cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thin Flowing Liquid Film Thickness Measurement by Laser Induced Fluorescence

An optical technique is described for determining, in a physically nondisturbing manner, the thickness of a thin flowing liquid film. The technique is based on measurement of the fluorescent emission induced in the liquid film by absorption of a focused laser beam. Although the technique was developed for measuring liquid film thicknesses on the prefilming surface of an airblast fuel atomizer, it is not limited to this application
Magnetic Resonance in the Spiral Phase of Polycrystalline MnAu 2 at 20–26 GHz

Microwave absorption has been studied at 20-26 GHz in polycrystalline MnAu 2 over a temperature range of 5-440 K and in magnetic fields up to 20 kOe. MnAu 2 has planar spiral magnetic ordering below a Neel temperature of T N =363 K. Paramagnetic resonances was observed above T N . Although theory predicts no low frequency resonance in the spiral magnetic phase below T N , two distinct absorption peaks were observed and studied as functions of frequency, polarization, magnetic field, and temperature. One set of resonances is consistent with paramagnetic resonance of a postulated disordered spin component in the spiral phase of MnAu 2 . Possible explanations for the second resonance are discussed. A possible resonance in the fieldinduced fan phase of MnAu 2 was also observed.
Application of the thermally tuned tandem column concept to the separation of several families of environmental toxicants.

Separations of several families of environmental toxicants were optimized by means of the thermally tuned tandem column (T3C) concept. We use a tandem combination of an octadecylsilane (ODS) and a carbon-coated zirconia (C−ZrO2) column; and tune the selectivity by independently adjusting the isothermal temperatures of the two columns. This results in the change in the contribution that each column makes to the overall retention and selectivity. The separation was optimized by locating the optimum pair of column temperatures which give the best separation of the critical solute pair. For both triazine herbicides and carbamate pesticides samples, dramatically different selectivities and different critical pairs were observed for the two types of phases. Although neither individual phase gave adequate separation, the T3C approach provided baseline separations using only four preliminary trial separations. We also showed that, for the triazine samples, the T3C approach gave a better separation than did conven...
Shape factors of narrow size range samples of respirable coal mine dust

Abstract Respirable coal mine dust samples from three different U.S. mines were aerodynamically classified in a Bahco centrifugal classifier to yield four particle size fractions. Fractions were analyzed for density, particle size by optical microscopy, random and oriented projected area, and specific surface area (BET). These measures enabled us to define additional characterizing parameters which yielded insight into the physical nature of the size fractions. Differences in parameters for size fractions obtained form the same sample and from samples collected in different mines are discussed. It is suggested that to understand the differences in reported incidences of coal workers' pneumoconiosis in different mines, analyses of this type, together with the dust chemical composition as a function of particle size within the respirable size range, will be necessary.
Young Adult Ecstasy Users and Multiple Sexual Partners : Understanding the Factors Underlying this HIV Risk Practice

The purposes of this study are to (1) examine the extent to which young adult Ecstasy users recently reported having had multiple sex partners and (2) identify the factors predictive of engaging in this behavior. Potential predictors included demographic characteristics, background and experiences measures, childhood maltreatment experiences, substance use variables, and measures assessing psychological/psychosocial functioning. This research is based on a sample of 283 young adult recurrent users of the drug, Ecstasy. Study participants were recruited in Atlanta, Georgia between August 2002 and August 2004 using a targeted sampling and ethnographic mapping approach. Interviews took approximately two hours to complete. Nearly one-third of the study participants had more than one sex partner during the preceding month, and sexual protection rates tended to be low. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed seven predictors associated with an increased likelihood of having multiple sex partners: (1) being nonwhite, (2) knowing someone who was HIV-positive, (3) younger age of first sexual experience, (4) using Ecstasy for its touch-enhancing qualities, (5) higher self-esteem, (6) handling disagreements more dysfunctionally, and (7) not being involved in a romantic relationship. The HIV prevention- and intervention-related implications of these findings are discussed.
Uncoupling of Calcium Mobilization and Entry Pathways in Endothelin-stimulated Pituitary Lactotrophs

In cells expressing Ca2+-mobilizing receptors, InsP3-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores is commonly associated with extracellular Ca2+ influx. Operation of these two Ca2+ signaling pathways mediates thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and angiotensin II (AII)-induced prolactin secretion from rat pituitary lactotrophs. After an initial hyperpolarization induced by Ca2+ mobilization from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), these agonists generated an increase in the steady-state firing of action potentials, further facilitating extracellular Ca2+ influx and prolactin release. Like TRH and AII, endothelin-1 (ET-1) also induced a rapid release of Ca2+ from the ER and a concomitant spike prolactin secretion during the first 3-5 min of stimulation. However, unlike TRH and AII actions, Ca2+ mobilization was not coupled to Ca2+ influx during sustained ET-1 stimulation, as ET-1 induced a long-lasting abolition of action potential firing. This lead to a depletion of the ER Ca2+ pool, a prolonged decrease in [Ca2+]i, and sustained inhibition of prolactin release. ET-1-induced inhibition and TRH/AII-induced stimulation of Ca2+ influx and hormone secretion were reduced in the presence of the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, nifedipine. Basal [Ca2+]i and prolactin release were also reduced in the presence of nifedipine. Furthermore, TRH-induced Ca2+ influx and secretion were abolished by ET-1, as TRH was unable to reactivate Ca2+ influx and prolactin release in ET-1-stimulated cells. Depolarization of the cells during sustained inhibitory action of ET-1, however, increased [Ca2+]i and prolactin release. These results indicate that L-type Ca2+ channel represents a common Ca2+ influx pathway that controls basal [Ca2+]i and secretion and is regulated by TRH/AII and ET-1 in an opposite manner. Thus, the receptor-mediated uncoupling of Ca2+ entry from Ca2+ mobilization provides an effective control mechanism in terminating the stimulatory action of ET-1. Moreover, it makes electrically active lactotrophs quiescent and unresponsive to other calcium-mobilizing agonists.
Environmental politics and policy : theories and evidence

List of Tables and Figures ix Preface and Acknowledgments xi 1. Introduction / James P. Lester 1 Part One. The Historical Context 2. The Evolution of Environmentalism / W. Douglas Costain and James P. Lester 15 3. Federalism and State Environmental Policy / James P. Lester 39 Part Two. Actors and Institutions 4. Public Opinion and Environmental Policy / Riley E. Dunlap 63 5. Interest Groups and Environmental Policy / Helen M. Ingram, David H. Colnic, and Dean E. Mann 115 6. Political Parties and Environmental Policy / Sheldon Kamieniecki 146 7. Congress and Environmental Policy / Michael E. Kraft 168 8. The Bureaucracy and Environmental Policy / Walter A. Rosenbaum 206 9. The Courts and Environmental Policy / Lettie McSpadden 242 10. Elites and Environmental Policy / Mark E. Rushefsky 275 Part Three. Environmental Policy Outcomes 11. Evaluating Environmental Policy Outcomes / Evan J. Ringquist 303 12. Alternative Views of the Environmental Problematic / John S. Dryzek and James P. Lester 238 13. The Politics of Hope: An Eclectic Vision of the Future / Gerald B. Thomas 347 Appendix: Selected Statistics on Environmental Policy 365 Index 379 Contributors 387
Role for prenatal estrogen in the development of masculine sexual behavior in the male ferret

Previous studies have shown that neonatal exposure to testosterone is essential for coital masculinization in male ferrets. In the present experiments, masculine sexual behavior was diminished in male ferrets by prenatal exposure to drugs which inhibited estrogenic stimulation of the brain. Similarly timed prenatal treatments with testosterone failed to masculinize the behavior of female offspring. We hypothesize that prenatal exposure of the male ferret to estrogen, derived from the neural aromatization of circulating androgen, may sensitize the developing brain to the subsequent masculinizing action of testosterone shortly after birth.
UPPER INCISOR GROOVES IN THE GEOMYINAE

Currently used systems of classification and phylogeny of geomyines rely largely on the number and position of upper incisor grooves. They state that, of the living genera, Geomys and Zygogeomys are bisulcate with both lingual and labial grooves, Thomomys is asulcate with a rare lingual groove, and Pappogeomys and Orthogeomys are unisulcate with only a medial groove. Reevaluation of groove patterns shows that Geomys and Zygogeomys are actually bisulcate but, of 908 Thomomys , 99.3 per cent have a lingual groove and 29.7 per cent have a faint medial groove. Also, 75.3 per cent of 85 Pappogeomys and 34.2 per cent of 38 Orthogeomys have a lingual groove in addition to the medial. The medial groove probably functions primarily to strengthen the tooth, whereas the lingual groove probably reinforces the lingual edges of the upper incisors where they contact one another. The apparent phylogenetic sequence of groove development from a primitive smooth incisor is: formation of a lingual groove; addition of a medial groove; and, lastly, reduction of the lingual groove in some large taxa. Because similar grooving patterns may have developed in different lineages, the use of groove patterns to interpret phylogenetic relationships may be subject to error. Bisulcate fossil geomyines may be related to Pappogeomys or Orthogeomys as well as to Geomys or Zygogeomys .
The Effect of Asymmetric Transfer on Dual-Task Assessment of Voice Technology

This experiment examines tne effect of asymmetric transfer on multiple-task performance in a voice technology study. Male subjects performed a mental arithmetic and a visual memory task alone and together. Stimuli for the mental arithmetic task were presented either visually or auditorily; responses were made either vocally or manually. Stimuli for the visual memory task were always presented visually; responses were always made manually. Preliminary analyses revealed a number of statistically significant effects favoring auditory input and speech response. However, these analyses also revealed asymmetric transfer between response conditions. When the data affected by the asymmetric transfer were eliminated from subsequent analyses, no significant advantages for speech over manual response were found. The significance of these results for voice technology studies is discussed.
Quasisteady behavior of pulsatile, confined, counterflowing jets: implications for the assessment of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation.

Mitral and tricuspid regurgitation create turbulent jets within the atria. Clinically, for the purpose of estimating regurgitant severity, jet size is assumed to be proportional to peak jet flow rate and regurgitant volume. Unfortunately, the relationship is more complex because the determinants of jet size include interactions between jet pulsatility, jet momentum, atrial width, and the velocity of ambient atrial counterftows. These effects on fluorescent jet penetration were measured using an in vitro simulation. Both steady and pulsatile jets were driven into an opposing counterflow velocity field peak jet length (Ljp ) measurements made as a function of (1) peak orifice velocity (Ujp ), (2) the time required for the jet to accelerate from zero to peak velocity and begin to decelerate (Tjp ), (3) jet orifice diameter (Dj ), (4) counterflow velocity (Uc ), and (5) counterflow tube diameter (Dc ). A compact mathematical description was developed using dimensional analysis. Results showed that peak jet length was a function of the counterflow tube diameter, the ratio of peak jet to counterflow momentum, (Mjp /Mc ) = (Ujp 2 Dj 2 )/(Uc 2 Dc 2 ), and a previously undescribed jet pulsatility parameter, the pulsatility index (PI), PI = Dc 2 /(Tjp Ujp Dj ). For the same jet orifice flow conditions, jet penetration decreased as chamber diameter decreased, as the jet PI increased, and as the momentum ratio decreased. These interactions provide insight into why regurgitant jet size is not always a good estimate of regurgitant severity.
How many thoughts are there? Or why we likely have no Tegmark duplicates $ 10^{{10^{115} }} $ m away

Physicist Max Tegmark argues that if there are infinite universes or sub-universes, we will encounter our exact duplicates infinite times, the nearest within \( 10^{{10^{115} }} \) m. Tegmark assumes Humean supervenience and a finite number of possible combinations of elementary quantum states. This paper argues on the contrary that Tegmark’s argument fails to hold if possible thoughts, persons, and life histories are all infinite in number. Are there infinite thoughts we could possibly think? This paper will show that there are. If so, then it is not only Tegmark’s specific claim about our duplication that is called into question. We additionally acquire another strong argument against Humean supervenience.
CYTOLOGY OF HUMAN URINARY SEDIMENT: DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF THE NONNUCLEATED CELL

Epithelial cells of the distal urethra (studied in voided specimens of urine) respond in the same way to ovarian steroids as do the cells of the vaginal mueosa, throughout a normal menstrual cycle. Among these urinary cells, a non-nucleated, acidophilie amorphous structure termed the “non-nucleated cell” is present normally in the proportion of 1 to 20 per cent. When these nonnucleated structures are included in a count of 100 cells, striking variations are consistently observed in several pathologic conditions. We have confirmed the original observations of Galli Mainini that these non-nucleated elements are found in greatest abundance in urinary smears after castration. They are therefore an index of ovarian deficiency rather than of ovarian estrogenic stimulation. They are increased in ovarian dysgenesis, but reduced by estrogen therapy. Similarly, they are at a high level in cases of polyeystic ovaries, but drop precipitately after wedge resection. The high level seen after oophorectomy in patients wi...
Authorization in trust management: Features and foundations

Trust management systems are frameworks for authorization in modern distributed systems, allowing remotely accessible resources to be protected by providers. By allowing providers to specify policy, and access requesters to possess certain access rights, trust management automates the process of determining whether access should be allowed on the basis of policy, rights, and an authorization semantics. In this paper we survey modern state-of-the-art in trust management authorization, focusing on features of policy and rights languages that provide the necessary expressiveness for modern practice. We characterize systems in light of a generic structure that takes into account components of practical implementations. We emphasize systems that have a formal foundation, since security properties of them can be rigorously guaranteed. Underlying formalisms are reviewed to provide necessary background.
Low-density lipoprotein density and atherosclerosis. Unraveling the connection.

Objective. —To provide an overview of the relationship between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) density and coronary artery disease and to examine this relationship in terms of lipid peroxidation and the atherogenic remnant hypothesis. Data Sources. —English-language studies and reviews pertaining to LDL composition and size were identified through a MEDLINE search and reference citations. Study Selection. —Clinical studies on the following topics were critically reviewed: (1) the association between LDL density and coronary artery disease, (2) the relationship between LDL density and the levels and composition of other lipoproteins, and (3) the influence of environmental and genetic factors on LDL density. Data Synthesis. —Low-density lipoprotein is a heterogeneous lipoprotein containing many subpopulations identifiable on the basis of density and size. There is an increased prevalence of small, dense LDL particles in coronary artery disease and conditions commonly associated with atherogenesis, such as non—insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and familial combined hyperlipidemia. Exercise, visceral fat accumulation, and diet influence LDL density. In comparison with buoyant LDL, dense LDL is associated with a more atherogenic type of lipoprotein profile. An important relationship exists between the triglyceride level and the formation of LDL subpopulations. Conclusion. —Unraveling the connection between dense LDL and atherogenesis should provide important insights into the basic mechanisms underlying atherogenesis. ( JAMA . 1994;272:305-308)
Barriers to asthma self-management in adolescents: Relationships to psychosocial factors

Asthma morbidity in adolescents often results from inadequate asthma self-management. This study was to explore barriers to self-management perceived by adolescents and to examine the associations between barriers and psychosocial factors including knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy. This cross-sectional study included a total of 126 adolescents with asthma (13–20 years) representing diverse race/ethnicity groups with a wide range of socioeconomic status. Self-reported data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis and hierarchical regression. The most frequently endorsed barrier (63%) was adolescents' unwillingness to give up “the things the doctors say I have to give up,” followed by difficulty in remembering to take care of their asthma (53%), and then “trying to forget” that they have asthma (50%). Psychosocial factors accounted for 32% of the variance in total barrier perceptions. Factor analysis revealed barriers in four domains including negativity toward providers and the medication regimen, cognitive difficulty, peer/family influence and denial. Self-efficacy was found to be the most influential factor that showed strong negative associations with all four barrier subscales independent of the levels of asthma control and sociodemographic characteristics. Poor attitudes toward asthma were also associated with barriers of cognitive difficulty and social influence after adjusting for other factors. Males consistently reported higher total barriers and barriers of negativity, social influence and denial. The gender differences were not explained by psychosocial and sociodemographic factors. This study suggests that psychosocial factors are strong predictors of barriers to self-management in adolescents. Particularly, promoting self-efficacy may be beneficial in addressing the barriers. Special attention is needed to address the higher propensity for barriers in males. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:183–191. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On an extension of the stochastic integral

Abstract We give a sufficient condition for existence of the nonadapted extension of the stochastic integral introduced in Berger and Mizel (1982). The condition and the integral are expressed in terms of the differentiation operator on the Wiener space and its dual.
Soil water dynamics under winter rye cover crop in central Iowa.

UƟ lizaƟ on of cereal rye (Secale cereale L. ssp. cereal) as a winter cover crop has potenƟ al benefi ts for subsurface drainage and NO 3 loss reducƟ on. The objecƟ ve of this study was to quanƟ fy the soil water balance components and impacts of a rye cover crop on subsurface drainage in central Iowa. Rye was planted in lysimeters in mid-October and terminated in early June in 3 yr and the lysimeters were leŌ fallow during the summer months. Subsurface drainage water was generally pumped out weekly along with taking soil moisture measurements; however, mulƟ ple appreciable rain events in a given week required more frequent pumping. During May through July of the 3 yr, monthly subsurface drainage was signifi cantly reduced by 21% when comparing the rye system to bare soil (P < 0.1). Drainage of individual pumping events was signifi cantly lower in the rye lysimeters than the bare lysimeters when averaged across 3 yr (P < 0.05). Soil water storage in the rye treatment was also signifi cantly lower than the bare treatment (P < 0.05) in all 3 yr. The winter cover crop eff ecƟ vely reduced subsurface drainage, which would then be expected to decrease the NO 3 load, which is essenƟ al to water quality improvement. During the main growing month, May, esƟ mated evapotranspiraƟ on of rye was 2.4 mm d −1 , signifi cantly higher than evaporaƟ on from the bare treatment (1.5 mm d −1 , P < 0.1). Soil water depleƟ on by rye in May could reduce the drainage volume and may also help facilitate traffi cability, but it is sƟ ll unknown what impact there may be on crop producƟ on in dry years.
Choline acetyltransferase activity in the larval brain of Manduca sexta. Properties and developmental changes

Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT; EC 2.3.1.6) exists as a single molecular species in the larval brain of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. Using a rapid and sensitive radiochemical liquid-ion exchange procedure, it was shown that ChAT has an Mr of 68,000 and that its favored substrate is choline. Bisubstrate kinetic analysis and substrate inhibition studies indicate that the enzyme functions according to the Theorell-Chance sequential mechanism. The apparent Km for choline (1.11 mM) is comparable to the Km for other invertebrate ChAT systems, while for the second substrate, acetylcoenzyme A (AcCoA), the apparent Km (0.4 mM) is an order of magnitude greater than for other tissues. Substrate inhibition data demonstrate that the substrate, AcCoA, is competitively inhibited by its product CoA at micromolar concentrations (I50 = 600μm), while choline is competitively inhibited by acetylcholine at millimolar concentrations (I50 = 250 mM). Thus, it appears that CoA may have a regulatory role in the activity of ChAT. The enzyme is partially solubilized upon homogenization and subcellular fractionation studies suggest that it is either compartmentalized or membrane associated. The “insoluble” component displays substrate inhibition characteristics similar to those of the “soluble” fraction. ChAT has a temperature and pH optimum range of 45–50°C and 8–10, respectively. As reported for other invertebrates, Manduca ChAT is not inhibited by specific vertebrate ChAT inhibitors, but 90% of the activity is abolished by non-specific sulfhydryl inhibitors, indicating that a cysteine residue may be at, or near, the active site. The enzyme is more dependent on Na+ than Cl−. Developmental titers of brain ChAT during the last two larval instars demonstrate that fluctuations in activity occur over extended periods of time. However, no significant correlation was found between ChAT activity and the release of prothoracicotropic hormone.
1 GHz CMOS VCO design for wireless application using MEMS technology

In this work, the design of RF VCO circuit, in which the oscillation frequency is controlled by a tunable capacitor based on microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology is presented. The design of high Q-MEMS tunable capacitor has been accomplished through bulk micro machining with all metal micro structure. A standard CMOS process is used to carry out the fabrication of the VCO circuit with the MEMS tunable capacitor on the same chip. The main features of this design, is the enabling of a complete monolithic fabrication RF VCOs using on-chip IC compatible high-Q MEMS tunable capacitor. The performance of the MEMS capacitor is modeled with emphasis on the tunability range with the tuning voltage. The simulation results are presented to show the performance of RF VCO circuit with the MEMS tunable capacitor, which has a high-Q of about 60 at 1 GHZ and low insertion loss of -1dB at 40 GHz.
Policy uncertainty and the demand for money in the United Kingdom

Limited studies that have assessed the impact of economic uncertainty on the demand for money have concentrated on using a volatility measure of money supply and output. Certainly, other factors such as regulation, taxes, budget deficits, national debt, etc. can contribute to an uncertain environment. This new measure of uncertainty, which is called ‘policy uncertainty’, is now constructed for several countries and published. We investigate the impact of this new measure on the demand for money in the UK and find that it has a negative and significant short-run effect, but not any log-run effects.
Left ventricular ejection fraction and prevalence of new left ventricular wall motion abnormality at long-term follow-up in patients with automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators treated with dual-chamber rate-responsive pacing at a rate of 70/minute versus backup ventricular pacing at a rate of 40/minute.

Baseline and long-term follow-up 2-dimensional echocardiograms were obtained in 160 patients with automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators without indications for antibradycardia pacing, who had backup ventricular pacing at a rate of 40/minute (VVI-40) or dual-chamber rate-responsive pacing at a rate of 70/minute (DDDR-70). At 37 months of follow-up for 80 patients treated with VVI-40 and 23 months of follow-up for 80 patients treated with DDDR-70, the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 36 ± 8% at baseline and 36 ± 8% at follow-up and 36 ± 7% at baseline and 30 ± 7% at follow-up (p 7% in 25 of 80 patients (31%)treated with DDDR-70 and in 9 of 80 patients (11%) treated with VVI-40 (p
Location of stable and unstable equilibrium configurations using a model trust region quasi-Newton method and tunnelling

Abstract A hybrid method for locating multipole equilibrium configurations has been proposed recently. The hybrid method combined the efficiency of a quasi-Newton method capable of locating stable and unstable equilibrium solutions with a robust homotopy method capable of tracking equilibrium paths with turning points and exploiting sparsity of the Jacobian matrix at the same time. A quasi-Newton method in conjunction with a deflation technique is proposed here as an alternative to the hybrid method. The proposed method not only exploits sparsity and symmetry, but also represents an improvement in efficiency.
Techniques for thermal sensitivity analysis

Techniques for computing the sensitivity of temperatures to changes in design variables needed for designing thermal protection systems are considered. It is shown that the choice of the most efficient technique depends on the ratio of number of temperature constraints to the number of design variables, as well as on the thermal analysis method employed. The analysis is specialized to the case of a structure modeled by finite elements, and an example of an insulation panel is used to demonstrate the techniques.
The Quest for America: Reflections on Distinctiveness, Pluralism, and Public Life

Did the first truly modern society take shape in British North America between 1680 and 1770? Did ethnic and religious diversity and economic complexity combine with participatory politics to create a distinctively American society? Such questions fail to notice that these components worked at cross-purposes as often as they reinforced one another. Outlining the building blocks of ethnic or national identity without linking them to how Americans perceived themselves and their relations with one another may not be the best way to approach the emergence of a distinctive American society and culture.
Evaluation of aluminum pit corrosion in oak ridge research reactor pool by quantitative imaging and thermodynamic modeling

The Oak Ridge Research Reactor (ORRR) was operated as an isotope production and irradiation facility from March 1958 until March 1987. The US Department of Energy permanently shut down and removed the fuel from the ORRR in 1987. The water level must be maintained in the ORRR pool as shielding for radioactive components still located in the pool. The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management (DOE EM) needs to decontaminate and demolish the ORRR as part of the Oak Ridge cleanup program. In February 2004, increased pit corrosion was noted in the pool's 6 mm (1/4'')-thick aluminum liner in the section nearest where the radioactive components are stored. If pit corrosion has significantly penetrated the aluminum liner, then DOE EM must accelerate its decontaminating and decommissioning (D and D) efforts or look for alternatives for shielding the irradiated components. The goal of Mississippi State University's Institute for Clean Energy Technology (ICET) was to provide a determination of the extent and depth of corrosion and to conduct thermodynamic modeling to determine how further corrosion can be inhibited. Results from the work will facilitate ORNL in making reliable disposition decisions. ICET's inspection approach was to quantitatively estimate the amount of more » corrosion by using Fourier - transform profilometry (FTP). FTP is a non-contact 3- D shape measurement technique. By projecting a fringe pattern onto a target surface and observing its deformation due to surface irregularities from a different view angle, the system is capable of determining the height (depth) distribution of the target surface, thus reproducing the profile of the target accurately. ICET has previously demonstrated that its FTP system can quantitatively estimate the volume and depth of removed and residual material to high accuracy. The results of our successful initial deployment of a submergible FTP system into the ORRR pool are reported here as are initial thermodynamic modeling results. (authors) « less
Simulation of responses of community structure to species interactions driven by phenotypic change

Abstract We developed a community model which considers the effect of phenotype on species interaction in order to elucidate general relationships between phenotype, species interactions and community structure. The model consists of community matrices with density-dependent species interactions and a limit on the total population of each species. A general natural pattern forms the basis of the model: organisms which are most similar compete, those which are less similar may enter into a predator-prey relationship, and those which are most different may be mutualistic. In this model, contrary to some previously published studies, increasing the number of species increased stability of community matrices. The rate of change in phenotype was varied to assess the response of community characteristics. At the highest rate of random phenotypic change there were the most species; the minimum number of species was found at intermediate rates of change. The models were run in the absence of predation, competition, or mutualism. The absence of mutualism led to more extinction. The absence of competition caused communities to quickly reach a population ceiling. Results suggest that it is extremely important to understand the relative occurrence of mutualism and competition in natural communities. Furthermore, the rate of phenotypic change could be an important but subtle determinant of community structure.
A comparison of the reinforcing efficacy of PCP, the PCP derivatives TCP and BTCP, and cocaine using a progressive ratio schedule in the rat.

This study was designed to compare the reinforcing efficacy of PCP (phencyclidine:phenylcyclohexyl-piperidine) and the PCP-derivatives BTCP (N-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl) cyclohexyl]piperidine) and TCP (N-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]-piperidine) to that of cocaine, using a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement (PR). On the PR schedule the number of responses required to obtain an i.v. infusion of drug was escalated with each injection until a breaking point was reached when the animal stopped responding. Since BTCP has an affinity for the DA uptake site comparable to that of cocaine, it was hypothesized that BTCP and cocaine would show similar patterns of self-administration and comparable breaking points. In contrast, the high affinity of TCP and PCP for the NMDA-ion channel complex suggested that these two compounds would also support comparable self-administration behaviors. Rats were trained to self-administer i.v. cocaine during daily 5h sessions under a fixed-ratio-1 (FR1) schedule. Once consistent lever-pressing behavior was established, BTCP, PCP or TCP was substituted for cocaine. Under the FRI schedule, BTCP elicited a regular pattern of lever pressing, unlike PCP and TCP. However, under the PR schedule BTCP elicited breaking points comparable to those produced by equivalent doses of cocaine, whereas TCP and PCP produced considerably lower breaking points. These results suggest that BTCP has comparable rewarding properties to that of cocaine, and that like those of cocaine they are most probably mediated through a site of action at the DA transporter. In contrast, the relatively weak reinforcing efficacy of PCP and TCP would correlate better with their primary site of action on the PCP binding site within the NMDA-ion channel complex.
Phylogenetic Species, Nested Hierarchies, and Character Fixation

Cladistic mechanics and ramifications of various species concepts rooted in phylogenetic theory are explored. Published discussions of the phylogenetic species concept (PSC) have been hampered by persistent misconceptions surrounding its ontology and applicability, and by confusion of various incompatible versions of species concepts claiming to follow from Hennig's (1966), Phylogenetic Systematics, Univ. of Illinois Press, Urbana work. Especially problematic are topology- or tree-based versions of species diagnosis, which render diagnoses dependent on relationships depicted as hierarchically structured regardless of any lack of underlying hierarchy. Because the applicability of concepts such as monophyly, paraphyly, and polyphyly rests ultimately on the underlying hierarchical distribution of characters, representations of tokogenetic or reticulating systems as nested hierarchies are necessarily inaccurate. And since hierarchical representations—even if accurate—of nonrecombining genetic elements need not coincide with the organisms that bear them, tree-based diagnoses are further hampered, except potentially as retrospective tools. The relationship between tree-based species delineations and the criterion of character fixation is explored. Fixation of characters by which one identifies phylogenetic species is further distinguished from the fixation of character state differences, and the implications of that distinction are explored with reference to the interpretation of speciation events. It is demonstrated that character fixation in alternative species need not coincide with the achievement of reciprocal monophyly. While the PSC retains shortcomings, some of the more frequently criticized aspects of the PSC are functions of sampling that are no more problematic than for any basic systematic endeavor.
Quantitative echocardiographic evaluation of myocardial perfusion using interrupted contrast infusion technique: in vivo validation studies and feasibility in human beings.

Background We recently developed a new approach for contrast echocardiographic quantification of myocardial perfusion, based on brief interruptions of contrast infusion, which was designed to overcome the limitations of existing techniques. In this study, our technique was initially validated in a series of animal experiments designed to detect regional perfusion variations in vivo. Subsequently, clinical feasibility of perfusion measurements was tested. Methods Regional perfusion was measured transthoracically in 6 anesthetized pigs during baseline, partial left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion, and reperfusion, and validated with fluorescent microspheres. Adenosine-induced changes in perfusion were measured in 8 healthy volunteers. In both protocols, imaging was optimized during contrast infusion (Definity). Infusion was interrupted to allow contrast clearance and images were acquired during subsequent contrast inflow. Myocardial videointensity was measured over time and peak contrast inflow rate was calculated. Results In pigs, partial coronary occlusion resulted in a 47 ± 23% decrease in peak contrast inflow rate in the left anterior descending coronary artery perfusion territory ( P P Conclusion The interruption of contrast infusion technique is a sensitive tool for accurate quantification of myocardial perfusion, which may constitute an alternative to currently used techniques.
Total Cholesterol and the Risk of Parkinson's Disease: A Review for Some New Findings

The studies on the association between serum cholesterol level and the risks of neurodegenerative diseases risk are debated. Some prospective studies have found that high serum cholesterol may increase the risks of dementia/Alzheimer's disease and ischemic stroke. However, other studies have found no association or a decreased risk of hemorrhagic stroke with increasing levels of serum total cholesterol. Little is known about the association between serum total cholesterol or a history of hypercholesterolemia and Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. Only a few case-control studies and four prospective epidemiological studies have examined this association, but the results are inconsistent. An inverse association between serum total cholesterol and the risk of PD has been found in one prospective study; however, no significant association is reported in the case-control studies and other two prospective studies. Recently, one large prospective study from Finland suggests that high total cholesterol at baseline is associated with an increased risk of PD. Further studies, especially large clinical trials, are needed.
Foundation connections for circular concrete-filled tubes

Abstract Concrete filled steel tubes (CFTs) promote economical and rapid construction. They offer increased strength and stiffness relative to structural steel and reinforced concrete. The steel tube serves as formwork and reinforcement to the concrete fill, thereby reducing the labor requirements. CFT components encourage the optimal behavior of each material (concrete and steel) while providing a symbiotic relationship between the two to mitigate undesirable failure modes. The fill increases the compressive strength and stiffness, delays and restrains local buckling of the tube, and enhances ductility and resistance if composite action is achieved. Both rectangular and circular CFT have been employed, but circular CFT provide better performance, because they provide increased confinement of the concrete and composite action. A missing component for circular CFT construction is reliable and ductile connections. The research described herein that investigated and develops design procedures for simple and economical connections of circular CFT piers or columns to reinforced concrete foundations, pile caps and wide cap beams (bridge construction) is presented and evaluated. The connection requires no dowels or internal reinforcement connecting the tube to the footing or cap beam. Experiments and analytical studies evaluate the inelastic seismic performance and establish design criteria for the connection. The seismic performance of a CFT column and connection assembly is compared to a conventional reinforced concrete column. The research shows that the proposed connection develops the full capacity of the composite column. The assembly provides excellent ductility and inelastic deformation capacity under seismic loading while mitigating damage even at larger drift demands.
DESIGN OF AN ENDOSCOPE LENS SHIELDING DEVICE FOR USE IN LAPAROSCOPIC PROCEDURES

In recent years, laparoscopic surgical procedures have revolutionized many gynecological and abdominal procedures, leading to dramatic reductions in recovery time and scarring for the patient. While techniques and instruments for performing laparoscopic surgery have improved over the years, loss of vision through the endoscopic lens caused by fog, liquid, and solid debris common to laparoscopic procedures remains a significant problem. In this paper, a shielding mechanism that maintains visibility through the laparoscope by removing debris from the distal end of the lens is presented. This device provides an inexpensive and convenient alternative to the current practice of removing, cleaning, and re-inserting the laparoscope during surgical procedures. This device is shown in multiple trials to repeatably remove debris from the distal tip of the lens, thereby restoring vision for the surgeon without requiring removal or reinsertion of the endoscope.
The human influence on seabird nesting success: Conservation implications

Abstract Based on studies of brown pelicans Pelecanus occidentalis californicus and Heermann's gulls Larus heermanni , disturbances by recreationists, educational groups, local fishermen and scientists alike can be seriously disruptive and damaging to breeding seabirds in the Gulf of California and off the west coast of Baja California. Similar instances have been identified throughout the world—the problem is not difficult to document, but it is difficult to eliminate. The increasing human-seabird contacts on islands in the Gulf of California and along the west coast of Baja California raise serious questions and immediate concern about the continued preservation of nesting colonies of marine birds in those areas. Conservation measures must consider the extreme sensitivity of many seabirds to the inter- and intraspecific behavioural imbalances created by human disturbances. In some cases, total exclusion of humans may be required; in others, limited access might be possible under closely managed conditions at certain times of the year. A symbiotic relationship between seabird conservation, legitimate research and tourism should be the desired goal.
FLIT-MLO and No. 2 fuel oil: effects of aerosol applications to mallard eggs on hatchability and behavior of ducklings.

Abstract FLIT-MLO and No. 2 fuel oil are sprayed on wetlands for mosquito control during spring and summer. In one experiment to assess the effects of the spraying on birds, mallard eggs were sprayed with amounts of No. 2 fuel oil equivalent to 2.34, 4.67, or 18.70 liters/ha or FLIT-MLO equivalent to 9.35, 46.75, or 140.25 liters/ha on Day 6 of incubation. In a second experiment, mallard eggs were sprayed with 9.35, 46.75, or 140.25 liters/ha of FLIT-MLO on Days 3, 6, 12, or 18 of incubation. Hatchability of eggs sprayed with the highest treatment level of each substance was significantly lower than that of controls for the first experiment. Hatchability of eggs sprayed with FLIT-MLO in the second experiment was never significantly lower than that of controls. Ducklings from the first experiment, 36–48 hr old, were cold stressed for 1 hr at 8°C and then immediately tested for their ability to respond to a fright stimulus. Ducklings from the group of eggs sprayed with 140.25 liters/ha of FLIT-MLO ran a significantly shorter distance from the fright stimulus than did controls. The effects of the heaviest exposure to FLIT-MLO (140.25 liters/ha) on egg hatchability and behavior of newly hatched young are uncertain because of the contradictory results for hatching success in the two experiments. However, normal applications of FLIT-MLO (9.35–46.75 liters/ha) or No. 2 fuel oil (2.34–4.67 liters/ha) do not appear to pose a threat to the embryos of breeding birds.
Family reports of barriers to optimal care of the dying.

BACKGROUND In response to intense national pressure to improve care of the dying, efforts have been made to determine problems or barriers to optimal care. However, prior research is limited by such factors as setting, focus, and sampling. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to optimal care of a population-based representative sample of decedents across a full range of settings in which death occurred. METHODS Families were contacted 2 to 5 months after decedents' deaths by using data on their death certificates. Over a 14-month period, telephone interviews were conducted with 475 family informants who had been involved in caring for the patient in the last month of life. Interviews were standardized by use of a 58-item structured questionnaire. RESULTS Data show a high frequency of advance planning (68%) and a high level of respect by clinicians for patient-family preferences about end-of-life location and treatment decisions. Family satisfaction with care was generally high, even though pain was a problem in one third of the sample of decedents. CONCLUSIONS Barriers to optimal care of the dying remain, despite a generally positive overall profile; barriers include level of pain and management of pain, as well as some dissatisfaction with physician availability.
Shell Structure and Response Properties of Metal Clusters

Electronic shell structure, which was first recognized in sodium clusters, has been observed in alkali and noble metals, as well as in divalent and trivalent metals. Shell structure with modifications is expected to be broadly applicable to most metals. Features in the cluster abundance spectra and in the experimental dipole polarizabilities and ionization potentials correlate well with predictions of electronic level filling in spherical and spheroidal potential wells. The lack of precise quantitative agreement between experiment and theory for the response properties indicates necessary refinements in the self-consistent uniform background jellium model for clusters.
Importance in timing of cyclophosphamide on the enhancement of interleukin-2-induced cytolysis.

We investigated the in vivo effects of cyclophosphamide (CY) on interleukin-2(IL-2)-induced cytolytic function and spleen cell immunophenotype. Pretreatment of A/J mice with CY (25 mg/kg or 75 mg/kg) i.p. on days -10 and -15 followed by IL-2 (50,000 U i.p. on days 0 to +3) resulted in increased lysis of YAC-1 target cells compared to the group receiving IL-2 without previous CY therapy. In contrast, when CY was given on day -5, the cytotoxicity against YAC-1 was not enhanced. Phenotypic analysis of splenocytes obtained from mice treated with CY on day -10 or -15 revealed a relative decrease in L3T4- and Lyt2-positive T cells. In vivo depletion of natural killer (NK) cells by anti-asialoGM1, prior to IL-2 therapy, abrogated the enhancing effect of CY on cytolysis while in vivo elimination of T cells by anti-L3T4 and anti-Lyt2 monoclonal antibodies did not, indicating that in the absence of T cell antigenic challenge, the increased cytolytic function after CY administration is probably mediated through NK cells. These findings provide evidence that CY may be used more effectively in IL-2-based immunotherapy protocols, if consideration is given to timing of CY and IL-2 administration.