cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flash X-Ray Diffraction System for Ultrafast Temperature and Phase Transition Measurements

A novel ultrafast diagnostic for determining bulk temperature and phase transitions for polycrystalline metal objects has been developed. The diagnostic consists of a 38-stage Marx bank with a cable-coupled X-ray diode that produces a 35-ns pulse of mostly 0.71 Angstrom monochromatic X rays, and a P-43 fluor coupled to a cooled charge-coupled device camera by a coherent fiber-optic bundle for detection of scattered X rays. The X-ray beam is collimated to a 1deg divergence in the scattering plane with the combination of a 1.5-mm tungsten pinhole and a 1.5-mm diameter molybdenum anode. The X-ray diode, in a needle-and-washer configuration, is heavily shielded in all directions other than the collimated beam. The X-ray diode has a sealed reentrant system, which allows the X rays to be produced inside a vacuum containment vessel, close to the sample under study. The direct correlation between the solid-state structure and the coherent X-ray diffraction pattern from a metal surface allows an unequivocal determination of a phase transition. This correlation has been tested in the laboratory with samples of indium and tin. For both metals, diffraction lines were observed at temperatures just below the melt temperature, along with background consisting of Compton scattering and sample fluorescence. Upon melt, the diffraction lines were observed to disappear; however, the background from Compton scattering and sample fluorescence remained. Flash X-ray diffraction also enables direct ultrafast measurements of the bulk temperature of the sample under study. According to the Debye-Waller theory, the diffracted line intensity reduces as the temperature of the sample increases. The amplitude of the reduced diffracted signal also depends on the Debye temperature of the sample, the scattering angle of the diffracted X rays, and the X-ray wavelength. The feasibility of using the Debye-Waller theory for flash X-ray diffraction measurements of the bulk temperature is currently being studied.
Dynamic Recrystallization (DRX) as the Mechanism for Sn Whisker Development. Part II: Experimental Study

In Part I of this study, a dynamic recrystallization (DRX) model was proposed to describe the development of metal whiskers. A diffusion-assisted, dislocation-based mechanism would support the DRX steps of grain initiation (refinement) and grain growth. This, Part II, describes experiments investigating the time-dependent deformation (creep) of Sn under temperature conditions (0°C, 25°C, 50°C, 75°C, and 100°C) and stresses (1 MPa, 2 MPa, 5 MPa, and 10 MPa) that are commensurate with Sn whisker development, in order to parameterize the DRX process. The samples, which had columnar grains oriented perpendicular to the stress axis similar to their morphology in Sn coatings but of larger size, were tested in the as-fabricated condition as well as after 24 h annealing treatments at 150°C or 200°C. The steady-state creep behavior fell into two categories: low ( 10−7 s−1). The apparent activation energy (ΔH) at low strain rates was 8 ± 9 kJ/mol for the as-fabricated condition, indicating that an anomalously or ultrafast diffusion mass transport mechanism assisted deformation. Under the high strain rates, the ΔH was 65 ± 6 kJ/mol (as-fabricated). The rate kinetics were not altered significantly by the annealing treatments. The critical strain (e c) and Zener–Hollomon parameter (Z) confirmed that these stresses and temperatures were nearly capable of causing cyclic DRX in the Sn creep samples, but would certainly do so in Sn coatings with the smaller grain size. The effects of the annealing treatments, coupled with the DRX model, indicate the need to maximize the creep strain rate during stress relaxation so as to avoid conditions that would favor whisker growth. This study provides a quantitative methodology for predicting the likelihood of whisker growth based upon the coating stress, grain size, temperature, and the similarity assumption of creep strain.
Maximum likelihood estimation of the correlation coefficient in a bivariate normal model with missing data

The maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of the correlation coefficient and its asymptotic properties are well-known for bivariate normal data when no observations are missing. The situation in which one of the two variates is not observed in some of the data is examined herein. The MLE of the correlation coefficient in the missing data case is shown to be asymptotically normal with variance smaller than that when using only the complete bivariate data. The asymptotic results are valid when the number of incomplete data pairs tends to infinity at a faster rate than the number of complete data pairs. The proofs require some mathematical detail since the sample sizes tend to infinity simultaneously rather than individually. A small simulation study corroborates the theoretical results.
A miniature cryogenic scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer for mid-IR to submm astronomical observations

We have designed and evaluated a Miniature Cryogenic Scanning Fabry-Perot (MCSF) interferometer which can be inserted into the optical path of a mid-IR camera to observe fine structure lines in the 25-40 μm wavelength regime. The MCSF uses free standing metal meshes as its filters and can scan over a length of ~2 mm. The short wavelength range in which the MCSF will be used requires very tight fabrication tolerances to maintain the parallelism of the meshes to within 0.15 μm and to obviate the need for dynamic parallelizing adjusters. A monolithic notch flexure design delivers these properties and minimizes the number of moving parts, maximizing reliability. The scanning mechanism includes a cryogenic stepper motor that drives a miniature fine-adjustment screw via a worm gear assembly. This allows for a step resolution of 1 step ~ 14 nm when operating in full step mode. Finite Element Analysis of the MCSF’s monolithic flexure guided the design and confirmed that the MCSF will remain within required limits over the course of operation. We developed the MCSF for use in the mid-IR camera FORCAST on the 2.5 meter SOFIA telescope.
Butler–Sugimoto monomolecular bilayer interface model: The effect of oxygen on the surface tension of a liquid metal and its wetting of a ceramic

Abstract The influence of oxygen on liquid–gas surface tension of molten metals has been well-investigated experimentally and modeled theoretically via the Szyszkowski equation, derivable from the Butler molecular monolayer interface model. However, there is no corresponding model describing the experimentally observed profound effect of oxygen partial pressure on solid–liquid surface tension as well as on contact angle of molten metals on ceramic substrates. Here, we utilize the Butler–Sugimoto thermodynamic approach based on a monomolecular bilayer interface model to investigate the effect of oxygen partial pressure on liquid–gas as well as solid–liquid surface tension of molten Cu/Al 2 O 3 and molten Ag/Al 2 O 3 systems. It is shown that both liquid–gas and solid–liquid surface tension are a strong function of oxygen activity in the melt, which, in turn, depends on gas-phase oxygen partial pressure, in conformity with experiments. The change in solid–liquid surface tension and wetting is also greatly affected by the change in liquid–gas surface tension. This improved understanding is of practical significance in many applications.
Molecular weight studies of several organophosphorus acids

Abstract Molecular weight studies of several organophosphorus acids of the types (GO)2PO(OH), (GO)G′PO(OH) and (GO)PO(OH)2 have been made in several solvents, using an isothermal distillation method. In general, the monobasic acids are dimers in solvents such as n-hexane, cyclohexane, benzene and carbon tetrachloride; monomers in methyl alcohol; and intermediate in chloroform and acetone. Mono-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid is highly polymeric in n-hexane and cyclohexane, the molecular weight being 8–14·5 times the formula weight; hexameric in benzene and carbon tetrachloride; dimeric in acetone; and monomeric in methyl alcohol. The change in state of aggregation, for both the mono and dibasic acids, as the diluent is varied, parallels the predicted variation in solute-solvent interaction.
19-20 May 1969, an example of type III emission during the impulsive phase of flares

Examination of two multiple impulsive events in May 1969, and comparison of their impulsive Ha, hard X-ray, and microwave components with the observed type III emission. No good correlation was observed between meter intensity and the degree of simultaneous Ha outflow, although almost every type III burst had some associated Ha activity. Correspondingly, an inverse relationship existed between X-ray and type III emission - i.e., a strong meter burst accompanied weak X-radiation. This, along with the fact that sufficient energetic electrons were normally present to produce the X rays, implies that the trajectory, rather than electron spectrum or supply, determines whether type III noise is observed during an impulsive event.
99 EFFECTS OF CHRONIC HYPOXIA ON CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSICLOGICAL FUNCTION

Because of arrhythmias seen in children with cyanotic congenital cardiac disease, we compared electrophysiological (EP) function in normoxically raised rabbits (N) with EP function in rabbits raised in an hypoxic environment (H, ambient pO2=60 torr). Twelve week-old rabbits (N, H) were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium and alpha-chloralose. Insulated stainless steel wires were sutured directly to the right atrium for pacing. Surface ECG and arterial blood pressure (EP) were recorded. An intra-cardiac electrogram was recorded from a bipolar catheter inserted via the left superior vena cava into the coronary sinus. Data are presented in milliseconds and are compared as irean ± standard error of the mean. Significance was set at p<0.02. The control cycle length in H (330±9.9) was significantly longer than in N (231±16.2). Rapid atrial pacing resulted in a corrected pacemaker recovery time (CPRT) that was not significantly different between the two groups. Single programed extra stimuli ware used to evaluate atrial and AV nodal effective (AERP, AVNERP) and functional refractory periods (AFRP, AVNFRP). Statistically significant differences were found in AFRP, AVNFRP, and in AERP when results of N were compared to H. AVNERP was not significantly different. BP did not differ between H and N prior to or during the pacing protocol. We conclude that, in this model, chronic hypoxia during maturation alters control cycle length and influences cardiac EP function. This information may be important in evaluating arrhythmias in children with cyanotic congenital cardiac disease.
Elevated umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio in the absence of fetal growth restriction

To evaluate whether patients with isolated elevation of umbilical artery (UA) systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio are at increased risk for adverse perinatal outcome. This is a retrospective cohort study of 330 patients who underwent routine evaluation at our maternal fetal medicine center. We regularly perform UA S/D ratio analysis with every third trimester sonogram. All identified patients were included and divided into four groups based on estimated fetal weight (EFW) and UA S/D ratio. Perinatal outcome was compared between the groups. Regardless of the EFW, fetuses with persistent elevated UA S/D ratio showed significantly more preterm deliveries (p < .001), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions (p < .001), longer stay in the NICU (p < .001) and lower birth weight (p < .001) relative to controls. Stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that being a member in any study group significantly and independently predicted birth weight less than the 10th percentile and preterm delivery. Patients with persistently elevated S/D ratio were significantly and independently from other factors, more likely to have a newborn admitted to the NICU. Our results indicate a suboptimal perinatal outcome in all pregnancies with an elevated UA S/D ratio. These fetuses may benefit from intensive monitoring.
Effect of strain induced charge redistribution on young's modulus of zinc oxide nanowires

As the size of material decreases to nanoscale, fundamental material properties such as Young’s modulus are different from bulk values. In this paper, we propose a new mechanism to explain the difference in experimentally observed Young’s modulus values between zinc oxide nanowires and bulk zinc oxide. As a binary compound material (such as zinc oxide) is strained, the effective charge on the ionic constituents of the material changes (in this case zinc and oxygen). The strain induced charge redistribution effect is more significant in nanostructures (such as nanowires) because of their higher fracture strains compared to their bulk counterparts. Since the Young’s modulus of a material is related to the effective charge, we observe differences in modulus values between nanowires and their bulk equivalent. The strain induced charge redistribution phenomenon can also be used to explain variation in modulus values between bulk and nanoscale for other single crystal piezoelectric materials such as silicon carbide.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
DETERMINATION OF SULFUR IN POLYSACCHARIDES BY NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS.

Abstract The method of neutron activation analysis has been described in application to sulfur determination in algal polysaccharides. Bombardment of micrograms of sulfur with fast neutrons in a nuclear reactor results in an ( n , p ) reaction with the production of sufficient radioactive phosphorus (P 32 ) for quantitative detection with an ordinary Geiger counter. A 10-day period after activation has been found necessary to allow decay of short-lived radioisotopes produced by activation. Subsequent to this 10-day “cooling off” period, the materials activated decayed with a t 1 2 of 14.3 days, characteristic of P 32 . A device has been fabricated to rotate samples in the reactor during activation, to assure a uniform neutron flux to each sample. The method is recommended for its precision, sensitivity, and simplicity.
High-performance faceted domes for tactical and strategic missiles

Faceted seeker domes have attributes which make them desirable for use as apertures for many types of missiles, and they exhibit only minor loss in electro-optical performance over counterpart hemispherical domes. Results of tests demonstrating transmission and modulation transfer function of faceted domes developed for use with midwave infrared sensors are discussed.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Combining Researcher, Clinical and Personal Roles: Enrichment or Confusion?

The film project showed that the production and use of films is feasible and indeed, rather easy. We demonstrated that at least in the tested environment, films can have spectacular acceptability. We are satisfied that uncomplicated films with direct messages are easily perceived and understood by people who have had no prior exposure to cinema. But, we also learned that a program of this sort cannot work without fuel and will not be successful without enthusiastic and dedicated medical support. Unfortunately, filming is expensive and the results are likely to be slow in coming in traditional societies. Cost-effectiveness analysis is certain to be unfavorable in terms of early results. Cost-acceptor ratios will be high. We would argue from our experience that there is a place for the use of films in situations resembling those of Idjwi. Our argument is based more on experience and intuition than on hard data, but there are data which are supportive. Given logistical support and an enthusiastic health service which will dedicate substantial time, then we are convinced that films can be instrumental in effecting changes in information, attitude, and behavior that can be keystones in family planning programs.
Rotations of brittle particles during plastic deformation of ductile alloys

Abstract Experimental evidence is presented to show that significant rotations of brittle phase inclusions of a Fe-rich intermetallic phase occur during plastic deformation on an AlMgSi base wrought aluminum alloy. The particle rotations are quantitatively characterized, for uniaxial tension, compression, torsion, and notch-tension test specimens strained to different strain levels. The particle rotations are monitored by measuring the morphological orientation distribution function of the particles. Significant particle rotations occur under all loading conditions. The morphological orientation distribution function evolves with plastic strain under uniaxial tension, compression, and torsion. The particles tend to align themselves in the direction parallel to applied (or induced) tensile stress for deformation under tension and compression. In the case, of torsion test specimens, at least up to 98% torsion strain, the particles tend to align along the direction at an angle of 45° to torsion axis.
Bifurcation theory of poloidal rotation in tokamaks: A model for L-H transition.

It is shown that the poloidal momentum balance equation in tokamaks has bifurcated solutions. The poloidal flow velocity ${U}_{p}$ can suddenly become more positive when the ion collisionality decreases. The corresponding radial electric field ${E}_{r}$ becomes more negative and hence suppresses the turbulent fluctuations. Thus, plasma confinement is improved. The theory is employed to explain the L-H transition observed in tokamaks.
Differing asthma prevalence by gross national index of country of birth among New York City residents.

Background The hygiene hypothesis suggests that higher exposure to infectious agents may be one reason for regional differences in asthma. This would suggest that immigrants from less developed countries, where infections are more common, to highly developed countries will have lower risk of asthma compared with natives, as has been found in a number of studies. We expand the research on immigrants to look at the level of development in country of origin as a predictor of asthma in New York City residents. Methods Data came from the 2009 cross-sectional Community Health Survey. We used logistic regression to assess the relationship of country of birth and the gross national income (GNI), an indicator of the level of development, of country of birth with asthma among immigrants and US-born New York City residents. Results Those who were foreign born had lower odds of having asthma compared with those US born (OR = 0.43, P < 0.001). There was a dose relationship between GNI and asthma with decreasing odds of having asthma associated with lower GNI in country of birth (low GNI country: OR = 0.26, P = 0.014; middle GNI country: OR = 0.36, P < 0.001; and high GNI country = reference). Conclusions These findings lend support to the hygiene hypothesis in that the odds of having asthma among New York City residents was lowest among people born in the least developed countries, as indicated by GNI, where infections are likely the most common.
NMR identification of hexamethylenetetramine and its precursor in Titan tholins: Implications for Titan prebiotic chemistry

Abstract The reddish brown organic haze surrounding Titan has been investigated using methods including remote observation, direct exploration (the Cassini mission) and laboratory simulations, but its formation mechanism and the contributing chemical structures and prebiotic potential are still not well understood. We report here the structural investigation of the 13 C and 15 N labeled, simulated Titan haze aerosol (tholin) using solution-state NMR. These spectra demonstrate a material composed of a mixture of moderate polymer and small molecules. Hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) is identified as the major small molecule component in the Titan tholin and its precursor (1,3,5-hexahydrotriazine) is also detected. We discuss the formation mechanism of HMT and its implications for Titan and early Earth prebiotic chemistry.
The roles of O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine in cardiovascular physiology and disease

More than 1,000 proteins of the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria are dynamically modified by O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc), an essential post-translational modification of metazoans. O-GlcNAc, which modifies Ser/Thr residues, is thought to regulate protein function in a manner analogous to protein phosphorylation and, on a subset of proteins, appears to have a reciprocal relationship with phosphorylation. Like phosphorylation, O-GlcNAc levels change dynamically in response to numerous signals including hyperglycemia and cellular injury. Recent data suggests that O-GlcNAc appears to be a key regulator of the cellular stress response, the augmentation of which is protective in models of acute vascular injury, trauma hemorrhage, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. In contrast to these studies, O-GlcNAc has also been implicated in the development of hypertension and type II diabetes, leading to vascular and cardiac dysfunction. Here we summarize the current understanding of the roles of O-GlcNAc in the heart and vasculature.
Systems Analysis Applied to Crop Protection

This paper reviews the biological problem of crop protection from a systems analysis point of view, and discusses the commonalities in the biological and mathematical form of the population models used to describe the interactions between trophic levels (e.g. herbivore–plant). The historical development of the mathematical models is presented. The uses of these models in crop production are discussed.
Effects of interferon gamma and major histocompatibility complex-encoded subunits on peptidase activities of human multicatalytic proteases.

Abstract We have examined several peptidase activities of human multicatalytic protease (MCP) purified from the lymphoblastoid cell line 721.45 and a deletion mutant derivative, 721.174, lacking MCP subunits encoded in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II region. Wild-type lymphoblast MCP hydrolyzed a specific peptide, glutaryl-Gly-Gly-Phe-4-methylcoumaryl-7-amide (-MCA), several times faster than the mutant enzyme did, suggesting that MHC-encoded subunits may provide this activity. Contrary to a recent report [Driscoll, J., Brown, M. G., Finley, D. & Monaco, J J. (1993) Nature (London) 365, 262-264], we did not detect significant aminopeptidase associated with lymphoblast MCPs. Our results also differ markedly from those of Gaczynska et al. [Gaczynska, M., Rock, K. L. & Goldberg, A L. (1993) Nature (London) 365, 264-267], who reported that gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) alters the peptidase activities of lymphoblast MCPs. We found that IFN-gamma did not produce significant differences in the peptidase activities of purified MCPs. Moreover, our measurements of Vmax and Km for succinyl-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-MCA hydrolysis differ 600-fold and 15-fold, respectively, from those reported by Gaczynska et al. On balance, the findings presented here do not support the idea that IFN-gamma induces major changes in the peptidase activity of purified MCPs.
Onset of Odorant Receptor Gene Expression during Olfactory Sensory Neuron Regeneration

Individual olfactory sensory neurons are thought to express only one odorant receptor gene from a repertoire of hundreds to thousands of genes. How do these sensory neurons choose just one specific odorant receptor to express during their differentiation? As an initial attempt toward understanding the process of odorant receptor gene regulation, we studied when odorant receptor expression is activated during sensory neuron regeneration. We find that receptor gene expression is activated in postmitotic neurons and can occur in the absence of the olfactory bulb. These results suggest that receptor expression is restricted to the terminal stages of olfactory neuron differentiation, and sensory neurons do not simply inherit the odorant receptor that is already expressed in mitotic precursor cells. Our results also support a model in which odorant receptor gene expression occurs independent of the olfactory bulb.
Invasion of Bromus tectorum L. into Western North America: An ecological chronicle

Abstract Bromus tectorum L., the most ubiquitous alien in steppe vegetation in the intermountain West of North America, entered British Columbia, Washington, and Utah ca. 1889–1894. By ca. 1928 the grass had reached its present distribution occupying much of the perennial grasslands in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and British Columbia as native grasses dwindled with overgrazing and cultivation. In the process this cleistogamous winter annual may have competitively displaced both native colonizers (including cleistogamous us annual grasses) as well as the dominants of climax stands. The spread of B. tectorum demonstrates the degree of success an alien may achieve when preadaption, habitat alteration simultaneous with entry, unwitting conformation of agricultural practices to the plant's ecology and apparent susceptibility of the native flora to invasion, are all in phase.
Properties of an inhibitor of DNA synthesis in supernatants of activated lymphocytes.

Abstract An 80,000 daltons non-cytotoxic inhibitor of DNA synthesis (IDS) of both mitogenactivated lymphocytes and HeLa cells was purified 28-fold from supernatants of 5 dayserum-free cultures of PHA-stimulated human lymphocytes. Purification was based on an assay measuring the inhibition of calf thymus DNA polymerase α utilizing denatured DNA in cell-free systems. Samples containing IDS activity inhibited a variety of DNA-template directed polymerases (calf thymus DNA polymerase α, DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from E. coli , and reverse transcriptase from avian myeloblastosis virus) suggesting that it acts on the DNA template rather than on the polymerase. In addition, single-stranded [ 3 H] OX174 DNA bound to IDS and the addition of IDS to native calf thymus DNA induced a hyperchromic shift in absorbance at 260 nm. IDP activity was distinguishable from contaminating lymphotoxin and RNase-H-like activities by heating to 70 °C for 15 min, a treatment destroying IDP only. The large size of IDS and its presumed intracellular site of action raise questions whether this lymphocyte factor functions to modulate DNA synthesis in the cell elaborating it or is specifically secreted to modulate replication of surrounding cells.
Spectroscopic and computational studies of the de novo designed protein DF2t: correlation to the biferrous active site of ribonucleotide reductase and factors that affect O2 reactivity.

DF2t, a de novo designed protein that mimicks the active-site structure of many non-heme biferrous enzymes, has been studied using a combination of circular dichroism (CD), magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and variable-temperature variable-field (VTVH) MCD. The active site of DF2t is found to have one five-coordinate iron and one four-coordinate iron, which are weakly antiferromagnetically coupled through a μ-1,3 carboxylate bridge. These results bear a strong resemblance to the spectra of Escherichia coli ribonucleotide reductase (R2), and density functional theory calculations were conducted on the W48F/D84E R2 mutant in order to determine the energetics of formation of a monodentate end-on-bound O2 to one iron in the binuclear site. The μ-1,3 carboxylate bridges found in O2-activating enzymes lack efficient superexchange pathways for the second electron transfer (i.e., the OH/oxo bridge in hemerythrin), and simulations of the binding of O2 in a monodentate end-on manner revealed that the bridging car...
Paraneoplastic pemphigus: A case with high titer of circulating anti-basement membrane zone autoantibodies

Multiple flaccid bullae, erosions, and tense bullae developed in a 67-year-old man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A biopsy specimen revealed features of typical pemphigus vulgaris (suprabasilar clefting with acantholysis), paraneoplastic pemphigus (necrotic keratinocytes and hydropic degeneration in addition to acantholysis), and bullous pemphigoid (subepidermal separation and epidermal regeneration). Direct and indirect immunofluorescence studies revealed deposits of immunoglobulins and C3 within the intercellular substance and basement membrane zone in some specimens. Immunoprecipitation of serum revealed four polypeptides with molecular weights of 250, 230, 210, and 190 kd.
Bringing the Deliberative Back In: Gadamer on Conversation and Understanding

In response to their critics, deliberative theorists have increasingly paid attention to the conditions that make democratic deliberation possible. In so doing, however, they have largely neglected what it is that deliberation actually does. This paper is an attempt to bring reflection on deliberation back into the theory of deliberative democracy through the work of Hans-Georg Gadamer. Building on the recent accomplishments of deliberative theorists, I use Gadamer's phenomenology of conversation to highlight what deliberation does — that is, what takes place when dialogue leads to understanding in politics. The novelty of this approach lies in its shift in focus away from the conditions for deliberation and to the dialogue itself. This shift reveals that theorists of deliberative democracy simultaneously demand too much and expect too little: they demand too much from citizens in terms of the attitudes and dispositions required for deliberation, but they expect too little in terms of its results, content with accommodation or mutual respect rather than seeking understanding or transformation. I argue that Gadamer's approach deepens and extends the insights of the deliberative theorists by showing us how dialogue discloses a common subject, creates a common language, and puts our prejudices at risk.
Methodology for assessing the full costs of technology

The use of the Reference Energy System concept as a versatile simplified method of assessing the impact of technological change is presented. Its use directly for judgemental analysis, to demonstrate the results of more complex analyses, and its role in providing a readily understandable baseline provide an ideal vehicle for analyses which do not warrant the expense or complexity of more detailed models.
Evaluation of thumbwheel text entry methods

Text entry becomes increasingly complex as devices shrink in size. This paper presents the findings of a comparison study of two thumbwheel text entry methods for mobile devices. In the first method, the character set (letters, numbers, punctuation) was implemented as a continuous loop. In the second method, characters were arranged in a two-level menu structure. Thumbwheel methods provide a viable and realistic alternative to keyboard, keypad, stylus, or voice text entry on ultra-small mobile devices.
Constructing and Testing Theological Models

In order for theology to have a cognitive dimension, it is necessary to have procedures for testing and critically evaluating theological models. We make use of certain features of scientific models to show how science has been able to move beyond the poles of foundationalisin, represented by logical positivism, and antifoundationalism or relativism, represented by the sociologists of knowledge. These ideas are generalized to show that constructing and testing theological models similarly offers a means by which theology can move beyond confessionalism and postmodernism. Our starting point is Paul Tillich's concept of God as the ground of being and the different levels of consciousness and thinking that accompany his understanding of theology. The ontological argument of Anselm is shown to play a key role, not as a proof for the existence of God but as a means for testing theological models. An example of a theological model, drawn from the domain of philosophy of science, is presented to show how theological models are constructed and tested.
Regulation of rat liver β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity and cholesterol levels of serum and liver in various dietary and hormonal states☆

Abstract The effects of hormones and dietary factors on rat liver β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity and serum and liver cholesterol levels were tested. Cholestyramine feeding markedly stimulated reductase activity in the livers of rats depleted of insulin or l -triiodothyronine. Therefore, these hormones are not absolute requirements for the stimulation of reductase activity. In hypophysectomized rats, l -triiodothyronine markedly stimulated reductase activity, even when the animals were cholesterol fed or fasted. However, this stimulation was accompanied by a reduction of serum and liver cholesterol levels. In diabetic rats, insulin failed to either stimulate reductase activity after cholesterol feeding, or to depress the level of liver cholesterol. These results are consistent with a model in which cholesterol functions as a feedback repressor of reductase activity. In contrast, a number of dietary and hormonal states produced little or no change in the level of serum and liver cholesterol while producing widely different reductase activities. These results suggest that the cholesterol level does not regulate reductase activity and cholesterol synthesis and that the factors that affect the formation of cholesterol also have a similar effect on its degradation. However, the possibility of a small subcellular pool of cholesterol regulating reductase activity and thus showing a positive correlation cannot be ruled out. The results reported in this paper suggest that the repressor, in a feedback repression model of regulation, should have similar effects on the rate-limiting enzymes of cholesterol synthesis and degradation. In this way a factor that operates through the repressor affects the rates of synthesis and degradation, but not the level of liver and serum cholesterol.
Effects of transient heating events on tungsten plasma-facing materials in a steady-state divertor-plasma environment*

Nearly all heat-pulse tests of plasma-facing materials (PFMs) have been completed in vacuum environments without the presence of a background plasma. Thus, combined effects of thermal transients on materials undergoing plasma exposure need to be explored. Heat-pulse experiments have been conducted in the PISCES-A device using a pulsed laser in a divertor-like plasma background. The results indicate that the erosion of PFMs is enhanced as compared with transient-only or plasma-only experiments, and the threshold energy for material removal by a transient heat pulse in a steady-state plasma background is reduced. There appears to be a minimum ion fluence to the surface needed to cause these effects. Initial experiments with pre-loaded material samples exposed to plasmas and heat pulsed in the lower divertor of the DIII-D tokamak using the Divertor Material Evaluation System indicate that similar effects occur in confinement devices.
On the incentives of regulators: The case of taxicabs

It is customary for research in the regulated industries to focus on two important and related problems. The first is to describe the extant regulatory policy for some industry, the circumstances that brought it forth, and the events that caused it to change over time. The second problem is to analyze the manner in which regulation has affected the allocation of resources in the industry. The purpose of this study is to identify and examine a third problem: the nature of the system of costs and rewards facing regulators and its effect on their choices among alternative regulatory policies and market structures. Of special interest is why regulators may have incentives to choose to regulate a monopoly, or to establish monopolistic or cartel-like arrangements, in industries that lack the technological and demand characteristics usually associated with "natural monopoly."
Quantifying sulcal and gyral topography in relation to deep seated and ventricular lesions: cadaveric study for basing surgical approaches and review of literature.

AbstractObjective. Numerical implication of sulcal and gyral topography for surgical approaches has not been studied. Methods. Percentage gain of distance using sulci as compared to that of gyri was calculated by measuring distances toward the ventricles in 15 hemispheres. Results. Superior frontal sulcus was closest proving greater than 50% gain in distance compared to superior frontal gyrus; inferior temporal sulcus provided greater gain in the temporal lobe. Conclusion. Sulci provide upto 58% distance gain. For trans-gyral approaches, MFG and ITG were found closer to the respective ventricular area.
Evaluation of mechanisms controlling the priming of soil carbon along a substrate age gradient

Abstract Soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition has the potential to radically affect carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. Priming, the increased decomposition of SOM after the addition of a labile carbon (C) source, may be an important regulator of SOM dynamics, yet little is known about the mechanisms of the priming effect. Two hypotheses generated in the last decade have suggested that priming is caused by either the nutrient conditions in soil or the response of the microbial community to labile C addition. We used a three million year substrate age gradient, with associated changes in nutrient availability and microbial communities, to test these two hypotheses. We added 13C labeled glucose to soil in quantities similar to increases in root exudation that can be expected in a high carbon dioxide environment, and traced the effect of C addition on soil C, the microbial community, and soil nutrient pools and fluxes. We observed positive priming, negative priming, and no net priming depending on substrate age. Priming was most positive at the youngest sites with the smallest nitrogen (N) pools, and most negative at the site with the most available N. In contrast, we found no significant relationships between priming and phosphorus availability. Though components of the microbial community size and structure (measured by phospholipid fatty acid analysis) changed as a result of C addition, soil N availability was a better explanatory mechanism of priming effects than microbial community dynamics. Our results suggest close linkages between C and N cycles regulate the magnitude and direction of priming. If general, the stability of SOM in temperate ecosystems is likely to be governed by soil N status.
Actuation of elastomeric rods with embedded two-way shape memory alloy actuators

The modelling and experimental results of deformations of elastomeric rods with embedded two-way shape memory effect actuators is presented in this work. A procedure is established to train Nitinol shape memory alloy (SMA) wires to exhibit the two-way shape memory effect, a hysteretic behaviour involving a thermally induced, zero-stress, kinematically reversible transformation strain. A flexible silicone elastomer rod is embedded with two of these SMA actuators at an offset from the neutral axis. Resistive heating of an SMA actuator causes SMA transformation strain recovery and hence induces bending strain in the rod; cooling of the SMA actuator back to room temperature relaxes the rod to its initial position. The inclusion of two opposing actuators provides the ability to actuate the rod in two opposing directions. The deflection of a flexible rod with embedded two-way SMA actuators is modelled with both a general theory of flexible rods and an approximate formula. The experiments and modelling demonstrate the feasibility of using SMA actuators for large shape change in active flexible structures.
Induced abortion and social factors in wild horses

Much evidence now suggests that the postnatal killing of young in primates1–4 and carnivores5,6, and induced abortions in some rodents7–9, are evolved traits exerting strong selective pressures on adult male and female behaviour. Among ungulates it is perplexing that either no species have developed convergent tactics or that these behaviours are not reported, especially as ungulates have social systems similar to those of members of the above groups10,11. Only in captive horses (Equus caballus) has infant killing been reported12. It has been estimated that 40,000 wild horses live in remote areas of the Great Basin Desert of North America (US Department of Interior (Bureau of Land Management), unpublished report), where they occur in harems (females and young) defended by males13–15. Here I present evidence that, rather than killing infants directly, invading males induce abortions in females unprotected by their resident stallions and these females are then inseminated by the new males.
Luminescence enhancement and tuning via multiple cooperative supramolecular interactions in an ion-paired multinuclear complex.

[(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)(AgL)2]+[Ag5(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)6(CH3CN)]− (L = 2-(N,N-diethylanilino-4-yl)-4,6-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine) shows bright and tunable emissions influenced by its supramolecular structure. Columnar stacks are assembled via cooperative interactions that include AgI⋯AgI argentophilic bonding, π⋯π stacking and AgI⋯π interactions.
Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of 9,10-diphenylanthracene, rubrene, and anthracene in fluorinated aromatic solvents.

The electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA), rubrene, and anthracene has been studied in fluorinated aromatic solvents. Mixed annihilation ECL between aromatic luminophores and quinones was observed in solvent systems containing acetonitrile and either benzene, benzotrifluoride, 3-fluorobenzotrifluoride, or 1,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene. Increases in ECL efficiency (φecl, photons generated per redox event) correlated with decreasing solvent polarity when 1,4-benzoquinone was used as a nonemitting ECL partner. However, opposite results were observed using 1,4-naphthaoquinone (NQ) as a nonemitting partner. φecl also correlated with radical anion stability of NQ in these solvent systems, as indicated by reverse/forward current ratios (Ir/If), suggesting noncovalent interactions between the solvent and the nonemitting ECL partner. Specifically, the reaction of an aromatic luminophore with 1,4-naphthoquinone in acetonitrile/benzotrifluoride showed a 1.03−1.63-fold increases ...
Treatment of the Chronically Injured Spinal Cord with Neurotrophic Factors Can Promote Axonal Regeneration from Supraspinal Neurons

Axonal regeneration has been demonstrated by supraspinal neurons long after a spinal cord injury, although this potential seems limited to a few neurons in specific nuclear groups. Whether the regenerative response could be enhanced by exposure to neurotrophic factors was examined in this study. Neurons injured during a cervical spinal cord hemisection lesion were labeled with true blue (TB). Four weeks after spinal cord injury, gel foam saturated with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), or saline as a control was placed into the lesion cavity. The gel foam was replaced with fresh factor after 3 days, and 4 days later a peripheral nerve (PN) graft was apposed to the rostral cavity wall. Four weeks later neurons that grew an axon into the PN graft were labeled with nuclear yellow (NY). Cells that were double labeled (TB and NY) represented chronically injured neurons capable of axon regeneration. Cells labeled with NY only were either acutely injured neurons capable of axonal regrowth or uninjured neurons that had sprouted into the PN graft. The total number of TB/NY-labeled neurons was significantly increased following exposure to BDNF, NT-3, or CNTF. Specific regions most influenced by NT-3 and BDNF were the reticular formation and red nucleus. Treatment with CNTF resulted in a significant increase in most brain regions with a major contribution to descending pathways in the spinal cord, the motor cortex being the exception, with no evidence of axonal regeneration by neurons forming the corticospinal tract. The total number of NY-only labeled neurons also was significantly greater after treatment with BDNF or CNTF. These results demonstrate the potential to increase the regenerative response of specific chronically injured supraspinal neurons by application of neurotrophic factors to the injury site.
Self-reported anger in black high school adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to explore the recognition and expression of anger in black high school adolescents. A total of 56 teens, aged 14-19 years, responded to questions about their recognition of anger, how and to whom they express anger, and to whom they refrain from expressing anger. They also stated their opinions about acceptable and unacceptable expressions of anger and its relationship to depression or suicide. Data were analyzed using frequency tabulations for all questions on the survey instrument. Specific variables of age, grade in school, gender, and family composition were analyzed by one-sample chi 2 tests (alpha set at 0.05). The study demonstrated 1) all the teens surveyed could recognize when they were angry; 2) most teens expressed anger to their friends, to their siblings, and to their mothers; 3) younger teens (ages 14-15 years) when compared to older teens (ages 18-19 years), identified mother as the one who made them angry; 4) females were more likely to feel like crying when angry; 5) females were more likely to feel like being silent when angry; 6) students from one- and two-parent homes did not differ in their expression of anger. Implications of this study include the recognition that anger is a natural, human emotion. Adolescents need to observe adults who can effectively manage behavior associated with anger. Problem solving skills, stress management techniques, and role play situations can be utilized as effective tools in the recognition and expression of anger in acceptable ways and in attempts at the prevention of dysfunctional anger. Language: en
Sleep Does Not Enhance Motor Sequence Learning

Improvements in motor sequence performance have been observed after a delay involving sleep. This finding has been taken as evidence for an active sleep consolidation process that enhances subsequent performance. In a review of this literature, however, the authors observed 4 aspects of data analyses and experimental design that could lead to improved performance on the test in the absence of any sleep consolidation: (a) masking of learning effects in the averaged data, (b) masking of reactive inhibition effects in the averaged training data, (c) time-of-day and time-since-sleep confounds, and (d) a gradual buildup of fatigue over the course of massed (i.e., concentrated) training. In 2 experiments the authors show that when these factors are controlled for, or when their effects are substantially reduced, the sleep enhancement effect is eliminated. Whereas sleep may play a role in protection from forgetting of motor skills, it does not result in performance enhancement.
A note on the measurement of poverty and vulnerability in the South African context

It is sometimes argued that poverty is multi-dimensional and that the borderline between the poor and the non-poor is vague. In this paper fuzzy set theoretic poverty measures are used to examine vulnerability and ‘definite poverty’ in various dimensions of the quality of life. The focus of the paper is on inter-provincial rankings in these dimensions at the time of the 1996 Census in South Africa. While various methodological difficulties are noted, the analysis suggests that the distinction between human and financial poverty, and that between definite poverty and extreme vulnerability, are important for policy, in particular as regards the inter-provincial distribution of funds. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.