cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of hydrogen abstraction reactions: Crossed-beam reaction Cl+n-C5H12→C5H11+HCl

We present a crossed molecular beam study of the dynamics of the metathesis reaction Cl+n-C5H12→HCl+C5H11 at a collision energy of 16.8 kcal/mol. The experiments were conducted on the Chemical Dynamics Beamline at the Advanced Light Source, using tunable undulator radiation to effect soft ionization of the pentyl radical product. Laboratory angular distributions and time-of-flight spectra at many laboratory angles were used to obtain the center-of-mass translational energy and angular distributions. These distributions were found to be strongly coupled, with the forward scattered pentyl radical formed extremely cold, while the backscattered radicals were formed leaving nearly 15 kcal/mol in internal energy in the products. These results are contrasted with recent studies on the analogous reaction with propane, suggesting in this case direct involvement of the carbon skeleton in the collision process.
Bone Structure, Development and Bone Biology

The skeleton serves as a structural support system. It has mechanisms to grow and change in shape and size to suit varying mechanical forces. It is involved in the calcium/phosphate balance and in the detoxification of heavy metals. Bone tissue is continuously formed and remodeled throughout life. This is necessary since otherwise it would cross its tolerance limit after the repetitive stress and torsion it faces on a nearly daily basis. Initially, the bone achieves its increase in size and shape through growth (increase in size) and subsequent modeling. In late childhood and adulthood there is continuous renewal of the skeleton, by a process termed remodeling. Both modeling and remodeling require two separate processes namely bone resorption and bone formation to occur simultaneously to be effective. This requirement is known as “coupling.”
Psychometric properties of the 25-item NEI-VFQ in a Hispanic population: Proyecto VER.

PURPOSE To assess the psychometric properties of the NEI-VFQ-25 in a population-based study of older Hispanic persons living in the United States, explore other demographic factors that affect participant response, and observe the comparability of the Spanish and English versions of the instrument. METHODS A sample of randomly selected block groups in Tucson and Nogales, Arizona, were selected for study. Participants were interviewed at home; a majority of the interviews were conducted in Spanish. The home interview included questions from the NEI-VFQ-25 and HHANES: Presenting acuity was done using ETDRS methodology, followed by a standardized eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The authors analyzed the internal consistency of the NEI-VFQ-25 responses using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the construct validity by assessing the relationship between presenting acuity and scale scores, adjusting for age and gender. A second model was also explored to determine whether other demographic variables affected scale scores; differences in reporting between the Spanish and English versions was observed in this model, used in a subset of the population that minimized interviewer effect. RESULTS Of the 4774 participants in the study, 99.7% had completed questionnaires, not completed by proxy. The highest nonresponse rate occurred in the Driving scale, with 25% of participants not driving for reasons other than problems with vision. Internal consistency was high, with Cronbach alpha ranging between 0.65 and 0.86 for scales with multiple items. Adjusting for age and gender, those with presenting acuity worse than 20/40 scored significantly lower than those with presenting acuity 20/40 or better, for all scales. The demographic variables with the most consistent association across the NEI-VFQ-25 scales were presenting acuity, income, and gender. No significant differences in reporting were found between the Spanish and English versions of the questionnaire in the subset of the population. CONCLUSIONS In this study of Hispanic people age 40 years or older, the NEI-VFQ-25 was sensitive to presenting acuity and other demographic variables, such as age, gender, and income. The findings from this psychometric analysis provide evidence of the reliability and validity of some of the scales in the 25-item NEI-VFQ when used among people with a range of visual acuity level, providing other explanatory variables are also considered.
The rotation of pre-main-sequence stars.

Kraft (1970) obtained the rotational velocities for large numbers of stars located in the field and in clusters of different ages. He noted that (a) among the field stars those stars with strong Call K emission had larger rotational velocities than those without; (b) stars in the Hyades and Pleiades (which are much younger than the field) had both larger rotational velocities and stronger Call K emission than field stars; (c) there was a pronounced break at spectral type early F in v sini as a function of spectral type and (d) the distribution of angular momentum per unit, mass J(M ⊚ ) was proportional to M 0.57 for main sequence stars with mass M > 1.5 M ʘ . This distribution predicted a v sini of ˜75 km/sec for stars of lower mass (e.g. G type) but such high velocities were not seen in the Pleiades nor in the sun. This implied a more rapid deceleration of v sini for lower mass stars and led to estimates of the e-folding time of ˜4×l0 8 years for stars of 1.2 M ⊚ to reduce their v sini from that of the Pleiades to that of the Hyades and ˜4×l0 9 years to go from the Hyades to the sun’s v sini. We note also that the age of the Pleiades is approximately equal to the pre-main sequence lifetime of a 1.0 M 0 star so that the zero-age main sequence cannot have J(M) α M 0.57 for ˜1 M 0 stars. Skumanich (1972) showed that both the Call k emission and the rotational velocity decayed as the (age) -½ for main-sequence stars.
Medical informatics and preparedness

The terrorist attacks of September 2001 and the subsequent deliberate dissemination of anthrax have stimulated public awareness of the need in both the public health and clinical health care systems to quickly detect and respond to altered patterns of disease in communities across the nation. Debate over the capacity of the existing systems to fully respond to these demands has created a sense of urgency for immediate action to improve these functions. Public health resources were taxed to provide early detection and rapid response. The clinical care delivery system faced challenges of emergency response to urban casualties, highlighting the value of clinical information systems that facilitate information management in crisis situations. The effective application of informatics to these data collection, analysis, and dissemination tasks could allow the rapid deployment of systems that would greatly enhance our preparedness. Much of the informatics experience gained in health information system implementation efforts over the past several decades is directly applicable to the new challenges of bioterrorism and emergency response. By utilizing this collective knowledge in areas such as architecture, infrastructure, standards, and knowledge representation, newly created systems are more likely to yield maximum benefits. As an organization, AMIA is already focused on issues of public health informatics, having developed …
Microscale mechanical and tribological characterization of hard amorphous carbon coatings as thin as 5 nm for magnetic disks

Abstract For “near” contact recording applications, the thickness of the protective hard amorphous carbon overcoat and its surface roughness need to be reduced further to increase the magnetic recording density. Mechanical and tribological characterization of ultrathin diamond-like carbon coatings of 5, 10 and 25 nm thickness, deposited onto supersmooth (rms 0.50 nm) and smooth (rms 0.76 nm) magnetic disks was conducted. Durability tests show that the durability of the head-disk interface increases with an increase in the carbon thickness. Static and kinetic coefficients of friction and the durability of supersmooth disks are inferior to those of the smooth disks. On a microscale (AFM measurements), scratching and wear resistance of the magnetic coating without protective coating are higher and the coefficient of friction is lower than that of the diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated supersmooth disks. Thus, on a microscale, polycrystalline magnetic coatings are superior in tribological performance, however, they are inferior on a macroscale, as compared with DLC coatings. Auger electron spectroscopic studies show the magnetic layer is oxidized (possibly with the formation of cobalt oxide), which is responsible for the good tribological performance on a microscale. Based on tests of the head-disk interface, to achieve acceptable tribological performance, supersmooth disks would require the use of a textured landing zone or the use of a load-unload mechanism in the disk drive.
Studies on the inheritance of root color and carotenoid content in red X yellow and red X white crosses of carrot, Daucus carota L.

In red × yellow crosses of carrot (Daucus carota L.) three major genes were found to be segregating: Y2, inhibiting the synthesis of carotenoids, L, stimulating lycopene synthesis and A1, the action of which was not very clear. It is assumed that the dominant allele A1 enhances the formation of beta- and alpha-carotene at the expense of lycopene resulting in a more orange color instead of red, however, minor genes, modifiers and various interactions were obviously also involved.
Anticipation of nitric oxide by a human-resident commensal microbe

Candida albicans is a human-resident commensal fungus that occupies different locations in the gastrointestinal tract. C. albicans is regularly exposed to nitric oxide (NO) released by immune cells or generated from nitrite produced by various microbes. Previous work shows that resistance of C. albicans to cytostatic effects of NO requires the Yhb1 flavohemoglobin and the Cta4 transcription factor. To be presented are results showing that CTA4 -dependent expression of YHB1 is induced not only by NO, but also by nitrate and thiocyanate. Other physiologically relevant oxyanions have little or no effect on YHB1 expression. In contrast to C. albicans, S. cerevisiae YHB1 is induced by NO or nitrite but not by nitrate or thiocyanate. Whole genome mRNA analysis of C. albicans show that NO, nitrite, thiocyanate, and nitrate each induce nearly identical sets of genes. Pretreatment of C. albicans with nitrate or thiocyanate induces resistance to growth inhibition by nitrite; this effect requires YHB1 and CTA4 . Remarkably, C. albicans has no orthologs to known nitrate reductases, cannot utilize nitrate or thiocyanate as a nutrient, and cannot convert nitrate to nitrite. The nontoxic anions nitrate and thiocyanate are normal constituents of saliva. Oral microbes convert nitrate to nitrite; non-enzymatic conversion of nitrite to toxic NO is facilitated by the acid pH of the stomach. We propose that C. albicans anticipates nitric oxide in the stomach by sensing environmental cues in the mouth.
GERMINATION OF HELEOCHLOA ALOPECUROIDES (POACEAE) IN VARIOUS CONCENTRATIONS OF HELIUM, NITROGEN, AND CARBON DIOXIDE'

were tested in various controlled atmospheres of He, N2, and CO2. Atmospheres of 16.7 %, 33.3 %, and 88.9 % of each of these gases (thus reducing 02 concentrations to 17.5 %, 14.0 % and 2.3 % respectively) were introduced into 1000-ml stoppered vacuum flasks, each containing 100 seeds placed on substrates of either sterilized soil or filter paper. The flasks were placed in growth chambers with an 8-hr light period at 20 C and a 16-hr dark period at 5 C. The germination rate was accelerated directly with increased concentrations of He and N2 but was retarded by increased percentages of CO,. Control flasks eventually reached nearly the same percentages of germination as those of He and N2 but at a later point in time. THE ANNUAL GRASS Heleochloa alopecuroides (Pill and Mitterp) Host is characteristic of the dry phase of periodically inundated areas. This grass is important as waterfowl food but has little other economic value. Perhaps for that reason little is known of its ecology. Distribution records are incomplete in the United States for this introduced species, which is native to the Mediterranean region (Lorch, 1962). The goal of this study was to determine what role 02 and CO2 concentrations play in Heleochloa germination. An attempt was made to reduce 02 concentrations on some seeds and to increase CO2 concentrations on other seeds. Both He and N, were used to reduce
Hyperphagia induced by sucrose: relation to circulating and CSF glucose and corticosterone and orexigenic peptides in the arcuate nucleus.

Abstract Sucrose-rich diets compared to starch-rich diets are known to stimulate overeating under chronic conditions. The present study in normal-weight rats established an acute “preload-to-test meal” paradigm for demonstrating sucrose-induced hyperphagia and investigating possible mechanisms that mediate this behavioral phenomenon. In this acute paradigm, the rats were first given a small (15 kcal) sucrose preload (30% sucrose) for 30 min compared to an equicaloric, starch preload (25% starch with 5% sucrose) and then allowed to freely consume a subsequent test meal of lab chow. The sucrose preload, when compared to a starch preload equal in energy density and palatability, consistently increased food intake in the subsequent test meal occurring between 60 and 120 min after the end of the preload. Measurements of hormones, metabolites and hypothalamic peptides immediately preceding this hyperphagia revealed marked differences between the sucrose vs starch groups that could contribute to the increase in food intake. Whereas the sucrose group compared to the starch group immediately after the preload (at 10 min) had elevated levels of glucose in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) along with reduced expressions of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), the subsequent effects (at 30–60 min) just preceding the test meal hyperphagia were the reverse. Along with lower levels of glucose, they included markedly elevated serum and CSF levels of corticosterone and mRNA levels of NPY and AgRP in the ARC. In addition to establishing an animal model for sucrose-induced hyperphagia, these results demonstrate peripheral and central mechanisms that may mediate this behavioral phenomenon.
The new migration in the Middle East: a problem for whom?

This paper describes the recent trends in migration throughout the Middle East, identifying the major implications of this movement, and isolating the critical policy issues for both Egypt and othe...
A simple 8*8 optoelectronic crossbar switch

The authors demonstrate the operation of an 8*8 optoelectronic crossbar switch consisting of integrated arrays of eight 1*8 GaAs metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM photodiodes connected in a current summing network to the input of Si bipolar transimpedance amplifiers. The MSM devices are also connected to TTL transistor-transistor logic) driven CMOS analog multiplexers which, in the 'off' state, switch the detectors into an open-circuit mode. This particular combination of detectors and switching network gives a very high interchannel isolation, reduced circuit complexity, and low input noise. Data rates of 200 Mbit's and switch reconfiguration times of -100 ns are achieved. System noise is calculated and measured, and the advantages of using fully integrated GaAs crossbar switch arrays are quantitatively discussed. >
Statistical mechanics of coupled solid solutions in the dilute limit

A statistical mechanical analysis of the limiting laws for coupled solid solutions shows that the random model, in which the configurational entropy is calculated as if atoms mix randomly on each crystallographic site, is correct as a first approximation. In coupled solid solutions, since atoms of different valence substitute on the same sites, significant short-range order which reduces the entropy can be expected. A first-order correction is rigorously obtained for the entropy in dilute binary short-range ordered coupled solid solutions: $$\bar S^{{\text{XS}}} {\text{/R = }}Q\left( {{\text{e}}^{--H_{\text{A}} /{\text{R}}T} \left( {\frac{{H_{\text{A}} }}{{{\text{R}}T}} + 1} \right) - 1} \right)N_2^a N_4^b ,$$ where Q is the number of positions an associated cation pair can assume per formula unit, H A is the association energy per formula unit, and N 2 and N 4 are the site occupancy fractions for atoms 2 and 4 that are dilute on sites a and b. S XS is the configurational entropy minus the random model entropy. Aluminous pyroxenes on the joints diopside-jadeite and diopside-CaTs are examined as examples. A generalization for dilute multiple component solutions, including possible long-range ordering variations is given by: $$\frac{{\bar S^{{\text{XS}}} }}{{\text{R}}}{\text{ = }}\sum\limits_i {\sum\limits_j {\sum\limits_k {Q_i } } \left( {{\text{e}}^{--H_{\text{A}}^{j{\text{ }}k{\text{, }}i} /{\text{R}}T} \left( {\frac{{H_{\text{A}}^{j{\text{ }}k{\text{, }}i} }}{{{\text{R}}T}} + 1} \right) - 1} \right)N_j^l N_k^m ,} $$ where i labels each crystallographically distinct pair, j and k label atomic species, l and m label crystallographic sites, and the N's are site occupancy fractions for the solute atoms. A total association model is examined as well as the partial association and random models. Real solution behavior must lie between the total association model and the random model. Molecular models in which the ideal activity is proportional to a mole fraction, which in itself is not always unambiguously defined, do not lie in this range and furthermore have no physical justification.
Expression of wound healing and stress-related proteins in keratoconus corneas

Purpose. Keratoconus is characterized by thinning and scarring of the central portion of the cornea. This study was performed on keratoconus corneas to examine the expression of proteins related to wound healing including vimentin, an intermediate filament protein, and tenascin, an extracellular matrix protein. The expression of stress-related cytokines, heat shock proteins and ubiquitin was also investigated.Methods. Corneal buttons were collected from patients with keratoconus, normal subjects and patients with other corneal diseases such as pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. Immunofluo-rescence staining was performed on frozen sections for vimentin and tenascin, and immunoperoxidase staining was carried out on paraffin sections for cytokines, heat shock proteins and ubiquitin.Results. To varying degrees, all proteins examined, except tenascin and heat shock protein 90, were found to be expressed in normal human corneas. The expression of vimentin, tenascin, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-1, h...
Photosynthetically-active radiation: sky radiance distributions under clear and overcast conditions

The photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), defined as the wavelength band of 0.400 μm to 0.700 μm, represents most of the visible solar radiation. Although the proportion of global irradiance that originates from diffuse sky radiation is higher for PAR than for all solar shortwave radiation, it is often assumed that the PAR diffuse sky radiation is distributed identically to that of all shortwave solar radiation. This assumption has not been tested. PAR sky radiance measurements were made in a rural area over a wide range of solar zenith angles. The distribution of PAR sky radiance was modeled using physically-based, non-linear equations. For clear skies, the normalized sky radiance distribution (N) was best modeled using the scattering angle (ψ) and the zenith position in the sky (Θ) as N(Θ,ψ)=0.0361[6.3+(1 + cos2Θ)(1 − cosψ)][1 − e−0.31 secΘ]. The angle Ψ is defined by cos ψ = cosΘcosΘ∗ + sinΘsinΘ∗cosΦ, where solar zenith angle is Θ* and the difference in azimuth between the sun and the position in the sky is Φ. Modeling of the overcast sky depended on the visibility of the solar disk. The translucent middle/high cloud overcast conditions (cloud base greater than 300 m above ground level) were best modeled as: N(Θ∗, ψ) = 0.149 + 0.084Θ∗ + 1.305e−2.5ψ while the translucent low cloud overcast conditions (cloud base less than 300 m above ground level) were best modeled as: N(Θ∗, ψ) = 0.080 + 0.058Θ∗ + 0.652e− 2.1ψ. The obscured overcast sky condition (solar disk obscured) was best modeled as: N(Θ) = 0.441[1 + 4.6cosΘ][1 + 4.6]. The unit of N for all equations is π Sr−1, so that integration of each function over the sky hemisphere yields 1.0. These equations can be applied directly to the sky diffuse irradiance on the horizontal, Idiff, to provide radiance distributions for the sky. Estimates of actual sky radiance distribution can be estimated from Na(Θ,ψ) = IdiffN(Θ,Φ).
Effects of Hand-Drawn and Computer-Generated Concept Mapping on the Expository Writing of Middle School Students with Learning Disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two forms of concept mapping, hand-drawn and computer-generated, on the descriptive essay writing of middle-level students with learning disabilities. Twelve eighth-grade students composed descriptive essays under three conditions: no-map support, hand-map support, and computer-map support. The essays were compared on four measures: number of words, syntactic maturity, number of T-units, and holistic writing scores. Writing attitude was also examined. Results showed that student descriptive essays produced in the hand- and computer-mapping conditions demonstrated significant increases above baseline writing samples on number of words, number of T-units, and holistic writing scores. Carry-over effects were observed in the no-mapping condition and provide an indication that students may have acquired writing skills that generalized into their essay writing when not using maps. Results showed that students’ attitudes toward writing were significantly more positive in the computer-mapping condition when compared to no-mapping and hand-mapping conditions.
Observations on the Origin of Endellite in Kentucky, and Their Extension to “Indianaite”

Endellite is being formed south of Stanford, Kentucky, in an acid environment (pH 3.0-3.7; acidity at source, p. 1). Parent materials are principally a weathered residuum, derived presumably from the Brassfield Limestone that lies between the illitic, Devonian New Albany (Chattanooga) Shale and illitic, Ordovician Richmond Shale, and added Si and Al dissolved from the New Albany Shale. The source of the acid is the weathering iron sulfide in the New Albany Shale. Apparent standard free energies of formation, calculated from aqueous solution data measured from the shales, endellite, and residual clays, indicate that essentially equilibrium conditions developed between the endellite, the illite of the New Albany Shale, and the permeating solution. Illites yield a range of values in Ff, owing presumably to variation in chemical composition and physical disorder in the crystals, which also may be polymorphic; hence, illites likewise vary in susceptibility to alteration and/or conversion of kaolin minerals. It is suggested that Indiana endellite (“indianaite”) was formed at the Mississippian-Pennsylvanian unconformity in an environment similar to that (Ordovician-Devonian) yielding the Stanford, Kentucky, endellite.
Topological refinement of volumetric data

We present a method for enforcing a topological constraint, homeomorphism to a sphere, on a set of volumetric data. A graph-based topological representation is created from voxel connectivity within the volume and automatically edited to have the desired topology. The volume is forced to match this structure, resulting in a topologically spherical surface. The method is fully automated and has the advantage of operating on the volume data prior to tessellation, significantly reducing computational costs compared to mesh- based methods. We demonstrate the method on a simple test volume and on the surface of a cerebral cortex obtained from a magnetic resonance image volume.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
P-wave shape resonances in positronium ions.

A 1 P o shape resonance in Ps - lying above the n=2 Ps threshold is calculated using the method of complex-coordinate rotation with Hylleraas-type wave functions. Comparison is made with a calculation using adiabatic potential curves. We also report new results for 3 P o shape resonances lying above the n=3 and 7 thresholds
Covariance Analysis of Heart Transplant Survival Data

Abstract This paper presents a number of analyses to assess the effects of various covariates on the survival of patients in the Stanford Heart Transplantation Program. The data have been updated from previously published versions and include some additional covariates, such as measures of tissue typing. The methods used allow for simultaneous investigation of several covariates and provide estimates of the relative risk of transplantation as well as significance tests.
The Interaction of Oxygen with Polythiozyl, (SN)x, Electrodes

Abstract Studies of the background currents for polythioxyl electrodes in 1 N H2SO4 supporting electrolyte shows that oxygen strongly chemisorbs on both parallel and perpendicular surfaces. On fresh surfaces the principle product on anodic breakdown is oxygen but on prolonged cycling surface hydroxides of (SN)x are the major surface functional groups at anodic breakdown.
Longitudinal interpolation of parameters characterizing channel geometry by piece-wise polynomial and universal kriging methods: effect on flow modeling

Channel geometry often is described by a set of longitudinally varying parameters measured at a set of survey stations. To support flow modeling at arbitrary resolution, three methods of parameter interpolation are described including piece-wise linear interpolation, monotone piece-wise-cubic Hermitian interpolation, and universal kriging. The latter gives parameter estimates that minimize the mean square error of the interpolator, and therefore can be used as a standard against which the accuracy of polynomial methods can be assessed. Based on the application of these methods to a dataset describing cross-sectional properties at 283 stations, piece-wise linear interpolation gives parameter estimates that closely track universal kriging estimates and therefore this method is recommended for routine modeling purposes. Piece-wise-cubic interpolation gives parameter estimates that do not track as well. Differences between cubic and kriging estimates were found to be 2–10 times larger than differences between linear and kriging parameter estimates. In the context of one-dimensional flow modeling, the sensitivity of steady state water level predictions to the channel bed interpolator is comparable to a 5% change in the Manning coefficient. � 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The effects of intervening experiences on children's memory for a physical examination

To examine the extent to which children's long-term retention is influenced (both positively and negatively) by intervening events, the impact of three programmed experiences on later recall of the details of a physical examination was explored. Four groups of 3- and 5-year-olds were established, with all children being interviewed immediately after their check-ups and then again after 12 weeks. The groups, however, differed in terms of their experiences midway through the delay interval. At each age level, children in three experimental groups received either a complete interview about the physical examination, a return visit to the pediatrician's office, or an opportunity to view a videotape that showed a child receiving an actual check-up. Children in a fourth group served as controls in that they were not seen during the delay period. Recall of standard features was scored, along with responses to questions concerning procedures that did not occur. The results indicated mixed mnemonic effects for the differential intervening experiences. In comparison to the control group, children at each age who had received an additional interview or who had observed the videotape showed elevated open-ended recall at the 12-week interview. In addition, the videotape manipulation, as well as the return visit to the doctor's office, was associated with a marked decrease in the 5- but not the 3-year-olds' accuracy regarding questions about activities not included in the physical examinations. The results are discussed in terms of factors that affect the facilitation and distortion of memory over long temporal delays. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
Signaling effects of commercial and civil society in post‐Katrina reconstruction

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role private action has played in overcoming the collective action problem posed by Hurricane Katrina.Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses the post‐Hurricane Katrina situation with regard to commercial and civil society.Findings – The paper argues that private recovery efforts within commercial and civil society challenge this assumption. Mutual assistance, commercial cooperation, and the redevelopment of key community resources help to overcome collective action problems by reducing the high costs of an early return and by signaling the potential for widespread recovery to individual actors. Though most redevelopment plans assume that a large‐scale government response is the only way to overcome the collective action problem.Originality/value – Even in the absence of a government‐led reconstruction effort, the strategies described in the paper offer Gulf Coast residents tools for solving the collective action problem presented in the wake ...
The U.S. Women's Health Research Agenda for the Twenty-First Century

L'A. souleve la question de la politique de sante feminine au debut du 21eme siecle en s'appuyant sur le programme publie par l'Institut national de la sante
Variation and Repeatability of Female Choice in a Chorusing Katydid, Ephippiger ephippiger: an Experimental Exploration of the Precedence Effect

Female choice in various species of acoustic insects and anurans entails a psychoacoustic preference for male calls that lead their neighbors by a brief time interval. This discrimination, which can be termed a precedence effect, mayselect for various mechanisms with which males adjust call rhythm and thus reduce their incidence of ineffective following calls. At a collective level, alternating and synchronous choruses may emerge from these call timing mechanisms. Using playback experiments, we characterized the precedence effect in females of the katydid Ephippiger ephippiger, an alternating choruser in which males use a rhythm adjustment mechanism that prevents calling during brief intervals following their neighbors calls. E. ephippiger females oriented toward leading male calls in >75% of trials when relativelyy oung (<40 d old) and when playbacks were timed so that following calls began within 100–250 ms of the leading ones. However, this preference declined to below 60% as females aged and the interval separating leading and following call onsets increased. The strength of this precedence effect varied greatlybetween females, but within broad age classes the effect in a given female was statisticallyrepeatable. Such repeatability indicates the possibilitythat additive genetic variance could be a significant component of variation in the precedence effect. We discuss the implications of our findings and inference on genetic variance for evolution of the precedence effect and for chorusing.
144. Magnetically Responsive Nanoparticles Enhance Adenoviral Gene Delivery in Cultured Smooth Muscle Cells

Replication deficient adenoviruses (Ad) are extensively investigated for gene delivery applications due to a number of advantages as gene vectors, including high transgene expression and their ability to transduce both quiescent and dividing cells. Their clinical use is however limited by therapeutically suboptimal transduction levels in cell types expressing low levels of Coxsackie-Ad receptor (CAR), as well as systemic toxicity associated with their distribution to non-target tissues. Targeted delivery achievable with Ad complexed with biodegradable magnetically responsive nanoparticles (NP) may therefore be instrumental for improving both safety and efficiency of these vectors. Our hypothesis was that magnetically driven delivery of Ad affinity-bound to biodegradable NP can substantially increase transgene expression in CAR deficient smooth muscle cells in culture. Iron oxide laden NP sized 340|[plusmn]|30 nm were formulated from polylactide and coated with benzophenone functionalized photoreactive polymer providing the means to covalently attach the D1 domain of the CAR to the NP surface. GFP-encoding Ad was complexed with NP fluorescently labeled using PLA-BODIPY 546/570 conjugate and applied to rat aortic smooth muscle cells (A10) for 15 min in the presence of magnetic field at respective doses of 0-9|[times]|107 and 0-2.3 |[mu]|g per well. NP cellular uptake and transgene expression were assayed fluorimetrically in live cells 24-120 hr post treatment using |[lambda]|ex/|[lambda]|em of 540 nm/575 nm and 485 nm/535 nm, respectively. The efficiency of NP association with cells within the 15 min incubation period was high, and independent of the NP dose (96|[plusmn]|3% and 87|[plusmn]|11% complete for doses of 1.1 and 2.3 |[mu]|g per well), while the measured intracellular level was directly NP dose dependent in the studied NP dose range. The transgene expression mediated by the complexes was directly dependent on both Ad and NP dose and peaked at 72-96 hr decreasing by |[sim]|40% by the 120 hr timepoint. While Ad alone did not result in high transgene levels in the CAR deficient A10 cells at any timepoint (less than 7 relative fluorescence units, RFU), NP-Ad complexes increased the transgene expression 90 to 450-fold for the lowest and the highest NP doses (554 and 2788 RFU at 0.6 and 2.3 |[mu]|g per well, respectively) without significant adverse effects on the cell viability. NP covalently modified with D1 were on average 2.5-fold more effective than NP prepared without the covalent modification notwithstanding their comparable cell uptake rates. It is concluded that magnetically driven Ad delivery in the form of an affinity complex with biodegradable NP provides the means to significantly increase gene transfer rates in cultured smooth muscle cells.
Effect of Colon Injury on the Management of Simultaneous Renal Trauma

AbstractPurpose: We determined the effect of simultaneous colon injury on the management of renal trauma.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was done of 62 cases of colon and renal injuries from 1977 to 1994, representing 2.5 percent of 2,596 renal trauma cases.Results: Renal trauma management was consistent with the grade of renal injury. Renal exploration was performed in 58 percent of the cases, with nephrectomy performed in 16 percent of the explorations and only for severely injured kidneys. Urological complications occurred in 16 percent of the cases but they resulted in loss of only 1 renal unit.Conclusions: Renal injury and reconstruction should not be treated differently in the face of colon injury, including gross fecal contamination.
p -Wave Reflection Imaging of Submerged Soil Models Using Ultrasound

An ultrasonic p -wave reflection imaging system is used to noninvasively image submerged soil models with embedded anomalies and complex geometric layer contacts. The ultrasonic transducers emit compressive waves into water that subsequently transmit into the underlying soil, and measurements of the reflections are used to construct the images. The properties of the transducers and data acquisition hardware and software are explained. Fast signal stacking is used to improve signal-to-noise ratio and provide clearer images. Transducer directivity is explained as a wave passage effect, and transfer functions are derived for square and circular transducers to quantify directivity. The transfer functions agree reasonably with measured amplitude data. The cause of errors in the imaged position of dipping reflectors is explained, and a Kirchhoff migration algorithm is implemented to correct these errors. A soil model consisting of embedded high- and low-impedance anomalies, dipping soil layer contacts, and an u...
Secretion Rate of Testicular Steroids in the Conscious and Halothane-Anesthetized Rat

Whole blood testosterone from male rats was assayed by radioimmunoassay and testicular blood flow rate was measured by a miniature friction flow meter. The secretion rate of testosterone from mature rat testis is 4.2 ± 0.6 and 6.7 ± 1.2 ng/g testis/min (x ± SE) in conscious and halothane-anesthetized rats, respectively. Lower testosterone secretion rates observed in restrained conscious rats as compared to anesthetized rats may be due to stress factors. Prostaglandin E2 infusion depressed testosterone secretion rate. However, there was a parallel depression in blood flow through the testis. (Endocrinology 93: 874, 1973)
α2 Adrenergic Receptor-Mediated Inhibition of Thermogenesis

α2 adrenergic receptor (α2-AR) agonists have been used as antihypertensive agents, in the management of drug withdrawal, and as sedative analgesics. Since α2-AR agonists also influence the regulation of body temperature, we explored their potential as antipyretic agents. This study delineates the central neural substrate for the inhibition of rat brown adipose tissue (BAT) and shivering thermogenesis by α2-AR agonists. Nanoinjection of the α2-AR agonist clonidine (1.2 nmol) into the rostral raphe pallidus area (rRPa) inhibited BAT sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and BAT thermogenesis. Subsequent nanoinjection of the α2-AR antagonist idazoxan (6 nmol) into the rRPa reversed the clonidine-evoked inhibition of BAT SNA and BAT thermogenesis. Systemic administration of the α2-AR agonists dexmedetomidine (25 μg/kg, i.v.) and clonidine (100 μg/kg, i.v.) inhibited shivering EMGs, BAT SNA, and BAT thermogenesis, effects that were reversed by nanoinjection of idazoxan (6 nmol) into the rRPa. Dexmedetomidine (100 μg/kg, i.p.) prevented and reversed lipopolysaccharide-evoked (10 μg/kg, i.p.) thermogenesis in free-behaving rats. Cholera toxin subunit b retrograde tracing from rRPa and pseudorabies virus transynaptic retrograde tracing from BAT combined with immunohistochemistry for catecholaminergic biosynthetic enzymes revealed the ventrolateral medulla as the source of catecholaminergic input to the rRPa and demonstrated that these catecholaminergic neurons are synaptically connected to BAT. Photostimulation of ventrolateral medulla neurons expressing the PRSx8-ChR2-mCherry lentiviral vector inhibited BAT SNA via activation of α2-ARs in the rRPa. These results indicate a potent inhibition of BAT and shivering thermogenesis by α2-AR activation in the rRPa, and suggest a therapeutic potential of α2-AR agonists for reducing potentially lethal elevations in body temperature during excessive fever.
A note on disturbances due to surface slope discontinuities.

T phenomena encountered in inviscid flows past axisymmetric bodies with surface slope discontinuities or other nonuniformities exhibit a number of features which are absent in the planar case. A good example is the dependence of the rate decay of a disturbance caused by a slope discontinuity on the transverse curvature of the discontinuity. These features, interpreted qualitatively, indicate some important differences to be expected in the development of axisymmetric boundary layers.
Lysosomal origin of the ferric iron required for cell killing by hydrogen peroxide

Abstract The lysosomotropic amines methylamine (40 mM) and chloroquine (125 μM) prevented the killing of cultured hepatocytes by hydrogen peroxide generated in themedium by glucose oxidase. Maximum protection required several hours preincubation with either amine. Sensitivity of the hepatocytes to H 2 O 2 was restored either by the addition of ferrous or ferric iron to the culture medium, or by incubating the cells for 4 hours in the absence of either amine prior to treatment with H 2 O 2 . Neither methylamine nor chloroquine had any effect on the cell killing by t-butyl hydroperoxide, a hepatotoxin that does not require iron. The protective effect of the lysosomotropic amines was distinguished from that of the ferric iron chelator deferoxamine in two ways: 1) deferoxamine protected hepatocytes from H 2 O 2 toxicity but did not require a pretreatment period; and 2) in contrast to methylamine or chloroquine, deferoxamine had no effect on lysosomal pH as assessed by the fluorescent probe acridine orange. The data suggest that a lysosomal pool is the source of the ferric iron necessary for the killing of hepatocytes by H 2 O 2 .
Pulsed laser deposition of AlMgB14 on carbide inserts for metal cutting

Abstract Nanocrystalline AlMgB 14 containing 0–30 mol% additives are a family of new superhard materials with hardness comparable to that of TiB 2 on the lower end and to that of cubic BN on the higher end. Compared with diamond and cubic BN, AlMgB 14 is an equilibrium material with excellent electrical conductivity, high chemical stability, and lower density. The projected cost of manufacture of the boride is 10% of the cost of diamond and cubic BN. AlMgB 14 materials appear to be congruently melting/evaporating, which would allow them to be processed with techniques such as pulsed laser deposition (PLD). In this work, the feasibility of PLD for synthesizing thin films of baseline AlMgB 14 (0% additive) is demonstrated and compared with TiB 2 . A 248-nm, 23-ns KrF excimer laser was used to prepare baseline boride thin films on cemented carbide (ANSI C-5 and C-2) tool inserts. The films were dark blue, continuous and fairly uniform with few particulates. An impact fracture test showed that adhesion of the films to the substrate was excellent. The deposition rate was 0.08 nm per pulse at an energy density of 7 J/cm 2 . Nanoindentation hardness tests revealed that the films exhibited hardness 60% higher than the carbide substrate. Lathe turning tests with cold-drawn 1045 steel bars indicated that C-5 tools coated with 0.5 μm baseline AlMgB 14 have an average flank wear reduction of 12% compared to uncoated C-5 tools. Further machining tests on C-2 tools showed that the tools coated with baseline boride have much better flank (23% reduction) and nose wear resistance (26% reduction) compared with TiB 2 coated tools. In addition, multilayer composite coating of AlMgB 14 and TiB 2 outperformed single layer boride coating in minimizing the tool wear. This pioneering work sets the stage and serves as a catalyst for rapid and innovative advances in the development of new boride materials for numerous tool and hard coating applications, including bulk cutting tools, hard and erosion-resistant coatings, wear-resistant electrical switch contacts, and conductive thin films for MEMS.
Metabolism of benz[j]aceanthrylene (cholanthrylene) and benz[I]aceanthrylene by induced rat liver S9☆

Abstract The metabolites of benz[ j ]aceanthrylene (B[ j ]A) produced by incubation with liver S9 proteins from rats induced with Aroclor-1254 and phenobarbital have been identified as: trans -B[ j ]A-1,2-dihydrodiol, B[ j ]A-9,10-dihydrodiol, B[ j ]A-11,12-dihydrodiol, and 10-hydroxy-B[ j ]A. The major metabolite formed (58–60%) by both induced S9 preparations was trans -B[ j ]A-1,2-dihydrodiol, the cyclopenta-ring dihydrodiol while oxidation at the k-region or the proximal-bay region was minor. There were no statistical differences in individual or total B[ j ]A metabolite rates between the 2 induced S9 preparations. B[ l ]A was metabolized by Aroclor-1254 and phenobarbital induced rat liver S9 preparations to trans -B[ l ]A-1,2-dihydrodiol, B[ l ]A-7,8-dihydrodiol, and B[ l ]A-4,5-dihydrodiol. The major B[ l ]A metabolite formed (28–40%) by both induced S9 preparations was B[ l ]A-7,8-dihydrodiol, the k-region dihydrodiol. Cyclopentaring oxidation to trans -B[ l ]A-1,2-dihydrodiol was approximately 50% of that observed for k-region oxidation. Both induced S9s produced similar rates of B[ l ]A metabolites except for B[ l ]A-7,8-dihydrodiol formation which was higher for Aroclor-1254-induced S9.
Begin at the Beginning

CiSE was created to serve the computational science community. From its founding, it has focused on real-world applications of scientific computing, with articles written by and for active practitioners, and it will continue to serve this function. Education in computational science is a core mission for CiSE. Its feature articles are designed to inform and instruct, and various columns appearing in every issue are explicitly tutorial. CiSE has always been a group effort, with a editorial board of industry activists.
Effects of long-term intubation on vocal fold mucosa in dogs

Summary A canine model was used to study effects of long-term intubation on vocal fold mucosa. Dogs' larynges were removed 5 weeks after a 7-day intubation period and were compared with control tissue. Intubation effects on vocal fold mucosa were highly variable. Most severe damage was observed posteriorly, at the presumed location of direct tube-mucosa contact. Effects judged to be less severe but still significant were noted in tissue anterior to this site. Morphometric analysis of the layers of the intubated mucosa revealed significant differences in epithelium, connective tissue, and glands, as compared with control tissue. Differences were also observed for blood vessels and nerves. Of particular clinical importance was evidence of damage along membranous, as well as cartilaginous, portions of the true vocal fold, and of damaged connective tissue and cartilage underlying epithelium which appeared normal. Implications of the findings for recovery from intubation, and for voice, are discussed.
Unifying China, Integrating with the World: Securing Chinese Sovereignty in the Reform Era

Unifying China, Integrating with the World: Securing Chinese Sovereignty in the Reform Era. By Allen Carlson. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2005. 320p. $55.00.This is one of the first major works examining Chinese sovereignty in the post-Mao era. Unlike earlier works that have examined sovereignty through its manifestation in one or two policy areas—such as Taiwan, human rights, or economic integration—Allen Carlson's synthesizes Chinese behavior and rhetoric over a range of issue areas, from Taiwanese independence to World Trade Organization accession.
Recommendations for Student Tools in Online Course Management Systems

AT LEAST THREE PURPOSES FOR ONLINE TEACHING can be conceptualized: quick dissemination of course information, Web-enabled supplements, and Web-engaged activity. Simply disseminating course information online is necessary for distance courses and promotes efficiency for face-to-face courses, but arguably does not improve learning for either. Web-enabled supplements, however, take advantage of the multimedia nature of the Web, allowing students to research course-related materials previously unavailable or only available in dispersed locations. To promote higher-order thinking, Web-engaged activities can be designed that capitalize on student information processing tools. A major concern of online course management systems is that they emphasize faculty dissemination tools over student processing tools, even though the latter are more likely to promote student interaction and engagement (e.g., debating, sharing data, developing common products, synthesizing information, exploring cases). Online course management systems should be evaluated on the basis of their ability to support planned learning goals and teaching strategies. Currently, many high-level goals and strategies are supported only by individual online tools. Faculty who rely upon integrated course management systems may be unable to involve their students in such activities as community building, research into ill-defined problems, and knowledge construction. If faculty find online course management systems only support information delivery and low-level knowledge comprehension goals, they should seek alternative tools and development options to engender high-level student analysis, synthesis, and evaluation activity.