cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of the Strength of Ceramic Tubular Components: Part I—Analysis

The objective of this paper is to develop the analytical background for test methodologies that will enable accurate prediction of the strength distribution of ceramic tubular components from the strength distributions of simple specimens. Four simple specimen configurations and two tubular configurations were selected for this purpose. The simple specimen configurations were (1) four-point bend, (2) C-ring tested in compression, (3) C-ring tested in tension, and (4) O-ring tested in diametral compression. In addition, a short tube tested by axially compressing rubber inside the tube and a long tube subjected to internal pressure were analyzed. These specimen configurations were for the most part selected in a tubular shape in order to simulate the shape of tubular structural components. The prediction of the strength distribution of one specimen from that of another was based on Weibull statistical theory. Effective volume and area expressions, necessary for failure prediction, were derived for these specimen configurations.
Effect of processing conditions on crystallization kinetics of a milk fat model system

Crystallization behavior of three blends of 30, 40, and 50% of high-melting fraction (MDP=47.5°C) in low-melting fraction (MDP=16.5°C) of milk fat was studied under dynamic conditions in laboratory scale. The effect of cooling and agitation rates, crystallization temperature, and chemical composition of the blends on the morphology, crystal size distribution, crystal thermal behavior, polymorphism, and crystalline chemical composition was investigated by light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and gas chromatography (GC). Different nucleation and growth behavior were found for different cooling rates. At slow cooling rate, larger crystals were formed, whereas at fast cooling rate, smaller crystals appeared together. Slowly crystallized samples had a broader distribution of crystal size. Crystallization temperatures had a similar effect as cooling rate. At higher crystallization temperatures, larger crystals and a broader crystal size distribution were found. Agitation rate had a marked effect on crystal size. Higher agitation rates lead to smaller crystal size. Cooling rate was the most influential parameter in crystal thermal behavior and composition. Slowly crystallized samples showed a broader melting diagram and an enrichment of long-chain triacylglycerols. Crystallization behavior was more related to processing conditions than to chemical composition of blends.
Static die-away of a nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactant in estuarine water samples

The static die-away of the nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) surfactant used to stabilize the bitumen−water emulsion in the fuel Orimulsion was studied using estuarine water samples collected at four stations in Tampa Bay, FL. Incubations were in the dark at 28 °C for 183 days. Primary degradation was complete in 4−24 days with lag periods between 0 and 12 days. The concentration of five NPE intermediate degradation products and total surfactant were monitored at 4−8-day intervals for the first 89 days and at 30-day intervals thereafter. The intermediates detected included nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP2EO) and nonylphenoxy ethoxy acetic acid (NP2EC). Much smaller amounts of nonylphenoxy acetic acid (NP1EC) and nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO) were detected. The completely deethoxylated metabolite nonylphenol (NP) was not detected. On a molar basis, NP2EC accounted for 66.0−93.3% of degradation products and for 22.7−75.6% of the starting material at the termination of the experiment. The sequence of degradatio...
Chocolate habits of Nobel prizewinners

There is a reported correlation between chocolate consumption by different nations and the number of Nobel laureates in their populations (F. H. Messerli New Engl. J. Med. 1562–1564; 2012). So what are the chocolate habits of Nobel prizewinners? We surveyed 23 male winners of the Nobel prize in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, and economics. Ten (43%) reported eating chocolate more than twice a week, compared with only 25% of 237 well-educated age- and sex-matched controls (P = 0.05; see B. A. Golomb et al. Arch. Intern. Med. 172, 519–521; 2012). Three proffered that their chocolate consumption had indeed contributed to their Nobel prize, but most disavowed any link. Two attested that they had won the prize in spite of their chocolate habits (see also ‘Nobel laureates on chocolate’ and go.nature.com/copuha). Some laureates might understate their chocolate consumption to amplify the impression that native prowess led to their prize, producing bias to the null. However, given favourable chocolate–mortality associations, chocolate aficionados might have survived to get their just desserts. Another caveat is that the laureates’ responses, like chocolate consumption itself, could be tongue in cheek.
Differential expression of angiotensin II receptor subtype mRNAs (AT-1A and AT-1B) in the brain

Two highly similar rat angiotensin II, type 1 receptor cDNAs (AT1) have been described that probably are encoded by separate genes. AT1A subtype mRNA was expressed in vascular smooth muscle whereas AT1B mRNA was expressed in adrenal and pituitary. Here we measured the two AT1 subtype mRNAs in brain using reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reactions. AT1B mRNA was predominant in subfornical organ (SFO) and organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), the two regions that mediate angiotensin II-induced drinking behavior, and also in cerebellum. AT1A mRNA was predominant in the hypothalamus. Thus, the two AT1 receptor subtypes established to reside in peripheral tissues also are found in the central nervous system where the AT1B subtype may mediate drinking behavior.
Examining the Accuracy of Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory without Curve-Fitting Using Transition Matrix Monte Carlo Simulations

Ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) is a well-known approach to predicting multicomponent adsorption isotherms in microporous materials from experimental or simulation data for single-component adsorption. A limitation in practical applications of IAST is that useful calculations often require extrapolation of fitted single-component isotherms beyond the range for which data are available. We introduce a molecular simulation approach in which the intrinsic accuracy of IAST can be examined in a context that avoids any need to perform curve fitting with single-component data. Our approach is based on using transition matrix Monte Carlo to define single-component adsorption isotherms for arbitrary bulk-phase pressures from a single simulation. We apply our approach to several light gas mixtures in silica zeolites and a carbon nanotube to examine the intrinsic accuracy of IAST for these model systems.
Psychology and the Good Marriage: Social Theory as Practice

The traditional social science separation of the objective and subjective, of fact and value, is increasingly untenable. Social scientists have concerned themselves with crucial matters that cannot...
Computer system for scanning tunneling microscope automation

Abstract A computerized system for the automation of a scanning tunneling microscope is presented. It is based on an IBM personal computer (PC) either an XT or an AT, which performs the control, data acquisition and storage operations, displays the STM “images” in real time, and provides image processing tools for the restoration and analysis of data. It supports different data acquisition and control cards and image display cards. The software has been designed in a modular way to allow the replacement of these cards and other equipment improvements as well as the inclusion of user routines for data analysis.
High-contrast Cu(I)-selective fluorescent probes based on synergistic electronic and conformational switching

The design of fluorescent probes for the detection of redox-active transition metals such as Cu(I/II) is challenging due to potentially interfering metal-induced non-radiative deactivation pathways. By using a ligand architecture with a built-in conformational switch that maximizes the change in donor potential upon metal binding and an electronically decoupled tunable pyrazoline fluorophore as acceptor, we systematically optimized the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) switching behavior of a series of Cu(I)-selective probes and achieved an excellent fluorescence enhancement of greater than 200-fold. Crystal structure analysis combined with NMR solution studies revealed significant conformational changes of the ligand framework upon Cu(I) coordination. The photophysical data are consistent with a kinetically controlled PET reaction involving only the ligand moiety, despite the fact that Cu(I)-mediated reductive quenching would be thermodynamically preferred. The study demonstrates that high-contrast ratios can be achieved even for redox-active metal cations, provided that the metal-initiated quenching pathways are kinetically unfavorable.
Further Studies of the Infectious Unit of Vaccinia.

A study has been made of the comparative virulence of several strains of vaccine virus for a number of hosts, and wide variation in animal susceptibility has been demonstrated. The results obtained in experiments with a chick-embryo-adapted strain are interpreted as indicating that the particles of virus are of essentially uniform virulence. Results of statistical analyses are presented which indicate that as the virulence of a strain of virus increases the number of elementary bodies per infectious unit approaches 1, and at that limit the chance of infection is governed primarily by the presence or absence of virus in the inoculum. With lower virulence the chance of a lesion following inoculation of virus is still described by the binomial theorem, but the actual distribution is primarily of susceptible cells not of viral particles. It is postulated that with regard to the proportion of cells available for parasitism, differences exist between different animals of a species, and that this distribution is of a normal character.
Searching for New Manufacturing Plant Locations: A Study of Location Decisions in Central Appalachia

WALKER R. and CALZONETTI F. (1989) Searching for new manufacturing plant locations: a study of location decisions in Central Appalachia, Reg. Studies 23, 15–30. This paper analyses the search behaviour of manufacturers in Central Appalachia and develops a model of hierarchical decision-making under imperfect information. Using data collected from interview surveys of plant managers, regional and local search processes are evaluated. It is shown that the set of factors influencing the decision to undergo a regional search is different from the set of factors influencing the local search. Further, branch plant search behaviour may be described by cost minimization objectives whereas the behaviour of single-plant establishments is more idiosyncratic. The analysis shows that the comparative advantage of Central Appalachia consists, in part, of low cost electricity. WALKER R. et CALZONETTI F. (1989) A la recherche de nouveaux emplacements: une etude en Appalachia central des decisions portant sur la localisati...
Label Reading Program Impacts Ohioans

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To demonstrate how food labeling programs have impacted consumer's food choices. In May 1994, the FDA changed the food label on food products. Given this change there has been need to provide new and up-to-date information to consumers about nutrition and label reading. An educational program was developed and used with various groups in Ohio such as paraprofessionals, health educators, teachers, consumers, low, medium and high income families, recovering substance abusers and WIC program participants. This innovative program has been taught to over 1,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds. This educational program has had measurable impact on the participants. Using a pre/post testing format, we found that 86% increased their knowledge of nutrition and the new food label. Three month follow-up evaluation revealed 96% of the respondents are READING food labels more often, 93% have used the new food label to select healthier foods, 92% find the new label easier to understand since attending the program on the new food label and 96% of the participants pay more attention to the amounts of fat and cholesterol in the foods they purchase.
Analysis of damage in laminated automotive glazing subjected to simulated head impact

Abstract During vehicle accidents, occupant’s head impacting on windshield or side window is commonly observed. Any attempt to design glazing that minimizes injury to and death of occupants during a vehicle accident requires a thorough understanding of the mechanical behavior of automotive glazing subjected to head impact loads. A continuum damage mechanics (CDM) based constitutive model is developed and implemented into an axisymmetric finite element model to study the failure and impact resistance of laminated automotive glazing subjected to simulated head impact. An anisotropic elastic damage tensor with a linear damage evolution law is chosen to model the failure of the laminated glass by cracking. The damage patterns and zone size are predicted. Various geometric parameters are investigated to determine their effects on the impact resistance of laminated glass.
Phosphate modification of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase in Escherichia coli.

When E . coli carrying multicopy plasmids for fructose-1,6-P2 aldolase or phosphoglycerate kinase was grown in the presence of 32Pi, there was label at the position of cognate high level polypeptide after SDS-PAGE. As tested for aldolase, the label was resistant to acetone, RNase, and hot TCA treatments, and was also observed by immunoprecipitation, which was competed for by purified aldolase. Incorporation of label also occurred in the presence of chloramphenicol. Immunoprecipitation revealed apparent aldolase labeling in the wild type strain as well.
Factors Regulating Immunoglobulin Production by Normal and Disease-Associated Plasma Cells

Immunoglobulins are molecules produced by activated B cells and plasma cells in response to exposure to antigens. Upon antigen exposure, these molecules are secreted allowing the immune system to recognize and effectively respond to a myriad of pathogens. Immunoglobulin or antibody secreting cells are the mature form of B lymphocytes, which during their development undergo gene rearrangements and selection in the bone marrow ultimately leading to the generation of B cells, each expressing a single antigen-specific receptor/immunoglobulin molecule. Each individual immunoglobulin molecule has an affinity for a unique motif, or epitope, found on a given antigen. When presented with an antigen, activated B cells differentiate into either plasma cells (which secrete large amounts of antibody that is specific for the inducing antigen), or memory B cells (which are long-lived and elicit a stronger and faster response if the host is re-exposed to the same antigen). The secreted form of immunoglobulin, when bound to an antigen, serves as an effector molecule that directs other cells of the immune system to facilitate the neutralization of soluble antigen or the eradication of the antigen-expressing pathogen. This review will focus on the regulation of secreted immunoglobulin by long-lived normal or disease-associated plasma cells. Specifically, the focus will be on signaling and transcriptional events that regulate the development and homeostasis of long-lived immunoglobulin secreting plasma cells.
Fish population responses to chronic and acute pollution: The influence of life history strategies

We have developed a simulation model to estimate pollution effects on economically important estuarine-dependent fish populations. Traditionally, pollution studies have focused upon impacts on individual organisms; however, wise management of marine resources depends upon an understanding of dynamics at the population level. As a required first step toward conducting relevant pollution studies, we have compiled available life history data on eight species (14 spatial-temporal stocks), concentrating on age-specific rates of growth, survival, and fecundity. Leslie matrix models of species population dynamics were used to predict pollutant impacts—mediate through changes in 1st-year survival. On average, and without compensation, these modelled stocks respond to a one-time-50% reduction in first-year survival by taking ten years to equilibrate at 88% of their preimpact abundance. Our synthesis of the data included a search for derived (standardized) population parameters to evaluate differences in susceptibility among and within fish populations to pollutant stresses. We demonstrated that knowledge of a species’ age-specific fecundity pattern provides additional predictive power of its response to pollution perturbation.
FEAR: A software package for frontier efficiency analysis with R

Abstract This paper describes a software package for computing non-parametric efficiency estimates, making inference, and testing hypotheses in frontier models. Commands are provided for bootstrapping as well as computation of some new, robust estimators of efficiency, etc.
The market valuation of new car quality

The study examines the question of whether the new car market values put a premium on superior quality cars while penalizing those cars that are of relatively inferior quality. The results suggest that the market does value cars that ex post have a much better than average or better than average reliability rating based on the criteria used in Consumer Reports. Moreover, cars that perform relatively poorly in terms of reliability ratings have a lower associated price, all other things equal. Finally, the results show that the market does value safety as a quality characteristic.
Performance improvement possibilities within the US airline industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze some of the issues US airlines are facing to control costs and improve operations.Design/methodology/approach – A detailed comparison of two major airlines (American Airlines and Southwest Airlines) is performed to identify key differences and to confirm the areas on which airlines need to focus improvement efforts. Cause and effect diagrams are used to identify the factors triggering the issues. Process analysis is also used to offer improvements to reduce costs and improve customer service. Analysis is based on publicly available airline and industry information.Findings – Revenue, costs, growing economic concerns and an extremely competitive environment are the major areas on which airlines need to focus to be successful. Recommendations are offered in these areas. Owing to the impact of the internet and travel consolidators such as Expedia, revenue increases are challenging, but suggestions are tendered to improve this area.Originality/value – The stud...
Anisotropy and breakup of extended droplets in immiscible blends

Abstract A frame-invariant constitutive model is developed to describe the changes in droplet anisotropy and stress in a dilute blend of Newtonian droplets in a Newtonian matrix after imposition of a large step strain. The model, based on the Tomotika theory [Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A 150 (1935) 322], describes the evolution of components of the anisotropy tensor from values consistent with a cylindrical shape with undulations to values consistent with a series of fragmented spherical droplets. This model is compared to experimental measurements of droplet shape anisotropy for single droplets that were deformed to various degrees and then allowed to relax. Here, the droplet shape anisotropy is defined using the Doi–Ohta anisotropy tensor [J. Chem. Phys. 95 (1991) 1242], which is obtained by integrating over the droplet interfacial position as determined by microscopic image analysis. For moderately extended droplets, the anisotropy is affected by the ends of the droplet, and thus does not agree with breakup model predictions based on the Tomotika theory, which neglects contributions from the ends of the droplet. When droplet end-effects are subtracted, and only the effects of undulations in the droplet center remain, good agreement between theory and experiment is achieved. Data at various strains also superimpose on a single breakup line when end-effects are neglected.
Population Development ofHeterodera glycinesin Response to Mycoflora in Soil from Florida

Abstract The influence of natural mycoflora on population densities ofHeterodera glycineswas evaluated in soil from five field sites; two of the fields were planted with soybean and the other three fields had no history of soybean cultivation. The soil samples were either treated with microwave heating for 4 min or left untreated, placed in pots, planted to soybean, inoculated with second-stage juveniles, and maintained in a greenhouse. The nematode population densities and fungal colonization of nematode cysts and eggs were determined 14 weeks after inoculation. The nematode densities in treated soil were 4-fold higher for second-stage juveniles, 4.3-fold higher for cysts, and 7.1-fold higher for eggs than those in untreated soil. The number of eggs produced per female was 73% higher in treated soil compared with untreated soil. The percentages of cysts colonized and index of fungal parasitism of eggs were lower in soil treated with microwave heating than in untreated soil. The nematode population density was negatively correlated with both percentage of cysts colonized by fungi and index of fungal parasitism of eggs. However, no differences in nematode densities, frequencies of fungal colonization of cysts, or index of fungal parasitism of eggs in soil were observed among the five sites.
Transcription of the human β-globin gene is stimulated by an SV40 enhancer to which it is physically linked but topologically uncoupled

Abstract One postulated mechanism for how the SV40 enhancer stimulates transcription of linked genes involves the enhancer as a binding site for a sequence-specific "gyrase" activity. We sought to test this hypothesis directly by constructing a novel heteroduplex circle, termed a tailed-circle, in which one of the strands contains an extra palindromic sequence base-paired into a hairpin structure. The human β-globin gene is placed in the circle and the SV40 enhancer on the hairpin tail, where a bound topoisomerase cannot supercoil the circle. Upon transfection of this DNA into HeLa cells the SV40 enhancer on the hairpin arm is still able to stimulate transcription of the β-globin gene. Southern blot analysis of the DNA after transfection does not demonstrate any repair or replication of the tailed-circle in vivo. These results argue against the sequence-specific gyrase model for SV40 enhancer action.
Design strategies for libration point missions: theory to application

Spacecraft missions to the libration points in Sun-planet and planet-moon systems are of increasing interest. A number of such missions have already been launched. As the theoretical understanding of the dynamical structure in these regions of space expands, however, trajectory design to support actual mission requirements is more complex. Baseline trajectories for some recent mission scenarios are presented. Example approaches for transition of the designs to higher fidelity models is discussed. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The national survey of student engagement: Conceptual and empirical foundations

This chapter summarizes the history of the engagement concept, the development of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), and its impact on institutional researchers.
Passive optical diagnostics of combustion flows.

A passive ir detection method based on the monochromatic radiative transfer equation is proposed to probe both a homogeneous and a nonhomogeneous medium for the simultaneous determination of temperature and species concentrations. The problem of determining these thermodynamic variables and their sensitivities is solved by a ratio technique for a homogeneous medium. The solution requires inversion of a linear matrix equation when there are more than one absorbing species at the observing frequencies. A generalized Abel inversion method utilizing multifrequency multiangle scannings is developed to solve for the non-homogeneous 2-D distribution of these parameters. Two special cases which assume combinations of axisymmetric and asymmetric distributions of the unknown parameters are also treated.
Quantitative Ergonomics Exposure Assessment for Floor Coverers in the Greater Boston Area

Floor Coverers have a high prevalence of knee related injuries. The objective of this study is to quantify whole body ergonomics exposure for Floor Coverers in the greater Boston area. A total of 6213 observations (about 100 hours) were made on 49 Floor Coverers by 7 trained observers in 8 construction sites. Awkward leg postures were common. “Kneeling/Crawling” was observed 61.2% of the time. Non-neutral trunk postures were observed frequently. “Sev ere Flexion” was observed 36.6% of the time, “Mild Flexion” 12.9%. “Manual Material Handling” was observed most frequently during “Hardwood Floor” (36.1%). Hand tools were used more frequently (32.6%) than power tools (5.2%). “Severe Trunk Flexion” did not always lead to heavy trunk load with kneeling postures. Leg postures should be considered before trunk postures were converted to trunk loads. Awkward leg postures are a big problem for Floor Coverers. A majority of the tasks happened near or on the ground.
A theoretical study on soot inception in spherical burner-stabilized diffusion flames

The soot inception processes in nonpremixed flames have been studied in a spherical flame stabilized by a spherical porous burner to understand the effects of flame structure (stoichiometric mixture fraction) and hydrodynamics (flow direction). A simplified three-step model with high activation energies is employed to describe the fuel oxidation, soot/precursor formation, and soot/precursor consumption reactions, respectively. The fuel oxidation reaction also produces a radical necessary for the soot formation reaction. The scheme yields three distinct reaction zones, one for each of the three reactions. The spherical flame geometry is unique in being able to independently control the flow direction, either from the fuel to oxidizer or from the oxidizer to fuel, and the flame structure through inert distribution. Four limiting flames, namely the fuel/air flame, diluted-fuel/oxygen flame, air/fuel flame and oxygen/diluted-fuel flame with the first reactant being the one supplied from the burner, are studied to address the relative importance of hydrodynamics and flame structure on soot inception. The analysis yields a solution giving the flame response to the variations of the soot formation and consumption reaction rates, the mass-flow rate issued from the burner, the Lewis numbers, and the inert distribution. Results show that with negligible soot consumption reaction, soot/precursor production is greater with slower radical diffusion. In the presence of soot consumption reaction, the total amount of soot/precursor decreases with lower soot/precursor diffusion rate. The effect of burner flow rate is qualitatively similar to that of the soot/precursor formation reaction rate except that the flame temperature increases monotonically with the flow rate until the adiabatic limit is reached. The production of soot/precursor can be significantly suppressed or eliminated by redistribution of the inert gas from the oxidizer side to the fuel side regardless of the flow direction.
Abstract 2023: The role of RASSF1A in FasL expression and function

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL RASSF1A is a tumor suppressor protein that is epigenetically silenced in a variety of tumor cells, including those of lymphocytic origin. Several previous studies have identified a role for RASSF1A in death receptor-dependent apoptosis in abnormal cells of epithelial origin downstream of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1) engagement; however relatively little is known about a possible role for Rassf1A in lymphocytic cells. Interaction of Fas ligand (FasL) on activated T lymphocytes with the Fas receptor on other immune cells plays a major role in down-modulating immune responses through activation-induced cell death (AICD). Apoptosis of T cells that have undergone clonal expansion in response to antigenic stimulation through the TCR is a key regulatory feature of the adaptive immune response that prevents the accumulation of excessive lymphocytes once the antigen has been cleared. We have examined the effect of RASSF1A overexpression on FasL transcriptional activation and function in the Jurkat human T cell line. We have demonstrated that over-expression of RASSF1A induced a significant increase in FasL promoter (FasLp) activity. Similar-fold increases in transcriptional activity were observed when the distal NFAT binding site (3X NFAT plus minimal promoter) within FasLp was used in co-transfection reporter assays; however, other transcription reporters (AP1, NFkB) were unaffected. Experiments with mutant Jurkat cell lines indicate that early signaling mediators, including tyrosine kinases and PLCγ, are critical in the RASSF1A-induced enhancement of FasL production. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage is mediated by caspases, and is indicative of apoptosis. Supernatants from anti-CD3 stimulated Jurkat cells that stably overexpress RASSF1A show an increased ability to induce cleavage of PARP in apoptosis-sensitive J16 target cells when compared to anti-CD3 stimulated vector-transfected cells. Taken together, these results indicate that RASSF1A plays a role in expression of soluble FasL leading to increased apoptosis-inducing activity by these lymphocytic cells. The loss of this activity could contribute to outgrowth of malignant clones of lymphocytic origin in which RASSF1A is silenced. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2023. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2023
Principles of chemotherapy

Abstract Cytotoxic chemotherapy is the principal means by which children with cancer are cured. Paediatric use began with antimetabolites such as aminopterin to induce remission in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 1948. Sixty-one years later the majority of children with cancer receive chemotherapy. This article describes the development of the paediatric cooperative study groups producing trials in the U.K., reviews the common chemotherapy drugs in use in childhood cancer treatment and describes the principles of the chemotherapy pathway in cancer treatment as applied to children.
Large deformation of elastic tubes

Abstract In this paper a study is made of the large deformation of elastic tubes. Analysis is confined to the case of statical deformation. The energy of deformation is considered to be a function of the three strain invariants only. In order to determine its form for actual materials it is expanded in its Taylor's series. From the theoretical analysis of the inflation and extension of tubes, linear algebraic equations in the elastic constants are developed. Using these and appropriate measurements of diametral change and longitudinal stretch, obtained from experiments, elastic constants for the non-linear theory of elasticity are explicity determined with the aid of a computer program. The highly non-linear forms of deformation of tubes computed on the basis of the theory are compared with our experimental findings for a latex rubber tubing and for some bio-physical data taken from the literature.
Tako Tsubo, where everything can be variable: or can it? The quest for solid grounds in a slippery entity.

The recently described entity ‘Tako tsubo transient cardiomyopathy’ (TC) has gradually penetrated cardiologists' awareness, while coming to be recognized as allowing for an amazingly rich spectrum of varieties, as reviewed briefly by Hasdemir et al. 1 On a rapid review, we can summarize the clinical features of such syndrome: 1. tako tsubo transient cardiomyopathy is most frequently seen in post-menopausal females, but not necessarily (some 10% occur in males and some 10% in pre-menopausal females); 2. typically, it presents with a sudden onset, at the time of a stressful event, but it may also occur without any recognizable happening, in the life of the patient; 3. it may present with subjective symptoms (more frequently dyspnoea, chest, or abdominal pain), but it may also occur without any symptoms or different symptoms at different times; 4. it may severely compromise cardiac function, or not at all; 5. some patient recover quickly and to normality (the majority), but some may be in shock, pulmonary oedema, or even die of it; 6. it may occur only one time in the … *Corresponding author. Tel: +1 713 790 9401. E-mail address : pangelini{at}leachmancardiology.com
The Past, Present, and Future Research of Online Information Search

SUMMARY Information technology has rapidly developed and accordingly online information search is increasingly important to both travelers and travel marketers. Despite the importance, there has not been given much attention to online information search behavior in the travel and tourism field. To stress the importance and urge researchers in advancing this area of research, this study briefly reviews (1) traditional views of information search, (2) the distinct features of online information search, (3) online benefits to travelers and marketers, and (4) online concerns and opportunities. In addition, potential issues on future research are suggested.
Effect of lattice dynamics on optical properties

Abstract This paper describes work of the author and collaborators initiated at Bell Laboratories in the early 1960s stimulated by the invention of practical “optical masers” (lasers) in crystalline solids like pink ruby. Absorption and emission spectra in transparent colored crystalline solids had been described in the literature since before the quantum-mechanics revolution of the 1920s, but the older work was hobbled by crystal quality, by period instrumentation, and by limited theoretical (and computational) support. As is often the case with archived results, most experimenters were also not asking the questions of relevance to the new application. Work undertaken in the early 1960s to fill this knowledge gap provided immediate data for technology development and established an experimental and theoretical basis for several decades of productive research by an international community of scientists. Central to much of this work were spectroscopic studies by M.D. Sturge. This paper outlines the early-1960s situation and highlights some of the precedent-setting work by Sturge and his collaborators and colleagues that showed the influence of lattice dynamics on optical properties relevant to lasers.
The fractionation of rabbit reticulocytes in dextran density gradients.

Abstract A method is described for the preparation of concentrated suspensions of viable rabbit reticulocytes from animals rendered anemic by repeated bleeding. The method involves the centrifugation of washed red blood cells through dextran density gradients.
1‐HydroxyPGE1 reduces infarction volume in mouse transient cerebral ischemia

Differential neurological outcomes due to prostaglandin E2 activating G-protein-coupled prostaglandin E (EP) receptors have been observed. Here, we investigated the action of the EP4/EP3 agonist 1-hydroxyPGE1 (1-OHPGE1) in modulating transient ischemic brain damage. C57BL/6 mice were pretreated 50 min before transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery with an intraventricular injection of 1-OHPGE1 (0.1, 0.2, 2.0 nmol/0.2 microL). Brain damage 4 days after reperfusion, as estimated by infarct volume, was significantly reduced by more than 19% with 1-OHPGE1 in the two higher-dose groups (P < 0.05). To further address whether protection also was extended to neurons, primary mouse cultured neuronal cells were exposed to N-methyl-D-aspartate. Co-treatment with 1-OHPGE1 resulted in significant neuroprotection (P < 0.05). To better understand potential mechanisms of action and to test whether changes in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and downstream signaling would be neuroprotective, we measured cAMP levels in primary neuronal cells. Brief exposure to 1-OHPGE1 increased cAMP levels more than twofold and increased the phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinases at positions Thr-202/Tyr-204. In a separate cohort of animals, 1-OHPGE1 at all doses tested produced no significant effect on the physiological parameters of core body temperature, mean arterial pressure and relative cerebral blood flow observed following drug treatment. Together, these results suggest that modulation of PGE2 receptors that increase cAMP levels and activate extracellular-regulated kinases 1/2 caused by treatment with 1-OHPGE1 can be protective against neuronal injury induced by focal ischemia.
Energy, predators and the behavior of feeding hummingbirds

Current evidence suggests that many animals trade off energy gain against the risk of predation while feeding. In contrast, energetic considerations alone have proven successful in explaining and predicting the behaviour of feeding hummingbirds. This success may reflect the relative lack of natural predation on hummingbirds, but this study suggests that it may additionally reflect the lack of studies taking a predation perspective. In particular, when Anna's hummingbirds (Calypte anna) are faced with an obstructed view of their surroundings, they engage in behaviour suggestive of anti-predatory vigilance. In doing so, they voluntarily reduce their rate of energy intake. These birds also forgo better feeding opportunities that occur close to the ground, where observations suggest they are wary of opportunistic predators such as roadrunners (Geococcys californianus). While energy-based concepts will remain useful in the study of hummingbird feeding behaviour, the lack of predation on these birds should not be equated with an insensitivity to the risk of predation. This realization may lead to further insights into hummingbird-plant interactions, and hummingbird biology in general.
Root-associated fungal communities colonizing two dominant semiarid grasses: Hilaria sp. and Stipa sp.

We conducted a preliminary survey of the fungal communities associated with roots of Stipa hymenoides and Hilaria jamesii, two grasses native to the southwestern United States. Root samples from 10 different plants were collected at a semiarid grassland in Utah. Fungal communities were assessed using microscopic and molecular methods. Roots were cleared with KOH and stained using blue ink to visualize mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi. A total of 100 root segments were surface sterilized and plated on malt extract agar with antibiotics. Fungal endophytes were identified using nrITS primers. Microscopic analyses showed that all root samples from both Hillaria and Stipa were colonized by dark septate and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Vesicles and hyaline hyphae also were observed in all the roots. Sclerotia, a characteristic structure of some dark septate fungi were also found. Approximately 75 fungi were isolated representing at least 45 morphotypes. Molecular identification showed that both grasses are colonized by endophytes in the orders Pleosporales, Hypocreales, and Sordariales commonly found in semiarid grasses, liverworts, and mosses.
1/f noise in human cognition

When a person attempts to produce from memory a given spatial or temporal interval, there is inevitably some error associated with the estimate. The time course of this error was measured in a series of experiments where subjects repeatedly attempted to replicate given target intervals. Sequences of the errors in both spatial and temporal replications were found to fluctuate as 1/f noises. 1/f noise is encountered in a wide variety of physical systems and is theorized to be a characteristic signature of complexity.
Analysis of the new double acting pilot control system—I. Background and mathematical model

Abstract High-capacity pressure regulators are used in the natural gas industry for over 30 years with great success. However, a variety of control problems is encountered with commonly used control modes, such as proportional control only or proportional-plus-integral control. In this study, a new type of control, i.e. the double acting pilot system is developed for high-capacity pressure regulators. The device has been built as a pure integral with a variable dampening feature. This kind of control may be called ‘dampened integral control’. Through mathematical modelling, an equation was developed which predicts deviation of control variable and stability of the system.
Transient transfection of murine B lymphocyte blasts as a method for examining gene regulation in primary B cells

Studies of the biochemical and genetic processes associated with activation of B lymphocytes have contributed much to the understanding of the regulation of the B cell response to antigen. Primary, non-transformed B cells from the spleen in mice and the tonsils or peripheral blood in humans have proven to be informative models for dissection of the biochemical events leading to B cell activation. In contrast, genetic studies of this process have relied on transformed cell lines grown in culture. The influence of the transformed state on the results obtained using these models may limit their physiological relevance. This report describes a method whereby non-transformed B lymphocytes in primary culture can be transfected for use in studies of gene regulation in response to antigen receptor signals. Transfection was accomplished after only a 72 h exposure to LPS. The cells obtained after LPS treatment were greater than 97% pure, and more importantly, remained responsive to antigen-receptor generated signals. Responsiveness was confirmed by demonstrating induction of mRNA for the primary response gene egr-1, as well as induction of specific transcription factor binding activity in nuclear extracts from these cells. DEAE-dextran-mediated transient transfection was utilized to introduce an egr-1 promoter/reporter construct into these cells. This analysis of promoter activity yielded results which were indistinguishable from the pattern of expression of the endogenous egr-1 gene. Potential applications for dissection of transcriptional regulatory pathways in B lymphocytes are discussed.
Measuring sediment transport and bed disturbance with tracers on a mixed beach

Abstract A new tracer deployment method is applied to the problem of resolving rates and patterns of littoral sediment transport on mixed beaches. We applied the method at the morphologically complex, meso-tidal beach fringing the Elwha River delta, Washington. Clasts were transformed into tracers using Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) tags. These tracers were deployed in and on the bed along a cross-shore oriented beach transect. Along- and cross-shore variations in tracer velocity were used to estimate sediment transport patterns, including the depth and cross-sectional area of the disturbed bed and bulk alongshore transport rates. We found that the peak bed disturbance averaged 22% of the tidal maximum significant wave height and that tracer velocity declined approximately logarithmically with depth in the bed. Across all deployments the maximum alongshore tracer velocity occurred between 1.0 and 2.0 m above Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW), corresponding to elevations 0.3 m below and 0.7 m above Mean Sea Level (MSL) at this location. Alongshore bulk sediment transport rates estimated from the advection of tracers ranged from 1.1 to 173.1 m3/d under significant wave heights of 0.1 to 2.1 m and these transport rates related linearly to measured wave energy transport. Both the volumetric sediment transport rates and a CERC-type k coefficient derived from the results agreed well with results from other published studies.
How Occupational Therapists Teach Older Patients to Use Bathing and Dressing Devices in Rehabilitation

Objective This article describes the methods occupational therapists use to teach bathing and dressing device use to older patients in rehabilitation programs. The relationship of three patient characteristics to five aspects of assistive device instruction was examined. Method The study sample included 86 patients and 19 occupational therapists who provided the assistive device training. Patients were 55 years of age or older and in rehabilitation for an orthopedic deficit, cerebrovascular accident, or lower limb amputation. Therapists recorded information on teaching methods, perceptions of patient knowledge, and expectations for future device use after each treatment session. Results Patients received an average of three dressing and two bathing devices for home use. Therapists devoted an average of two and a half sessions (10 min average duration) to teach dressing device use and an average of one session (9 min average duration) to teach bathing device use. Teaching occurred mostly in the clinic setting through oral instruction and demonstration. At discharge, patients who evaluated devices positively and were evaluated as having a positive affect were perceived by the therapists as "having greater knowledge of device use." More time was spent teaching those patients with lower Functional Independence Measure scores, less positive evaluations of devices, and lower affect scores. Family caregivers were involved in one or more dressing sessions for 26% of patients and one or more bathing sessions for 36% of patients. Conclusion Assistive device training in rehabilitation centers consists largely of simulated sessions in the occupational therapy clinic, and patients in the study described the instruction they received as "satisfactory." More research is needed to study the long-term effectiveness of assistive device training after patients return home.
Energy of the excess electron in methane and ethane near the critical point

Field ionization measurements of trimethylamine in methane and triethylamine in ethane are presented as a function of perturber number density at various noncritical temperatures and near the perturber critical isotherm. Critical point efiects are observed that are similar to those seen in atomic ∞uids. A two-Yukawa potential is shown to model the perturber/perturber interactions accurately by calculating the phase diagram of the perturber ∞uids, and using this potential the local WignerSeitz model for the energy of the excess electron is successfully applied to these molecular systems.
Cognitive behavior group therapy for body dysmorphic disorder: a case series

The treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) has received little empirical attention despite evidence that BDD is a debilitating mental health problem. This open case series provides data on a new cognitive-behavioral treatment for BDD. Participants diagnosed with BDD were treated in small groups that met for 12 weekly 90-minute sessions. Patients improved significantly over the course of treatment, with reductions in both BDD and depression symptoms. This finding adds to a nascent literature documenting the potential efficacy of short-term cognitive-behavior therapy for patients suffering from BDD.