cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma Science and Technology in the Limit of the Small: Microcavity Plasmas and Emerging Applications

Over approximately the past decade, a subfield of plasma science has arisen that is redefining frontiers in the physics of low temperature plasma and its applications. Concerned with the confinement of weakly ionized, nonequilibrium plasma to cavities having mesoscopic dimensions, the emerging area of microcavity plasmas has advanced rapidly in surpassing several milestones, primarily with respect to electron density and cavity geometries, and is establishing new avenues of research. To date, peak electron densities above 1017 cm-3, cavity dimensions as small as 3 μm , microchannel aspect ratios (length: width) of 103:1 , plasma packets propagating at velocities up to 20 km s-1 , and coupling between e--h+ and e--ion plasmas have all been observed, but every indication is that these results are only a foretaste of the future. This review describes several recent device geometries and provides a synopsis of the physics. Promising applications of this technology in chemical processing, lighting, water disinfection, and medicine are also discussed briefly.
Gender and Form of Cereal Box Characters: Different Medium, Same Disparity

We investigated the extent to which male characters outnumber female characters on cereal boxes, and the extent to which male and female characters are portrayed in gender stereotypical ways. Cereal boxes (N = 217) from a large grocery store in the northeastern United States were examined. Characters on the front and back of the boxes were coded for gender, species (person, animal, object), age (child/adolescent, adult), and activity level (passive/sedentary, active). Male characters outnumbered female characters by more than 2 to 1. Female characters were more likely than male characters to be depicted as people and as children/adolescents, whereas male characters were more likely than female characters to be portrayed as animals and as adults. Suggestions for further research are discussed.
Betting the farm on high food prices: A consumer based approach to agriculture protection

Abstract Our question is quite simple: If agriculture protectionism is a product of economic development, why is agriculture protected at such varying degrees by otherwise similarly developed countries? Previous attempts to fit agriculture into general models of trade policy formation have relied exclusively on producer demand for protection and merely assume the associated demand for lower prices that might come from consumers . Not surprisingly, these previous studies add only minimally to this strange phenomenon. Our method turns this approach on its head by modeling the political strategy of agriculture protection on the costs incurred by the consumer. Taking both producers and consumers into account more accurately reflects the intent of extant theoretical models of protectionism. Our results show that using the consumer as the dependent variable provides more robust results on common independent variables. Recent global events show that consumer disapproval of agriculture policies should not be underestimated by political scientists or politicians.
Numerical Study of Confined Laminar CH4/Air Diffusion Flames Established in an Inverted Burner

Several experimental studies have demonstrated that confined laminar diffusion flames established in an inverted burner are very stable and emit soot when the global equivalence ratio exceeds a critical value. An inverted diffusion flame can be used as a stable source of soot particles for development and intercomparison of various particle sizing techniques. Unlike normal coflow diffusion flames fired upward, inverted diffusion flames fired downward experience a negative gravity, the resultant flow fields are very different, and the residence time is significantly prolonged. The different flow fields in normal and inverted diffusion flames mean that the flame structure and soot formation characteristics are significantly different. This study makes a first attempt to numerically investigate the flame properties and soot formation in confined laminar coflow CH4/air diffusion flames established in an inverted axisymmetric burner at atmospheric pressure. A fairly detailed reaction mechanism, GRI Mech 3.0, w...
Dissolution kinetics of the barium sulfate (001) surface by hydrothermal atomic force microscopy

Dissolution of the BaSO4(001) surface was studied for the first time by hydrothermal atomic force microscopy. Step velocities and pit nucleation rates as a function of temperature along with observations of surface morphology led to the conclusion that the dissolution process is most accurately described by a two-dimensional birth-and-spread model.
Ion chemistry of fluoroethylene parent ions thermal energy reactions in mixtures of fluoroethylenes

Abstract The total rate constant for parent ion loss has been measured in all possible mixtures of fluoroethylene molecules. These include C 2 H 4 , C 2 H 3 F, CH 2 CF 2 , cis-CHFCHF, trans-CHFCHF, CHF 3 , and C 2 F 4 . These total ion loss rate constants were separated into their charge exchange and condensation components. The condensation products are principally C 2 (H, F) 4 + ions resulting from methylene switching reactions or C 3 (H, F) 5 + ions resulting from C(H, F) 3 elimination. All condensation products result from highly specific mechanisms. Discussions of the details of possible mechanisms are given. Isotopic labelling studies utilising C 2 D 4 , cis- and trans-CDFCDF and CDF 3 are also investigated and mechanistic conclusions presented. Ion cyclotron resonance spectroscopy is utilised.
Lesions of the jaws

Jaw lesions are relatively common findings on imaging studies of the lower face. The intent of this article is topresent an approach to the diagnosis of lesions involving the maxilla and mandible based on their radiographic appearance and location. The radiographic and computed tomographic appearances of a number of lesions occurring in the maxilla and mandible are presented.
Cytogenetic analysis of murine cell lines from diethylstilbestrol-induced uterine endometrial adenocarcinomas.

Abstract Treatment of female CD-1 mice with the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) on days 1 through 5 after birth results in a 90% incidence of endometrial adenocarcinomas by 18 months of age. Three cell lines were established from DES-induced uterine carcinomas and studied for specific chromosomal changes. Each cell line exhibited numerical decreases in chromosomes 9, 11, 13, and X as common abnormalities. Structural alterations involving chromosomes 3, 6, 11, and 19 occurred nonrandomly among the three cell lines. Every cell line showed a rearrangement in the long arm of chromosome 3 (3q+), a translocation between chromosomes 3 and 19 [t(3;19)], isochromosome of chromosome 11 [i(11)], and a marker chromosome (M2) either as common abnormalities or recurrent abnormalities. t(3;19), i(11), and M2 were observed also in the primary colonies from which the cell lines arose. The changes were not observed in a cell line derived from the uterus of one untreated control mouse, suggesting that these chromosomal alterations may have occurred during DES-induced neoplastic transformation. The chromosomal alterations found in the present study may prove useful in investigating the genetic changes involved in DES carcinogenesis.
Molecular cloning and mapping of rat cytomegalovirus DNA

Abstract The DNA of a rat cytomegalovirus (RCMV) isolate from England is cleaved by Hind III into 25 fragments, 20 of which have been cloned into recombinant plasmids. Twenty-two of thirty Kpn I fragments were similarly cloned which, together with the Hind III clones, resulted in cloning of 93% of the viral genome. Terminal fragments were identified and restriction site maps were constructed of the viral genome for Hind III, Kpn I, and Hpa I. The lack of cross-hybridization among fragments derived with each restriction enzyme and the finding of only two termini support the view that RCMV DNA consists of one long unique sequence. The size of the genome of the English strain of RCMV is approximately 206 kbp, much smaller than that of the previously reported “Dutch” strain.
Inhibition of binding of anti-CD3 antibodies to paternal lymphocytes correlates with failure of immunotherapy for treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortions.

Abstract A two color flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM) was used to evaluate the induction of anti-lymphocyte antibodies in 34 women undergoing immunotherapy for recurrent spontaneous abortions. All women had anti-lymphocyte antibodies that reacted with T-cells when analyzed by FCXM. However, inhibition of the binding of anti-CD3 to paternal CD3 lymphocytes in the presence of maternal anti-paternal lymphocyte antiserum was found for some couples following lymphocyte immunotherapy for spontaneous recurrent abortions. Ten couples who had another spontaneous abortion following immunotherapy showed inhibition. In contrast, eight couples who did not show inhibition of the binding of anti-CD3 T lymphocytes to paternal lymphocytes by maternal anti-lymphocyte antiserum had live births. Women of the remaining 16 couples were either pregnant and awaiting birth or not pregnant. Thus, by FCXM it may be possible to predict those couples who will have successful pregnancies following this treatment.
Cascaded silicon micro-ring modulators for WDM optical interconnection.

We experimentally demonstrate cascaded silicon micro-ring modulators as the key components of a WDM interconnection system. We show clean eye-diagrams when each of the four micro-ring modulators is modulated at 4 Gbit/s. We show that optical inter-channel crosstalk is negligible with a channel spacing of 1.3 nm.
Price Clustering in the U.S. Dollar/Taiwan Dollar Swap Market

Price clustering in financial markets is pervasive. Using transaction-level data from the world's largest financial market, this study is the first to examine price clustering behavior in the foreign exchange swap market. In addition to existing hypotheses, we investigate new determinants of price clustering including the expected return, contract liquidity, and trader's identity. The results support both negotiation and price resolution hypotheses. We find a positive effect from the level of expected return on price clustering. Markets with greater liquidity experience reduced clustering. Transactions involving domestic banks have less clustering suggesting an information advantage over foreign banks.
Genetic mechanisms of floral trait correlations in a natural population.

Genetic correlations among traits are important in evolution, as they can constrain evolutionary change or reflect past selection for combinations of traits1,2. Constraints and integration depend on whether the correlations are caused by pleiotropy or linkage disequilibrium3, but these genetic mechanisms underlying correlations remain largely unknown in natural populations4. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping studies do not adequately address the mechanisms of within-population genetic correlations because they rely on crosses between distinct species, inbred lines or selected lines (see ref. 5), and they cannot distinguish moderate linkage disequilibrium from pleiotropy because they commonly rely on only one or two episodes of recombination6. Here I report that after nine generations of enforced random mating (nine episodes of recombination), correlations between six floral traits in wild radish plants are unchanged, showing that pleiotropy generates the correlations. There is no evidence for linkage disequilibrium despite previous correlational selection acting on one functionally integrated pair of traits7. This study provides direct evidence of the genetic mechanisms underlying correlations between quantitative traits in a natural population and suggests that there may be constraints on the independent evolution of pairs of highly correlated traits.
Acylcarnitines in intermediary metabolism

From the time of its discovery in 1905 until the first description of its deficiency in 1973, the role of carnitine in intermediary metabolism was decidedly vague. Identification of carnitine acyl transferases and their products, acylcarnitines, have paved the way to the confirmation of the importance of carnitine in the transfer of fatty acid CoAs into the mitochondrion for β-oxidation and energy production. The elucidation of defects in fatty acid oxidation together with the concept of carnitine therapy in certain organoacidaemias have given a new meaning to the term acylcarnitine. Not only are these compounds of diagnostic importance, their formation may be part of a secondary carnitine depletion which may be brought about as a result of various medications. Recent evidence suggests that long-chain acylcarnitines are responsible for cardiac arrhythmias and other effects, both good and bad, will certainly be found. This review will attempt to highlight the importance of acylcarnitines, from their production, the difficulties in analysis, the diagnostic possibilities and their positive and negative effects on intermediary metabolism.
Ultra-trace determination of iodine in sediments and biological material using UV photochemical generation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract Several sample preparation techniques have been evaluated for the determination of iodine using UV-photochemical generation-quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Thermal decomposition of samples at 1000 °C followed by capture of the liberated iodine in dilute acetic acid permitted subsequent UV-photochemical generation of a volatile iodine species that serves to enhance sensitivity 25-fold over conventional solution nebulization, delivering reagent blank detection limits of 8.75 pg g–1 127I and 0.075 pg g–1 129I for solid samples (400 mg test mass). The methodology was validated through determination of total iodine in several Standard Reference Materials, including NIST 1572 Citrus leaves, NIST 1549 Non-fat milk powder, NIST 1566a Oyster tissue and NIST 2709 San Joaquin Soil. Liberation of iodine from samples and its collection as well as photochemical generation were quantitative, permitting calibration to be achieved using standards prepared in dilute acetic acid.
Aqueous synthesis of finely divided pyrite particles

Abstract Pyrite (FeS2) was synthesized by aqueous precipitation from the reaction between FeCl3 and NaHS at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The solid product was purified by means of solvent extraction for elemental sulfur removal. The synthetic pyrite particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface area determination (BET), zeta potential measurements, and chemical analysis. The purified solid analyzed 99.46% FeS2 with an average particle size of 1.5 μm and a standard deviation of 0.3, a specific surface area of 4.1 m2 g−1, and the isoelectric point (iep) at pH 2.3.
Sensitivity analysis for predictor variables in the MSAE regression

The minimum sum of absolute errors MSAE regression is more resistant to outliers, than the least squares regression, in the values of the response variable and long-tailed error distributions. Because all observations are used to compute the least squares estimates of the parameters of the model, a small change in the value of the response or the predictor variable will effect the estimates. The MSAE estimates of the unknown parameters are completely determined by a subset of observations; therefore, small changes in some of the values of the response or a predictor variable may not affect the MSAE estimates.The basic idea behind influence analysis is that a regression solution should be stable, that is, small changes in the data should not produce large changes in the results. This is Tukey's property of resistance. At times deleting an observation is one way of introducing small changes in the data. However, this may not be a good way to judge the influence of an observation for the MSAE regression.In this paper, we develop a procedure to find an interval on each value of the predictor variable (leaving all other values undisturbed) that leaves the fitted MSAE regression model unchanged. These intervals show the extent of admissible changes in the values of predictor variables to which the fitted MSAE is resistant. This property may be called complete (or absolute) resistance.
What is the optimal rate of failed extubation

Failed extubation (FE), defined as reintubation 48 or 72 hours after planned extubation, occurs in a significant percentage of patients and is associated with a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality. This commentary reviews the literature describing FE rates and the clinical consequences of FE and proposes an 'optimal' rate of FE as well as avenues for future research.
BLOOD VOLUME CHANGES IN THE LACTATING RAT

Plasma volume (dye method), hematocrit value, and hemoglobin and plasma protein concentrations were measured in normal female rats at two stages of lactation and two weeks post-lactation, and from these data total blood and crythrocyte volumes and total hemoglobin were calculated. In the lactating rats, the total blood, erythrocyte and plasma volumes and total hemoglobin increased significantly above control values in non-pregnant rats, and returned to the pre-pregnancy levels in the post-lactation period. Plasma specific gravity decreased significantly during lactation, and there was a loss of plasma proteins i n the second half of this period. Hematocrit values and hemoglobin concentrations did not rise above the control values. There was no correlation between maternal blood picture and litter size, but there was a high inverse correlation between litter size and the body weight of the offspring at the end of lactation. It is suggested that the increase in the volume of circulating erythrocytes constit...
44.1: Volumetric Display using Scanned Fiber Array

In a new approach to 3-D display, a novel beveled array of singlemode optical fibers, placed at an angle in front of a lens, generates a multifocal superimposed bundle of beams. When scanned biaxially, each beam generates a plane at a different optical viewing distance, forming a multilayer volumetric display.
Iron and protein sufficiency and red cell indices in phenylketonuria.

Objective and Methods: We reviewed records of 41 children with treated phenylketonuria (PKU) in order to evaluate hematopoiesis and the effect of iron and protein sufficiency.Results: Six children (15%) were found to have anemia. Combined depletion of iron and protein stores was most likely to result in anemia, and two of the three children with this finding were anemic. Four children (10%) had evidence of iron deficiency without anemia (a precursor stage of iron deficiency anemia). Clinically significant iron depletion was found in older as well as younger children (well beyond the traditional infant/toddler deficient years). Plasma albumin was normal in all children and was not adequately sensitive to detect protein depletion sufficient to cause anemia or decreased growth. However, low plasma prealbumin (a more sensitive marker of protein sufficiency) correlated significantly with altered hematopoiesis or poor growth.Conclusion: Compared to non-affected individuals, children with treated PKU make fewer ...
Surfactant protein B deficiency: radiographic manifestations

Surfactant is a complex structure primarily composed of phospholipids, but containing essential proteins as well. Congenital deficiency of Surfactant Protein-B (SPB) has recently been documented for the first time in two siblings. The pathologic findings in these infants was that of congenital pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and the radiographic manifestations were strikingly similar to hyaline membrane disease.
A comparison of K+ channel characteristics in human T cells: Perforated-patch versus whole-cell recording techniques

Standard whole-cell records using the patch-clamp technique are obtained after rupturing the cell membrane just below the patch pipette. Inherent problems, such as the disruption of cellular architecture and the displacement of cytosol, are unavoidable. In the present report, a whole-cell recording technique which makes use of a monovalent cation ionophore, nystatin, was applied to lymphocytes. Nystatin-perforated patches allow electrical access to the cell interior while virtually blocking the diffusion of cellular constituents into the electrode. By comparing standard whole-cell and perforated-patch techniques we observed marked differences in: activation, inactivation, and deactivation kinetics; steady-state inactivation; and the conductance-voltage relationship of K+ currents in activated human T cells.
Synthesis and photochemical redox reactivity of an unsymmetrically substituted MnMn Bond: mer, fac-Mn2(CO)6(PMe2CH2PMe2)2

Abstract The reaction of Mn2(CO)10 with the diphosphine bis(dimethylphosphino)methane, dmpm, gives a mixture of two isomers: mer, fac-Mn2(CO)6(dmpm)2, 1, and mer,mer-Mn2(CO)6(dmpm)2, 2. Complex 1 is the first example of a bis(dmpm) complex with a cis,trans arrangement of the dmpm ligands. Both 1 and 2 can be thermally oxidized by one-electron to give the relatively stable binuclear radial cations [mer,fac-Mn2(CO)6(dmpm)2]+, 3, and [mer,mer- Mn2(CO)6(dmpm)2]+ , 4, respectively. The EPR spectra of 3 and 4 in THF indicate localization of unpaired spin density on one of the two Mn metal centers. The EPR of 4 in CH2Cl2 indicates delocalization of unpaired spin density over both Mn metal centers. The unsymmetrical isomer, 1, is a strong one-electron photoreductant. The excited state redox potential of 1, E° (3/1*), has been approximated to be −1.35 ⩽E° (3/1*)⩽−1.87 V vs. SCE. Under the same experimental conditions the symmetrical isomer 2 exhibits no photochemical redox behavior.
Sensor for Measurement of Fuel Rod Gas Pressure during Loss-of-Fluid-Tests

Qualification tests have been conducted of a measurement system for determining the pressure of certain fuel rods in the loss-of-fluid-test (LOFT) reactor. Because of physical size (0.35-in. OD by 5.5-in. length) and operational characteristics, an eddy current device was selected as the most promising measurement transducer for the application. The sensor must operate at pressure up to 17.2 MPa (2500 psig) and at temperatures up to 800°F. During the reactor transient caused by loss of coolant flow, sensor temperature and applied pressure will vary rapidly and significantly. Consequently, qualification tests included subjection of the sensor to rapid depressurization, temperature transients, and blowdowns in an autoclave, as well as to calibrations and various slow temperature cycles. Calibration data show the sensor responds linearly for applied pressure, but with both temperature-dependent sensitivity and zero pressure output signal. Temperature compensation of signal output values was achieved with use of a derived temperature-dependent algorithm to transform the dc output voltage to indicate pressure. Because of the very rapid (up to 100°F/s) temperature changes imposed, the sensor erroneously indicated pressure by a maximum of 18% of reading during some transient tests. In addition to the influence of magnitude and rate of temperature change on the observed pressure measurement error, a very significant factor pertains to the spatial distribution of the temperature field immediately adjacent to the sensor envelope. As proven during 700 hours of qualification tests, precision and stability of the sensor should be satisfactory for LOFT.
Effect of Ionic Strength on Chemical Stability of Potassium Penicillin G

Ionic strength up to 0.5 does not affect the chemical stability of potassium penicillin G unless one of the ions contributing to the ionic strength is also catalytic. Thus, ionic strength adjusted with NaCl had no effect on the chemical stability of 0.01 M potassium penicillin G solutions in 0.06 M citrate buffer at pH 7.0 where the major buffer species was the noncatalytic citrate ion. However, in penicillin solutions buffered with 0.06 M citrate buffer, the ionic strength had a direct effect at pH 6.5 or lower. The magnitude of the ionic strength effect was inversely related to pH. The monohydrogen citrate and dihydrogen citrate ions were found to be catalytic. At 45°, the catalytic rate constants were 0.272 and 1.92 l. mole−1 hr.−1, respectively. At pH's where either of these catalytic species was present, an increase in the ionic strength by the addition of NaCl caused an increased rate of degradation.
Type I error rates for James's second-order test and Wilcox's Hm test under heteroscedasticity and non-normality

Actual Type I error rates (τ) for James's second-order test and Wilcox's Hm test on means were estimated for various conditions in which variances were either homoscedastic or heteroscedastic and distributions were either normal or non-normal. Actual Type I error rates for both James's second-order and Wilcox's Hm tests were affected by non-normality. However, the two tests tended to have τ near the nominal Type I error rate (α) when applied to data sampled from symmetric non-normal distributions. When applied to data sampled from asymmetric distributions, larger values of τ-α occurred and τ-α tended to increase as the degree of asymmetry increased.
Nonrelativistic limit of the Dirac-Schwarzschild Hamiltonian: Gravitational Zitterbewegung and gravitational spin-orbit coupling

We investigate the nonrelativistic limit of the gravitationally coupled Dirac equation via a Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation. The relativistic correction terms have immediate and obvious physical interpretations in terms of a gravitational Zitterbewegung and a gravitational spin-orbit coupling. We find no direct coupling of the spin vector to the gravitational force, which would otherwise violate parity. The particle-antiparticle symmetry described recently by one of us [Jentschura, Phys. Rev. A 87, 032101 (2013)] is verified on the level of the perturbative corrections accessed by the Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation. The gravitational corrections to the electromagnetic transition current are calculated.
Novel layer-by-layer silica nanoparticles as an adorbent bed for micro-fabricated preconcentrators

This paper reports the application of SiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) as an adsorbent bed for capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a micropreconcentrator (μPC) chip for the first time. The adsorbent coating is deposited inside and on the sidewalls of the microfabricated 3D square structures using layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique. The device consists of 12mm×9mm×0.5mm chip with square pillars having 50μm side length, embedded inside an 8mm×8mm×0.24mm cavity. The LbL technique provides excellent control over the adsorbent thickness with low cost and batch fabrication ability. The deposited SiO 2 NPs offer high porosity and surface area, essential for trapping VOCs. Moreover, the high temperature sustainability (800°C) proves to be vital for excellent silicon-glass anodic bonding process. In our test, μPC chip with SiO 2 NPs adsorbent bed totally adsorbs xylene compound and generate a sharp desorption peak during thermal desorption process. In addition, it also shows the ability to adsorb a mixture of three compounds, which have been successfully separated and detected after desorption.
Three Endorsements and a Question Commentary on the Wallachs' Paper

As Lise and Michael Wallach (2001) demonstrate, much social psychological research is gratuitous because, so often, experiments in that discipline merely confirm a set of unfalsifiable presuppositions. In spite of that major flaw, however, social psychological research may make important contributions, by revealing the effectiveness of manipulations that may be either stronger or weaker than common sense suggests, by helping us understand real-life phenomena, and by showing how desired ends may be achieved by practical means. My only quibble with the paper concerns the Wallachs' ideas about the status and functioning of psychological concepts. If they assume, as they sometimes seem to, that concepts are identities with independent existence apart from observation, I take exception. Social psychological phenomena should be treated as expressions of more general principles of a very general psychology that begins with empirical evidence.
Cardiac symptoms and anxiety disorders: Contributing factors and pharmacologic treatment☆

Abstract Anxiety may have deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system in persons who have, or are predisposed to have, cardiovascular disease. Contributing factors consist of the type of anxiety, constitutional characteristics and personality traits. The treatment of anxiety thus has a beneficial effect on patients with cardiovascular disease. However, anxiety reduction through medication, even if it includes subjective improvement in somatic symptoms, should not necessarily be equated with beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Three groups of medication used in the treatment of anxiety have different effects. Antidepressants lower psychic anxiety but may have the opposite effect on the cardiovascular system, whereas β-adrenergic blockers lower sympathetic tone without affecting psychic anxiety. Only benzodiazepines fulfill both functions. Since subjective reports of somatic, including cardiovascular, changes correlate poorly with physiologic changes, assessment of new medications should not rely on self-reported improvement in cardiac symptoms but should include objective measures as well.
A lower bound on stability in phase-locked loops

A model of a phase-locked loop has been developed which is valid for all signal-to-noise ratios. The model is in the form of a nonlinear feedback system with randomly time-varying parameters. In low signal-to-noise ratio regions, the important consideration is stability. We want to study the stability in the mean of a nonlinear system. It follows directly that a necessary condition for stability of any nonlinear system is that a linearized model about some equilibrium point be stable. By considering all possible equilibrium points, we can find an upper bound on the value of noise density which makes the system unstable. This upper bound represents an absolute threshold value for system operation. The approach provides a technique which will be useful in lower bounds on the stability of many nonlinear, time-varying systems. As a byproduct of our stability analysis we obtain an expression for the mean-square error which is accurate for moderate signal-to-noise ratios.
Community Resources for Learning: How Capuchin Monkeys Construct Technical Traditions

The developmental importance to humans of the human-constructed physical environment, including myriad modified natural objects or manufactured objects, is well recognized. The importance of the physical dimension of the constructed niche has also been recognized in nonhuman animals with respect to dwellings (e.g., beavers’ dams, birds’ nests, and bees’ hives), but has not previously been applied to technical traditions, despite the fact that enduring alterations of the physical environment left by social partners are part of the constructed niche that supports the learning of technical skills through the phenomenon of delayed social facilitation. These alterations aid learning over a longer time scale than the actions themselves. Thus, technical skills that result in enduring physical artifacts, which themselves aid learning the skills, should be both more persistent in a population and more widespread than technical skills that do not share this feature. This perspective gives us a new lens through which to understand the origins of technical traditions in nonhuman animals, and by extension, in human ancestors. Understanding the process by which traditional technical skills are acquired in nonhuman species gives us insight into the ways that the combination of social and physical niche construction can support the evolution of technical aspects of culture from modest beginnings.
Nanoflare heating in the quiet corona: evidence and problems

Abstract The content of coronal material in the quiet Sun is not constant, as soft X-ray (SXR) and high-temperature EUV line observations have shown. The observed temporal variations in SXR and EUV flux are interpreted as heating events showing many analogies to flares occurring in active regions. Compared to a large flare in an active region, the thermal energy input of a heating event in the quiet corona is 6 or more orders of magnitude smaller. Heating events in the quiet corona are therefore often called microflares or nanoflares. The total heating rate of nanoflares in the quiet corona has been investigated in several works by many different authors: Do nanoflares provide enough energy to heat the quiet corona? The results of the different studies are controversial. In this review, recent observational studies on nanoflare heating in the quiet corona and their different results are compared and discussed.
The origin of the genetic material in the abnormally long human hemoglobin α and β chains

Abstract The additional carboxy-terminal segement of the abnormal human Hemoglobin Constant Spring (Hb CS) α chain and positions 68–98 of the normal human α chain have nine identical residues; this was the maximum number revealed by computer search of 518 known protein sequences. Searches were also made with 31-residue segments having randomized sequences of an average composition. Because the probability is less than 1% that the similarity is due to chance alone, the results favor a common genetic origin for the Hb CS α chain additional segment and the region 68–98 of the normal α chain; it may also be true that the additional segment of Hemoglobin Tak β chain arose in a similar manner.
Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity of Structured Porous Media

Common approaches for modeling hydraulic functions of unsaturated structured porous media (SPM) rely on macroscopic continuum representation, where parameterization schemes and constitutive relationships originally developed for homogeneous porous media are extended to represent hydraulic behavior of dual (or multi) continuum SPM. Such models often result in inconsistencies due to lack of consideration of structural pore space geometry and the neglect of underlying physical processes governing liquid retention and flow under unsaturated conditions. We review a new framework that considers equilibrium liquid configurations in dual continuum pore space as the basis for calculation of liquid saturation and subsequent introduction of hydrodynamic considerations. The SPM pore space is represented by a bimodal distribution of pore sizes, reflecting two disparate populations of matrix and structural pores. Three steady-state and laminar flow regimes are considered to derive unsaturated hydraulic conductivity functions: (i) flow in completely filled pore spaces, (ii) corner flow in partially filled pores and grooves, and (iii) film flow on solid surfaces. Two key assumptions are used in deriving the average cross-sectional flow velocities in these regimes: (i) that equilibrium liquid–vapor interfaces remain stable under slow laminar flows and (ii) that flow pathways are parallel. Liquid–vapor interfacial configurations for different matric potentials are calculated and statistically upscaled to derive sample-scale saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity from velocity expressions weighted by the appropriate liquid-occupied cross-sectional areas, neglecting three-dimensional (3-D) network effects. Similarly, the hydraulic functions for matrix and structural pores are derived separately and later combined by weighting the individual contributions by the porosities of the associated pore spaces. A parameter estimation scheme was developed to calculate liquid saturation and to predict sample-scale unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Model evaluation using measured data for homogeneous porous media, fractured welded tuff, and macroporous and aggregated soils shows favorable agreement (within the limitations of model assumptions). Effects of nonequilibrium conditions between matrix and structural pore domains on the hydraulic conductivity and approximate consideration of 3-D network effects are discussed.
Perirectal Abscess Infections Related to MRSA: A Prevalent and Underrecognized Pathogen

Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is not a commonly recognized pathogen isolated from perirectal abscesses. Complex perirectal abscesses of MRSA origin may present a significant challenge to the physician and result in treatment failure. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of MRSA in our patient population with perirectal abscesses and whether antibiotics coverage, if given, was adequate. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of all adult patients who presented with a perirectal abscess. The bacteriology of the cultures taken from more than 100 patients during an 8-year period was examined. The prevalence of MRSA was specifically analyzed, and the sensitivities of the organisms isolated were then compared with any antibiotics prescribed to determine the adequacy of coverage. Results In all, 124 patients were treated for perirectal abscess during the 8-year period. Fifty-nine percent of patients were taken to the operating room for incision and drainage, 52% of the patients had cultures taken of the abscess, and 35% of patients were given antibiotics coupled with incision and drainage. The antibiotics offered adequate coverage when compared with the sensitivities of the organisms 73% of the time. The prevalence of MRSA in our patient population was 19%, and when this organism was cultured, the patient only received adequate coverage 33% of the time. Conclusion The presence of MRSA in perirectal abscesses is underrecognized. Recent data has shown that incision and drainage combined with antibiotics offers a superior outcome in soft tissue abscesses caused by this organism. If cultures are not routinely taken at the time of incision and drainage, the institutional incidents of MRSA will remain unknown. Physicians must recognize that MRSA is a potential organism present in perirectal abscesses when considering antimicrobial therapy for complex abscesses.
Extracranial repair of cerebrospinal fluid fistulas: technique and results in 37 patients.

Although neurosurgeons have traditionally preferred intracranial repair for the management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas, this approach is associated with the complications of a craniotomy, anosmia, and a high incidence of recurrent fistulas. Extracranial repair, on the other hand, produces
Ultrasonic hammer produces hot spots in solids

The initiation of explosions is thought to result from ‘hot spot’ generation at localized microstructures in energetic material, although experimental evidence has been limited. Here, the authors show controllable hot spot formation in solid composites using an ultrasonic hammer, introducing a new method of study.
A modular group and Riemann surfaces of genus 2

Let T(S) be the Teichmiiller space of Compact Riemann surfaces of genus 2 and let M(S) be the corresponding Teichmiiller modular group. In this paper, we determine a fundamental region R(S) for M(S) acting on T(S). R(S) is constructed as a subspace of T(S), as it is described in [8-10]. We make use of and extend the results in [12] to fully describe the action of M(S) on the parameters determining T(S). Our construction also depends strongly on a theorem of Bers [3]. In Section I, we recall some basic definitions, and determine our notation. In Section II, we describe the moduli space for a torus with a hole, the action of the corresponding modular group on this space, and determine a fundamental domain for this modular group. In Section III we describe the space T(S) and in Section IV we discuss the modular group and study its action on T(S). In Section V we state the theorem of Bers in preparation for the actual construction in Section V1. Finally, in Section VII we use the constructed fundamental domain to prove a conjecture of Bets in [2] for the case of Riemann surfaces of genus 2.
A Comparison of Sona and Spin-Filter Polarization Schemes for a Lamb-Shift Polarized Ion Source

Presently operating Lamb-shift polarized ion sources use either the Sona or the spin-filter polarization method. The University of Washington Lambshift source operated according to the Sona (diabatic field-reversal) method until late 1976. At that time we installed a spin-filter system and associated apparatus required to implement the rapid spin-reversal system of McKibben and Potter.1 This conversion was motivated by a desire to reduce systematic errors in analyzing-power measurements below the 10-4 level achieved with the Sona scheme. This is of importance in our continuing efforts to measure parity-violating effects in 19F and in other ongoing experiments. We report here a comparison of the performance of these two ion-source versions and construction costs of the spin-filter system. We also compare spin-correlated beam motion for the two systems. We find that the benefits associated with the spin-filter installation are well worth the cost.
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, Nocturnal Blood Pressure Monitoring, and Borderline Hypertension

Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a sleep-disordered breathing syndrome characterized by complaints of daytime fatigue and/or sleepiness, increased upper airway resistance during sleep, frequent transient arousals, and no significant hypoxemia. Of a population of 110 subjects (58 men) diagnosed as having UARS, we investigated acute systolic and diastolic BP changes seen during sleep in two different samples. First, six patients from the original subject pool were found to have untreated chronic borderline high BP, and were subjected to 48 h of continuous ambulatory BP monitoring before treatment and another 48 h of BP monitoring 1 month after the start of nasal-continuous positive airway pressure (N-CPAP) treatment. Five of six subjects used their equipment on a regular basis and had their chronic borderline high BP completely controlled. No change in BP values was seen in the last subject, who discontinued N-CPAP after 3 days. A second protocol investigated seven normotensive subjects drawn from the initial subject pool. Continuous radial artery BP recording was performed during nocturnal sleep with simultaneous polygraphic recording of sleep/wake variables and respiration. BP changes were studied during periods of increased respiratory efforts and at the time of alpha EEG arousals. Increases in systolic and diastolic BP were noted during the breaths with the greatest inspiratory efforts without significant hypoxemia. A further increase in BP was noted in association with arousals. Three of these subjects also underwent echocardiography during sleep, which demonstrated a leftward shift of the interventricular septum with pulsus paradoxus in association with peak end-inspiratory esophageal pressure more negative than -35 cm H2O. Our study indicates that, in the absence of classic apneas, hypopneas, and repetitive significant drops in oxygen saturation (below 90%), repetitive increases in BP can occur as a result of increased airway resistance during sleep. It also shows that, in some patients with both UARS and borderline high BP, high BP can be controlled with treatment of UARS. We conclude that abnormal upper airway resistance during sleep, often associated with snoring, can play a role in the development of hypertension.
A new intermediate in plant cell wall synthesis.

Abstract The synthesis of a soluble uridylic acid containing polysaccharide and of the insoluble pollen tube wall have been studied. The time course of incorporation of arabinose into the soluble and wall fractions and the disappearance of label from arabinose in the soluble fraction and its corresponding increase in the pollen tube wall in pulse-chase experiments, suggest that the soluble polysaccharide is a large precursor subunit of some component of the cell wall.
Geometry and design of involute spur gears with asymmetric teeth

This paper presents a method of research and design of gears with asymmetric teeth that enables to increase load capacity, reduce weight, size and vibration level. The method is illustrated with numerical examples.
A phase 1 trial of XK469: Toxicity profile of a selective topoisomerase IIβ inhibitor

Purpose: XK469, a member of the quinoxaline family of antitumor agents, is believed to be unique in its ability to selectively target topoisomerase IIβ. Based on encouraging pre-clinical data, a phase I trial was conducted to determine the dose limiting toxicity (DLT) and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Methods: A 2B accelerated titration schema was employed. XK469 was administered as a 5 or 20 min IV infusion on days 1–5 every 21 days. The starting dose was 9 mg/m2. Pharmacokinetics (PK) were conducted in cycles 1–3. Results: 22 patients (21 evaluable, mean age: 56 years, median performance status: 1) were enrolled. At dose level 11 (260 mg/m2/daily X 5), 1/6 patients experienced a DLT of grade 4 neutropenia. At 346 mg/m2/daily X 5, 2/2 patients experienced DLT's with one episode of febrile neutropenia and one grade 3 infection. The MTD was identified as 260 mg/m2/day. XK469 peak plasma levels and systemic exposure were proportional to dose indicating linear pharmacokinetics. However, secondary peaks in the PK profiles and a rapid decline in drug level from 23 to 24 h occurred in some patients. Drug infusion in the afternoon followed by dense sampling of levels during the elimination phase supported the hypothesis that the drug was being sequestered. No anti-tumor activity was identified. Conclusions: Traditional PK sampling designs were inadequate to describe XK469 disposition. XK469 and related structures work through a unique mechanism of action. A further understanding of the specific mechanism of these compounds might uncover a unique avenue for future drug development.
Tolerance to p53 by A2.1-restricted Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes

Elevated levels of the p53 protein occur in ∼50% of human malignancies, which makes it an excellent target for a broad-spectrum T cell immunotherapy of cancer. A major barrier to the design of p53-specific immunotherapeutics and vaccines, however, is the possibility that T cells may be tolerant of antigens derived from wild-type p53 due to its low level of expression in normal thymus and lymphohemopoetic cells. The combination of p53 deficient (p53−/−) and p53+/+ HLA-A2.1/Kb transgenic mice was used as a model to explore the possibility that A2.1restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are functionally tolerant of self peptides derived from the wild-type p53 tumor suppressor protein. A2.1-restricted CTL specific for a naturally processed p53 self-epitope spanning residues 187-197 were completely aborted in p53+/+ as opposed to p53−/− transgenic mice. In contrast, CTL specific for a second self-epitope spanning residues 261-269 of the murine p53 sequence were detected in both p53−/− and p53+/+ A2.1/Kb transgenic mice. However, the avidity of the CTL effectors obtained from p53+/+ mice was 10-fold lower than that obtained from p53−/− mice, again suggesting elimination of CTL with high avidity for the A2.1-peptide complex. The circumvention of functional tolerance of high avidity CTL may therefore be a necessary prerequisite for optimizing immunotherapy against A2.1-restricted wild-type p53 epitopes in humans.