cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LOCS: An EDP Machine Logic and Control Simulator

The new EDP Machine Logic and Control Simulator, LOCS, is designed to facilitate the simulation of data processing systems and logic on the IBM 7090 Data Processing System. With this simulator, it will be possible to operate and execute commands in a manner comparable to that of a hardware version of the machine being simulated. The inputs to LOCS consist of a description, coded in LOCS language, of the machine to be simulated and a set of test programs coded in either the procedure language of the test problems (e.g., FORTRAN), or in the instruction language of the simulated machine. If a procedure language is used, a suitable translator program coded in machine language must be included to translate the test programs into machine code. The outputs of LOGS consist of the performance statistics, computation results, and diagnostic data which are relevant to both the test programs and the design of the simulated machine. This paper first describes the LOCS System including a description of LOCS inputs and outputs as well as an outline of the procedure one must follow to use LOCS. Next, the method of using LOCS is illustrated by an example of the complete simulation of a simple conventional binary data processing machine; and following this, a summary of current status.
Computers in the Sonographic Laboratory Why?.. .and How

This basic review of personal computers emphasizes their use in diagnostic sonography as well as other medical settings. This limited discussion is intended for novice personal computer users and includes basic information about hardware, software, and suggestions for their operation.
Linear scan register allocation on SSA form

The linear scan algorithm for register allocation provides a good register assignment with a low compilation overhead and is thus frequently used for just-in-time compilers. Although most of these compilers use static single assignment (SSA) form, the algorithm has not yet been applied on SSA form, i.e., SSA form is usually deconstructed before register allocation. However, the structural properties of SSA form can be used to simplify the algorithm.With only one definition per variable, lifetime intervals (the main data structure) can be constructed without data flow analysis. During allocation, some tests of interval intersection can be skipped because SSA form guarantees non-intersection. Finally, deconstruction of SSA form after register allocation can be integrated into the resolution phase of the register allocator without much additional code.We modified the linear scan register allocator of the Java HotSpot client compiler so that it operates on SSA form. The evaluation shows that our simpler and faster version generates equally good or slightly better machine code.
Effects of amide and amine plasma-treated ePTFE vascular grafts on endothelial cell lining in an artificial circulatory system

We sought to examine whether surface modification of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts might extend graft patency without modifying the graft structure. Amide and amine plasma (butylamine) were applied to graft surfaces using radio frequency glow discharge. Surface analyses by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and dynamic contact angle measurements revealed the presence of nitrogen-containing functional groups on the plasma modified graft surfaces, along with an increased surface hydrophilicity. Bovine aortic endothelial cells were seeded on amide and amine plasma coated ePTFE vascular grafts and placed inside an artificial circulatory system under well-defined flow conditions. The seeded endothelial cells were exposed to either constant or pulsatile flow condition for 5 days. Their corresponding maximum wall shear stresses were 1 dyn/cm2 under constant flow and 65, 108, and 259 dyn/cm2 under various pulsatile flows. Plasma modified ePTFE vascular grafts enhanced the endothelial cell lining under constant and pulsatile flow conditions. Fluorescence nuclear staining, scanning electron microscopy, and histological staining indicated the formation of an endothelial cell monolayer on the plasma coated graft surfaces.
Streptococcus pneumoniae Sheds Syndecan-1 Ectodomains through ZmpC, a Metalloproteinase Virulence Factor *

Several microbial pathogens stimulate the ectodomain shedding of host cell surface proteins to promote their pathogenesis. We reported previously that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus activate the ectodomain shedding of syndecan-1 and that syndecan-1 shedding promotes P. aeruginosa pathogenesis in mouse models of lung and burned skin infections. However, it remains to be determined whether activation of syndecan-1 shedding is a virulence mechanism broadly used by pathogens. Here we show that Streptococcus pneumoniae stimulates syndecan-1 shedding in cell culture-based assays. S. pneumoniae-induced syndecan-1 shedding was repressed by peptide hydroxamate inhibitors of metalloproteinases but not by inhibitors of intracellular signaling pathways previously found to be essential for syndecan-1 shedding caused by P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, or other shedding agonists. A 170-kDa protein fraction with a peptide hydroxamate-sensitive shedding activity was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography. Mass spectrometry analyses revealed that the 170-kDa fraction is composed of ZmpB and ZmpC, two metalloproteinase virulence factors of S. pneumoniae. Both the purified 170-kDa ZmpB/ZmpC fraction and unfractionated S. pneumoniae culture supernatant generated syndecan-1 ectodomains that are smaller than those released by endogenous shedding. Further, a mutant S. pneumoniae strain deficient in zmpC, but not zmpB, lost its capacity to stimulate syndecan-1 shedding. These data demonstrate that S. pneumoniae directly sheds syndecan-1 ectodomains through the action of ZmpC.
Ultra high Q crystalline microcavities

Abstract We report on the fabrication technique of ultra high Q optical crystalline whispering gallery mode microresonators and discuss their properties. The technique is suitable for the majority of available optical crystals and for production of resonators with small size. To validate the method, we made CaF2 resonators with Q factors exceeding 4 × 108 and a diameter smaller than 100 μm. A single mode resonator has also been fabricated. Possible utilization of these new resonators in quantum optics is discussed.
Imaging from Compton cameras using detectors with no spatial resolution capability

To mitigate image degradation due to the finite spatial resolution of detectors, a new theory is developed that allows Compton cameras to be comprised of detectors that have no spatial resolution at all. The results of a computer simulation indicate that the new theory can be used to produce reasonable images at least when noiseless simulated data is used. Camera designs that can exploit the new theory for use in areas such as medicine and homeland security are presented. Although the results presented here are promising, further effort is needed to establish their usefulness with real data.
The Influence of Type of Institution on Attitudes toward the Handling of the Homosexual among Inmates

Abstract Homosexuality is a prominent problem in our correctional system. This article explores the attitudes of inmates and staff members of four types of correctional institutions toward the treatment of the homosexual inmate. Attitudes of inmates appear to be independent of those of staff and tobe more liberal in the adult institutions. Tkis finding suggests that attitudes of inmates toward homosexuality may be partly a function of institutionalization, tuhich is consistent with the theories of Festinger and Merton.
Effect of desloratadine on the augmented bacterial and inflammatory response in the sinuses of infected mice

Abstract Rationale We showed that ongoing allergic rhinitis augments the response to an acute bacterial infection (Blair JACI 108:424–429, 2001). To test whether histamine was responsible for this increase, we studied the effect of an H1 receptor antagonist, desloratadine. Methods Three groups of mice were studied: 1) infected mice, 2) infected and allergic mice treated with desloratadine, and 3) infected and allergic mice treated with placebo. BALB/c mice were sensitized to ovalbumin by 2 intraperitoneal injections. Next, they were challenged daily with 6% OVA for 5 days. After the second OVA challenge, all mice were intranasally inoculated with S. pneumoniae. Desloratadine or placebo was given daily throughout the exposure period. Nasal allergic symptoms were observed after each exposure. On day 5 post-infection, nasal lavages were quantitated for S. pneumoniae and the inflammatory cells in the sinuses were evaluated. Results Mice that were made allergic, infected and treated with placebo, showed more organisms and phagocytic cells than just infected, nonallergic mice. They also manifested increased allergic symptoms and number of eosinophil influx into the sinuses. Compared to the placebo treated group, desloratadine treatment during allergen exposure inhibited allergic symptoms and reduced the recovery of S. pneumoniae in nasal lavages (p Conclusions Desloratadine treatment inhibited allergic symptoms and reduced sinonasal infection, suggesting that histamine plays a role in the augmented response to infection in mice with an ongoing allergic reaction.
Emphasizing Controversy in the Economics Curriculum

(1991). Emphasizing Controversy in the Economics Curriculum. The Journal of Economic Education: Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 235-240.
Reliable Observation of Large Leakage-Current Reduction of Thin SiO2 Induced by Phonon-Energy-Coupling Enhancement: Problems and Solution

The problems encountered in the observation of large leakage-current reduction of thin SiO 2 due to enhanced phonon-energy coupling were thoroughly analyzed. A lithographic method based on bilayer resists (SU-8 and Shipley S1813) and an organic developer (SU-8 developer) was developed to fabricate Ni-gate metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors. After development, an undercut profile of the bilayer resists was clearly demonstrated. A key step, thorough deionized water rinse after a quick isopropyl alcohol rinse during resist patterning, is critical to obtain well-defined Ni electrodes reproducibly. Experimental current-voltage and capacitance-voltage (C-V) curves of the Ni-gate MOS capacitors, together with the C-V curves simulated using the Berkeley Quantum simulator, demonstrate that a large leakage-current reduction ( ~ 100X) can be reliably and reproducibly achieved on thin SiO 2 ( ~ 23 A) after proper rapid thermal processing.
Estimating the probability of misclassification and variate selection

Abstract This paper considers the problem of estimating the probability of misclassifying normal variates using the usual discriminant function when the parameters are unknown. The probability of misclassification is estimated, by Monte Carlo simulation, as a function of n 1 and n 2 (sample sizes), p (number of variates) and α (measure of separation between the two populations). The probability of misclassification is used to determine, for a given situation, the best number and subset of variates for various sample sizes. An example using real data is given.
Ageing and endothelial progenitor cell release of proangiogenic cytokines.

SIR—Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are widely recognised to contribute to the reparative process of the vascular endothelium and participate in angiogenesis [1]. Although declines in the circulating population of EPCs are associated with poor cardiovascular disease prognosis and are predictive of future adverse cardiovascular events [2], transplantation of ex vivo expanded EPCs into the coronary artery can rescue ischaemic tissue and significantly improve coronary function in patients with myocardial infarction [3]. The angiogenic potential of these cells can be explained, in part, through their ability to home to local sites of ischaemia and vascular damage and secrete potent proangiogenic factors, such as cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, which are integral in promoting new blood vessel formation and repair. For example, both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [4] and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) [5] stimulate recruitment and migration of EPCs from the bone marrow, inhibit apoptosis and support the angiogenic capacity of mature endothelial cells [6, 7]. In addition, interleukin (IL)-8, a proangiogenic cytokine, has been shown to attract EPCs to infarcted tissue and enhance the effect of G-CSF to mobilise progenitor cells from the bone marrow [8–10]. In older adults, endothelial injury and compromised EPC-mediated vascular repair are thought to contribute to atherosclerosis [11]. We have previously reported that EPC colony-forming capacity, migration and telomere length decline with ageing [12, 13]. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the capacity of circulating EPCs to release proangiogenic cytokines declines with age in healthy adults.
The endothelium: a new target for therapy:

At one time considered merely a monolayer of cells lining the vascular conduit, the endothelium has emerged recently as an organ with functions as complex as any in the body. A highly active regulatory organ, the endothelium senses and assesses the hemodynamic, humoral, and inflammatory signals to which it is constantly exposed by the blood and responds by secreting factors that affect vessel tone and structure. These interactions are not merely of academic interest. It has been increasingly recognized that endothelial dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
Phase Separation in the System BaO-SiO2

Abstract : A simple rapid quenching device was used to investigate the extent of liquid-liquid immiscibility in the system BaO-SiO2. A metastable miscibility gap was found with an upper consolute point at about 10 mole percent BaO and 1460C. Bulk glass samples of different compositions and heat treatments were examined by direct transmission electron microscopy to determine the phase separation morphology. At low BaO contents the separation was characterized by spherical barium-rich particles in a silica-rich matrix. For compositions near the center of the gap, the structure consisted of two phases, continuously interconnected throughout the bulk of the glass. At higher BaO contents spherical silica-rich particles were found in a barium-rich matrix. The dependence of the morphology on quench rate and heat treatment was investigated. Predictions of other authors concerning the occurrence of BaO-SiO2 immiscibility are compared with the present results. (Author)
Engaging Latino Parents in Supporting College Pathways: Lessons From a College Access Program

How can K-16 partnerships enlist Latino parents as informed allies in support of their children’s college planning? This article draws on data from 3 years of participant observation to show how a ...
Role of LTB4 in the pathogenesis of elastase-induced murine pulmonary emphysema

Exaggerated levels of the leukotriene B4 (LTB4) frequently coexist at sites of inflammation and tissue remodeling. Therefore, we hypothesize that the LTB4 pathway plays an important role in the pat...
Regulation of Fatty Acid Oxidation by Acetyl-CoA Generated from Glucose Utilization in Isolated Myocytes

The regulation of fatty acid oxidation in isolated myocytes was examined by manipulating mitochondrial acetyl-CoA levels produced by carbohydrate and fatty acid oxidation. L-carnitine had no effect on the oxidation of [U-14C]glucose, but stimulated oxidation of [1-14C]palmitate in a concentration-dependent manner. L-carnitine (5 mM) increased palmitate oxidation by 37%. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor, enoximone (250 microM), also increased palmitate oxidation by 51%. Addition of L-carnitine to enoximone resulted in a two-fold increase of palmitate oxidation. Whereas, dichloroacetate (DCA, 1 mM), which stimulates PDH activity, decreased palmitate oxidation by 25%. Furthermore, the addition of DCA to myocytes preincubated with either L-carnitine or enoximone, had no effect on the carnitine-induced stimulation of palmitate, and reduced that of enoximone by 50%. Varied concentrations of DCA decreased the oxidation of palmitate and octanoate; but increased glucose oxidation in myocytes. The rate of efflux of acetylcarnitine was highest when pyruvate was present in the medium compared to efflux rates in presence of palmitate or palmitate plus glucose. Although the addition of L-carnitine plus enoximone resulted in a two-fold increase in palmitate oxidation, acetylcarnitine efflux was minimal under these conditions. Acetylcarnitine efflux was highest when pyruvate was present in the medium. These rates were dramatically decreased when myocytes were preincubated with enoximone, despite the stimulation of palmitate oxidation by this compound. These data suggest that: (1) fatty acid oxidation is influenced by acetyl-CoA produced from pyruvate metabolism; (2) L-carnitine may be specific for mitochondrial acetyl-CoA derived from pyruvate oxidation; and (3) it is probable that acetyl-CoA from beta-oxidation of fatty acids is directly channeled into the citric acid cycle.
Reproducible, Large-Scale Production of Thallium-Based High-Temperature Superconductors

The Rocketdyne Division of Rockwell International has developed a large scale spray-calcination technique generic to the preparation of ceramic high-temperature superconductor (HTSC) powders. Among the advantages of the technique is that of producing uniformly mixed metal oxides on a fine scale. Production of both yttrium and thallium-based HTSCs has been demonstrated using this technique. In the spray calciner, solutions of the desired composition are atomized as a fine mist into a hot gas. Evaporation and calcination are instantaneous, yielding an extremely fine, uniform oxide powder. The calciner is 76 cm in diameter and can produce metal oxide powder at relatively large rates (approximately 100 g/h) without contamination. Bulk samples of thallium-based powder were prepared by spray calcination, collected, cold-pressed, and sintered. An optimized temperature schedule was developed to produce T12Ba2Ca2Cu3Ox. Samples were examined by X-ray diffraction and characterized by measurements of critical transition temperature, Tc. A complete transition to zero resistance at 112 K was measured.
Zero-power-gain measurements in CW HF(DF) laser by means of a fast scan technique

An improved technique for measuring zero power gain in a CW HF-DF chemical laser has been developed in which a CW HF(DF) single-line, frequency-stabilized TEM 00 mode probe laser is used. Through use of a flat rotating mirror and focusing elements, the streamwise distribution of zero-power gain was scanned at a rate of ∼1 mm/μs with a spatial resolution of ∼1 mm. The zero-power-gain profile was observed for two arc-driven chemical-laser nozzles with both HF and DF active species. The nozzles consisted of a 36-slit array with perforated tube H 2 injectors and a 55-slit array with uniform H 2 injection. Results are presented for the variation of zero power gain with axial distance, the magnitude and location of peak gain, and the gain cutoff location for a number of transitions. Peak gain values of 15 percent/cm and 5.5 percent/cm were measured with HF and DF active species, respectively, with the 55-slit nozzle array.
Reliability and validity of a modified Brief Pain Inventory short form in patients with osteoarthritis

The Brief Pain Inventory short form (BPI-sf) is a validated, widely used, self-administered questionnaire developed to assess the severity of pain and the impact of pain on daily functions. A modified version was used daily in randomised control trials of patients with arthritis undergoing treatment with cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Results indicate that the modified BPI-sf, much like the original scale, was internally reliable, consistent over time, and had good construct, as well as convergent and predictive validity in assessment of patients suffering from conditions of chronic pain. Each scale and individual pain intensity item refers to changes in osteoarthritis pain associated with medication use. The modified BPI-sf, like the parent scale, is a valid and reliable tool for situations in which pain is assessed daily and minimises the burden placed on patients to record information necessary for scientific investigations.
Configuring sessions in programmable networks

The provision of advanced computational services within networks is rapidly becoming both feasible and economical. We present a general approach to the problem of configuring application sessions that require intermediate processing by showing how the session configuration problem can be transformed to a conventional shortest path problem for unicast sessions or to a conventional Steiner tree problem for multicast sessions. We show, through a series of examples, that the method can be applied to a wide variety of different situations.
Operational criteria and factors related to recovery from schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is often conceptualized by clinicians and researchers alike as a chronic illness with persisting, relapsing or deteriorating symptoms, and no hope for sustained remission and recovery of functioning. Countering this perspective, retrospective and prospective studies with both chronic and recent onset patients suggest that schizophrenia has a heterogeneous course, which can be favorably influenced by comprehensive and continuous treatment as well as personal factors such as family support and good neurocognitive functioning. The factors influencing recovery are mostly malleable through treatment and may often lead to a sustained remission of symptoms and normal or near-normal levels of functioning.To facilitate future research in this area, an operational definition of recovery from schizophrenia is proposed that includes symptom remission; full- or part-time involvement in work or school; independent living without supervision by family or surrogate caregivers; not fully dependent on financi...
Importance of SIMD computation reconsidered

In this paper, SIMD and MIMD solutions for the real-time database management problem of air traffic control are compared. A real-time database system is highly constrained in a multiprocessor and access to the common database must be made to a limited number of data elements at a time. This MIMD database access is contrasted with the comparable SIMD common database access, which can be several hundred times greater. This is true because the SIMD can simultaneously access thousands of pertinent records instead of the limited number in the MIMD. A relatively simple example is given of a problem that has a polynomial time solution using a SIMD but for which a polynomial time solution using a MIMD is normally impossible. The fact that SIMD can support a polynomial time solution for the air traffic control problem but this problem is normally considered to be intractable for multiprocessors argues against the common belief that MIMD have greater power than SIMD. SIMD are more efficient and powerful for some critically important application areas.
Carrots, Sticks and Bad Apples: Explaining the Shift to Industry Self-Regulation in the Russian Construction Sector

The paper investigates the establishment of industry self-regulation in the Russian construction sector, and advances an argument about the political logic that serves to explain why this policy reform was pursued. I argue that the government’s support for private governance arrangements can be traced to the divergence between the economic goals of the political leadership and the inability of an ungovernable and corrupt bureaucracy to realize them. When the goals of political principals collide with the administrative incapacity of existing public agents, political authorities can select non-public agents through whom to implement policy. By prompting the establishment of private self-regulating organizations, and officially delegating public functions to them, political authorities can limit the discretion of an uncooperative bureaucracy while utilizing an alternative platform for policy formulation and industry oversight.
The Eurocorps: Toward a European Army?

This paper briefly explores the possibility and limitations of a common European foreign and security policy (CFSP). It concludes that, contrary to the recieved wisdom, a the material basis for a viable CFSP does in fact already exist due to national security policies such as the French Force d'Action Rapide (FAR), and similar rapid reaction forces. However while the material base needed for a CFSP does exist, the political unity and will to employ such forces does not yet exist. However as time passes the possibility of a viable unified CFSP will increase as the functionalist processes of the EU gradually transform the potential of an EU CFSP into reality.
Pulmonary Mucormycosis as a Complication of Chronic Salicylate Poisoning

Mucormycosis is an often-fatal opportunistic fungal infection caused by members of the class Zygomycetes (Phycomycetes), order Mucorales. Most cases are diagnosed by histologic examination, through the identification of mucormycotic hyphae in infected tissues. Chronic debilitating conditions accompanied by acidosis such as diabetes mellitus, as well as leukemia, lymphoma, and immunodeficient states, predispose to the development of this type of opportunistic infection. This report describes a hitherto undescribed finding, the presence of structures consistent with sporangia in tissue sections, in a case of pulmonary mucormycosis occurring in a nondiabetic patient with metabolic acidosis secondary to chronic salicylate poisoning.
Design of bandpass filters based on multi-layer stripline resonators

A multi-layer coupled stripline resonator structure and high-k material were introduced to realize miniature bandpass filters.Resonant frequency of the resonator was calculated by using Sonnet software.Coupling coefficients of the resonaters were calculated by using Sonnet and HFSS.Also HFSS was used to tune the structure for optimization.The design process is easy to carry through,and the filters designed via this method have simple structures for production.We designed and fabricated a L-band five stage LTCC bandpass filter with very steep pass band edges and a miniaturized structure.This result verifys the efficience of the method.
The Fifth Anniversary of "Post-Quota Era":Thinking on the New Pattern of World Textiles and Clothing Trade and Trade Policy

This paper comprehensively evaluates the overall patterns of world textiles and clothing(TC) trade since the elimination of the global quota system in 2005 as well as the impacts of related trade policies from an institutional perspective at the macro level.Four emerging trends of the world TC trade in the past five-year "post-quota era" are identified in this paper,which includes the non-dominant position of Chinese TC products in the world market despite of their growing competitiveness,the consolidation of sourcing channels by buyers and importers in developed countries,the increasing dependence on textile-manufacturing capacity for apparel exporting countries as well as the waning yet still strong regional TC trade pattern.This paper further argues that the emergence of "China plus one" sourcing strategy and the "accidental" negative impacts of several major TC trade policies on developing countries with competitive disadvantages will play significant roles in shaping the future of the world TC trade.Findings and conclusions of this study are of great value as references for government agencies and firms in the business to capture the big landscape of today's world TC trade.
Research and Design of Communications System on Fiber Channel

This paper presents a communication system design proposal based on the fiber channel on embedded platform and elaborates its architecture and implementation.The fiber channel technology is a kind of high speed data transmission technology.This paper introduces the fiber channel technical background,analyzes FCP protocol layer based on the fiber channel,and design the high speed communication protocol according to current data transmission demand on embedded system.Based upon this,the design and implementation of this software system modules,especially its main module,is introduced,as well as their relations.
A Framework for Evaluating Software Environments that Support Design Reuse

A practical software reuse environment must provide user-friendly facilities for the creation, collection, storage, retrieval, modification , and representation of information for reuse purposes. To evaluate the capabilities and features of such a practical reuse environment, a "checklist." "benchmark," or a "framework" is needed for evaluation puqJoses. We introduce such a framework. This framework includes ten properties or features that we believe are essential for any design-reuse environment. We use the framework to assess the capabilities of three software reuse environments developed at major European and North American institutions. Further research ideas related to reusing other design components are also identified.
Can You Pass the Acid Test? Critical Review and Novel Therapeutic Perspectives of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid A

Abstract Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A) is the acidic precursor of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound found in Cannabis sativa. THCA-A is biosynthesized and accumulated in glandular trichomes present on flowers and leaves, where it serves protective functions and can represent up to 90% of the total THC contained in the plant. THCA-A slowly decarboxylates to form THC during storage and fermentation and can further degrade to cannabinol. Decarboxylation also occurs rapidly during baking of edibles, smoking, or vaporizing, the most common ways in which the general population consumes Cannabis. Contrary to THC, THCA-A does not elicit psychoactive effects in humans and, perhaps for this reason, its pharmacological value is often neglected. In fact, many studies use the term “THCA” to refer indistinctly to several acid derivatives of THC. Despite this perception, many in vitro studies seem to indicate that THCA-A interacts with a number of molecular targets and displays a ...
An interplay between the serotonin transporter (SERT) and 5-HT receptors controls stimulus-secretion coupling in sympathoadrenal chromaffin cells.

Adrenal chromaffin cells (ACCs), the neuroendocrine arm of the sympathetic nervous system, secrete catecholamines to mediate the physiological response to stress. Although ACCs do not synthesize 5-HT, they express the serotonin transporter (SERT). Genetic variations in SERT are linked to several CNS disorders but the role(s) of SERT/5-HT in ACCs has remained unclear. Adrenal glands from wild-type mice contained 5-HT at ≈ 750 fold lower abundance than adrenaline, and in SERT(-/-) mice this was reduced by ≈80% with no change in catecholamines. Carbon fibre amperometry showed that SERT modulated the ability of 5-HT1A receptors to inhibit exocytosis. 5-HT reduced the number of amperometric spikes (vesicular fusion events) evoked by KCl in SERT(-/-) cells and wild-type cells treated with escitalopram, a SERT antagonist. The 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 blocked the inhibition by 5-HT which was mimicked by the 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT but not the 5-HT1B agonist CP93129. There was no effect on voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, K(+) channels, or intracellular [Ca(2+)] handling, showing the 5-HT receptors recruit an atypical inhibitory mechanism. Spike charge and kinetics were not altered by 5-HT receptors but were reduced in SERT(-/-) cells compared to wild-type cells. Our data reveal a novel role for SERT and suggest that adrenal chromaffin cells might be a previously unrecognized hub for serotonergic control of the sympathetic stress response.
A novel circadian daylight metric for building design and evaluation

Abstract This paper extends the applicability of emerging frameworks for evaluating the non-visual effects of light through the development of a novel area-based daylighting metric addressing goals of human circadian stimulus and entrainment in buildings. Procedures using annual, climate-based daylight modeling of eye-level light exposures are developed to analyze and map indoor environments in regard to spatial and seasonal changes in the availability of a circadian-effective daylight stimulus. Because the biological effects of light exposure are not instantaneous, a novel approach is developed to assess the duration of an effective stimulus on a daily basis, as well as the frequency an effective stimulus is present over the course of a year. Results can be used to identify and visually examine building zones where long-term occupancy may lead to disruption of the circadian system in the absence of supplemental electrical lighting capable of effective circadian stimulus. The metric and visualization techniques are implemented in a parametric, simulation-based workflow utilizing publicly available software tools. The workflow can be used to assess and differentiate the performance of various daylighting strategies during the design phases of a project, or to examine existing spaces. The applicability of the workflow is demonstrated using two example models: a portable school classroom, and a generic open-plan commercial office floor plate.
T022 Shaping the temporal characteristics of transcranial magnetic stimulation

The pulse waveform of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) affects the degree to which various neuronal elements and populations are activated as well as the strength of neuromodulation resulting from repetitive TMS. Conventional TMS devices allow very limited pulse waveform adjustment; therefore we developed TMS devices with controllable pulse parameters (cTMS). So far cTMS has been used, by our and other groups, to study strength-duration curves in motor cortex and the associated neural membrane time constants; pulse-width dependence of motor input–output curves, cortical neuron recruitment, paired-pulse paradigms, and scalp sensation; and pulse-shape dependence of neuromodulatory effects. These studies show that changing the pulse width, shape, and/or direction may alter the neural elements that are preferentially activated in cortex, as evidenced by differences in motor evoked potential latencies and membrane time constants. These parameters also affect the changes of neural excitability resulting from 1 Hz and intermittent theta burst stimulation. For the 1 Hz protocol, the near rectangular cTMS pulses produced stronger inhibition than conventional sinusoidal pulses, with unidirectional cTMS pulses having the strongest effect. As well, cTMS has been used to optimize new repetitive paired-pulse stimulation protocols. cTMS was also used to show that the slope of motor input–output curves depends on pulse width via the same mechanism driving the strength-duration relationship of motor threshold. Finally, the pulse width affects the perceived scalp sensation of TMS, with briefer pulses feeling sharper and slightly more uncomfortable than longer pulses. In parallel with exploring the capabilities afforded by cTMS, we are developing a next generation ultraflexible TMS device called a modular pulse synthesizer (MPS) that would allow the generation of essentially any pulse shape and pulse sequence/train within the energy levels practical for TMS. The development and adoption of cTMS and MPS could enable expanded utilization of the temporal characteristics of TMS as a means of enhancing functional targeting, noninvasive biomarkers, neuromodulatory potency, and tolerability.
Improving investigation of wind turbine optimal site matching through the self-organizing maps

Abstract A wind turbine (WT) site optimization procedure was developed and applied on two different onshore and one offshore sites, supplied with tall met masts and belonging to exemplary wind climates. In addition to detecting the most suitable WT for each site, Kohonen's self-organizing maps (SOMs) were employed to improve investigation of those parameters mostly influencing site optimization. Three years (2013–2015) of 1-h vertical observations from local met masts and a database of 377 onshore and 23 offshore commercial WTs were used. As a result, maximizing capacity factor (CF) was confirmed as a good objective function, though not the best, which was minimizing levelized cost of energy (LCoE). In general, these two conditions do not necessarily match: variously setting WT parameters may either result in an LCoE reduction or CF increase, but both conditions do not occur concurrently. A key finding was that minimum LCoE cannot be achieved by indefinitely increasing the WT hub height, but rather through detection of an optimum value obtained as a unique solution of the optimization procedure. Furthermore, the capability of SOM to recognise the cluster structure of all parameters influencing WT site optimization shed further light on their mutual relationship, thus proving to be an ideal tool to address the non-convex nature of this issue.
Influence of Cholesterol on the Oxygen Permeability of Membranes: Insight from Atomistic Simulations.

Cholesterol is widely known to alter the physical properties and permeability of membranes. Several prior works have implicated cell membrane cholesterol as a barrier to tissue oxygenation, yet a good deal remains to be explained with regard to the mechanism and magnitude of the effect. We use molecular dynamics simulations to provide atomic-resolution insight into the influence of cholesterol on oxygen diffusion across and within the membrane. Our simulations show strong overall agreement with published experimental data, reproducing the shapes of experimental oximetry curves with high accuracy. We calculate the upper-limit transmembrane oxygen permeability of a 1-palmitoyl,2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine phospholipid bilayer to be 52 ± 2 cm/s, close to the permeability of a water layer of the same thickness. With addition of cholesterol, the permeability decreases somewhat, reaching 40 ± 2 cm/s at the near-saturating level of 62.5 mol % cholesterol and 10 ± 2 cm/s in a 100% cholesterol mimic of the experimentally observed noncrystalline cholesterol bilayer domain. These reductions in permeability can only be biologically consequential in contexts where the diffusional path of oxygen is not water dominated. In our simulations, cholesterol reduces the overall solubility of oxygen within the membrane but enhances the oxygen transport parameter (solubility-diffusion product) near the membrane center. Given relatively low barriers to passing from membrane to membrane, our findings support hydrophobic channeling within membranes as a means of cellular and tissue-level oxygen transport. In such a membrane-dominated diffusional scheme, the influence of cholesterol on oxygen permeability is large enough to warrant further attention.
The controlling role of sodium and carbonate on the atmospheric corrosion rate of aluminum

Aluminum and aluminum alloys are widely used in many outdoor applications due to their inherent corrosion resistance attributed to the formation of a protective oxide layer. While corrosion rates are generally considered low for aluminum in many atmospheric environments, understanding of the corrosion performance over time is necessary to predict the cost, safety, and esthetics of these materials. The vast majority of the knowledgebase of atmospheric aluminum corrosion is built on environment–response relationships; often based on statistical correlation of corrosion rate data with atmospheric environmental conditions. However, there is still a limited mechanistic understanding of corrosion processes associated with this linkage. This lack in knowledge prevents interpretation and limits the extrapolation of these statistical datasets for prediction purposes. Here, the mechanistic dependence of aluminum corrosion rate on salt loading is explored through complimentary experimental and theoretical analysis relating corrosion rate to electrolyte chemistry, volume and corrosion products. From these results a reaction pathway is proposed for the atmospheric corrosion of aluminum that accounts for the governing effects of CO2 and salt loading on corrosion rate. This reaction pathway provides a new perspective that highlights the importance of the formation and growth of dawsonite (NaAlCO3(OH)2), and the subsequent gettering of sodium from the electrolyte leading to the stifling of corrosion kinetics. This study highlights the importance of accounting for the dynamic physical and chemical state of the electrolyte during corrosion in process models and measurement techniques to better understand and predict atmospheric corrosion behavior. Corrosion of aluminium in a saline atmosphere hinges so much on carbon dioxide and sodium that it can become stifled after corrosion products build up. A team led by Eric Schindelholz at the Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico, USA, took time-resolved gravimetric measurements of commercial aluminium loaded with sodium chloride and characterized the corrosion product weight and volume with time. The aluminium corroded by forming sodium aluminium carbonate - dawsonite—which trapped the sodium on the surface, leading to the salt water drying. This caused a decrease and, in some cases, stifled corrosion at the aluminium surface. While dawsonite has usually been ignored in aluminium corrosion, research into lesser-known corrosion reaction pathways may help us better understand and predict atmospheric and environmental corrosion.
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy choices for patients with atrial fibrillation one year after coronary stenting or acute coronary syndrome.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Guidelines recommend a combined anticoagulant and antiplatelet approach for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary stenting (CS) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Finding the optimal balance of reducing ischemic risk and minimizing bleeding risk is challenging. Recent trials have evaluated a variety of regimens for up to one year for AF patients after CS/ACS. Little empiric evidence exists about the best antithrombotic strategy beyond one year.Areas covered: In this review two key areas are covered. First, a summary of the overall risk and benefits of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in patients with AF and CS or ACS is provided. Second, despite limited empiric evidence to guide therapeutic decisions for combined anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in patients with AF one year after CS/ACS we provide guidance for shared patient-physician decision making.Expert opinion: The evidence is limited. For all patients with AF and stable CAD (≥1 year after CS or ACS) t...
Development and Socialization through the Adult Life Course

The stability of society depends on the continual integration of new actors who are capable of maintaining, promoting, and modifying basic components of social life. The phenomenon of socialization is therefore critical to sociology. In this chapter, we consider varied definitions of socialization, how the concept is tied to fundamental sociological issues, and how its original conceptualizations provided a framework for later investigations. Specifically, we focus on socialization through the adult life course, with emphasis on heterogeneity and contingency in life experiences. To develop a theoretical and methodological perspective that is sensitive to temporality, we call attention to individuals' biographies and temporal orientations, as well as historical variability in the ways people adapt to new social roles and circumstances. While we touch on themes deriving from early work on childhood and adolescent socialization, our primary focus is on adult socialization, or that which occurs after the completion of general education, whether secondary school or college. Socialization is the process by which individuals acquire social competence by learning the norms, values, beliefs, attitudes, language characteristics, and roles appropriate to their social groups (for other definitions, see Bush & Simmons, 1981, p. 134; Gecas, 2000, p. 2855; George, 1993, p. 353). It is central to role theory, which examines the links between
Law and economics and the role of explanation: A comment of Guido Calabresi, The Future of Law and Economics

A central theme of Guido Calabresi’s The Future of Law and Economics is the way that economic analysis of law tends to reject as irrational whatever aspects of law or life do not fit its approach. Calabresi argues instead for a different approach he labels “law and economics,” which includes a greater willingness to modify economic analysis to allow it better to fit law and life. This Review Essay elaborates Calabresi’s argument, supplementing it with ideas from other sources, including Arthur Leff’s parallel response to economic analysis, “Some Realism about Nominalism,” and an earlier Calabresi article, “Supereditor or Translator.” Among the topics discussed are the role of historical/causal analysis, and the different sorts of explanation that we do expect, or should expect, from theories of law.
Notes on metabolic plasmid organization and expression.

The term metabolic plasmid, as opposed to resistance plasmid, refers to the encoding of multistep reaction sequences leading from noncellular structures to anaplerotic intermediates. The alternate term, degradative or catabolic plasmid, also denotes the control of these predominately energy coupled processes yielding principally the 2 to 4 carbon acids whose metabolism is chromosome encoded. The aromatic and terpene oxidative pathways, for example, each comprise more than a dozen reactions, several catalyzed by multiprotein enzyme systems. The genes are organized in 2 or more clusters under positive pleiotropic and secondary control. Figure 1 illustrates the phenotypes encoded by the “terpene” plasmid CAM, the “aromatic” ones NAH and SAL, and the “heterocyclic” NIC plasmid. For illustration we shall consider the state, structure, and control of CAM and of NAH /SAL. A related aromatic plasmid, TOL, will be considered by participants who have made the primary contributions.
Audio Key Finding Using Low-Dimensional Spaces.

This paper presents two models of audio key finding: a template based correlational model and a template based model that uses a low-dimensional tonal representation. The first model uses a confidence weighted correlation to find the most probable key. The second model is distance based and employs dimensionality reduction to the tonal representation before generating a key estimate. Experiments to determine the dependence of key finding accuracy on dimensionality are presented. Results show that low dimensional representations, compared to commonly used 12 dimensions, may be utilized for key finding without sacrificing accuracy. The first model’s independently verified performance enabled it to be used as a benchmark for evaluation of the second model. Key finding accuracies for both models are given together with detailed results of the second model’s performance as a function of the number of dimensions used.
From Representational Content to Basic Content

This chapter concerns the content generation operations, by which representational contents can be derived from other representational contents, and hence ultimately from basic contents. As well as these semantic dependencies, we will briefly note some allied dependencies in realization, and relevant truth-dependencies.