cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity analysis results on the separation problem of bolted steel column-to-column connections

Abstract The present paper deals with the sensitivity analysis of bolted steel column-to-column connections, by taking into account the development of separation phenomena on the joint endplates. A variational inequality and quadratic programming approach is first proposed to the investigation of the separation problem on such bolted steel connections. Applying the classical unilateral contact law to describe in a quasi-static way the separation process along the surface between the splice plates, the continuous problem can be formulated either as a variational inequality or equivalently as a quadratic programming problem. Then, by means of an appropriate finite element discretization scheme, the discrete problem is formulated as a quadratic optimization problem with inequality constraints. In order to investigate the variation of the structural response of the connection under consideration due to the variation of critical design parameters, the sensitivity analysis problem is formulated; the latter is a quadratic programming problem where design parameters appear only in the quadratic term. This problem can be effectively treated numerically by means of an appropriate quadratic optimization algorithm. The applicability and the effectiveness of the method are illustrated by means of two numerical applications.
Behavioral persistence following switchovers between environmental enrichment and impoverishment in mice

Weanling mice were reared in environmental enrichment and/or impoverishment conditions for 2 months. In the 1st experiment, mice were switched from 1 environment into the other after 1 month, and maintained in the opposite environment for 2 or 4 weeks. Switched and nonswitched groups were compared to establish whether the effects of the initial environmental exposure would persist through later opposite environmental experiences. The performance of switched groups tended to differ from that of all nonswitched groups: little behavioral persistence was found. In the 2nd experiment, mice were switched every 7, 14, or 28 days over a 2-month period. These procedures yielded several types of behavioral outcomes; however, no behavioral persistence was evidenced. The data indicate that early life experiences in a particular level of environmental complexity need not permanently modify behavior.
Re‐engineering the acquisition and payment process ‐ get the most from your integrated system software

Many organizations are adopting a business process approach to managing their acquisition and payment process. Integrated information systems are an important part of this effort. This paper describes what management can expect from modern, integrated software applications, outlines major system deliverables and reports critical success factors for implementation projects.
Study of Influence of Electrode Geometry on Impedance Spectroscopy

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a powerful and proven tool for analyzing AC impedance response. A conventional three electrode EIS method was used to perform the investigation in the present study. Saturated potassium chloride solution was used as the electrolyte and three different material rods were used as working electrodes. Different configurations of electrode area were exposed to the electrolyte as an active area to investigate electrode geometry effects. Counter to working electrode distance was also altered while keeping the working electrode effective area constant to explore the AC response dependence on the variation of ion travel distance. Some controlled experiments were done to validate the experimental setup and to provide a control condition for comparison with experimental results. A frequency range of 100 mHz to 1 MHz was used for all experiments. In our analysis, we have found a noteworthy influence of electrode geometry on AC impedance response. For all electrodes, impedance decreases with the increase of effective area of the electrolyte. High frequency impedance is not as dependent on geometry as low frequency response. The observed phase shift angle drops in the high frequency region with increased working electrode area, whereas at low frequency the reverse is true. Resistance and capacitive reactance both decrease with an increase of area, but resistance response is more pronounce than reactance. For lower frequencies, small changes in working area produce very distinctive EIS variations. Electrode material as well as geometry was systematically varied in the present study. From these and other studies, we hope to develop a fundamental foundation for understanding specific changes in local geometry in fuel cell (and other) electrodes as a method of designing local morphology for specific performance.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Algorithms and numerical results for finite element approximations of contact problems with non-classical friction laws

Abstract This paper represents a continuation of our earlier studies into the numerical analysis of contact problems with non-classical friction laws
On relativizing auxiliary pushdown machines

We consider relativizing the constructions of Cook in [4] characterizing space-bounded auxiliary pushdown automata in terms of timebounded computers. LetS(n) ≥ logn be a measurable space bound. LetDTA[NTA] be the class of setsS such that there exists a machineM such thatM with oracleA recognizes the setS andM is a deterministic [nondeterministic] oracle Turing machine acceptor that runs in time 2cS(n) for some constantc. LetDBiA[NBiA] be the class of setsS such that there exists a machineM such thatM with oracleA recognizes the setS andM is a deterministic [non-deterministic] oracle Turing machine acceptor with auxiliary pushdown that runs in spaceS(n) and never queries the oracle about strings longer than:S(n) ifi = 1, 2cS(n) for some constantc, ifi = 2, + ∞ ifi = 3.
Investigation of the detection of shallow tunnels using electromagnetic and seismic waves

Multimodal detection of subsurface targets such as tunnels, pipes, reinforcement bars, and structures has been investigated using both ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and seismic sensors with signal processing techniques to enhance localization capabilities. Both systems have been tested in bi-static configurations but the GPR has been expanded to a multi-static configuration for improved performance. The use of two compatible sensors that sense different phenomena (GPR detects changes in electrical properties while the seismic system measures mechanical properties) increases the overall system's effectiveness in a wider range of soils and conditions. Two experimental scenarios have been investigated in a laboratory model with nearly homogeneous sand. Images formed from the raw data have been enhanced using beamforming inversion techniques and Hough Transform techniques to specifically address the detection of linear targets. The processed data clearly indicate the locations of the buried targets of various sizes at a range of depths.
Quantum search without entanglement

Entanglement of quantum variables is usually thought to be a prerequisite for obtaining quantum speed-ups of information processing tasks such as searching databases. This paper presents methods for quantum search that give a speed-up over classical methods, but that do not require entanglement. These methods rely instead on interference to provide a speed-up. Search without entanglement comes at a cost: although they outperform analogous classical devices, the quantum devices that perform the search are not universal quantum computers and require exponentially greater overhead than a quantum computer that operates using entanglement. Quantum search without entanglement is compared to classical search using waves.
Knowledge and Knowledge Management in the Social Media Age

Social media comprise the set of tools identified as blogs, wikis, and other social networking platforms that “enable people to connect, communicate, and collaborate.” These tools create a dynamic, complex information infrastructure that enables easier, faster, and more widespread sharing of information. These affordances make possible phenomena such as viral processes, and they can change how we are able to work and organize. This article explores the impact of this emerging knowledge ecosystem (KE) on some prominent characteristics of knowledge and knowledge management (KM) models through an exploratory critical review of popular epistemological perspectives and conceptual foundations underlying KM models. We find that this emerging KE requires a revisiting of both the social aspects of knowledge creation and some popular notions of enterprise knowledge management.
Instinct theory and the German reaction to Weismannism.

Recently the theories that August Weismann introduced into biology have received much attention from historians of science.' From this new perspective it has become clear that Weismann's contemporaries reacted to his ideas in many different ways because they perceived his teachings in terms of many different problems: the mechanism of inheritance; the nature of that which is inherited; the function of theory in science.
Efficient Parallel Computation of the Characteristic Polynomial of a Sparse, Separable Matrix

{This paper is concerned with the problem of computing the characteristic polynomial of a matrix. In a large number of applications, the matrices are symmetric and sparse : with O(n) non-zero entries. The problem has an efficient sequential solution in this case, requiring O(n2) work by use of the sparse Lanczos method. A major remaining open question is: to find a polylog time parallel algorithm with matching work bounds. Unfortunately, the sparse Lanczos method cannot be parallelized to faster than time Ω (n) using n processors. Let M(n) be the processor bound to multiply two n \times n matrices in O(log n) parallel time. Giesbrecht [G2] gave the best previous polylog time parallel algorithms for the characteristic polynomial of a dense matrix with O (M(n)) processors. There is no known improvement to this processor bound in the case where the matrix is sparse. Often, in addition to being symmetric and sparse, the matrix has a sparsity graph (which has edges between indices of the matrix with non-zero entries) that has small separators. This paper gives a new algorithm for computing the characteristic polynomial of a sparse symmetric matrix, assuming that the sparsity graph is s(n) -separable and has a separator of size s(n)=O(nγ) , for some γ , 0 < γ < 1 , that when deleted results in connected components of ≤α n vertices, for some 0 < α < 1 , with the same property. We derive an interesting algebraic version of Nested Dissection, which constructs a sparse factorization of the matrix A-λ In where A is the input matrix and In is the n \times n identity matrix. While Nested Dissection is commonly used to minimize the fill-in in the solution of sparse linear systems, our innovation is to use the separator structure to bound also the work for manipulation of rational functions in the recursively factored matrices. The matrix elements are assumed to be over an arbitrary field. We compute the characteristic polynomial of a sparse symmetric matrix in polylog time using P(n)(n+M(s(n)))≤ P(n)(n+ s(n) 2.376) processors, where P(n) is the processor bound to multiply two degree n polynomials in O(log n) parallel time using a PRAM (P(n) = O(n) if the field supports an FFT of size n but is otherwise O(nlog log n) [CK]. Our method requires only that a matrix be symmetric and non-singular (it need not be positive definite as usual for Nested Dissection techniques). For the frequently occurring case where the matrix has small separator size, our polylog parallel algorithm has work bounds competitive with the best known sequential algorithms (i.e., the Ω(n2) work of sparse Lanczos methods), for example, when the sparsity graph is a planar graph, s(n) ≤ O( \sqrt n ) , and we require polylog time with only P(n)n1.188 processors.
Acute Pain Management for Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: An Update

HORACOSCOPY HAS BEEN practiced for more than a century, 1 and because of significant technologic improvements, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become increasingly more common. VATS has allowed for treatment of many problems that previously required thoracotomy and encompasses both simple and complex surgical procedures. VATS has been shown to be beneficial for patients for a number of reasons. These include reduced mortality, better postoperative pulmonary function, shorter hospitalizations, and the ability to deliver chemotherapy. 2-6 The use of minimally invasive techniques has led to the re-evaluation of the optimal perioperative anesthetic and pain management regimens. Pain control after thoracic surgery is important because increased acute pain has been shown to increase the incidence of chronic pain, 7 and untreated pain may lead to increased morbidity. 8 Although VATS is quite painful, when compared with thoracotomy, numerous studies have found decreased visual analog pain scores (VAS) and less need for analgesic medications. 9-13 This is caused primarily by smaller surgical incisions and the avoidance of rib resections. A clear illustration of this is seen in a study comparing morphine requirements in patients undergoing lobectomies. Patients in the VATS group had an hourly morphine consumption of 1.36 mg/h versus 1.87 mg/h in patients undergoing thoracotomy. 14 In contrast to acute pain, the incidence of chronic pain is comparable to thoracotomy. 15,16 The purpose of this article is to review the etiology of pain after VATS and to discuss current options for pain control after minimally invasive thoracic surgery. To accomplish this, the authors review the innervation of the thorax and lungs, the pathophysiology of pain after VATS, and the methods to treat acute surgical pain after VATS. INNERVATION OF THE THORAX AND LUNGS Innervation of the thorax and lungs comes from a number of sources, and an adequate understanding is required to plan a suitable perioperative pain regimen. There are 2 primary nerves, the intercostals and phrenic, which provide innervation to the thorax and associated structures. The intercostal nerves are the anterior rami of the thoracic spinal nerves 1 to 11, which run together with the vascular bundle in the intercostal groove at each intercostal space. The phrenic nerves arise from the roots of C3-C5 and travel through the chest. Cutaneous innervation of the thorax primarily is provided by the intercostal nerves. There are 2 primary cutaneous nerves, the lateral and anterior cutaneous nerves, which provide sensory innervation to the skin over the lateral and the anterior chest, respectively. In addition, the supraclavicular nerve provides cutaneous innervation to the uppermost parts of the thorax. Motor innervation of the ribs and intercostal muscles is via the intercostal nerves. The diaphragm receives its motor innervation from the phrenic nerve and sensory innervation from the phrenic, intercostal, and subcostal nerves. Lastly, the pleura receives innervation from the vagus and phrenic nerves.
The Phenomenon of Conglomerate Crystallization. XXI. Clavic Dissymmetry in Coordination Compounds. XIX. A Topological Investigation of the Conformational and Configurational Characteristics of Racemic [Cis-β-Co(trien)(N02)2][trans-Co(NH3)2(No2)4]·H2O

Abstract The compound [cis-β-Co(trien)(NO2)2][trans-Co(NH3)2(NO2)4]·H2O, (I), crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c, with cell constants a = 6.536(1), b = 23.168(5), c = 13.670(4) A and β = 92.94°; V = 2067.40 A3 and d (calc; Z = 4) = 1.903 g cm−3. A total of 4065 data were collected in the range of 4° ≤ 2θ ≤ 60°, of which 2744 were unique, had I > 3σ(I) and were used in the refinement of the structural parameters. The refinement converged at values of R(F) = 0.0308 and Rw(F) = 0.0349. Unlike K[trans-Co(NH3)2(NO2)4], NH4[trams-Co(NH3)2-(NO2)4], [cis-α-Co(trien)(N02)2][trans-Co(NH3)2 -(NO2)4] and [cis-Co(en)2(NO2)2][trans-Co(NH3)2(NO2)4], all of which crystallize as conglomerates, (I) crystallizes as a racemate. This behaviour is in accord with observations made in previous studies of salts of the [cis-β-Co(trien)(NO2)2]+ cation.
Methane-in-air standards measured using a 1.65μm frequency-stabilized cavity ring-down spectrometer

Frequency-stabilized cavity ring-down absorption spectrometry (FS-CRDS) with single-mode excitation using a tunable continuous-wave diode laser is being developed to help support the delivery of reference gas concentration standards. This paper describes initial efforts to compare FS-CRDS measurements with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) methane-in-air standard reference materials to demonstrate the potential of this method to deliver standards-grade measurements with uncertainties of 1 % or lower. The current work demonstrates measurements with residual standard deviations of approximately 1 % for methane sample mole fractions of 50 μmol mol -1 and above. The results for lower mole fraction samples are poorer due to the poor signal-to-noise ratios and the higher pressures required for the measurements. The current results are potentially limited by the Voigt line shape which was used to model the data.
Understanding the dynamics of sexual transmission of HIV among drug-using populations: an integration of biological, behavioral, and environmental perspectives.

In October 2002, the Center on AIDS and Other Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse (CAMCODA) of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) sponsored a science meeting, HIV Acquisition and Transmission Among Drug-Using Populations: Future Research Strategies. The meeting, chaired by Dr. David Vlahov, Director of the Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies at the New York Academy of Medicine, convened experts in HIV/AIDS and drug abuse research to examine the dynamics of HIV disease transmission among drug users and other at-risk populations, and to explore why new infections continue apace despite our best efforts at HIV prevention and control. This special issue of the Journal of Urban Health represents one step in the process of addressing new and emerging research gaps and unanswered questions that challenge our best efforts to prevent the continuing spread of HIV/AIDS. The particular focus of the issue is on identifying and understanding some of the dynamic factors involved in the sexual transmission of HIV among drug-using populations. It is hoped that, as we are challenged by yet another decade of HIV/AIDS, we will develop novel, more effective behavioral and biomedical strategies to reduce and prevent—and possibly even to eliminate—this disease. Since HIV/AIDS was first identified in the early 1980s, knowledge and understanding about the disease have grown exponentially. Today, we know more than we ever imagined possible about the natural history, epidemiology, virology, etiology, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Yet despite these gains, dynamic changes in the epidemic continue as new infections spread among drug users and their sexual partners both in the United States and around the world. In the United States today, the estimated annual rate of 40,000 new HIV infections continues, as it did throughout the 1990s. This persistent rate of new infections reminds us that, while we have made advances in the science of HIV prevention, there is much that we have yet to do to make HIV prevention efforts better, more far-reaching, and sustainable. The HIV/AIDS surveillance data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1 reveal that, since the 1980s, there have been notable shifts in the demo
Squeezing quantum noise in a full scale gravitational wave interferometer

We have demonstrated sensitivity improvement in a full scale interferometric gravitational wave detector using squeezed states. Our results indicate that squeezing is a technically feasible and astrophysically promising early upgrade to Advanced LIGO.
Longitudinal changes in pancreatic and adipocyte hormones following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

Aims/hypothesis Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity, as in addition to dramatic weight loss, co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes are frequently resolved. Although altered gastrointestinal peptide hormone secretion and its relationship with post-surgical improvements in insulin sensitivity has been studied, much less is known about long-term changes in pancreatic and adipose tissue-derived hormones. Our objective was to conduct a comprehensive longitudinal investigation of the endocrine changes following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGBP), focusing on pancreatic and adipocyte hormones and systemic markers of inflammation.
Coiled-coil fibrous domains mediate ligand binding by macrophage scavenger receptor type II

THE macrophage scavenger receptor, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis1,2, has an unusually broad binding specificity1. Ligands include modified low-density lipoprotein and some polyanions (for example, poly(I) but not poly(C)). The scavenger receptor type I (ref. 3) has three principal extracellular domains that could participate in ligand binding: two fibrous coiled-coil domains (α-helical coiled-coil domain IV and collagen-like domain V), and the 110-amino-acid cysteine-rich C-terminal domain VI. We have cloned complementary DNAs encoding a second scavenger receptor which we have termed type II. This receptor is identical to the type I receptor, except that the cysteine-rich domain is replaced by a six-residue C terminus. Despite this truncation, the type II receptor mediates endocytosis of chemically modified low-density lipoprotein with high affinity and specificity, similar to that of the type I receptor. Therefore one or both of the extracellular fibrous domains are responsible for the unusual ligand-binding specificity of the receptor.
Learning insights transmitted by glutamate

Plasticity of the Aplysia sensorimotor synapse plays a crucial role in learning and memory of withdrawal reflexes. During the past ten years, a growing body of evidence has indicated that the sensorimotor synapse is glutamatergic. This new information has guided several studies that implicate AMPA and NMDA receptors in synaptic plasticity. However, further work is necessary to delineate the exact properties of the postsynaptic receptors, and their role in transmission and plasticity. Despite the still incomplete picture of the intrinsic properties of the sensorimotor synapse, identifying the endogenous transmitter has provided a foundation for new avenues of research, the results of which will further improve our understanding of the neurobiology of learning and memory.
Small heparin fragments regulate the amplification pathway of complement.

Abstract Heparin is a highly sulfated, polydisperse and heterogenepus glycosaminoglycan which has been well characterized for its ability to regulate multiple sites in the complement cascade. Although previous studies demonstrated the relationship between degree of sulfation, particularly O-sulfation, and complement capacity, they left unclear the relationship between the size of the heparin molecule and its ability to inhibit complement. Therefore, although the structure-activity relationship for heparin is well understood for anticoagulant activity, it is ill defined for the complement system. The present studies were designed to examine depolymerized heparin to determine which fragments were capable of inhibiting amplification pathway activation. We found that as the size of the molecule increases the ability to regulate complement increases; below 1000 Da the fragments were essentially inactive and above 3500 Da they had the same activity as does commercial heparin. Furthermore, we examined the five major tetrasaccharides of heparin and found that the degree of sulfation did correlate with the ability to inhibit complement. These studies have for the first time begun to examine the minimal structural requirements for heparin to regulate complement.
Postcontraction discharge of motor neurons in spinal animals

Muscle contraction of short duration gives rise to prolonged enhanced activity in muscle spindle afferent fibers. This postcontraction sensory discharge is sufficient in intensity to frequency-modulate motor neurons demonstrated to be tightly coupled to stretch receptors of the activated muscle. To determine whether or not postcontraction activation of motor neurons is dependent on supraspinal pathways, further experiments were done on cats with low spinal (T12) lesions. Sixty-one motor neurons were isolated in ventral root filaments and categorized according to their stretch reflex response and discharge pattern. Units found to be facilitated by stretch were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in resting discharge following contraction. Phasic motor neurons responded with a short postcontractile burst lasting only a few seconds whereas tonically firing units showed more persistent responses. Intact supraspinal pathways are therefore not necessary to demonstrate postcontractile activation of presumably alpha motor neurons serving homonymous and synergistic muscles. The proposed significance of these responses would be to increase muscle stability against minor perturbations in length.
Aluminum, iron, and lead content of respirable particulate samples from a personal monitoring study

Abstract Samples of respirable particulate matter collected during a personal monitoring study in Topeka, KS, were analyzed for iron, aluminum, and lead content. The sampling protocol and instrumentation are described in detail. Lead indoor concentrations (median = 79 ng/m 3 ) were found to be less than both personal (median = 112 ng/m 3 ) and outdoor lead concentrations (median = 106 ng/m 3 ). The indoor, outdoor, and personal levels of iron and aluminum were not significantly different. In addition, it was determined that outdoor respirable particulate mass does not correlate well with the personal or indoor metal concentrations, and that the amount of time spent in motor vehicles is a relatively good indicator of lead exposures. The relationships between indoor, outdoor, and personal lead are discussed in greater detail, with references to supporting evidence from other studies.
Natural abundance of 15N in particulate nitrogen and zooplankton in the Gulf Stream region and warm-core ring 86A

Abstract The natural abundance of 15N (δ15N) was measured in samples of suspended particles (PN) and macrozooplankton collected in the Slope Water and warm-core ring 86A in late May 1986. The vertical distribution of 15N in PN (δ15PN) was characterized by a maximum below the mixed layer, and frequently by a minimum above the thermocline. The range of δ15N values in PN, as well as the mean δ15N for PN in the upper 100 m of the water column were comparable to literature values of these quantities. The δ15N and concentration of PN were inversely correlated, a pattern that could be generated by isotopie fractionation during the remineralization of sinking PN. The fractionation factor estimated for this process (1.003–1.006) was similar to fractionation factors for the bacterially mediated decomposition of phytoplankton in laboratory studies. The δ15N of the zooplankton sampled showed a general increase with trophic level: herbivorous species (Salpa aspera and copepods) were characterized by δ15NN values of ca 4‰, omnivorous species spanned a range of δ15N values between 5.5. and 6.5‰, and carnivorous species had a δ15N of 8–9‰. Despite this trophic level effect on δ15N among the zooplankton, the range of δ15N values measured for the animals was not distinctly different from the range of values of δ15PN. The absence of a difference in δ15N between the PN and the zooplankton in this ecosystem may be a consequence of the normal variation in δ15N through the seasonal production cycle and the different turnover times for nitrogen in PN and the higher trophic levels of the food web. Representatives of five zooplankton species were maintained in filtered sea water for up to 74 h. Three of the species (Euphausia krohnii, Paralhemisto gaudichaudii and Vibilia sp.) showed no significant changes in the δ15N of body nitrogen with time. The data for the other two species (Meganyctiphanes norvegica and Euphausia mulica) suggest that the δ15N of body nitrogen increased with time of starvation. The fecal pellets released by zooplankton used in the starvation experiment were typically similar to or higher in δ15N than the animals proper. In contrast, the (δ15N of the nitrogen in molted exoskeletons was much lower than the whole-body δ15N of the animals which produced them. The possible implications of these data are discussed in the context of the distribution of 15N in plankton in the upper ocean.
Prenatal lead levels, plasma amyloid β levels, and gene expression in young adulthood.

Background: Animal studies suggest that early-life lead exposure influences gene expression and production of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objectives: We attempted to assess the relationship between early-life lead exposure and potential biomarkers for AD among young men and women. We also attempted to assess whether early-life lead exposure was associated with changes in expression of AD-related genes. Methods: We used sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to measure plasma concentrations of amyloid β proteins Aβ40 and Aβ42 among 55 adults who had participated as newborns and young children in a prospective cohort study of the effects of lead exposure on development. We used RNA microarray techniques to analyze gene expression. Results: Mean plasma Aβ42 concentrations were lower among 13 participants with high umbilical cord blood lead concentrations (≥ 10 μg/dL) than in 42 participants with lower cord blood lead concentrations (p = 0.08). Among 10 participants with high prenatal lead exposure, we found evidence of an inverse relationship between umbilical cord lead concentration and expression of ADAM metallopeptidase domain 9 (ADAM9), reticulon 4 (RTN4), and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein associated protein 1 (LRPAP1) genes, whose products are believed to affect Aβ production and deposition. Gene network analysis suggested enrichment in gene sets involved in nerve growth and general cell development. Conclusions: Data from our exploratory study suggest that prenatal lead exposure may influence Aβ-related biological pathways that have been implicated in AD onset. Gene network analysis identified further candidates to study the mechanisms of developmental lead neurotoxicity.
Impact of blanket and shield materials on cost of an EBT fusion power plant

Abstract A parametric analysis of the effects of neutron multiplier, breeder and shield configurational changes on the cost of an EBTR power plant has been conducted. The use of a tungsten-lead mixture in the coil-plane shield has a slightly negative effect on the reactor economics, contrary to previous expectations. Variation of the beryllium multiplier thickness and density, LiAlO 2 breeder thickness, and Li 6 enrichment all affect the cost of electricity. Variation of beryllium cost has a stronger cost impact, implying the Importance of determining the real costs of resources in a mature fusion economy.
Resistance conferred against bean common mosaic virus by the incompletely dominant I locus of Phaseolus vulgaris is active at the single cell level.

A protoplast transfection system was used in Phaseolus vulgaris to study the incompletely dominant resistance locus I. The genetic materials in the study were cultivar ‘Black Turtle Soup’ lines nearly isogenic for I and their F1. Accumulation of bean common mosaic virus (BCMV; genus Potyvirus) RNA and virions was assayed following BCMV RNA electrotransfection of protoplasts from each genotype. BCMV RNA and virions accumulated in all genotypes tested but the relative rates of RNA accumulation differed. This suggests that the I allele is active at the single cell level and in a dosage-dependent fashion and supports previous work in this area.
Home monitor follow-up of persistent apnea and bradycardia in preterm infants.

• We reviewed our experience with home monitor observations of 83 preterm infants (postconceptional age, 36 to 44 weeks) who had persistent apnea, bradycardia, or cyanosis. Polygraphic recordings before discharge showed that 92% of these infants had cardiorespiratory abnormalities that included prolonged (>20 s) apnea, excessive periodic breathing (>15%), bradycardia ( (AJDC1986;140:547-550)
Complement-dependent Cytotoxicity in Neuromyelitis Optica Requires Aquaporin-4 Protein Assembly in Orthogonal Arrays

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system in which binding of pathogenic autoantibodies (NMO-IgG) to astrocyte aquaporin-4 (AQP4) causes complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and inflammation. We previously reported a wide range of binding affinities of NMO-IgGs to AQP4 in separate tetramers versus intramembrane aggregates (orthogonal arrays of particles, OAPs). We report here a second, independent mechanism by which CDC is affected by AQP4 assembly. Utilizing lactate dehydrogenase release and live/dead cell cytotoxicity assays, we found in different cell lines, and with different monoclonal and patient-derived NMO-IgGs, that CDC was greatly (>100-fold) reduced in cells expressing M1- versus M23-AQP4. Studies using a M23-AQP4 mutant containing an OAP-disrupting mutation, and in cells expressing AQP4 in different M1/M23 ratios, indicated that NMO-IgG-dependent CDC requires AQP4 OAP assembly. In contrast, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity produced by natural killer cells did not depend on AQP4 OAP assembly. Measurements of C1q binding and complement attack complex (C9neo) supported the conclusion that the greatly enhanced CDC by OAPs is due to efficient, multivalent binding of C1q to clustered NMO-IgG on OAPs. We conclude that AQP4 assembly in OAPs is required for CDC in NMO, establishing a new mechanism of OAP-dependent NMO pathogenesis. Disruption of AQP4 OAPs may greatly reduce NMO-IgG dependent CDC and NMO pathology.
Priming impossible figures in the object decision test: The critical importance of perceived stimulus complexity.

Previous research showed that object decision priming was found for possible, but not impossible, three-dimensional objects (e.g., Schacter, Cooper, & Delaney, 1990; Schacter, Cooper, Delaney, Peterson, & Tharan, 1991). We tested those objects and found that the impossible objects were subjectively more complex than the possible objects. We then constructed two sets of possible and impossible objects—one set that was equated for complexity, and one set that differed— for use in the object decision test. The results showed that when impossible objects were high in complexity and possible objects were low in complexity, priming was found only for possible objects; when possible and impossible objects were equated at a moderate level of complexity, priming was observed for both object types. These findings indicate that perceived object complexity, more than object possibility-impossibility, determined priming in the object decision test. The demonstration of object decision priming for possible and impossible objects calls for a reformulation of the structural description system explanation.
An Assessment of the Relationships between Resource Development Decisions, Library Collection Usage, and User Perceptions

Today's managers of library journal collection budgets experience pressures from shrinking resource allocations and rising costs. Consequently, they seek ways to assess the value of their collections in relation to user needs. This study at Montana State University seeks to understand what resources users (both faculty and graduate students) are citing in their research, the breadth of the information cited that is provided by the Library, how the Library's proactive and reactive efforts might influence user satisfaction with the information resources provided, and how user perceptions align and differ from information realities. It takes a unique approach by comparing LibQual+® survey results and faculty and graduate student citation behaviors.
Myocardial crypts: role of modified two-chamber view.

### Learning Point for Clinicians The recognition of myocardial crypts is important to detect patients at high risk of pre-phenotypic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Through this presented case, we have illustrated the improved method of a modified two-chamber view across the infero-septum for optimal delineation of the myocardial crypts in both transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Myocardial crypts are blood-filled invaginations in the left ventricle, involving ≥50% of the myocardial thickness with total or near total obliteration during systole.1–3 The accurate identification of the myocardial crypts is important, as the presence of the myocardial crypts has been shown to be a pre-phenotypic marker for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).1–4 Modified two-chamber views through the suspected sites of myocardial crypts, such as the infero-septum and right ventricular insertion site, have been suggested for …
Silicon-responsive cDNA clones isolated from the marine diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis.

Abstract In organisms ranging from single-celled algae to mammals, including humans, silicon is essential for, and actively participates in, a variety of life processes. It has become clear that silicon (i) acts as a metabolite affecting a variety of cellular processes, and (ii) regulates gene expression. However, the mechanisms by which silicon (i.e., Na 2 SiO 3 -9H 2 O, in the present study) acts are not clear, due to inherent methodological difficulties. As part of our program to understand how silicon acts in biological systems, we present the first isolation of cDNA clones derived from silicon-responsive mRNAs, from the marine diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis . We distinguish between clones responding only to silicon starvation and replenishment, and those also responding to other cellular conditions. Some of the clones can be identified by similarity to other genes, and should be useful as probes to isolate genes from other organisms. Isolation of these clones provides the means to (i) identify metabolic pathways affected by silicon, and (ii) investigate the mechanism(s) of silicon-regulated gene expression.
Thomson and the trolley problem

L'A. argumente contre le principe d'exemption distributive de Thomson, et contre une variante de ce principe due a Montmarquet. Aucun des deux principes ne permet de resoudre le dilemme moral de la distribution d'un bien au detriment d'un seul agent
Grammar Teaching for the Acquisition-Rich Classroom

ABSTRACT This article focuses on a reconceptualization of the nature of instruction in grammar for the acquisition-rich, communicative classroom. Beginning with the acknowledgment that comprehensible meaning-bearing input is necessary for second language acquisition, traditional instruction as explanation plus output practice is questioned. It is then suggested that grammar instruction would be more congruent with overall instruction if it were input oriented. The article then outlines a type of input-based instruction in grammar called “processing instruction,” citing empirical evidence for its usefulness in addition to offering suggestions for continued exploration of grammar instruction
The Role of Principal as Leader: Analysis of Variation in Leadership of Urban High Schools

AbstractThe role of the principal as leader has been a subject of considerable debate and research in education. Many kinds of programs are designed to improve principals’ leadership capacity and skills. This study examines the leadership behavior and activities currently found among urban high school principals. Interviews were conducted with principals and teachers in a national sample of urban comprehensive high schools. Data were also collected on school size, student composition, and district centralization of decisions. The findings show that principals differ considerably in the degree of leadership they provide in six areas of potential school leadership. Very few were rated as strong leaders in all the areas, but in a minority of urban high schools, principals have taken the initiative to provide leadership in areas such as staff development, involving staff in planning, and improving instruction. The findings also show that district-level and principal leadership are positively related in some a...
Diet, Growth, and Potential Competitive Interactions between Age-0 White Perch and Yellow Perch in Oneida Lake, New York

Abstract Diet and growth of age-0 white perch Morone americana and age-0 yellow perch Perca flavescens were compared during July–October 1980 and 1987. Both fish species fed on Daphnia pulex in 1980 and growth was rapid; prey biomass per gram of fish was 2–12 times higher for white perch than for yellow perch. In 1987, white perch consumed up to three times more prey biomass than yellow perch, but the subsequent disappearance of D. pulex caused both fish species to switch to macroinvertebrates and growth of both species declined. Between 1977 and 1987, mean weights and specific growth rates of white perch exceeded yellow perch by October in all years, and weights of white perch were closely tied to the density of D. pulex in late summer–early fall (Spearman's rank correlation = 0.58, P = 0.07). Diet overlap for age-0 white and yellow perch was high when D. pulex was present, and the potential for interspecific competition was greatest when these fish were similar in length. Because of a prolonged spawning...
Machine Parts Recognition Using A Trinary Associative Memory

The convergence mechanism of vectors in Hopfield's neural network in relation to recognition of partially known patterns is studied in terms of both inner products and Hamming distance. It has been shown that Hamming distance should not always be used in determining the convergence of vectors. Instead, inner product weighting coefficients play a more dominant role in certain data representations for determining the convergence mechanism. A trinary neuron representation for associative memory is found to be more effective for associative recall. Applications of the trinary associative memory to reconstruct machine part images that are partially missing are demonstrated by means of computer simulation as examples of the usefulness of this approach.
Logical design of macromodules

The macromodules being developed at Washington University are logical building blocks which can be inserted into a special frame and inter-connected by standardized cables to form digital computing systems of any desired complexity. The logical design of these modules is fraught with many problems, some of which yield easily to standard design techniques and others which do not. The purpose of this paper is to present the design approaches in present use for the handling of problems of the latter type. Specifically, rather than present the details of adders, shifters, registers, etc., discussion is confined to those aspects of the logic within the modules which simplifies the job of assembling the modules into a working system. The general areas of asynchronous control, data validation, and word-length extension are discussed and design approaches presented. These approaches are then illustrated in the design of the macromodular data transfer operation, and the paper concludes with a few general comments on the circuitry now in use.
The Effects of Monetary Policy Shocks in Bangladesh: A Bayesian Structural VAR Approach

This paper develops a Bayesian structural VAR model for Bangladesh in a small-open-economy context in order to estimate the effects of monetary policy shocks on various macroeconomic variables. To increase the precision of the model identification, we allow the macroeconomic variables of the model to interact simultaneously with each other. This paper finds that the liquidity effect and the exchange-rate effect of the monetary policy shock are realized immediately, while industrial production responds with a lag of over half a year, and the inflation rate responds with a lag of more than one year. I also find that monetary policy shocks are not the dominant source of industrial production fluctuations in Bangladesh.
Simulations of cumulus clouds using a spectral microphysics cloud-resolving model

[1] We have investigated the effects of aerosols on the development of cumulus clouds using a two-dimensional spectral-bin cloud-resolving model. A convective cloud event occurring on 24 August 2000 in Houston, Texas, was simulated and the model results were compared with available radar and rain gauge measurements. Simulations assuming different aerosol chemical compositions were conducted to examine the impacts on cumulus development. The cloud microphysical and macrophysical properties changed considerably with the aerosol chemical properties. With varying the aerosol composition from only (NH4)2SO4, (NH4)2SO4 with soluble organics, to (NH4)2SO4 with slightly soluble organics, the number of activated aerosols in cloud decreased accordingly, leading to a decrease in the cloud droplet number concentration and an increase in the droplet size. Increasing activated aerosols resulted in the increase of ice crystal formation by homogeneous freezing, more extensive riming, lower supersaturation (Sw and Sice), less efficient growth of graupel, and more melting precipitation. Ice microphysical processes were more sensitive to the changes of aerosol chemical properties than the warm rain processes. The changes in macrophysical properties were more evident: The increase of activated aerosols resulted in longer cell lifetime, larger cell size, stronger secondary convective cell, and more accumulated precipitation. The simulation with the aerosol composition of (NH4)2SO4 with slightly soluble organics and an activation scheme of a reformulation of the Kohler theory to include the effect of slightly soluble organics and soluble HNO3 agreed well with the observations. The simulation captured the major convective cell observed from the field measurements. The predicted convective cell intensity, cell size, cell lifetime, and accumulated rain were in agreement with the observations.
A Phosphorus-Bromine Flame Retardant for Engineering Thermoplastics - A Review

A brominated phosphate was evaluated as a flame retardant in a polycarbonate and various polycarbonate blends. This flame retardant was found to be significantly more effective than an all-bromine and an all- phosphorus flame retardant, and bromine-phosphorus synergy was demon strated. The synergy is more pronounced when both the bromine and phosphorus are in the same molecule. The brominated phosphate is melt blendable and acts as a processing aid increasing extrusion output, lowering injection molding temperature and reducing energy consumption. The polymers investigated were polycarbonate, polycarbonate/ABS blend and poly carbonate/PET blend, as well as modified polyphenylene oxide.
A novel Z-axis diffractometer for X-ray diffraction and fluorescence studies

Abstract Recently several X-ray techniques have been demonstrated to have high potential for providing needed structural information to understand the many physical and chemical phenomena that occur at surfaces and interfaces. In this article we will describe an instrument that facilitates the performing of these types of measurements and allows for the investigation of the gas-liquid interface using a variety of synchrotron X-ray scattering techniques. This instrument employs the z-axis diffraction geometry in which the detector has two degrees of freedom while the sample (the gas-liquid interface) has only one degree of freedom — rotation around the vertical axis. A distinctive feature of this diffractometer is that it leaves a fixed illuminated footprint on the liquid interface and allows for an accurate determination of the relative scattering or fluorescence intensity at very shallow angles. The unique capabilities of this novel instrument have been demonstrated at synchrotron facilities in a variety of X-ray techniques: grazing incidence diffraction (GID), shallow angle reflection (SAR), near total external fluorescence (NTEF) and EXAFS experiments from the surface of liquids