for the effects of the CaR on ion and water transport, although its mechanisms of action are not fully established.
Domesticity, Rearmament, and the Limits of U.S. Public Diplomacy in the Netherlands during the Early Cold War

By the early 1950s, Western rearmament had emerged as a central U.S. foreign policy goal. However, many West European governments were reluctant to bear the costs of rearmament at a time when economic reconstruction and social welfare were still urgently needed. Perhaps nowhere was this resistance as entrenched as in the Netherlands, where concern over defense expenditure was most pronounced among Dutch housewives, a traditionally prominent part of Dutch society. For U.S. diplomats in The Hague, the Dutch housewife therefore became the greatest obstacle they needed to overcome in generating Dutch support for rearmament. When U.S. officials encouraged Dutch women to take a more prominent stand on international affairs, these efforts posed a challenge to local cultural conventions. Yet with few usable cultural tropes on which to draw amid continued economic austerity, the U.S. effort to reach Dutch women fell short. An analysis of this failed effort underscores the limits of U.S. cultural influence in other...
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Prenatal Diagnosis: Methodological Issues and Concerns

With increasing concerns regarding rapidly expanding health care costs, cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) provides a methodology to assess whether marginal gains from new technology are worth the increased costs. In the arena of prenatal diagnosis, particular methodological and ethical concerns include whether the effects of such testing on individuals other than the patient are included, how termination of pregnancy is included in the models, redundancy of screening and diagnostic methods, and how screening may reassure or cause anxiety in patients depending on their results. The existing literature has demonstrated cost-effectiveness of screening and diagnosis of neural tube defects, Down syndrome, and cystic fibrosis in the general population. Screening for genetic disorders which have a higher prevalence among particular groups has also been shown to be cost effective, including diseases such as hemoglobinopathies and Tay-Sachs disease. Understanding the methodology and salient issues of CEA is critical for researchers, editors and clinicians to accurately interpret results of the growing body of cost-effectiveness studies in prenatal diagnosis.
‘Calcium paradox’ in the heart is modulated by cell sodium during the calcium-free period

We hypothesized that after a Ca 2+ -free period the magnitude of the Na + gradient at the onset of Ca 2+ reperfusion would grade the ensuing cell Ca 2+ gain. Rabbit interventricular septa perfused with Hepes buffered solution (pH 7.4, [Ca 2+ ]=1.0 m m ) and stimulated to contract isometrically at 60 min −1 at 30°C were exposed to a 30-min Ca 2+ -free period followed by 30-min of Ca 2+ re-introduction. Cell Na without Ca 2+ -free perfusion was 137±5 μ mol/g dry wt. During the Ca 2+ -free period, the perfusate was manipulated to resultin three groups of septa in which cell Na just prior to Ca 2+ re-introduction was 64±9 (perfusate [Na + reduced to 47 m m ), 170±12 (perfusate unaltered), and 293±16 μ mol/g dry wt (addition of 5×10 −5 m ouabain). Following Ca 2+ re-introduction, cell Ca 2+ content was 3.4±0.5, 6.5±1.0, and 10.6±0.7 μ mol/g dry wt in the low, intermediate, and high cell Na + groups, respectively. Similar marked and highly significant gradations among the three groups were observed in the extent of cell K + loss and recovery of contractile function during Ca 2+ re-introduction. These results indicate that (1) myocardial cell Na + increases during Ca 2+ free perfusion and (2) the magnitude of the Na + gradient at the end of the Ca 2+ free period is an important determinant of the extent of cell Ca 2+ gain, cell K + loss, and reduction of contractile function with Ca 2+ re-introduction, which collectively have been referred to as the ‘calcium paradox’ in the heart.
The near-surface geophysics section

Early this summer, the SEG Executive Committee approved the formation of the Near‐Surface Geophysics Section (NSG). The action was taken in response to a petition put together by members of SEG’s Environmental Engineering and Groundwater Geophysics Committee, Mining and Geothermal Committee, and Gravity and Magnetics Committee. The NSG is the first SEG Section based on disciplinary interest, a concept provided for in the Constitution and Bylaws. It will work within SEG’s existing structure whenever possible, but will have the flexibility to quickly follow appropriate new directions when necessary to serve the needs of the growing near‐surface geophysics community.
A NORMALLY LOADED HALF-PLANE WITH AN EDGE CRACK

Abstract An elastic half-plane is subjected to a uniform pressure over part of its surface. A normal edge crack is assumed to lie at the edge of the loaded region. The effect of Coulomb friction between the crack faces is considered, and the various possibilities involving stick and slip regions along the crack are examined. Stress intensity factors are obtained.
Molten Carbonate Electrolytes: Physical Properties, Structure, and Mechanism of Electrical Conductance

The present communication reports the results of an investigation of the properties of surface tension, density, and electrical conductance for molten , , and and some mixtures in the temperature range of 750°–1000°C. The surface tensions are approximately twice the values for the corresponding chlorides; the densities and electrical conductance are quite comparable to those of the chlorides. The ionic nature of the molten carbonates is examined from the physicochemical criteria based on these properties; and the mechanism of electrical transport is considered in the light of current theoretical concepts. Relative to mixtures, the surface tensions and partial molal volumes indicate but little deviation from the predictions for thermodynamically ideal mixtures.
Linearity of Space-Time Transformations¶Without the One-to-One, Line-onto-Line, or Constancy-of-Speed-of-Light Assumptions

Using a version of the fundamental theorem of geometry without the 1-to-1 assumption, recently obtained by the authors, the following is proved: Letn≥ 2 and T be a mapping ofℝnonto itself which maps every timelike linel into an arbitrary line so that the image of every future ray oflcontains at least two distinct points or the same holds for every past ray ofl. Then T is affine.
The tumor necrotizing effect of lipoid A component of Escherichia coli endotoxin.

SummaryThe polysaccharide-free lipoid A component of E. coli 0111:B4 endotoxin produces hemorrhagic necrosis in sarcoma 180 of mice, but is somewhat less effective than the lipopolysaccharide from which it was derived. A trichloracetic acid extract obtained from S. aureus strain D was slightly more effective than the E. coli lipopolysaccharide on this tumor.
Molecular imaging of microglia/macrophages in the brain.

Neuroinflammation perpetuates neuronal damage in many neurological disorders. Activation of resident microglia and infiltration of monocytes/macrophages contributes to neuronal injury and synaptic damage. Noninvasive imaging of these cells in vivo provides a means to monitor progression of disease as well as assess efficacies of potential therapeutics. This review provides an overview of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of microglia/macrophages in the brain. We describe the rationale behind PET imaging of microglia/macrophages with ligands that bind to translocator protein-18 kDa (TSPO). We discuss the prototype TSPO radioligand [11C]PK11195, its limitations, and the development of newer TSPO ligands as PET imaging agents. PET imaging agents for targets other than TSPO are emerging, and we outline the potential of these agents for imaging brain microglia/macrophage activity in vivo. Finally, we briefly summarize advances in MR imaging of microglia/macrophages using iron oxide nanoparticles and ultra-small super paramagnetic particles that are phagocytosed. Despite many technical advances, more sensitive agents are required to be useful indicators of neuroinflammation in brain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complex susceptibility of an insulating spin glass (Eu.43Sr.57)S at UHF frequencies

Abstract We have studied the complex permeability of an insulating spin glass (Eu .43 Sr .57 )S at frequencies of 840 MHz and 440 MHz. The behavior is qualitatively similar to measurements at much lower frequencies. A comparison to the two level system model is made for the low temperature limit of the imaginary permeability.
RESEARCH ARTICLE: Risk Perceptions of Natural Gas Development in the Marcellus Shale

Exploration and extraction of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale have created considerable controversy. At the core of these debates are differing perceptions of the level and types of risks invo...
Reducing crowding without increasing space: some applications of an attributional theory of crowding

Given a choice, few people would actively choose to be crowded. Crowding, or more correctly, the lack of crowding, has become a commodity that often determines the value of a particular piece of real estate or location. Viewing crowding as synonomous to density gives a rather dismal prognostication for the fate of millions of people. It is simply impossible to increase the amount of space available to individuals incarcerated in cities, prisons, mental institutions, or other situations where space is at a premium. However, the present view that links crowding to personal space and attribution offers a more optimistic view. I have attempted to simply scratch the surface of the possible measures that can be utilized to reduce crowding without increasing space. These measures fit both the theory and the research and seem not only to affect perceptions of crowding but also behavioral and interpersonal processes. While I think the results are encouraging, there are numerous questions that still must be answered before the personal space-attribution formula can be prescribed for public consumption. Such questions involve how lasting the effects of misattribution are in changing people's perceptions and behaviors. Also, can we actually get people to misattribute the cause of their arousal in situations that are familiar to them? That is, will the seasoned subway rider who has taken the subway to work for the last 20 years rearrange his perceptions and feel less crowded in this familiar environment? Before dismissing the possibility of causing these effects, it should be pointed out that this misattribution process has been utilized with some success to treat phobic individuals who have experienced phobia for much of their lives (Cooper, personal communication). In summary, there are still a number of questions to be answered but there are potential benefits from the resent approach to crowding.
Interaction of guanine nucleotides with adenylate cyclase in normal and spontaneously transformed RL-PR-C cloned rat hepatocytes

Abstract Spontaneous transformation of RL-PR-C hepatocytes leads to alterations in the adenylate cyclase complex which include a lower than normal basal level of activity, a loss of sensitivity to exogenous GTP, and a decreased sensitivity to isoproterenol. Both normal and transformed membranes posses substantial TGPase activity. Treatment of transformed hepatocyte membranes with either isoproterenol plus GMP or with cholera toxin, under conditions that displace tightly bound GDP, restored the GTP effect on adenylate cyclase, and eliminated the lag in the activation by guanyl-5′-yl-imidodiphosphate. Such pretreatment also enhanced guanine nucleotide effects on the adenylate cyclase of normal hepatocytes. These results are explainable on the basis that transformation increases adenylate cyclase-associated GTPase activity, and increase occupancy of nuceotide regulatory sites by inactive or inhibitory guanine nucleotides, e.g., GDP. Seemingly, both catecholamines and cholera toxin promote an exchange reaction at the regulatory sites, resulting in clearance of these sites of inhibitory nucleotides.
Noninvasive monitoring of cellular movements: the utility of MRI and magnetically labeled cells

Comment on Anderson et al, page [420][1] Since the demonstration that stem cells can track to various regions within the body and differentiate in a site-specific manner, researchers have sought to exploit them for therapy. In this issue, Anderson and colleagues use MRI to monitor the migration of
The body of Robbe-Grillet's text: Sex, myth, and politics in the “Nouveau nouveau roman”

Conventional novels move toward climax the way intercourse strives for orgasm (is the sexual terminology of literary criticism involuntary?). The “nouveau nouveau roman,” like Roland Barthes’ Le Phi& du fexte, also has pleasure in mind, but it accentuates the play, the texture of words, the detours, the fantasy, the in-and-out imagery, the very sexuality of the text. Claude Simon’s Les Corps conducteurs is an apt title for other similar body-texts, like Pinget’s Passacaille, Ricardou’s La Prise de Constantinople, or Robbe-Grillet’s Souvenirs du triangle d’or. Language in these novels, and in others like them, is treated as a body a body of words (is this a metaphor or a pun?) whose corporeality and resourcefulness are a source of pleasure and delight. Textuality and sexuality are one. Barthes speaks of a “langage tapisse de peau . . . la volupte des voyelles, toute une stereophonic de la chair profonde.” He asks that “l’ecriture a haute voix” capture the “presence du museau humain” in order to throw “le corps anonyme de l’acteur dans mon oreille: [oul ca granule, ca gresille, ca caresse, ca rape, ca coupe: ca jot&.“’ The traditional novel with its established conventions duplicated the order and unity of a Newtonian world, while the “new new novel,” with one foot in quantum theory, multiplies disorder and discontinuity. The reader’s new role is not to decipher a priori meaning, but to create meaning or non-meaning from multiple contradictory elements, from a parole which resists the reader’s attempts to force it into a pre-established mold. The “new new novel” requires readers who understand for instance, why Sade needed victims or why non-violence transforms an assailant. In short, this new fiction seeks readers who are willing to live with the autonomy of language and who are not offended by its generative, reflexive, and sexual characteristics. Once upon a time the Greeks responded to the logos while Christians believed that world order was determined by the word of God. In the relatively stable metaphysical climate of the nineteenth century, Balzac, like God, created a world which mirrored the society of his day, chronicling among other things, the rise of the bourgeoisie, the vicissitudes of wealth, a preoccupation with money and what it can buy (objects, power, sex, etc.). Balzac, like God in His world, was everywhere, but unlike Flaubert who wished to remain invisible, Balzac’s presence is a tangible force regulating narrative events. Until recently, the response of an artist atuned to the implications of modern science or to recent speculations in philosophy and
Synthesis of N-(4'-pyridoxyl)sphingosine and its uptake and metabolism by isolated cells.

N-(4′-Pyridoxyl)sphingosine was synthesized and characterized as a stable compound for specialized delivery of a bioactive lipid. It was found to be facilely taken up by hepatocytes although by a mechanism more typical for lipids than the one used by natural vitamin B6. Some of theN-(4′-pyridoxyl)sphingosine was metabolically acted upon inside the cell to release pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and sphingosine, but formation of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate from the synthetic compound was poor compared with natural vitamin forms of B6, which may partly be due to entrapment within cell membranes and to constraints at the level of cytosolic pyridoxal kinase which is responsible for phosphorylation of the vitamin. Unlike the parent long-chain base, the B6 conjugate was not particularly cytotoxic. Furthermore, the compound was neither an activator nor inhibitor of the respiratory burst of human neutrophils. These findings identify N-(4′-pyridoxyl)sphingosine as an interesting tool for studies of the cellular transport, metab...
Ascorbic acid and other chelating agents in the trace-mineral nutrition of the aphid myzus persicae on artificial diets

Growth of the aphid Myzus persicae fed artificial diets in which the required trace minerals (Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) were incorporated as chlorides was compared to growth on diets in which the minerals were supplied as sodium EDTA complexes. If the mineral chlorides were allowed to interact with L ascorbic acid prior to their incorporation into a diet, much less ascorbic acid was needed than if the ascorbic acid was added after incorporation of the mineral chlorides into a diet. Low levels of D ascorbic acid or citric acid acted similarly to L ascorbic acid. This was presumably by chelating the minerals. The complexes thus formed not only maintained the minerals in solution for ingestion but appeared to facilitate their utilization by the aphids. However, higher levels of L ascorbic acid were needed by the insects, presumably for purposes other than trace-mineral nutrition, when they were maintained for longer periods on the diets. Deterioration in the nutrient value of diets during 2–4 days at experimental temperatures was less with diets containing minerals complexed with citric acid than with ascorbic acid. Dietary riboflavin was detrimental to aphid growth. However, it was not established that this was the result of mineral deprivation through the formation of nutritionally unavailable mineral/riboflavin complexes. Enterobactine added to a diet effectively deprived the aphids of available iron. Higher levels of dietary iron could overcome such a deficiency. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Verglichen wurde das Wachstum von an kunstlichen Diaten ernahrten M. persicae, wenn entweder die erforderlichen Spurenmineralstoffe (Fe, Cu, Mn und Zn) als Chloride zugefugt waren oder als Natrium-EDTA-Komplexe. Wenn die Mineralstoffchloride und L-Ascorbinsaure vor der Inkorporation in die Diat aufeinander einwirken konnten, war viel weniger Ascorbinsaure notig als wenn zunachst die Mineralstoffchloride der Diat zugefugt wurden und dann die Ascorbinsaure. Geringe Dosen von D-Ascorbinsaure oder Zitronensaure wirkten ahnlich wie L-Ascorbinsaure, wahrscheinlich durch chelieren der Mineralstoffe. Die so gebildeten Komplexe hielten nicht nur die Mineralstoffe in Losung fur die Nahrungsaufnahme, sondern schienen auch ihre Verwertung durch die Lause zu erleichtern. Jedoch benotigten die Insekten hohere Dosen von L-Ascorbinsaure, wahrscheinlich zu anderer Verwendung als fur die Spurenmineralstoffernahrung, wenn sie langere Zeitraume an den Diaten gehalten wurden. Beeintrachtigung des Nahrwerts der Diaten nach 2–4 d bei den Versuchstemperaturen war geringer bei Diaten mit Mineralstoff-Zitronensaurekomplexen als mit Ascorbinsaure-Komplexen. Riboflavin in der Diat beeintrachtigte das Blattlauswachstum. Jedoch lies sich nicht nachweisen, das dies die Folge einer Mineralstoffverarmung durch die Bildung von unverwertbaren Mineralstoff-Riboflavinkomplexen war. Der Diat zugefugtes Enterobactin entzog den Lausen das verfugbare Eisen. Hohere Dosen von Eisen in der Diat konnte solchen Mangel aber beheben.
Gap-43 message levels in anterior cerebellum in Alzheimer's disease

We have previously reported that decreased growth-associated protein (GAP-43) message in frontal association cortex (area 9) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients is associated with increased density of neurons containing neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) [9]. This finding leads to the hypothesis that decreased GAP-43 message in AD may be related to NFTs, rather than to some other aspect of AD pathology. Therefore, we predicted that in areas of brain unaffected by NFTs in AD the GAP-43 message levels should be similar to those of controls. The cerebellum is known to have a number of pathologies of AD, including diffuse plaques (DPs), microglial activation and reactive astrocytes. NFTs, however, are not typically found in the cerebellum. mRNA was extracted from anterior cerebellum of AD and control cases, Northern- and slot-blotted and hybridized against a GAP-43 probe. Poly(dT) and glucose-3-phosphate dehydrogenase probes were used for normalization. The average relative GAP-43 message level was 0.582 in the AD cases and 0.448 in control cases. This 23% difference failed to reach statistical significance. Regression analysis within the AD group demonstrated that GAP-43 message level in cerebellar cortex was not significantly correlated with diffuse plaque density in cerebellar cortex. GAP-43 message levels in cerebellar cortex were also not correlated with summed density of neuritic plaques or summed density of NFTs in cortical regions-here used as an index of severity of disease. The data reported here also emphasize that the (NFT-dependent) reduction in GAP-43 mRNA levels previously reported in frontal association cortex in Alzheimer's disease [9] appears to be region specific and not a general brain phenomenon. The preservation of normal GAP-43 message levels in the cerebellum in AD is consistent with the hypothesis that events related to NFT formation have a major impact on the expression of GAP-43 in Alzheimer's disease.
Actions of cholinergic drugs in the nematode Ascaris suum. Complex pharmacology of muscle and motorneurons.

The cholinergic agonists acetylcholine (ACh), nicotine, and pilocarpine produced depolarizations and contractions of muscle of the nematode Ascaris suum. Dose-dependent depolarization and contraction by ACh were suppressed by about two orders of magnitude by 100 microM d-tubocurarine (dTC), a nicotinic antagonist, but only about fivefold by 100 microM N-methyl-scopolamine (NMS), a muscarinic antagonist. NMS itself depolarized both normal and synaptically isolated muscle cells. The muscle depolarizing action of pilocarpine was not consistently antagonized by either NMS or dTC. ACh receptors were detected on motorneuron classes DE1, DE2, DI, and VI as ACh-induced reductions in input resistance. These input resistance changes were reversed by washing in drug-free saline or by application of dTC. NMS applied alone lowered input resistance in DE1, but not in DE2, DI, or VI motorneurons. In contrast to the effect of ACh, the action of NMS in DE1 was not reversed by dTC, suggesting that NMS-sensitive sites may not respond to ACh. Excitatory synaptic responses in muscle evoked by depolarizing current injections into DE1 and DE2 motorneurons were antagonized by dTC; however, NMS antagonized the synaptic output of only the DE1 and DE3 classes of motorneurons, an effect that was more likely to have been produced by motorneuron conduction failure than by pharmacological blockade of receptor. The concentration of NMS required to produce these changes in muscle polarization and contraction, ACh antagonism, input resistance reduction, and synaptic antagonism was 100 microM, or more than five orders of magnitude higher than the binding affinity for [3H]NMS in larval Ascaris homogenates and adult Caenorhabditis elegans (Segerberg, M. A. 1989. Ph.D. thesis. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI). These results describe a nicotinic-like pharmacology, but muscle and motorneurons also have unusual responses to muscarinic agents.
Land use and host community characteristics as predictors of disease risk

Land use has been implicated as a major causal factor in the recent surge of emerging and reemerging zoonotic diseases worldwide. Whirling disease, a parasitic infection caused by the myxozoan, Myxobolus cerebralis, has led to major declines in wild trout populations within the Intermountain West of the USA and is suspected to be exacerbated by land and stream management practices that create favorable habitat for the oligochaete host, Tubifex tubifex. Our objectives were to quantify relationships between whirling disease risk and (1) land use and (2) characteristics of the oligochaete host community within four major watersheds in western Montana. Risk was quantified by the severity and prevalence of infection in caged sentinel rainbow trout. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to model land use (e.g., agriculture, mines) within watersheds. Importance of predictor variables was assessed using regression tree and random forest analyses. A low proportion of riparian forest, high road density, high oligochaete density, and high Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri density were identified as important predictors of high risk. Although we did not examine the mechanisms underlying these correlations, a low proportion of riparian forest and a high road density likely increase stream sedimentation, thus, increasing habitat for oligochaetes. Although relationships identified are not necessarily causal, the ability to predict areas most at risk of M. cerebralis establishment and proliferation using broad scale predictors should serve as a useful management tool within Montana and elsewhere.
Phonon modes of diamond (100) surfaces from ab initio calculations.

We present a realistic theoretical study of the surface-phonon spectra of diamond (100) surfaces. Our results reproduce the major features of the vibrational spectra of clean and hydrogenated diamond (100)-(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) surfaces obtained from experiments. The reconstruction of the diamond (100)-(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) surface yields a rich spectrum of surface modes and we identify surface features involving excitations of the surface dimer. We detail connections between atomistic surface modes and peaks observed in surface probes measuring vibrational excitations.
Preganglionic C-fibres: A major component of the sacral autonomic outflow to the colon of the cat

The sacral preganglionic pathways to the colon and urinary bladder of the cat were studied with electrophysiological techniques. Peak conduction velocities in preganglionic fibres to the colon ranged from 0.5 to 1.4 m/sec, whereas maximum velocities in the bladder pathway were between 8 to 10 m/sec. Thresholds for electrical stimulation of preganglionic axons to the colon were 7 to 10 times higher than thresholds for bladder efferents. It is concluded that the sacral parasympathetic inputs to the colon and bladder are composed, respectively, of nonmyelinated and myelinated fibres.
Effect of texture on the high temperature mechanical properties of Nb-1%Zr alloy

High temperature deformation properties of Nb–1%Zr alloy were evaluated with a special emphasis on the texture effect. Fully recrystallized Nb–1%Zr samples with different crystallographic textures were prepared by annealing 80% cold-rolled foil at 1500 °C for 2 h. Subsequent tensile tests at 1100 °C showed that the sample oriented in the rolling direction is about 20% stronger than that oriented 30° to the rolling direction.
Methyleugenol genotoxicity in the Fischer 344 rat using the comet assay and pathway-focused gene expression profiling

Methyleugenol (MEG), a constituent of human food, induces malignant tumors in multiple tissues of rats and mice. Although MEG forms DNA adducts and induces unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat liver, it is negative in many in vitro genetic toxicity assays. In the present study, we evaluated MEG-induced DNA damage in the rat using (1) the alkaline Comet assay, (2) the oxidative Comet assay, and (3) expression profiling of genes associated with DNA damage pathways. Male F344 rats received single oral doses of 400 or 1000 mg/kg body weight (bw) MEG and DNA damage was assessed by the Comet assay in liver, bladder, bone marrow, kidney, and lung 3 h and 24 h later. MEG failed to produce any increase in DNA damage. In addition, rats were given a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg bw MEG, and Comet assays were performed with liver, bone marrow, and bladder 1, 3, 6, and 8 h later. With one exception (bone marrow at 8 h), no DNA damage was detected. Enzyme-modified Comet assays were conducted in parallel with standard Comet assays in liver. Whereas no MEG-induced DNA damage was detected following formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase digestion, digestion with endonuclease III resulted in increases in DNA damage at the 6- and 8-h sampling times. Gene expression analysis on the livers from MEG-exposed rats showed significant reduction in genes associated with DNA repair. The results indicate that MEG induces DNA damage in rat liver and that oxidative DNA damages may be partly responsible for the genotoxicity of MEG in rodents.
Parallel Implementation of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Through Digital Pheromone Sharing

In this paper, a parallelization model for PSO through sharing of digital pheromones between multiple particle swarms to search n-dimensional design spaces is presented. Digital pheromones are models simulating real pheromones produced by insects for communication to indicate a source of food or a nesting location. Particle swarms search the design space with digital pheromones aiding communication within the swarm to improve search efficiency. Digital pheromones have demonstrated the capability of searching design spaces within PSO in the previous work by authors in both single and coarse granular parallel computing environments. Multiple swarms are simultaneously deployed across various processors in the coarse granular scheme and synchronization is carried out only when all swarms achieved convergence. This was done in an effort to reduce processor-to-processor communication and network latencies. With an appropriate parallelization scheme, the benefits of digital pheromones and swarm communication can potentially outweigh the network latencies resulting in improved search efficiency and accuracy. A swarm is deployed in the design space across different processors to explore this idea. Each part of the swarm is made to communicate with each other through an additional processor. Digital pheromones aiding within a swarm, communication between swarms is facilitated through the developed parallelization model. In this paper, the development and implementation of this method together with benchmarking test cases are presented.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Sports-related muscle injury in the lower extremity.

Muscle injuries are common and often occur during sport or training with over 90% caused by excessive strain or contusion [1]. A 5-year study of European soccer players showed muscle strain represented 30% of injuries with the quadriceps (32%), hamstring (28%), adductor (19%), and gastrocnemius (12%) muscle injuries being the most common [2]. Treatment typically consists of rest, ice, compression, elevation, and stretching and rehabilitation. Programs are designed to treat and prevent, as those with prior injuries are prone to recurrence. This problem is particularly important in elite athletes where decisions regarding return to play and player performance can have significant financial or strategic consequences for the player and team. This paper reviews the basic imaging techniques and the pertinent findings associated with common muscle injuries of the lower extremity, and emphasizes the imaging features, which can help guide treatment and offer prognosis. A general overview of muscle injury and imaging modalities is provided followed by a more detailed analysis of injuries to specific muscle groups of the lower extremity including the hamstrings, quadriceps, adductors, and lower leg muscles.
Electron spin relaxation rates for semiquinones between 25 and 295 K in glass-forming solvents

Abstract Electron spin lattice relaxation rates for five semiquinones (2,5-di-t-butyl-1,4-benzosemiquinone, 2,5-di-t-amyl-1,4-benzosemiquinone, 2,5-di-phenyl-1,4-benzosemiquinone, 2,6-di-t-butyl-1,4-benzosemiquinone, tetrahydroxy-1,4-benzosemiquione) were studied by long-pulse saturation recovery EPR in 1:4 glycerol:ethanol, 1:1 glycerol:ethanol, and triethanolamine between 25 and 295 K. Although the dominant process changes with temperature, relaxation rates vary smoothly with temperature, even near the glass transition temperatures, and could be modeled as the sum of contributions that have the temperature dependence that is predicted for the direct, Raman, local mode and tumbling-dependent processes. At 85 K, which is in a temperature range where the Raman process dominates, relaxation rates along the gxx (g ∼ 2.006) and gyy (g ∼ 2.005) axes are about 2.7–1.5 times faster than along the gzz axis (g = 2.0023). In highly viscous triethanolamine, contributions from tumbling-dependent processes are negligible. At temperatures above 100 K relaxation rates in triethanolamine are unchanged between X-band (9.5 GHz) and Q-band (34 GHz), so the process that dominates in this temperature interval was assigned as a local mode rather than a thermally activated process. Because the largest proton hyperfine couplings are only 2.2 G, spin rotation makes a larger contribution than tumbling-dependent modulation of hyperfine anisotropy. Since g anisotropy is small, tumbling-dependent modulation of g anisotropy makes a smaller contribution than spin rotation at X-band. Although there was negligible impact of methyl rotation on T1, rotation of t-butyl or t-amyl methyl groups enhances spin echo dephasing between 85 and 150 K.
A biologically inspired mobility control framework for energy conservation in sensor networks

This paper presents a paradigm for extending network life by introducing energy-aware mobility in wireless sensor networks. The concept of controlled mobility for energy saving has been motivated by a natural grouping behavior that is observed in Emperor penguins in the Antarctic region. During the winters, a group of those penguins form a closely huddled group to improve their collective heat insulation. Individual penguins within a group exhibit a local mobility pattern that ensures that each individual spends roughly equal amount of time at the periphery of the group, where heat loss is the maximum. As a result, the total heat loss of the group is thought to be evenly distributed across all the individuals. In this paper, we first draw a parallel between the heat loss of a penguin at the group periphery, and the routing energy burden of sensor nodes near the aggregating base stations in a sensor network. Then we develop a fully distributed and localized mobility control algorithm for collective extension of the network life. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed controlled mobility paradigm can significantly extend a sensor network's operating life even in situations where the energy cost of physical node movement is modeled as high as up to four orders of magnitude larger than the energy cost for packet transmission. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This paper presents a paradigm for extending network life by introducing energy-aware mobility in sensor networks. Controlled mobility for energy saving has been motivated by a natural grouping behavior that is observed in Emperor penguins in the Antarctic. We develop a fully distributed and localized mobility algorithm for collective extension of network lifetime. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed paradigm can significantly extend a sensor network's operating life even when physical movement energy cost is up to four orders of magnitude larger than packet transmission cost. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Problems with the Wright Route to Skepticism

Crispin Wright (1991) presents what he takes to be the strongest Cartesian skeptical argument and then offers a subtle and complex analysis of the argument's weaknesses. His strategy for "imploding" the Cartesian demon involves an intricate and extended comparison between his reconstructed Cartesian skeptical argument from dreaming and a parallel argument concerning knowledge based on intellection. I will not consider this comparison here. Instead, I will begin by raising some questions about Wright's use of some epistemic notions in his reconstruction of the skeptical argument from dreaming. In particular, I will focus upon his choice of the notion of warrant, as opposed to reasonable, or justified belief, as the object of skeptical attention. I will argue that Wright fails to establish, or even make plausible, his crucial skeptical premise that I lack warrantfor believing that I am not dreaming. Until this premise has been successfully supported, there is no need for Wright to embark upon the complex criticism of the argument from dreaming in which he considers skepticism about intellection.I To set the stage, let us note that Wright is critical of expositors of skepticism who see skeptical arguments as aimed at somehow directly establishing that one lacks knowledge, while remaining silent about weaker epistemic notions. The problem with such an interpretation of skepticism, says Wright, is that the antiskeptic can make a simple Russellian retreat in the face of the skeptic's direct attack on knowledge, conceding the absence of knowledge while maintaining that, for all the skeptic has shown, one is fully justified in believing all the propositions one cherishes. On the other hand, Wright is leery of those who see skeptical argu-
The utility of MRI in the evaluation of odontoid fractures.

Study Design Retrospective radiographic review. Objective The purpose of this study was to reassess the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of type II and shallow type III odontoid fractures. Summary of Background Data The authors of previous studies have reported a 10% incidence of transverse atlantal ligament (TAL) injury with odontoid fractures and suggested that all odontoid fractures be evaluated preoperatively with MRI. Methods A retrospective radiographic review was performed on all odontoid fractures treated with anterior screw fixation from 1987 to 2006. Patients were not screened for TAL injury with MRI or dynamic radiographs before surgery. Each patient had dynamic studies using intraoperative fluoroscopy after screw placement. Evidence of TAL injury was also evaluated on follow-up radiographs by measuring the atlantodental interval (ADI) on neutral, flexion, and extension films. For the purpose of this study, an ADI>3 mm indicated possible TAL injury. Neutral follow-up radiographs were available for 77 patients (mean follow-up, 17.5 mo), and flexion/extension films were available for 34 patients (mean follow-up, 16.4 mo). The mean ADI of the patients with neutral films was 1.1 mm (range=0.5 to 2.1 mm). The mean ADI of the patients with flexion/extension films was 1.2 mm (range=0.6 to 1.8 mm) for flexion and 1.2 mm for extension (range=0.5 to 2.8 mm). There was no evidence of atlantoaxial instability to suggest TAL disruption. Conclusions The results of our study demonstrate that the patients with type II and shallow type III odontoid fractures do not require MRI screening for TAL injury. We found no cases of patients with late instability to suggest that a TAL injury was missed.
Preparation and characterization of zeolite X membranes via pulsed-laser deposition

Zeolite X films have been prepared utilizing pulsed-laser deposition onto TiN-coated silicon wafers and porous stainless steel disks. Laser ablation of zeolite X onto TiN-coated silicon wafers followed by a hydrothermal treatment resulted in partially oriented, crystalline NaX membranes. Hydrothermal treatment of laser-deposited films on stainless steel mesh produced a coated wire mesh with a ∼3-μm-thick zeolite X film. Hydrothermal treatment of the laser-deposited films on 0.5 μm diameter pore stainless steel frits resulted in a densely packed non-continuous film.
Element orbitals for Kohn-Sham density functional theory

We present a method to discretize the Kohn-Sham Hamiltonian matrix in the pseudopotential framework by a small set of basis functions automatically contracted from a uniform basis set such as plane waves. Each basis function is localized around an element, which is a small part of the global domain containing multiple atoms. We demonstrate that the resulting basis set achieves meV accuracy for three-dimensional densely packed systems with a small number of basis functions per atom. The procedure is applicable to both insulating and metallic systems.
A burst of auxilin recruitment determines the onset of clathrin-coated vesicle uncoating

Clathrin-coated pits assemble on a membrane and pinch off as coated vesicles. The released vesicles then rapidly lose their clathrin coats in a process mediated by the ATPase Hsc70, recruited by auxilin, a J-domain-containing cofactor. How is the uncoating process regulated? We find that during coat assembly small and variable amounts of auxilin are recruited transiently but that a much larger burst of association occurs after the peak of dynamin signal, during the transition between membrane constriction and vesicle budding. We show that the auxilin burst depends on domains of the protein likely to interact with lipid head groups. We conclude that the timing of auxilin recruitment determines the onset of uncoating. We propose that, when a diffusion barrier is established at the constricting neck of a fully formed coated pit and immediately after vesicle budding, accumulation of a specific lipid can recruit sufficient auxilin molecules to trigger uncoating.
Flow changes in the aorta associated with the deployment of a AAA stent graft

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic implications of a proximal shift in the aortic bifurcation that results from abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) stent graft deployment. A flow model was constructed in which an anatomically accurate model of the aorta was subjected to physiologic pulsatile flow. The model included the celiac, superior mesenteric, left and right renal arteries. The aortic bifurcation, leading to the right and left iliac arteries was included, as well as the lumbar curvature. Flow simulations were performed under resting and mild exercise conditions with and without a Cordis AAA stent graft deployed. Flow patterns were visualized with dye injection and recorded onto video. The flow rates through the iliac and renal arteries were continuously monitored using ultrasonic flowmeters. Flow visualization revealed that flow disturbances at the level of the renal arteries were slightly increased with the deployment of the stent graft. The orientation of the endolegs within the aorta had no perceptible effect on these disturbances. Under mild exercise conditions, very little flow disturbance was observed. In conclusion, there are slight changes in flow disturbance near the renal arteries due to stent graft deployment, but these changes would not be expected to have significant clinical implications.
Photomechanical stabilization and positioning with polymer optical fibers

Based on the well known observation that refractive index changes can be induced with light and that such changes are often accompanied by density and length changes, we have demonstrated photomechanical effects (light induced length changes) in polymer optical fibers and have applied these effects to make all-optical devices that have a mechanical function. In particular, we report on the observation of the slower photothermal mechanism and the faster electrostrictive mechanism. These two mechanisms are applied to build an all-optical position stabilizer and digital positioner; and an ultrafast all-optical positioner.
Synthesis of Dispersed and Contiguous Nanoparticles in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrodes

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrodes, after their high temperature sintering, may be impregnated (infiltrated) to deposit nanoparticles within their pores. There are two main motivations for modifying the electrodes: (i) to add catalytic function, and (ii) to enhance electronic or ionic conduction pathways, since either or both may not be sufficient within the as-sintered electrodes. The impregnated particles take on two configurations: dispersed or connected. While dispersed nanoparticles introduce catalysts, connected nanoparticulate networks can add conduction paths in addition to enhancing catalysis. This paper reviews the prevalent SOFC electrode types, the function of the impregnated nanoparticles, and the common impregnation methods. Specific attention is given to the optimal uses of each method, with positives and negatives addressed for each.
and ψ′ suppression in high-energy heavy-ion collisions

Abstract The anomalous suppression of J gy production in PbPb collisions at 158A GeV observed by the NA50 Collaboration can be explained as due to the occurrence of a new phase of strong J ψ absorption, which sets in when the local energy density exceeds about 3.4 GeV/fm 3 . The peculiar behavior of the ψ′ ψ ratio in p -A and nucleus-nucleus collisions can be understood as due to approximately equal ψ - N and ψ ′- N absorption cross sections, but greater absorption cross sections for ψ′ than J ψ with regard to absorption by soft particles and matter in the new phase.