cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fractal response of physiological signals to stress conditions, environmental changes, and neurodegenerative diseases: Essays and Commentaries

In the past two decades the biomedical community has witnessed several applications of nonlinear system theory to the analysis of biomedical time series and the development of nonlinear dynamic models. The development of this area of medicine can best be described as nonlinear and fractal physiology. These studies have been intended to develop more reliable methodologies for understanding how biological systems respond to peculiar altered conditions induced by internal stress, environment stress, and/or disease. Herein, we summarize the theory and some of our results showing the fractal dependency on different conditions of physiological signals such as inter-breath intervals, heart inter-beat intervals, and human stride intervals. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 12: 12–17, 2007 This paper was submitted as an invited paper resulting from the “Understanding Complex Systems” conference held at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, May 2005.
Hypothesis testing over factorizations for data association

The issue of data association arises frequently in sensor networks; whenever multiple sensors and sources are present, it may be necessary to determine which observations from different sensors correspond to the same target. In highly uncertain environments, one may need to determine this correspondence without the benefit of an a priori known joint signal/sensor model. This paper examines the data association problem as the more general hypothesis test between factorizations of a single, learned distribution. The optimal test between known distributions may be decomposed into model-dependent and statistical dependence terms, quantifying the cost incurred by model estimation from measurements compared to a test between known models. We demonstrate how one might evaluate a two-signal association test efficiently using kernel density estimation methods to model a wide class of possible distributions, and show the resulting algorithm's ability to determine correspondence in uncertain conditions through a series of synthetic examples. We then describe an extension of this technique to multisignal association which can be used to determine correspondence while avoiding the computationally prohibitive task of evaluating all hypotheses. Empirical results of the approximate approach are presented.
Solar Optical Instrumentation

We discuss the various aspects of specialized instrumentation for solar observation. Telescopes are designed to minimize heating and turbulence. Because two-dimensional images are so important, two-dimensional monochromators are particularly important. Devices for magnetic field measurement and coronal observation are described, and the resolution of the various instruments is discussed.
AIDS-Related Grief and Coping with Loss Among HIV-Positive Men and Women

AIDS-related grief was examined and its association with coping among HIV-positive men and women explored. AIDS-related grief, psychological distress and coping were examined among a sample of 268 HIV-infected individuals, diverse with respect to gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Participants exhibited elevated scores on measures of grief reaction and psychological distress including depressive symptoms, anxiety, and traumatic stress related to their losses. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that severity of grief reaction was associated with escape-avoidance and self-controlling coping strategies, type of loss, depressive symptoms, and history of injection drug use. Interventions are needed to enhance coping and reduce psychological distress associated with the unique bereavement experienced by people living with HIV- and AIDS-related grief.
Evolving avionics systems from federated to distributed architectures

Typical avionics systems today are structured in a federated architecture. Upgrading such systems has proven unwieldy and expensive, even as the advance of technology and increased functional requirements have made upgrades more imperative. Of particular concern is the systemic integration required for information superiority through multi-source data fusion. To improve this situation, the Maritime Avionics Subsystems and Technology Scalable Open Architecture Project (MAST SOAP) has designed a distributed avionics architecture. It is characterized by general-purpose hardware resources linked by an extensible communications network, an Object Request Broker infrastructure, and commercially available components with open interface standards. This paper outlines our approach to legacy system upgrades in the context of an open distributed architecture, presents the lessons we have learned that are applicable to such a system evolution, and discusses the performance implications involved in the use of such an architecture for an avionics system.
An Analysis of the Employment Patterns of Minority Law Graduates

THE BLACK LAW JOURNAL IV. CONCLUSION As outlined above, this study is designed to assess the effect that law school special admissions programs, such as the one at the University of Wisconsin, have had in increasing the number of lawyers from minority groups. The study, by reporting the employment patterns of LEO graduates, will be helpful in determining the kind and quality of legal services deliv- ered to the minority community. AN ANALYSIS OF THE EMPLOYMENT PATTERNS OF MINORITY LAW GRADUATES Gary A. Munneke I. INTRODUCTION This article will discuss the findings of the annual Employment Report of the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) as they relate to the employment patterns of black law school graduates. The NALP surveys provide a reliable and informative picture of legal employment in this coun- try. The survey should prove useful in the development of in-depth instru- ments to measure career development among black attorneys. This article will present the background and methodology of the Employment Survey in order to aid in the interpretation of the data. II. HISTORY NALP is a young organization. It was founded in 1971 with a member- ship of thirty-five law schools, primarily from the northeast. Our present membership includes 164 law schools out of 171 law schools approved by the American Bar Association' as well as 250 bar associations and legal em- ployers. 2 One of NALP's goals is the improvement of law placement and recruitment in the United States through research, cooperation, communica- tion, and education, both within the organization and with other groups as- sociated with the legal profession. From NALP's inception members expressed the need to develop a com- prehensive survey of law school graduates. Until then no such survey ex- isted. Development of the Employment Report began in 1972 when representatives of NALP, the Association of American Law Schools, the tape-recording the interviews. So far, none of the interviewees have objected to the taping of the interviews. The tapes will be transcribed for future use in writing up the results of the study. 1. The Army Judge Advocate General School, the three Puerto Rican law schools, West Vir- ginia, Wyoming, and Texas Southern law schools are not members at this time. 2. Excluded from membership are private placement agencies or executive search firms and law schools not approved by the American Bar Association.
Predicting the performance of wide area data transfers

As Data Grids become more commonplace, large data sets are being replicated and distributed to multiple sites, leading to the problem of determining which replica can be accessed most efficiently. The answer to this question can depend on many factors, including physical characteristics of the resources and the load behavior on the CPUs, networks, and storage devices that are part of the end-to-end path linking possible sources and sinks. We develop a predictive framework that combines (1) integrated instrumentation that collects information about the end-to-end performance of past transfers, (2) predictors to estimate future transfer times, and (3) a data delivery infrastructure that provides users with access to both the raw data and our predictions. We evaluate the performance of our predictors by applying them to log data collected from a wide area testbed. These preliminary results provide insights into the effectiveness of using predictors in this situation.
Structures of surface adlayers and oxygen reduction kinetics

Abstract Structures of metal and anion adlayers have been determined during the course of oxygen reduction by in situ surface X-ray scattering techniques. These measurements provide answers to several open questions of the oxygen reduction electrocatalysis. These include the bridge site of O 2 during reduction on Pt(111), the oxidation/redeposition of Tl adatoms as a possible origin of their catalytic action in a four-electron O 2 reduction on Au(111) and the structure and stability of Br adlayers which block in different ways O 2 reduction on Ag(100), Au(100) and Pt(111).
Optimal firing-angle control of cascaded HVDC converters for minimum harmonic currents

An optimal firing strategy for N cascaded, 6-pulse, phase-controlled power converters of a HVDC link is proposed. Minimization of the harmonic currents injected into the AC system (by both the inverters and rectifiers) is achieved through simultaneous control of the firing angles of the N power converters. With relatively low values of N (4 12-pulse, or 8 6-pulse), the resultant AC current harmonics are substantially lower than for comparable 12- or 6-pulse converters. Also, the DC voltage harmonics are greatly reduced over 12-pulse operation. >
The Scope of Section 106 of the Indian Evidence Act: Recent Developments

The section 106 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (hereinafter referred to as Evidence Act) deals with sifting the onus of proving a particular fact on the accused or when that particular fact is especially within his knowledge. This section is only applicable once the prosecution has proved the prima facie case against the accused. Hence, it is clear that the section is just an exception section 101 of the Evidence Act and its applicability does not extend into taking off the legal burden from the shoulder of the prosecution. Hence the burden which is being talked about in this section is the evidential burden the onus of proving which can be shifted to the accused. The researcher shall thus, be proving these various issues and the consequential sub-issues which may arise during the course of her arguments.
Clinical and psychosocial risk factors of hearing outcome in older adults with cochlear implants.

Objectives/Hypothesis To identify psychosocial determinants of speech perception (SP) outcome in older adults after cochlear implant (CI) surgery. Study Design Retrospective study. Methods Subjects received their CI at age 45 years or older and had at least 12 months of device experience. Independent variables consisted of the Charlson Comorbidity Index, history of depression, length of hearing loss and amplification use, residential status, education and gaps in SP data. Regression models were evaluated for associations with open-set SP gains at 3 months and 12 months, and in the 6- to 12-month time interval. Results Every 10% increase in the proportion of life spent using a hearing aid was associated with a 2% to 3% decrement in SP gain within the first 3 months of CI use. Later and overall 1y SP gains were negatively impacted by poorer general health, lower education level, and residence in an assisted-living facility. Patients with gaps in SP data at later time points were also more likely to have poorer health and to live in assisted-living facilities. The absence of two or more evaluations was associated on average with 6.3% lower SP outcome compared to subjects with one or fewer missing data points. Age at CI had no influence on the size of post-operative SP gains. Conclusions Auditory deprivation and the influence of psychosocial and health factors on engagement in postsurgical rehabilitation services may impact CI outcomes more than has been previously reported. These findings have policy implications and highlight the need for more effective delivery of hearing rehabilitation services to an aging population. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 125:695–702, 2015
Why firefighting is never enough: preserving high-quality product development†

National Science Foundation, grant SBR-9422228, the Ford Motor Company and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. MIT Sloan School of Management, Center for Innovation in Product Development
POLO: A New Computer Program for Probit Analysis

Probit analysis has been widely used for many years to analyze bioassay data, including the response of insects to insecticides. The computations are very laborious, however, and much early research on the method concerned shortcuts. The leading authority (Finney 1971) recasted the mathematical formulation to allow hand computation. When computers came into general scientific use in the 1960's, several programs were written to automate this work. Most of them mechanically repeated the manual computation scheme, with no attempt at a fresh reformulation of the problem to take full advantage of new computer technology.
An integrated framework for service engineering: a case study in the financial services industry

Service engineering, the application of engineering disciplines to develop service-oriented enterprise systems (service systems) with predicable results, has faced a brand new array of challenges in recent years. Existing development approaches that might help addressing these challenges are scattered in separate research fields or in different units of an organization, just like the "blind men and the elephant." This article presents a 3-year action research case study with a Fortune 50 company in the financial services industry, validating an integrated service-oriented business-IT alignment framework, called the BITAM-SOA Framework, to shed light on complex service engineering issues, including the interplay between business-IT alignment approaches (alignment via architecture, via governance and via communication) and Service Oriented Architecture adoption as well as methodological challenges of service engineering. The importance of the social dimension of service engineering is illuminated. The results yield lessons learned, managerial insights and integrated methods for effective service engineering.
Protein radicals, regulations, and cancer

How far is life a molecular or electronic solid-state phenomenon? Primitive “vegetative” functions are performed by soluble protein molecules in molecular reactions. Complex “animal” functions are performed by insoluble structures built of protein biradicals, doped by the incorporation of electron acceptors.
Rehabilitation and functional neuroimaging dose-response trajectories for clinical trials.

Background. In clinical trials, behavioral outcomes and physiological measures of activity-dependent plasticity that evolve with task-oriented therapies may fail to reach statistical significance. When significant, clinical effectiveness may not be robust enough to alter professional practices. Objective. Provide the conceptual basis for a research design to optimize the effect of an experimental treatment. Methods. Literature review. Results. Research designs usually do not take into consideration the dynamic state of each subject’s potential responsiveness to an intervention. Providing a rational, rather than convenient, intensity and duration of therapy may remedy this potential confounder for clinical trials. To determine whether a most effective dose of a therapy exists, investigators could assess subjects before the intervention, administer interim measures at planned intervals, and continue the intervention until the primary behavioral outcomes or functional imaging parameters or both reach a plate...
High-resolution temporal record of Holocene ground-water chemistry: Tracing links between climate and hydrology

Strontium isotope analysis of precisely dated calcite growth layers in Holocene speleothems from Barbados, West Indies, reveals high-resolution temporal variations in ground-water composition and may provide a new approach to documenting the links between climate variability andfluctuations in the hydrologic cycle such as recharge rates andflow paths. The speleothems grew in a cave that developed in a fresh-water aquifer in upliftedPleistocenereeflimestones.Threeperiodsofground-waterSrisotopeevolutionare observed: 87 Sr/ 86 Srvaluesdecreasedfrom6to4ka,increasedfrom4to1ka,anddecreased again after 1 ka. The Sr isotope oscillations appear to record periodic variations in the relative Sr fluxes to ground water from exchangeable soil sites vs. carbonate mineral reactions,asreflectedin 87 Sr/ 86 SrvaluesofmodernBarbadosgroundwaters.Ahydrologic model that explains changes in ground-waterflow routes in karst aquifers as a function of amountofrainfallrechargecanaccountforthespeleothemSrisotoperecord.Independent Holoceneclimaterecordsthatindicateamajorperiodofaridityataround1.3‐1.1kainthe American tropics correspond with periodic variations in rainfall on Barbados that are predicted by this hydrologic model.
Energy expenditure estimation with smartphone body sensors

Energy Expenditure Estimation (EEE) is an important step in tracking personal activity and preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Accurate and online EEE utilizing small wearable sensors is a difficult task, primarily because most existing schemes work offline or using heuristics. In this work, we focus on accurate EEE for tracking ambulatory activities (walking, standing, climbing upstairs or downstairs) of a common smartphone user. We used existing smartphone sensors (accelerometer and barometer sensor), sampled at low frequency, to accurately detect EEE. Using Artificial Neural Networks, a machine learning technique, we build a generic regression model for EEE that yields upto 89% correlation with actual Energy Expenditure (EE). Using barometer data, in addition to accelerometry is found to significantly improve EEE performance (upto 15%). We compare our results against state-of-the-art Calorimetry Equations (CE) and consumer electronics devices (Fitbit and Nike+ Fuel Band). We were able to demonstrate the superior accuracy achieved by our algorithm. The results were calibrated against COSMED K4b2 calorimeter readings.
Induction of type I interferon by RNA viruses: cellular receptors and their substrates

Virus recognition and induction of interferon (IFN) are critical components of the innate immune system. The Toll-like receptor (TLR) and RIG-I-like receptor families have been characterized as key players in RNA virus detection. Signaling cascades initiated by these receptors are crucial for establishment of an IFN signaling mediated antiviral state in infected and neighboring cells and containment of virus replication as well as initiation of the adaptive immune response. In this review, we focus on the diverse and overlapping functions of these receptors, their physiological importance, and respective viral inducers. We highlight the roles of TRL3, TLR7/8, retinoic acid inducible gene I, melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5, and the RNA molecules responsible for activating these viral sensors.
Deep Nulling of Visible Laser Light

Nulling interferometry, a proposed technique for dimming a star relative to its surroundings by destructively interfering the light collected by two individual telescopes [ Bracewell , Nature274, 780–781 (1978); Shao Colavita , Ann. Rev. Astron. Astrophys.30, 457–498 (1992)], has the potential to permit the direct detection of nearby extrasolar planets. However, because of the extremely high degree of symmetry required for useful levels of starlight nulling, the technique remains in its infancy. We present results of laboratory experiments with a rotational shearing interferometer that are aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of deep nulling at the levels needed for direct planet detection. Our first results include the successful nulling of red laser light to a part in 105 and the stabilization of the null leakage to a part in 104.
SOLUBILIZATION OF PHOSPHOFRUCTOKINASE FROM THE PARTICULATE FRACTION OF CHICKEN MUSCLE

The particulate fraction of chicken breast muscle (pH 6.5–6.7) contained 99% of the phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity. A dramatic shift from the particulate to the soluble form occurred at pH 7.05±0.10. ATP and MgATP were effective solubilizers of PFK at pH 6.7. ADP appeared to be converted to a solubilizer of PFK after incubation in the crude system. Cyclic AMP and AMP were not effective solubilizers at pH 6.7. The solubilization by ATP was dependent on the concentration of the nucleotide and could be prevented by lowering the pH to 6.0. Pyruvate, fructose-6-phosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-1, 6-diphosphate, glucose-1, 6-diphosphate, 2-phosphoglycerate, 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate, 3-phosphoglycerate and pyrophosphate were not effective solubilizers at pH 6.7 at the concentrations tested.
Sex and time differences in the associations of non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol versus other lipid and lipoprotein factors in the prediction of cardiovascular death (The Rancho Bernardo Study)

Abstract Non–high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (total cholesterol [TC] minus HDL cholesterol) has been suggested as the preferred lipid fraction to predict cardiovascular disease. We compared the ability of lipids, lipoproteins, the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol (TC/HDL), and non-HDL cholesterol to predict fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease in 1,386 women and 1,094 men (mean age 69 years). After 10 years, there were more deaths in men (n = 310) than women (n = 268), but the proportions of deaths attributed to CHD (23% and 25%, respectively) and cardiovascular disease (48% and 47%) were similar. In men, age-adjusted values for non-HDL cholesterol, TC/HDL ratio, and triglycerides each predicted a significantly increased risk of CHD and cardiovascular disease; none of these associations was independent of pack-years of smoking, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, body mass index, and physical activity. In women, age-adjusted non-HDL cholesterol levels did not predict CHD or cardiovascular disease events before or after adjusting for these covariates and for estrogen replacement therapy. In women, only the ratio of TC to HDL cholesterol predicted CHD and cardiovascular disease deaths independent of estrogen use and other risk factors. Observed associations were sensitive to time, being evident in women at 3 and 5 years, and lost thereafter, but not apparent before 10 years in men. Thus, non-HDL cholesterol is not superior to individual lipids, lipoproteins, or their ratios in the prediction of cardiovascular death in older adults.
Applied Collaborative Biomedical Anthropology in a State Health Department Setting

State health departments offer a diversity of collaborative research opportunities for biological anthropologists. This article discusses some of the issues one may confront in conducting collaborative biomedical research in this kind of setting, drawing on my experiences in the New York State Department of Health. Unlike an academic setting, the choice of a research topic is likely to depend upon the bureau in which one works and not solely on one's interests or prior specialty in biological anthropology. Though findings may not be publishable in anthropological journals, one can contribute to the literature of other disciplines. It is relatively easy to find collaborators from other disciplines, both inside and outside the health department, and collaboration has significantly broadened my knowledge.
Attitudes of dentists in British Columbia toward removable prosthodontics

Abstract A survey was sent to all registered dentists in British Columbia regarding their training and attitudes in removable prosthodontics. A reasonable number of the questionnaires were returned so that general comments can be made about perceived needs and suggestions to improve training and practice. There was a clear feeling among the dentists surveyed that dental school training had not prepared them adequately for the clinical practice of removable prosthodontics. It was suggested that increased emphasis be placed on both didactic and clinical instruction. Increasing the number and quality of faculty was frequently mentioned. There was a perceived need for integrated instruction with other disciplines and increased emphasis on total patient care, including areas such as nutrition and psychology. In general, removable prosthodontics was felt to be an important area of continuing education. Short courses, study groups, and programs at meetings were perceived to be desirable and necessary. Prosthodontic care was felt to be a significant need of the population. Inadequate training in dental school would be a disservice to both the practitioners and their patients. Access to high-quality dental care is an important aspect of the quality of life, and removable prosthodontics is an integral and important part of dental care.
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Knowledge, Perceived Benefits and Barriers, and Intentions Among College and University Employees

Background: Early detection through routine screening is critical in reducing the incidence rate of colorectal cancer (CRC). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine college and university employees' knowledge of CRC issues, their perceptions of the benefits of and barriers to CRC screening, and their intentions toward it. Methods: This study surveyed a targeted sample of 350 employees aged 45 and older and examined their knowledge of CRC issues and screening, their screening status, and group differences in perceptions about screening and in their intentions toward it. Results: Less than half of the participants answered correctly about CRC being one of the leading causes of cancer. The top perceived barriers were “fears,” followed by “doctor never recommended” and “preparation for the test is difficult.” A discriminant analysis revealed that individuals who had not been screened and those who did not intend to get screened perceived significantly more barriers. Discussion: Perceptions about scr...
The expression of Interleukin-1α, Interleukin-1β, and Interleukin-1 receptor type I mRNA during preimplantation mouse development

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) plays an important role in implantation of the early embryo since blockade of the IL-1 receptor prevents implantation in the mouse. Whether IL-1 blockade during implantation has a direct effect on the embryo or only the uterus is unknown since reliable data are not available concerning the expression of IL-1 or IL-1 receptor on the preimplantation embryo. Because of the significant role for IL-1 in implantation, we investigated the potential for an embryonic-maternal IL-1 signaling mechanism during mouse preimplantation embryo development. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1R) on mRNA isolated from mouse preimplantation embryos and uteri collected between the 2-cell to blastocyst stage. Preimplantation embryos have the capability to produce IL-1 beta after the 4-cell stage of development since IL-1 beta mRNA was detected from the 4-cell to blastocyst stage but not at the 2-cell stage. Unlike IL-1 beta, IL-1 alpha was not expressed in preimplantation embryos. It is unlikely that IL-1 has a direct effect on the preimplantation embryo since IL-1R mRNA was not expressed in preimplantation embryos. In contrast, IL-1 could have a direct effect on the uterus since IL-1R mRNA was found to be expressed in uteri at all developmental time points. Our findings suggest that there is a potential embryonic-maternal IL-1 signaling mechanism through the expression of IL-1 beta by the preimplantation embryo and the expression of IL-1R in the uterus.
Spatially organized dynamical states in chemical oscillator networks: synchronization, dynamical differentiation, and chimera patterns.

Dynamical processes in many engineered and living systems take place on complex networks of discrete dynamical units. We present laboratory experiments with a networked chemical system of nickel electrodissolution in which synchronization patterns are recorded in systems with smooth periodic, relaxation periodic, and chaotic oscillators organized in networks composed of up to twenty dynamical units and 140 connections. The reaction system formed domains of synchronization patterns that are strongly affected by the architecture of the network. Spatially organized partial synchronization could be observed either due to densely connected network nodes or through the ‘chimera’ symmetry breaking mechanism. Relaxation periodic and chaotic oscillators formed structures by dynamical differentiation. We have identified effects of network structure on pattern selection (through permutation symmetry and coupling directness) and on formation of hierarchical and ‘fuzzy’ clusters. With chaotic oscillators we provide experimental evidence that critical coupling strengths at which transition to identical synchronization occurs can be interpreted by experiments with a pair of oscillators and analysis of the eigenvalues of the Laplacian connectivity matrix. The experiments thus provide an insight into the extent of the impact of the architecture of a network on self-organized synchronization patterns.
Localization of 2‐[125I]Iodomelatonin Binding Sites in Mammalian Retina

: Specific melatonin binding sites were localized in the mammalian retina using the selective radioligand 2-[125I]iodomelatonin. Frozen sections obtained from both pigmented and albino rabbit eyes and albino mouse eyes were incubated with 2-[125I]iodomelatonin in the absence and presence of competing agents. In eyecups from albino rabbits, the highest density of specific 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites was localized over the inner plexiform layer. Approximately 40–60% of the binding was specific, as determined with both the agonist 6-chloromelatonin and the antagonist luzindole. A high density of binding sites was observed over the choroid and retinal pigmented epithelium, but no statistical difference between total and nonspecific binding was detected. Results were similar with eyecups from pigmented rabbits. Albino mice showed a significant extent of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding in both the inner plexiform and the outer and inner segment layers. The specific binding of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin in retinas from albino rabbits maintained in the light for 24 h before decapitation was increased in the inner retina compared with the control. The distribution of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in the various layers of the mammalian retina is consistent with the described functions for this hormone in retinal physiology.
Mechanical Spectra of an Al-12.7Si-0.7Mg Alloy under Extrusion and T6 States

Mechanical spectra of an Al-12.7Si-0.7Mg alloy under extrusion and the solid solution treatment followed artificial aging (T6) states were measured at different frequencies. It has been found that their spectra present differences. There was an obvious internal friction peak near to 200°C with increasing the temperature. The value of internal friction presented increase started from 300°Cand height of the peak was low, there existed a peak near to 270°C during the cooling processes in the spectrum for the extrusion state. For the T6 state alloy, no peaks could be observed during the heating processes. With decreasing the temperature, the internal friction peaks were again observed near 200°C and 270°C.
The Prospects of the Steam Cycle in the Central Power Station

The advent of the gas turbine and its effect on the position of the steam turbine for the central power station is briefly discussed. In the opinion of the author the steam turbine will hold the field for large power generation for many years to come, and there is no immediate prospect of any other form of prime mover becoming a serious competitor for the generation of electricity in the central power station.Data are given indicating the gain in thermal efficiency that can be expected from increased steam conditions up to 2,000 lb. per sq. in., and 1,000 deg. F. with and without reheating.The advantages of reheating as a means of obtaining higher efficiency are strongly emphasized. Methods of operation to enable quick starting are discussed.Some of the principal constructional problems created by high steam conditions are briefly discussed and methods of overcoming the difficulties are indicated.The essence of the paper is to examine, in as simple a manner as possible, the means available for improving t...
Ureteral transection secondary to lumbar disk surgery.

Abstract We believe only 6 cases of ureteral injury during lumbar disk surgery have been reported. This additional case report points out the need for the orthopedist or neurosurgeon to be alert to this unusual complication in order to allow salvage of the involved kidney.
SIGIR(Tutorial Session)

File organizations which support interactive retrieval for large data bases is a major concern of information system designers. This session explores recent advances in the design of such organizations.Two speakers will address themselves specifically to the file organizations of existing interactive retrieval systems and present relevant operational statistics of the systems.A third reviews recent developments in the design and evaluation of file organizations. Comparisons of the costs of querying and updating conventional organizations, clustered organizations and a new class of hybrid list organizations are presented.
Diabetic polyneuropathy and glucose control.

1. Briel M, Langewitz W, Tschudi P, Young J, Hugenschmidt C, Bucher HC. Communication training and antibiotic use in acute respiratory tract infections: a cluster randomised controlled trial in general practice. Swiss Med Wkly. 2006; 136(15-16):241-247. 2. Briel M, Schuetz P, Mueller B, et al. Procalcitonin-guided antibiotic use vs a standard approach for acute respiratory tract infections in primary care. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(18):2000-2008. 3. Cals JW, Butler CC, Hopstaken RM, Hood K, Dinant GJ. Effect of point of care testing for C reactive protein and training in communication skills on antibiotic use in lower respiratory tract infections: cluster randomised trial. BMJ. 2009;338: b1374. 4. Schuetz P, Christ-Crain M, Muller B. Procalcitonin and other biomarkers to improve assessment and antibiotic stewardship in infections: hope for hype? Swiss Med Wkly. 2009;139(23-24):318-326. 5. Schuetz P, Christ-Crain M, Wolbers M, et al; ProHOSP Study Group. Procalcitonin guided antibiotic therapy and hospitalization in patients with lower respiratory tract infections: a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. BMC Health Serv Res. 2007;7:102. 6. Christ-Crain M, Stolz D, Bingisser R, et al. Procalcitonin guidance of antibiotic therapy in community-acquired pneumonia: a randomized trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2006;174(1):84-93.
Hydraulic conductivity of branch junctions in three temperate tree species

Hydraulic conductivities were measured in branch junctions and in the proximal segments of Quercus velutina Lam., Acer saccharum Marsh., and Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr. In all three species, the basal proximal segment was more conductive than the junction by a factor of 1.1–1.5. There was no consistent pattern for the distal proximal segments, where the conductivities were higher, lower, or the same as the junction. These data are discussed in terms of Martin H. Zimmermann's concept of plant segmentation. It is concluded that junction constrictions to water flow contribute less to plant segmentation than the variation in leaf specific conductivity in the crown of these species.
Cardiac copper deficiency activates a systemic signaling mechanism that communicates with the copper acquisition and storage organs

Copper (Cu) is an essential cofactor for a variety of metabolic functions, and the regulation of systemic Cu metabolism is critical to human health. Dietary Cu is absorbed through the intestine, stored in the liver, and mobilized into the circulation; however, systemic Cu homeostasis is poorly understood. We generated mice with a cardiac-specific knockout of the Ctr1 Cu transporter (Ctr1(hrt/hrt)), resulting in cardiac Cu deficiency and severe cardiomyopathy. Unexpectedly, Ctr1(hrt/hrt) mice exhibited increased serum Cu levels and a concomitant decrease in hepatic Cu stores. Expression of the ATP7A Cu exporter, thought to function predominantly in intestinal Cu acquisition, was strongly increased in liver and intestine of Ctr1(hrt/hrt) mice. These studies identify ATP7A as a candidate for hepatic Cu mobilization in response to peripheral tissue demand, and illuminate a systemic regulation in which the Cu status of the heart is signaled to organs that take up and store Cu.
The pollination biology of a pavement plain: pollinator visitation patterns.

The pollination biology of the 20 plant species of a treeless, pavement plain in the San Bernardino Mountains of southern California was studied throughout one flowering season.
Comparison of Recordings from Microelectrode Arrays and Single Electrodes in the Visual Cortex

Advances in microelectrode neural recording systems have made it possible to record extracellular activity from a large number of neurons simultaneously. A substantial body of work is associated with traditional single-electrode extracellular recording, and the robustness of the recording method has
Using the Supply Side Approach to Understand and Estimate Stock Returns

This paper uses the supply side approach developed by Ibbotson and Chen to analyze average stock returns for the period 1926-2004. Using the "earnings" model variation, it is easy to see how each component, including real earnings growth and the P/E ratio, contributed to the average total return on stocks. We estimate the long-run, sustainable average equity return as a benchmark expected equity return. Our innovation is to show how this model can be used by investors as a disciplined framework for estimating average equity returns over shorter periods of time. We illustrate how this can be done and note the assumptions and implications involved.
Failure of neuromuscular transmission and contractility during muscle fatigue

In previous studies of muscle fatigue, tension was monitored from whole muscle, while action potentials were recorded from a few muscle fibers. To compare more accurately changes in these responses, an in vitro fluid electrode technique was employed to record the action potential of whole muscle simultaneously with tension during fatigue induced by nerve stimulation in the rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL), soleus, and diaphragm muscles. In each muscle, tension declined from the start of stimulation, while action potential amplitude initially increased slightly and then declined most rapidly in EDL, more slowly in diaphragm, and most slowly in soleus. Direct stimulation of the fatigued muscle produced the greatest increase in tension in EDL, next in diaphragm, and least in soleus. These results indicate that while failure of excitation-contraction coupling or of the contractile mechanism is the initial cause of fatigue in all the muscles studied, and remains the predominant cause throughout in the soleus muscle, failure of neuromuscular transmission plays an important role in fatigue after the first 15 seconds in EDL, and to a lesser extent, after the first 90 seconds in diaphragm.
n -fatty acids: Comparison of published densities and molar volumes

Because some publishedn-fatty acid densities and molar volumes disagree significantly with others, an attempt was made, based primarily on the principle of homology, to distinguish between reasonably accurate and inaccurate data. Literature densities compatible with each other and with requirements of homology (including limiting densities) were identified. These densities, considered to be at least reasonably accurate, were used as standards and compared with other published densities. Most publishedn-fatty acid densities, judged by these criteria, appear to be reasonably accurate.
Cochlear implantation in children younger than 12 months of age

For decades there has been a trend to complete cochlear implantation in younger deaf individuals. This has led to the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved minimum age of 12 months. Universal infant hearing screening combined with better assessment techniques has resulted in much earlier diagnosis of deafness in infants, and as a consequence, most congenitally deaf children have completed cochlear implant evaluation before the age of 6 months. Because of these issues, there are a growing number of infants who are undergoing cochlear implantation between the ages of 6 and 12 months of age. This article reviews important technical details that should be considered when an infant undergoes cochlear implantation.
Mechanism for increased immunogenicity of vaccines that form in vivo immune complexes with the natural anti-Gal antibody

Anti-Gal constitutes approximately 1% of circulating IgG in humans and interacts specifically with alpha-gal epitopes. We reported previously that expression of alpha-gal epitopes on HIV gp120 and influenza virus vaccines increases immunogenicity by approximately 100-fold. We hypothesize that immunogenicity of any microbial vaccine can be markedly increased by linked alpha-gal epitopes due to in vivo formation of immune complexes with anti-Gal and the effective internalization of such immune complexes by APC, via Fc/FcgammaR interaction. The increased transport to lymph nodes and processing of anti-Gal complexed vaccines internalized by APC, results in effective activation of vaccine specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, and high cellular and humoral immune response. This universal mechanism for anti-Gal mediated increased immunogenicity is demonstrated in alpha1,3galactosyltransferase knockout mice with ovalbumin as a model vaccine.
Linking Molecular to Cellular Biomechanics With Nano- and Micro-Technology

The link between mechanics and biochemistry has been implicated in a myriad of scientific and medical problem, from orthopedics and cardiovascular medicine, to cell motility and division, to signal transduction and gene expression. Most of these studies have been focused on organ-level issues, yet cellular and molecular level research has become essential over the last decade in this field thanks to the revolutionary developments in genetics, molecular biology, fabrication processes, and biotechnology. Developing the link between molecular and cellular biomechanics through subcellular studies can help uncover the complex interactions requisite for understanding higher order macroscopic behavior. Here, we will explore the link between molecular and cellular research through novel systems of nano- and micro-technology. In this, I will discuss novel technologies that we have developed and are utilizing, which include magnetic needles, three-dimension cell stretching systems, and microfluidics to examine the link between mechanics and biochemistry (including structural regulation through the cytoskeleton). By combining these novel approaches between engineering and biology, this multidisciplinary research can make a tremendous impact on the studies of human health and diseases through advances in fields such as proteomics, tissue engineering, and medical diagnostics.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Analysis of a Large Database of GCL-Geomembrane Interface Shear Strength Results

A database of 534 large-scale direct shear test results was assembled in this study to evaluate the interface shear strength between geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) and geomembranes (GMs). The tests were conducted between 1992 and 2003 by a single independent laboratory using procedures consistent with current testing standards. The number of results in the database allowed quantification of the impact of GCL type, GM type, normal stress, and procedures for specimen hydration and consolidation on the shear strength of GCL-GM interfaces, as well as identification of sources of shear strength variability. The interface shear strength was found to be sensitive to the type of GCL internal reinforcement, GM polymer, and GM texturing, but not to the GM thickness or manufacturer. On average, the GCL internal shear strength was observed to be higher than the GCL-GM interface shear strength when tested using the same procedures. GCLs sheared internally show similar stress-displacement responses and friction angles to GCL-GM interfaces that incorporate a GCL with the same reinforcement type. Hydration under normal stresses below those used during shearing (followed by a consolidation period) led to higher GCL internal shear strength, but lower GCL-GM interface shear strength, than when hydration was conducted under the shearing normal stress. Such different responses are attributed to bentonite extrusion from the GCL into the interface. Good repeatability of test results was obtained using GCL and GM specimens from the same manufacturing lot, while high variability was obtained using specimens from different lots. GCL-GM interface peak shear strength variability was found to increase linearly with normal stress.
Toxicity studies on hydroquinone.

SummaryChronic toxicity experiments with hydroquinone have been carried out in rats, dogs, and men at dose levels greatly exceeding those to be expected if hydroquinone were utilized commercially a...
Spherules from the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary clay at Gubbio, Italy: The problem of outcrop contamination

Surficial outcrop contamination has occurred in some well-known stratigraphic sections of carbonate rocks in the northern Apennines. A critical case involves several contaminated clay partings, including the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary clay in the classic Bottaccione section near Gubbio, Italy. These clay layers contain shiny spherules which, in several recent studies, have been said to consist of volcanic glass and have been used to support the hypothesis that the terminal Cretaceous mass extinction was caused by widespread volcanism. Laboratory tests, however, indicate that these shiny spherules are made of HF-insoluble and combustible material and are therefore of recent biological origin. These objects were introduced into the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary clay and other clay layers from the surrounding soil along with abundant detrital contaminants derived from erosion of the middle Miocene flysch exposed at the head of the Bottaccione Gorge. They are completely different from the altered and flattened microtektitelike spheroids that are found only in the iridium-rich Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary clay and that provide strong evidence for a large impact.
The economic cost of residual environmental risk : a case study of Louisiana

This paper summarizes the results of an extensive economic analysis of the costs associated with residual environmental risks in Louisiana. The analysis has estimated these costs by impact category and allocated them to risk sources. The total estimated costs of these residual risks range from $1094·053 million to $2014·740 million per year, a cost of approximately $250 to $460 per person in Louisiana, or 2·0 to 3·7% of the per capita income in 1988. These costs were approximately 1·5 to 2·7% of the state's gross domestic product. The major risk sources were waste-water and non-point source discharges, indoor air, ozone, hazardous and solid waste disposal sites, and particulates. Several potentially important risk sources, pesticides and lead, could not be evaluated because of the lack of exposure data. Risks associated with global issues, such as warming and loss of stratospheric ozone, were not evaluated because of the lack of data. Economic values, such as existence and option values, were also not estimated because of the lack of appropriate data.