fMRI neuroinformatics.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) generates vast amounts of data. The handling, processing, and analysis of fMRI data would be inconceivable without computer-based methods. fMRI neuroinformatics is concerned with research, development, and operation of these methods. Reconstruction, rudimentary analysis, and visualization tools are implemented in software controlling modern MRI scanners. Research in advanced methods for analysis of subtle activation patterns, realistic physiological modeling, or integration of data from multiple subjects is the basis for a lively research field and has led to the development of a large number of tools.     

The electrochemical corrosion of amorphous Ni36Fe32Cr14P12B6 alloy (Metglas 2826A)

The resistance to electrochemical corrosion of alloy Metglas 2826A in the amorphous state and after crystallization was studied in non-aqueous and aqueous chloride solutions. The results were compared with the data obtained for alloy steels. Amorphous alloy Metglas 2826A was found to exhibit very high corrosion resistance, greatly exceeding that of high-alloy steels. After crystallization of this alloy, its corrosion resistance dropped to the level characteristic of alloy steels. The high stability of the passive film on the amorphous material was attributed to the homogeneity of alloy structure.     

Hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene on a ruthenium catalyst: Physical and chemical characterisation of the catalyst and its precursor

The chemical and physical characteristics of a ruthenium catalyst used in the hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene has been investigated. The active catalyst consists of metallic ruthenium obtained by hydrogen reduction of the precursor suspended in the alkaline aqueous phase. The precursor consists of hydrous oxides of ruthenium with a surface area of 27 m² g^?1. After reduction the surface area increases to 112 m² g^?1 and a drastic change in pore-size distribution occurs. The average pore diameter decreases from 28 to 13 nm and the number of pores < 8 nm increases substantially. The macroscopic particle size, in the range 25–40 μm, decreases along with the decreasing ruthenium concentration. Poisoning of the catalyst by corrosion products, mainly hydroxides of iron and chromium, is also discussed.     

Fracture mechanical Markov chain crack growth model

On the basis of the B-model developed in [J. L. Bogdanoff and F. Kozin, Probabilistic Models of Cumulative Damage. John Wiley, New York (1985)] a new numerical model incorporating the physical knowledge of fatigue crack propagation is developed. The model is based on the assumption that the crack propagation process can be described by a discrete space Markov theory. The model is applicable to deterministic as well as to random loading. Once the model parameters for a given material have been determined, the results can be used for any structure as soon as the geometrical function is known.     

Regulation of respiration under conditions of inhibition of carbonic anhydrase activity by diamox]

The functional state of the respiratory center and the mechanism of increase in pulmonary ventilation before and after inhibition of activity of carbonic anhydrase by diamox were studied in anesthetized cats. During the inhibition, activity of bulbar inspiratory neurons functionally connected with motoneurons of the diaphragm was markedly reduced and that of the neurons connected with motoneurons of intercostal muscles was sharply increased. A steady thoracic respiration occurred. The aferents from the carotid sinus nerve and vagus nerve did not affect the steady thoracic respiration. Increased efferent influence upon the intercostal muscles led to forced thoracic respiration which ensured a high pulmonary ventilation during the whole period of action of the diamox.