cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Machining Al2O3/6061Al Metal Matrix Composites Using Coated Tungsten Carbide Inserts

An experimental procedure is used to machine 20 vol.% Al2 O3 /6061Al metal matrix composites using coated tungsten carbide cutting inserts in a finish turning operation. The turning operations were carried out at various cutting speeds and feed rates, at a constant depth of cut, and with the application of a coolant. Tool wear lengths at two locations, at the flank of the primary cutting edge and at the flank of the nose of the tool were measured for each cutting test after the removal of a predetermined volume of material. It was found that the wear lengths at both locations of the tool increased with a decrease in feed rate due to the increase in cutting time as the feed rate decreased. It was also found that for a given speed and feed rate the wear on the flank of the nose was higher than that of the primary cutting edge. This was attributed possibly to the presence of the built-up edge on the rake face of the tool. Surface roughness, generally, increased with an increase in cutting time that was explained in terms of an increase in nose wear length as the cutting time was increased.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
You Wouldn't Like Me When I'm Angry: List Experiment Misreporting*

Objective. List experiment respondents may misreport the number of list items that they associate with in order to associate themselves with a socially desirable test item or to disassociate themselves from a socially undesirable test item. Tests for such misreporting were conducted. Methods. List experiments from the 1991 National Race and Politics Survey, the 2006 Cooperative Congressional Election Study, and the 2008 Cooperative Campaign Analysis Project were analyzed or reviewed. Results. Evidence suggested that some respondents deflated their report more than necessary to avoid association with a socially undesirable test item. Conclusions. List experiments may provide inaccurate estimates of the percentage of the population to which the test item applies, but the direction of bias is predictable.
Photoreceptor axons play hide and seek.

The outer photoreceptors of Drosophila project to their targets in an extremely intricate pattern. Prakash et al. in this issue show that homophilic adhesion via N-cadherins is an essential part of the axon guidance mechanism in this system. The new results suggest that axons respond to the level of N-cadherins, and not to any combinatorial cadherin code, as had been postulated previously.
Efficient Modal Approach for Flexible Multibody Dynamic Simulation

A flexible body formulation is presented for efficient flexible multibody dynamic simulation of mechanical systems that contain large-scale, finite-element, flexible body models. With this formulation, the equations of motion of flexible bodies, as well as their linearized form required for implicit integration, are expressed such that all terms that depend on the dimension of the finite-element models of flexible bodies can be evaluated in a preprocessing stage. This enables efficient simulation, even with very detailed finite-element models that are found in industrial applications.
Glacial Milks and Their Laboratory-Simulated Counterparts

The dissolved major ions and amount of suspended sediment were determined in five glacial milks from the United States, seven from the Alps, three from Norway, and meltwater from two glaciers in the Antarctic. Highest dissolved silica, 8 ppm Si, was found in Emmons and Nisqually glacial milk, Mt. Rainier, where the country rock is largely andesitic volcanic. Lowest silica, .42 ppm, was determined in glacial milk from granite in Norway. Highest dissolved Ca, 26.6 ppm, and Mg, 7.6 ppm, were determined from Diablerets and Trient (Alps) milk respectively, from limestone terrain, but milk from greenstone, ophiolite, and diabase at Zermatt (Alps) is also high in Ca and Mg. Highest K, 1.72 ppm, was determined from Chamonix (Alps) glacial milk from granitic rock, but K was also high in milk from Mt. Rainier andesite. Highest Na, 3.05 ppm, and P, 1.54 ppm, were found in Emmons and Nisqually milk. Composition of country rock, and the rock9s susceptibility to hydrolysis and solution control the dissolved load of glacial milk. The pH values of all glacial milks were 6.4–7.5 except those from Norway (4.1–4.5). The pH of rock slurries, made by pulverizing under water in the laboratory rocks from the moraines of the glaciers, ranged from 8.2 to 9.8 and correlated with abrasion pH of their constituent minerals. The pH of the slurries ran higher than the pH of corresponding glacial waters. Dissolved constituents in rock slurries were commonly higher in concentration than those in glacial milks: Si was commonly 4–6 times higher; Ca, 2 times; Mg, 2–15 times; K, 20–40 times; and Na, 10–20 times. Concentration of dissolved Si tends to increase with concentration of Na and K, but decreases with Ca and Mg. Factors effective in rock dissolution are rock texture, composition, pH of hydrolysate, and exposure to CO 2 . The amount of suspended matter in glacial melt-water is controlled by the character of the rock eroded, glacial abrasion, and glacial melting. Emmons’ milk carried approximately 7100 ppm solids; Grinnell, Chamonix, and a milk from Norway, approximately 5 ppm. Electron micrographs are presented. Glacial milk is a valuable contributor to sustaining fertility of soil because dissolved elements are immediately available to plants and ion-exchange complexes in the soil, and rock flour releases ions moderately readily because of its high specific surface area.
Rapid Communication: Mithramycin Selectively Inhibits Transcription Of G-C Containing DNA

Mithramycin induces a reversible inhibition of cellular RNA synthesis without affecting DNA synthesis. The authors have shown this drug induces myeloid differentiation of HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells and is an effective agent in certain patients with chronic granulocytic leukemia. In order to investigate the mechanism by which this drug inhibits RNA synthesis we have compared the effect of mithramycin on RNA synthesis by whole cells, isolated nuclei, and RNA synthesis by isolated E. coli RNA polymerase and eukaryotic RNA polymerase II. Exposure of HL-60 cells to mithramycin at concentrations of 4.6 X 10(-7) m or higher for 48 hours causes an almost immediate inhibition of RNA synthesis (up to 85% at 4 hours) with only modest cytotoxicity at these concentrations. Endogenous RNA synthesis by isolated nuclei can be inhibited by mithramycin only at high concentrations (greater than 10(-5) m), suggesting that mithramycin primarily may inhibit initiation, rather than elongation. Mithramycin inhibits in vitro transcription of salmon sperm DNA by E. coli RNA polymerase at DNA:drug ratios similar to those required for RNA synthesis inhibition in whole cells. Similar DNA binding studies with synthetic oligonucleotides demonstrate that mithramycin is a potent inhibitor of transcription of Poly dG.dC by E. coli RNA polymerase but has no effect on transcription of Poly dA.dT. The rapid inhibition of whole cell and isolated RNA polymerase transcription, and the relative insensitivity of isolated nuclei, suggest mithramycin may interact with specific DNA sequences in order to inhibit the initiation of RNA synthesis in intact cells.
Creep property improvement of α + β titanium alloys by platinum ion plating

Abstract To demonstrate the effect of platinum ion plating on the creep property improvement of α + β titanium alloys, Ti-6242 specimens having high surface-to-volume ratios and with and without coating were compression tested in air. The uncoated specimens buckled in compression after short exposures at 538 °C (207 MN m -2 ), whereas the coated specimens sustained long exposures at 593 °C (287 MN m -2 ) without failure. The primary creep curves of both the coated and the uncoated materials were identical. The creep improvement of the coated alloys was achieved only at the secondary creep stage. Experiments conducted on titanium alloys containing only the α phase showed no platinum coating effect. It is concluded that the platinum diffusion barrier increases the creep resistance only in alloys containing both the α and β phases. A mechanism which explains the enhanced creep rates in α + β alloys in the presence of oxygen is suggested in this paper.
Early changes in thymocyte immunocompetence during immunization to histocompatibility antigens.

The participation of the thymus in early events accompanying immunization to major histocompatibility determinants was investigated. One day after the injection of Balb/c mice with C3H spleen cells the graft-versus-host (GVH) responsiveness of their thymocytes toward C3H antigens was reduced. By day two thymocyte GVH activity was elevated and significant thymus enlargement had occurred. Thymectomy in adult life did not affect the capacity of Balb/c spleen cells to become immune to C3H antigens. These results are interpreted to indicate that thymocytes play a significant early role during immunization to histcompatibility antigens even though immunization can occur in their absence.
The relation between visualization size, grouping, and user performance.

In this paper we make the following contributions: (1) we describe how the grouping, quantity, and size of visual marks affects search time based on the results from two experiments; (2) we report how search performance relates to self-reported difficulty in finding the target for different display types; and (3) we present design guidelines based on our findings to facilitate the design of effective visualizations. Both Experiment 1 and 2 asked participants to search for a unique target in colored visualizations to test how the grouping, quantity, and size of marks affects user performance. In Experiment 1, the target square was embedded in a grid of squares and in Experiment 2 the target was a point in a scatterplot. Search performance was faster when colors were spatially grouped than when they were randomly arranged. The quantity of marks had little effect on search time for grouped displays (“pop-out”), but increasing the quantity of marks slowed reaction time for random displays. Regardless of color layout (grouped vs. random), response times were slowest for the smallest mark size and decreased as mark size increased to a point, after which response times plateaued. In addition to these two experiments we also include potential application areas, as well as results from a small case study where we report preliminary findings that size may affect how users infer how visualizations should be used. We conclude with a list of design guidelines that focus on how to best create visualizations based on grouping, quantity, and size of visual marks.
Decision Making for Extreme Events: Modeling Critical Infrastructure Interdependencies to Aid Mitigation and Response Planning

Recent tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, and the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake have revealed a need for methods to evaluate and plan for the impact of extreme events on critical infrastructure. In particular, awareness has been raised of the threat that a major disruption will lead to cascading failures that cross boundaries between interdependent infrastructure sectors, greatly magnifying human and economic impacts. To assist in planning for such extreme events, researchers are developing modeling tools to aid in making decisions about how best to protect critical infrastructures. This paper presents some of the capabilities of this modeling approach as well as some of the challenges faced in developing such applications based on experience with the Critical Infrastructure Protection Decision Support System (CIPDSS) model, developed for use by the Department of Homeland Security. A set of disruptions to road and communication infrastructures is implemented in CIPDSS and the modeled disruptions to the original infrastructure as well as cascading effects on other infrastructure sectors are discussed. The simulations provide insights into the potential of this approach.
HMM profiles for network traffic classification

We present techniques for building HMM profiles for network applications using only the packet-level information that remains intact and observable after encryption, namely, packet size and arrival time. Using less information than previously thought possible, we demonstrate classification accuracy close to that of other recent techniques, and show success in classifying a variety of common network applications as observed from real Internet traffic traces.
Estimation of Br− in plasma with a Br−1-selective electrode

Abstract A new and accurate method for the determination of bromide in biological fluids by means of a Br −1 -selective electrode is presented. Two blood samples are required, one before Br −1 administration and one after. A quadratic expression describes the relation between millivolt readings and bromide concentrations: ( Br −1 ) i = a o + a 1 V i + aV i 2 . a o , a i and a 2 are constants, to be determined by addition of bromide to the first sample. The coefficient of variation for the range investigated was approx. 1%. In recovery studies it was found that (Br −1 ) found = 1.000 (Br −1 ) added+0.001 with a correlation coefficient r = 0.999. The method is especially suited for bromide space measurements.
Recognizing planar kinematic mechanisms from a single image using evolutionary computation

In this paper, a method is presented that automatically recognizes kinematic mechanisms from textbook images using an evolutionary algorithm to complement computer vision techniques for object detection. Specifically, a nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is used to optimize the number and position of mechanical joints in an image and corresponding joint connections (i.e. rigid bodies) such that Pareto front solutions maximize image consistency and mechanical feasibility. A well-known object detector is used as an example method for locating joints, and local image features between pairwise detected joints are used to predict likely connections. The performance of the algorithm using these specific vision techniques is compared to a parameterized detection scheme in order to decouple the efficacy of the object detector from the evolutionary algorithm. Experiments were performed to validate this approach on selected images from a custom dataset, and the results demonstrate reasonable success in both accuracy and speed.
Trypanosoma cruzi-induced suppressor substance

It is reported that mice infected withTrypanosoma cruzi accumulate a suppressor substance (SS) in their sera which, when passively transferred to normal syngeneic recipients, can inhibit primary and secondary antibody responses of spleen and lymph-node cells to T-cell-dependent and -independent antigens; spleen cells were found to be suppressed earlier and to a greater degree than were lymph-node cells. Studies on the effects of the SS on normal cells in vitro also revealed that spleen cells were affected earlier than lymph-node cells, although there were no demonstrable differences in the maximum suppression effected by the SS between the two sources of lymphoid cells. Whereas normal mice could be passively immunosuppressed in vivo with the SS, it was found that serum from passively suppressed recipients did not retain measurable quantities of the SS in their sera, indicating that the substance was removed from circulation at an early stage or was diluted beyond effective concentrations. In in vivo transfers of the SS toH-2-similar and -dissimilar recipients it was found that the effectiveness of the SS related to theH-2 haplotype of the recipients.
A two-layer library-based approach to synthesis of analog systems from VHDL-AMS specifications

This paper presents a synthesis methodology for analog systems described using VHDL-AMS language. Synthesis produces net-lists of analog components that are selected from a library, and sized so that specified objectives (like AC response, signal to noise ratio, dynamic range, area) are optimized. The gap between abstract specifications and implementations is bridged using a two-layered methodology. The first layer is architecture generation. The second layer is component synthesis and constraint transformation. Architecture generation employs the branch-and-bound algorithm to create architectural alternatives for a system. Component synthesis and constraint transformation use a directed interval based genetic algorithm that operates on parameter ranges. The performance estimation engine embeds technology process parameters, SPICE models for basic circuits, and symbolic composition equations for basic structural configurations. The paper discusses the VHDL-AMS subset for synthesis. The subset offers the composition semantics. As a result, specifications offer sufficient insight into the system structure to allow automated architecture generation. To justify the flexibility of the methodology, the paper presents results for three case studies, a signal conditioning system, a filter, and an analog to digital converter. Experiments show that constraint-satisfying designs can be synthesized in a short time, at a low cost, and without requesting broad knowledge on analog circuits.
Age and origin of Truk Atoll, eastern Caroline Islands: Geochemical, radiometric-age, and paleomagnetic evidence

Geochemical, K-Ar age, and paleomagnetic data are presented for volcanic rocks from Truk Lagoon (7°20′N, 151° 15′E). Petrographic observations and 52 analyses for major and trace elements reveal 2 shield-building magma types—a mildly alkalic Truk Main Lava Series (TMLS) and a less alkalic Truk Transitional Lava Series (TTLS); and a post-erosional, highly silica-undersaturated, and incompatible-trace-element–enriched Truk Nephelinite Series (TNS). The TMLS and TTLS shield-building lavas give a mean K-Ar age of 10.9 m.y.; post-erosional TNS lavas are dated at 4.8 m.y. B.P. Paleomagnetic results for 15 stably magnetized sites give a paleopole of declination and inclination of 359.3°E and 8.8°30′, respectively, which suggests that Truk was formed 4.4° north of the equator. These data are consistent with a hot-spot origin for the volcanics of Truk Atoll.
Inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms in association with celiac stenosis/occlusion.

Inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms in association with celiac stenosis or occlusion are well described in the literature. These aneurysms are true aneurysms and develop as a result of increased flow through the pancreaticoduodenal arcades in the presence of hemodynamically significant stenosis of the celiac axis or common hepatic artery. Aneurysms may be multiple and rarely associated with aneurysms in other collateral pathways—such as the dorsal pancreatic artery or the arc of Buhler. These aneurysms may be incidentally detected or patients may present with abdominal pain or shock secondary to rupture of the aneurysms. Treatment options include surgical resection and transcatheter embolization; current literature favors the latter option. Treatment of celiac axis stenosis may be recommended in addition to treating the aneurysms; however, no formal guidelines exist on this recommendation.
germ cell-less Is Required Only during the Establishment of the Germ Cell Lineage of Drosophila and Has Activities Which Are Dependent and Independent of Its Localization to the Nuclear Envelope

The germ cell precursors of Drosophila (pole cells) are specified by maternally supplied germ plasm localized to the posterior pole of the egg. One component of the germ plasm, germ cell-less (gcl) mRNA, encodes a novel protein which specifically localizes to the nuclear envelope of the pole cell nuclei. In addition to its maternal expression, gcl is zygotically expressed through embryonic development. In this report, we have characterized a null allele of germ cell-less to determine its absolute requirement during development. We have found that gcl activity is required only for the establishment of the germ cell lineage. Most embryos lacking maternal gcl activity fail to establish a germline. No other developmental defects were detected. Examination of germline development in these mutant embryos revealed that gcl activity is required for proper pole bud formation, pole cell formation, and pole cell survival. Using this null mutant we have also assayed the activity of forms of Gcl protein with altered subcellular distribution and found that localization to the nuclear envelope is crucial for promoting pole cell formation, but not necessary to initiate and form proper pole buds. These results indicate that gcl acts in at least two different ways during the establishment of the germ cell lineage.
Guard synthesis for safety of hybrid systems using sum of squares programming

We present a technique for synthesizing switching guards for hybrid systems by using sum of squares (SOS) programming. The guards are defined to be semialgebraic sets calculated from a bilinear SOS program. We present a method for ensuring that synthesized guards satisfy a state-based safety constraint and do not allow Zeno executions.We use an iterative algorithm to solve the bilinear program and demonstrate our approach with an example.
Prolific inventors—A bibliometric analysis

Patent information on 7392 inventors who received 9 or more U.S. Patents during 1975–84 was obtained. Analysis of the frequency distribution of patents per inventor reveals an approximately logarithmic decline from 9 to approximately 45 patents per inventor. The rate of decline decreases significantly for patent output above 45 patents per inventor. Patent citation analysis on 45 randomly selected inventors was performed. This sample included inventors who received from 9 to over 100 patents. The group received 1.79 citations per patent, 56.8% of the patents received at least 1 citation, and 2.7% of the patents received 10 or more citations. No statistically significant differences for these averages was found across the range of inventor patent output. No significant decline of patent quality with increased yearly patent output was observed.
Critical factors determining the potency of topical corticosteroids

The vasoconstrictor assay is a highly reliable method used to determine the bioequivalence of topical corticosteroid preparations. By assessing skin blanching, the assay describes the delivery of the active agent through the skin barrier, intrinsic activity at the receptor, and the rate of clearance from the site of application. Vasoconstrictor rankings are generally good predictors of efficacy in clinical trials. Vasoconstrictor assays are not as predictive of outcomes in clinical practice because these assays do not account for a critical factor: how well patients use the medication. Patient compliance plays a vital role in corticosteroid potency.
Decreased biliary secretion of proteins and phospholipids by rats with 1,1-dichloroethylene-induced bile canalicular injury.

1,1-Dichloroethylene (DCE, 50 mg/kg) rapidly and selectively injures the bile canalicular membrane of zone 3 hepatocytes. Thus, DCE is of value as a tool to assess the consequences of alterations in canalicular membrane integrity on bile formation. Our objective was to characterize the effects of DCE on the biliary secretion of proteins and phospholipids in freely moving rats. DCE treatment caused a rapid and sustained decrease in total biliary protein output. In contrast, canalicular membrane-localized enzyme activities more slowly increased to 8- to 15-fold in bile from DCE-treated rats. Biliary output of lysosomal enzymes was altered in a biphasic manner. Specifically, there was a transient fivefold increase within 30 min of DCE treatment and then a progressive decrease to approximately 10% basal levels by 4 h. Secretion of phospholipids into bile decreased rapidly in a striking and sustained manner after DCE. Our findings of diminished lysosomal protein and phospholipid secretion following DCE treatment are consistent with an important role for canalicular membrane integrity in their entry into bile.
Plasma Levels of Homocysteine and Cysteine Increased in Pediatric NAFLD and Strongly Correlated with Severity of Liver Damage

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of metabolic abnormalities ranging from simple triglyceride accumulation in the hepatocytes to hepatic steatosis with inflammation, ballooning and fibrosis. It has been demonstrated that the pathogenesis of NAFLD involves increased oxidative stress, with consumption of the major cellular antioxidant, glutathione (GSH). Liver has a fundamental role in sulfur compound metabolism, although the data reported on plasma thiols status in NAFLD are conflicting. We recruited 63 NAFLD patients, and we analyzed all plasma thiols, such as homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine (Cys), cysteinylglycine (CysGly) and GSH, by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. Hcy, Cys and CysGly plasma levels increased in NAFLD patients (p < 0.0001); whereas GSH levels were decreased in NAFLD patients when compared to controls (p < 0.0001). On the contrary, patients with steatohepatitis exhibited lower levels of Hcy and Cys than subjects without. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between Hcy and Cys and the presence of fibrosis in children with NAFLD. Taken together, these data demonstrated a defective hepatic sulfur metabolism in children with NAFLD, and that high levels of Hcy and Cys probably correlates with a pattern of more severe histological liver damage, due to mechanisms that require further studies.
Intermolecular Specificity of Pancreatic Lipase and the Structural Analysis of Milk Triglycerides

Abstract Pancreatic lipase released butyrate and palmitate in equimolar quantities from glyceryl 1-palmitate 2,3-dibutyrate (PBB), an absence of intramolecular specificity. However, when glyceryl 1-myristate 2,3-dioleate (MOO) was mixed with PBB, the latter was hydrolyzed more rapidly, indicating intermolecular specificity. Primary position specificity was maintained during 5-min digestions when glyceryl 2-butyrate 1,3-dipalmitate was the substrate. Data from the pancreatic lipase digestions of milk fat are presented. It is concluded that pancreatic lipase digests some classes of milk triglycerides more rapidly than others.
Solar Energy Collection Analysis Tool for Conceptual Aircraft Design

As battery energy storage and solar cell technology improve, solar aircraft are increasingly being considered for high altitude long endurance missions. Although solar vehicles may theoretically remain on station indefinitely using the sun as a power source, their design and feasibility is sensitive to mission planning details as specific as the time history of the vehicle’s deck orientation relative to the sun; the energy available for capture by the on-board solar array is governed by the solar incidence angle, and at certain orientations, the vehicle may cast shadows on itself and further reduce its energy capture capabilities. To quantify these losses, a batch mode program was developed that takes the vehicle geometry and sun orientation, integrates angle-of-incidence and shadow losses, and outputs an equivalent effective solar array collection area for use in a vehicle and mission analysis environment. In this paper, the need for such a tool is identified, tool methodology is described, and example output and validation cases are presented.
The efficacy and safety of exercise programs in cardiac rehabilitation.

Physical activity performed by patients with coronary heart disease is a two-edged sword. A number of biological changes produced by regular exercise may reduce the risk of future cardiac events, while the increase in cardiac work produced by this same exercise can predispose the patient to sudden cardiac death. Data from observational studies as well as randomized clinical trials demonstrate a lower cardiac mortality rate for men participating in exercise rehabilitation programs vs nonparticipants. Overall, exercise program participants appear to experience a reduction of approximately 25% in cardiac and all-cause mortality, but no single study has provided definitive results. During medically supervised exercise, the risk of cardiac death based on reports of programs in the United States is approximately one event in every 60,000 participant-hours of exercise. At this rate, a typical rehabilitation program that has 95 patients exercising 3 h.wk-1 could expect a sudden cardiac death during an exercise session once every 4 yr. No data have been published on the morbidity or mortality benefits or risks of home-based exercise or for women participants. Also, the contribution of continuous electrocardiographic monitoring to the safety of exercise training of cardiac patients is yet to be defined.
Distributed approaches to triangulation and embedding

A number of recent papers in the networking community study the distance matrix defined by the node-to-node latencies in the Internet and, in particular, provide a number of quite successful distributed approaches that embed this distance into a low-dimensional Euclidean space. In such algorithms it is feasible to measure distances among only a linear or near-linear number of node pairs; the rest of the distances are simply not available. Moreover, for applications it is desirable to spread the load evenly among the participating nodes. Indeed, several recent studies use this 'fully distributed' approach and achieve, empirically, a low distortion for all but a small fraction of node pairs.This is concurrent with the large body of theoretical work on metric embeddings, but there is a fundamental distinction: in the theoretical approaches to metric embeddings, full and centralized access to the distance matrix is assumed and heavily used. In this paper we present the first fully distributed embedding algorithm with provable distortion guarantees for doubling metrics (which have been proposed as a reasonable abstraction of Internet latencies), thus providing some insight into the empirical success of the recent Vivaldi algorithm [5]. The main ingredient of our embedding algorithm is an improved fully distributed algorithm for a more basic problem of triangulation, where the triangle inequality is used to infer the distances that have not been measured; this problem received a considerable attention in the networking community, and has also been studied theoretically in [19].We use our techniques to extend ∈-relaxed embeddings and triangulations to infinite metrics and arbitrary measures, and to improve on the approximate distance labeling scheme of Talwar [33].
On the time it takes a state vector to reduce

It is pointed out, in theories which give a dynamical description of the reduction of the state vector, that the reduction should take place in a finite time. It is shown that the reduction time is infinite in the Bohm-Bub theory, and finite in the author's theory.
Reaction of Singlet Oxygen with trans-4-Propenylanisole. Formation of [2 + 2] Products with Added Acid

We report the effects of added acid in the reaction of singlet oxygen with trans-4-propenylanisole (1). We provide evidence that solvent acidity modifies the behavior of the transient intermediates. Relative to reactions in aprotic solvent, enhanced dioxetane concentrations are observed in MeOH and in nonprotic solvents with acid. We suggest a new mechanism that invokes a proton transfer from MeOH and benzoic acid to perepoxide (2) and zwitterion (3) intermediates.
Capturing glimpses of an elusive HIV gp41 prehairpin fusion intermediate.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies on an HIV gp41 construct reported by Lakomek and colleagues in this issue of Structure have revealed the conformational dynamics of a possible trimeric prehairpin fusion intermediate and its interactions with lipids. Two alternative fusion pathways are compared based on this work and a previous NMR structure of a monomeric lipid-bound gp41 ectodomain construct.
Prognostic Implications of Preoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement: Is There an Argument for Concomitant Arrhythmia Surgery?

Background The prognostic significance of preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) at the time of aortic valve replacement is unknown, as is the potential role for concomitant arrhythmia surgery. Methods We performed a cohort comparison of patients with preoperative AF (n = 129) and preoperative sinus rhythm (SR, n=252) undergoing aortic valve surgery between 1993 and 2002; patients were matched for age, gender, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Follow-up (mean interval, 4.5 years) was 98% complete. Primary endpoints were late cardiac and all-cause mortality, as well as major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular event. Results Patients with preoperative AF presented with more severe congestive heart failure ( p = 0.03) and more often had significant tricuspid regurgitation ( p = 0.01) preoperatively. They also had worse late survival (risk ratio [RR] for death=1.5, p = 0.03) with 1-, 5-, and 7-year survival rates substantially reduced at 94%, 87%, and 50%, respectively, for those in AF versus 98%, 90%, and 61% for patients in sinus rhythm preoperatively. Individuals in AF had a greater probability of subsequent rhythm-related intervention (RR = 4.7, p = 0.0002), and more frequently developed congestive heart failure (25% vs 10%, p = 0.005) and stroke (16% vs 5%, p = 0.005). By multivariable analysis, preoperative AF was an independent predictor of late adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, but not late death. Conclusions Performance of concomitant arrhythmia surgery in patients undergoing aortic valve surgery may reduce late morbidity; however, its potential impact on late mortality in this high-risk subset of patients remains unclear.
Erik H. Erikson’s Young Man Luther : A Classic Revisited

The plan to translate Erik H. Erikson’s Young Man Luther (Erikson 1958) into Chinese (see Chen et al., Pastoral Psychology 61:641–654, 2012) provides compelling evidence that this book is a classic in psychology of religion and related fields. In this article I focus on the professional circumstances that contributed to Erikson’s decision to write a book on Martin Luther; his rationale, based on his particular psychoanalytic orientation, for emphasizing Luther’s resourcefulness in emancipating himself from outworn religious beliefs and practices; and the fact that a new personal appreciation for religious expressions also played an important role in his decision to write the book. I also discuss the fact that I was initially attracted to the book because it drew attention to Luther’s redefinition of work and did so in a way that was personally meaningful to me and in later years I have found the topics and themes of melancholy and inner peace to be personally meaningful to me as well. Based on my own experiences with Young Man Luther, I conclude that books become classics because they invite their potential readers to enter into the text in a way that is personally meaningful to them and that they remain classics because their readers discover new ways over the course of their own lives in which the book is personally meaningful to them. I conclude the article with the proposal that Young Man Luther is a religious biography.
A gene for hereditary pancreatitis maps to chromosome 7q35.

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hereditary pancreatitis (HP) is an autosomal- dominant disorder with incomplete penetrance characterized by recurrent bouts of severe epigastric pain with onset usually at 5-10 years of age. A genetic linkage study was designed to identify the HP gene. METHODS: A 500-member pedigree was constructed from a U.S. kindred centered in eastern Kentucky and western Virginia. A genome-wide search strategy was employed using a 36-member subset of this family to determine the genetic locus for HP. Testing for linkage to microsatellite loci was performed at 20-cM intervals. RESULTS: Linkage was established between the HP phenotype and chromosome 7q in this subset of the family. Modeled as an autosomal dominant disorder with 80% penetrance, a maximal multipoint logarithm of the odds score of 4.3 was obtained using a four-point analysis consisting of markers D7S684, D7S661, D7S505, and the HP locus. Two microsatellite markers, D7S661 and D7S505, that correspond to the 7q35 region of chromosome 7 spanning a 6-cM region did not evidence obligate recombinations with HP. The centromeric and telomeric limits are defined by recombinations at D7S684 and D7S483, respectively, which generates a 19-cM locus for HP. Utilizing family members from the extended pedigree, a break in the high-risk haplotype between D7S684 and D7S661 was observed, which suggests it may be possible to exclude an additional 8 cM from the HP locus. A maximal pairwise logarithm of the odds score of 4.73 at a recombination fraction of theta at D7S684 was obtained with the addition of these extended family members. CONCLUSIONS: Linkage of HP to 7q35 represents a major advancement in our understanding of the genetic basis of this disorder. (Gastroenterology 1996 Jun;110(6):1975-80)
A polar relay using momentum transfer

A PRINCIPAL application of magnetic polar relays is to circuits where high operating speeds are required. One common approach for obtaining highspeed, bounce-free operation of relay contacts has utilized reduction of the armature size and mass. Disadvantages in reducing armature size are the resulting reduction of relay contact forces and the need for smaller mechanical tolerances.
Chromatographic investigation of the slowly interconverting atropisomers of hindered naphthamides

Chromatographic separation of the stereoisomers of a series of racemic N,N-disubstituted-2-methyl-1-naphthylenecarboxamide atropisomers using several recently developed chiral stationary phases is reported. Separation factors in excess of three are obtained in the best cases, allowing for convenient separation and investigation of the kinetics of stereoisomer interconversion. Examples of deracemization as well as an apparent cog wheel rotational process are also reported.
Temperature distribution in a thin composite plate exposed to a concentrated heat source

This study focuses on measuring and predicting the temperature distribution in a composite panel exposed to a concentrated heat source. The two heat sources studied in this work are a radiant heater and a gas burner flame. The parameters that are varied are the material properties and geometry, heat flux and distance. Finite element method based software Wintherm is used to predict the temperature distribution. The predictions are dependent on the choice of how one models the convective heat transfer coefficient along the surface of the plate exposed to the heat source. For the gas burner, the boundary condition will change dramatically from the centerline to the outward edges of the plate due to the plume effect. Empirical expressions are used and modified to determinate the air temperature in the region between the source and the plate. This information is implemented in the boundary condition along the plate surface to predict the thermal history of the plate. The predicted results are compared with the experimental temperature distribution which is measured with an infra-red camera. A parametric study is conducted to identify important dimensionless numbers and their impact on the temperature history.
Changes in soil properties after 10 years continuous non-tilled and conventionally tilled corn

Soil properties were evaluated after 10 years of continuous non-tilled and conventionally tilled corn (Zea mays L.) production on a Maury silt loam (Typic Paleudalfs) soil, which had been in bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) for 50 years. On limed and nonlimed plots soil samples from 0, 84, 168 and 336 kg/ha N treatments were taken in the 0–5, 5–15 and 15–30 cm layers for determination of organic C and N, soil pH, and exchangeable Al, Mn, Ca, Mg, K. Tillage treatments had no effect on soil bulk density in the 0–15 cm layer. In the 0–5 cm surface layer, organic C and N were approximately twice as high with no-tillage as with conventional tillage; N fertilizer induced a high level of both organic C and organic N. No-tillage decreased soil pH for unlimed plots as compared to conventional tillage, especially at high N-rates, which produced an increase in exchangeable Al and Mn and a decrease in exchangeable Ca down to the 30 cm depth. When lime was applied, the pH of the surface soil was slightly higher under no-tillage. On treatments receiving lime, exchangeable Al and Mn levels were very low with no significant difference in tillage systems. At low rates of N fertilization the 10-year average corn yield was higher for conventional tillage than for no-tillage, but at high rates of N fertilization it was equal or higher for no-tillage treatments receiving lime. Unlimed no-tillage treatments produced lower yields at all N levels during 1975–1979. Deterioration of soil physical properties was not observed.
Ultrasound evaluation of scrotum in pediatrics.

Abstract Scrotal abnormalities are difficult to assess using clinical criteria alone Ultrasound provides an accurate means of demonstrating the scrotal contents so that appropriate therapy may be instituted. In a retrospective study, 119 ultrasound examinations of 96 patients (aged 4 days to 23 years) have been compared with the clinical diagnosis, surgical/pathologic findings, and other imaging modalities. The gamut of disease identified included congenital anomalies, neoplasm-, trauma, torsion, varicocele, hydrocele, epididymo-orchitis, epididymal cyst/spermatocele, and post-radiation fibrosis. The ultrasound findings correlated well in 93/96 patients. In inconclusive cases, sequential imaging helps differentiate traumatic and inflammatory lesions front neoplastic processes.
Pilot Performance, Workload, and Situation Awareness During Lunar Landing Mode Transitions

Aircraft and spacecraft pilots frequently change their level of supervisory control between full autopilot and other modes, providing varying levels of manual control. Therefore, multimodal systems must transition “gracefully,” meaning without unsafe decreases in flight performance or unacceptable changes in workload or situation awareness. Thirteen subjects flew a fixed base simulation of the NASA Constellation Program Altair lunar lander that transitioned from full autopilot to one of three flight-director-guided rate-command attitude hold manual control modes. After training, each subject flew 24 approaches, half of which included a landing point redesignation at the time of the mode transition requiring the pilot to null additional guidance errors. Bedford subjective workload and two-choice embedded secondary task response times were used to quantify temporal changes in mental workload. Situation awareness transients were detected by analysis of a tertiary task, verbal callouts of altitude, fuel, and ...
Issues Facing Sonography

Critical issues facing the sonography profession in the 1990s and in the next millennium are legislation, reimbursement, accreditation, the “advanced practice sonographer” classification, and musculoskeletal strain injury. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS) has identified these areas of concentration in order to assist its membership in addressing these issues. Members of the SDMS have been involved in legislation on behalf of the sonography profession and in an effort to protect their patients. The SDMS also addresses numerous reimbursement issues, including many that involve laboratory accreditation. The SDMS supports laboratory accreditation and personal credentialing. The advanced practice sonographer classification is a new and controversial issue, and the SDMS Board is in the early stages of exploration of this role. Musculoskeletal strain injury is a major problem affecting a significant number of members of the sonography profession. The SDMS is actively investigating forms of t...
Variability of exercise performance during long-term placebo treatment.

Although exercise testing is commonly used to determine the efficacy of antianginal drugs, there is little information on the effect of frequent exposure to such testing over periods as long as 6 mo. In our study 10 patients (four men and six women) with stable angina pectoris received placebo for 6 mo. Treadmill testing followed a modified Bruce protocol. All patients exercised to an end point of typical anginal pain and 1 mm or more of ST depression. The first treadmill test for diagnostic purposes was followed by testing every 2 wk for 6 mo. Sublingual nitroglycerin was permitted to abort attacks of angina. Parameters evaluated included heart rate, double product, and duration of exercise. There was no change in the maximal heart rate (x = 109 at 2 wk and 112 at 6 mo) or double product (x = 17,002 at 2 wk and 17,249 at 6 mo). On the other hand, duration increased (x 7.8 min at two wk and 9.9 min at 6 mo). Thus, although treadmill testing showed reproducible measurements of maximal heart rate and double product over 6 mo, exercise duration increased progressively. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1981) 30, 321–327; doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.167
Optimization of a pressure swing adsorption cycle

Une boite noire est utilisee pour convertir le procede physique complexe en un simple probleme mathematique. Trois exemples illustrent la simplicite et la complexite du modele
Physics and Technology for Future Presidents: An Introduction to the Essential Physics Every World Leader Needs to Know

Unlike perhaps every other contemporary advanced physics textbook this one has an Epilogue made up of a thoroughly engaging and educational poem of over two pages in length. From its opening words—...
Photoelectron microscopy of cell surface topography

Photoelectron micrographs of gold-palladium coated mouse 3T3 cells and chick embryo fibroblasts are presented. Since the gold-palladium suppresses differences in work function, the cell morphology seen in these micrographs is due to relief contrast. The heights of comparable cells were measured from the parallax present in transmission electron micrograph stereo-pairs of cell surface replicas. The origin of relief contrast and the effect of cell surface relief on the working depth of field in photoelectron images of cells are discussed. The micrographs demonstrate that photoelectron microscopy is very sensitive to fine details of cell surface topography, and that the working depth of field is not a limiting factor in the imaging of well-spread tissue culture cells.
Surgery for atrial fibrillation

The field of atrial fibrillation is evolving rapidly. Although a medical rhythm control strategy has not proven to be beneficial for survival, new interventional therapies have improved the rate of sinus restoration and thus have the potential to improve outcomes. In particular, the maze procedure can be performed safely and cures the majority of patients with atrial fibrillation. Over the last two decades, the introduction of new ablation technologies has made the procedure much easier to perform and it is now more widely applied to patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardiac surgery. Minimally invasive modifications of the maze using these technologies have offered an important step towards developing a stand-alone procedure for the cure of atrial fibrillation with potentially decreased morbidity. We review the magnitude of the problem, the history of past surgical treatments, current surgical options and the future direction of surgical therapy.