cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Unified Constitutive Model for High Temperature Multiaxial Creep-Fatigue and Ratcheting Response Simulation of Alloy 617

The study is developing a unified constitutive model for Alloy 617 which is the prime candidate material considered for intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) of next generation nuclear power plant. Alloy 617 can experience long term exposure to elevated temperatures as high as 950°C, however, the ASME design code (Subsection NH) does not include design provisions for this temperature range. In addition, the Draft Alloy 617 Code Case specifies that the inelastic design analysis for temperatures above 649°C must be based on unified constitutive model. Therefore, this study focuses on developing a unified constitutive model to simulate high temperature uniaxial and multiaxial creep-fatigue and creep-ratcheting responses of Alloy 617. As multiaxial response simulation is a key factor for design-by-analysis of IHX, a set of biaxial tests with varying degrees of loading non-proportionality has been performed at different steady temperatures within 25°C–950°C, and with different strain rates and strain ranges. From the tests, it has been observed that temperature, strain rate, strain ranges and non-proportionality of loading path greatly influences the creep-fatigue and creep-ratcheting responses of Alloy 617. Thus, development of a unified constitutive model considering dependence of these parameters is required. The current Chaboche viscoplasticity model with static recovery term can simulate uniaxial responses very well but it overpredicts biaxial ratcheting responses. Hence, a modified Chaboche model has been developed to improve biaxial ratcheting simulations. Multiaxial modeling features of non-proportionality and ratcheting are investigated. These modeling features and improved response simulations are presented in the paper.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Risk of Exposure to and Mitigation of Effect of Aflatoxin on Human Health: A West African Example

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the relative risk of exposure of different human populations to food‐borne aflatoxins; the types of health impact that may be incurred by dietary exposure to aflatoxins; and possible strategies likely to mitigate risks to human health. Risk of exposure is examined in a global context comparing risk of toxin exposure by levels of national socioeconomic development. Then risk of exposure is reexamined in the context of agro‐ecology, distribution of toxigenicity of Aspergillus flavus, and social factors that influence food management practices. The effects of aflatoxin exposure on human health are explored in three sections: human disease and nutritional status, carcinogenicity, and child growth and development. The section concerning mitigation of the effects of aflatoxin on human health contrasts efficacy of regulation, food basket modification, and production‐side agriculture intervention. It is concluded that risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in developing countri...
AXAF grating efficiency measurements with calibrated nonimaging detectors

In Phase 1 of AXAF testing at the X-Ray Calibration Facility (XRCF), calibrated flow proportional counters (FPCs) and solid-state detectors were used both in the focal plane and as beam-normalization detectors. This use of similar detectors in the beam and focal plane combined with detailed fitting of their pulse-height spectra allowed accurate measurements of the HRMA absolute effective area with minimum influence of source and detector effects. This paper describes the application of these detectors and fitting techniques to the analysis of effective area and efficiency measurements of the AXAF transmission gratings, the High Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) and the Low Energy Transmission Grating. Because of the high dispersion of these gratings the analysis must be refined. Key additional ingredients are the inclusion of detailed x-ray source models of the K and L lines based on companion High-Speed Imager microchannel-plate data and corrections to the data based on high-fidelity ray-trace simulations. The XRCF- measured efficiency values that result from these analyses have systematic errors estimated in the 10-20 percent range. Within these errors the measurements agree with the pre-XRCF laboratory-based efficiency models of the AXAF grating diffraction efficiencies.
Psychiatric disorders among survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing.

ContextDisasters expose unselected populations to traumatic events and can be used to study the mental health effects. The Oklahoma City, Okla, bombing is particularly significant for the study of mental health sequelae of trauma because its extreme magnitude and scope have been predicted to render profound psychiatric effects on survivors.ObjectiveTo measure the psychiatric impact of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on survivors of the direct blast, specifically examining rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diagnostic comorbidity, functional impairment, and predictors of postdisaster psychopathology.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsOf 255 eligible adult survivors selected from a confidential registry, 182 (71%) were assessed systematically by interviews approximately 6 months after the disaster, between August and December 1995.Main Outcome MeasuresDiagnosis of 8 psychiatric disorders, demographic data, level of functioning, treatment, exposure to the event, involvement of family and friends, and physical injuries, as ascertained by the Diagnostic Interview Schedule/Disaster Supplement.ResultsForty-five percent of the subjects had a postdisaster psychiatric disorder and 34.3% had PTSD. Predictors included disaster exposure, female sex (for any postdisaster diagnosis, 55% vs 34% for men; χ21=8.27; P=.004), and predisaster psychiatric disorder (for PTSD, 45% vs 26% for those without predisaster disorder; χ21=6.86; P=.009). Onset of PTSD was swift, with 76% reporting same-day onset. The relatively uncommon avoidance and numbing symptoms virtually dictated the diagnosis of PTSD (94% meeting avoidance and numbing criteria had full PTSD diagnosis) and were further associated with psychiatric comorbidity, functional impairment, and treatment received. Intrusive reexperience and hyperarousal symptoms were nearly universal, but by themselves were generally unassociated with other psychopathology or impairment in functioning.ConclusionsOur data suggest that a focus on avoidance and numbing symptoms could have provided an effective screening procedure for PTSD and could have identified most psychiatric cases early in the acute postdisaster period. Psychiatric comorbidity further identified those with functional disability and treatment need. The nearly universal yet distressing intrusive reexperience and hyperarousal symptoms in the majority of nonpsychiatrically ill persons may be addressed by nonmedical interventions of reassurance and support.
Comparing the Rankings of MBA Curricula: Do Methodologies Matter?

We created a matrix of rankings of MBA curricula by six publishers and used a standard SAS program to supply missing data. We then examined the resulting construct to assess the publishers’ ranking similarity and their change over a four year period.
Optimization with Conflicting Objectives in Logistic Services

We study a single period supply chain model with deterministic demand at the destination and multiple paths through which supplies can be sent. Each path may fail independently. When a path fails, the supply that is sent through that path does not arrive at the destination. We wish to minimize the expected shortage, but also minimize the total supply that is used. We investigate the behavior of various heuristics, deriving some general rules for making good choices and proving an advantage to complex optimization techniques over simple heuristics. We show that when multiple paths have the same characteristics, the optimal solution can be computed significantly faster.
Electric Space: Evolution of the Plasma Universe

Contrary to popular and scientific opinion of just a few decades ago, space is not an ‘empty’ void. It is actually filled with high energy particles, magnetic fields, and highly conducting plasma. The ability of plasmas to produce electric fields, either by instabilities brought about by plasma motion or the movement of magnetic fields, has popularized the term ‘Electric Space’ in recognition of the electric fields systematically discovered and measured in the solar system. Today it is recognized that 99.999% of all observable matter in the universe is in the plasma state and the importance of electromagnetic forces on cosmic plasma cannot be overstated; even in neutral hydrogen regions (∼ 10-4 parts ionized), the electromagnetic force to gravitational force ratio is 107.
Relationships between Seed Fall of Three Tree Species and Peromyscus leucopus and Clethrionomys gapperi during 10 Years in an Oak-Pine Forest

We analyzed live-trapping data from 10 years (1983-1992) of a long-term study of forest ecosystems in southern Maine to investigate relationships between seed fall of red oak (Quercus rubra), white pine (Pinus strobus), and red maple (Acer rubrum), and populations of Peromyscus leucopus and Clethrionomys gapperi. Spring populations of Peromyscus were correlated positively with crops of both red oak and white pine in the previous autumn; summer populations were correlated only with the acorn crop of red oak in the previous year. Populations of Clethrionomys were not correlated with either red oak or white pine in spring or summer. The increase from spring to summer in Peromyscus was associated positively with the magnitude of seed fall from red maple in the current year. Following years of above average acorn production of red oak, adult male and female Peromyscus weighed more than in years following low acorn production. Following 2 years of high acorn production, captures of Peromyscus were associated positively with the number of live red oaks >10 cm diameter at breast height per 0.25-ha quadrat. Group-selection logging also was associated with increased summer captures of Peromyscus per quadrat for 2 of 4 years, probably due to an increase in both herbaceous cover and fruit production of shrubs.
Effects of narcotic opiates and serotonin on the electrical behavior of neurons in the guinea pig myenteric plexus.

Abstract Action potentials were recorded extracellularly from spontaneously firing neurons in the myenteric plexus of the guinea pig ileum. Morphine, which inhibits acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus, inhibited the spontaneous electrical activity of about half the cells studied, while serotonin elevated the firing rate of these cells. Units not stimulated by serotonin were not inhibited by morphine or levorphanol. Morphine also prevented the increase in firing rate caused by serotonin. These effects of morphine were stereospecific and blocked by naloxone, and are therefore considered to be specific opiate effects. This study demonstrates opposing effects of narcotic opiates and serotonin on the electrical activity of serotoninoceptive neurons in the myenteric plexus.
Direct Identification of a Second Distinct Site of Contact between Cholecystokinin and Its Receptor

We have developed a biologically active analogue of cholecystokinin (CCK) that incorporates a photolabile benzoylphenylalanine (Bpa) moiety in the middle of its pharmacophoric domain, which efficiently establishes a covalent bond with an interacting domain of the CCK receptor. This probe incorporated L-Bpa in the position of Gly29 of the well characterized, radioiodinatable CCK analogue, D-Tyr-Gly-[(Nle28,31)CCK-26-33]. It was a potent pancreatic secretagogue (EC50 = 28 +/- 6 nM) that was equally efficacious with natural CCK, and bound to the CCK receptor with moderate affinity (IC50 = 450 +/- 126 nM). This was adequate to allow specific covalent labeling of the receptor. The labeled domain was within the cyanogen bromide fragment of the receptor including the top of TM6 (the sixth transmembrane domain), the third extracellular loop, and TM7 (the seventh transmembrane domain), as proven by direct Edman degradation sequencing. When this fragment was modified by the replacement of Val342 with Met to generate an additional site of cyanogen bromide cleavage, the labeled fragment was reduced in apparent size consistent with its representing the carboxyl-terminal portion of this fragment. Radiochemical sequencing of that fragment demonstrated covalent attachment of the probe to His347 and Leu348 in this domain. This represents the second experimentally demonstrated contact between a CCK analogue and this receptor, complementing the labeling of the domain just above TM1 (the first transmembrane domain) by a photolabile residue at the carboxyl terminus of CCK (Ji, Z. S., Hadac, E. M., Henne, R. M., Patel, S. A., Lybrand, T. P., and Miller, L. J. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 24393-24401). Both contacts are consistent with the conformational model of CCK binding proposed on the basis of the initial contact.
The Influence of Social Identity and Intimacy of Interethnic Relationships on Uncertainty Reduction Processes

This study examined the influence of social identity and the intimacy of relationships on uncertainty reduction processes in interethnic relationships. Data from two samples (Hispanics in the Midwest and Caucasians in the Southwest) were used to test hypotheses derived from social identity theory (e.g., Tajfel & Turner, 1979) and theories of relationship development (e.g., Altman & Taylor, 1973). Results for both samples revealed that social identity has a significant positive effect on uncertainty reduction processes. This effect, however, was moderated by prototypicality; that is, it occurred in relationships where the partner was viewed as “typical,” but not in relationships where the partner was viewed as “atypical.” When controlling for the partner's ethnicity in the Caucasian analysis, social identity had a significant effect on communication with black partners, but not with Mexican-American partners. This finding was explained by status characteristic theory (e.g., Berger & Zelditch, 1985). The intimacy of interethnic relationship also accounted for a significant portion of the variance. The effect for intimacy was manifested in relationships where the partner was viewed as typical, as well as when the partner was viewed as atypical. The results are consistent with social identity theory and recent work linking it with uncertainty reduction theory, as well as with theories of relationship development.
Serial-order effects in two-channel running memory.

Summary.-It is hypothesized that serial order can sometimes be a more important source of error in running memory than the number of items S is required to retain. This hypothesis was tested using brnary series of symbols in two-channel memory conditions that required S to recall two previously seen symbols when two new symbols were viewed. It was found that those Ss who performed a I-back match before performing a 2-back match committed more errors on 2-back matching than Ss who performed two 2-back matches each trial. The increased error shown in going from 1B to 2B matching on the same trial was primarily attributed to Ss' inability to deal accurately with retained doubletons of identical symbols. Four other sources of error did not show a specific relation to serial order. Two previous studies (Moore & Ross, 1963; Ross, 1966) have described results for a single-channel running matching memory (RMM) task where S viewed symbols successively in a randomly ordered series and stated whether the viewed symbol was the "same" or "different" from a specified, previously seen symbol. In the present experiment Ss performed the RMM rask in two series (channels) on s~~ccessive trials. S saw two symbols each crial and matched the viewed symbol on the left with a previously seen symbol in the left series and the viewed symbol on the right wich a previously seen symbol in the right series. The locus of symbol matches was limited to either the immediately previous ( 1-back) symbol or the next-the-last (2-back) symbol, with different two-channel conditions using different combinations of these two match-back lengths. The present study carries further the analysis of serial-order error performed in the single-channel studies in which it was argued that descriptions in terms of "interference" or "decay" could not account adequately for serial-order error (Ross, 1966). Here an additional hypothesis was tested that serial order can be a more important source of error than the number of symbols S retains for at least some multi-channel conditions. The theoretical importance of such a demonstration is the indication that a factor other than channel capacity can "overload" running memory. The few previous papers concerned with serial order and immediate memory capacity (e.g., Brown, 1958; Crossman, 1955) have typically dealt with the immediate memory span rather than running memory. Another difference is that their measures derived from information theory were not relevant in the present experiment since only random binary series were administered. A basis for contrasting the effects of serial order and number of retained symbols derives from the earlier single-channel findings (Ross, 1966). It was
The Mitochondrial Message-specific mRNA Protectors Cbp1 and Pet309 Are Associated in a High-Molecular Weight Complex

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nuclear-encoded protein Cbp1 promotes stability and translation of mitochondrial cytochrome b transcripts through interaction with the 5' untranslated region. Fusion of a biotin binding peptide tag to the C terminus of Cbp1 has now allowed detection in mitochondrial extracts by using peroxidase-coupled avidin. Cbp1 is associated with the mitochondrial membranes when high ionic strength extraction conditions are used. However, the protein is easily solubilized by omitting salt from the extraction buffer, which suggests Cbp1 is loosely associated with the membrane through weak hydrophobic interactions. Gel filtration analysis and blue native PAGE showed that Cbp1 is part of a single 900,000-Da complex. The complex was purified using the biotin tag and a sequence-specific protease cleavage site. In addition to Cbp1, the complex contains several polypeptides of molecular weights between 113 and 40 kDa. Among these, we identified another message-specific factor, Pet309, which promotes the stability and translation of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I mRNA. A hypothesis is presented in which the Cbp1-Pet309 complex contains several message-specific RNA binding proteins and links transcription to translation of the mRNAs at the membrane.
Habituation of P300 to target stimuli

Two experiments examined the effects on N100, N200, and P300 of 1) repeated target presentation, 2) interblock intervals, 3) knowledge of session end, and 4) reversal of targets and nontargets. In the first experiment, subjects (N = 40) performed an oddball task across six test blocks (35 targets per block). Statistical analyses showed that repeated target presentation resulted in P300 amplitude decreases (habituation) and P300 latency increases within and across test blocks (11.3 microV to 5.4 microV, 330 msec to 348 msec), and also resulted in N200 amplitude increases within blocks and N200 latency increases within and across blocks. Interblock intervals resulted in partial recovery of these habituation effects. Knowledge of session end increased P300 amplitude, while reversal of targets and nontargets had no effect. The latencies of N200 and P300 were positively correlated (r .55), while the amplitudes were not. The second experiment demonstrated P300 habituation at multiple scalp sites (Fz, Cz, Pz). Two factors that may relate to habituation of the P300 are decreased arousal level and degree of involvement in the task.
Centroid-moment tensor solutions for April–June 1994

Centroid-moment tensor solutions are presented for 187 earthquakes that occurred during the second quarter of 1994. The solutions are obtained using corrections for aspherical Earth structure represented by a whole mantle shear velocity model SH8/U4L8 of Dziewonski and Woodward (Acoustical Imaging, 1992, Vol. 19, pp. 785–797). A new model of anelastic attenuation of Durek and Ekstrom (Eos, 1994, 75: 83) is used to predict the decay of the waveforms.
Effective inhibition of influenza virus production in cultured cells by external guide sequences and ribonuclease P

Abstract The polymerase (PB2) and nucleocapsid (NP) genes encoded by the genome of influenza virus are essential for replication of the virus. When synthetic genes that express RNAs for external guide sequences targeted to the mRNAs of the PB2 and NP genes are stably incorporated into mouse cells in tissue culture, infection of these cells with influenza virus is nonproductive. Endogenous RNase P cleaves the targeted influenza virus mRNAs when they are in a complex with the external guide sequences. Targeting two different mRNAs simultaneously inhibits viral particle production more efficiently than does targeting only one mRNA.
POSSIBLE FACTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SPECIFIC GROWTH OF XYLARIA NIGRIPES IN THE ‘FUNGUS GARDENS’ OF THE MOUNDS OF THE TERMITE, ODONTOTERMES REDEMANNI

Normally in the ‘fungus gardens’ of the mounds of termites, Odontotermes redemanni (Wasmann), Xylaria nigripes (Koltz.) Sacc. alone grows, and the spores of other microorganisms do not proliferate. When the termites are removed from the mounds, alien microorganisms overrun the growth of Xylaria nigripes. Micro-organisms that grow in the ‘fungus gardens’ in the absence of termites are enumerated. An antimicrobial substance which is caprylic acid is present in the exudate of the physogastric queen termite that resides in the royal chamber of the mound. This active principle which is solely synthesized by the physogastric queen termite inhibits the growth of all micro-organisms other than X. nigripes in vitro. While the worker and soldier termites are cementing the soil particles after licking the queen's exudate, the active principle seems to be distributed to other regions of the mound where the ‘fungus gardens’ are present. This may be one of the factors responsible for the specific growth of X. nigripes in the ‘fungus gardens’ of O. redemanni. RESUME FACTEUR POUVANT ETRE RESPONSABLE DE LA CROISSANCE SPECIFIQUE DE XYLARIA NIGRIPES DANS LES MEULES A CHAMPIGNONS DES TERMITIERES D'ODONTOTERMES REDEMANNI Ordinairement scul le champignon Xylaria nigripes pousse dans les meules a champignons des termitieres d'Odontotermes redemanni, les spores des autres champignons ne s'y multiplient pas. Quand les termites sont elimines de la termitiere, d'autres microorganismes se substituent a X. nigripes. Les especes qui se developpent ainsi dans les meules a champignons, en absence des termites, sont enumerees. Un agent antimicrobien, contenant de l'acide caprilique, est present dans la secretion de la reine physogastrique qui vit dans la chambre royale de la termitiere. Cette substance active, qui n'est synthetisee que par la reine, empeche, in vitro, le developpement de tous les microorganismes autres que X. nigripes. Elle semble etre distribuee aux autres regions de la termitiere, ou se trouvent les meules a champignons, par les ouvriers et soldats qui, apres avoir leche la secretion de la reine, cimentent les particules du sol. Ce pourrait etre un des facteurs responsables du developpement specifique de X. nigripes dans les meules a champignons des termitieres d'O. redemanni.
Relationship between circadian period and body size in the tau-mutant golden hamster.

The tau mutation in the golden (Syrian) hamster is a single gene mutation that drastically affects the speed of the circadian clock, in such a way that homozygous mutants have an endogenous circadian period of 20 h (compared with 24 h for wild-type hamsters). While studying the circadian system of tau-mutant hamsters during the past 25 years, several authors have noted an apparent relationship between circadian period and body size in these animals. This study, based on 181 hamsters from 24 litters, confirmed previous observations that a shorter circadian period is associated with smaller body size, documented a sex difference in this association, and evaluated several mechanisms that might explain the phenomenon (such as different organ sizes, body composition, and metabolic rate). The obtained evidence suggests that the reduced body size of short-period hamsters is likely a pleiotropic effect of the tau allele (an allele of the casein kinase 1 epsilon gene) rather than a consequence of the shortened cir...
Explaining old worlds

This Comment treats each of Spinosa, Flores, and Dreyfus's three subjects ‐entrepreneurship, democratic activity, and cultivation of solidarity ‐ in turn. Though marred by inattention to moral consequences and an accordingly unjustified meliorism, the authors’ insights reaffirm and strengthen a number of convictions obscured in current political‐theory debates. In particular, their account of the virtuous citizen, and of a variant of solidarity which grows out of such citizens’ activity, deserves recognition. The basic contention that humans are ‘at their best’ when self‐consciously engaged in transformative activities is accepted, with the essential caveat that such activity can only be sustained for relatively short periods of time by individuals and polities alike.
Reactive simulations of the activation barrier to dissolution of amorphous silica in water.

Molecular dynamics simulations employing reactive potentials were used to determine the activation barriers to the dissolution of the amorphous SiO2 surface in the presence of a 2 nm overlayer of water. The potential of mean force calculations of the reactions of water molecules with 15 different starting Q4 sites (Qi is the Si site with i bridging oxygen neighbors) to eventually form the dissolved Q0 site were used to obtain the barriers. Activation barriers for each step in the dissolution process, from the Q4 to Q3 to Q2 to Q1 to Q0 were obtained. Relaxation runs between each reaction step enabled redistribution of the water above the surface in response to the new Qi site configuration. The rate-limiting step observed in the simulations was in both the Q32 reaction (a Q3 site changing to a Q2 site) and the Q21 reaction, each with an average barrier of ∼14.1 kcal mol−1. However, the barrier for the overall reaction from the Q4 site to a Q0 site, averaged over the maximum barrier for each of the 15 samples, was 15.1 kcal mol−1. This result is within the lower end of the experimental data, which varies from 14–24 kcal mol−1, while ab initio calculations using small cluster models obtain values that vary from 18–39 kcal mol−1. Constraints between the oxygen bridges from the Si site and the connecting silica structure, the presence of pre-reaction strained siloxane bonds, and the location of the reacting Si site within slight concave surface contours all affected the overall activation barriers.
Food-deprivation polydipsia in gerbils: Lack of adaptive value and termination with carbohydrate feeding

The causation of water polydipsia which occurs during food deprivation in the gerbil was examined. Survival times during food deprivation were not decreased by preventing polydipsia, as would be expected if polydipsia were due to renal dysfunction. Feeding pure carbohydrates abolished polydipsia, without reversing weight loss. It was concluded that there was no evidence to demonstrate that polyuria is primary to polydipsia.
Integrated safety management information system part I: Design and architecture

Abstract Ayoub, M.A., 1979. Integrated safety management information system. Part I: Design and architecture. Journal of Occupational Accidents, 2: 135–157. This paper, presented in two parts, introduces a total safety management information system designed to accomplish two primary tasks: (1) recording and maintaining accident and safety records of a large business concern and (2) determining the optimum allocations and utilization of safety resources. Part I addresses the design principles and architecture of a safety management information system. This includes description of system files, input records, and software. Samples of the different types of system output reports are given and discussed. Part II (to be published in next issue of this journal) of the paper illustrates the potential use of ISMIS decision algorithms in dealing with safety resources problems. Examples are included to demonstrate how the system can be used in the development and implementation of optimum safety inspection plans. The potential role of the system in maintaining and improving occupational safety and health programs is outlined.
Epidemiologic evidence on coffee and cancer.

Coffee consumption is a major and frequent dietary exposure in diverse cultures around the globe whose safety has been questioned. A substantial body of epidemiologic evidence, consisting of over 500 papers relating the consumption of coffee to cancer of various sites, has accumulated to date. Numerous individual, site-specific meta analyses have been undertaken at various times. However, there is no comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the entirety of the knowledge base. To address this need, this review summarized the findings of the meta analyses and recent papers on site-specific human cancers among coffee consumers. For hepatocellular and endometrial cancers, there appears to be a strong and consistent protective association; for colorectal cancer, the direction of association is borderline protective. There appears to be no association with breast, pancreatic, kidney, ovarian, prostate, or gastric cancer. Risk of bladder cancer appears to be associated with heavy coffee consumption in some populati...
Evidence for a discriminatory action of androgenic steroids on the synthesis of nucleolar ribonucleic acids in prostatic nuclei.

Testosterone, when injected into castrated rats, enhances the RNA-synthesizing activity of isolated prostatic nuclei. The nearest-neighbor frequency and base composition of RNA synthesized under the influence of androgens are completely different from those of control castrates. These effects of androgens in vivo can be abolished by low concentrations of actinomycin D added to the RNA-synthesizing systems or injected into the experimental animals. Only about 1% of total prostatic nuclear chromatin participates in the synthesis of RNA by prostatic nuclei of control castrated rats. The androgen-provoked enhancement of RNA-synthesis occurred at a separate and small (1% or less) region of nuclear DNA. The androgen-sensitive region of DNA has a strikingly high content of deoxycytidylyl (3′,5′)-deoxyguanosine dinucleotide sequence: 24 and 2 times, respectively, that of purified rat DNA and of the DNA region which functions as template for RNA-synthesis after animals are deprived of androgens. From the available information, it was concluded that androgen selectively enhanced the synthesis of RNA at nucleolar and/or perinucleolar regions of prostatic chromatin.
Effects of Vagal Stimulation on Experimentally Induced Seizures in Rats

Repetitive stimulation of the vagus nerve inhibits chemically induced seizures in dogs. We report here the results and conclusions from studies designed to answer some of the immediate questions raised by this finding. (1) Maximal stimulation of vagal C fibers at frequencies greater than 4 Hz prevents or reduces chemically and electrically induced seizures in young male rats. (2) Antiepileptic potency is directly related to the fraction of vagal C fibers stimulated. (3) Vagal stimulation shortens but does not shut down a chemical seizure once it has begun. (4) In rats, optimal stimulus frequency is approximately 10-20 Hz; duration of stimulus, 0.5-1 ms; and stimulus strength, 0.2-0.5 mA/mm2 of nerve cross-section. These results, when taken together with similar results obtained from dogs, monkeys, and humans, strongly suggest that periodic stimulation of the vagus nerve using appropriate stimulation parameters is a powerful method for preventing seizures. The data from the literature suggest that the antiepileptic actions of vagal stimulation are largely mediated by widespread release of GABA and glycine in the brainstem and cerebral cortex. The probable pathway is via projections from the nucleus of the solitary tract to the reticular formation and thence by diffuse projections to the cortex and other areas. Intermittent vagal stimulation has the potentiality of reducing the number and/or the intensity of seizures in patients with intractable epilepsy. These results indicate that feasibility studies in humans should be continued and expanded.
Accessing a low-lying bound electronic state of the alkali oxides, LiO and NaO, using laser induced fluorescence

Abstract The first laser based probe for the sodium and lithium monoxides is established. The Li(Na)+N2O reactions studied in a multiple collision entrainment mode produce the LiO and NaO ground X2Π and low-lying monoxide excited states. In contrast to the alkali halides, laser induced excitation spectroscopy confirms that the LiO and NaO B 2Π states, counter to recent predictions, are located at energies well below the ground state dissociation asymptote and, as predicted, possess significant binding energies. An assignment of the laser induced excitation spectra (LIF) for the B 2Π-X 2Π transitions of LiO in the region 3940–4300 A is based on a direct correlation with the observed chemiluminescence (CL) from the lowest level of the LiO B 2Π state ( ∼4000–7000 A ) and high quality ab initio calculations for the ground state. The self-consistent assignment of the observed LIF and CL spectra makes use of the complimentary extended progressions in the X 2Π (CL) and B 2Π (LIF) vibrational level structure which results from the significant shift of the B 2Π excited state potential relative to that of the ground state. The experimental data are consistent with an excited state vibrational frequency separation of order 130 cm−1, and T e ( B 2 Π) ≈ 26078 ± 800 cm −1 . The latter value, in correlation with the ground state dissociation energy of LiO, suggests a B 2Π excited state dissociation energy well in excess of 2000 cm−1. The radiative lifetimes of the lowest levels of the LiO B 2Π state, isoergic with the highest levels of the LiO ground state, are determined to be in excess of 600 ns. The corresponding NaO excitation spectra in the range 6680–7250 A also correlate well with ab initio calculations for the ground electronic state of NaO. Within this study, we provide optical signatures which one might consider to monitor LiO or NaO in process streams. In correlation with the observed chemiluminescence from B 2Π states of the higher alkali oxides KO, RbO, and CsO, this study suggests regions where one might probe their excitation spectra.
Functional characteristics of human T-lymphocyte subsets identified by sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract The sera from some patients with SLE can be used to identify and isolate two distinct subsets of normal human T cells. These subsets are designated SLE+ (those which react with anti-T-cell antibodies from these sera) and SLE− (those unreactive with SLE sera). SLE+ T cells enhance the secretion of immunoglobulin by B cells, proliferate poorly to PHA, Con A, soluble antigens, and allogeneic cells. The SLE− subset, in contrast, responds as well as or better than the total T-cell population in proliferative assays but will not enhance the secretion of Ig by B cells. Furthermore, the subset of T cells identified by SLE sera (SLE+) is not identical to that identified with sera from patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).
Midline defects of the orofaciodigital syndrome type VI (Váradi syndrome).

Abstract The orofaciodigital syndromes (OFDS) represent a spectrum of anomalies of the palate, cranium, hands, and feet. Varadi syndrome, designated OFDS type VI, is a rare disorder that is additionally characterized by cerebellar anomalies. The following report is of a patient with OFDS VI and characteristic multiple midline defects: median cleft lip and palate, lingual cleft with nodules, and midline brain malformation. In addition, this case is uniquely associated with the presence of midline (metopic and sagittal) craniosynostoses as well. It is unusual that deformities which result from premature fusion of cranial vault sutures would appear synchronously in a syndrome based on the concept of failure of fusion or coalescence of facial growth centers. The midline represents an independent developmental field, whereby CNS defects and midline anomalies can present concurrently.
A macroeconomic analysis of regional environmental modeling and planning

Abstract Alterations in the institutional structure of a region through exogenous investment can be viewed as a tool for regional adjustments in environmental quality. Two models are presented: an expanded Metzler interregional model that incorporates regional disamenities into the multiplier structure and a regional migration model for estimating regional disamenities. The underlying suggestion of the regional environmental trade model is that a concept of aggregate efficiency should be established for the allocation of large exogenous investment expenditures across regions. An example estimation is presented for the Southwest. Revised regional multipliers that include disamenity levels are calculated and the investment decisions with and without disamenity effects are considered. The example estimations suggest that failure to include disamenity corrections in regional multipliers will lead to greater regional inequality in welfare.
Plausibility of the “White Mars” hypothesis based upon the thermal nature of the Martian subsurface

[1] The “White Mars” hypothesis asserts that CO2 gas-driven debris flows were responsible for carving the outflow channels, the valley networks and the gullies on Mars rather than liquid water. This model further asserts that liquid water has been confined to the deep subsurface unable to find egress to erode the surface. We show that the subsurface of Mars, especially when major fluvial features formed, is unlikely to have been as cold as this model suggests and that liquid water would be present much closer to the surface than predicted by “White Mars”. The assumptions of the “White Mars” hypothesis regarding globally-averaged crustal heat flow are below most estimates of the current thermal state of the Martian crust, and well below probable values 2 Gyr or more ago. Likewise, the assumed value of crustal thermal conductivity in “White Mars” is inconsistent with the CO2 dominated cryosphere of the model.
A generalized programming algorithm for integer programming problems with many columns

The generalized programming algorithm consists of major iterations and minor iterations; each major iteration consists of many minor iterations. A major iteration terminates with the addition of a Gomory cut. A minor iteration corresponds to the solution of a master linear programming problem and a group optimization problem. Activities can be deleted at the end of each minor iteration as the result of new lower bounds generated during the minor iteration. The algorithm allows most of the integer programming columns to be kept in secondary storage and evaluated in core one at a time.
Time and duration of DNA synthesis in rabbit eggs after sperm penetration.

Rabbit eggs 11–18 hours after mating were incubated with tritiated thymidine for 30 minutes, fixed in osmium tetroxide and prepared for autoradiography. DNA synthesis in both pronuclei takes place between 3–6 hours after fertilization. The presynthetic and synthetic periods are short, followed by a long postsynthetic period.
COMPREHENSIVE QUALITY CONTROL OF PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE WITH SEISMIC METHODS

The feasibility of seismic methods for determining the quality and thickness of portland cement concrete layers was recently studied. The study consisted of performing nondestructive laboratory seismic tests on cylinders that were laboratory-cured for 2 to 90 days. The cylinders were then subjected to appropriate strength tests (such as compressive and splitting tensile). Reasonably high correlations were found between static modulus, compressive strength, or tensile strength and seismic modulus. Seismic moduli were also found to be repeatable, as the coefficients of variation for different lots were generally less than 2 percent. Similar tests were also performed on cores retrieved from a site constructed with similar concrete. Before coring the slabs, nondestructive seismic tests were also performed on the concrete. Seismic moduli from laboratory and field tests were close and repeatable. The coefficients of variation for the seismic tests were generally less than 3 percent and 4 percent for the laborat...
Predicting tooth loss during a population-based study: role of attachment level in the presence of other dental conditions.

Background: Our objectives were to quantify: 1) the association between incident tooth loss and prior periodontal attachment level; and 2) the contribution to tooth loss made by nonperiodontal conditions in increasingly periodontally involved teeth. Methods: The Florida Dental Care Study was a prospective cohort study of persons who at baseline had at least 1 tooth and were 45 years or older. In-person interviews and clinical examinations were conducted at baseline, and at 24 and 48 months, with telephone interviews at 6-month intervals in between. A regression model was used to simultaneously quantify toothspecific predictors of tooth loss, with person-level factors taken into account. Results: Of the 687 persons who participated for a 48-month clinical examination, 36% lost 1 or more teeth during follow-up, and 5.0% of all teeth were lost. Attachment level up to 2 years before tooth loss was strongly predictive of incident tooth loss, with increases in risk for each millimeter in attachment loss. Certai...
Bond percolation on the square lattice: Anisotropic systems

Abstract Bond percolation on the square lattice in which horizontal and vertical bonds can have different occupation probabilities is studied within the context of annealed model solutions for the zero-temperature bond-diluted Ising ferromagnet. The percolation probabilities and pair-connectedness functions for this percolation are obtained in terms of the concentration of horizontal and vertical bonds in the system. Also, the critical behavior of these properties near the critical bond concentrations is determined. The neutron scattering from the annealed isotropic bond-diluted Ising ferromagnet is then studied in bond concentration (percolation) and temperature variables near the critical bond concentration point. Comparison of the crossover from thermal to percolative behavior is made with recent experiments by Cowley et al. 4 ) on Rb 2 Co x Mg 1- x F 4 . Finally, certain exact results for anisotropic plaquette percolation on the square lattice are presented.
Rituximab in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Rituximab is a class I chimeric anti-CD20 antibody that has shown efficacy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), both as a single agent and in combination with traditional chemotherapies. The modest activity demonstrated in early studies evaluating rituximab in relapsed CLL was improved with higher doses or more dose-intensive regimens that overcame the unfavorable pharmacokinetic features commonly found in CLL. These studies led to a variety of combination trials of rituximab with chemotherapy, where both phase II and later phase III studies have shown great promise for the advancement of CLL therapy. Despite the therapeutic success of rituximab in CLL, studies demonstrating the definitive relative mechanism of tumor clearance are still lacking and this requires further investigation. In addition to being used as a therapy for CLL, rituximab is an effective treatment for autoimmune CLL complications such as hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Patients with CLL may experience early infusion-related side effects that can be diminished with corticosteroid pretreatment and stepped-up dosing. Risk factors for infusion-related toxicity may relate to atypical CLL expressing bright CD20 antigen expression, although several different studies have not clearly implicated elevated white blood cell count as a risk factor. Other adverse events, including delayed cytopenias, reactivation of hepatitis B, and development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, are rare. Future efforts focusing on novel combination-based strategies will be required to fully appreciate the benefit of this therapy in CLL.
A feasibility study for electrical impedance tomography as a means to monitor tissue electroporation for molecular medicine

Molecular medicine involves the introduction of macromolecules, such as drugs or gene constructs, into specific cells of the body. Electroporation, which uses electric pulses to permeate cell membranes, is a method for achieving this. However, as with other molecular medicine procedures, it lacks a real-time mechanism to detect and control which cells have been affected. We propose and demonstrate, via computer simulation, that electrical impedance tomography has the potential for detecting and imaging electroporation of cells in tissue in real-time, thereby providing feedback for controlling electroporation.
Bond length and radii variations in fluoride and oxide molecules and crystals

Molecular orbital calculations completed on fluoride molecules containing first and second row ca- tions have generated bond lengths, R, that match those observed for coordinated polyhedra in crystals to within ",0.04 A, on average.The calculated bond lengths and those observed for fluoride crystals can be ranked with the expression R = Kp - 0.22, where p = sir, s is the Pauling strength of the bond, r is the row number of the cation and K = 1.34. The exponent - 0.22 (~ - 2/9) is the same as that observed for oxide, nitride and sulfide molecules and crystals. Bonded radii for the fluoride anion, ob- tained from theoretical electron density maps, increase 'nearly with bond length. Those calculated for the ca- .lons as well as for the fluoride anion match calculated promoleculeradii to within '" 0.03 A, on average, sug- gesting that the electron density distributions in the vi- cinity of the minima along the bond paths possess a significant atomic component despite bond type. Bonded radii for Si and 0 ions provided by experi- mental electron density maps measured for the oxides coesite, danburite and stishovite match those calculated for a series of monosilicic acid molecules. The resulting radii increase with bond length and coordination number with the radius of the oxide ion increasing at a faster rate than that of the Si cation. The oxide ion within danburite exhibits several distinct radii, ranging between 0.9 and 1.2 A, rather than a singleradius with each exhibiting a different radius along each of the non- equivalent bonds with B, Si and Ca. Promolecule radii calculated for the coordinated polyhedra in danburite match pro crystal radii obtained in a structure analysis to within 0.002 A. The close agreement between these two sets of radii and experimentally determined bonded radii lends credence to Slater's statement that the differ- ence between the electron density distribution observed for a crystal and that calculated for a procrystal (lAM) model of the crystal "would be small and subtle, and very hard to determine by examination of the total charge density. "