cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parallel processing in dynamic simulation of power systems

The dynamic behaviour of a large interconnected electric power system is characterized by a simultaneous set of nonlinear algebraic and ordinary differential equations. The solution is obtained by numerical methods and the simulation of the transient behaviour for a few seconds after a fault is the standard analytical procedure used in planning and operational studies of the system. The need for on-line simulation in near real time for more efficient operation has encouraged the search for faster solution methods and the use of parallel computers for this purpose has attracted the attention of many researchers. The success of parallelization depends on three factors: the problem structure, the computer architecture, and the algorithm that takes maximum advantage of both. In this problem, the generator equations are only coupled through the electrical network providing some parallelization in (variable) space, and a solution is needed at each time step leading to some parallelization in time (waveform relaxation). However, since the problem formulation is not completely decoupled, parallel algorithms can only be developed by trading off any relaxation with a degradation in convergence. The fastest sequential algorithm used today is the combination of implicit trapezoidal integration with a dishonest Newton solution. The Newton algorithm is not parallel at all but has the fastest convergence while a Gauss-Jacobi algorithm is completely parallel but converges very slowly. A relaxation of the Newton algorithm appears to be a good compromise. As for the parallel hardware, the coupling seems to require significant communication between processors thus favouring a data-sharing architecture over a message-passing hypercube. Special architectures to match the problem structure have also been an area of investigation. This paper elaborates on the above issues and assesses the present state-of-the-art.
Chronic Exposure of Neonatal Cardiac Myocytes to Hydrogen Peroxide Enhances the Expression of Catalase

The adaptive response of antioxidant enzymes to oxidative stress in the heart has not been investigated. Because H2O2 is considered to play a major role in reperfusion injury to the heart, this study was undertaken to examine if H2O2 alters the expression of these enzymes in the rat neonatal myocytes. H2O2 was continuously generated by the addition of glucose oxidase to the culture medium. Both the activity and the mRNA for catalase were increased following incubation of neonatal myocytes with non-toxic concentrations of glucose oxidase. The induction of mRNA preceded the enhancement of activity, and both remained elevated after 24 h incubation. Nuclear run-on assay indicated that the transcriptional rate for catalase mRNA was increased. The same treatment did not alter the activities for total superoxide dismutase and Se-glutathione peroxidase. The results suggest that H2O2-induced expression of catalase was in part due to transcriptional activation. It further implies that the induction of catalase may play an important role in protecting hearts from ischemic/reperfusion injury.
Inhibition of tachytherapy during ventricular tachycardia in a patient with a functioning dual-chamber ICD: What is the mechanism?

p p i Case summary A 62-year-old man with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy and a primary prevention dual-chamber Atlas II DR -268 (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA) implantable ardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) presented to an outside hosital with decompensated heart failure. His device was prorammed with two tachycardia zones. The VT-1 zone was rogrammed to a rate of 118 bpm with antitachycardia acing (ATP) followed by 36-J shocks. The ventricular brillation zone was programmed to deliver 36-J shocks at rate of 207 bpm. Intravenous diuresis was initiated, and is bradycardia parameters were increased to DDI 80 with n AV delay of 350 ms to augment heart rate and cardiac utput. During his hospitalization, the patient developed emodynamically stable ventricular tachycardia (VT). The CD failed to deliver therapy. He was externally cardioerted and subsequently transferred to our institution for urther evaluation. On arrival, device interrogation demonstrated stable ead parameters and confirmed that ICD therapies were ctive and programmed as previously noted. Supravenricular discrimination algorithms were not active. Depite intravenous amiodarone therapy, the patient contined to have hemodynamically stable VT with a rate of 40 bpm. ICD tachytherapies were not delivered, but nterestingly, pacing artifacts were noted throughout the achycardia (Figure 1). What is the mechanism for the
Bakteriologie und Lochien

Albert Doderlein machte 1887 eine der wichtigsten Entdeckungen fur die Geburtshilfe. In seiner Habilitationsschrift „Uber das Vorkommen von Spaltpilzen in den Lochien des Uterus und der Vagina gesunder und kranker Wochnerinnen“, die er als Assistent von Zweifel der medizinischen Fakultat in Leipzig vorlegte, veroffentlichte er seine Untersuchungen uber die normale und pathologische Scheidenflora1.
A novel endo-β(1,4)-d-glucuronidase activity in Mucor rouxii

Extracts from the fungus Mucor rouxii contain an enzyme activity which can degrade the homopolymeric β(1,4)-d-glucuronan (mucoric acid) of the fungal wall. The enzyme can also degrade the homopolymeric glucuronan domains of mucoran, a complex polyuronide of the Mucor wall. The enzyme is active at neutral pH and has an estimated Mr of 27 500. The major product of digestion is a disaccharide, suggesting an endolytic mechanism.
Use of the Ballistic Pendulum for Impact Testing Of Tirecord

A ballistic pendulum tester for the absolute measurement of the energy (or work) of rupture of cords and yarns on impact is described, and the applied theory of the pendulum is briefly re viewed. E...
Resolution limits with 248-nm strong phase-shifting techniques for contact patterning applications

As conventional lithography capability is reaching the limit, resolution enhancement becomes a crucial element to extend the lithography capability. The main purpose of this paper is to examine the capabilities and limitations of various phase shifting techniques. Using contact applications as an example, alternating and phase edge phase shifter were evaluated with single and double exposure techniques. Detailed discussion will include both simulation and experimental results. The PSM performances were predicted with Intel in-house simulator. Analysis was done based on aerial image formation using peak intensity and Modulation Transfer Function to evaluate resolution capabilities. For each type of phase shifter, good resolution enhancement was achieved with optimized pitch range of dense structures. Experimental results of focus-exposure matrices were taken on a DUV stepper with NA of 0.42. Significant resolution enhancement was demonstrated with k1 as low as 0.32 which is far below the limitation a k1 equals 0.5. Small contacts with tight pitch, i.e. 180 nm contact with 380 nm pitch, were demonstrated with reasonable depth of focus by using double exposure technique. By using single exposure alternating phase shifting technique pitches down to 460 nm is steadily resolved. With conventional mask, 350 nm contacts with 700 nm pitch is reported as the minimum printable range for the same stepper.
Exploring the Variability of Segregation Index D with Scale and Zonal Systems: An Analysis of Thirty US Cities:

In this paper, we propose a methodology to study the scale effect and zoning effect of the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP). Instead of aggregating basic spatial units by the neighborhood criterion, we suggest placing a square lattice over the centroids representing the enumeration units in the study area. Areal units are aggregated if their centroids are in the same square. By changing the size of the square in the lattice, we can study the scale effect. By randomly placing the lattice, we can study the zoning effect. This methodology links the MAUP effects to specific scale reflected by the size of grids. We use this method to study the MAUP effects on the segregation index D. Among the thirty selected cities in the USA, values of D respond to the MAUP in a diverse pattern. We assess the scale effect on D by examining the changes of averaged values of D over the range of scale levels. We also borrow concepts from fractal analysis to assess the scale effect on D and to measure how sensitive the D val...
Solvent effects on the spectroscopic properties of triarylmethane dyes

The spectroscopic characteristics of two highly symmetric triarylmethane dyes, Crystal Violet and Ethyl Violet, and two triarylmethanes displaying lower symmetry, Victoria Blue R and Victoria Pure Blue BO, were investigated in a variety of polar solvents. The solvent effects observed on the electronic spectra of the highly symmetric dyes add momentum to previous objections to the rotamers model, a model traditionally used to explain the appearance of a shoulder in the short-wavelength side of the maximum absorption band of Crystal Violet in ethanol. We have found that, in polar solvents the magnitude of the splitting between the overlapped absorption bands of Crystal Violet is dependent on the solvatochromic properties of the media. The nature of this dependence suggested the existence of specific interactions between Crystal Violet and the surrounding solvent molecules. We hypothesize that these solute-solvent interactions represent the symmetry-breaking event that lowers the symmetry of Crystal Violet in solution, and gives rise to the appearance of the spectroscopic shoulder at the short-wavelength side of its maximum absorption band. Analogous results were obtained for Ethyl Violet. The solvent effects observed on the absorption spectra of the triarylmethanes displaying lower symmetry were different from those observed for the highly symmetrical compounds. This difference was rationalized in terms of the distinct nature of the overlapping absorption bands characteristic of these two distinct sets of dyes.
Noncariogenic intense natural sweeteners

There is a definite relationship between the dietary consumption of sucrose and the incidence of dental caries. Noncaloric sucrose substitutes for use in the sweetening of foods, beverages, and medicines may be either synthetic compounds or natural products. In the United States, four potently sweet artificial sweeteners are approved, namely, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose. Highly sweet plant constituents are used in Japan and some other countries, including the diterpene glycoside stevioside and the protein thaumatin. Recent progress in a research project oriented towards the discovery and evaluation of novel potentially noncariogenic sweeteners from plants has focused on substances in the sesquiterpenoid, diterpenoid, triterpenoid, steroidal saponin, and proanthocyanidin structural classes. The feasibility of using Mongolian gerbil electrophysiological and behavioral assays to monitor the sweetness of plant extracts, chromatographic fractions, and pure isolates has been investigated. An in vivo cariogenicity study on the commercially available natural sweeteners stevioside and rebaudioside A has been carried out.
Effect of intersite electron-electron interaction on the concentration of D- ions in quantum wells.

Ground-state ${\mathrm{D}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ concentrations in quantum-well structures which are lightly doped in both the barriers and wells are investigated by means of computer simulation. Correlation between electrons on different sites is found to play an important role in the formation of ${\mathrm{D}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ centers in these structures. A two-dimensional model of the system of interest is studied. Pseudo-ground-states, calculated for model systems of finite size, are argued to give estimates of ${\mathrm{D}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ concentrations for the ground states of infinite model systems accurate to within a few percent. Qualitative agreement is found with the available experimental data. A previously proposed pair model is observed to be very accurate in cases in which the binding energy of isolated barrier donors is significantly greater than that of ${\mathrm{D}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ centers in the well. An empirical formula is given for the dependence on the size of the system of the probability that a pseudo-ground-state is also an exact ground state. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Vibrational Coupling, Isotopic Editing, and β-Sheet Structure in a Membrane-Bound Polypeptide

The N-acetylated hexapeptide WLLLLL (AcWL5) partitions into lipid membranes and is believed to assemble into an antiparallel beta-sheet. As a test of this structural assignment, the peptide bonds of residues 2-6 were labeled with (13)C and allowed to adsorb onto a supported lipid membrane. Peptides bound to the membrane were examined for evidence of coupling between the labeled vibrational modes in adjacent beta-strands with internal reflection infrared spectroscopy. Experimental results indicate that the amide I absorption band in D(2)O (i.e., amide I') attributable to (13)C is selectively enhanced when the label is at any one of several positions along the peptide backbone. Simulations employing an excitonic model with through-bond and through-space interactions were performed on AcWL5 models in parallel and antiparallel beta-sheet configurations. The simulations yield spectra in good agreement with the experimental results, accounting for the enhancement of both (13)C band intensities and band frequencies. They also yield insight into the physical origin and structure selectivity of the distinctive amide I' band shapes that arise in isotopically edited spectra. It is concluded that the beta-sheet formed by membrane-bound AcWL5 is indeed antiparallel, and the enhancement of (13)C bands in the infrared spectra of these peptides is caused by both interstrand and intrastrand coupling to (12)C modes.
Contraceptive Counseling and Use among Women with Poorer Health

Contraceptive Counseling and Use among Women with Poorer Health Over 73 million women in the United States are of reproductive age, accounting for more than 48% of the female population. Of these women, over 25% suffer from chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes, depression, and vascular disease which do not affect fertility but may increase the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes. Use of effective contraception by women with chronic conditions can enable them to plan their pregnancies and optimize maternal and fetal outcomes. The effectiveness of contraceptive counseling and contraception as part of preventative health efforts are recognized by their coverage without co-pay in the Affordable Care Act.
Toxic methemoglobinemia after topical anesthesia for transesophageal echocardiography

Topical benzocaine spray is an anesthetic agent that is commonly used during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This agent is believed to be relatively safe because of very low systemic absorption. We report a case of toxic methemoglobinemia induced by benzocaine use for pharyngeal anesthesia during TEE. Physicians who perform TEE and use benzocaine or other topical anesthetics need to be familiar with this potential complication and have the necessary treatment readily available.
Dermatitis in patients undergoing the Nuss procedure for correction of pectus excavatum

Background. The Nuss procedure was introduced in 1987 for the correction of pectus excavatum. In this procedure, a stainless steel bar is placed underneath the sternum. Objectives. To report cutaneous reactions associated with Nuss bar placement. Methods. Over a period of 30 months, 50 patients underwent the Nuss procedure. The study population was limited to those who developed clinically significant cutaneous reactions postoperatively. Patient information was obtained from electronic medical records. All patients had been patch tested preoperatively with stainless steel discs supplied by the bar manufacturer. When performed, expanded patch testing was carried out in accordance with the North American Contact Dermatitis Group guidelines. Results. Postoperatively, 3 patients developed areas of protuberant granulation tissue at one or more incision sites. One patient developed localized oedema, dermatitis, and lymphadenopathy. Two of these 4 patients underwent further patch testing. Of these 2, 1 with dermatitis had a positive reaction to nickel and the other, with granulation tissue, tested negative for metal allergy. Conclusions. Despite clinical evidence of cutaneous reactions or putative allergy, no patient required early removal of the bar(s). Cutaneous testing with stainless steel discs supplied by the bar manufacturer does not provide accurate screening for allergy to the implant used in the Nuss procedure.
Electrodeposited ceramic single crystals

Single-crystal films are essential for devices because the intrinsic properties of the material, rather than its grain boundaries, can be exploited. Cubic bismuth oxide has the highest known oxide ion mobility, which makes it useful for fuel cells and sensors, but it is normally only stable from 729° to 825°C. The material has not been previously observed at room temperature. Single-crystal films of the high-temperature cubic polymorph of bismuth oxide were epitaxially electrodeposited from an aqueous solution onto single-crystal gold substrates. The 35.4 percent lattice mismatch was accommodated by forming coincidence lattices in which the bismuth oxide film was rotated in relation to the gold substrate. These results provide a method for producing other nonequilibrium phases that cannot be accessed by traditional thermal processing.
A survey of acid catalysts for use in two-step, one-flask syntheses of meso-substituted porphyrinic macrocycles.

Diverse Lewis acids and Bronsted acids were examined in the two-step, one-flask synthesis of meso-tetraphenylporphyrin, N-confused tetraphenylporphyrin, and tetraphenylsapphyrin. The scope of acid catalysis was found to be very broad, with 35 of 45 acids providing TPP in yields ranging from 5% to 58%. NC-TPP was also widely observed in yields of 1−40%, and TPS was infrequently observed in yields of <1%. Additionally, conditions were found for direct preparation of magnesium TPP and copper TPP.
Alpha thalassemia screenign in neonates by mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin determination

Although alpha thalassemia trait may be diagnosed in the neonate by the presence of hemoglobin Barts, no simple screeing test for this disorder is available. This study was performed to determine whether the mean corpucular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) could serve this purpose. Capillary blood samples from 200 full-term black infants, 1 to 3 days of age, were drawn for electronic determination of red cell indices and hemoglobin electrophorssis on cellulose aetate. Of the 200 infants, 9 had MCV's of ≤94 μ 3 and MCH's of ≤29.5 μμg, and of these, 6 (67 per cent) had hemoglobin Barts. No infant with hemoglobin Barts had an index in the normal range. We conclude that alpha thalassemia may be easily detected through MSCV and MCH screening of newborn populations at risk. An MCV ≤94 μ 3 and an MCH
A Conceptual Framework For Agent-Based Agile Manufacturing Cells

Abstract. Agile manufacturing techniques are perceived as the manufacturing systems of the future. Agile manufacturing cells are dynamic and reconfigurable and the modelling of the manufacturing cells and its interaction mechanism is critical to its successful use. This paper deals with the architecture and cooperation mechanism of web-based agile manufacturing cells. Based on an analysis of structure and organization requirements of agile manufacturing cells and a comparison of three basic architectures of manufacturing systems, the quasi-heterarchical architecture is used for the agile manufacturing cell. Functional layers are defined in this architecture to make the cell's control system reconfigurable and reusable. Agent technology is adopted for implementation of each layer's functions to establish an agent-based model of agile manufacturing cells. Four types of agents including cooperation agent, job management agent, resource broker agent, and resource control agent are defined, and their functions discussed. Finally, a real time interaction mechanism of the agents is presented by considering the activities during the agents’ cooperation in an agile manufacturing cell.
Non‐association between Rfp‐Y major histocompatibility complex‐like genes and susceptibility to Marek’s disease virus‐induced tumours in 63× 72 F2 intercross chickens

Marek's disease (MD) is a lymphoproliferative disease caused by a member of the herpesvirus family, and the best understood genetic resistance to MD involves the chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) B-complex. Preliminary observations have suggested that MHC-like Rfp-Y genes might also influence the incidence of MD. This study describes the differentiation and definition of unique Rfp-Y genes in inbred lines 6 3 and 7 2 , lines that possess identical B-complex genes, but that are resistant or susceptible to MD, respectively. To assess if Rfp-Y genes affect susceptibility to MD, 265 6 3 x 7 2 F 2 chickens were challenged with the JM strain of MD virus at 1 week of age and were evaluated for MD lesions at up to 10 weeks of age. Genotyping of the F 2 chickens for Rfp-Y haplotypes was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of genomic DNA using TaqI and a B-FIV probe. Analysis of variance and interval mapping procedures were used to determine association between the Rfp-Y haplotypes and the phenotypic MD values of the F 2 chickens. The cosegregation analysis of 265 F 2 chickens indicated that there was no association between Rfp-Y haplotypes and MD susceptibility. Furthermore, the fact that the Rfp- Y haplotypes fit the 1:2:1 segregation ratio and the Rfp-Y allele frequencies did not differ significantly from 0.5 in the full population or in selected subpopulations (of either 40 MD-resistant or 39 MD-susceptible chickens) also indicated that Rfp-Y haplotypes do not significantly influence MD susceptibility. We conclude that Rfp-Y haplotypes do not play a major role in determining the genetic susceptibility to MD in 6 3 x 7 2 F 2 White Leghorn chickens.
Phospho Switch Triggers Brd4 Chromatin Binding and Activator Recruitment for Gene-Specific Targeting

Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (Brd4) is an epigenetic reader and transcriptional regulator recently identified as a cancer therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, and Burkitt's lymphoma. Although chromatin targeting is a crucial function of Brd4, there is little understanding of how bromodomains that bind acetylated histones are regulated, nor how the gene-specific activity of Brd4 is determined. Via interaction screen and domain mapping, we identified p53 as a functional partner of Brd4. Interestingly, Brd4 association with p53 is modulated by casein kinase II (CK2)-mediated phosphorylation of a conserved acidic region in Brd4 that selectively contacts either a juxtaposed bromodomain or an adjacent basic region to dictate the ability of Brd4 binding to chromatin and also the recruitment of p53 to regulated promoters. The unmasking of bromodomains and activator recruitment, concurrently triggered by the CK2 phospho switch, provide an intriguing mechanism for gene-specific targeting by a universal epigenetic reader.
Identification of a prolonged post-synaptic potential of cerebral cortex.

SummaryOn the basis of threshold differences, depth of origin in cerebral cortex and pharmacological selectivity, we conclude that 15 msec. negative potential assignable to activity in apical dendrites and ensuing 150–300 msec. slow negative wave are separate neural processes. Our evidence suggests that the slow negativity seen in the wake of dendritic potential is a sign of an independent post-synaptic process having unusually long time course.
Membrane localization and guanine nucleotide sensitivity of medullary I1-imidazoline binding sites.

Abstract Imidazoline binding sites are labeled by [ 3 H]clonidine (I 1 ) or by [ 3 H]idazoxan (I 2 ). I 2 -sites are mitochondrial. The subcellular localization of I 1 -sites in brain is unknown. Crude membranes from bovine rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) were further purified by discontinuous sucrose density gradient. Fractions were assayed for I 1 -site density ( B max ) with [ 125 I] p -iodoclonidine. Nonspecific binding was defined by 10 μM BDF-6143, and α 2 -adrenergic binding was defined by 10 μM epinephrine. The proportions of I 1 and α 2 in mitochondrial fractions were similar (28±3 and 24±4%, respectively), and both I 1 and α 2 showed the greatest enrichment within the membrane-enriched fraction (58±13 and 38±4%). The myelin fraction contained a higher proportion of α 2 than I 1 (38±4 and 15±2%), consistent with expression of α 2 , but not I 1 , by glia. The enrichment of I 1 and α 2 in cellular membranes and α 2 in myelin was confirmed by further purification of these fractions over a second discontinuous gradient. Following irreversible inactivation of α 2 , the remaining I 1 sites in RVLM crude membranes were inhibited by Gpp(NH)p but not by ATP. We conclude that I 1 -imidazoline sites are non-mitochondrial membrane proteins sensitive to guanine nucleotide and may be functional receptors.
On a new class of functions related to VMO

Abstract In this Note, we compare the space VMO and the spaces I p : = { g ∈ L 1 ( Ω ; R ) ; ∫ Ω ∫ Ω | g ( x ) − g ( y ) | > δ 1 | x − y | d + p d x d y + ∞ ∀ δ > 0 } where Ω is a bounded open subset of R d , d ⩾ 1 , and p ⩾ 0 . In particular, we prove that I d ⊂ VMO . This sharpens the well-known result stating that W s , p ⊂ VMO for 0 s 1 and s p = d . Moreover, we establish that VMO is much bigger than I d by showing that VMO ⊄ I 1 . We also present some results when the double integral above is taken on the set { ( x , y ) ∈ Ω × Ω ; | e i g ( x ) − e i g ( y ) | > δ } .
The durability of external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer: can it be identified?

AbstractPurpose: We establish criteria to identify a durable response to external beam radiation therapy by calculation of biochemical progression-free probability for patients who attained and maintained defined nadir prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels more than 5 years after treatment.Materials and Methods: A total of 460 patients were treated with external beam radiation monotherapy from 1976 to 1995. Patients with PSA less than 0.5 (group 1) or 0.5 to 1.0 (group 2) ng./ml. more than 5 years after treatment were identified. Treatment failure was defined as 3 consecutive increases in PSA after nadir. Progression-free probability after 60 months was calculated for each group. A comparison was also made to patients achieving the same nadir levels anytime after treatment.Results: Failure occurred at 133 months in 1 of 26 group 1 patients (4%) and at a median of 76 months in 5 of 26 group 2 patients (19%). At 10 years progression-free probability was 91% for group 1 compared to 72% for group 2 (p = 0.05...
Caloric Vestibular Stimulation via UHF-Microwave Irradiation

Reports of behavioral and electrophysiological changes in response to low-level UHF-microwave irradiation are not easily reconciled with known biophysical mechanisms. Effects at incident power densities on the order of 10 mW/cm 2 or less would imply either enhanced sensitivity of the nervous system to induced thermal loads or the existence of stronger nonthermal modes of interaction than hitherto proposed. In this paper, a hypothesis is developed that accounts for a class of such reportedly nonthermal effects. It is proposed that absorbed electromagnetic (EM) radiation yields thermal gradients within the semicircular canals of the labyrinth. The intravestibular convective torque induced thereby would mimic natural vestibular simulation. Detection and nystagmus thresholds with corresponding response latencies for human adults and for monkeys are derived in terms of incident power density. For the former, the detection threshold is estimated to be 35 mW/cm 2 ; the threshold may be significantly lower when the possibility of resonance absorption exists, as with cranial radii on the order of 5 cm or less (immature human or small animal). These results imply the existence of a significant caloric vestibular cue at incident power densities that are not otherwise associated with gross thermal effects.
Guanine nucleotide-, and inositol trisphosphate-induced inhibition of the CA2+ pump in rat heart sarcolemmal vesicles

Summary The Ca2+ pump of rat heart sarcolemma has been studied via its ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport and (Ca2++Mg2+)-dependent ATPase activities. Direct incubation of the sarcolemmal vesicles with micromolar concentration of guanosine 5′-O-(thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) results in the reduction of Ca2+ uptake by 34±10% and ATP hydrolysis by 55±7%. Similar inhibition of the sarcolemmal Ca2+ pump is also observed with micromolar concentration of inositol trisphosphate (IP3), while GDP or inositol tetrakisphosphate (IP4) has no effect. Based on the evidence that these sarcolemmal vesicles are capable of generating IP3 upon stimulation by GTPγS, and that no additive effect is observed when both agents are incubated together with the membranes, it is concluded that the effect of GTPγS on the Ca2+ pump is mediated by IP3. The results here show for the first time that plasma membrane Ca2+ pump has a role in the primary Ca2+ signaling.
The continuing decision seminar as a technique of instruction

A decision seminar is concerned with knowledge of the policy process and with the evaluation of knowledge for policy. The critical requirement is a nucleus of persons who are determined to work together over a number of years. Among the criteria to be considered in selecting a topic are the needs of the civic and public order. Those who are in the civic order (universities, etc.) may plan “counterpart seminars” to parallel structures of government, selected functions, or problems. The agenda of a seminar calls for the consideration of any particular pattern in relation to its context in social process and evolves a distinctive audio-visual environment for the purpose. Successive attention is given to the clarification of goals, the description of trends, the analysis of conditions, the projection of developments, and the invention, evaluation and selection of alternatives. Continuity permits learning from self-corrective appraisal of past statements and roles. The technique can be diffused to official agencies.
Mechanical behavior of saturated, consolidated, alumina powder compacts: effect of particle size and morphology on the plastic-to-brittle transition

The effects of particle size and morphology on the mechanical behavior of pressure consolidated, saturated, alumina powder bodies, were determined with uniaxial compression experiments of cylindrical specimens at a fixed displacement rate. Five different α-Al2O3 powders, from the same manufacturer, were used. The slurries were dispersed at pH 4 and then either coagulated with additions of NH4Cl to produce weakly attractive particle networks with short-range repulsive potentials or flocculated at the isoelectric point (iep=pH 9). These slurries were consolidated by pressure filtration using pressures ranging from 2.5 to 150 MPa. Larger particles packed to higher relative densities when compared to smaller particles. Blocky particles packed at a lower relative density when compared to particles with roundish surfaces. Bodies were plastic when consolidated below a critical consolidation pressure; above this pressure, the body was brittle. Bodies formed with large particles were brittle at a lower consolidation pressure. The effect of particle size is discussed with respect to the number of particle–particle contacts per unit volume at a given relative density. Namely, for a given applied pressure, larger forces exist between larger particles because of the smaller number of contacts per unit volume relative to smaller particles.
Computational study on the effect of alkyl chain length on alkane–water interfacial width

Abstract The influence of alkyl chain length on the interfacial width of the n-alkane–water interface was examined with molecular dynamics simulations. We examined systems of n-hexane–water and n-nonane–water and also investigated the effect of different systems sizes. The electron density profiles of the systems were extracted from our simulations, along with corrections made for capillary waves, to estimate the X-ray reflectivity and the interfacial width. It was consistently found that increasing the alkyl chain length decreased the interfacial width in contrast to X-ray reflectivity experiments. Some of the potential reasons for this discrepancy are examined and discussed.
Obliteration of vestibular and cochlear aqueducts in the guinea pig.

The study involved 42 healthy adult guinea pigs placed into two major groups. In group A, only histologic studies were performed after obliteration of the right vestibular aqueduct, the cochlear aqueduct, or both the vestibular and cochlear aqueducts. In group B, hearing changes were monitored by repeated determination of averaged temporal response thresholds after the same obliterative operations as in group A. At the conclusion of the experiments, histologic studies of temporal bone were performed and hearing changes were correlated with the severity of disease found in the inner ear. Histologic examination of 32 temporal bones from animals in which the vestibular aqueduct or both the vestibular and cochlear aqueducts were obliterated consistently demonstrated endolymphatic hydrops. The endolymphatic hydrops was usually progressive, and its severity was proportional to the length of time from the operation. Serial determination of averaged temporal response thresholds in 18 guinea pigs after these operations demonstrated a progressive deterioration in thresholds. The hearing loss was greater at the lower frequencies. The audiometric changes correlated positively with the severity of endolymphatic hydrops. No significant audiometric or temporal bone histologic changes were found after obliteration of the cochlear aqueduct.
Complete 2-Loop Quantum Electrodynamic Contributions to the Muon Lifetime in the Fermi Model

The complete 2-loop quantum electrodynamic corrections to the muon lifetime are calculated in the Fermi theory. The exact result for the effects of virtual and real photons, virtual electrons, muons as well as ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ pair creation, is $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{QED}}^{(2)}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}(\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}{)}^{2}[\frac{156815}{5184}\ensuremath{-}\frac{1036}{27}\ensuremath{\zeta}(2)\ensuremath{-}\frac{895}{36}\ensuremath{\zeta}(3)+\frac{67}{8}\ensuremath{\zeta}(4)+53\ensuremath{\zeta}(2)\mathrm{ln}(2)]\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}(\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}{)}^{2}6.743$, where ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}$ is the tree-level width. The theoretical error in the value of the Fermi coupling constant ${G}_{F}$ is now rendered negligible compared to the experimental uncertainty coming from the measurement of the muon lifetime. The overall error in ${G}_{F}$ is then roughly halved, giving ${G}_{F}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}(1.16637\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00001)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}{\mathrm{GeV}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$.
Space-Time Turbo Bayesian Compressed Sensing for UWB Systems

A Space-Time Turbo Bayesian Compressed Sensing (STTBCS) algorithm is proposed for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) systems in this paper. Based on the sparsity of UWB signals, the STTBCS algorithm provides an efficient approach for integrating spatial and temporal redundancies. A space-time structure is also designed for exploiting and transferring the spatial and temporal \emph{a priori} information for signal reconstructions in the framework of Bayesian Compressed Sensing (BCS). Simulation results using experimental UWB echo signals demonstrate that our STTBCS algorithm achieves good performance for UWB systems, compared with the traditional BCS and multitask BCS algorithms.
The effect of harvest date and tuber-borne sclerotia on the severity ofRhizoctonia disease of potato

Experiments performed in 1976 and 1977 examined the effect of harvest date on the development of tuber-borne sclerotia and the effect of these sclerotia onRhizoctonia disease severity of potato. Results from tubers harvested at seven weekly intervals in 1975 indicate maximum sclerotial development occurred 3–4 weeks after vine killing. When these tubers were planted the following year, few differences occurred in disease severity of stems and stolons with respect to prior harvest date. However, the tubers which had remained in the ground 4–7 weeks after vine killing in 1975 produced the largest and greatest number of sclerotia on progeny tubers harvested in 1976. Experiments in 1976 and 1977 demonstrated that tubers with approximately 20% sclerotial coverage produced stems and stolons with significantly more severeRhizoctonia disease compared to tubers with no visible sclerotia. Sclerotial coverage on tubers of less than 20% did not significantly increase disease severity.
Equilibrium ensembles of electromagnetic thermal radiation in layered media

This paper describes equilibrium ensembles of thermally excited electromagnetic fields in layered media. The obtained results complement Planck's law of thermal radiation that determines the spectrum of the radiation but supplies little information about the ensemble of eigenfields (normal modes) excited in the medium. The developments regarding these ensembles presented in this paper make it possible to apply perturbation techniques for the analysis of the ensembles of radiated fields in layered media with a steady heat flux.
The role of risk versus the role of uncertainty in economic systems

Abstract Frank Knight made an important distinction between risk and uncertainty—a distinction that continues to be blurred in economists’ writings to this day. At one extreme is pure risk where probabilities can be numerically assigned exactly from objective, physical data. This is actuarial risk. At the other extreme is pure uncertainty, which Knight claimed is unanalyzeable. Random variables for many economic problems appear to fall somewhere between these two extremes, but in the rapidly changing global economic system, random variables appear to be characterized by more and more uncertainty. Yet, methods and methodology typically employed in theoretical and empirical analyses of economic systems were developed for the case of pure risk then imposed on problems characterized by uncertainty. Systems modelers need to better recognize the uncertainty dimension of many problems, including the role of uncertainty in the potential instability of market systems and in Knightian welfare economics. New methods and methodology may be required to properly model uncertainty.
Bacteriolysis of Streptococcus mutans BHT by lysozyme and inorganic anions normally present in human saliva.

Abstract Liberation of DNA from Streptococcus mutans BHT was elicited by hen egg-white lysozyme in the presence of low concentrations of additive inorganic anions. Significant lysis was observed at salt molarities within normal salivary concentrations. Lysis increased with anion concentration until apparent saturation plateau levels were attained. Thiocyanate and bicarbonate anions were more effective than chloride and fluoride anions at all salt molarities tested. The order of anion potency in the liberation of DNA was SCN− >HCO−3 >Cl− >F−, although differences between SCN− and HCO−3 as well as between Cl− and F− could be minimized by varying the relative enzyme, anion and bacterial-cell concentration. Although DNA was not released at low anion concentrations when the apparent amount of lysozyme bound per cell was high, liberation did occur at low lysozyme concentrations. After release of cell-bound lysozyme in low-molarity bicarbonate solutions, strain BHT retained approx. 10 times as much enzyme from reaction mixtures with high enzyme concentrations as from those with low. The results suggest that physiologic concentrations of various anions present in saliva may be sufficient to trigger lysis of oral microorganisms by lysozyme.
Would They If They Could

If the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues, terrorist groups could be drawn to far deadlier weapons.
Biometric Recognition via Probabilistic Spatial Projection of Eye Movement Trajectories in Dynamic Visual Environments

This paper proposes a method for the extraction of biometric features from the spatial patterns formed by eye movements during an inspection of dynamic visual stimulus. In the suggested framework, each eye movement signal is transformed into a time-constrained decomposition by using a probabilistic representation of spatial and temporal features related to eye fixations and called fixation density map (FDM). The results for a large collection of eye movements recorded from 200 individuals indicate the best equal error rate of 10.8% and Rank-1 identification rate as high as 51%, which is a significant improvement over existing eye movement-driven biometric methods. In addition, our experiments reveal that a person recognition approach based on the FDM performs well even in cases when eye movement data are captured at lower than optimum sampling frequencies. This property is very important for the future ocular biometric systems where existing iris recognition devices could be employed to combine eye movement traits with iris information for increased security and accuracy. Considering that commercial iris recognition devices are able to implement eye image sampling usually at a relatively low rate, the ability to perform eye movement-driven biometrics at such rates is of great significance.
Gender, sexuality, and antiretroviral therapy: using social science to enhance outcomes and inform secondary prevention strategies

Objectives: To explore how, within the context of antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake and adherence, social science research on gender and sexuality could complement existing epidemiological and behavioral research on uptake, adherence, disinhibition and reproduction. Methods: Bibliographical database searches on ART uptake and adherence, the sexual practices of HIV-positive individuals, and fertility management among HIV-positive men and women were conducted over a 6-month period using ISI Web of Science and Medline. Articles were sorted by main topic and then analysed to reveal the unarticulated assumptions that have framed research to date. Results: The adoption of more social scientific theoretical frameworks would move research on uptake, adherence, disinhibition, and reproduction among HIV-infected and affected individuals beyond the current overemphasis on how cognitive and ideological factors shape behavior and towards an understanding of how culture and inequality shapes the way people engage with ART and craft their sexual and reproductive lives. Research that pays greater attention to the social processes that create differentials in uptake and adherence, rather than just the quantification of those differentials, will open up new possibilities for community-based interventions. Similarly, social science research on gender and sexuality can provide insight into the social factors shaping reproductive and sexual behavior, and thus enhance our ability to manage the potentially competing priorities of limiting marital sexual risk and increasing access to reproductive choice among HIV-affected couples. Conclusion: The ability to produce good clinical outcomes and to develop effective policies for secondary prevention will be enhanced by a deeper understanding of how gender inequality and the social organization of sexuality shape the sexual and reproductive behavior of individuals using ART.
Machining Quality and Cost: Estimation and Tradeoffs

Simultaneous improvement of machining cost, quality and environmental impact is sometimes possible, but after the Pareto optimal frontier has been reached, decisions must be made regarding unavoidable tradeoffs. This paper presents a method for formulating a mathematical model for first estimating quality, cost and cutting fluid wastewater treatment impacts of two machining operations (end milling and drilling), and then for tradeoff decision making. The milling quality estimation model is developed through virtual experimentation on a simulation model, while the drilling quality estimation model is developed through physical experimentation. Cost is estimated through an activity based costing approach. Cutting fluid wastewater treatment impacts (BOD and TSS) are estimated through stoichiometric analysis of cutting fluids. Input decision variables include material choice, design, manufacturing and limited lubrication parameters. The contribution of this paper is the integration of activity based cost estimation, machining quality estimation via statistical analysis of data from virtual and physical experiments, cutting fluid wastewater treatment impact estimation and formal decision theory. A case study of an automotive steering knuckle is presented, where decision variables include material choice (cast iron versus aluminum), feed rate, cutting speed and wet versus dry machining.
Kinetic cyanations of ketone enolates

Abstract Kinetic cyanations of ketone enolates using p-toluenesulfonyl cyanide provide efficient routes to β-ketonitriles.
Plasma Corticosteroids: Changes in Concentration after Stimulation of Hippocampus and Amygdala

Plasma 17-OH corticosteroid levels were determined before stimulation and at various intervals after stimulation in these limbic sites in patients in whom implanted electrodes had been placed during evaluation for surgical treatment of psychomotor epilepsy. Stimulation of the amygdala was followed by an elevation of plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroids. Hippocampal stimulation resulted in a decreased corticosteroid level, followed in two instances by a secondary elevation.
Agency: The internal split of structure

In this article I first examine the ways in which the dual terms of structure and agency are used in sociological theories. Then, relying on Lacan s notions of split-subject, the formula of sexua tion, and forms of discourses, and Laclaus theory of ideological hegemony, I argue that agency in most current sociological formulations is but a posited other of the structure that dissolves if examined closely; it is similar to the Lacanian fantasmic object. To resolve the fundamental paradoxes in s truc ture-agency theories, I reformulate structures as paradoxical, incomplete, and contingent symbolic formations that are always partial and unstable due to their inclusion and exclusion operations. Consequently, social transformational agency consists in the structural inconsistencies that open structural gaps available to social actors. As a result, agency can be recognized in two moments conceived as two symbolic gestures. From this perspective, agency as such is always a possibility qua potential and its efficacy is always retroactively recognized actualized from within a new social structure or symbolic order.