cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Artifact-centered operational modeling: lessons from customer engagements

For almost a decade, the artifact-centered operational-modeling approach for modeling business operations, also referred to as the "business artifact method," has been practiced and refined. This approach has been used in a variety of engagements, and each engagement has brought forth innovations that have enriched and strengthened the approach. In this paper, we describe three of these engagements in order to illustrate the method and highlight some of the lessons learned. The main objective of this paper is to establish the value of operational modeling in business transformation and to incorporate the lessons we have learned into a more comprehensive account of the method. We also describe the model-driven business transformation toolkit, which adds a unique value proposition to the method-the rapid and effective transformation of operational models into implementations that are manageable and can be monitored.
Simulation of aerosol deposition in extrathoracic and laryngeal passages of the laboratory rat

Abstract Laboratory animals are used as human surrogates for inhalation exposures with toxicology and aerosol therapy applications. The data are then extrapolated to human conditions. However, before inhaled particles can enter the lung they must penetrate the upstream extrathoracic (ET) and laryngeal (L) airways. Only a paucity of data exist which quantitate factors affecting aerosol deposition in the ET and L regions of laboratory animals. We have examined data from the literature, sought commonality and analysed the findings from the perspective of deposition. Herein, we have accomplished the following tasks for the rat, the most commonly-used experimental animal. (1) For ultrafine aerosols ( in vivo during a complete breath. The formula is intended for toxicologists and pharmacologists to estimate ET and L doses during inhalation exposures. (3) By comparing in vitro and in vivo deposition data, we have demonstrated that ET and L casts are suitable simulators of animal airways for ultrafine ( μ m) inhaled particles but are not appropriate for large (> 1 μ m) particles. When this information is coupled with human data (Martonen and Zhang, 1992, J. Aerosol Sci. 23, 667–674) future animal experiments can be performed with extrapolation in mind for the improvement of risk assessment protocols and pharmaceutical regimens.
I. Was the South Sea Bubble a random walk

Abstract Though it is generally accepted that a random walk describes the pattern of successive price changes in the market, a review of research evidence suggests that this is by no means a universal fact. Rather than being a general description of market movement, a random walk appears adequate as a description of some markets and not of others, and during some periods of time but not others. In an attempt to understand some of the determinants of the degree of randomness, serial correlations and the runs test were calculated for daily price changes in the stock of the South Sea Company during 1715, a period of financial uneventfulness and during 1720, the period of speculative mania known as the South Sea Bubble. Market movement was distinctly non-random during 1720.
A numerical study of one-dimensional cellular automata

Abstract We have studied rules representative of different classes (according to Wolfram) of deterministic cellular automata (CA) in one dimension with next-near-neighbor interactions using numerical simulations. Cycle distributions, transient times for up to size 20 sites have been determined exactly. Based on simulations for larger lattices we conjecture that transient times increase exponentially with the size. Spatially averaged quantities are shown not to exhibit temporally chaotic behavior. Miscellaneous properties including block entropies and random-number generating capabilities are also discussed.
Organization and Leadership of the French Communist Party

In the general election of June 1951, the French Communist Party lost almost 10 per cent of the votes it had obtained in 1946 and, thanks to an electoral system that was designed to reduce its parliamentary representation, almost half of its deputies. These results should not be interpreted as a serious defeat for a party that still holds the allegiance of one-quarter of the French people. Its loss of votes, particularly among peasant and middle-class elements, did not affect its major strongholds in industrial areas and in some agricultural regions. Communism in France remains a major political force in a position to threaten both political stability and capacity for effective military defense. The presence of a strong Communist Party, and to a lesser extent of a Gaullist Party that is in part its by-product, prevents the coalition government from adopting a forceful and constructive policy and giving the French people a sense of effective leadership.
Laboratory and Simulation Investigation of Enhanced Coalbed Methane Recovery by Gas Injection

Methane/carbon dioxide/nitrogen flow and adsorption behavior within coal is investigated simultaneously from a laboratory and simulation perspective. The samples are from a coalbed in the Powder River Basin, WY. They are characterized by methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen sorption isotherms, as well as porosity and permeability measurements. This coal adsorbs almost three times as much carbon dioxide as methane and exhibits significant hysteresis among pure-component adsorption and desorption isotherms that are characterized as Langmuir-like. Displacement experiments were conducted with pure nitrogen, pure carbon dioxide, and various mixtures. Recovery factors are greater than 94% of the OGIP. Most interestingly, the coal exhibited ability to separate nitrogen from carbon dioxide due to the preferential strong adsorption of carbon dioxide. Injection of a mixture rich in carbon dioxide gives slower initial recovery, increases breakthrough time, and decreases the volume of gas needed to sweep out the coalbed. Injection gas rich in nitrogen leads to relatively fast recovery of methane, earlier breakthrough, and a significant fraction of nitrogen in the produced gas at short times. A one-dimensional, two-phase (gas and solid) model was employed to rationalize and explain the experimental data and trends. Reproduction of binary behavior is characterized as excellent, whereas the dynamics of ternary systems are predicted with less accuracy. For these coals, the most sensitive simulation input were the multicomponent adsorption–desorption isotherms, including scanning loops. Additionally, the coal exhibited a two-porosity matrix that was incorporated numerically.
Buckling Analysis of a Building Stud-Spacer Assembly and Simulation of Spacer Punching Process

A computational finite element analysis (FEA) model was created for buckling analysis of the stud-spacer assembly used in the construction of building walls, using a commercial software. The numerical simulation results show that the number of spacers used in the stud assembly, as well as the materials used for the spacers, have little effect on the buckling load of the stud as sembly. Consequently, a low-value material such as recyclable plastic waste can be used as the connecting spacer for the stud frame. The effect of the geometrical shape of the stud cross-section on the buckling was also analyzed. The proposed punching process for assembling the stud and spacers was simulated by the available capabili ties of the software.
Energy transmission in the cochlea

Die mechanische Energicubertragung in der Ohrschnecke wurde an Hand von Modellen nach vonBekesy untersucht. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit wurde den perilymphatischen Flussigkeitsbewegungen zugewandt, die die Auslenkung der Basilarmembran begleiten. Auser dem vonBekesy erstmalig beschriebenen “Wirbel”, der eine gleichgerichtete Bewegung darstellt, wurde eine wechselgerichtete Partikelbewegung festgestellt, die von der Antriebsfrequenz abhangig war. Esergabsich u. a. 1. das die Wanderwellen in der Ohrschnecke vom Typus der “Flachwasser”-Wellen sind; 2. das der “Wirbel” einen Teil der Wanderwellenbewegung darstellt; 3. das das wesentliche Element des “Wirbels” nicht seine gleichgerichtete Bewegung ist, sondern eine allmablich uber seine gesamte Bahn akkumulierende Verschiebung der Partikelphase von insgesamt −360°, d. h. einer vollen, Periode. Diese Phasenverschiebung ist Ursache eines Scheerungseffektes im Bereich des “Wirbels” und scheint a) die Entstehung stehender Wellen in der Ohreschnecke zu verhindern, und b) das Amplitudenmaximum der Membanauslenkung scharfer heraustreten zu lassen.
A seven-parameter spectral/hp finite element formulation for isotropic, laminated composite and functionally graded shell structures

Abstract In this paper we apply high-polynomial order spectral/ hp basis functions in the numerical implementation of a novel 7-parameter continuum shell finite element formulation using general quadrilateral finite elements. The implementation is applicable to the analysis of isotropic, functionally graded and laminated composite shells undergoing fully geometrically nonlinear mechanical response. The shell finite element formulation is constructed in a purely displacement-based setting such that no mixed variational procedures are employed and full numerical integration of all quantities appearing in the virtual work statement is performed using high-order Gauss–Legendre quadrature rules. An efficient procedure for numerically integrating the discrete weak formulation through the shell thickness is implemented; hence no thin- or shallow-shell type restrictions are imposed on the element. For the case of laminated composites, we introduce a discrete tangent vector field, defined on the approximate shell mid-surface, that permits the use of skewed and/or arbitrarily curved elements in the numerical simulation of complex shell structures. To reduce computer memory requirements in the numerical implementation we adopt element-level static condensation, wherein, the interior degrees of freedom of each element are implicitly eliminated prior to assembly of the global sparse finite element coefficient matrix; an approach that results in storage requirements that are on par with traditional low-order finite element implementations. The accuracy and overall robustness of the developed shell element are illustrated through the solution of several nontrivial benchmark problems taken from the literature. These numerical studies provide evidence that the proposed shell element may be used to obtain accurate locking-free results and that large load increments can be employed (in the numerical simulation of shell structures undergoing very large deformations).
Optical Network Technologies for Datacenter Networks

We review the optical communication technologies required to support data center operations and warehouse-scale computing.
1225 PKU AND MILD HYPERPHENYLALANINEMIA (MHP) IN SIBLINGS: BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND MOLECULAR RFLP ANALYSIS OF THE PHENYLALANINE HYDROXYLASE (PAH) GENE

1225 PKU AND MILD HYPERPHENYLALANINEMIA (MHP) IN SIBLINGS: BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND MOLECULAR RFLP ANALYSIS OF THE PHENYLALANINE HYDROXYLASE (PAH) GENE
Hyperglycemia and Downregulation of Caveolin-1 Enhance Neuregulin-Induced Demyelination

Neuregulins (NRGs) are growth factors which bind to Erb receptor tyrosine kinases that localize to Schwann cells (SCs). Although NRGs can promote cell survival, mitogenesis, and myelination in undifferentiated SCs, they also induce demyelination of myelinated co-cultures of SCs and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. We have shown previously that Erb B2 activity increased in premyelinating SCs in response to hyperglycemia, and that this correlated with the downregulation of the protein caveolin-1 (Cav-1). As myelinated SCs undergo substantial degeneration in diabetic neuropathy, we used myelinated SC/DRG neuron co-cultures to determine if hyperglycemia and changes in Cav-1 expression could enhance NRG-induced demyelination. In basal glucose, NRG1 caused a 2.4-fold increase in the number of damaged myelin segments. This damage reached 3.8-fold under hyperglycemic conditions, and was also associated with a robust decrease in the expression of Cav-1 and compact myelin proteins. The loss of Cav-1 and compact myelin proteins following hyperglycemia and NRG treatment was not due to neuronal loss, since the axons remained intact and there was no loss of PGP 9.5, an axonal marker protein. To examine if changes in Cav-1 were sufficient to alter the extent of NRG-induced demyelination, SC/DRG neurons co-cultures were infected with antisense or dominant-negative Cav-1(P132L) adenoviruses. Either antisense-mediated downregulation or mis-localization of endogenous Cav-1 by Cav-1(P132L) resulted in a 1.5- to 2.4-fold increase in NRG-induced degeneration compared to that present in control cultures. These data support that hyperglycemia and changes in Cav-1 are sufficient to sensitize myelinated SC/DRG co-cultures to NRG-induced demyelination.
LETHAL TOXICITY AND DOSE-RELATED AZOTEMIA DUE TO AMPHOTERICIN B IN DOGS.

SummaryAmphotericin B (as Fungizone®, solubilized with sodium desoxycholate and phosphate buffers) was administered intravenously on a long-term basis to 12 dogs. Progressive uremia was observed in all animals which was roughly proportional to the dose of amphotericin B in the daily and every other day dosage schedules used. All but 2 of 10 dogs which were given doses of 0.5 mg/kg or greater, daily or every other day, died of toxicity. Dogs receiving lower doses showed azotemia and debilitation which necessitated sacrifice.
Birth control literature and the medical profession in nineteenth century America.

The American medical professions contribution to 19th-century literature on birth control both popular and medical is greater than previously realized. This flow of medical writing continued from 1831 to the end of the century. Passage of the Comstock Law in 1873 affected publication of such writing in the popular but not the technical and medical journals. Some of the most important of these writings are summarized. They discussed various then-available methods of birth control and reasons for practicing them. Some of the writers were careful to distinguish between methods they deemed safe and those judged unsafe.
Photosynthetic characteristics of Amaranthus tricolor, a C4 tropical leafy vegetable.

The gas exchange characteristics are reported for Amaranthus tricolor, a C4 vegetable amaranth of southeastern Asia. Maximum photosynthetic capacity was 48.3±1.0 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1 and the temperature optimum was 35°C. The calculated intercellular CO2 concentration at this leaf temperature and an incident photon flux (400–700 mm) of 2 mmol m-2 s-1 averaged 208±14 μl l-1, abnormally high for a C4 species. The photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, and leaf conductance all decreased with an increase in water vapor pressure deficit. However, the decrease in leaf conductance which resulted in a decrease in intercellular CO2 concentration accounted for only one fourth of the observed decrease in photosynthetic rate as water vapor pressure deficit was increased. Subsequent measurements indicated that the dependence of net photosynthesis on intercellular CO2 concentration changed with water vapor pressure deficit.
Interaction of Hydrocortisone with Model Membranes Containing Phospholipid and Cholesterol

Abstract Pure and mixed monolayers of lecithin and cholesterol were spread on substrates of dissolved hydrocortisone at 25 and 37°. The presence of hydrocortisone increased the surface pressure of dipalmitoyl and egg lecithin films that were in head contact. The increase in surface pressure was dependent on steroid concentration. There were no significant interactions with coherent cholesterol monolayers. Penetration of hydrocortisone was decreased by the addition of cholesterol to the monolayer system. These model membrane systems indicate that hydrocortisone interacts with the hydrated polar head group of the phospholipid and not with films whose molecules are in hydrocarbon tail contact.
The Non-Conceptuality of the Content of Intuitions: A New Approach

There has been considerable recent debate about whether Kant's account of intuitions implies that their content is conceptual. This debate, however, has failed to make significant progress because of the absence of discussion, let alone consensus, as to the meaning of ‘content’ in this context. Here I try to move things forward by focusing on the kind of content associated with Frege's notion of ‘sense (Sinn)’, understood as a mode of presentation of some object or property. I argue, first, that Kant takes intuitions to have a content in this sense, and, secondly, that Kant clearly takes the content of intuitions, so understood, to be distinct in kind from that possessed by concepts. I then show how my account can respond to the most serious objections to previous non-conceptualist interpretations.
Nonlinear interactions of positive and negative energy modes in rarefied plasmas (II)

Abstract It is shown that the process of nonlinear Landau (two-wave particle interaction or nonresonant mode-mode coupling) can also lead to instability. In the absence of magnetic field the nonlinear Landau scattering occurs for particles of velocity v such that ωk′ + ωk″ + (k′ + k″) · v = 0 and the corresponding instability condition is S k (k + k′) · ∫ ( ∂ƒ ∂p ) d 3 > 0 . Here S k = ( ∂ϵ ∂ω k )/| ∂ϵ ∂ω k | , ϵ being the dielectric constant of the considered electrostatic modes. For a plasma in a magnetic field, the resonant condition is ω k + ω k′ = lΩ c , lΩ c being a multiple of the ion cyclotron frequency, for flute-type modes with k · B = 0 such that all particles are simultaneously resonant. The condition for nonlinear growth is Sk = Sk′ and (ω k + ω k′ S k ∫ ( ∂ƒ ∂E | V(E)| 2 dE > 0 . The relevant matrix element V(E) is evaluated by using the principle of detailed balance with the simple process of single-particle scattering of waves. The significant example analyzed is that of a loss-cone distribution for a plasma in a magnetic field. The most relevant unstable interaction involves a positive and a negative energy mode, the latter with the larger frequency, and the effective amplitude growth rate is shown to be appreciable for rather modest intensities. A special case of nonlinear Landau damping occurs when the two waves are the same, but the relevant nonlinear instability does not, in general, occur for loss-cone distributions unless a density gradient is present.
Application of Environmental Analysis to Watershed Snowmelt.

Abstract The role of environmental characteristics of elevation, slope-aspect and forest cover in spatially differ-entiating rates of snowmelt is examined over a 43-mi2 northern Vermont watershed. Both energy balance considerations and selected melt observations indicate the operation of an effective natural snowmelt runoff control mechanism. The more spatially diverse the watershed combinations of elevation slope-aspect and forest cover are, the more effective the natural snowmelt control mechanism is apt to be. Previous snowmelt models developed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers are modified to fit topographic and forest conditions in New England. The modified model is used to compare average snowmelt rates over a typical upland Vermont watershed, a highly diverse watershed in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and a watershed of maximum homogeneity in the open flat Champlain Valley of Vermont. The profound role of environment in regulating snow-water release is apparent. Simulated weather sequences of ...
The roots of folk biology

As adults, we think about the biological world in different ways than other realms. We are, for example, more inclined to see purposes of just the parts of animals and plants and not of the plant or animal as a whole, but we happily do so for artifacts (1). We see living kinds as occupying relatively unique locations in taxonomies (2). We make a much richer set of inferences about shared properties for all living kinds as opposed to all artifacts, we assume systematic patterns of growth and change not found elsewhere, and we often mistakenly assume there is a vitalistic force underlying all living things (3). Finally, we infer an unseen essence that is responsible for surface properties (4). In a casual walk through any environment, urban or rural, we typically are highly confident about whether we are encountering living things. Although the recognition of a distinct world of living things might seem to be a gradual consequence of culture and schooling, in PNAS, Setoh et al. (5) suggest something quite remarkable—well before they have understood a single word, infants at least as young as 8 mo have different expectations about a large part of the living world, namely animals. In particular, they expect animals to have filled interiors.
Vertical integration: A comparative analysis of performance and risk

Hofer's (1973) argument for strategy analysis by matched pairs forms a central methodological feature in this examination of vertical integration. With twenty matched pairs of companies we have sought to eliminate the major extraneous factors that have precluded consensus among previous research findings. Our results show that vertical integration (via whole ownership) is performance and risk-neutral. Support is generated for the fundamental notion that successful strategy selection, and subsequent performance, is a function of firm-specific competencies and opportunities. Consequently, we urge that research on vertical integration move forward to consider ex ante conditions of fit rather than continuing to pursue ex post rationalizations of performance and risk.
Formation of compound strike-slip fault zones, Mount Abbot quadrangle, California

Abstract Numerous strike-slip fault zones in granitic rocks of the Mount Abbot quadrangle, California, developed from steeply-dipping, subparallel joints. These joints generally were less than 50 m long and were spaced several centimeters to several meters apart. Some joints subsequently slipped and became small faults. Simple fault zones formed as oblique dilatant fractures (splay fractures) linked non-coplanar faults side-to-side and end-to-end. These simple fault zones are as much as 1 km long and accommodated displacements as great as 10 m. Compound fault zones formed as splay fractures linked small faults and simple fault zones. They are as much as several kilometers long and accommodated displacements as great as 100 m. These zones are distinctly different from ‘Riedel shear zones’ and the-mechanics of their formation are unlikely to be described well by Mohr—Coulomb mechanisms. Simple and compound fault zones are composed of non-coplanar segments that join at steps or bends; splay fracture length determines step widths. The longest splay fractures occur along the longest fault zones, allowing step widths to increase as the length and displacement across the zones increase. These findings are consistent with the structure of some active seismogenic faults, and they provide a mechanically consistent, field-based conceptual model for fault zones that grow in basement rocks from a preexisting set of joints.
Fluidics and heat generation of Alcon Infiniti and Legacy, Bausch & Lomb Millennium, and advanced medical optics sovereign phacoemulsification systems.

Purpose To study heat generation, vacuum, and flow characteristics of the Alcon Infiniti and Bausch & Lomb Millennium with results compared with the Alcon Legacy and advanced medical optics (AMO) Sovereign machines previously studied. Design Experimental study. Methods Heat generation with continuous ultrasound was determined with and without a 200-g weight. Flow and vacuum were determined from 12 to 40-ml/min in 2-ml/min steps. The impact of a STAAR Cruise Control was also tested. Results Millennium created the most heat/20% of power (5.67 ± 0.51°C unweighted and 6.80 ± 0.80°C weighted), followed by Sovereign (4.59 ± 0.70°C unweighted and 5.65 ± 0.72°C weighted), Infiniti (2.79 ± 0.62°C unweighted and 3.96 ± 0.31°C weighted), and Legacy (1.99 ± 0.49°C unweighted and 4.27 ± 0.76°C weighted; P P P P P Conclusions Percent power is not consistent in regard to heat generation, however, flow was accurate for all machines except Millennium Peristaltic. Restriction with Cruise Control elevates unoccluded vacuum to levels greater than the Venturi system tested.
The clinical efficacy of tolterodine extended-release is maintained for 24 h in patients with overactive bladder

OBJECTIVE To assess the 24-h efficacy of tolterodine extended-release (ER) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a post hoc analysis of a 12-week, placebo-controlled trial of tolterodine-ER in patients with frequency (≥8 voids/24 h) and UUI (≥5 episodes/week) for ≥ 6 months. Seven-day bladder diaries were used to record diary endpoints; 24-h diary data were stratified by 6-h periods beginning at midnight. RESULTS Compared with placebo (508 patients), tolterodine-ER (507 patients) significantly and consistently increased volume voided per void and reduced UUI episodes and micturition frequency during each interval. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that tolterodine-ER maintained clinical efficacy over 24 h and should be effective for OAB symptoms without regard to whether symptoms occur during the day or at night.
Conformational difference between singlet and triplet excimers of naphthalene as revealed by luminescence of 1,2-di-α-naphthylethane

Abstract Fluorescence and phosphorescence of 1,2-di-α-naphthylethane in isooctane at room temperature have been investigated to deduce the possible conformational difference between singlet and triplet excimers of naphthalene. The fluorescence of the compound is essentially that of the naphthalene monomer, while the phosphorescence is nearly identical to the triplet excimer emission from naphthalene. This result strongly suggests that the geometry of the triplet excimer is distinctly different from the sandwich-pair geometry favored by the singlet excimer.
Enhanced dynamics of HIV gp120 glycoprotein by small molecule binding.

HIV cell entry and infection are driven by binding events to the CD4 and Chemokine receptors with associated conformational change of the viral glycoprotein, gp120. Scyllatoxin mini-protein CD4 mimetics and a small molecule inhibitor of CD4 binding, NBD-556, also effectively induce gp120 conformational change. In this study we examine the fluctuation profile of gp120 in context of CD4, a mini-protein mimetic and NBD-556 with the aim of understanding the effect of ligand binding on gp120 conformational dynamics. Analysis of Molecular Dynamics trajectories indicate that NBD-556 binding in the Phe 43 cavity enhances the overall mobility of gp120 especially in the outer-domain in comparison to CD4 or mini-protein bound complex. Interactions with the more flexible bridging sheet strengthen upon NBD-556 binding and may contribute to gp120 restructuring. The enhanced mobility of D368, E370 and I371 with NBD-556 bound in the Phe 43 cavity suggests that interactions with α3-helix in the outer-domain are not optimal, providing further insights into gp120-small molecule interactions that may impact small molecule designs.
Tribological characteristics of thin films and applications of thin film technology for friction and wear reduction

Abstract Thin film deposition technologies based on chemical and physical vapor deposition are now well established to improve the wear resistance of cutting tools. Although severe tribological conditions occur here, coated tools perform exceptionally well. Despite this, the growth in use of thin film deposition technology is slow in the general mechanical industry. In part, this is due to lack of data on the tribological characteristics of bodies coated with thin films. In this paper, tribological test data gathered in a systematic program of sliding and rolling contact tests are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of thin film coatings for wear protection and friction reduction. Samples coated by reactive magnetron sputtering were tested in sliding and rolling contact tests at low and high speeds and at varying contact stresses. These results are presented and used to identify the primary consideration guiding the choice of coating materials, coating properties, film thickness needed etc. A newly developed film-to-substrate adhesion strength test is also briefly described and the results obtained are cited. It is shown that film material selection and coating process selection have a reasonable physical basis.
A Contemporary Taxonomy of Sales Positions

The sales job of the early twenty-first century has evolved due to myriad rapidly changing environmental factors. Customer relationship focus, technology, global competition, shifting customer preferences and demands, forced downsizing, increased competitive pressure, and other factors have contributed to altering the salesperson role—what salespeople do. Yet outdated taxonomies are referenced when researching and writing about sales jobs. This paper develops an empirically generated sales position taxonomy based on changing selling activities and strategies. First, a set of 105 activities are factor analyzed to create 12 dimensions of selling. Second, the factor scores are entered into a cluster analysis. The resulting factor score centroids allow for interpretation of a taxonomy of six categories of contemporary sales jobs.
Cohort survival patterns of walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma, in Shelikof Strait, Alaska: a critical factor analysis

A series of age-specific life tables for walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) in the western Gulf of Alaska was compiled for the 1980-91 year classes. The life tables were utilized to perform an exploratory key factor analysis to examine the timing of critical periods in the recruitment process, evidence of densitydependence at different stages and trends in mortality rates. Early larval mortality was significantly correlated with generational mortality (In recruitshpawning biomass), but patterns in juvenile mortality also were similar to generational mortality and in some years were clearly dominant in determining the fate of a cohort. Density-dependent mortality, based on the correlation between mortality and initial abundance, was indicated only for the late larval to early juvenile stage. Time trends were marginally significant for juvenile mortality. It is speculated that the observed increase in juvenile mortality is associated with increasing abundance of arrowtooth flounder. Weaknesses in the data base are discussed; these along with the short time series involved make our conclusions tentative and subject to further study. We hypothesize that pollock recruitment levels can be established at any life stage depending on sufficient supply from prior stages, a type of dynamics which can be termed supply dependent multiple life stage control.
The amylase system of Drosophila. III. Biochemical comparison of amylases from D. pseudoobscura, D. persimilis, D. miranda and D. melanogaster

Abstract 1. 1. Six amylases from four species of Drosophila were compared in terms of specific activities, pH optima, substrate specificities, inhibitor sensitivities, responses to temperature, heat sensitivities, and cross-reactivity to amylase antiserum. 2. 2. The amylases studied were as follows: Amy1.00 and Amy0.84 from D. pseudoobscura; Amy1.00 and Amy1.09 from D. persimilis; Amy1.43 from D. miranda; and Amy6 from D. melanogaster. 3. 3. Both crude extracts and partially purified preparations were studied for some of the amylases. 4. 4. The amylases, in general, appeared quite similar to other amylases of Drosophila and were similar for most of their biochemical properties. Differences were observed, however, especially in regard to cross-reactivity to D. pseudoobscura Amy1.00 antiserum. 5. 5. These similarities and differences were discussed in relation to the ecological differences and the evolutionary (phylogenetic) relationships of the four species. 6. 6. Crude extract results corresponded, in general, to the results from the partially purified preparations. However, enough differences were observed to warrant caution when using crude extracts in attempting to characterize Drosophila amylases.
A 1.1ghz charge-recovery logic

A GHz-class dynamic charge-recovery logic is implemented with an on-chip clock generator and integrated inductor in a 0.13mum CMOS process. The chip operation is verified at clock frequencies up to 1.3GHz. At its natural frequency, the design recovers 60% of total circuit energy every cycle
X-ray spectra of superheavy and quasi-superheavy elements

We discuss the pos sibility of identifying superheavy elements from the observation of their lYl -shell x-ray spectra, which might occur during the collision of a superheavy ele­ ment with a .heavy target. The same question is discussed' for the possible observation of the x rays from the quasimolecule (quasi-superheavy element) which is formed during such a heavy-ion collision. It is shown that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to determine any information about the interesting quantum electrodynamical effects from the M -shell x-ray spectra of these quasimolecules.
Quantitative analysis of T2 signal intensities in Alzheimer's Disease

Hypointensities (focal areas of decreased signal intensity) have been reported on T2 weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) in normal aging and in some neurological disease processes. Increased concentrations of iron have been suggested as one cause of these hypointensities. In Alzheimer's Disease, data suggests that there is both a disruption in iron metabolism as well as the presence of T2 hypointensities. We endeavored to determine if the decreased signal intensities could be quantitatively determined and, if so, in what regions, in an effort to establish a non-invasive biological marker and diagnostic aide. We performed a quantitative analysis of the T2 signal intensities in 13 MRIs from AD patients and 16 age- and sex-matched control subjects. We found that while there were statistically significant differences in the intensities of the putamen and red nucleus, these differences were small. We were unable to detect differences in intensities in a whole slice or the frontal lobe. To our knowledge this is the first quantitative comparison of MRI signal intensities in Alzheimer's Disease.
Scaling of the Conductivity with Temperature and Uniaxial Stress in Si:B at the Metal-Insulator Transition

Using uniaxial stress S to tune Si:B through the metal-insulator transition at a critical value S{sub c} , we find the dc conductivity at low temperatures shows an excellent fit to the scaling form {sigma}(S,thinspT)=AT{sup x}f[(S{minus}S{sub c})/T{sup y}] on both sides of the transition. The scaling functions yield reliable determinations of the temperature dependence of the conductivity in the metallic and insulating phases in the critical region. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society }
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy 2012: Diagnostic Challenges and Treatment

ARVC 2012. The most common presentation of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is palpitations or ventricular tachycardia (VT) of left bundle branch morphology in a young or middle-aged individual. The 12-lead electrocardiogram may be normal or have T-wave inversion beyond V1 in an otherwise healthy person who is suspected of having ARVC. The most frequent imaging abnormalities are an enlarged right ventricle, decrease in right ventricular (RV) function, and localized wall motion abnormalities. Risk factors for implantable cardioverter defibrillator include a history of aborted sudden death, syncope, young age, decreased left ventricular function, and marked decrease in RV function. Recent results of treatment with epicardial ablation are encouraging. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. pp. 1-5) arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, RV dysplasia, sudden death, ventricular tachycardia Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by the predominance of ventricular arrhythmias. 1 The presenting clinical manifestations usually consist of palpitations because of premature ventricular beats (PVCs), lightheadedness or syncope because of rapid monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) or uncommonly sudden death as a result of ventricular fibrillation. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30‐50 but there is a wide range of the onset of symptoms from age 10 to the 80s. Because ventricular arrhythmias usually originate from the right ventricle, the ventricular arrhythmias have left bundle branch morphology. Therefore, suspicion for the diagnosis of ARVC is increased when the ventricular arrhythmias have left bundle branch block (LBBB) morphology and particularly when the QRS axis is superior. This is exemplified by a positive QRS complex in lead AVL indicating an origin from the body of the right ventricle rather than from the right ventricular (RV) outflow tract. Nevertheless, PVCs may arise from the RV outflow tract in ARVC. If so, the diagnosis must be differentiated from patients who have idiopathic VT (RVOT). Another interesting characteristic of these patients is that their sustained VT may be quite rapid, in the range of 200‐250 beats/minute, yet the patients may tolerate this for many hours because the left ventricle has normal or nearly
Breastfeeding and the U.S. Economy

Abstract Background: A recent study showed that current suboptimal U.S. breastfeeding rates cost the U.S. economy $13 billion per year in 2007 dollars for pediatric health cost and premature death. Cost data of excess maternal disease are not yet published but are thought to be substantial. Little is known about other costs. Methods: The approximate annual costs of many entities that impact breastfeeding or are impacted by breastfeeding were calculated and converted to 2010 dollars. Calculations assumed the United States went from 2007 breastfeeding rates to 90% compliance with medical recommendations. We included pediatric health costs, formula costs, cost of extra food for lactating women, paid leave, and additional factors. Results: If 90% of mothers could comply with current medical recommendations around breastfeeding, our economy could save $3.7 billion in direct and indirect pediatric health costs, with $10.1 billion in premature death from pediatric disease. We would spend $3.9 billion less per ye...
Age influence on oxidative events during brain ischemia/reperfusion.

Abstract Brain readily undergoes oxidative damage if it is organizationally disrupted. Iron plays a catalytic role in mediating oxidative damage in brain homogenate. Utilizing several methods to assess oxidative events, including salicylate trapping of hydroxyl free radicals, spin-trapping of free radicals and quantitation of protein oxidation, we have clearly demonstrated that oxidative events do occur in the ischemia/ reperfusion lesioned Mongolian gerbil brain. In the gerbil model, ischemia/reperfusion insult (IRI) mediated protein oxidative damage is accompanied by a concomitant loss of glutamine synthetase activity. The loss of glutamine synthetase activity may possibly lead to the build-up of glutamate, an excitotoxic amino acid which has been strongly implicated in the neuronal death observed in hippocampus following an IRI. The brain homogenate from an IRI-lesioned animal is more susceptible to peroxidation than comparable sham-operated control animals. We have discovered that an IRI causes lethality in older gerbils more readily than in younger gerbils. We have also found that the spin-trapping agent α-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) protects gerbils from an IRI. Data are presented which implicate that an IRI may seriously impair the energy production capacity of older gerbils more than comparable oxidative stresses in younger animals. We hypothesize that energy production capacity and its utilization for the synthesis of new gene products may be key events which help mediate survival from an IRI. In addition we hypothesize that higher brain functions, including memory and learning are inversely correlated with oxidative damage in the brain. The elucidation of the mechanisms involved in this fascinating area of research and the design of new protective agents to prevent oxidative damage in brain is a most exciting challenge.
Kalman-based computation of optical flow fields

The accurate calculation of optical flow fields or displacement estimate fields in real-world imagery can be useful for detecting military targets. A new Kalman filter based low-level displacement estimation algorithm is derived. The gain matrix of the estimator turns out to be the Kalman gain matrix, which is dependent on the image statistics. A procedure is developed in which the gain matrix of the estimator is not chosen heuristically, but is calculated based on the statistics of the image. The optical flow fields obtained from this estimator is accurate, and is convergent faster compared to the previous pel recursive based algorithms.
Combined removal of Cr, Cd, and Ni from wastes

The results are presented of pilot-plant tests on treating electroplating wastes by alkaline reduction, precipitation, and upflow filtration. Experimental evidence shows that hexavalent chromium is stoichiometrically reduced to trivalent chromium and precipitated by the addition of ferrous sulfate at an alkaline pH. The oxidized iron precipitates as ferric hydroxide and aids flocculation of the solids produced in the process. Sodium sulfide used as the sole reducing agent of chromium was shown to be oxidized to elemental sulfur. Upflow filtration was effective in removing the high concentration of solids. The filter was most effective when operating at a loading rate of 3 gpm/ft/sup 2/.
Image formation using quantum-entangled photons

Coincidence (ghost) imaging forms an image using photons that have never encountered the object. We present experimental results showing which aspects of this process result from quantum entanglement and which can be understood classically
Synthesis of Au2S/Au Core/Shell Nanostructures

We present a description of the synthesis process that produces pure Au2S cores, with no Au byproducts, followed by the growth of a pure Au shell. NIR Au2S/Au nanoparticles, ~30nm in diameter, have been realized.
Light refractive emergence rhythm in the leafcutter bee,Megachile rotundata (F.) (Hymenoptera: Apoidea

Erniedrigung der Temperatur auf 14°C erlaubt eine weitgehende Synchronisation des Schlupfens der Imagines der BlattschneiderbieneMegachile rotundata. Die Lichtverhaltnisse haben keinen Einfluss auf den Schlupfrhythmus.
SPACES OF MODULAR FORMS AND ALGEBRAIC GEOMETRIC CODES

For l = 2, 3, 5, we show that spaces of modular forms M2k(Γ0(ln)) are closely related to a class of one-point codes from the reduction of the modular tower {X0(ln)}n≥2 (mod p) for primes p > l. Code construction from the space of cusp form is also considered.
Vulnerable populations and health care disparities.

The issue of vulnerable populations in health care can be examined on multiple levels. By definition, all consumers in health care are vulnerable; that is, the potential for harm or injury is almost always present. Consumers rely on and trust the providers and the delivery system to meet their needs with honesty and equity, delivering the best care possible that is safe, effective, and ethical. The term vulnerable populations is also closely related to health care disparities. Vulnerable populations often experience disparities in the health care they receive or in their outcomes of care. It is such disparities in treatment and outcomes that often are the focus of providers and researchers. Statistics inform us that patients are extremely vulnerable and are at risk simply by entering the health care system. This is especially true for hospitalized patients, where the risk of errors occurring and potential for injury are much higher than the health care system or the general public are willing to accept (Page, 2004). Today, patient safety has become a universal concern in every type of practice setting. Typically, the issue of vulnerable populations is examined more specifically with a focus on particular socially defined characteristics of groups of patients. Care received by a designated group is then examined and compared with the care received or the health outcomes demonstrated in society at large. These groups generally have some type of specially defined rights or are protected because of limited capacity of some type. This would include groups such as infants and young children, prisoners, and the cognitively impaired or mentally disabled. Groups of this nature are considered to have great vulnerability because they are generally less able to stand up for their individual rights or health care needs. Despite ongoing improvement in the overall health of populations, racial and ethnic minorities generally still experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Considerable data exist about disparities, or differences, in health care related to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. In fact, disparities are observed in almost all aspects of health care. Recent data reveal that disparities exist across all types of care, ranging from preventive care through management of chronic disease. Disparities also exist in many clinical conditions including heart disease, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and mental health, cancer, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease. These disparities in treatment are found in all care settings. They also are found within many subpopulation groups such as children, women, elderly, and individuals with special health needs (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2006). Considerable opportunities exist for reducing disparities in health care. One challenge that exists is defining the breadth and depth of disparities in health care. A model has been developed that identifies various sources and types of health care disparities. …
Numerical studies of the margin of vortices with decaying cores

The merging of vortices to a single one is a canonical incompressible viscous flow problem. The merging process begins when the core sizes or the vortices are comparable to their distances and ends when the contour lines of constant vorticity lines are circularized around one center. Approximate solutions to this problem are constructed by adapting the asymptotic solutions for distinct vortices. For the early stage of merging, the next-order terms in the asymptotic solutions are added to the leading term. For the later stage of merging, the vorticity distribution is reinitialized by vortices with overlapping core structures guided by the 'rule of merging' and the velocity of the 'vortex centers' are then defined by a minimum principle. To show the accuracy of the approximate solution, it is compared with the finite-difference solution.