cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RADIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON MANGANESE NODULES OF DEEP-SEA ORIGIN.

Abstract Manganese nodules from different parts of the ocean floor were analyzed for their uranium, thorium, protactinium, and radium contents. (1) The uranium : thorium ratio in nodules is quite variable, and is 3 to 6 orders of magnitude lower than that in sea water. Uranium concentrations range from 4 to 13 ppm, with most values falling between 6 and 10 ppm. Thorium concentrations have a much wider spread (3 to 150 ppm) and reflect both a geographic and depth dependence. (2) The 230 Th and 231 Pa in the outermost layers of a nodule greatly exceed the amounts which may be supported by the uranium present. The decrease with depth of these two isotopes allow the growth rates of the nodules to be determined. The rates for eighteen specimens vary from 6 year; most of these fall within rather narrow limits (2–4 mm/10 6 year). (3) The 230 Th : 231 Pa ratios at the nodule surface are considerably smaller than that predicted from the production of these two nuclides by the uranium dissolved in the ocean. While an activity ratio of 11 might be anticipated, values as low as 2·4 were observed. Since 230 Th : 231 Pa ratios considerably greater than 11 are found at the tops of deep-sea sediment cores, the two species must become separated during the sedimentary process. (4) The distribution of 230 Th and 231 Pa on the surface of a given nodule is not uniform. Higher concentrations occur on the upper than on the lower sides. This suggests that these nuclides are precipitated only on those portions of the nodule in contact with sea water. (5) Measurements of 226 Ra reinforce the conclusion that this element migrates in sedimentary deposits. (6) For the oceans as a whole the amount of 230 Th and 231 Pa in manganese nodule deposits is probably no more than 5% of that generated by the uranium dissolved in the sea.
Simulation of transmitted current in a cylindrical cross-field diode

Summary form only given. The transmitted current in a crossed-field gap has been characterized analytically by a number of authors. One dimensional PIC simulations of a planar cross-field diode in the region near B=B/sub hull/ have been explored by Verboncoeur et al. It was shown that for monoenergetic electrons, the transmitted current shows a rapid transition when the injected current exceeds the critical current by just 1%. This transition is not observed when the injected electrons are given temperatures as small as 1/10 eV. In this study we will extend the simulation to one and two dimensional cylindrical geometries. The limiting current in the neighborhood of the Hull cut-off field for different inner/outer conductor ratios will be studied.
Recent advances in dental research in the U.S.A.

Abstract The National Institute of Dental Research dedicated its modern, 4 million dollar laboratory building, May 1961, on the grounds of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. This represents the culmination of 13 years of steady growth and expansion of biologic research in dentistry, which had its beginning in 1948 when the Institute was established by Congress. In these few years the Institute has grown from a staff of less than a dozen members to its present complement of over 200 scientists and technicians with an annual appropriation of over $15 million. Also during this period the Institute's vital extramural program, under which grants are awarded to non-Federal institutions for research and training on oral diseases, has expanded from an annual $200,000 allotment supporting five grants, to an allotment of over $10 million supporting over 400 research grants and thirty training grants at some 100 institutions in all areas of the United States and several foreign countries. With this growth has come maturity and diversity in research into the causes and prevention of oral diseases-diversity into untried areas which only a few years ago were horizons for future experimentation. Scientific breakthroughs, such as fluoridation, in the control of dental caries do not obscure the fact that the cause of this disease is still unknown. For this reason, the promising new lead from findings in animals that caries is a transmissible disease of bacterial origin, is being vigorously pursued. These findings carry widespread significance in the field of oral health because they explain such phenomena as resistance and susceptibility to caries, formerly attributed entirely to genetic factors and to systemic developmental defects induced by diet and nutrition. Their application to clinical studies carries implications of a possible immunologic or chemotherapeutic prevention of dental decay. Biochemical studies of the cariostatic effects of mineral phosphates in the diet of animals have directed attention to the chemical reactivity of tooth surfaces. Other considerations include the nutrition of the oral flora and their metabolic products which may undergo significant change in the presence of freely available phosphate ions. Progress in biologic research underscores the need for increased studies on periodontal disease, looming larger as a major cause of tooth loss in the United States. In consideration of our expanding population, of senior citizens, new research studies of ageing oral tissues will be encouraged and supported. The Institute, through its grants and aid program, continues to increase the support of dental research projects particularly in the broad fields of periodontal disease, oral congenital anomalies, and dental caries. Training centres for graduate studies now exist in nearly thirty institutions in the United States and are increasing rapidly. From these centres will come a new generation of dental scientists and teachers trained for biologic research and oriented to the prevention of oral disease.
A factor analytic demonstration of two memory processes

A principal component solution and varimax rotation were obtained for eight studies using a serial position (SP) probe technique for studying short-term memory. The factor pattern which emerged showed the first and middle SPs to load on one factor, called the primacy factor, while the middle and last positions loaded on a second factor, called the recency factor. The results were consistent with the view that short-term memory is composed of two processes, primary memory and secondary memory. One study supported the notion that immature humans show a rehearsal deficit.
Anesthesia induction, emergence, and postoperative behaviors in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders

Summary Background/Aim: Given the increasing prevalence of attention-deficit and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), anesthesiologists are now presented with a greater number of children who are diagnosed with these conditions. This prospective, observational study was designed to compare anesthesia induction, emergence, and postoperative behaviors in children with and without ADHD. Methods/Materials: The sample included 268 children, 4–17 years of age undergoing elective surgery with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD. A cohort of children without ADHD, matched for age, gender, and procedure served as controls. Preoperative cooperation, induction, and emergence behaviors were measured using established scales. Postoperative maladaptive behaviors were measured using a modified Post-Hospital Behavioral Questionnaire that was administered via telephone 1 week after surgery. Results: Children with ADHD were significantly less cooperative at induction of anesthesia compared with controls (20.9% vs 10.6% respectively, P = 0.001). Although some control children exhibited an increase in maladaptive behaviors postoperatively, these behaviors were significantly greater among children with ADHD. In particular, relative to their normal behaviors, children with ADHD had greater difficulties in concentration and decision-making; were more disobedient, impulsive, fidgety, had poor appetite; were difficult to talk to; and exhibited an increase in temper tantrums following surgery. Conclusions: This is the first prospective study to our knowledge that has examined the perioperative and postoperative behaviors of children with ADHD compared to those without this disorder. These results are important in alerting anesthesiologists, parents, and teachers to the potential for difficulties during induction of anesthesia and postoperative behavioral problems at home and in school, respectively.
Thermodynamic stability of palladium alloys: Part I: The palladium-niobium system

The palladium activities of 12 palladium-niobium alloys (compositions from 60Pd40Nb to 97Pd3Nb) have been determined experimentally with a twin-chamber Knudsen cell mass spectrometer between 1450 and 1750 K. From the measured aPd data, other relevant thermo-dynamic properties are calculated. The ΔGf o and ΔHf o of Pd-Nb alloys thus obtained are com-pared with the published values estimated on the basis of empirical models. The results of the present work show a strong attractive interaction in the solid state between the palladium atoms and the niobium atoms. The measured palladium activities show a strong negative deviation from the ideal solution behavior.
Variation in Time to First Cleavage in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss Embryos: A Major Factor in Induction of Tetraploids.

This study was undertaken to analyze the sources of variation In timing of first cleavage in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss embryos in order to adjust treatment protocols to maximize tetraploid induction. The first cleavage Interval (FCI), or the time from fertilization to the mid-point of the appearance of first cleavage, was determined at several temperatures for eggs from individual females from each of four different strains. Statistical analyses of the data did not reveal any significant differences among samples taken on different dates or among females within populations, but there was a significant difference shown among the populations. Further analyses revealed this difference was due to a significantly shorter FCI in one population. Data on two of the populations incubated at elevated temperatures showed a decreased FCI within the populations, but the differences between the populations remained. The results suggested that modification of the treatment protocols for induction of tetraploidy (and, perhaps, gynogenesis and androgenesis) are needed to compensate for variation noted among populations if maximum induction and minimum mortality are to be achieved.
Properties of Gonadotropin-Stimulable Adenylyl Cyclase of the Human Corpus Luteum: Regulation of Hormonal Responsiveness by Guanyl Nucleotide and Magnesium Ion*

Abstract We studied the properties of a gonadotropin-responsive adenylyl cyclase in membrane preparations obtained from human corpus luteum and explored the nature of guanyl nucleotide and Mg ion involvement in activation of the enzyme. Maximal adenylyl cyclase activity required ATP concentrations of 1–2.5 mM, total MgCl2 concentrations of 8-10 mM, and 1 mM EDTA. Optimal hCG responsiveness, however, required lower (∼5 mM) MgCl2 concentrations. Both GTP and its hydrolysis-resistant analog guanyl 5'-yl imidodiphosphate [GMP-P(NH)P] increased enzyme activity, but the response to each nucleotide had distinct characteristics. The rate and the extent of activation were greater in the presence of GMP-P(NH)P than in that of GTP. Moreover, enzyme activation by GMP-P(NH)P was hysteretic in nature, requiring about 8 min to reach steady state velocity in the absence of hormonal stimuli. The slow rate of activation by GMP-P(NH)P was accelerated by either hCG or increases (3–10 mM) in the concentration of MgCl2. Thus, ...
Laparoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion. Technical note.

In recent years, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number of patients undergoing treatment with interbody fusion devices for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. These devices can be placed either anteriorly or posteriorly. With the advent of minimally invasive surgery and the increasing ability of general surgeons to perform transperitoneal procedures laparoscopically, a new laparoscopic technique has been developed for placing lumbar interbody fusion devices. Although this procedure has some advantages over posterior lumbar interbody fusion, it is not without significant risk, and the learning curve is steep. The authors review a series of 32 consecutive patients who underwent single-level laparoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion at L4–5 or L5–S1 over a 2-year period for the treatment of single-level lumbar degenerative disease. In this report they review the technical aspects of the procedure and the important lessons they have learned through their early experience with this te...
Survey and alignment of the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley

Abstract The general survey and alignment concept for the Advanced Light Source (ALS) at LBL Berkeley [1] is based on a network of fixed monuments to which all component positions are referred. Observations include electronic distance measurements and direction sightings with electronic data capture; data are processed by a customized version of the computer code PC-GEONET [2] which provides raw data reduction, calculation of adjusted coordinates, and error analysis. Additionally, for local survey tasks the commercial software package ECDCS [3] is used. In this paper, the ALS survey and alignment strategy and techniques are presented and critically discussed; first experiences with alignment of the linac and booster components are described.
A corrected version of the Duchet kernel conjecture

In 1980 Piere Duchet conjectured that odd directed cycles are the only edge minimal kernel-less connected digraphs i.e. in which after the removal of any edge a kernel appears. Although this conjecture was disproved recently by Apartsin, Ferapontova and Gurvich (1996), the following modification of Duchet''s conjecture still holds: odd holes (i.e. odd non-directed chordless cycles of length 5 or more) are the only connected graphs which are not kernel-solvable but after the removal of any edge the resulting graph is kernel-solvable.
Microstructural Evolution Of Ti/Ni AND Ni/Ti Bilayer Thin Films

The growth and microstructural evolution of sputtered Ti/Ni and Ni/Ti bilayer thin films have been investigated as a function of Ti and Ni layer thicknesses in as-deposited and annealed states (280°C for 60 minutes) by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Ti layer thickness was varied systematically from 4.9 to 29.4 nm while the Ni thickness was varied from 3.2 to 19.2 nm. Carbon coated Cu TEM grids were used as substrates. Microstructural characteristics of the bilayers were found to be deposition sequence dependent. Ti/Ni bilayers exhibit a finer microstructure than N/T especially for the thicker films. Intergranular cracking is observed in the Ti/Ni sequence. In both deposition sequences the presence of Ni promotes the crystallization of Ti in the as-deposited state. By contrast, single layer Ti films deposited under the same sputtering conditions remain amorphous up to 9.8 nm thick. The Ti{002} electron diffraction ring is present in all of the bilayers even those with the thinnest Ti layers. Additional Ti rings, {010} and {011}, develop in bilayers with thicker Ti layers. In both bilayer systems a tensile stress parallel to the film plane is present in the Ni layer. Annealing removes structural defects and relieves the stress. A large increase in Ni{111} spacing can be attributed to dissolution of Ti atoms into the Ni lattice. Annealing also produces evidence of grain growth, intermetallic compound formation, and amorphization in both Ti/Ni and Ni/Ti samples.
Dynamic Regression Models for Prediction of Construction Costs

Accurate prediction of construction costs in the market is essential to effectively estimate costs for construction projects. In the construction industry, cost indexes that are reported in series are often used to explain the change of construction costs. By tracking the trend of such quantitative contemporaneous cost index and making frequent and regular forecasts of the future values of the index, one can develop a deeper understanding of prices of resources used for construction. Incorporating such an understanding and prediction into estimating will help practitioners manage construction costs. This paper proposes two dynamic regression models for the prediction of construction cost index. Comparison of the proposed models with the existing methods proves that the new models provide several advantages and improvements.
Nonobstructing Colonic Dilatation and Colon Perforations Following Renal Transplantation

• Nonobstructing colonic dilatation has not been commonly reported following renal transplantation, and colon perforations carry a high morbidity and mortality in this population. During a 7-year period, nonobstructing colonic dilatation developed in 13 adults 1 to 13 days after renal transplantation. Twelve (92%) of the 13 had poorly functioning allografts. Five (83%) of the 6 with and 2 (29%) of the 7 without colonoscopy had resolution of nonobstructing colonic dilatation. Of the seven right-sided colon perforations during this period, six were associated with nonobstructing colonic dilatation. An additional 4 patients had diverticular perforations in the left colon. Of a total of 11 patients with colon perforation, 7 had surgery within 24 hours of the perforation and 6 (86%) of these survived. Only 1 (25%) of the 4 having surgery more than 24 hours later survived. Six of the survivors retained functioning allografts. Nonobstructing colonic dilatation seems to be a potential complication of poor graft function after renal transplantation, and colonoscopy is effective in its treatment. In patients with colon perforations, early surgery and reduced immunosuppression are essential in decreasing mortality. ( Arch Surg . 1990;125:610-613)
The quantitative analysis of fecal neutral sterols by gas-liquid chromatography.

Abstract 1. 1. A method has been developed for the quantitative determination of fecal sterols by the gas-liquid chromatography of their trimethylsilyl ethers on a 5% nitryl silicone gum phase supported on Gas-Chrom P. 2. 2. The formation of the trimethylsilyl ethers of coprostanol, cholesterol, Δ7-cholestenol, and methostenol were shown to be complete and recoveries of added amounts of pure sterols were shown to vary from 94–98%.
Diversity in arrestin function.

The termination of heptahelical receptor signaling is a multilevel process coordinated, in large part, by members of the arrestin family of proteins. Arrestin binding to agonist-occupied receptors promotes desensitization by interrupting receptor-G protein coupling, while simultaneously recruiting machinery for receptor endocytosis, vesicular trafficking, and receptor fate determination. By simultaneously binding other proteins, arrestins also act as ligand-regulated scaffolds that recruit protein and lipid kinase, phosphatase, phosphodiesterase, and ubiquitin ligase activity into receptor-based multiprotein ‘signalsome’ complexes. Arrestin-binding thus ‘switches’ receptors from a transient G protein-coupled state to a persistent arrestin-coupled state that continues to signal as the receptor transits intracellular compartments. While it is clear that signalsome assembly has profound effects on the duration and spatial characteristics of heptahelical receptor signals, the physiologic functions of this novel signaling mechanism are poorly understood. Growing evidence suggests that signalsomes regulate such diverse processes as endocytosis and exocytosis, cell migration, survival, and contractility.
Chromosomal localization of a proinsulin transgene in Japanese quail by laser pressure catapulting

Transgenic avian bioreactors produce therapeutic recombinant proteins in egg white. To date, however, methods for transgenic modification of the avian genome or determining transgenic status of individual birds are scarce. The dual, but interrelated, goals of this research were to: (1) develop a method of detecting stable DNA insertion into Japanese quail; and (2) provide a method for gene location on avian chromosomes. We created Teflon-coated coverslip slides to facilitate laser pressure catapulting of avian chromosomes for DNA amplification and nucleotide sequencing. Transgenic G2 Japanese quail, containing germline incorporation of proinsulin, were identified by isolation of chromosomes using laser microdissection and laser pressure catapulting. Subsequent amplification of each chromosome identified 2–5 chromosomes with the proinsulin transgene inserted. Nucleotide sequencing of each chromosomal insertion was identical to the proinsulin portion of the original vector. By applying laser pressure catapulting and PCR of individual chromosomes, we were able to determine that the transgene correctly inserted into avian chromosomes and that the majority of the insertions occurred within microchromosomes. Because many potential therapeutic transgenes have similar or nearly identical nucleotide sequence to the host’s native gene, laser microdissection and subsequent analysis may be required for detailed documentation of transgene expression before proceeding with transgenic protein production.
The deepening crisis.

The author opines on global sustainable development and his view that international goals for environmental protection that were due for achievement in 2010 have been defeated, ignored, or postponed. The author discusses individual goals that were conceived, but not achieved in areas including biodiversity and climate change management.
Tropical Deforestation and Habitat Fragmentation in the Amazon: Satellite Data from 1978 to 1988

Landsat satellite imagery covering the entire forested portion of the Brazilian Amazon Basin was used to measure, for 1978 and 1988, deforestation, fragmented forest, defined as areas less than 100 square kilometers surrounded by deforestation, and edge effects of 1 kilometer into forest from adjacent areas of deforestation. Tropical deforestation increased from 78,000 square kilometers in 1978 to 230,000 square kilometers in 1988 while tropical forest habitat, severely affected with respect to biological diversity, increased from 208,000 to 588,000 square kilometers. Although this rate of deforestation is lower than previous estimates, the effect on biological diversity is greater.
Effect of synthetic juvenile hormone and citric acid on housefly pupae, Musca domestica L.

Abstract 1. 1. Housefly pupae treated topically with 10, 11 -epoxyfarnesenic acid methyl ester demonstrated sensitivity to the hormone. 2. 2. The first 2–12 hr of pupal age were best for assay use, and flies reared on an aseptic synthetic diet were responsive longer and gave consistently better results than those reared on standard laboratory diets. 3. 3. Citric acid applied separately to hormone-treated fly pupae inhibited the action of the hormone and discussion regarding this inhibition is presented.
Total elemental analysis digestion method evaluation on soils and clays

Abstract The standard digestion method for total elemental analysis of soil material by the Soil Survey Laboratory (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service) uses a 2‐mL clay suspension with hydrofluoric acid (HF) in a closed Teflon digestion vessel (method HF‐SUS). The accuracy and efficiency of elemental recovery by method HF‐SUS was compared to: (a) modification of HF‐SUS by use of a dried sample (method HF‐DRI); (b) modification of HF‐SUS by use of a dried sample and HF+aqua regia (method HF+AR); (c) sample digestion by Li metaborate fusion (method FUS); and (d) microwave digestion of samples with HF+aqua regia in Teflon bombs (method MICRO). Three replications of three standard reference materials (SRMs), fine‐earth (<2 mm) from 12 soils, and the clay (<2 urn) from 10 of those soils were analyzed. Method HF+AR shows the most consistent statistical agreement with the certified SRM values. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates significant effects (α=0.05) for method of digestion, nonsignificant eff...
Caregivers' participation in the oncology clinic visit mediates the relationship between their information competence and their need fulfillment and clinic visit satisfaction.

Abstract Objective Caregivers maintain critical roles in cancer patient care. Understanding cancer-related information effects both caregiver involvement and ability to have needs met. This study examines the mediating role caregiver's clinic visit involvement has on the relationships between caregiver's information competence and their need fulfillment and clinic visit satisfaction. Methods Secondary analysis of 112 advanced lung, breast, and prostate cancer caregivers participating in a large clinical trial. Caregiver information competence was assessed at pretest. Involvement, need fulfillment, and visit satisfaction were assessed immediately following the clinic appointment. Results Involvement correlated with information competence ( r =.21, p r =.48, p r =.35, p r =.26, p r =.19, p =.049), demonstrating mediation, and accounted for 24.4% of the variance in need fulfillment. The correlation between information competence and satisfaction ( r =.21, p =.04), decreased and was non-significant when controlling for involvement ( r =.15, p =.11), demonstrating mediation, and accounted for 13% of variance in visit satisfaction. Conclusion Caregiver's clinic visit involvement mediates the relationships between their information competence and their need fulfillment and visit satisfaction. Practice implications Efforts to improve the caregiving experience, and potentially patient outcomes, should focus on system-wide approaches to facilitating caregivers' involvement and assertiveness in clinical encounters.
Quercetin supplementation and upper respiratory tract infection: A randomized community clinical trial

Quercetin in culture with target cells and pathogens exerts anti-pathogenic activities against a wide variety of viruses and bacteria. A few small-scale human quercetin supplementation studies have produced conflicting results regarding quercetin's effects on upper respiratory tract infection rates, and little is known regarding the appropriate human dose. The purpose of this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was to measure the influence of two quercetin doses (500 and 1000 mg/day) compared to placebo on upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) rates in a large community group (N = 1002) of subjects varying widely in age (18–85 years). Subjects ingested supplements for 12 weeks and logged URTI symptoms on a daily basis using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS). No significant group differences were measured for URTI outcomes for all subjects combined, or when analyzing separately by gender, body mass index, and age categories. Regression analysis revealed that the strongest interaction effect with group status was self-reported fitness level. A separate analysis of subjects 40 years of age and older rating themselves in the top half of the entire group for fitness level (N = 325) showed lower URTI severity (36% reduction, P = 0.020) and URTI total sick days (31% reduction, P = 0.048) for the Q-1000 group compared to placebo. In summary, for all subjects combined, quercetin supplementation over 12 weeks had no significant influence on URTI rates or symptomatology compared to placebo. A reduction in URTI total sick days and severity was noted in middle aged and older subjects ingesting 1000 mg quercetin/day for 12 weeks who rated themselves as physically fit.
Confinement of Equilibrium Polymers: A Field-Theoretic Model and Mean-Field Solution

We develop a field-theoretic model for equilibrium polymers in good solvent. Using the Gaussian chain model, we present a derivation in the grand canonical ensemble in which the parameters are the monomer chemical potential μM, the excluded volume parameter u0, and the energy decrease for forming a bond 2h. Only the quantity Γ, which is proportional to u0e-2h, matters in determining the mean-field solution. For a bulk system, the homogeneous mean-field solution gives an exponential polymer length distribution with a characteristic length that decreases with increasing Γ. Moreover, the extent of polymer overlap in a semi-dilute solution decreases with increasing density in the mean-field approximation. We study the inhomogeneous properties of equilibrium polymers confined between two parallel repulsive plates with numerical self-consistent field theory. The polymer length distribution is exponential for all L, the dimensionless distance between the plates. For small L, the characteristic polymer length of ...
The impact of foundation-funded commissions on health policy.

National task forces, commissions, and other ad hoc advisory bodies-both public and pr ivate-have been a prominent feature of the American political landscape since the turn of the century. However, studies of their impact on public policy are relatively recent and have focused primarily on presidential commissions. Privately sponsored bodies have received considerably less attention. This essay reports on a study we conducted with the support of The Commonwealth Fund to learn more about the impact of foundation-funded commissions on national health policy decisions. The study had two main objectives: (1) to assess the policy impact of one of Commonwealth’s own recent commissions (the Task Force on Academic Health Centers), and (2) to extrapolate from the specific experiences of the task force and a small comparison group of commissions some practical lessons about the composition, conduct, and impact of such bodies. Because the sponsorship and funding of commissions is but one way foundations seek to influence public policy, our study cannot settle broader arguments about the policy role of foundations. It can, however, provide useful information for foundations and other sponsors about the design and management of ad hoc advisory bodies. Study methods. We defined foundation-funded commission as (1) an ad hoc, task-oriented advisory body, (2) sponsored (that is, established) by a foundation or other private institution or organization, and (3) funded by one or more foundations to deliberate and formulate recommendations on an issue of public policy. We excluded from this definition all governmental commissions (for example, all ad hoc advisory bodies established by executive or legislative mandate or regulation), even
Tissue Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate Levels in Uremic Subjects

Abstract A method for the analysis of tissue DEHP levels was developed. Tissue homogenates were extracted with a chloroformrmethanol solution, followed by the addition of 1 g baked alumina to clean up the heavy matrices of the tissues. DEHP levels in tne tissues were determined by gas chromatography. Percent recovery of DEHP from the tissues ranged between 72.2 and 83.3%. An experimentally produced acute renal failure in dogs (performing bilateral nephrectomy) was used for comparison of DEHP distribution in tissues from Control, Sham-Operated and Nephrectomized dogs. The highest concentration of DEKP was found in lung tissues of all three groups. DEHP levels in tissues of Nephrectomized dogs were significantly higher than those of Control and Sham-Operated dogs. With the exception of brain and liver, no significant difference in tissue DEHP levels were noted for Control and Sham-Operated dogs. Liver DEHP levels were 39.4 and 65.4 μg/g tissue for the Control and Sham-Operated dogs, respectively. DEHP was f...
NAND flash read/write cache directions for the personal computing platform

In 2007, NAND flash memory was first introduced into the personal computing platform by Intel in the form of a non-volatile read/write cache to augment the PC computing platform memory subsystem. This innovation provided faster random access to key data and files instead of requiring access to the magnetic hard disk drive. In its introductory form, utilizing then available NAND flash memory generation and architecture, the NAND flash read/write cache performed well on a PCI-express bus. However, the PC computing platform is evolving to further utilize the benefits of NAND flash memory to enable a better user experience to include: faster hibernations and resumes; a virtual SATA SSD (Solid State Drive) partition; user controls to select which applications receive accelerated execution; and increased data access speed for frequented data. In this paper, the changing PC platform and the NAND flash architecture, performance demands, memory interfaces, and the heightened reliability usage model creating the new computer platforms will be discussed.
Space-time evolution of heavy sterile neutrinos in cascade decays

Abstract Heavy sterile-like neutrinos may be produced resonantly from the decay of pseudoscalar mesons and may decay into several different channels in a cascade Φ → L α ν h ; ν h → { X } . In general these are rare events with displaced vertices. We provide a non-perturbative and manifestly unitary framework that describes the cascade decay and yields the space–time evolution of the probabilities for sterile neutrinos, final states and the total number of events at a far detector. The results are general, valid for Dirac or Majorana neutrinos and only input the total decay rates and branching ratios for the production and decay channels. We apply the results to two examples of “visible” decay: (i) K + → e + ν h → ( e + ) e + e − ν e via a standard model charged current vertex and (ii) the radiative decay K + → μ + ν h → ( μ + ) ν a γ . For this latter cascade process we find substantial corrections to previous assessments within the parameter space argued to solve the anomalous excess of electron-like events at MiniBooNE.
Maternal Education, Early Child Care and the Reproduction of Advantage

The social and human capital that educational attainment provides women enables them to better navigate their children's passages through school. In this study, we examine a key mechanism in this intergenerational process: mothers' selection of early child care. Analyses of the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development revealed that maternal education was positively associated with configurations of child-care characteristics (i.e., type, quality, quantity) most closely linked to children's school readiness. This association was not solely a function of mother's income or employment status, persisted despite controls for many observable confounds (e.g., maternal cognitive and psychological skills, paternal characteristics), and, according to post-hoc indices, was fairly robust in terms of unobservable confounds.
Mouse model of surgically-induced endometriosis by auto-transplantation of uterine tissue.

Endometriosis is a chronic, painful disease whose etiology remains unknown. Furthermore, treatment of endometriosis can require laparoscopic removal of lesions, and/or chronic pharmaceutical management of pain and infertility symptoms. The cost associated with endometriosis has been estimated at 22 billion dollars per year in the United States1. To further our understanding of mechanisms underlying this enigmatic disease, animal models have been employed. Primates spontaneously develop endometriosis and therefore primate models most closely resemble the disease in women. Rodent models, however, are more cost effective and readily available2. The model that we describe here involves an autologous transfer of uterine tissue to the intestinal mesentery (Figure 1) and was first developed in the rat3 and later transferred to the mouse4. The goal of the autologous rodent model of surgically-induced endometriosis is to mimic the disease in women. We and others have previously shown that the altered gene expression pattern observed in endometriotic lesions from mice or rats mirrors that observed in women with the disease5,6. One advantage of performing the surgery in the mouse is that the abundance of transgenic mouse strains available can aid researchers in determining the role of specific components important in the establishment and growth of endometriosis. An alternative model in which excised human endometrial fragments are introduced to the peritoneum of immunocompromised mice is also widely used but is limited by the lack of a normal immune system which is thought to be important in endometriosis2,7. Importantly, the mouse model of surgically induced endometriosis is a versatile model that has been used to study how the immune system8, hormones9,10 and environmental factors11,12 affect endometriosis as well as the effects of endometriosis on fertility13 and pain14.
Approach to the origin of turbulence on the basis of two‐point kinetic theory

Equations for the fluctuation correlation in an incompressible shear flow are derived on the basis of kinetic theory, utilizing the two‐point distribution function which obeys the BBGKY hierarchy equation truncated with the hypothesis of “ternary” molecular chaos. The step from the molecular to the hydrodynamic description is accomplished by a moment expansion which is a two‐point version of the thirteen‐moment method, and which leads to a series of correlation equations, viz., the two‐point counterparts of the continuity equation, the Navier‐Stokes equation, etc. For almost parallel shearing flows the two‐point equation is separable and reduces to two Orr‐Sommerfeld equations with different physical implications. Solution of an eigenvalue problem for the Blasius boundary layer is obtained in a certain parallelism to the classical stability theory, and is used for predicting the transition Reynolds number of a “quiescent” Blasius flow in which thermodynamic fluctuations alone are the initiating mechanism. Also, the calculated spatial growth rate of fluctuation agrees with the Schubauer‐Klebanoff experiment, which gives an account of unexplained experimental evidence that the fluctuation complex (turbulence bursts plus the Tollmien‐Schlichting wave), as a whole, obeys a certain linear theory.
Validation of a Second-Order Slip Model for Dilute Gas Flows

We present an extensive comparison between direct Monte Carlo simulations and the predictions of the Navier-Stokes description coupled to a recently proposed second-order slip model for hard sphere gases. Two one-dimensional, time-dependent channel flows are considered. In both cases excellent agreement is found between molecular simulation and the proposed model well into the transition regime for both the velocity and stress fields. The excellent quantitative agreement extends, approximately, to a Knudsen number based on the channel width of 0.4. The transient nature of the flows suggests that the slip model, despite its (quasi-) steady origins, remains reliable as long as the evolution timescale is long compared to the molecular collision time. Our discussion elucidates the effect of the Knudsen layer, a kinetic “boundary layer” in the vicinity of walls that needs to be superposed to the Navier-Stokes component of the flow in order to obtain the complete flow solution. The existence of this kinetic bou...
Effects of life-long caloric restriction and voluntary exercise on age-related changes in levels of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes and angiotensin II receptors in the rat adrenal medulla and hypothalamus.

We examined if life-long mild caloric restriction (CR) alone or with voluntary exercise prevents the age-related changes in catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme levels in the adrenal medulla and hypothalamus. Ten-week-old Fisher-344 rats were assigned to: sedentary; sedentary + 8% CR; or 8% CR + wheel running. Rats were euthanized at 6 or 24 months of age. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA expression was 4.4-fold higher in the adrenal medullae and 60% lower in the hypothalamus of old sedentary rats compared to young (p < 0.01). Life-long CR reduced the age-related increase in adrenomedullary TH by 50% (p < 0.05), and completely reversed the changes in hypothalamic TH. Voluntary exercise, however, had no additional effect over CR. Since angiotensin II is involved in the regulation of catecholamine biosynthesis, we examined the expressions of angiotensin II receptor subtypes in the adrenal medulla. AT1 protein levels were 2.8-fold higher in the old animals compared to young (p < 0.01), and while AT1 levels were unaffected by CR alone, CR + wheel running decreased AT1 levels by 50% (p < 0.01). AT2 levels did not change with age, however CR + wheel running increased its level by 42% (p < 0.05). These data indicate that a small decrease in daily food intake can avert age-related changes in catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme levels in the adrenal medulla and hypothalamus, possibly through affecting angiotensin II signaling.
What Percentage of Patients with Angina Pectoris Are Candidates for Bypass Grafts

Of 63 patients evaluated for chest pain, 54 were found to have severe angina pectoris and major coronary arterial obstruction. Operation was considered feasible in 52 patients. Neither the angiographic demonstration of distal patent segments nor the apparent size of such segments was significant in selecting surgical candidates.
Intertemporal cost dependence in the presence of managerial impatience

Abstract A multi-period agency problem arising in the presence of intertemporal cost dependence is investigated. The principal delegates production decisions to a manager who is impatient. The manager has private information on the nature of cost dependence that takes the form of an experience effect. Since the impatient manager would not invest enough to gain experience, the principal designs a second-best scheme to motivate the manager to increase intertemporal profit for the firm. The second best scheme is obtained as a direct revelation mechanism that specifies outputs (prices) as well as the manager's compensation. A significant result is that unlike the first-best case, impatience is not necessarily a disadvantage with asymmetric information. Impatience can be exploited to reduce the manager's information rent resulting in preferred outcomes for the principal.
Synthesis of 7, 7‐diaryl‐4, 5, 6, 7‐tetrahydroimidazo‐[4, 5‐c]pyridines

The synthesis and characterization of various 7, 7-diaryl-4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydroimidazo-[4, 5-c]pyridines are reported. Convulsant activity was observed with a dipyridyl compound.
New mathematical model for the intensity PDF of a laser beam propagating through turbulent media

A new doubly stochastic probability distribution function (PDF), namely the two parameter gamma-gamma distribution, is developed to describe the intensity fluctuations of a laser beam propagating through turbulent media. The lognormal distribution is the traditional governing distribution in the weak region; however in strong turbulence the intensity of a laser beam is better described by Beckman's PDF and lognormal modified PDF. It is shown in this analysis that the gamma-gamma PDFs in the strong region. The gamma-gamma PDF is compared here with recently published simulation data over a range of atmospheric conditions. Although the parameters of the gamma-gamma PDF are determined based on best fitted curves, the purpose of this analysis is to explore the existence of such a universal PDF. Unlike all other models, the gamma-gamma has a closed form CDF, making it of extreme importance for real time calculations.
Growth of a Thermophilic Bacterium on Hydrocarbons: A New Source of Single-Cell Protein

A species of the genus Bacillus, capable of growth on normal alkanes at 70°C, was isolated by the method known as enrichment culture. Preliminary analyses of its amino acid composition indicate that it would be a good source of protein for human nutrition. Possible advantages of the use of such organisms for the production of single-cell protein include simplification of fermentor cooling and asepsis.
EVALUATION OF PERSISTENT COUGH IN CHILDREN

Persistent or chronic cough is defined as a cough lasting more than 3 weeks. A systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough involves a detailed history. The age of the child, descriptive qualities of the cough, and environmental exposures are particularly important. A thorough physical examination, looking for evidence of growth retardation and failure to thrive in addition to more specific signs, is essential. When further investigation is necessary, a complete blood count, chest radiograph, and PPD are indicated. Additional testing is guided by findings in the history and physical examination to rule out the less common but more serious causes.
A variable reluctance stepping microdynamometer

A magnetic variable reluctance stepping micromotor fabricated using LIGA processing is described which is integrated with an external planar coupled gear train and electromagnetic brake. Variable mechanical loading of the micromotor through the electrically controlled brake allows dynamometry measurements to be performed. All components are fabricated from electroplated 78 Permalloy. A planar gear coupling is achieved by using involute gear teeth as the salient elements in the rotor. The rotor used for testing has a pitch radius near 500 μm with 180 μm thickness and is complemented with a stator which provides for a step rotation of 2.4°. Coil windings are implemented with assembled spring clip coil forms with 400 turns of 50 AWG magnet wire. Improved coil efficiency is responsible for decreasing the minimum power required for rotor rotation to 52 microWatts. Maximum speeds near 8000 rpm are achieved although stepping action is affected by stepping instabilities which are a function of excitation magnitude and frequency. Calibration of the electromagnetic brake is accomplished with static beam bending measurements and indicates a maximum peripheral rotor output force of 0.6 milliNewton corresponding to an output torque near 0.3 microNewton-meter. Dynamometry measurements indicate a maximum mechanical power output of 20 microWatts.
Demographics, Innovative Outputs and Alliance Strategies of Canadian Biotech Firms

This paper focuses on the characteristics of biotech firms that consider alliances as critical to the innovation and commercialization of biotech-based products. First, we consider alliances with both universities and industries. Next, we examine attributes for those firms who consider proximity to universities as critical compared with others that do not put high value on physical proximity. Our study is informed by the literature on the biotechnology industry as well as studies on absorptive capacity, alliances and clusters in exploration and exploitation of knowledge, research and technologies. We analyse data based on a 2002 survey of Canadian biotech firms and find that while collaborative arrangements with universities are the most common among our sample firms, those who assign a high value to such linkages are not necessarily always the biotech firms experiencing commercial success.