cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactivity Effects of Large Voids in the Reflector of a Light-Water-Moderated and -Reflected Reactor*

Reactivity effects of large voids in the reflector of the Pool Critical Assembly (PCA), an enricheduranium, light-water-moderated and -reflected, pooltype reactor were investigated experimentally and were the variations of reactivity of voids at the center of a core face, void position on core face, and separation distance between void and core face. Superposability of the reactivity effects of multiple voids was neutron flux distribution was measured. (W.D.M.)
Impact of daily strawberry consumption on blood pressure and arterial stiffness in pre- and stage 1-hypertensive postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.

Growing evidence indicates that strawberries are cardioprotective. We conducted an eight-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel arm clinical trial to investigate the effects of daily consumption of freeze-dried strawberry powder (FDSP) on blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in pre- and stage 1-hypertensive postmenopausal women. Sixty postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) control, (2) 25 g FDSP and (3) 50 g FDSP (n = 20 per group). Assessments of body weight, BP, arterial stiffness as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), and collection of blood samples for analyses of vasoactive and antioxidant molecules were performed at baseline, four and eight weeks. After eight weeks, systolic BP, as well as brachial- and femoral-ankle PWV were lower than baseline in the 25 g FDSP group (141 ± 3 to 135 ± 3 mmHg, P = 0.02; 15.5 ± 0.5 to 14.8 ± 0.4 m s−1, P = 0.03, and 11.0 ± 0.2 to 10.4 ± 0.2 m s−1, P = 0.02, respectively), whereas no statistically significant changes were observed in the control or 50 g FDSP groups. Plasma nitric oxide metabolite levels increased at four and eight weeks in the 50 g FDSP group compared to baseline (8.5 ± 1.2 to 13.6 ± 1.3 and 13.3 ± 1.5, respectively, P = 0.01), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control or 25 g FDSP groups. Serum levels of superoxide dismutase increased at four weeks returning to baseline levels at eight weeks in all three groups. Significant differences among groups were not detected for any of the parameters. Although BP and arterial stiffness improved in the 25 g FDSP group over time, a treatment effect was not observed. Thus, it would be premature to affirm that daily consumption of FDSP improves BP or vascular function in pre- and stage 1-hypertensive postmenopausal women. This trial was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02099578.
Mechanisms and Function of Autophagy in Intestinal Disease.

The discovery of numerous genetic variants in the human genome that are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has revealed critical pathways that play important roles in intestinal homeostasis. These genetic studies have identified a critical role for macroautophagy/autophagy and more recently, lysosomal function, in maintaining the intestinal barrier and mucosal homeostasis. This review highlights recent work on the functional characterization of IBD-associated human genetic variants in cell type-specific functions for autophagy.
EM Analysis of ITER Diagnostics Upper Port Plugs 14 and 11 During Plasma Disruptions

International thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) diagnostic port plugs perform many functions including nuclear shielding and structural support of diagnostic system, while allowing for diagnostic access to the plasma. With design advancing, the in-port diagnostic components are integrated into the port plug structure, and the diagnostic shield modules (DSMs) are customized to accommodate various in-port diagnostic components. This paper summarizes results of transient electromagnetic analysis using Opera 3-D in support of recent design activities for ITER diagnostic upper port plug 14 (UPP14) and upper port plug 11 (UPP11). A complete distribution of disruption loads on each component in the two ports is presented. Impacts of different design features to the electromagnetic loads are discussed.
Characterisation of peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations in periparturient dairy cows that develop metritis.

Abstract Bacterial contamination of the uterus following calving is ubiquitous in the dairy cow, 40% of cows develop postpartum uterine infection, including metritis. While predisposing factors like twinning and dystocia are associated with metritis, it is unclear why some cows remain healthy following calving and others develop uterine infection, negatively impacting animal health, milk production and economic return. Here, we profiled peripheral blood mononuclear cells of cows before calving and during postpartum metritis. We hypothesized that peripheral blood mononuclear cell function and proportions would be altered during the prepartum period in cows that develop postpartum metritis. Using flow cytometry we observed reduced proportions of peripheral CD3+/CD4+, CD4+/CD62L+, FOXP3+ and CD21+ populations from −10 to 40 days relative to calving associated with metritis, while the proportion of peripheral CD3+/CD4+ lymphocytes were specifically reduced in the prepartum period before the onset of metritis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from cows with metritis had a perturbed capacity to secrete IL-1β or IFNγ in response to in vitro stimulus; cells collected during the prepartum period from cows that would go on to develop metritis failed to increase IL-1β secretion in response to stimulation, while IFNγ secretion was altered at calving and postpartum in cows with metritis compared to healthy herd mates. No effect of metritis was observed in the capacity of cows to mount a humoral immune response to antigen administered on the day of calving. The studies discussed here suggest that while minor changes to the prepartum immune system are observed in cows that develop metritis, changes observed in the postpartum period are more prevalent and likely a consequences of disease and not causative. Future studies to modulate the prepartum immune system may help to limit postpartum metritis.
Group A streptococcus acute otitis media progressing to neuroinvasive disease in adults.

Abstract Acute otitis media affects 700 million people each year with children being disproportionately affected relative to adults. Group A streptococcus is a pathogen implicated in a broad array of human pathology. It is, however, a rare cause of acute otitis media and neuroinvasive disease in older adults with only 2–3 cases occurring per year in the United States. We describe two such cases from a single institution in Rhode Island in 2017. The clinical presentation, neuroimaging and management are reviewed. The mechanism of intracranial spread may have involved dehiscence of the bony tegmen of the roof of the middle ear cavity.
Type of Signals

It is well known that any complex signal processing systems are characterized by quality indicators. The quality indicators may differ, as is required by applications and functional principles. In the general case, the main quality indicators of complex signal processing systems are — • the accuracy; • the resolution; • the noise immunity; • the capacity; • the distance range; • the reliability; • the hidden function; • the adaptable use; • the weight and overall dimensions; • the production and service cost; • the output power.
Evaluation of Electrostimulation of Hearing by Evoked Potentials

Electrostimulation of hearing has been classified into two types: electrophonic (Stevens 1939) and radiophonic (Hoshiko 1969). The former method involves direct electrical stimulation of a subject and may be afforded by placing one of two leads from an audio oscillator in the ear canal filled with salt solution and attaching the other electrode to the wrist. Often, a DC polarizing voltage is used as an adjunctive measure which improves clarity of perception. The second method involves amplitude modulated radio frequency waves whereby subjects have reported “hearing” tones in a 250 Hz to 20,000 Hz range. Radio frequencies often vary between 40 kHz and 100 kHz though other frequencies have been used.
A Short-Term Evaluation of a Hospital No Hit Zone Policy to Increase Bystander Intervention in Cases of Parent-to-Child Violence

Abstract This study used a pre/post design to evaluate the implementation of a hospital-wide No Hit Zone (NHZ) bystander intervention around parent-to-child hitting. A total of 2326 staff completed the pre-NHZ survey and received training about the NHZ policy; 623 staff completed the post-test survey 10 months later. A group of 225 parents participated in the pre-NHZ survey and a second group of 180 participated in the post-NHZ survey, also 10 months later. Compared to staff in the pre-NHZ group, staff in the post-NHZ group had more negative attitudes about spanking and more positive attitudes about intervention when parents hit children in the hospital. Few differences were found among the parent pre- and post-groups. This study demonstrated that NHZs are a feasible way to inform and train hospital staff in ways to intervene during incidents of parent-to-child hitting to promote a safe and healthy medical environment.
A Review on T Cell Epitopes Identified Using Prediction and Cell-Mediated Immune Models for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Bordetella pertussis

In the present review, we summarize work from our as well as other groups related to the characterization of bacterial T cell epitopes, with a specific focus on two important pathogens, namely, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), and Bordetella pertussis (BP), the bacterium that causes whooping cough. Both bacteria and their associated diseases are of large societal significance. Although vaccines exist for both pathogens, their efficacy is incomplete. It is widely thought that defects and/or alteration in T cell compartments are associated with limited vaccine effectiveness. As discussed below, a full genome-wide map was performed in the case of Mtb. For BP, our focus has thus far been on the antigens contained in the acellular vaccine; a full genome-wide screen is in the planning stage. Nevertheless, the sum-total of the results in the two different bacterial systems allows us to exemplify approaches and techniques that we believe are generally applicable to the mapping and characterization of human immune responses to bacterial pathogens. Finally, we add, as a disclaimer, that this review by design is focused on the work produced by our laboratory as an illustration of approaches to the study of T cell responses to Mtb and BP, and is not meant to be comprehensive, nor to detract from the excellent work performed by many other groups.
A proposal for a reconstruction (derivation) of V1-V6 using leads I, II, and a "sternal notch lead": A solution to the problem of non-reproducibility of precordial leads in serial 12-lead standard electrocardiograms.

Abstract Variation of the amplitude and morphology of V1-V6 leads in serial ECGs, due to variation in the placement of V1-V6 recording electrodes, and the noncompliance in placing the V1-V6 electrodes at the recommended thoracic loci, are 2 problems which have defied solution since the advent of electrocardiography. A proposal is presented herein of a set of 3 recorded leads (conventional limb leads I and II, and a lead recorded via an electrode adjacent to the sternal notch [SNL]), aimed at reconstructing the V1-V6 leads, as a function of the 3 recorded leads, employing patient-specific and general (population) coefficients. The SNL electrode is expected to be placed at a designated thoracic site without ambiguity, and thus in conjunction with the limb leads I and II, to yield a hybrid 12-lead ECG with the conventional 6 limb leads and 6 derived V1-V6 leads. The SNL will result in the elimination of the problems of variation in the placement of V1-V6 electrodes, and the noncompliance of placing the V1-V6 electrodes at the recommended thoracic sites, and the resultant variation in the amplitude and morphology of the V1-V6 leads in serial ECGs.
Computational modeling of human left ventricle to assess the role of trabeculae carneae on the diastolic and systolic functions

Trabeculae carneae are irregular structures that cover the endocardial surfaces of both ventricles and account for a significant portion of human ventricular mass. The role of trabeculae carneae in diastolic and systolic functions of the left ventricle (LV) is not well understood. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the functional role of trabeculae carneae in the LV. Finite element analyses of ventricular functions were conducted for three different models of human LV derived from high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The first model comprised trabeculae carneae and papillary muscles, while the second model had papillary muscles and partial trabeculae carneae, and the third model had a smooth endocardial surface. We customized these patient-specific models with myofiber architecture generated with a rule-based algorithm, diastolic material parameters using Fung strain energy function derived from bi-axial tests and adjusted with the empirical Klotz relationship, and myocardial contractility constants optimized for average normal ejection fraction of the human LV. Results showed that the partial trabeculae cutting model had enlarged end-diastolic volume, reduced wall stiffness and even increased end-systolic function, indicating that the absence of trabeculae carneae increased the compliance of the LV during diastole, while maintaining systolic function.
Patterns of progressive massive fibrosis on modern coal miner chest radiographs

Clinical teaching generally asserts that large opacities of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) on chest radiographs present primarily bilaterally in the upper lung zones, and with an elevated backg...
The Validity, Reliability, Measurement Error, and Minimum Detectable Change of the 30-Second Fast-Paced Walk Test in Persons with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Novel Test of Short-Distance Walking Ability.

Objective To develop and establish the reliability, validity, measurement error, and minimum detectable change of a novel 30-second fast-paced walk test (30SFW) in persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA) that is easy to administer and can quantify walking performance in persons of all abilities. Methods Twenty females with symptomatic knee OA (mean age [SD] 58.30 [8.05] years) and 20 age- and sex-matched asymptomatic controls (57.25 [8.71] years) participated in the study. Participants completed questionnaires of demographic and clinical data, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) followed by 30SFW performance. Participants returned 2-7 days later and performed the 30SFW again. Results The knee OA group reported function that was worse than controls (all KOOS subscales; P < 0.0001). The 30SFW intrarater and interrater reliability were excellent [ICC (2,1) = 0.95-0.99]. Knee OA participants walked a shorter distance in the 30SFW than controls (mean [SD]: OA 44.4 m [9.5 m]; control 58.1 m [7.8 m]; P < 0.0001). Positive strong correlations were found between the 30SFW and the KOOS-Activity of Daily Living, SF-36-Physical Functioning, and SF-36-Physical Health Composite scores (P < 0.0001). A nonsignificant, weak correlation between 30SFW and SF-36-Mental Health scores was present (r = 0.32, P = 0.05). Conclusion The 30SFW has excellent intrarater and interrater reliability. The 30SFW demonstrated excellent known groups, convergent, and discriminant validity as a measure of short-distance walking ability in persons with knee OA. Clinicians and researchers should consider using the 30SFW to quantify walking ability in persons with knee OA and assess walking ability change.
Perceptions of prognosis and goals of care in patients receiving radiation therapy.

30Background: We aimed to gain insight into the experiences and perceptions of patients with advanced metastatic cancer surrounding palliative radiation therapy (RT). Methods: In-depth structured i...
What western tourism concepts obscure: intersections of migration and tourism in Indonesia

Classic Anglo-European definitions of tourism as recreational travel have hindered more nuanced locally-grounded understandings of travel phenomena elsewhere in the world. Moreover, contemporary gl...
Modular Robot Formation and Routing for Resilient Consensus

We consider a team of mobile robots with limited communication range tasked to coordinate in large environments. The robots need to maximize the covered area and achieve consensus in the presence of non-cooperative robots. Existing works in robot networks showed that a team can achieve resilient consensus by maintaining an r-robust communication network. However, the communication range of each robot needs to be large to satisfy the conditions of r-robustness. This paper relaxes this requirement on the communication range by leveraging the robot motion. Specifically, we design modular dynamic formations where subsets of robots move along simple closed curves. These modules can be linked together to assemble larger formations. We derive conditions based on periodic robot connections for individual and interconnected modules. We present module designs that satisfy the sufficient conditions in a lattice space. Simulations are provided to support our theoretical results.
Solving Stochastic Compositional Optimization is Nearly as Easy as Solving Stochastic Optimization

Stochastic compositional optimization generalizes classic (non-compositional) stochastic optimization to the minimization of compositions of functions. Each composition may introduce an additional expectation. The series of expectations may be nested. Stochastic compositional optimization is gaining popularity in applications such as reinforcement learning and meta learning. This paper presents a new S tochastically C orrected S tochastic C ompositional gradient method ( SCSC ). SCSC runs in a single-time scale with a single loop, uses a fixed batch size, and guarantees to converge at the same rate as the stochastic gradient descent (SGD) method for non-compositional stochastic optimization. This is achieved by making a careful improvement to a popular stochastic compositional gradient method. It is easy to apply SGD-improvement techniques to accelerate SCSC. This helps SCSC achieve state-of-the-art performance for stochastic compositional optimization. In particular, we apply Adam to SCSC, and the exhibited rate of convergence matches that of the original Adam on non-compositional stochastic optimization. We test SCSC using the model-agnostic meta-learning tasks.
Information blocking remains prevalent at the start of 21st Century Cures Act: results from a survey of health information exchange organizations.

Objective Recent policymaking aims to prevent health systems, health information technology (IT) developers, and others from blocking the electronic sharing of patient data necessary for clinical care. We sought to assess the prevalence of information blocking prior to enforcement of these rules. Materials and methods We conducted a national survey of health information exchange organizations (HIEs) to measure the prevalence of information blocking behaviors observed by these third-party entities. 89 of 106 HIEs (84%) meeting the inclusion criteria responded. Results The majority (55%) of HIEs reported that electronic health record vendors at least sometimes engage in information blocking, while 30% of HIEs reported the same for health systems. The most common type of information blocking behavior EHR vendors engaged in was setting unreasonably high prices, which 42% of HIEs reported routinely observing. The most common type of information blocking behavior health systems engaged in was refusing to share information, which 14% of HIEs reported routinely observing. Reported levels of vendor information blocking was correlated with regional competition among vendors and information blocking was concentrated in some geographic regions. Discussion Our findings are consistent with early reports, revealing persistently high levels of information blocking and important variation by actor, type of behavior and geography. These trends reflect the observations and experiences of HIEs and their potential biases. Nevertheless, these data serve as a baseline against which to measure the impact of the new regulations and to inform policymakers about the most common types of information blocking behaviors. Conclusion Enforcement aimed at reducing information blocking should consider variation in prevalence and how to most effectively target efforts.
Night of Kentucky blues: the case of the hypoxic child in the sleep laboratory.

Sleep-disordered breathing is an increasingly identified condition in the pediatric population, resulting in an increasing number of direct-to-lab referrals for polysomnography (PSG). We present a ...
Comparison of treatment options for aortic necks outside standard endovascular aneurysm repair instructions for use.

Abstract Objective/Background Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is associated with worse outcomes in patients whose anatomy does not meet the device instructions for use (IFU). However, whether open surgical repair (OSR) and commercially available fenestrated EVAR (Zenith Fenestrated [ZFEN]) represent better options for these patients is unknown. Methods We identified all patients without prior aortic surgery undergoing elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms with neck length ≥4 mm at a single institution with EVAR, OSR, and ZFEN. We applied device-specific aneurysm neck-related IFU to EVAR patients, and a generic EVAR IFU to ZFEN and OSR patients. Long-term outcomes were studied using propensity scores with inverse probability weighting. We compared outcomes in patients undergoing EVAR by adherence to IFU and outcomes by repair types in the subset of patients not meeting IFU. Results Of 652 patients (474 EVAR, 34 ZFEN, 143 OSR), 211 had measurements outside of standard EVAR IFU (109 EVAR [23%], 27 ZFEN [80%], and 74 OSR [52%]). Perioperative mortality was 0.5% overall. For EVAR, treatment outside the IFU was associated with significantly higher adjusted rates of long-term type IA endoleak (22% at 5 years compared to 2% within IFU, hazard ratio [HR]: 5.8 [3.1-10.9], P Conclusions Treatment outside device-specific IFU is associated with adverse long-term outcomes. Open surgical repair is associated with higher long-term survival in patients who fall outside of the EVAR IFU and should be favored over EVAR or ZFEN in suitable patients. A three-vessel-based fenestrated strategy may not be a durable solution for difficult aortic necks, but more data are needed to evaluate the performance of newer, four-vessel devices.
Shock to detonation transition of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) initially pressed to 1.65 g/cm3

A novel set of experiments and reactive flow modeling of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is presented. Here, the specific phenomenon of shock to detonation transition is examined, where an initial, relatively weak shock is propagated into pressed PETN powder at 1.65 g/cm 3 and the subsequent buildup to detonation is observed experimentally. These experiments, in conjunction with reactant and products’ equations of state, are utilized for building reactive flow models.
Tunable competing magnetic anisotropies and spin reconfigurations in ferrimagnetic Fe 100 − x Gd x alloy films

We report a comprehensive study of the temperature evolution of in-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OOP) effective magnetic anisotropies in compensated ferrimagnetic ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{100\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Gd}}_{x}$ alloy films by employing direct current magnetometry and radiofrequency (RF) transverse susceptibility (TS) measurements. We suggest that our ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{100\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Gd}}_{x}$ system is chemically inhomogeneous and phase segregates into Fe- and Gd-enriched regions. Our IP and OOP magnetometry results indicate that the system undergoes a temperature-driven transformation from an IP-spin-configuration-dominated state to an OOP-spin-configuration-dominated state below a certain temperature (spin reorientation temperature). A two-step reversal behavior emerges in the OOP $M$($H$) loop near compensation, which we attribute to the sequential magnetization reversals of Fe- and Gd-enriched domains. Field-induced spin-flop transitions were also observed near the compensation. Our RF TS measurements indicate that the effective magnetic anisotropy for the OOP configuration dominates over that for the IP configuration below a certain spin reorientation temperature. Both IP and OOP anisotropy fields determined from our TS measurement exhibit a minimum around the compensation temperature, which has been explained in the framework of the Stoner-Wohlfarth model.
Interscholastic inclusion: Local and National News Framing of High School Transgender Athletes:

Debates of who is and is not permitted to participate in sport have been magnified in regard to those whose gender identity deviates from traditional heteronormative standards. Former high school t...
Effect of operating pressure and fuel moisture on net plant efficiency of a staged, pressurized oxy-combustion power plant

Abstract The immediate need for a high efficiency and low cost carbon capture process has prompted the recent development of pressurized oxy-combustion. With an increase in combustion pressure, the dew point of the flue gas is increased, allowing for effective integration of the latent heat of flue gas moisture into the Rankine cycle. This increases the net plant efficiency and reduces costs. The Staged, Pressurized Oxy-Combustion (SPOC) process further enhances the efficiency and reduces costs by reducing the recycle of flue gas to near zero. Fuel staging and a novel boiler/burner design are used to control temperature and heat flux. Compared to a first generation oxy-combustion process, the SPOC process results in an increased net plant efficiency of about 6 percentage points. In this work, the effects of operating pressure and fuel moisture content on the net plant efficiency are discussed. It is shown that the effect of pressure is small for pressures higher than about 16 bar, while the effect of fuel moisture is quite significant. Net plant efficiency gradually decreases with increasing fuel moisture until the heat saturation value, beyond which additional latent heat cannot be integrated into the steam cycle and the efficiency reduction is more dramatic. The effect of slurry feeding of coal on plant efficiency is discussed.
Molecular Physiology of Gap Junction Channels Formed by Connexin43

Multicellular animals have evolved tissues composed of cell types that are specialized for individual physiological functions. With few exceptions, cells of the same type are connected to one another through gap junction channels, thereby forming communication compartments within the tissues. In addition, compartments of different cell types are in many cases coupled to one another, providing intercellular communication among these compartments. The channels that serve as pathways for direct intercellular communication are generally organized into plaques at points or regions of cell contact; in early electron microscopic studies of liver junctional membranes, these plaques were termed “gap junctions” to emphasize that they contained membrane-spanning proteins as distinct from cytoplasmic continuities due to fusions of lipid bilayers in these regions (see Goodenough and Revel, 1970).
Chromatic Number of the Plane & Its Relatives, History, Problems and Results: An Essay in 11 Parts

In August 1987 I attended an inspiring talk by Paul Halmos at Chapman College in Orange, California. It was entitled “Some Problems You Can Solve, and Some You Cannot.” This problem was an example of a problem “you cannot solve.”
Three Pillars of Pensions? A Proposal to End Mandatory Contributions

The three pillars of a pension system are defined in varied ways. The author focuses on a definition provided by the World Bank in its 1994 Report. He argues that with a universal Pillar 1 (a flat, subsistence pension) there is no need for Pillar 2 (earnings-related pensions). Pillar 3 (voluntary retirement savings) should not receive tax subsidies, which are regressive and in any case have not been shown to have any significant effect on private saving. Such a pension scheme may appear utopian, but it is in effect in New Zealand.
Functional and Behavioral Application

This paper presents a model for explaining preference among similar alternatives. Preference is hypothesized to be governed by the relative position of the alternatives on specific dimensions (attributes). More specifically, preference is stated to be related to the distance of an alternative from an ideal alternative. A summary of a test of the model is presented. Next, a probabilistic form of the model is obtained assuming that the measured distance is affected both by individual uncertainty and measurement error. For a particular case, the resulting normality of the distribution is demonstrated. This introduction of a random element into the model is seen to be a major advance, although final judgment must await extensive testing.
Partial purification and characterization of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide kinase from sea urchin eggs.

Abstract Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide kinase (ATP:NAD+2'-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.23) has been purified 20-fold from extracts of unfertilized sea urchin eggs. The pH optimum for activity was 6.5. The enzyme was specific for ATP, and a divalent cation was required for activity. At 1:1 cation/ATP ratios, relative activities were Mn2+ g Mg2+ g Ca2+. Free Mn2+ was inhibitory, whereas activation by free Ca2+ was observed. Complex kinetic behavior was observed when the concentration of one substrate was varied in the presence of a high level of the second substrate. Activation was observed with increasing concentrations of NAD+ and ATP. Substrate concentrations giving one-half maximum velocities were 0.83 mm ATP and 0.68 mm NAD+. No activation was seen with a variety of metabolites. NADPH, NADH, ADP, AMP, and cyclic 3',5'-AMP were inhibitors. The molecular weight estimated by gel filtration and density gradient centrifugation was 310,000. The relationship between the properties of the enzyme and the changes in pH, cation content, and substrate levels in eggs at fertilization were considered.
stability Properties of CMAC Neural Networks

The form of neural network called CMAC has been shown to have many characteristics well-suited to real time control problems. The CMAC structure can be implemented in hardware that is extremely fast, uses relatively few numbers of weights and trains more quickly than other forms of neural controllers. As yet, however, little has been reported in the literature concerning the stability characteristics of CMAC networks when used in feedback control systems. In this paper, stability of the CMAC network itself is analyzed in terms of a simplified linear model. The open-loop eigenvalues are shown to be functions of the network design parameters such as generalization, network size, and learning rate factor. The network is also analyzed in a simple closed-loop control system. While the results are not completely general, trends are exposed between rapid learning and closed-loop stability. The results are similar to the classic tradeoff between bandwidth and rise-time in all linear systems.
Some Themes from Judge Rhesa H. Barksdale’s Published Opinions

On the occasion of Judge Rhesa Barksdale's taking senior status on the Fifth Circuit, I review some themes in his published opinions. Judge Barksdale has not articulated a judicial philosophy in so many words, and his approach to judging is displayed less in explicit theorizing or philosophizing than in the patterns that emerge out of the myriad issues and cases with which he has dealt in his time on the Fifth Circuit. I cover his concern for the use and abuse of the court system, his largely-textualist approach to interpretation, and his approach to constitutional issues.
A total care program for advanced pelvic malignancy.

Abstract 1. 1. The metabolic changes seen in advanced pelvic malignancy have been presented. 2. 2. A total care program for these patients has been discussed with emphasis on nutritional factors and the use of anabolic agents. 3. 3. In a small study group improvement of metabolic status followed the use of testosterone and norethandrolone. Results of this study have been analyzed. 4. 4. The metabolic status of a cancer patient is an important factor in response to all modalities of therapy and is a significant part of a total care program.
DCAA — Is Anyone Home?

This article examines the performance of the Defense Contract Audit Agency, an important component of the Department of Defense responsible for examining over $250 billion a year in government contracts. The article reviews recent changes in the agency's programs which have made it less effective in rooting out contractor mischarges and overpricing, and resulting in an audit backlog that will soon approach $1 trillion. The article proposes reforms that will return the agency to its core mission of auditing contractor proposed prices and incurred costs on large defense-related contracts.
A parallel distributed processing approach to VLSI global routing

Two major issues which must be addressed in the VLSI layout methodology are placement and routing. Traditionally, these two issues are handled separately to reduce the computational complexity. But these two issues are interrelated as routability must be guaranteed for placement in addition to the geometrical constraints. The authors propose a distributed processing approach for solving this integrated routing-placement problem. The distributed processing network is roughly based on the Hopfield model and is designed to minimize an objective function similar to that used for the traveling salesman problem. Minimization of the objective function provides cell placements such that the total net span is minimized. The idea is based on the notion of slicing the slice sequencing in a hierarchical fashion. >
Frameshifting in gene 10 of bacteriophage T7.

Abstract Gene 10 of bacteriophage T7, which encodes the most abundant capsid protein, has two products: a major product, 10A (36 kDa), and a minor product, 10B (41 kDa). 10B is produced by frameshifting into the -1 frame near the end of the 10A coding frame and is incorporated into the capsid. The frameshift occurs at a frequency of about 10% and is conserved in bacteriophage T3. This study shows that sequences important to frameshifting include the originally proposed frameshift site, consisting of overlapping phenylalanine codons and the 3' noncoding region that includes the transcriptional terminator over 200 bases downstream of the frameshift site. The frameshift occurs at the overlapping phenylalanine codons as determined from peptide sequencing data. Complementation studies show that there is only a very weak phenotype associated with phage infections in which there is no 10A frameshifting. Capsids from such infections are devoid of 10B and are as stable as wild-type capsids.
Cognitive deficit or cognitive distortion in childhood depression

Three studies were conducted to evaluate cognitive disturbance and depression in children. In Study I, 47 sixth-grade children, including 17 who received a DSM-III diagnosis of depression, and their parents were independently interviewed with the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children, and they completed the Parent-Child Depression Inventory. Children completed the Children's Depression Inventory, the Matching Familiar Figures Test, and the My Standards Questionnaire. Results of Study I were consistent across raters and measures: Depression was associated with a negative style of processing self-evaluative information, while being unrelated to a processing deficit. A second study was initiated to replicate the results of Study 1 and to extend them to a wider age range of children. Thirty-eight third-, fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade children, half of whom were depressed and half of whom indicated a minimum of depressive symptomatology on the Children's Depression Inventory, completed the Matching Familiar Figures Test and the My Standards Questionnaire. Results were very similar to those found in Study 1. A third study was conducted to test whether the self-perceptions of depressed children were accurately negative or negatively distorted, as judged against their teachers' observations of them. Results supported the hypothesis that depressed children exhibit a distorted style of processing self-evaluative information. The implications of the results for theory and treatment were discussed.
On the construction and analysis of approximations of arbitrarily high-order for proportionally-damped second order systems

Abstract By introducing a change of variables and appealing to rational approximation of the cosine matrix, we develop two-step approximating schemes of arbitrarily high-order accuracy for the time discretization of homogeneous damped second-order systems of the form M U (t)+2C U (t)+KU(t)=0 , where M, C, K are symmetric, M and K are positive definite, and the damping is proportional, i.e. C=M ∑ j=0 p-1 a j (M -1 K) j . We perform stability and convergence analysis for the resulting schemes. We exhibit particularly an unconditionally stable fourth-order scheme and discuss its computational implementation. We also present an analogous method for the nonhomogeneous problem.
Effects of ultraviolet spectral distribution on the photochemistry of simulated polluted atmospheres

Abstract We have observed enhanced photochemical smog manifestations in an irradiated hydrocarbon-NOx-air system under simulated atmospheric conditions upon incrementally increasing the intensity of the ultraviolet (u.v.) photolyzing radiation near the atmospheric cutoff (in the region of λ > ∼ 290–330 nm). This study employed a 25 kW (xenon arc) solar simulator which provides radiation down to 260 nm, a 5800-l. evacuable, thermostated, environmental chamber with quartz end windows which admit radiation at λ > 200 nm, and a set of Pyrex pane filters with 50%Tatλ = 325,305, and 300 nm, respectively. In these experiments the rates of ozone and PAN formation, hydrocarbon consumption, and NOx oxidation increased substantially as the filter cutoff wavelength decreased. For example, irradiation of mixtures of propene (0.4 ppm), n-butane (2 ppm), and NOx = 0.5 ppm ( NO 2 NO x = 0.2 ) in air employing the solar simulator filter with 50% Tatλ = 325 nm resulted in the ozone maximum of 0.6 ppm occurring after 5–6.5 h of photolysis, while irradiation of similar mixtures with the 50% T wavelength reduced to 300 nm caused the ozone maximum to increase to 0.7 ppm, and to occur after only 2.5 h of photolysis. Calculations using a detailed kinetic mechanism were in reasonable agreement with these results and showed that the observed increase in reactivity was due to increased photolysis rates for ozone, aldehydes and ketones. The calculations included a significant but unknown photolytic radical source characteristic of environmental chambers, but this radical source apparently does not increase when the relative intensity of the short wavelength photolysing radiation is increased. This confirmation that the manifestations of photochemical smog are affected by the relative intensity of the u.v. component of the photolyzing radiation has implications with respect to the effects of stratospheric ozone variations, changes in latitude, and changes in altitude on tropospheric air quality problems.
Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia with tibric acid and clofibrate. Cross-over studies, effects on lipoproteins and absence of post-drug rebound.

Abstract In 34 patients with primary hypertriglyceridemia, the effectiveness of tibric acid and clofibrate have been compared using a cross-over design after weight and diet stabilization. Tibric acid treatment during a mean interval of 47 weeks produced a mean decrease of 23% in plasma triglyceride concentrations, compared with baseline values on placebo ( P P r = -0.763, P r = −0.510, P r = 0.491, P
Smooth Goodness-of-Fit Tests: A Quantile Function Approach

Abstract A quantile function based analog to Neyman's smooth tests for goodness-of-fit hypotheses is developed. These procedures possess asymptotic and small-sample power properties similar to those for smooth tests. They are, however, computationally simple, applicable to both complete and Type II censored data, and easily focused in the direction of any specific set of alternatives. These results are used to develop a new test for exponentiality. Only location/scale null hypotheses will be considered. The ideas are easily adapted to other types of nulls, however. Neyman first proposed smooth tests for the goodness-of-fit hypothesis. As stated by Kopecky and Pierce and by Rayner and Best, the basic idea behind these tests is to embed the null density in a larger exponential family. The procedure is then based upon the likelihood-ratio test statistic for testing that the additional parameters equal zero. Smooth type tests may be viewed as a compromise between omnibus test procedures, with generally low po...
Degendering Work Time in Comparative Perspective: Alternative Policy Frameworks

Policy initiatives providing for alternative working time arrangements as well as a shortened standard work week have become prevalent in recent years, especially among the highly industrialized countries of northern Europe. We find that despite institutional differences, Germany, France, and Sweden have adopted policies that explicitly or implicitly contribute to the gendering of work time. Increasingly, what differentiates gender roles is not whetherindividuals have a job, but the amount of timespent in paid employment. The expansion of overtime for men and part-time jobs for women reinforces the skewed division of domestic labor and occupational segregation. European unions are acquiescing to work reorganization policies that promote the expansion of both part-time and overtime as long as these policies are coupled with measures facilitating work redistribution to save jobs. Broader visions of work reduction as a means to gender equity have been shunted to the background.
Competitive adsorption of polyelectrolytes: A size exclusion chromatographic study

Abstract Competitive adsorption of sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), mol wt 4000 and 1,200,000 on hematite, was studied using size exclusion chromatography. In the absence of electrolyte, short-term kinetics led to higher adsorption of 4000 mol wt. No displacement effects were observed due to electrostatic repulsion between polymer segments. At 0.1 kmole/m3 NaCl, 1,200,000 PSS displaced adsorbed 4000 PSS leading to isotherms similar to those of nonionic polymers.
Extreme-Ultraviolet Emission in the Fornax Cluster of Galaxies

We present studies of the extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) emission in the Fornax Cluster of galaxies, a relatively nearby well-studied cluster with X-ray-emitting cluster gas and a very large radio source. We examine both the large-scale (approximately the size of the X-ray-emitting cluster gas) and the small-scale (<1') emission. We find that this cluster has large-scale diffuse EUV emission. However, at the sensitivity level of the existing Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) data, this emission is entirely due to the low-energy tail of the X-ray-emitting gas. We have also examined small-scale structures in raw EUVE images of this cluster. We find that small-scale irregularities are present in all raw Deep Survey images as a result of small-scale detector effects. These effects can be removed by appropriate flat-fielding. After flat-fielding, the Fornax Cluster still shows a few significant regions of small-scale EUV enhancement. We find that these are emission from stars and galaxies in the field. We find that at existing levels of sensitivity, there is no excess EUV emission in the cluster on either large or small scales.
Neonatal herpes simplex virus infections

Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is one of the life-threatening infections of newborns. It affects approximately 1,500 to 2,200 infants per year in the United States. Changes in the presentation of neonatal HSV infection over the past two decades include an increase in the frequency of skin, eye, and mouth (SEM) disease with a relatively unchanged rate of central nervous system (CNS) disease, but a relative decline in disseminated infection. Although the mortality of neonatal HSV infections has declined with current antiviral therapy, the mortality rate in CNS disease (15%) and disseminated disease (57%) remains high. Morbidity has been seen most frequently in infants with CNS and disseminated disease, with seizures or infection with HSV-2 determined to be risk factors for poor outcome in survivors. In a multicenter, randomized, blinded study by the Collaborative Antiviral Study Group, no differences in outcome were seen between neonates treated with vidarabine and acyclovir. More recently, administration of oral acyclovir has been demonstrated to prevent cutaneous recurrences of HSV after neonatal SEM disease. Although promising, this investigational protocol requires further evaluation before a routine recommendation for prophylactic therapy with oral acyclovir can be made. The application of polymerase chain reeaction to rapid diagnosis of neonatal HSV disease may provide additional information on which clinical decisions may be based, but its diagnostic utility outside the research setting is still unproven. Further clinical trials for prophylaxis of recurrent SEM disease, prophylactic therapy for the prevention of recurrences of CNS or disseminated disease, the appropriate use of rapid diagnostic testing, and future therapies that may include passive antibody plus antiviral therapy or higher dosage and longer duration of antiviral therapy need to be evaluated.
Evaluation of the safety and side effects of antianxiety agents

Historically, the use of anxiolytic drugs has been associated with a relatively high incidence of side effects, particularly those related to central nervous system depression and sedation. These side effects can impair the patient's ability to function and, thus, interfere with the full achievement of therapeutic goals. In this article, the evolution of anxiolytic drug therapy from the perspective of safety and side effects is reviewed. Moreover, data concerning the safety of buspirone--a novel, non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that has been shown to provide anxiolytic efficacy comparable to that of the benzodiazepines, but with a significantly lower potential for central nervous system depressant effects, interactions with alcohol, dependence, and abuse--are discussed.