cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cellular manganese uptake by the isolated perfused rat heart: a probe for the sarcolemma calcium channel.

Abstract The slow inward Ca channel with isolated working rat hearts was assayed by measuring the cellular uptake rate of 5 μ m 54Mn from the perfusate. This new method is successful because Mn taken up by the cell is not readily released and remains in the cell even after all the extracellular 54Mn is washed away. Reagents which have been shown to affect the Ca channel of isolated heart muscle using a voltageclamp technique, also affect similarly the rate of Mn uptake by the rat heart: Verapamil (2 μ m ) inhibited Mn uptake 73%, oligomycin (2 μ m ) inhibited 55% and isoproterenol (2 μ m ) stimulated 80%. In addition Mn uptake appeared to be inhibited by perfusate Ca because a drop of perfusate Ca from 2.5 to 0.2 m m resulted in a 137% stimulation of Mn uptake. The uptake of cellular Mn by mitochondria was also investigated. The uptake was found to be stimulated by over 300% when the activity of the heart was increased by either raising the level of perfusate Ca or by adding isoproterenol. It is possible that changes in the concentration of cellular Ca promoted the observed stimulation of mitochondrial Mn uptake by a mechanism of mitochondrial CaMn co-transport.
The effect of gases emitted from batch/glass reactions on the combustion space flow field.

The concept of ‘coupling’ a combustion space CFD code to a code that models the molten glass flow is not a new idea. However, this concept has been limited to an energy coupling; the heat flux calculated in the combustion space model is used to drive the glass melt while the calculated surface temperature is used in the radiative heat transport calculation in the combustion space computation. In reality, there is significant mass (mostly gas) transport from the batch/molten glass into the combustion space. This is an important phenomenon to be modeled since these gases, particulates and volatiles will be removed from the combustion chamber and hence raise environmental considerations. In addition, these released gases have a distinct influence on the flow field in the combustion space. The ANL Glass Furnace Model has been augmented to calculate the chemical reactions that release gases in the batch and in the melt. This work presents preliminary results indicating the effect of these gases on the combustion space.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Prepulse energy suppression for high-energy ultrashort pulses using self-induced plasma shuttering

We demonstrate the technique of self-induced plasma shuttering as a means of suppressing prepulse energy that accompanies high-energy, ultrashort laser pulses. This technique makes possible the generation of clean, high-intensity subpicosecond laser pulses even in the presence of high levels of amplified spontaneous emission from the laser system. Low prepulse energy is important in applications such as the generation of solid-density subpicosecond plasmas.
Fast flux discriminant for large-scale sparse nonlinear classification

In this paper, we propose a novel supervised learning method, Fast Flux Discriminant (FFD), for large-scale nonlinear classification. Compared with other existing methods, FFD has unmatched advantages, as it attains the efficiency and interpretability of linear models as well as the accuracy of nonlinear models. It is also sparse and naturally handles mixed data types. It works by decomposing the kernel density estimation in the entire feature space into selected low-dimensional subspaces. Since there are many possible subspaces, we propose a submodular optimization framework for subspace selection. The selected subspace predictions are then transformed to new features on which a linear model can be learned. Besides, since the transformed features naturally expect non-negative weights, we only require smooth optimization even with the L1 regularization. Unlike other nonlinear models such as kernel methods, the FFD model is interpretable as it gives importance weights on the original features. Its training and testing are also much faster than traditional kernel models. We carry out extensive empirical studies on real-world datasets and show that the proposed model achieves state-of-the-art classification results with sparsity, interpretability, and exceptional scalability. Our model can be learned in minutes on datasets with millions of samples, for which most existing nonlinear methods will be prohibitively expensive in space and time.
Zinc nutritional status and response to lethal level of ozone exposure in rats

A number of attempts have been made to discover the chemicals which may provide protection against the lethal effects of the air pollutant ozone. The stabilizing effect of zinc on biomembranes in general is reported. It was shown in vivo and in vitro studies that lipid peroxidation in rat liver stimulated by CC1/sub 4/ was substantially decreased by zinc pretreatment. It was also shown that pretreatment of mice with a low dose of zinc (3 uM/kg body weight by gavage for 3 days prior to NO/sub 2/ exposure) prevented the development of lung edema induced by NO/sub 2/ exposure. A possibility is raised that the nutritional status of zinc in animals may affect the response of animals to lethal levels of ozone exposure. With this concept in mind a study was carried out to explore the possibility of using zinc supplementation as a means of protection of animals from ozone toxicity.
Effects and control of periodical cicada (Homoptera: Cicadidae) oviposition injury on nonbearing apple trees

Four netting and five insecticide treatments were evaluated for the protection of nonbearing apple trees from periodical cicada, Magtcicada septendecim (L.), oviposition injury. A green, tubular, 1-cm-mesh netting excluded cicadas and was the most effective treatment. Netting of larger mesh sizes permitted entry and oviposition injury comparable with that observed on controls. Oxamyl, methomyl, and esfenvalerate were similar in providing excellent knockdown of cicadas; however, only treatment with esfenvalerate resulted in a significant reduction in oviposition injury. Tree height, tree volume, number of scaffold limbs per tree after pruning, and percentage of change in trunk cross-sectional area were significantly and negatively correlated with the number of oviposition scars per tree. When all costs associated with the use of insecticides for cicada control are considered, tubular netting is about 15% more expensive than chemical control with handgun sprayer at all tree densities, but cheaper than control with airblast sprayer at a tree density of 250 per ha.
Closed Loop Dynamic Bit Allocation for Excitation Parameters in Analysis-by-Synthesis Speech Codec

A method for dynamically allocating bits for the adaptive and fixed codebook of an analysis-by-synthesis speech codec is proposed. The bit allocation is based on the closed loop weighted mean squared error. The different bit allocations identify various codebook configurations used by the adaptive and fixed codebooks of the codec. Unlike open loop approaches where the decision on a codebook configuration is made once per frame, in the closed loop approach the decision on which codebook configuration should be used is made in each subframe. A variable length code is used for coding the codebook configuration. The factorial packing codebook is used as the fixed codebook. The technique is a part of 8.5 kbps mode of EVRC-WB speech coding standard.
Residential Property Values and Community Right-to-Know Laws: Has the Toxics Release Inventory Had an Impact?

This paper uses a cross-sectional hedonic pricing model to investigate the relationship between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data releases and the prices of single-family residences within postal zip code areas situated in Omaha, Nebraska's Douglas County. The model employs demographic data from the 2000 Census, toxic chemical release data for the year 2000 from the EPA's TRI database, as well as other pollution variables for each of the zip code areas comprising Douglas County. The model also employs house-specific data supplied by the Douglas County Assessor's Office on dwelling characteristics for homes sold in Douglas County in the year 2000. The findings indicate that, when controlling for relevant socioeconomic variables, TRI pollutant releases are significant determinants of residential housing values. The results should be of interest to anyone in the real estate industry, including tax assessors, appraisers, mortgage lenders, and property owners.
Predicting optimal cutting time of coagulating milk using diffuse reflectance

Abstract A method based on changes in diffuse reflectance during milk coagulation was developed for predicting the optimal cutting time of coagulating milk. Time between enzyme addition to milk and occurrence of inflection point on the diffuse reflectance curve was measured at various concentrations of milk fat, protein, calcium, and enzyme at various temperatures and pH levels. Inflection time was compared and found to correlate with measured Formagraph™ cutting time. Using calf rennet and fermentation-derived chymosin enzymes, a cutting time prediction equation was developed by incorporating the inflection time into a multiple linear regression equation with milk protein content. When validated, the prediction equation had a standard error of prediction of .9 and 2.4 min for two different validation tests and was sufficiently accurate for commercial application. A cutting time prediction model that used only the magnitude of the change in diffuse reflectance was tested. Changes in diffuse reflectance during coagulation were a function of milk pH, temperature, fat, and protein content. Thus, diffuse reflectance changes can be used to predict optimal cutting time only when these milk property values are known or controlled.
Stakeholders and Sustainability: An Evolving Theory

This conceptual article has three parts: In the first, I discuss the shortcomings of treating the environment as a stakeholder and conclude that doing so is theoretically vague and lacks prescriptive force. In the second part, I recommend moving from broad notions of preserving nature and appeals to beauty to a more concrete analytic framework provided by the idea of human sustainability. Using sustainability as the focus of concern is significant as it provides us with a more tenable and quantifiable standard for action, as in the case of carbon offsets and development of measures such as the United Nations Sustainability Indicators. In the final section, I draw on notions of stewardship to suggest that stakeholder management has a positive responsibility to promote sustainability.
Experiments with resolution-based theorem-proving algorithms

Abstract This paper describes the study of some specific test problems in automated theorem proving. It is shown how experimentation on relatively simple problems can lead to the development of techniques which prove successful on much more difficult problems. A number of enhancements to a resolution-based system obtained in this way are described.
Surface complexation of carboxylate adheres Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts to the hematite-water interface.

The interaction of viable Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts at the hematite (α-Fe2O3)−water interface was examined over a wide range in solution chemistry using in situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Spectra for hematite-sorbed oocysts showed distinct changes in carboxylate group vibrations relative to spectra obtained in the absence of hematite, indicative of direct chemical bonding between carboxylate groups and Fe metal centers of the hematite surface. The data also indicate that complexation modes vary with solution chemistry. In NaCl solution, oocysts are bound to hematite via monodentate and binuclear bidentate complexes. The former predominates at low pH, whereas the latter becomes increasingly prevalent with increasing pH. In a CaCl2 solution, only binuclear bidentate complexes are observed. When solution pH is above the point of zero net proton charge (PZNPC) of hematite, oocyst surface carboxylate groups are bound to the mineral surface via outer-sp...
Stochastic Processes and Mean Field Systems Defined by Nonlinear Markov Chains: An Illustration for a Model of Evolutionary Population Dynamics

In physics, there is a growing interest in studying stochastic processes described by evolution equations such as nonlinear master equations and nonlinear Fokker–Planck equations that define the so-called nonlinear Markov processes and are nonlinear with respect to probability densities. In this context, however, relatively little is known about nonlinear Markov processes defined by nonlinear Markov chains. In the present work, we demonstrate explicitly how the nonlinear Markov chain approach can be carried out by addressing a model for evolutionary population dynamics. In line with the nonlinear Markov chain approach, we derive a measure that tells us how attractive it is for a biological entity to evolve towards a particular biological type. Likewise, a measure for the noise level of the evolutionary process is obtained. Both measures are found to be implicitly time dependent. Finally, a simulation scheme for the many-body system corresponding to the Markov chain model is discussed.
Dietary calcium and risk of hip fracture: 14-year prospective population study.

Abstract To assess the effect of dietary calcium intake on risk of hip fracture, a geographically defined Caucasian population in southern California was studied prospectively. Between 1973 and 1975, a quantified 24 hour diet recall was obtained by a dietician from 957 men and women aged 50 to 79 years at baseline. Follow-up to 1987 with mortality records and interviews showed 15 men and 18 women with hip fractures. The age-adjusted risk of hip fracture was inversely associated with dietary calcium whether considered as mg per day or as nutrient density (mg per 1000 kcal). No other nutrient was consistently associated with hip fracture in any Cox proportional hazards model that included calcium. The association between calcium and fracture persisted after adjustment for cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, exercise, and obesity. The significant independent inverse association of dietary calcium with subsequent risk of hip fracture (relative risk=0·6 per 198 mg/1000 kcal) strongly supports the hypothesis that increased dietary calcium intake protects against hip fracture.
Physical operation of back-surface-field silicon solar cells

Using exact numerical solutions of carrier transport in the back-surface-field silicon solar cell both for guidance and for verification, the physical mechanisms effective in this device are identified and explained. Concise analytical descriptions of the cell performance, based on the pertinent device physics, are formulated.
Influence of mixing on NO production from natural gas flames

2. Experimental The burner is a cylinder of 2 in. i.d., illustrated in Fig. 1 and fully described elsewhere [ 11. Mixing is obtained by the counter rotatie; of two vortices against each other. The vortices are generated by injection of premi,xed fuel and air through two sets of injection nozzles set in the burner wall at angles offset from the radius. The degree of mixing is strongly influenced by the “offset angle” [2] and by the velocity of injection (characterized by either the firing rate or the residence time). The NO analyzer used was a Theta Sensor Type IS-800 ANX.
An Implementation of Prognosis with Dynamic Bayesian Networks

We present a probabilistic approach to reasoning in diagnosis and prognosis. The approach represents a mathematically rigorous way of handling uncertainty, which is often present in diagnosis, but inherent to prognosis. The approach is based on a novel form of layered dynamic Bayesian network models, which is used to perform Bayesian inference. It coherently integrates evidence on component usage, environmental conditions of operation, as well as component health history. The approach has been tested on several examples of health prognosis for electromechanical and electronic subsystems in aviation.
A qualitative research study of the evolution of symptoms in individuals identified as prodromal to psychosis.

Because schizophrenia is difficult to treat and exacts large personal and societal costs, there is an effort underway to identify adolescents and young adults at high risk for psychosis. Theory-derived criteria of subthreshold positive symptoms identify a “prodromal” or clinically at-risk population who have conversion rates to psychosis of 40 to 50% within one to two years. However, further characterization of the psychosis prodrome by qualitative research methods could increase the predictive value of the “prodromal” designation. We conducted open-ended interviews with 20 parents of prodromal adolescents that focused on changes observed. The narratives fell into two thematically distinct subgroups, identified as “declining” and “never normal.” The prodromal adolescents described as “declining” had a higher subsequent rate of conversion to psychosis than did the “never normal” group. Although preliminary, these results suggest that a trajectory of change in personality, relationships, and behavior from an essentially normal baseline may be consistent with increased risk for psychosis among prodromal adolescents.
Two-Dimensional Molecular Imprinting Approach to Produce Optical Biosensor Recognition Elements

This article describes a new two-step methodology for preparing thiol monolayers having artificial recognition sites for dansylated amino acids on gold optical biosensor surfaces. Ne-Dansyl-l-lysine (DK) was used as the template molecule to form molecularly imprinted monolayers (MIMs). Impact factors that were studied were the concentration of DK in step one (template deposition) and the time and method for thiol monolayer formation in step two (backfilling). Compared to a prior method that used the simultaneous adsorption of the template and thiol from solution, this new approach provides the flexibility to imprint template molecules that have low binding energies on gold. Control over the surface density of imprinting sites can be achieved by this approach, and rebinding studies done using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy confirmed that the MIMs prepared against DK showed selectivity for that template over didansyl-l-lysine.
Estimating denitrification in a large constructed wetland using stable nitrogen isotope ratios

Abstract Nitrate losses and their relationships to nitrogen isotope fractionation were evaluated in a wetlands environment in southern California. This paper reports the first study to follow isotope ratio changes in a large natural system with extensive macrophyte growth. As NO 3 concentrations decreased during flow through the wetlands, progressive enrichment in 15 NO 3 was found. This increase corresponded to an enrichment value of −2.5‰, a value much lower that those reported for laboratory studies of denitrification (−17 to −29‰), but closer to the range of enrichment factors attributed to denitrification in studies of groundwaters (−3.5 to −16‰). By considering a laboratory derived value of −17‰ as the enrichment factor strictly due to denitrification, 10–23% of the Prado losses could be attributed through isotope enrichment to denitrification. Other studies at Prado, using a mass balance approach which considered macrophyte growth, concluded that bacterial denitrification was the major loss mechanism (89–95%). A similar, but somewhat smaller discrepancy between estimates of denitrification was found in nearby wetlands with large shallow water bodies with dense phytoplankton growth but negligible macrophytes. These discrepancies suggest that enrichment or fractionation factors derived under laboratory conditions where all nitrogen losses are attributable to denitrification cannot be used directly as the denitrification end-member in field situations where organic matter decomposition and nitrogen recycling are occurring simultaneously or sequentially with denitrification. Further studies which consider entire growing and decomposition cycles in macrophyte-rich wetlands are needed to resolve the discrepancy in the various methods of estimating dentrification in natural wetlands.
Effects of pine bark extract administered to immunosuppressed adult mice infected with cryptosporidium parvum

The treatment of cryptosporidiosis using pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) in immunosuppressed adult C57BL/6N mice infected with Cryptosporidium parvum was investigated. Five groups of 10 mice/group were used. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 5 served as normal, toxicity, placebo, and positive controls, respectively. Mice in groups 2-5 were immunosuppressed with dexamethasone phosphate administered ad libitum in drinking water at a dosage level of 12 microg/ml. Mice in groups 3-5 were inoculated per os with 10(6) C. parvum oocysts on the day immunosuppression was started. Mice in groups 2 and 4 were treated by administering Pycnogenol orally at 30 mg/kg/day. In group 4, Pycnogenol was first administered on day 3 postinoculation. Of the four groups of mice immunosuppressed with DEXp (groups 2-5), the two groups treated with Pycnogenol (groups 2 and 4) had no premature deaths. The other two groups (groups 3 and 5) had 3 and 4 mice die, respectively, before the experiment ended. Consequently, Pycnogenol was judged to be non-toxic at the dosage level used and even afforded mice some positive health benefits. Fecal oocyst shedding in groups 3-5 was initially detected on day 3 postinoculation. These mice continued to shed oocysts throughout the duration of the 28-day experiment. Oocyst shedding intensities were greater in group 3 and 5 than in group 4. However, histological examination of infected intestinal tissues in groups 3-5 revealed no significant difference with regard to parasite colonization and villus/crypt (V/C) length ratios. As a result, Pycnogenol was determined to be therapeutically effective against C. parvum at 30 mg/kg/day only when measured by fecal oocyst shedding intensity. There was no effect on parasite tissue colonization and V/C ratios in infected mice. We conclude that Pycnogenol is a useful dietary supplement for C. parvum-infected patients by affording some positive health benefits, significantly reduces fecal oocyst shedding, but does not decrease parasite colonization of intestinal tissue.
Electrolysis induces gradients and domain orientation in agarose gels.

We have used small-angle light-scattering (SALS), microscopy, and $p\mathrm{H}$ measurements to study structural changes produced in unbuffered agarose gels as ions migrate under applied electric fields $(3--20\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{V}∕\mathrm{cm})$. Anisotropic, bowtielike, light-scattering patterns were observed, whose development occurred more quickly at higher fields. The horizontal lobes were more pronounced at higher polymer concentration. Analysis of the SALS data with a simple model of scattering from anisotropic rods in an electric field is consistent with anisotropic rodlike domains on the order of $10--15\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ in length, which align perpendicular to the electric field. The anisotropic domains in the gel reach almost the same level of orientation, regardless of the field strength. Microscope imaging revealed anisotropic domains on the same length scale, also aligned perpendicular to the field. Profiles of $p\mathrm{H}$ variation across the gel, measured by video photography, indicate that the anisotropic patterns appear when the ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ and $\mathrm{O}{\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ions, migrating in opposite directions, meet. Calculations of $p\mathrm{H}$ profiles using a model based on electrodiffusion reproduce several features of measured $p\mathrm{H}$ profiles, including the power-law dependence on the electric field of the time at which the oppositely charged fronts meet. Ions migrating from both ends of the gel produce $p\mathrm{H}$ changes that are correlated with macroscopic shrinking and orientation of the gel.
Identification of the Larval Instars of Heterocampa guttivitta with Notes on Their Feeding Behavior

The 5 larval instars of the saddled prominent, Heterocampa guttivitta Walker), were distinguished by characters relating to a combination of head-capsule size and color and the presence or absence or dorsal protuberances. Body color and markings were much too variable for this purpose. A large proportion of the first 3 instars fed on the undersides of leaves. Therefore, the aerial application of an insecticide should be made when most of the population has reached at least the 3rd stage. Of the 2 hosts examined, development was faster on beech than on maple. Prespray samples should be taken from the latter species to assure maximum protection.
Lung Injury and Lung Cancer Caused by Cigarette Smoke-Induced Oxidative Stress: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities Involving the Ceramide-Generating Machinery and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are frequently caused by tobacco smoking. However, these diseases present opposite phenotypes involving redox signaling at the cellular level. While COPD is characterized by excessive airway epithelial cell death and lung injury, lung cancer is caused by uncontrolled epithelial cell proliferation. Notably, epidemiological studies have demonstrated that lung cancer incidence is significantly higher in patients who have preexisting emphysema/lung injury. However, the molecular link and common cell signaling events underlying lung injury diseases and lung cancer are poorly understood. This review focuses on studies of molecular mechanism(s) underlying smoking-related lung injury (COPD) and lung cancer. Specifically, the role of the ceramide-generating machinery during cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress leading to both apoptosis and proliferation of lung epithelial cells is emphasized. Over recent years, it has been established that ceramide is a sphingolipid playing a major role in lung epithelia structure/function leading to lung injury in chronic pulmonary diseases. However, new and unexpected findings draw attention to its potential role in lung development, cell proliferation, and tumorigenesis. To address this dichotomy in detail, evidence is presented regarding several protein targets, including Src, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and neutral sphingomyelinase 2, the major sphingomyelinase that controls ceramide generation during oxidative stress. Furthermore, their roles are presented not only in apoptosis and lung injury but also in enhancing cell proliferation, lung cancer development, and resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy for treating lung cancer.
Generalized Stirling and Lah numbers

Abstract The theory of modular binomial lattices enables the simultaneous combinatorial analysis of finite sets, vector spaces, and chains. Within this theory three generalizations of Stirling numbers of the second kind, and of Lah numbers, are developed.
OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE PROJECTIVE TENSOR PRODUCT OF BANACH SPACES, II |

Abstract unavailable at this time... Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): 46A, 46B, 46E, 47B. Keywords: tensor, Banach, banach space, tensor product, projective norm, greatest crossnorm, semi-embedding, Radon-Nikodym property, absolutely p-summable sequence, strongly p-summable sequence, topological linear spaces, normed linear spaces, Banach lattices, linear function spaces, duals, function algebras, linear operators, product, Banach spaces Quaestiones Mathematicaes 24 (4) 2001, 519–533
Mean and variance of coincidence counting with deadtime

Abstract We analyze the first and second moments of the coincidence-counting process for a system affected by paralyzable (extendable) deadtime with (possibly unequal) deadtimes in each singles channel. We consider both “accidental” and “genuine” coincidences, and derive exact analytical expressions for the first and second moments of the number of recorded coincidence events under various scenarios. The results include an exact form for the coincidence rate under the combined effects of decay, background, and deadtime. The analysis confirms that coincidence counts are not exactly Poisson, but suggests that the Poisson statistical model that is used for positron emission tomography image reconstruction is a reasonable approximation since the mean and variance are nearly equal.
Observing proton tracks in cellulose nitrate

Abstract Cellulose nitrate is used as a detector to observe monoenergetic proton tracks. These monoenergetic protons are produced from a 14 N source placed in contact with the detector and irradiated in a thermal-neutron flux. After irradiation the detectors are chemically etched to produce optically visible tracks.
Speaker-independent phoneme alignment using transition-dependent states

Determining the location of phonemes is important to a number of speech applications, including training of automatic speech recognition systems, building text-to-speech systems, and research on human speech processing. Agreement of humans on the location of phonemes is, on average, 93.78% within 20ms on a variety of corpora, and 93.49% within 20ms on the TIMIT corpus. We describe a baseline forced-alignment system and a proposed system with several modifications to this baseline. Modifications include the addition of energy-based features to the standard cepstral feature set, the use of probabilities of a state transition given an observation, and the computation of probabilities of distinctive phonetic features instead of phoneme-level probabilities. Performance of the baseline system on the test partition of the TIMIT corpus is 91.48% within 20ms, and performance of the proposed system on this corpus is 93.36% within 20ms. The results of the proposed system are a 22% relative reduction in error over the baseline system, and a 14% reduction in error over results from a non-HMM alignment system. This result of 93.36% agreement is the best known reported result on the TIMIT corpus.
The use of confrontation in group treatment: Attack or challenge?

This paper considers the use of confrontation as a part of group treatment. When done carefully, confrontation leads to expanded awareness by the members and strengthens group cohesion. When done awkwardly, it leads to increased resistance and defensiveness. The author explores ways in which confrontation can be used to challenge discrepancies, distortions, games and smoke screens, and resistance. There is also a discussion of therapeutic guidelines for the practitioner.
Electroencephalographic abnormalities in addition to bilaterally synchronous 3 mper second spike and wave activity in petit mal

Abstract 1. 1. In 100 consecutive patients in whom clinical petit mal attacks were associated with 3 per sec. spike and wave activity the presence of focal, lateral and diffuse EEG abnormalities was studied. 2. 2. In 51 cases the background activity of the EEG was essentially normal. In 35 cases focal or lateralizing abnormalities were present. In 14 cases the background activity was diffusely abnormal. 3. 3. Sixty-two patients were female. The average age of onset of petit mal was seven years. Nineteen had close relatives with a history of convulsions. Six patients had abnormal neurologic findings. Eleven were low in intelligence. Forty patients had atypical features to their seizures. Forty-nine had other types of seizures in addition to petit mal. Possible etiologic factors were present in the histories of only six patients. 4. 4. Correlations were noted between the presence of EEG abnormalities other than synchronous 3 per sec. spike and wave activity and (a) mental retardation and (b) abnormal findings on neurologic examination. 5. 5. The possible meaning of the high incidence of abnormalities, other than 3 per sec. spike and wave discharges, in terms of the genesis of petit mal activity is discussed.
Asymmetric distribution of oncogene products at mitosis.

Abstract Computer-assisted image analysis was used to demonstrate in exponentially proliferating human tumor cells the uneven postmitotic apportionment of several oncogene-encoded proteins (ras p21; erbB-2 p185; fos p55; myc p62). This observation may provide the explanation for the high degree of heterogeneity of postmitotic cells and the asynchrony in cell cycle traverse of cultured cells.
Purines: Active Transport by Isolated Choroid Plexus

Purines are actively accumulated by the isolated rabbit choroid plexus by a specific saturable transport mechanism. In vivo this system probably serves to excrete the purine catabolities of brain from cerebrospinal fluid into blood.
Environmental Noise on a Qubit Through Entanglement with a Quantum Circuit

An external quantum system that interacts with a qubit transmits its environmental noise to the qubit and induces qubit decoherence and relaxation. We present a general method to derive the noise spectrum of this composite environment for arbitrary quantum circuits. The method is applied to the measurement induced noise of the superconducting persistent current qubit.
Labor laws and regulations in China

Abstract We discuss how economic reform has highlighted labor-market imbalances and disequilibria both within and between the rural and urban sectors. We show that these disequilibria can be resolved only through massive reorganization of legal restrictions on population movement and revisions of wage, welfare, and social insurance, which have been only partially accomplished and in some cases hardly begun. Dealing with these major remaining legislative and regulatory gaps is a major challenge the ingenuity and, more so, to the will of the Chinese government at the national, provincial, and local levels. Neglect of these reforms will damage China's prospects for continued economic growth and political stability.
Relative contributions of the ulnar attachments of the triangular fibrocartilage complex to the dynamic stability of the distal radioulnar joint.

Purpose Laboratory studies evaluating the importance of the stabilizing structures of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) largely have been limited to static design. Clinically, dynamic loading seems to be an important component of DRUJ instability. This study was designed to evaluate the influence of dynamic loading on the stability of the DRUJ with foveal versus styloid triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) disruptions in a laboratory setting. Methods Twelve fresh-frozen cadaveric upper-extremity specimens were tested using a dynamic simulator to study the contributions of the 2 ulnar insertions of the TFCC to the dynamic stability of the DRUJ. The specimens were tested in 3 loading conditions (no load, agonist loading, antagonist loading) in 3 different states of the TFCC (intact, foveal disruption, styloid disruption). Results Without load no significant differences were found for the different conditions of the TFCC. Under loaded conditions the foveal insertion had a greater effect on stability than did the styloid insertion. Under agonist loading significant differences were found during supinating and pronating motions. With antagonist loading a significant difference was found only during supination. Conclusions The study results support the clinical impression that dynamic loading is an important component of DRUJ instability and that disruption of the foveal TFCC insertion into the foveal region of the distal ulna can produce instability.
Avian population and community processes in forest ecosystems: Long-term research in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest

Abstract Long-term studies in relatively undisturbed forest ecosystems, such as occur in many of the USFS’ Experimental Forests, provide valuable insight into bird population and community processes, information pertinent to forest management and bird conservation. Major findings from 40 years of research in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in north-central New Hampshire reviewed here show that the distributions and abundances of bird species are dynamic, even within well-developed and mature forests, and that species respond differently to habitat (vegetation) structure, food availability, and other features of the forest environment. At the local scale, bird population demography is most affected by factors that influence fecundity and recruitment, mainly food availability, weather, nest predators, and density dependent processes. Fecundity is strongly correlated with subsequent recruitment and is critical for maintaining breeding population size. Events in the non-breeding season, however, also influence the abundance and demography of breeding populations, indicating the need to assess factors operating throughout the species’ annual cycle. At the landscape scale, populations in temperate forests are spatially structured by each species’ response to habitat and environmental patterns, but also by social interactions such as competition and conspecific attraction. Settlement patterns and ultimately reproductive performance depend on habitat quality, based on vegetation structure, food availability and nest predator effects that vary across the landscape. Results from these long-term studies centered at Hubbard Brook provide a mechanistic understanding of avian population dynamics and community responses. The results provide a framework for predicting how future changes in habitat quality, climate, and other environmental threats may influence bird populations and communities in north-temperate forests.
An on-line voltammetric analyzer for trace metals in wastewater

Abstract Differential-pulse anodic stripping voltammetric and differential pulse polarographic techniques were adapted to an on-line analytical system to measure trace levels of metals in a waste- water stream. Chromium, nickel, zinc, cadmium, lead and copper were determined automatically for several days to characterize a wastewater stream and detection limits were typically near 50 μg l −1 .
Power and Personality

This book concerns the wanting, getting, and giving of power. Recent advances in medicine, sociology, and psychology have deepened our understanding of the motives, skills, and experience that operate between leaders and those who are led. Since power is about decision-making, it figures not only in offi cial institutions but in other organizations, including political parties, pressure groups, trade associations, business enterprises, trade unions, and many other types of organizations.A general theory of the political personality is set forth here. Lasswell describes the process by which power becomes a value of first importance and the way appropriate skills in exercising power are acquired. He shows that special political types such as agitators or administrators are related to basic types of character that contribute to how they lead. Finally, his analysis offers original perspectives to understand democratic leadership.Lasswell offers definite suggestions for perfecting self-observatories in national and world affairs and for forming democratic personalities, selecting and training democratic leaders, and reducing destructive conflicts in human relationships. Power and Personality followed the author's 1930 work Psychopathology and Politics, which was widely hailed for its pioneering approach. Power and Personality reevaluated the entire issue of the relationship between psychology and politics in the light of subsequent experience and scientific developments since publication of that earlier work. Lasswell's ideas continue to carry great weight and persuasiveness.
Treatment Optimization Using Computed Tomography-Delineated Targets Should be Used for Supraclavicular Irradiation for Breast Cancer

Background The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of optimized CT treatment planning offered better coverage of axillary level III (LIII)/supraclavicular (SC) targets than the empirically derived dose prescription that are commonly used. Materials/Methods Thirty-two consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent CT treatment planning of a SC field were evaluated. Each patient was categorized according to body mass index (BMI) classes: normal, overweight, or obese. The SC and LIII nodal beds were contoured, and four treatment plans for each patient were generated. Three of the plans used empiric dose prescriptions, and these were compared with a CT-optimized plan. Each plan was evaluated by two criteria: whether 98% of target volume receive >90% of prescribed dose and whether Results The mean depth of SC and LIII were 3.2 cm (range, 1.4–6.7 cm) and 3.1 (range, 1.7–5.8 cm). The depth of these targets varied according across BMI classes ( p = 0.01). Among the four sets of plans, the CT-optimized plans were the most successful at achieving both of the dosimetry objectives for every BMI class (normal BMI, p = .003; overweight BMI, p p Conclusions Across all BMI classes, routine radiation prescriptions did not optimally cover intended targets for every patient. Optimized CT-based treatment planning generated the most successful plans; therefore, we recommend the use of routine CT simulation and treatment planning of SC fields in breast cancer.
Translational In Vivo Models for Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are still the first leading cause of death and morbidity in developed countries. Experimental cardiology research and preclinical drug development in cardiology call for appropriate and especially clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo studies. The use of animal models has contributed to expand our knowledge and our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and accordingly provided new approaches focused on the improvement of diagnostic and treatment strategies of various cardiac pathologies.Numerous animal models in different species as well as in small and large animals have been developed to address cardiovascular complications, including heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and thrombotic diseases. However, a perfect model of heart failure or other indications that reproduces every aspect of the natural disease does not exist. The complexity and heterogeneity of cardiac diseases plus the influence of genetic and environmental factors limit to mirror a particular disease with a single experimental model.Thus, drug development in the field of cardiology is not only very challenging but also inspiring; therefore animal models should be selected that reflect as best as possible the disease being investigated. Given the wide range of animal models, reflecting critical features of the human pathophysiology available nowadays increases the likelihood of the translation to the patients. Furthermore, this knowledge and the increase of the predictive value of preclinical models help us to find more efficient and reliable solutions as well as better and innovative treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
PARENCHYMAL CELLS FROM ADULT RAT LIVER IN NONPROLIFERATING MONOLAYER CULTURE : I. Functional Studies

Parenchymal cells from adult rat liver have been established in primary monolayer culture. Donor animals are subjected to a partial hepatectomy and, 4 days later, cells are prepared by collagenase perfusion of the regenerated liver. The hepatic parenchymal cells, separated from nonparenchymal material and suspended in serum-free medium, are placed in plastic tissue culture dishes, where they form a monolayer within 24 h. The monolayer cells exhibit minimal mitotic activity and demonstrate several major metabolic functions characteristic of liver in vivo; these include albumin synthesis and secretion, gluconeogenesis from 3-carbon precursors, responsiveness to insulin and glucagon, glycogen synthesis, and activity of two microsomal enzymes. These functions are present in the monolayer cells for several days at activities similar to those observed in the liver in vivo. The findings indicate that hepatic parenchymal cells in this monolayer system are viable and behave in many respects like normal adult rat liver.
Unexpectedly low loss of heterozygosity in genetically unstable Werner syndrome cell lines.

We have determined the mitotic stability of micro- and mini-satellite DNA sequences in SV40-immortalized Werner syndrome (WS) and control fibroblast cell lines. Five microsatellite loci were genotyped in two WS and two control SV40-immortalized fibroblast cell lines and in 154 independent primary or secondary clones derived from these. We used four minisatellite “core” or individual locus probes in Southern blot hybridization analyses to assess minisatellite stability in WS and control clones. Microsatellite allele length was stably maintained in both WS and control cells, and an upper limit for the generation of new allele lengths was estimated to be ≤4.5 × 10−4/allele/generation (or ≤2.25 × 10−5/CA repeat/generation). In contrast to length stability, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at microsatellite loci ranged up to 76% at the 13 informative locus:cell line combinations. An unexpected, and counterintuitive, finding was a much lower frequency of LOH in WS than in control clones at microsatellite loci on three different chromosomes. Minisatellite band alterations (gains, losses, or band intensity differences) were 4-fold lower in WS than in control cells. Our results suggest that the chromosomal and molecular genetic instability displayed by WS cells is unlikely to be the result of a micro- or mini-satellite destabilizing defect. A second, unexpected conclusion is that WS cells may possess a novel means of either suppressing or masking LOH events in the presence of constitutional cytogenetic and molecular genetic instability. Genes Chromosom. Cancer 18:133–142, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Polymer network liquid crystals for tunable microlens arrays

We demonstrate a tunable-focus microlens array using polymer network liquid crystals (PNLCs). PNLCs were prepared by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure through a patterned photomask. The UV-curable monomer in each of the exposed spots forms an inhomogeneous centro-symmetrical polymer network that functions as a lens when a homogeneous electric field is applied to the cell. The focal length of the microlens is tunable with the applied voltage.
Holocene scarp on the Sawtooth fault, central Idaho, USA, documented through lidar topographic analysis

High-resolution lidar data reveal a prominent latest Pleistocene–Holocene scarp on the Sawtooth fault (central Idaho, United States). The fault scarp marks 55–65 km of the range front, and may comprise two segments. The scarp is 4–9 m high in latest Pleistocene glacial landforms (11–14 ka) and 2–3 m high in Holocene alluvial landforms, implying 2–3 postglacial rupture events. Patterns of fault scarp continuity, coupled with existing gravity data, suggest that active faulting may have migrated northward during Pleistocene time. Detailed comparisons of raw lidar digital elevation models (DEMs), bare-earth lidar DEMs, and field surveys indicate that the bare-earth lidar data document the fault scarp morphology accurately and allow for detailed fault analysis where field evaluation is difficult. The documentation of Holocene motion on the Sawtooth fault demonstrates that ENE-directed extension extends across central Idaho, and that the fault contributes to seismic hazards.
The Local Winter Storm Scale: A Measure of the Intrinsic Ability of Winter Storms to Disrupt Society

A local winter storm scale (LWSS) is developed to categorize the disruption caused by winter storms using archived surface weather observations from a single location along the U.S. East Coast. Development of LWSS is motivated by the recognition that the observed societal impact from a given winter storm (called realized disruption here) arises from the convolution of two factors, the meteorological conditions that lead to disruption (i.e., intrinsic disruption) and society's susceptibility to winter weather. LWSS is designed to measure the first factor, intrinsic disruption. The scale uses maximum sustained winds, wind gusts, storm-total snowfall and icing accumulations, and minimum visibility to arrive at a categorical value between 0 and 5 inclusive. An alternate method is used to quantify the realized disruption that each storm produced and helps calibrate aspects of LWSS. All winter storms observed at Newark Liberty International Airport over the 15 cold seasons between 1995/96 and 2009/10 were categ...