cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Start-up and peaking characteristics of a 700 MW-class combined gas-steam cycle unit with multi-shaft arrangement

In view of the increasing tendency of peak-valley difference in North China Grid, a thermal system is introduced for a 700 MW-class combined gas-steam cycle unit with multi-shaft arrangement, which could be helpful for the peaking and black-start of grid. Compared with coal-fired unit, the combined cycle unit has the advantages of higher efficiency, faster start-up and more flexible loading change, which can meet the requirement of peaking better. And its reliability shows the feasibility and advantage to be a backup power source for black-start of North China Grid. The efficiency, start-up time and load change rate of the unit are summarized, and the gas characteristics are described by providing the relationship curves between gas turbine load and flue gas temperature and flow rate. The measures are discussed to prevent the over-temperature of steams and low-temperature corrosion during peaking running.
Molecular Dissection of Benzodiazepine Binding and Allosteric Coupling Using Chimeric γ-Aminobutyric AcidA Receptor Subunits

Although γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor α subunits are important for benzodiazepine (BZD) binding and GABA-current potentiation by BZDs, the presence of a γ subunit is required for high affinity BZD effects. To determine which regions unique to the γ2S subunit confer BZD binding and potentiation, we generated chimeric protein combinations of rat γ2S and α1 subunits using a modified protocol to target crossover events to the amino-terminal extracellular region of the subunits. Several chimeras with full open reading frames were constructed and placed into vectors for either voltage-clamp experiments in Xenopus laevisoocytes or radioligand binding experiments in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Chimeras (χ) containing at least the amino-terminal 161 amino acids of γ2S bound BZDs with wild-type affinity when coexpressed with α1 and β2 subunits. Further analysis of the γ2S binding site region uncovered two areas, γ2S K41-W82 and γ2S R114-D161, that together are necessary and sufficient for high affinity BZD binding. Surprisingly, although the 161-amino acid residue amino terminus of the γ2S subunit is sufficient for high affinity BZD binding, it is not sufficient for efficient allosteric coupling of the GABA and BZD binding sites, as demonstrated by reduced diazepam potentiation of the GABA-gated current and GABA potentiation of [3H]flunitrazepam binding. Thus, by using γ/α chimeras, we identified two γ2 subunit regions required for BZD binding that are distinct from domain or domains responsible for allosteric coupling of the BZD and GABA binding sites.
Is Your Digital Identity Property? An Examination of Digital Identity in the Era of e-Government and Digital Citizenship

As dealings previously conducted in person are replaced by dealings without personal interaction and without any history of personal acquaintance, digital identity is assuming a crucial role in transactions, most recently those between government and its citizens. This paper examines digital identity as an emergent legal concept with a focus on its legal nature as a new form of intangible property. The constitution and functions of digital identity are examined, particularly in relation to the small collection of digital information which is now typically required for transactions with government departments and agencies as part of the transition to e-government. The author considers whether this transaction identity has the legal characteristics of property and the repercussions, including recognition and protection of ownership rights under public law. The paper adopts a comparative approach in considering these issues. Because of their obvious similarities, recent developments in United States of America in relation to use of digital identity for transactions are compared to Australia which has also recently formally announced its move to digital citizenship. However, although the paper focuses on the US and Australia, the analysis and findings are relevant to other jurisdictions, especially those in Europe and Asia which are now using a concept of digital identity for transactions between government and citizens and indeed also for private sector transactions. The analysis essentially translates to civil law countries as well as those which have a common law legal system.
Synthetic hydrogels mimicking basement membrane matrices to promote cell-matrix interactions

Naturally-derived materials have been extensively used as 3D cellular matrices as their inherent bioactivity makes them suitable for the study of many cellular processes. Nevertheless, lot-to-lot variability, inability to decouple biochemical and biophysical properties and, in some types, their tumor-derived nature limits their translational potential and reliability. One innovative approach to overcome these limitations has focused on incorporating bioactivity into cytocompatible, synthetic hydrogels that present tunable physicochemical properties. This review provides an overview of successful approaches to convey basement membrane-like bioactivity into 3D artificial hydrogel matrices in order to recapitulate cellular responses to native matrices. Recent advances involving biofunctionalization of synthetic hydrogels via incorporation of bioactive motifs that promote cell-matrix interactions and cell-directed matrix degradation will be discussed. This review highlights how the tunable physicochemical properties of biofunctionalized synthetic hydrogel matrices can be exploited to study the separate contributions of biochemical and biophysical matrix properties to different cellular processes.
Risk of Concussion for Athletes in Contact Sports at Higher Altitude vs at Sea Level: A Meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis examines the literature on concussion rates for athletes in contact sports at sea level and at a higher altitude. It has been postulated that a higher altitude increases cerebral blood flow, which causes venous blood engorgement, increases intracranial pressure, and creates subsequent slight brain swelling and a tighter fit between the brain and the skull to decrease brain sloshing and reduce concussive events. The prospect of protecting the brain from within seems novel and exciting, but the proposed physiologic basis for this mechanism is not scientifically sound. Recent studies show conflicting data on whether the incidence of sports-related concussions are associated with altitude. Thus, we sought to determine whether the incidence of concussions from contact sports is different when the sport is played at sea level vs at a higher altitude... Language: en
Contribution of whole platelet aggregometry to the endovascular management of unruptured aneurysms: an institutional experience

Background Stent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms is an efficient alternative treatment to surgical clipping but requires prolonged antiplatelet therapy. Some patients are non-responsive to aspirin and/or clopidogrel. Objective To analyze the implications of this assessment using the ‘whole blood aggregometry (WBA) by impedance’ technique. Materials and methods The Southwestern Tertiary Aneurysm Registry was reviewed between 2002 and 2012 for patients with unruptured aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling. The study population was divided into patients who were tested preoperatively for platelet responsiveness to aspirin and clopidogrel (‘tested’ patients) and those who were not (‘non-tested’). Where necessary, tested patients received additional doses of antiplatelet drugs to achieve adequate platelet inhibition. Endpoints included the incidence of non-responsiveness, the rates of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications, and the rates of permanent morbidity and mortality. Results A total of 266 patients fulfilled our selection criteria: 114 non-tested patients who underwent 121 procedures, and 152 tested patients who underwent 171 procedures. The two groups did not vary significantly in patient age, gender, and aneurysms location. Aspirin non-responsiveness was detected in 3 patients (1.75%) and clopidogrel non-responsiveness in 21 patients (12.3%). Non-tested patients had an 11.6% rate of thrombotic complications with a 4.1% permanent morbidity or mortality rate versus 2.3% and 0.6% in tested patients (p=0.0013). The incidence of hemorrhagic complications was similar between the two groups. Conclusions Preoperative platelet inhibition testing using WBA can be useful to assess and correct antiaggregant non-responsiveness, and may reduce postoperative mortality and permanent morbidity.
A new wind turbine interface to MVDC grid with high frequency isolation and input current shaping

This work introduces a new approach using high frequency (HF) isolation for interfacing next-generation offshore wind turbine generators (WTGs) to medium voltage DC (MVDC) collection grids, a necessity for the continued development of offshore wind resources as farms are sited further out to sea. Initial analysis of the proposed approach is provided, as well as a practical design example for reproduction of results and prototype design guidance for further development of the concept. Detailed simulation results demonstrate converter operation from full rated power down to 25% rated power. The WTG displacement power factor is found to be 0.95 leading. Simulation results further confirm near-sinusoidal WTG and transformer current, continuous output current, and stiff DC link voltage, all within specified ripple tolerances.
E-Commenting: Pros & Cons

This short article discusses the use of the electronic commenting features in Word to critique student papers.
Analysis of Collaborative Learning in a Computational Thinking Class

Collaborative learning can help reduce the anxiety level of learners, improve understanding and thus create a positive atmosphere for learning. This study analyzes students' collaborative learning experiences within small interdisciplinary "cohorts" while learning computational thinking in a university-level class. The cohort allows students from different disciplines to contribute diverse perspectives, socially interact with each other and in turn create situations where two or more students learn together. This study uses both qualitative and quantitative means to explore students' collaborative learning experiences. Ethnographically-informed qualitative data using Stahl's collaborative framework is analyzed. The analysis revealed that most students found the cohort model to be valuable in learning computational thinking by allowing them to ask about and explain problems, especially with students from different disciplines who perceive and explain a problem differently. Quantitative data from a multi-term survey complements and confirms the findings from the qualitative data. Our study helps to inform those teaching foundational computing concepts to a diverse audience of learners.
Biphasic Biocatalytic Membrane Reactors

Multiphase enzyme membrane reactors; Twoseparate phase biocatalytic membrane reactors A schematic representation of a biphasic membrane is reported in Fig. 1. The system is suitable for bioconversions of low water soluble substrates. The enzyme loaded-membrane separates two immiscible phases: the substrate is present in the organic phase whilst the product is extracted in the aqueous phase. Particularly interesting is the case where the biocatalyst is enantiospecific and converts only one of the substrate isomers giving in one step the production and separation of enantiomers in the optically pure form. The most studied enzyme in this systems are lipases. They are phase transfer catalysts activated by interface. When lipase is randomly loaded within the membrane and the two phases contact at a certain level of the porous thickness, only part of the lipase is located at the interface, whilst most of it is either in the water or in the organic phase (Fig. 2a). This results in an apparent lower activity of the immobilized enzyme. An advanced development of multiphase reactor systems (emulsion enzyme membrane reactor) has been reported where the organic/water interface within the pores at the enzyme level is achieved by stable oil-in-water emulsion, prepared by membrane emulsification, so that each pore can work as a microreactor containing immobilized enzyme. In this way, the enzyme works in the membrane pores in the same conditions as in the stirred tank reactor, but with no shear stress due to stirring. Various configurations
Risk Exposure: Using Cases in Strategies Involving an Aging Medication

Explains the history of a controversial and aging breast cancer preventative drug called tamoxifen, the risk assessment processes used to determine whether or not to continue to aggressively market a medication that remains beneficial to some but not all, the risks associated with moral lacunae, and how virtue-imbued casuistry can fortify current risk analysis processes.
Law as a Universal Force for Good

This chapter covers the early years of Tanaka’s career as a law professor (1923–1930), a pivotal period when Tanaka got married, converted to Catholicism, and wrote his first book, one of his most important, on Law, Religion and Social Life (1927). Building on his discovery of universality in the principles of commercial law, it shows how Tanaka’s Christian understanding of the dualism of Man as caught between the flesh and the spirit led him to a broader understanding of law as not a necessary evil but as a social and moral good. In Law, Religion and Social Life, he drew on the lessons of President Calles’s persecution of Catholics in Mexico to argue that Japanese also must resist efforts to pass laws that would restrict religious freedom, a point he reinforced with references to Pope Pius X’s Vehementer Nos.
The Leadership Void for Climate Adaptation Planning: Case Study of the Port of Providence (Rhode Island, United States)

Climate adaptation requires leadership from a diverse group of stakeholders to shift investment priorities and generate political will for long-term planning. This is especially true for seaport stakeholders. Ports serve as access points to goods and services from around the world, promoting a higher and more robust quality of life. However, with the increased likelihood of intense storms, rising sea levels, and resource scarcity facing coastal communities, stakeholders will need to adapt coastal infrastructure to ensure long-term viability. Solving such problems requires leadership and participation from government across jurisdictional boundaries and/or the private sector. Using the case of Port of Providence (Rhode Island, USA), this study finds stakeholder perceptions of leadership responsibility contribute to an institutional void, in which it is unclear who is responsible and who should pay for resilience investment.
Transnational Nazism: Ideology and Culture in German-Japanese Relations, 1919–1936

In 1936, Nazi Germany and militarist Japan built a partnership which culminated in the Tokyo-Berlin Axis. This study of interwar German-Japanese relations is the first to employ sources in both languages. Transnational Nazism was an ideological and cultural outlook that attracted non-Germans to become adherents of Hitler and National Socialism, and convinced German Nazis to identify with certain non-Aryans. Because of the distance between Germany and Japan, mass media was instrumental in shaping mutual perceptions and spreading transnational Nazism. This work surveys the two national media to examine the impact of transnational Nazism. When Hitler and the Nazi movement gained prominence, Japanese newspapers, lectures and pamphlets, nonfiction, and language textbooks transformed to promote the man and his party. Meanwhile, the ascendancy of Hitler and his regime created a niche for Japan in the Nazi worldview and Nazified newspapers, films, nonfiction, and voluntary associations.
The Revenue Effects of Multinational Firm Income Shifting

This article updates Clausing’s prior work on the U.S. government revenue costs resulting from income shifting by multinational corporations. Extending the analysis to 2008, the author finds that the revenue costs of income-shifting practices have increased in recent years along with the rise in corporate profits of foreign affiliates of U.S. firms.
Robotic Specialization in Autonomous Robotic Structural Assembly

Robotic in-space assembly of large space structures is a long-term NASA goal to reduce launch costs and enable larger scale missions. Recently, researchers have proposed using discrete lattice building blocks and co-designed robots to build high-performance, scalable primary structure for various on-orbit and surface applications. These robots would locomote on the lattice and work in teams to build and reconfigure building-blocks into functional structure. However, the most reliable and efficient robotic system architecture, characterized by the number of different robotic ‘species’ and the allocation of functionality between species, is an open question. To address this problem, we decompose the robotic building-block assembly task into functional primitives and, in simulation, study the performance of the the variety of possible resulting architectures. For a set consisting of five process types (move self, move block, move friend, align bock, fasten block), we describe a method of feature space exploration and ranking based on energy and reliability cost functions. The solution space is enumerated, filtered for unique solutions, and evaluated against energy and reliability cost functions for various simulated build sizes. We find that a 2 species system, dividing the five mentioned process types between one unit cell transport robot and one fastening robot, results in the lowest energy cost system, at some cost to reliability. This system enables fastening functionality to occupy the build front while reducing the need for that functional mass to travel back and forth from a feed station. Because the details of a robot design affect the weighting and final allocation of functionality, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of changing mass allocations on architecture performance. Future systems with additional functionalities such as repair, inspection, and others may use this process to analyze and determine alternative robot architectures.
Considering registered reports at C&RL

In January 2020, I presented at the Librarians Building Momentum for Reproducibility virtual conference. The theme of the presentation was preregistration and registered reports and their role in reproducibility of research results. The presentation was twofold in that it provided background information on these themes and then advocated for the adoption of a registered reports submission track in Library and Information Science journals. I asked attendees to notify me if they wanted to learn more and to join me in contacting LIS journals to advocate for this model. The first journal that we targeted was College & Research Libraries . We drafted a letter that was sent to editor Wendi Arant Kaspar who discussed the topic with the editorial board and ultimately asked me to write a guest editorial for C&RL .
Hope in elderly adults with chronic heart failure.

This topic review employed Walker and Avant’s method of concept analysis to explore the construct of hope in elderly adults with chronic heart failure. The articles analyzed revealed that hope, as the belief of the occurrence of a positive result without any guarantee that it will be produced, is necessary for the survival and wellbeing of the elderly adults enduring this disease.
Digital Signal Processing Fundamentals

Now available in a three-volume set, this updated and expanded edition of the bestselling The Digital Signal Processing Handbook continues to provide the engineering community with authoritative coverage of the fundamental and specialized aspects of information-bearing signals in digital form. Encompassing essential background material, technical details, standards, and software, the second edition reflects cutting-edge information on signal processing algorithms and protocols related to speech, audio, multimedia, and video processing technology associated with standards ranging from WiMax to MP3 audio, low-power/high-performance DSPs, color image processing, and chips on video. Drawing on the experience of leading engineers, researchers, and scholars, the three-volume set contains 29 new chapters that address multimedia and internet technologies, tomography, radar systems, architecture, standards, and future applications in speech, acoustics, video, radar, and telecommunications. Emphasizing theoretical concepts, Digital Signal Processing Fundamentals provides comprehensive coverage of the basic foundations of DSP and includes the following parts: Signals and Systems; Signal Representation and Quantization; Fourier Transforms; Digital Filtering; Statistical Signal Processing; Adaptive Filtering; Inverse Problems and Signal Reconstruction; and TimeFrequency and Multirate Signal Processing.
Colonic dysfunction in patients with thoracic spinal cord injury

Severe constipation is a debilitating concomitant of complete traumatic thoracic spinal cord injury. In order to investigate the pathophysiology of this symptom, we studied colonic compliance, as well as motor and myoelectrical activity, in the fasting and postprandial states and after neostigmine stimulation in 9 patients with clinically and electrophysiologically documented complete thoracic spinal cord injury. Electrophysiologic studies, including nerve conduction velocities, cortical and spinal somatosensory-evoked responses, and bulbocavernosus reflex responses, as well as urinary bladder cystometry, documented normal peripheral somatosensory function, integrity of the distal spinal cord, conus medullaris and cauda equina, and interruption of the somatosensory and descending spinal pathways proximal to the cauda equina. These 9 patients with spinal cord injury demonstrated a decrease in colonic compliance compared with a control group (p less than 0.01). They failed to demonstrate the postprandial increase in colonic motor and myoelectrical activity observed in a control group (p less than 0.01), but did respond to neostigmine with an increase in both motor and myoelectrical activity (p less than 0.02), suggesting an intact myogenic component. In these patients, decreased colonic compliance and absent postprandial colonic motor and myoelectrical activity may be mediated by ablation of outflow from higher centers to the lower spinal cord and may be correlates of visceral neuropathy and severe constipation.
A Statistical Investigation of Internal Wave Propagation in the Northern South China Sea

Abstract : The long-term goal of this project is to predict the generation of internal waves over the ridges in the Luzon Strait and wave propagation across the northern South China Sea. The objective of this study is to provide a description of internal wave/tide propagation from the Luzon Strait to the edge of the continental shelf off China. Three issues are to be studied: 1) the relationship between the internal waves and the barotropic tides in the Luzon Strait, 2) temporal and spatial variations of internal wave properties during propagation across the deep basin of the northern South China Sea, and 3) wave transmission over the continental margin.
Evolutionary Aspects of Atmospheric Oxygen and Organisms

The sections in this article are: 1 The Origin of Oxygen in the Universe 2 Oxygen Compounds in the Universe 3 Early History of the Earth 4 Production of the First Living Organisms 5 Energetics of the First Living Organisms 6 When did the Earth'S Biosphere Originate? 7 The Transition Stage Between a Reducing and an Oxidizing Atmosphere 8 Development of the Oxidizing Atmosphere 9 Chronology of Events in the Oxygen Atmosphere 10 Oxygen as a Biological Energy Store 11 Oxygen Compounds in the Atmosphere 12 Stability of the Oxygen Cycle 13 Dual Effects of Oxygen on the Biosphere 14 The Future Atmosphere on Earth 15 Summary and Conclusion
The Primary Structure of Human Plasminogen II. THE HISTIDINE LOOP OF HUMAN PLASMIN: LIGHT (B) CHAIN ACTIVE CENTER HISTIDINE SEQUENCE

Abstract Three peptide fragments were obtained from the S-carboxymethylated light (B) chain derivative of human plasmin after treatment with cyanogen bromide. The major cyanogen bromide fragment, containing over 80% of the amino acid residues, was found to contain the 3H-radiolabeled l-1-chloro-3-tosylamido-7-amino-2-heptanone histidine active site. The active center histidine residue was determined to be the NH2-terminal 18th residue of the major cyanogen bromide fragment. The NH2-terminal 20 residues of this fragment were determined to be -His-Phe-Cys-Gly-Gly-Thr-Leu-Ile-Ser-Pro-Glu-Trp-Val-Leu-Ser-Ala-Ala-His*-Cys-Leu-. This sequence contains the "histidine loop" of human plasmin; it is homologous to the histidine loop sequence of other serine proteases.
A First Course in Dynamics: Variational Methods, Twist Maps, and Closed Geodesics

In this chapter we leave the area of hyperbolic dynamics, which dominated the Panorama so far, and we describe some applications of the variational approach to dynamics that are among the most impressive and at the same time easily visualizable. The variational approach was first mentioned in Chapter 6 in connection with the Lagrangian formalism and then in the specific context of billiards. We begin with the study of twist maps, which include billiards in convex domains as a special case and provide an ideal setting for the variational approach due to the relatively simple structure of the phase space. Aubry–Mather theory establishes the existence of a full range of motions with the features of orbits of one-dimensional maps whose rotation numbers are compatible with the amount of twist in the system. These motions can be viewed as “traces” or “ghosts” of invariant curves. Thus we obtain both the remnants of “order,” and the presence of chaos, since in the absence of genuine invariant curves the interaction between periodic orbits and Cantor-like sets produces not only homoclinic and heteroclinic tangles but also complex behavior of an even more baffling kind and puts a rigorous description of typical behavior way beyond the reach of current methods. We continue with results that involve fewer assumptions on dynamics and deeper use of topology and end up with the description of one of the most impressive applications of dynamics to geometry: the existence of infinitely many closed geodesics for every Riemannian metric on the two-dimensional sphere.
Deregulation and Structural Change in the U.S. Commercial Banking Industry

Regulatory change not seen since the Great Depression swept the U.S. banking industry beginning in the early 1980s and culminated with the Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994. Banking analysts anticipated dramatic consolidation with large numbers of mergers and acquisitions. Some expressed concern about the long-term health of the smaller community banks. This paper describes and discusses the actual evolution of the U.S. banking industry over the past two decades, using the 1976 to 1998 Report of Condition and Income (Call Report) and merger data recently posted on the web site of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Among several results, more permissive interstate banking and branching regulation significantly associates with higher merger rates, with lower net entry rates, and with higher concentration within states. Interestingly, more permissive intrastate banking and branching regulation only associates with higher concentration.
Rank ligand as a target in musculoskeletal neoplasms

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family member, which signals through the osteoclast surface RANK. As such, RANKL is required for osteoclast differentiation and function, namely bone resorption. There is now growing evidence that RANKL is a therapeutic target for musculoskeletal neoplasms, namely giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) and osteosarcoma.
A computer study of EE Pegasi and CM Lacertae

Computer routines permit the solution of eclipsing binary light curves on the Russell Model. With additional automatic point plot routines, the operator has available all necessary supervisory control for an optimum solution. A solution of a synthetic light curve, whose parameters simulate those calculated for the physical system, is an important adjunct to test convergence properties of the physical system solution. Application to EE Peg determines values ofx x andx x even though secondary minimum is only 0.08 mag. deep. First order perturbation theory is used with the Russell Model to calculate a final triaxial ellipsoid model. Solution of the CM Lac light curve shows that the data require an occultation eclipse at primary minimum, in contrast to the available nomographic solution. The point plot routines demonstrate a substantial improvement effected by the computer solution and show that the latter technique can determine limb darkening coefficients in this partially-eclipsing system.
Squeeze Methods for Generating Gamma Variates

Abstract Two algorithms are given for generating gamma distributed random variables. The algorithms, which are valid when the shape parameter is greater than one, use a uniform majorizing function for the body of the distribution and exponential majorizing functions for the tails. The algorithms are self-contained, requiring only U (0, 1) variates. Comparisons are made to four competitive algorithms in terms of marginal execution times, initialization time, and memory requirements. Marginal execution times are less than those of existing methods for all values of the shape parameter, as implemented here in FORTRAN.
WE‐E‐E‐611‐02: Where Are We?

A survey regarding the perceived quality of physics instruction of radiology residents was sent to all radiology programs in 2004. An identical survey was sent to program directors and chief residents. The Presidents of the American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology and of the Association of Program Directors wrote cover letters to accompany the surveys, encouraging the expression of frank opinions in this anonymous survey. This presentation will present the results of the survey and will provide some opinions concerning the meaning of the results. Discussion will include information regarding some recent decisions by the American Board of Radiology as to changes in the grading of the physics exam for residents.
Energy-dependent β-γ circular polarization and nuclear matrix elements in 84Rb

Abstract The energy-dependent β-γ circular polarization correlation P γ was measured to restrict the possible nuclear matrix-element solutions which can be used to describe the 2 − –2 + positron transition in 84 Rb. The analysis shows that there may be a significant contribution from all six matrix elements. The matrix-element analysis indicates that A 3 is much smaller than A 1 in P γ .
Isolation and characterization of a fraction from brain that inhibits 1,4-[3H]dihydropyridine binding and L-type calcium channel current

Bovine brain was subjected to acid extraction and several purification steps. A fraction from brain that eluted from C18 reverse-phase columns at 30–35% acetonitrile inhibited [3H]nitrendipine binding to cardiac membranes. Further purification of this fraction on a sizing column in the presence of 40% acetonitrile yielded a low molecular mass fraction (< 1 kDa) that produced a time- and voltage-dependent inhibition of L-type (but not T-type) Ca2+-channel current in GH3 cells. The results suggest that this fraction contains an endogenous substance that binds directly to slowly-inactivating Ca2+ channels and thereby inhibits current flow.
Production with Two Factors and Many Goods Large Firms in a Small Open Economy

A tractable general equilibrium model of a small open economy producing many goods with two primary inputs is developed. Firms are large in that their output decisions affect their costs. One sector produces many different goods under variable costs, which arise through a link between output and the cost of the firm. Comparative static results depend on factor intensity and the degree of increasing costs. Some ambiguities arise in the comparative static adjustments associated with the sector producing the constant cost homogeneous good. [F1]
Strain differences in the mating behavior of Sprague-Dawley, Long-Evans, and Wistar male rats

Mating tests were run to compare the level of copulatory behavior in three strains of male rats: Sprague-Dawley (SD), Long-Evans (LE), and Wistar (W). Twenty-four males served in each of the above strains and were randomly assigned to one of three groups, one that was tested with SD lures, one with LE lures, and one with W lures. The W males exhibited significantly more copulatory responses than the SD or LE males, while the latter two strains did not differ from each other. The W females, however, were the least effective lures, eliciting significantly fewer responses than the SD or LE females.
Ring-opening metathesis polymerization of 8-membered cyclic olefins

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) involving 8-membered cyclic olefins, such as the parent molecules cis-cyclooctene (COE) and cis,cis-1,5-cyclooctadiene (COD), leads to various polyalkenamers that have broad potential in a variety of fields. The use of different catalysts and diverse functionalized monomers allows for control over molar mass and architecture in the resultant polymers. We review the ROMP of unsubstituted and substituted COE and COD to tune the properties of the resultant homopolymers and copolymers. Starting with a survey of homopolymers, we report the strengths and limitations of the ROMP of functionalized 8-membered ring olefins. Then we show how these monomers are used to control crystallinity, hydrophobicity and morphology, in various types of copolymers.
Applying Total Quality Management Principles to Faculty Selection.

This paper outlines a systematic methodology for effecting Total Quality Management in higher education decision making with particular attention to the faculty selection process. Following a brief analysis of the application of TQM to higher education in general and consideration of the contextual and power relations issues associated with implementation of TQM, a model for integrating Total Quality Management principles into the faculty recruitment, identification, and selection process is outlined. This model relates the role of vision, mission, planning and organizational design with quality concepts (understanding a system and systems theory, leadership, empowerment, client/constituet satisfaction, team building, and continuous process improvement). Drawing upon Marchese and Lawrence's (1987) work wherein they identified eight critical processes in the selection of faculty, one critical process—“Defining the job” is specifically analyzed using the continuous improvement methodology as an example of the specific application of TQM techniques to higher education decision making. The model and this example provide educational leaders/search committees with an enhanced framework within which they can effectively analyze and evaluate faculty selection processes, criteria for selection, and relevant contextual issues that will result in the identification and selection of the best qualified faculty available.
Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) Image Coding

The numerical techniques of transform image coding are well known in the image bandwidth compression literature. This concise paper presents a new transform method in which the singular values and singular vectors of an image are computed and transmitted instead of transform coefficients. The singular value decomposition (SVD) method is known to be the deterministically optimal transform for energy compaction [2]. A systems implementation is hypothesized, and a variety of coding strategies is developed. Statistical properties of the SVD are discussed and a self adaptive set of experimental results is presented, Imagery compressed to 1, 1.5, and 2.5 bits per pixel with less than 1.6, 1, and 1/3 percent, respective mean-square error is displayed. Finally, additional image coding scenarios are postulated for further consideration.
Relations between information system engineering and software engineering

This paper examines some of the relations between information system engineering and software engineering. A model for the development process of an information system is presented that focuses on problems common to both disciplines. The concepts of complexity, multiplicity of view, distortion in communication, and concurrency and iteration in implementation are treated. A set of design constructs for the description of an information system is presented. The role of project management is treated. The issue of how to characterize requirements analysis is answered by making it a design activity from the point of view of a user of the product system.
Regression of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis With Celecoxib and Erlotinib Combination Therapy

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) can be difficult to manage. Symptoms are related to recurrent tracheobronchial papillomas and are usually treated with bronchoscopic removal. Other modalities are added when the papilloma burden becomes too great or recurrence is too frequent, but with limited efficacy. We report a patient with progressive RRP that had become refractory to available therapy. Because papillomas overexpress epidermal growth factor receptor, along with increased expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2, it was reasoned that a combination therapy of erlotinib and celecoxib would be effective in controlling papilloma growth. After institutional approval and informed patient consent, this combination was initiated. There was a striking improvement in the number and appearance of respiratory tract papillomas, with elimination of the need for repeated papilloma removal. Pretreatment and posttreatment images document this response, and the improvement has now been maintained for nearly 2 years with effective therapy.
Short-term supervisory experience and LPC score: Effects of leader's sex and group sex composition.

Summary The present study investigated the effects of leader sex and short-term supervisory experience with 144 four-person groups of different sex composition on LPC score. LPC scores of female leaders were lowest (indicating greater task orientation) after supervising groups of three males; LPC scores of male leaders were highest (indicating greater relationship orientation) after supervising groups of three females. No differences were found for male and female leaders of mixed or same-sex groups.
SEX, COGNITIVE CATEGORIES, AND OBSERVATIONAL ACCURACY

Greater availability of relevant cognitive categories is hypothesized to explain females' superiority in observational accuracy. Correlations support the hypothesis and also show that availability does not explain the “same-sex recall effect.”
Attenuated Total Reflection Design for in Situ FT-IR Spectroelectrochemical Studies

A versatile spectroelectrochemical apparatus is introduced to study the changes in IR spectra of organic and inorganic compounds upon oxidation or reduction. The design is based on an attenuated total reflection device, which permits the study of a wide spectral range of 16 700 (600 nm)−250 cm-1, with a small opaque region of 2250−1900 cm-1. In addition, an IR data collection protocol is introduced to deal with electrochemically nonreversible background signals. This method is tested with ferrocene in acetonitrile; concentrations as low as 1 mM produce results that agree with those in the literature.
Immune interferon induction by T-cell mitogens involves different T-cell subpopulations.

Abstract Recent studies of mitogen-induced DNA synthesis in cells from various lymphoid tissues indicate that certain mitogens may selectively activate specific T-cell subpopulations. Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) optimally stimulates thymocytes and spleen cells (presumed T1 cells) and phytohemagglutinin P (PHA) optimally stimulates lymph node and spleen cells (presumed T2 cells); concanavalin A (Con A) stimulates cells from all these sources well. To determine further the specificity of mitogens for T-cell subpopulations, immune interferon (IIF) production was studied in spleen cells from mice treated in vivo with cortisone acetate (CA), preferentially a T1-cell inactivator, and antithymocyte serum (ATS), preferentially a T2-cell inactivator. The effect of administering gallic acid (3,4,5 trihydroxy-benzoic acid) (GA) in vivo was also studied, since in vitro studies showed GA to be capable of blocking IIF production. Results indicate that SEA induces IIF primarily in T1 cells, PHA induces IIF primarily in T2 cells, and Con A induces IIF in both T1 and T2 cells. Furthermore, GA was shown to mimic the ability of CA to inactivate T1 cells selectively in vivo . The data indicate that more than one type of T-cell subpopulation is capable of producing IIF.
Dynamics of stimulated emission from random media

The spatial and spectral evolution of emission from gain media with homogeneously distributed scatterers is modeled using a Monte Carlo simulation of the random walk of pump and emitted photons. We find a sharp transition to ultrafast, narrow-linewidth emission for a 10-ps incident pump pulse and a rapid approach to steady state for longer pulses. The threshold for this transition is raised significantly when the transverse diffusion of photons out of the excited region is substantial. The quantitative agreement of the results with recent observations of emission from random gain media lends further support to the interpretation of ‘‘random lasers’’ in terms of amplified spontaneous emission within a multiply-scattering medium. @S1063-651X~97!06211-9#
Cryptococcus neoformans strains from a severe outbreak of bovine mastitis.

Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated from a severe outbreak of bovine mastitis. A comparison of 62 strains revealed considerable variation in color, acid production in sugars, and amount of capsular material. During the course of the study, the origin of 10 mucoid mutants was noted. The strains were compared with strains of the same species isolated from human cryptococcosis, from soil, and with the originalSanfelice strain. They are typical of the speciesC. neoformans in colony characteristics, morphology, temperature tolerance, acid production in sugars and pathogenicity for mice.
Measuring the Influence of Aggregate Coating on the Workability and Moisture Susceptibility of Cold-Mix Asphalt

The purportedly higher moisture susceptibility of emulsified asphalt mixtures relative to traditional hot-mix asphalt is a primary concern limiting their more widespread use. Of the factors contributing to moisture susceptibility in cold-mix asphalt (CMA) that can be controlled by mix designers, aggregate coating is one of the most obvious physical means to reduce this distress. More complete aggregate coating is expected to help limit the moisture susceptibility of CMA by reducing the amount of water that can be absorbed into exposed aggregate. This paper refines a recently developed method to quantify aggregate coating in CMA by using digital imaging analysis and applies the procedure to several aggregate-emulsion systems to isolate factors most directly affecting aggregate coating. After the most significant factors were identified, a regression analysis of the coating matrix was used to develop quantitative models to predict coating of aggregates in CMA as a function of mix design parameters. Models w...
Visions of self, success, and society among young men in Antebellum Boston

through agricultural pursuits or village commerce. This trend was part of a larger pattern of urban growth that began in the early nineteenth century, fueled by both foreign immigration and the expansion of industrial capitalism. In the decades prior to the Civil War, Boston's population expanded exponentially, reaching nearly 140,000 at the time of the 1850 census, a six-fold increase since 1800. Of this number, nearly one-half were of "foreign" birth or parentage, and an additional 25,000 were "Americans" who had migrated to Boston from rural New England and other areas of the United States. Only around 50,000--or 35 percent of the total population--had been born and raised in Boston. This rapid influx of newcomers to the city provoked growing concern among native Bostonians, as the presence of rural youths, Irish Catholics, and other "outsiders" began to challenge and transform traditional patterns of social, economic, political, and religious life.1 Numerous historians have discussed the nineteenth-century phenomenon of urbanization and the various responses it aroused among
Using redundancy to strengthen the relaxation for the global optimization of MINLP problems

Abstract In this paper we present a strategy to improve the relaxation for the global optimization of non-convex MINLPs. The main idea consists in recognizing that each constraint or set of constraints has a meaning that comes from the physical interpretation of the problem. When these constraints are relaxed part of this meaning is lost. Adding redundant constraints that recover that physical meaning strengthens the relaxation. We propose a methodology to find such redundant constraints based on engineering knowledge and physical insight.
Monitoring activity in neural circuits with genetically encoded indicators.

Recent developments in genetically encoded indicators of neural activity (GINAs) have greatly advanced the field of systems neuroscience. As they are encoded by DNA, GINAs can be targeted to genetically defined cellular populations. Combined with fluorescence microscopy, most notably multi-photon imaging, GINAs allow chronic simultaneous optical recordings from large populations of neurons or glial cells in awake, behaving mammals, particularly rodents. This large-scale recording of neural activity at multiple temporal and spatial scales has greatly advanced our understanding of the dynamics of neural circuitry underlying behavior—a critical first step toward understanding the complexities of brain function, such as sensorimotor integration and learning. Here, we summarize the recent development and applications of the major classes of GINAs. In particular, we take an in-depth look at the design of available GINA families with a particular focus on genetically encoded calcium indicators, sensors probing synaptic activity, and genetically encoded voltage indicators. Using the family of the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP as an example, we review established sensor optimization pipelines. We also discuss practical considerations for end users of GINAs about experimental methods including approaches for gene delivery, imaging system requirements, and data analysis techniques. With the growing toolbox of GINAs and with new microscopy techniques pushing beyond their current limits, the age of light can finally achieve the goal of broad and dense sampling of neuronal activity across time and brain structures to obtain a dynamic picture of brain function.