cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recursive power demand prediction based on multi-level clustering of power demand data

In this paper an algorithm is presented that provides the opportunity to recursively update day-ahead electric power prediction for demand scheduling. The algorithm uses principal component analysis (PCA) based multi-level clustering for power consumption modeling to recursively update day-ahead power demand predictions. For power consumption modeling, a 1-level clustering technique is used to first distinguish between demand on working and non-working days. Next, a refinement using a 2-level sub-space clustering technique allows correlation to exogenous variables that include weather, extra-curricular activities and planned load conditions. Finally, a recursive power demand prediction is formulated on the directional basis obtained from a singular value decomposition of the PCA based multi-level clustering. The performance of the algorithm is confirmed by comparing power usage data of randomly chosen weather affected working days with power demand prediction results using 1-level clustering, 2-level clustering and recursive day-ahead updates.
Brain Drain: Causes and Consequences

This chapter examines the causes and consequences of brain drain. The chapter reviews major migration theories and examines different perspectives on the brain drain and development. Finally, it reviews the literature on the gender dimension of brain drain.
How can we come to know metaphysical modal truths

Those who aim to give an account of modal knowledge face two challenges: the integration challenge of reconciling an account of what is involved in knowing modal truths with a plausible story about how we can come to know them, and the reliability challenge of giving a plausible account of how we could have evolved a reliable capacity to acquire modal knowledge. I argue that recent counterfactual and dispositional accounts of modal knowledge cannot solve these problems regarding specifically metaphysical modal truths—leaving us with the threat of skepticism about large portions of metaphysics, and certain other areas of philosophy. I argue, however, that both of these problems look insuperable only if we assume that metaphysical modal discourse serves a describing or tracking function. If we adopt instead a normativist approach to metaphysical modal discourse, which sees the basic function of modal discourse as giving us perspicuous ways of conveying, reasoning with, and renegotiating semantic rules, the problems show up very differently. The modal normativist can give a plausible response to both of the classic problems of how we can come to know metaphysical modal truths.
Critical Error 8 Following the Common Practices of PowerPoint Talks

The way that we as engineers and scientists design presentation slides is naturally evolving. When a presenter comes up with a new slide design that succeeds in a talk, those of us in the audience consider adoption. However, this natural evolution of effective slide designs in engineering and science has been painfully slow. One reason, as slide designer Cliff Atkinson asserts, is that PowerPoints’s defaults “are deeply entrenched.
A Note on European Private Equity

This note provides an overview of private equity in Europe as of mid-2010.Learning Objective: To provide a background on private equity in Europe.
The prevalence of multiple sleep-onset REM periods in a population-based sample

Study Objective: The presence of 2 or more sleep-onset rapid eye movement periods (SOREMPs) on a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) has been used as 1 of the criteria for the diagnosis of narcolepsy and is thought to be specific to this disorder. However, previous studies have shown the prevalence of SOREMPS in healthy volunteers and apneic patients to be higher than expected. The present study determined the prevalence of 2 or more SOREMPs in a representative sample of the population from southeast Michigan and investigated potential associations with other sleep-related variables. Design: Cross-sectional laboratory-based analysis. Settings: Sleep disorders clinic. Participants: Population-based sample. Interventions: N/A. Measurements: A population-based sample of 333 subjects was assessed by nocturnal polysomnography and daytime MSLT (5 naps), and an additional 206 subjectively sleepy people were also assessed (total = 539). Sample demographics were comparable to the 2000 census. Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores were also determined. Groups were formed based on a median split of each sleep variable (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, MSLT, total sleep time from nocturnal polysomnography) for comparisons of SOREMPs in each group. Results: The prevalence of 2 or more SOREMPs was 3.9%. Only mean sleep latency on the MSLT was a discriminator for the presence of 2 or more SOREMPs (short latency = 6.3%, long latency = 1.9%, p <.05). Among the subjects who had an MSLT of 5 minutes or less (an indicator of a pathologic level of sleepiness), 9.5% had 2 or more SOREMPS. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of 2 or more SOREMPs in our sample is 3.9%. Interestingly, of the variables assessed (MSLT, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and total sleep time from nocturnal polysomnography), objective sleepiness, as determined by the MSLT, was the only measure significantly associated with 2 or more SOREMPs. Therefore, subpopulations with excessive sleepiness (eg, shift workers, young adults, patients with apnea) are likely to have a greater prevalence of SOREMPs.
Co-Designed High Voltage Module

Co-design and co-engineering have the potential to significantly advance the state of the art of electronics packaging. A co-designed approach moves away from a sequential design approach (electrical layout, then a mechanical module design, and finally the addition of a heat sink) and replaces it with an approach where the electrical, thermal, and mechanical domains are all simultaneously designed for during the initial design. This paper demonstrates how a co-design approach can be used to design an electronics module. This work shows the design and fabrication of a 30 kV module using two aspects of co-design: (1) multi-functional components (MFCs) and (2) quick parametric analysis. There is a need for advanced high voltage electronics packages due to the recent development of high voltage (15–30 kV) single-die silicon carbide (SiC) power devices to realize their full potential. This paper describes a 30 kV module with integrated heat sinks, double sided device cooling, and an air cooled heat sink which removes heat from four sides of the module. The module has numerous MFCs allowing a compact form factor and efficient design. In addition, the geometry and materials selections were based off a co-design tool which allows quick parametric analysis for both thermal and stress. This paper demonstrates the capabilities and benefits of moving away from a traditional design approach and implementing a co-design methodology.
Micro-Foundations of Corporate Entrepreneurship in Family Firms: An Institution-Based Perspective:

Family firm institutional context is composed of institutions that originate from the family and the business. Hence, a confluence of family and business institutions, with varying degrees of salie...
Is a reduction in stomatal conductance the main strategy of Garcinia brasiliensis (Clusiaceae) to deal with water stress

A reduction in rainfall is predicted by climate models for some parts of the Amazon, and a decline in stomatal conductance (gs) is often the main effect of drought. The physiological effect of soil water deficit on other physiological traits has been little investigated in Amazonian trees. In this work we assess the effect of soil water deficit on leaf pigment content, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, total leaf area (AL), consumptive use of water (CUW, total amount of water used for irrigation), and biomass accumulation. Plants of Garcinia brasiliensis were grown in pots under greenhouse conditions and submitted to soil water deficit for 90 days, when several physiological parameters were measured. Water deficit was induced by reducing soil water content (SWC) to 25, 50 and 75% of field capacity (FC). The control was soil at 100% FC. Midday leaf water potential varied from − 0.72 MPa (SWC at 25% FC) to − 0.29 MPa in well-irrigated plants. Subjecting the plants to soil water deficit did not affect light saturating photosynthesis, leaf pigment content, Ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity or fluorescence parameters. Under moderate water stress Garcinia plants did not reduce stomatal conductance (gs) which remained rather unchanged. Instead, we found that mild water stress led to an increase in total non-structural carbohydrates, and as the stress progressed AL substantially declined, at a SWC of 25% FC. Drastic reduction of AL in plants exposed to SWC of 25% FC contributed to a reduction in total biomass accumulation, and a drop in AL resulted in a decline in CUW in this treatment. These results show that although there is no effect of moderated water stress on photosynthesis, gs or photochemical responses, there is a remarkable effect of moderate drought on biomass accumulation.
Harnessing Expert Judgment to Support Clinical Decisions When the Evidence Base Is Weak

Purpose. In the process of developing an evidence-based decision dashboard to support treatment decisions for patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, we found that the clinical evidence base...
SpectreGuard: An Efficient Data-centric Defense Mechanism against Spectre Attacks

Speculative execution is an essential performance enhancing technique in modern processors, but it has been shown to be insecure. In this paper, we propose SpectreGuard, a novel defense mechanism against Spectre attacks. In our approach, sensitive memory blocks (e.g., secret keys) are marked using simple OS/library API, which are then selectively protected by hardware from Spectre attacks via low-cost micro-architecture extension. This technique allows microprocessors to maintain high performance, while restoring the control to software developers to make security and performance trade-offs.
@JunckerEU vs. @MartinSchulz: How leading candidates in the 2014 European Parliament elections campaigned on Twitter

Twitter has become a valuable tool both for politicians trying to monitor conversations and communicate with constituents as well as for publics interested in discussing and engaging on political matters. This is the first study to research Twitter use during the 2014 European Parliament elections. Twitter posts by the two main candidates in the elections, Jean-Claude Juncker and Martin Schulz, were comparatively analyzed with specific emphasis on frequency of Twitter use, content of tweets and interaction levels. Results showed that unlike previous research studies on Twitter use by politicians, the candidate that used Twitter less often and used the interactive characteristics of Twitter less frequently won the election. However, the winning candidate focused significantly more on specific topics and functions of relevance to European voters, such as immigration and the targeting of specific EU countries.
The difference between hypertension determined by self-report versus examination in the adult population of the USA: Continuous NHANES 1999-2016.

BACKGROUND Studies have considered the validity of self-reported hypertension relative to hypertension detected by examination; no study has explored trends in the difference between these two measures. Our objective was to calculate these differences overtime within subpopulations of the USA. METHODS We included non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black and Hispanic adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1999 to 2016, in the analysis (N = 44 333). We subtracted self-reported hypertension from hypertension detected by examination to calculate blood pressure difference (BPD). We fit weighted linear regression models that included important covariates along with all combination of two- and three-way interactions to predict the BPD. We used the fitted lines of the models to depict the patterns of differences in the different subpopulations. RESULTS Age ≥ 45 years, lack of annual clinical visit, body mass index (BMI) < 25 and time were important factors associated with increased BPD. CONCLUSIONS People who are ≥ 45 years, have normal BMI, or do not have annual medical visits are more likely to have a bigger BPD. We can use the calculated BPD, to adjust estimates of the prevalence of self-reported hypertension.
Augmenting Molecular Images with Vector Representations as a Featurization Technique for Drug Classification

One of the key steps in building deep learning systems for drug classification and generation is the choice of featurization for the molecules. Previous featurization methods have included molecular images, binary strings, graphs, and SMILES strings. This paper proposes the creation of molecular images "captioned" with binary vectors that encode information not contained in or easily understood from a molecular image alone. Specifically, we use Morgan fingerprints, which encode higher level structural information, and MACCS keys, which encode yes/no questions about a molecule’s properties and structure. We tested our method on the HIV dataset published by the Pande lab, which consists of 41,127 molecules labeled by if they inhibit the HIV virus. Our final model achieved a state-of-the-art AUC-ROC on the HIV dataset, outperforming all other methods. Moreover, the model converged significantly faster than most other methods, requiring dramatically less computational power than unaugmented images.
RNA sectors and allosteric function within the ribosome

The ribosome translates the genetic code into proteins in all domains of life. Its size and complexity demand long-range interactions that regulate ribosome function. These interactions are largely unknown. Here, we apply a global coevolution method, statistical coupling analysis (SCA), to identify coevolving residue networks (sectors) within the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of the large ribosomal subunit. As in proteins, SCA reveals a hierarchical organization of evolutionary constraints with near-independent groups of nucleotides forming physically contiguous networks within the three-dimensional structure. Using a quantitative, continuous-culture-with-deep-sequencing assay, we confirm that the top two SCA-predicted sectors contribute to ribosome function. These sectors map to distinct ribosome activities, and their origins trace to phylogenetic divergences across all domains of life. These findings provide a foundation to map ribosome allostery, explore ribosome biogenesis, and engineer ribosomes for new functions. Despite differences in chemical structure, protein and RNA enzymes appear to share a common internal logic of interaction and assembly.
An Autocrine Role for CXCL1 in Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background One of the most prevalent causes of cancer fatalities is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which has been linked to metabolic syndrome. Circulating levels of the saturated fatty acid palmitate are elevated in metabolic syndrome and lead to cellular stress. Materials and methods Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and migration assays, we characterized the response of rat hepatoma cells to palmitate treatment. Results We detected a 60% increase in secretion of C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) which was dose-dependent and coincided with apoptosis. We measured expression of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) and observed a 4.5-fold increase on apoptotic hepatoma cells. Furthermore, we assayed migration of hepatoma cells and saw a 2-fold increase in the number of migrating cells towards CXCL1. Conclusion These findings suggest that HCC cells secrete CXCL1 in response to metabolic syndrome signals and may promote the progression of cancer through apoptosis recovery or metastasis.
321 Phase I clinical trial assessing the combination of systemic chemokine modulatory regimen targeting TLR3 with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in triple negative breast cancer

Background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with taxanes is the standard of care in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Intratumoral prevalence of CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) is associated with an improvement in relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), while regulatory T-cells (Treg) and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are associated with poor survival. Higher ratio of CTL/Treg is associated with higher probability of obtaining pathological complete response (pCR), a surrogate marker for RFS. Intratumoral production of CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 is critical for local infiltration with CTLs, while CCL22 is responsible for Treg attraction. Previous studies have shown that CXCL9 expression in the pre-treatment breast tissue is associated with a three-fold higher rate of achieving pCR. Our preclinical data show that Chemokine modulating (CKM) regimen, combining rintatolimod (TLR3 agonist), interferon (IFN)-α2b, and celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor) increases CTL-attracting, and decreases MDSC-, Treg-favoring chemokines, increasing CTL/Treg ratio in tumor microenvironment, with preferential tumor tissue activation than adjacent healthy tissues. We hypothesize that the combination of CKM with paclitaxel will result in infiltration of TNBC with CTLs, and along with doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (AC), result in higher pCR, translating into improved RFS and OS. Methods In this phase I study NCT04081389, eligibility includes age ≥18 years, confirmed resectable TNBC, radiographically measurable disease ≥1 cm, ECOG PS ≤ 2, adequate organ and marrow function. Patients with autoimmune disease, serious mood disorders, invasive carcinoma within 3 years, history of peptic ulcers or hypersensitivity to NSAIDs will be excluded. We plan to treat three patients with early stage TNBC with paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 IV weekly for 12 weeks, rintatolimod 200 mg IV, celecoxib 200 mg oral twice daily, and accelerated titration of IFN-α2b at doses 0, 5, or 10 million units (MU)/m2 [Dose Levels (DL) 1, 2 and 3 respectively] on days 1–3 (no intra-patient dose escalation) in weeks 1–3. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) is defined as grade 3 or higher toxicities within the first 3 weeks. Any DLT will mandate recruitment per the 3+3 model. If no DLT, three patients will be enrolled at DL 4 at 20 MU/m2 IFN- α2b. This will be followed by standard dose-dense AC, and then surgery. The primary endpoint is safety and tolerability of combination and to identify the appropriate DL of CKM and paclitaxel for extended efficacy study. The secondary endpoints include investigation of efficacy (pCR and breast MRI response), along with RFS and OS. Intratumoral biomarkers will be analyzed in an exploratory manner. Results N/A Conclusions N/A Trial Registration NCT04081389 Ethics Approval The study was approved by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Institution’s Ethics Board, approval number I-73718.
Microscopic origin of inhomogeneous transport in four-terminal tellurene devices

Tellurene—the 2D form of elemental tellurium—provides an attractive alternative to conventional 2D semiconductors due to its high bipolar mobilities, facile solution processing, and the possibility of dopant intercalation into its 1D van der Waals lattice. Here, we study the microscopic origin of transport anisotropy in lithographically defined four-terminal tellurene devices using spatially resolved near-field scanning microwave microscopy (SMM). Our conductivity- and carrier type-sensitive SMM imaging reveals that the overall p-type transport measured between adjacent and opposite terminals originates from strong p-type character at the device edges. Despite using an atomic layer deposition-grown conformal overcoat that n-dopes the device interior, we observe only weak n-type transport along the main device channel at positive backgate voltages. This weak n-type transport along the device channel is shown to arise from local p-doping within a few micrometers of the electrodes, which produces a transport barrier from the n-type interior to the electrodes. These results reveal how the backgate-dependent conduction anisotropy could be leveraged to weigh different inputs for non-von Neumann architectures.
Graphene as an alignment agent, an electrode, and a source of surface chirality in a smectic-A liquid crystal.

A liquid crystal (LC) cell was fabricated by putting together a monolayer graphene-coated glass substrate on one side, and a rubbed planar-aligning polyimide layer on an indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate on the other side. The monolayer graphene film served as the planar-alignment agent as well as the transparent electrode on one side of the cell. The cell was filled with an achiral LC alkoxyphenylbenzoate (9OO4). The presence of the graphene film on one substrate resulted in an induced chiral signature in the otherwise achiral LC 9OO4. The induced chirality was probed utilizing the electroclinic effect (a polar tilt of the LC director perpendicular to, and linear in, an applied electric field) in the smectic-A phase. The electroclinic effect showed significant pretransitional behavior on approaching the smectic-A to smectic-C transition temperature from above. The electroclinic effect revealed a low-frequency relaxation process indicating that the chirality was induced on the LC molecules at the graphene interface and did not propagate into the bulk. A soft shear mode can break the symmetry of the hexagonal lattice of graphene on a substrate and, consequently, graphene possesses strain chirality. The noncovalent \ensuremath{\pi}-\ensuremath{\pi} interaction between the LC and the strained graphene induces molecular conformational deracemization in the LC at the graphene interface, and the LC exhibits surface-induced chirality.
Development of a small baby unit to improve outcomes for the extremely premature infant.

Survival and outcomes for extremely premature (EP) infants have improved and even infants born at 23 and 24 weeks that were previously considered non-viable are now routinely surviving. This review describes our particular institution’s basis for and process of creating and sustaining a small baby program for a quaternary, referral-based neonatal intensive care unit. Through multi-disciplinary collaboration, small baby guidelines were developed that established uniform care and optimized evidence-based practice for the care of this unique patient population. A focus on parent-centered care while removing noxious stimuli for the patient has improved neurodevelopmental outcomes. Data collection, quality improvement, and ongoing research are incorporated in the small baby program to establish and sustain best practices and outcomes for the EP patient. Through the establishment of a small baby unit, we have improved survival, decreased short-term morbidities, and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes for the EP infant in our region.
Leveraging optimal portfolio of Drought-Tolerant Maize Varieties for weather index insurance and food security

We investigate the impact of optimizing a portfolio of Drought-Tolerant Maize Varieties (DTMVs) to manage weather risk and its implications on the development of sustainable micro-insurance markets. We use high-resolution climate data and on-farm trial data, involving 20 DTMVs, over 49 locations spanning eight countries in Africa and 5 mega-environments. Markov chain and multivariate spatial Bayes models are employed to generate multivariate space-time rainfall and maize yield distributions, and derive optimal semi-variance portfolio of DTMVs. We find that optimal portfolios significantly outperformed naive portfolios, overall, reducing insurance premium rates by 31–55%.
Turbulence in stably stratified fluids

Abstract In this chapter, the effects of stable density stratification on turbulence are discussed, using the examples of the wake of a sphere and the decay of homogeneous turbulence. To better understand the dynamics, elements of the theory of internal gravity waves, and of the stability of stratified shear flows, are presented. It is found that the flows could be described as being in one of three distinct flow regimes: a three-dimensional turbulence regime, a quasi-equilibrium or stratified turbulence regime, and a quasi-two-dimensional regime. It is suggested that these regimes could be understood by considering two local parameters: a Froude number based upon a horizontal integral scale, and Gn, the Buoyancy Reynolds number. Various features of turbulent wakes are presented, including the generation of internal waves by the wake and the formation of quasi-horizontal vortices at later times into the quasi-two-dimensional regime.
Karakteristik Usaha Mikro, Kecil dan Menengah Dalam Mengelola Keuangan di Desa Gunung Sindur, Kabupaten Bogor

Abstrak Pasca merebaknya pandemi-Covid-19, UMKM kini menjadi andalan semua pihak untuk mendukung perekonomian nasional. Namun, pelaku UMKM dalam berusaha dilakukan secara tradisional sehingga usahanya tidak berkembang pesat. Adapun salah satu masalah yang dihadapi pelakunya terutama pada pengelolaan keuangan yang belum teradministrasi dengan baik, yang mengakibatkan usahanya menghadapi banyak kendala. Masyarakat di desa Gunung Sindur mengalami kondisi yang sama. Untuk itu, perlu dilakukan penelitian karakteristik pelaku UMKM di desa Gunung Sindur. Kabupaten Bogor dalam mengelola keuangan usahanya. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini pada dasarnya adalah mendeskripsikan dan menganalisis sikap dan pemikiran seseorang ataupun sekelompok orang, tanpa menguji suatu hipotesis dan hanya ingin mengetahui keadaan variabel secara lepas serta tidak menghubungkan antar variabel yang satu dengan variabel yang lainnya. Penelitian ini menggunakan 24 responden UMKM di wilayah Gunung Sindur yang dipilih secara acak. Penelitian ini menggunakan statistik deskriptif sederhana untuk mengolah data dari angket yang disebarkan untuk mengetahui tingkat pengetahuan pengelolaan keuangan UMKM di desa Gununung Sindur. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa tingkat pengelolaan keuangan dari responden rendah. Hal ini tercermin berdasarkan hasil yang diperoleh: Prosentase penerapan indikator pengelolaan keuangan yang paling tinggi diterapkan adalah indikator Perencanaan keuangan (76%), Pencatatan keuangan (64%), Pengendalian (48%%) dan Pelaporan keuangan (24%). Pelaku UMKM perlu meningkatkan ketrampilan pelaporan keuangannya baik secara formal maupun informal dengan melakukan kerjasama bersama pemerintah, institusi terkait dan perguruan tinggi. Kunci : Akuntansi, Covid-19, Pengelolaan Keuangan, UMKM, Wirausaha
Causal effects on child language development: A review of studies in communication sciences and disorders

Abstract We reviewed recent studies published across key journals within the field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD) to survey what causal influences on child language development were being considered. Specifically, we reviewed a total of 2921 abstracts published within the following journals between 2003 and 2013: Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools (LSHSS); American Journal of Speech–Language Pathology (AJSLP); Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (JSLHR); Journal of Communication Disorders (JCD); and the International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders (IJLCD). Of the 346 eligible articles that addressed causal factors on child language development across the five journals, 11% were categorized as Genetic (37/346), 83% (287/346) were categorized as Environmental, and 6% (22/346) were categorized as Mixed. The bulk of studies addressing environmental influences focused on therapist intervention (154/296 = 52%), family/caregiver linguistic input (65/296 = 22%), or family/caregiver qualities (39/296 = 13%). A more in-depth review of all eligible studies published in 2013 ( n = 34) revealed that family/caregiver qualities served as the most commonly controlled environmental factor (e.g., SES) and only 3 studies explicitly noted the possibility of gene–environment interplay. This review highlighted the need to expand the research base for the field of CSD to include a broader range of environmental influences on child language development (e.g., diet, toxin exposure, stress) and to consider more directly the complex and dynamic interplay between genetic and environmental effects. Learning outcomes : Readers will be able to highlight causal factors on child language development that have been studied over the past decade in CSD and recognize additional influences worthy of consideration. In addition, readers will become familiar with basic tenets of developmental systems theory, including the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors that shapes child development.
Quinidine Reduces Outward Current in Single Canine Cardiac Purkinje Cells

The commonly used antiarrhythmic drug quinidine is a member of the local anesthetic class. In cardiac muscle it reduces sodium (Na) current (1), thereby slowing the action potential (AP) upstroke (2), slowing conduction velocity, and reducing excitability. Quinidine also affects AP repolarization. Typical changes are a prolongation of the AP and a negative shift in the plateau voltage (3), although other studies show either AP shortening (4) or both lengthening and shortening (5). A number of ionic currents contribute to the plateau of the AP, including the inward calcium (Ca) current, slowly inactivating (or “window”) Na current, and three potassium (K) currents: the inward rectifier current, the delayed rectifier, and the transient outward current (Ito). The complex response of the AP to quinidine suggests that it may affect more than one of these repolarizing currents. Effects of drugs on several membrane channels is not rare, but the drug interaction must be to some shared molecular components of the diverse channels. This report addresses the question of quinidine’s effect on Ito in canine cardiac Purkinje cells.
Resolving a Historical Confusion in Population Analysis

As Robert K. Merton (1973) has so well discussed, creative scientists are not immune to preoccupation with priorities: their priorities. Alfred J. Lotka (1880 to 1949), the father of self-renewal models in linear population analysis, was least of all an exception in this regard. A lone pioneer throughout much of his career, 1 with no cadre of graduate students and colleagues, he could naturally be expected to be prickly over failures to recognize and acknowledge his important contributions to demography.
SOME SURPRISING BASE PROPERTIES IN TOPOLOGY II

Publisher Summary This chapter presents some surprising base properties in topology II. The base properties of the sort surveyed in [N 1 ] fall into two general categories: (1) those involving conditions under which an intersection of open sets is open and (2) those that involve partial order relations between members of the base. The first section has to do with non-Archimedean spaces, which form the intersection of these two kinds of properties. A space is called non-Archimedean if it has a rank 1 base. It has a base B such that the collection B(x) of all members of B containing a point x is totally ordered by containment for every point x. This is the order aspect of non-Archimedean spaces.
Immediate vesicular eruption caused by topical 23% lidocaine 7% tetracaine ointment in a patient scheduled for laser therapy: a new adverse drug reaction.

Summary Topical anesthetic agents have increased in number, formulations, and applications because of their efficacy and generally mild side effect profile. To date, there have been no reports of immediate vesicular eruption as a result of topical application of lidocaine or tetracaine. Two cases and a brief review of the literature are presented. We report the cases of two patients who presented for ablative laser therapy. Immediately after application of 23% lidocaine and 7% tetracaine mixed in an ointment base, the patients developed a diffuse eruption of vesicles and bullae on a well-demarcated erythematous base. The patients’ lesions resolved after <1 week with gentle skin care. One patient developed macules of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation which faded over 2 months. One patient chose to cancel his laser therapy because of concerns over reproducing this adverse reaction, while the second will proceed using a different topical anesthetic agent. While topical anesthetic agents should generally be considered safe, they are not without risks. These cases illustrate a previously unreported adverse event. Clinicians should be vigilant for this and other adverse drug reactions to commonly used topical anesthetics like lidocaine and tetracaine.
Possible nuclear protein kinase regulation of homologous ribonucleic acid polymerases from small dense nuclei of mouse brain during morphine tolerance-dependence. Involvement of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate

Abstract A correlation between phosphorylation and stimulation of RNA polymerases I and II by homologous nuclear protein kinase peak I from small dense nuclei of mouse brain was demonstrated. Incubation of RNA polymerase II with nuclear protein kinase peak I lowered the optimum Mg 2+ concentration of the polymerase in the same manner as chronic morphine treatment alone did, suggesting that the change in Mg 2+ optimum of RNA polymerase II seen during morphine tolerance-dependence may occur through changes in phosphorylation as a result of increased nuclear protein kinase activity. Experiments investigating the involvement of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in morphine tolerance-dependence demonstrated that dibutyryl-cAMP enhanced the degree of morphine tolerance developed, as reported previously [I. K. Ho, H. H. Loh and E. L. Way, J. Pharmac. exp. Ther. 185 , 347 (1973); I. K. Ho, H. H. Loh, H. N. Bhargava and E. L. Way, Life Sci. 16 , 1895 (1975)], and also enhanced the chronic morphine-induced increase in nuclear protein kinase specific activity. Alterations in the regulation of the nuclear protein kinase activity may bave subsequently affected RNA polymerase activity through phosphorylation. These results suggest that, during morphine tolerance-dependence development, cAMP may be involved in the possible nuclear protein kinase regulation of homologous RNA polymerase.
Interaction of Radiation with Matter

All particulate and electromagnetic radiations can interact with the atoms of an absorber during their passage through it, producing ionization and excitation of the absorber atoms. These radiations are called ionizing radiations. Because particulate radiations have mass and electromagnetic radiations do not, the latter travel through matter longer distance before losing all energy than the former of the same energy. Electromagnetic radiations are therefore called penetrating radiations and particulate radiations non-penetrating radiations. The mechanisms of interaction with matter, however, differ for the two types of radiation, and therefore they are discussed separately.
Bird communities, roads and development: Prospects and constraints of applying empirical models

Our objectives were to explain the prospects and constraints of applying empirical models that relate bird community metrics to broad-scale characteristics of roads and development. We explored the practical value of regression models that were derived for a large protected area in the Chihuahuan Desert. These models related bird species richness, relative abundance, or probability of occurrence to total length of roads within each of two spatial extents (1- and 2-km radii), distance to the nearest road, distance to the nearest development, or the two-way interactions of these variables. Empirical models can be used to inform conservation decisions, to parameterise simulation models for conservation planning, to identify threshold levels of road and development variables, and to determine the focus of management experiments for confirmatory hypothesis testing and improvement of model realism.
Force Characterization of Hygroscopic Liquid Crystal Elastomers

The actuation forces of a hydrophilic liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) in response to water vapor was tested and modeled. These materials exhibit asymmetric swelling as water vapor is absorbed into one side of the elastomer film. This gives rise to deflection away from the water source. Deformation due to water vapor has shown to be on the order of seconds and is reversible which provides unique sensing and actuation characteristics for elastomer films. The constitutive behavior is modeled by using nonlinear continuum mechanics to predict internal changes in density of the liquid crystal elastomer and subsequent deformation by correlating moisture exposure with changes in the elastomer’s density. In order to compare the model and obtain a set material parameters, a micro-Newton measuring device was designed and tested to quantify the forces generated in the liquid crystal elastomer under bending. Forces ranging between 1 to 8 μN were measured as a function of the location of the water vapor source. The results provide important insight into chemical force response and sensing for a number of biomedical and microfluidic applications.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Toward a theory of weak interactions on the lattice

Abstract We derive a chiral gauge invariant lattice fermion action from a chiral gauge variant Wilson fermion action without changing its partion function. Some properties of this formulation are investigated and an application of it is briefly discussed.
A Hubble Space Telescope Study of Star Formation in the Inner Resonance Ring of NGC 3081

We present Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 images of the inner regions of NGC 3081, an absolute magnitude MB = -20.0 early-type barred spiral having four well-defined resonance rings: a nuclear ring, an inner ring, an outer R1 ring, and an outer R pseudoring. Here we focus on a photometric study of the inner ring, a feature likely associated with an inner 4 : 1 resonance near the ends of the bar. The ring is notable for its high contrast and sharp definition, which is due to a significant degree of active star formation. The ring is also notable for its significant intrinsic elongation and parallel alignment with the bar. These characteristics influence the way star-forming sites are distributed around the ring. The ring is lined by numerous blue sources, many of which appear to be slightly diffuse compared with the stellar point-spread function. These blue sources are strongly concentrated within ±60° of the bar axis and follow the Hα distribution well. The blue sources are much larger than typical Galactic open or globular clusters and may represent young massive clusters like the "populous clusters" of the LMC and objects seen previously mainly in intermediate- to late-type spiral galaxies. We also present an analysis of the integrated light of the inner ring, to deduce information on its star formation history. A profile analysis is used to separate the ring from the background old disk starlight. High-resolution Fourier analysis is used to search for wavelength-dependent phase shifts along the ring to determine if star-forming sites stay in the ring as they age. The results give an intriguing picture of a galaxy in an advanced evolutionary state where periodic orbits are clearly manifested in the morphology.
Cytogenetic and microsatellite alterations in tumors from patients with the syndrome of myxomas, spotty skin pigmentation, and endocrine overactivity (Carney complex).

Carney complex (CC) is a familial multiple neoplasia and lentiginosis syndrome, transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner. It is the only familial form of cardiac and skin myxomas known and includes endocrine neoplasms causing Cushing's syndrome [primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD)] and acromegaly (GH-producing adenoma). The molecular defect leading to CC remains unknown, but was recently mapped to chromosome 2p16 by linkage analysis. This region has exhibited cytogenetic aberrations in atrial myxomas from patients with CC and harbors the hMSH2 and hMSH6 genes, which are involved in the preservation of microsatellite length stability of replicating human cells. In the present study, we examined 15 tumor and normal tissue specimens from 13 patients with CC [GH-producing adenoma (n = 1), adrenal tumors (PPNAD, n = 8), thyroid cancer (n = 1), normal adrenal gland (n = 1)] and 4 cultured cell lines [heart myxoma (n = 3) and eyelid myxoma (n = 1)]. Chromosome analysis was obtained by standard cytogenetic techniques. One of the myxoma cell lines and 3 PPNAD specimens contained multiple telomeric associations (tas). The normal adrenocortical tissue from a patient with PPNAD contained no apparent chromosomal anomalies, whereas the neighboring PPNAD tissue demonstrated tas. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood, tumor cell lines, and frozen or paraffin-embedded tissues and subjected to PCR amplification with primers from 64 microsatellite locations covering chromosomes 1 and 3-22 and 14 loci covering chromosome 2. The alterations detected were loss and gain of heterozygosity (LOH and GOH; 49% and 26%, respectively), deletions of both alleles (DEL; 10%), and microsatellite length instability (15%). GOH and LOH were the most frequent changes, with telomeric markers significantly over-represented (P 0.1). We conclude that tumors and tumor cell lines from patients with CC demonstrate significant genomic, but not microsatellite length, instability. Thus, the CC gene(s) on chromosome 2p16 is different from the hMSH2 and hMSH6 genes and has dominant, rather than recessive, tumorigenic function. This gene(s) appears to be involved in the regulation of genomic stability of dividing cells, in particular the structure of telomeres in replicating chromosomes and/or the function of the mitotic apparatus.
Clonidine and yohimbine modulate the effects of naloxone on novelty-induced hypoalgesia.

Previous research has shown that repeated daily pretreatment with the opiate receptor blocker naloxone retards the development of habituation to novelty-induced hypoalgesia. The present experiments were conducted in order to determine whether noradrenergic substrates mediate this effect. Animals in the NAL condition were administered 10 mg/kg naloxone prior to assessment of pain sensitivity on a 48.5° C hot plate. Control animals (SAL condition) were administered saline prior to pain assessment, and naloxone 2–4 h later. Paw lick latencies declined over repeated tests in SAL animals, suggesting the habituation of novelty hypoalgesia. Naloxone pretreatment attenuated this decline. The longer paw lick latencies observed in NAL condition animals were reduced by administration of 2 µg/kg clonidine, a specific noradrenergic alpha-2 receptor agonist, and enhanced in a dose dependent (0.5–4.0 mg/kg) fashion by the alpha-2 antagonist yohimbine. Clonidine and yohimbine either failed to alter pain reactivity in control animals, or produced less marked effects than those observed in naloxone-exposed animals. These results suggest that noradrenergic substrates mediate naloxone's effects on novelty hypoalgesia.
Middle and high elevation coniferous forest communities of the North Rim region of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

We examined the composition and structure of forest communities in a 3700 ha watershed in relation to environmental gradients and changes in land management practices. We identified four mixed-conifer forest types dominated by different combinations of Abies concolor, Picea pungens, Pinus ponderosa, Populus tremuloides, and Pseudotsuga menziesii, and a spruce-fir type dominated by Picea engelmannii and Abies lasiocarpa. The forest types occur in a complex pattern related to elevation and topographicmoisture gradients and variations in past fire regimes. However, widespread regeneration of A. concolor following possible changes in the fire regime in the late 19th century and continuing with institution of a fire suppression policy early in the 20th century is producing a more homogenous mixed-conifer forest with greater horizontal and vertical continuity of fuel. This shift toward landscape homogeneity not only may adversely affect biodiversity, but also may be perpetuated as the probability of large, high-severity fires increases with continued fire suppression.
Rationing of influenza vaccine during a pandemic: Ethical analyses

Rationing of scarce vaccine supplies will likely be required when the next pandemic occurs, raising the questions about how to ration and upon what principles. Because influenza pandemics have differing mortality patterns, such as the 1918 pandemic's "W" shaped curve that effected healthy young adults, the particular pattern should inform rationing. Competing ethical principles for vaccine rationing are utilitarianism and egalitarianism. Vaccine manufacturers and essential healthcare workers can be justified with either principle. Utilitarian principles of choosing based on social worth or those in whom vaccination is most likely to medically succeed raise substantial justice issues. Egalitarian principles of medical neediness and random chance avoid justice concerns and are proposed. A framework that uses multiple principles to address influenza vaccine rationing in light of a shortage is recommended.
Second-harmonic generation from the surface of a simple metal, Al

Mesures quantitatives de la reponse a l'harmonique second des surfaces Al(111), Al(100) et polycristallines soumises a un rayonnement de 1,06 μm sous ultravide. Comparaison avec les etudes theoriques qui prevoient que la reponse est sensible au profil de la densite de charge en surface. Effet de la structure de bande
Potential hazards from specific ophthalmic devices

Abstract The retinal light exposure a patient might receive from ophthalmoscopes, slit lamps, surgical microscopes, and overhead surgical lamps is documented. Monkey exposures to microscopes and slit lamps were performed to substantiate the findings. A “typical” indirect ophthalmoscope is seen to be “unsafe” after 23 sec of exposure in a patient with dilated pupils and clear media, if compared with laser safety standards. Slit lamp biomicroscopy of the macula produces 2–3 times greater retinal exposure than the indirect ophthalmoscope. Operating microscope internal light sources produce a surprising retinal exposure of up to 10 times greater than the indirect ophthalmoscope over an area of several disc diameters, causing severe choroioretinal lesions in monkeys after 1 hr of continuous exposure. The surgeon's retina receives 44 mW/cm2 from the corneal specular reflection of the microscope source. Using the laser safety standards, this is “unsafe” after one minute. A prototype surgical illuminator is described which reduces retinal irradiance to 1/900th of that from conventional microscope light sources, while maintaining equivalent illumination of the anterior segment.