cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative relationships between dietary linoleate and prostaglandin (Eicosanoid) biosynthesis

Essential fatty acid deficiency consistently depresses eicosanoid (prostaglandin E2, F2, and I2 and thromboxane) biosynthesis independent of sampling protocols. Tissue fatty acid analyses support the hypothesis that the decrease is due in part to depression of arachidonate and accumulation of eicosatrienoate (n−9). Research on the alteration of eicosanoid biosynthesis by dietary linoleate supplementation is reviewed extensively. Responses of whole blood, lung, liver and heart eicosanoid synthesis to feeding eight concentrations of dietary linoleate between 0 and 27 energy percent are reported. It is concluded that stimulation, depression and no change in eicosanoid production could be equally well documented as a response to linoleate supplementation. Evidence for the obvious mechanism that alterations in precursor fatty acid composition are a possible explanation is fragmentary and inconsistent. The appropriate sampling techniques appear not to be established at this time and most likely are species, gender and tissue specific.
Trichotillomania: a histopathologic study in sixty-six patients

This report reviews the results of scalp biopsies in 66 (38%) of 174 patients with trichotillomania seen at the Mayo Clinic from 1978 through 1988. The most important findings included catagen hairs in 74%, pigment casts in 61%, and traumatized hair bulbs in 21%. Bulbar inflammation and atrophic anagen hairs were not seen. The most characteristic features most often were noted in specimens from areas that had been affected for usually less than 8 weeks. It is important to examine many sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin because only a few sections may show the characteristic changes. The study points out the usefulness of scalp biopsy for making or excluding a diagnosis of trichotillomania.
An investigation into the cultural and religious determinants of national competitiveness

Purpose – This paper aims to empirically investigate the effects of cultural and religious factors on national competitiveness.Design/methodology/approach – First, the concepts of national competitiveness, cultural values and religiosity are defined. Then, the relationships between these concepts are discussed and the hypotheses, variables, and theoretical models are presented. Finally, the empirical tests are conducted, the results are examined, and the theoretical/practical implications are discussed.Findings – The empirical results show that controlling for the effects of socioeconomic development, culture and religiosity still have important implications for national competitiveness. More specifically, it is found that Autonomy, Hierarchy and Mastery cultural dimensions are likely to foster national competitiveness, but Conservatism, Egalitarianism and Harmony dimensions tend to impede national competitiveness. Additionally, it is found that regardless of the religious denomination, religiosity by its...
Central limit theorems for empirical product densities of stationary point processes

We prove the asymptotic normality of kernel estimators of second- and higher-order product densities (and of the pair correlation function) for spatially homogeneous (and isotropic) point processes observed on a sampling window \(W_n\), which is assumed to expand unboundedly in all directions as \(n \rightarrow \infty \,\). We first study the asymptotic behavior of the covariances of the empirical product densities under minimal moment and weak dependence assumptions. The proof of the main results is based on the Brillinger-mixing property of the underlying point process and certain smoothness conditions on the higher-order reduced cumulant measures. Finally, the obtained limit theorems enable us to construct \(\chi ^2\)-goodness-of-fit tests for hypothetical product densities.
The “five percent rule” for improved water service: Can households afford more?

Abstract Results of household willingness to pay surveys in five small Moroccan cities reveal that respondents would pay 7 to 10% of total household expenditures for individual water connections and subsequent commodity charges despite already having reliable and free standpost service. The study also illustrates that relatively low cost, rapid and reliable survey techniques to learn about water demand characteristics are possible and, therefore, should routinely be incorporated into the planning for all developing country water projects.
One-step gene amplification by Mu-mediated transposition of E. coli genes to a multicopy plasmid

Abstract A general in vivo method to amplify the number of copies of a specific gene in one step is described. The method is directly applicable to any selectable gene of Escherichia coli and is based on the Mu-mediated transposition of segments of host chromosomes into the conjugative, multicopy plasmid R6K. Using this method we have cloned the β-hydroxydecanoyl thioester dehydrase structural gene, fabA , into the R6K plasmid. Strains carrying the resultant plasmid produced 13 to 21 times more dehydrase than control strains.
Synthesis of a di-, tri-, and tetra-saccharide unit of the group B streptococcal common antigen.

Abstract Condensation of methyl 2,3- O -isopropylidene-α- l -rhamnopyranoside with methyl 3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-1-thio-β- d -glucopyranoside activated by nitrosyl tetrafluoroborate gave an excellent yield of the protected disaccharide 9 , which was transformed into glycosyl acceptor 11 . Methyl 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -acetyl-1-thio-β- d -galactopyranoside, obtained from d -galactose pentaacetate and methyl trimethylsilyl sulfide, under catalysis by boron trifluoride etherate, was converted into glycosyl donor 25 , which was condensed with 11 under halide-ion catalysis to give the trisaccharide derivative 26 . Rhamnosylation with 28 of 27 , obtained by selective deprotection of 26 , gave the protected tetrasaccharide 29 . Deprotection of 10, 26, and 29 gave di- ( 2 ), tri- ( 3 ) and tetra-saccharide ( 4 ) methyl glycosides which form part of the group-specific polysaccharide antigen of Group B Streptococci .
Toward More Comprehensive Food Labeling

The FDA's proposals for revising its Nutrition Facts label for foods are strong, urgently needed, and likely to affect consumer behavior positively. But additional labeling requirements can do more to influence food choices, reduce obesity, and promote health.
Non-smoker with pulmonary nodules.

A 57-year-old man was admitted to the hospital in May because of fever, night sweats, cough, dyspnea, and multiple pulmonary nodules. He had non-insulin dependent diabetes and had been in his usual state of health until three months before admission, when he was successfully treated with a six-week course of antibiotics for right foot osteomyelitis. One month before admission, he was treated for a dry cough and dyspnea, attributed to worsening congestive heart failure. Five days before admission, he developed fever, night sweats, dry cough, pleuritic chest pain, but no hemoptysis. Over the past six months, he had lost 30 pounds. He was admitted for workup. Antibiotics were not started. The patient was a married, black, retired handyman/ doorman with a past history of diabetic retinopathy, CHF, mitral regurgitation, remote CVA with residual left facial droop. There was no history of recurrent sinusitis. His medications included furosemide, captopril, digoxin, glyburide, lovastatin, ranitidine, and oxycodone. He was born in New York City and had spent most of his life in New York, except 20 years ago, when he lived in Western Texas for three to four months. He had not traveled outside of North America.There was no history of tobacco use, drug use, alcohol abuse, HIV risk factors, asbestos exposure, or undercooked seafood ingestion. He did not have pets or unusual bird exposure. On examination, the temperature was 100.6”F, blood pressure 150/80 mmHg, pulse 92/min, and respiratory rate 20/min. Fundoscopic examination revealed diabetic retinopathy, but no evidence of endophthalmitis. No adenopathy was found. Jugular venous distention was elevated at 10 cm. There were bibasilar crackles and pedal edema. Oxygen saturation was 96% on room air. No clubbing was noted. There were no murmurs, Osler nodes, Janeway lesions, splinter hemorrhages, subconjunctival hemorrhages, or Roth spots. There was
Spin-Glass and Ferromagnetic Behavior Induced by Random Uniaxial Anisotropy.

The effect of a random uniaxial anisotropy axis on the magnetic properties of an amorphous ferromagnet is considered. It is found that in a quenched system random anisotropy with an isotropic angular distribution destroys the ferromagnetic state in fewer than four dimensions. The low-temperature phase is, instead, an Edwards-Anderson spin-glass. In more than four dimensions ferromagnetism or spin-glass ordering is found depending on the degree of disorder. Some properties of the ferromagnetic state are outlined.
Subjective cognitive complaints and amyloid burden in cognitively normal older individuals

Accumulating evidence suggests that subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) may indicate subtle cognitive decline characteristic of individuals with preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we sought to build upon previous studies by associating SCC and amyloid-β deposition using Positron Emission Tomography with Pittsburg Compound B (PiB-PET) in cognitively normal older individuals. One-hundred thirty one subjects (mean age 73.5 ± 6) were administered three subjective cognitive questionnaires and a brief neuropsychological battery. A relationship between a subjective memory complaints composite score and cortical PiB binding was found to be significant, even after controlling for depressive symptoms. By contrast, there were no significant relationships between objective cognitive measures of memory and executive functions and cortical PiB binding. Our study suggests that SCC may be an early indicator of AD pathology detectable prior to significant objective impairment.
Corrosion and Past“Protective “Treatments of the Benin “Bronzes“ in the National Museum of African Art

The Benin (Nigeria) “bronzes“1, like many museum objects have been subjected to a variety of coatings and other surface treatments by museums, dealers and private collectors since their removal from Africa during the British Punitive Expedition of 1897. Today these surfaces are discolored, corroded, saturated with “oils and waxes” and generally do not represent the original West African aesthetic. Corrosion often occurs below the “protective” surface coating, despite the apparent visual stability of the surfaces. Samples of coatings and corrosion from the Benin “bronzes” in the National Museum of African Art have been examined by XRD, SEM-EDZ FT-IR and CLC. Results include the frequent observation of fatty acid salts of copper and other alloy metals.
CD19 regulates B lymphocyte responses to transmembrane signals

CD19 is a component of a cell surface receptor complex that regulates B lymphocyte responses to transmembrane signals including those generated through the B cell antigen receptor. Studies in mice which lack or overexpress CD19 show that changes in CD19 expression levels have significant effects on B cell development and function. Recent studies suggest that CD19 establishes a Src-family kinase activation loop that amplifies tyrosine phosphorylation of numerous downstream effector molecules including potentially positive and negative regulatory elements. These observations provide an understanding of how CD19 governs the molecular ordering and intensity of signals transduced through multiple B cell receptors.
Theoretical study of the n-body interaction energies of the ring, cage and prism forms of (H2O)6

The MP2 method is used together with basis sets as large as aug-cc-pVQZ to calculate the binding energies and the various n-body interaction energies of the ring, cage and prism forms of (H2O)6. It is found that nearly all of the energy changes due to adoption of basis sets more flexible than aug-cc-pVDZ and to the inclusion of electron correlation effects are due to the 2-body interactions.
Measurement of electron energy with discrimination against hadronic background

Abstract Data are presented on a configuration of Pb glass which detects high energy electrons with high efficiency, measures their total energy. and discriminates strongly against hadronic background. Energy resolution and discrimination ratios are given for electron and hadron energies between 5 and 20 GeV.
Analysis Of K- And L-Shell Spectra Emitted From Implosions Of Argon Filled And Argon/Krypton Filled Microballoons

Experimental results from laser driven implosions of argon-and argon/krypton-filled polymer shell targets are presented. Analysis of the results is discussed with regard to the physics involved and the potential use of spectral features as density diagnostics.
The microcirculation of the area postrema in the rat.

The validity of current theories concerning the function of the area postrema ultimately rests on the nature of its microcirculation. Therefore a detailed study of the vasculature of the postremal region was undertaken in the rat. The findings indicate a singular arteriolar supply from branches of the posterior inferior cerebellar arteries. These vessels are caudal, intracranial branches of the vertebral arteries. Networks of enlarged capillaries are prominent features of sections taken through the area postrema. These enlarged capillary channels are re-entrant. At the borders of the structure they are joined by short interconnecting vessels to capillaries of smaller caliber typical of the medullary tissue. The bed is considered to be a portal system because two distinctive, serially connected capillary beds are interposed between artery and vein. No arteriovenous shunts or thoroughfare channels are observed in the rat, contrary to reports of this type of vessel in other species. This microcirculatory pattern would seem to be adequate to current theories of postremal function, which attribute neurosecretory or chemosensory functions to this region.
The omnivore’s dilemma: Diet explains variation in vulnerability to vehicle collision mortality

Abstract As human populations increase, roads are expanded and traffic increases, leading to more opportunities for animal–vehicle collisions. Roadkill is a serious threat to animal populations, and has the potential to drive threatened populations extinct. Despite this widespread damage, what makes a species’ particularly vulnerable to being hit by vehicles is not well understood and mitigation attempts have been largely unsuccessful. Previous studies have found that animals are more likely to be killed in certain areas (hotspots) and that species are killed at differential rates. While there have been some suggestions that variation in roadkill rate is correlated with life history traits, such as body size and diet, most of these studies have been on a small scale and therefore are not necessarily generalizable. We aimed to explain variation in roadkill vulnerability on a larger scale by performing a formal comparative analysis of published roadkill data from around the world. Focusing on birds and mammals, we compiled data on rates that species were struck and killed, then sought to identify the life history and natural history correlates of vulnerability. We found that diet explained a significant amount of variation in the rate of roadkill, with omnivorous mammals and herbivorous birds having the highest rates within their respective classes. Mitigation attempts should target these especially vulnerable types to increase efficiency and efficacy.
Decay Constants of K 40

New measurements have been made of the decay constants of ${\mathrm{K}}^{40}$ for beta-ray emission and for electron capture, and a decay scheme is proposed on the basis of these measurements and the previous data. Special counters adapted to the measurement of low levels of activity were developed for making the measurements. The results obtained were 28.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0 beta-rays per gram of K per sec. and 13.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.0 electron captures per 100 beta-rays, corresponding to a total half-life of 12.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$ yr., with 88 percent of the decays by beta-ray emission and 12 percent by electron capture. A previous measurement of the gamma-ray intensity in ${\mathrm{K}}^{40}$, by the present authors, gave 3.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 gamma-rays per gram of K per sec., or about 12.7 gamma-rays per 100 beta-rays. Since the numbers of gamma-rays and of electron captures in the decay of ${\mathrm{K}}^{40}$ are essentially the same, and since previous measurements indicate that the gamma-energy is greater than the beta-energy, it is proposed that the gamma-ray be associated with the electron-capture decay, a gamma-ray following each electron capture.
Relationship Between Peak Flow Rate (PFR) and Other Tests of Ventilatory Capacity

The relationshps between peak flow rate and MBC, FEV 1.0 and VC were studied in 461 patients. The correlation coefficient (r) was found to be 0.80 between PFR and MBC, 0.61 between PFR and FEV 1.0 and 0.57 between PFR and VC. Measurement of peak flow rate in detecting ventilatory disease or in following a patient's ventilatory capacity is recommended.
Continued circulatory support: effect of epinephrine or dopamine on 24-hour survival and neurologic function in dogs

The effects on 24-h survival and neurologic function were compared following continued postresuscitation circulatory support with epinephrine or dopamine. Cardiopulmonary arrest was induced by ventricular fibrillation. After 10 min, resuscitation efforts were initiated including i.v. infusion of either epinephrine (6 micrograms/kg per min, 11 dogs) or dopamine (10 micrograms/kg per min, 14 dogs) for continued circulatory support. There was no difference detected in duration of circulatory support, although dogs receiving epinephrine required more lidocaine (3.3 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.8 +/- 0.3 mg/kg, P = 0.005). Likewise, there was no statistically significant difference detected in MAP or HR between groups at any time tested. However, dogs receiving epinephrine had significantly worse neurologic function at 6 and 12 h postarrest. Mean survival time (20.3 +/- 1.2 vs. 15.3 +/- 1.9 h, P = 0.028) and overall survival (P = 0.027, survival curve analysis) were significantly longer for dogs receiving dopamine. Plasma glucose in the first 6 h postarrest was significantly higher in dogs receiving epinephrine (P = 0.006). These results suggest that the use of epinephrine for continued vasopressor support in cardiopulmonary resuscitation may contribute to decreased survival and poorer neurologic function in this controlled experimental setting. It is reasonable to propose that similar responses to these commonly used circulatory support agents occur clinically. Therefore, continued vasopressor support with dopamine rather than epinephrine may be justified in the setting of cardiac resuscitation.
Early deaths in childhood cancer.

Background. Deaths prior to or shortly after the diagnosis of childhood cancer may reflect inadequacies in detection and appropriate referral for care. This study was performed to determine the extent of and factors associated with early death in childhood cancer. Procedure. Patients with of primary cancer, aged <20 years at diagnosis, were identified from the SEER data (n = 23,470) from 1973 to 1995. Early deaths were defined as cases identified by 1) death certificate, 2) autopsy report, or 3) death within 1 month of initial diagnoses (n = 481). Cause of death was determined by ICD-8 and -9 codes. Age at diagnosis, year of diagnosis, morphology, site of disease, race, and gender were evaluated for association with early death. Results. Age <1 year at diagnosis (6.2% early deaths), being diagnosed earlier in the observation period, and a diagnosis of a brain tumor, neuroblastoma, leukemia, or liver tumor were associated with increased early death. Gender and race were not associated with early death. Among the cases for whom the malignant diagnosis was made at the time of death (n = 119), the cause of death was nonmalignant for 36. For 22 of these cases the malignancy was an incidental finding and appeared not to contribute directly to the cause of death. Among these patients, 11 had neuroblastoma, 9 being <1 year of age. Conclusions. A decrease in the proportion of early deaths associated with childhood cancer has occurred during the past 2 decades. This decrease may reflect earlier diagnosis or improved imaging capabilities, surgical techniques, medical therapy, and supportive care. Awareness among pediatricians, general practitioners, and emergency physicians is warranted, with a focus on high-risk groups for early detection among childhood cancer patients.
Interferon as an anti-viral

Interferon and Its Clinical Potential. By D. A. J. Tyrrell. Pp. viii + 104. Published by (Heinemann Medical: London, 1976.) £3.50.
Urinary tract candidiasis: An update

The presence of Candida in the urine continues to present a real dilemma. Is it a saprophyte or a pathogen? Candida albicans is the best known species and is most commonly associated with diseases of the mucous membranes or skin. Infections of the genitourinary tract have been reported with C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. pseudotropicalis. C. parapsilosis, and C. guilerimondi. Candida is not infrequently cultured from the urine of healthy subjects: however, since the advent and widespread use of antibiotics, immunosuppressive and antineoplastic agents, the frequent). of Candida in the urine has dramatically increased. ’ B
Linear stability of the compressible reacting mixing layer

We investigate the linear stability of mixing layers with special emphasis on the effects of heat release and compressibility. Multiple supersonic modes exist for both nonreacting and reacting flows when the disturbance phase velocity is supersonic relative to the freestream. These supersonic modes become less unstable with increasing Mach number but more unstable with increasing heat release. The most unstable supersonic modes are three-dimensional (oblique) for nonreacting flows but two-dimensional for reacting flows.
Guidance requirements for an unmanned landing on Mars.

Mars landing guidance requirements for unmanned lander after separation from interplanetary flyby space vehicle
From retina to response: contrast sensitivity and memory retrieval during visual word recognition.

Abstract Twenty-four young adults (M = 19.5 years) and 24 older adults (M = 68.4 years) performed a word/nonword classification task (i.e., lexical decision) in which a single letter-string was presented on each trial. Estimates were obtained of the time required to retrieve information regarding the orthography (pronounceability) and meaning of the letter-string. A measure of subjects' spatial resolution ability (contrast sensitivity) was also obtained. In the lexical decision task, the older adults' word recognition speed was slower than that of the young adults overall, but there was no age-related slowing associated specifically with the retrieval of either orthographic or semantic information. The similarity of the two age groups' retrieval estimates was independent of whether a manual or vocal response was required. An age-related change in the shape of the contrast sensitivity function was present. The age differences in the speed of word recognition, however, were not attributable to contrast sens...
Nationalism, Liberalism, and Democracy

Liberal nationalism is an important recent development in political theory that challenges liberals to acknowledge the significance of nationality in people's lives, and its role in the justification and implementation of liberal policies. If liberal nationalists are correct, national identity serves basic human needs and is not only compatible with liberal ideals of equality and individuality, but must be fostered for these ideals to flourish and for the liberal-democratic state to function. In this article I analyze the doctrine of liberal nationalism and argue that it actually points to the significance of democratic action, not national sentiment, for liberal states. Civic ties between citizens engaged in the public domain, such as those articulated by contemporary democratic theorists, have more relevance for addressing the functional requirements of liberal states than the bonds of national identity.
Opportunities for the Primary Prevention of Obesity during Infancy

Many parents, grandparents, and clinicians have associated a baby’s ability to eat and gain weight as a sign of good health, and clinicians typically only call significant attention to infant growth if a baby is failing to thrive or showing severe excesses in growth. Recent evidence, however, has suggested that pediatric healthcare providers should pay closer attention to growth patterns during infancy. Both higher weight and upward crossing of major percentile lines on the weight-for-age growth chart during infancy have long term health consequences, and are associated with overweight and obesity later in life. Clinicians should utilize the numerous available opportunities to discuss healthy growth and growth charts during health maintenance visits in the first two years after birth. Further, providers should instruct parents on strategies to promote healthy behaviors that can have long lasting obesity preventive effects.
Physicalism, instrumentalism and the semantics of modal logic

The delicate point in the formalistic position is to explain how the non-intuitionistic classical mathematics is significant, after having initially agreed with the intuitionists that its theorems lack a real meaning in terms of which they are true (S. C. Kleene, 1952).
Left atrial appendectomy and maze.

The feasibility and effectiveness of specific linear left atrial (LA) lesions to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) were addressed by Kottkamp et al. [(1)][1]in a recent issue of the Journal . Interestingly, linear lesions confined to the left atrium were able to cure AF in more than 90% of cases, and
Advancing Digital Repository Services for Faculty Primary Research Assets: An Exploratory Study

Abstract The Oviatt Library at California State University Northridge (CSUN) hosts two digital repositories represented by Digital Collections for archival and historical materials, and ScholarWorks institutional repository (IR) for scholarly output. This paper reports on an exploratory study for advancing digital repository services regarding faculty primary research assets created in the course of research and/or collected by scholar custodians of archival materials at CSUN. A survey was distributed to understand: 1) which faculty and departments collect or create primary source assets as part of their research, 2) what types of assets are collected or created, 3) the activities performed to preserve these assets, 4) the level of interest in making primary research documents available online, 5) faculty knowledge of library methods, and 6) attitudes regarding collaboration with the library. This survey functions as part of a needs assessment toward the development of new and enhanced digital repository services to advance research, preservation, data curation, instruction, and exhibition. This knowledge will also help to systematize library and faculty collaboration through the development of policies and workflows that reduce ad hoc re-evaluations and protracted negotiations over the ability of the library to support digital research and instruction projects.
Influence of naloxone on inhibitory pudendal-to-bladder reflex in cats.

Abstract To determine the involvement of opioid receptors in the inhibitory pudendal-to-bladder reflex, the effect of naloxone (0.01–1 mg/kg, i.v.), an opioid receptor antagonist, on the inhibition of bladder activity evoked by pudendal nerve stimulation was investigated in α-chloralose anesthetized cats. The inhibition of reflex isovolumetric bladder contractions induced by pudendal nerve stimulation (5–10 Hz) at intensity threshold (T) for producing complete inhibition was significantly suppressed by naloxone at a high dose (0.3 mg/kg). However, the inhibition elicited at higher intensities (1.5–3 T) was not changed. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) did not alter the frequency dependence of the inhibitory effect of pudendal stimulation. During cystometrograms (CMGs) pudendal nerve stimulation significantly increased bladder capacity to 155.1 ± 24.5% and 163.4 ± 10% of the control at stimulation intensities of 1 T and 1.5–3 T, respectively. After administration of naloxone (1 mg/kg), the bladder capacity during pudendal nerve stimulation at inhibition threshold (1 T) was not significantly different from control, but it was significantly increased at higher intensities (1.5–3 T). Naloxone alone markedly reduced bladder capacity to 43 ± 11.1% of the control, and pudendal stimulation completely reversed this facilitatory effect. This study revealed that activation of opioid receptors contributes to or facilitates the inhibitory pudendal-to-bladder reflex. The reduction in bladder capacity after naloxone treatment also indicates that endogenous opioid peptides mediate a tonic inhibition of micturition. Understanding the neurotransmitter mechanisms involved in the inhibitory pudendal-to-bladder reflex could promote the development of new treatments for bladder overactivity and incontinence.
Controlled Cathode Sputtering

THE object of these experiments is to obtain accurate measurements relating to the phenomenon of cathode disintegration in gaseous discharges.
VFD machinery vibration fatigue life and multi-level inverter effect

The paper documents fatigue related mechanical failures in variable frequency drive (VFD) motor machinery due to mechanical vibrations excited by drive torque harmonics which are created by PWM switching. Present effort models the coupled system with full electrical system including rectifier, DC bus, inverter, motor, and an industrial mechanical system including flexible couplings, gearboxes and multiple inertias. The models are formed by a novel combining of a commercial motor code with a general, self-written mechanical code. The approach extends failure prediction beyond simple occurrence of resonance, to fatigue life evaluation based on Rain-flow algorithm, which is suitable for both steady state and transient startup mechanical response. The second contribution is a demonstration that the common use of multilevel inverter to reduce voltage/current harmonics may actually exacerbate resonance and fatigue failure. This is shown to be caused by a resulting amplitude increase of torque components in proximity to potential resonance frequencies.
Interpreting measures of frequency selectivity: is forward masking special?

In a previous article [Lutfi, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 76, 1045–1050 (1984)], the following relation was used to predict measures of frequency selectivity obtained in forward masking from measures obtained in simultaneous masking: F(g)=G+H(g)−H(0), where, for a given masker level, F is the amount of forward masking (in dB) as a function of signal‐masker frequency separation (g), H is the amount of simultaneous masking, and G is the amount of forward masking for g=0. In the present study, the relation was tested for a wider range of signal and masker frequencies, masker levels, and signal delays. The relation described thresholds from all conditions well with the inclusion of one free parameter λ corresponding to a constant frequency increment, F(g)=G+H(g+λ)−H(λ). The parameter λ was required to account for observed shifts in the frequency of maximum forward masking. It is argued that a single tuning mechanism can account for commonly observed differences between simultaneous‐ and forward‐masked measures of fre...
Distinguishing Among Models of Strong W_L W_L Scattering at the LHC

Using a multi-channel analysis of strong W{sub L} W{sub L} scattering signals, I study the LHC`s ability to distinguish among various models of strongly interacting electroweak symmetry breaking sectors. 9 refs., 1 fig., 3 tabs.
For the right reasons: The FORR architecture for learning in a skill domain☆

The theme of this article is that knowledge acquisition can be managed as a transition from general expertise to specific expertise. FORR is a general architecture for learning and problem solving that models expertise at a set of related problem classes. This architecture postulates initial brood domain knowledge, and gradually specializes it to simulate expertise in individual problem classes. FORR is based upon a realistic portrayal of the nature of human expertise and its application. Rather than restrict learning to a single method or a single kind of knowledge, the architecture pragmatically requires multiple, disagreeing heuristic agents to collaborate on decisions. A FORR-based program learns both from its apprenticeship to an external expert model and from practice in its domain. An implementation for game playing is described that raises interesting issues about the organization and modification of conflicting expertise, and the role that experience plays in such learning. FORR's principal strengths are its smooth integration of multiple expertise, its ability to learn many ways, its tolerance for human and machine error, its graceful degradation, its transparency, and its support for a developmental paradigm.
Hitting-Time Densities of a Two-Dimensional Markov Process

This paper deals with the two-dimensional stochastic process (X(t), V(t)) where dX(t) = V(t)dt, V(t) = W(t) + ν for some constant ν and W(t) is a one-dimensional Wiener process with zero mean and variance parameter σ2= 1. We are interested in the first-passage time of (X(t), V(t)) to the plane X = 0 for a process starting from (X(0) = −x, V(0) = ν) with x > 0. The partial differential equation for the Laplace transform of the first-passage time density is transformed into a Schrodinger-type equation and, using methods of global analysis, such as the method of dominant balance, an approximation to the first-passage density is obtained. In a series of simulations, the quality of this approximation is checked. Over a wide range of x and ν it is found to perform well, globally in t. Some applications are mentioned.
Scope and Autonomy in Prison Work Groups

Summary An elaboration of Goffman's concept of the total institution was used to study the relation of the scope of a work group (the amount of freedom from supervision and opportunity to initiate) to the expressed need for autonomy for 10 work groups in a Federal Correctional Institution. A negative relationship—high scope, low need for autonomy—was found.
EASY Alliance: A new standard to enable access to consumer electronics and home appliances (CEHA) for seniors and the disabled

The population of the United States is aging rapidly, and many persons in the older population have disabilities that lower their quality of life. It is important to enable seniors, persons with various disabilities, and other classes of consumers to access easily the ever-more-complex user interfaces found in everyday consumer electronics and home appliances. We have established EASY Alliance in order to tackle this issue. By implementing technologies and methodologies suggested by EASY Alliance, manufacturers will be able to provide completely accessible devices without major design modifications or compromising device appearance. EASY Alliance will also provide testing and rating services. EASY Alliance, in partnership with consumer groups, will lobby the U.S. Congress to establish legal standards for the next generation of consumer electronics and home appliances.
Functional role of cardiac shunts in reptiles

Cardiac shunting normally occurs in chelonians (turtles), squamates (lizards and snakes) and crocodilians (alligators, caimans, crocodiles). The magnitude of these shunts is affected by the ventilatory state and provides these animals with a flexibility in blood flow that cannot be achieved in mammals or birds. The differential distribution of blood flow into the pulmonary and systemic circulations has prompted physiologists to postulate the functional significance of such a circulatory design. Most authors agree that cardiac shunts are not atavistic relics, but represent an important cardiovascular adaptation in extant reptiles. Nevertheless, while these hypotheses may be intuitively appealing, experimental evidence attesting the advantageous role of cardiac shunts in pulmonary gas exchange is lacking. The purpose of this paper is to review, in detail, the various hypotheses that explain the functional significance of cardiac shunts in pulmonary gas exchange in intermittently breathing reptiles. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Physiological drought tolerance and the structuring of tallgrass prairie assemblages.

Drought is a defining characteristic of many grasslands worldwide. Yet we have little understanding of how drought structures grassland communities and the degree to which physiological drought tolerance advantages plants in grasslands. We characterized physiological drought tolerance (Ψcrit) for a large number of species in a mesic grassland community (Konza Prairie, KS, USA). We then examined the relationships between Ψcrit and a number of other key functional traits, and tested whether physiological tolerance of drought underlay success across a number of ecological contrasts—topographic position, burn frequency, and grazing—with 17 years of abundance data. Physiological drought tolerance of Konza species covered almost the full range known to plants globally. Consistently, physiologically drought-tolerant species had thin roots, while associations with other traits were inconsistent across functional groups. In this mesic grassland, physiological drought tolerance appears to increase the abundance of plants in xeric uplands, but does not in the mesic lowlands. Physiological drought tolerance did not alter species responses to changes in burning or grazing. In contrast to Ψcrit, species with high root tissue density were more abundant in uplands and lowlands than species with low root tissue density largely irrespective of grazing or burning regimes. In all, drought appears to have a limited role in structuring the Konza plant community. As such, more severe or frequent droughts in the region would likely restructure the Konza plant community in ways that are currently not observable.
Reaction regimes in coal oxidation

A series of seven coals were oxidized in a fixed bed reactor to determine the controlling reaction regimes during mild coal oxidation. The effects of coal porosity and particle size, reactor temperature, and oxygen partial pressure were evaluated. The results show that coal-oxygen reactions are controlled by the rate of internal gaseous diffusion for most coals, and by the rate of chemical reaction for the most porous coal of the set tested. Particle size effects also suggest internal diffusional control. Determinations of cumulative oxygen deposition indicate that surface areas several orders of magnitude greater than the superficial surface can participate in oxidation reactions, putting in doubt the applicability of the model previously derived by Kam et al. (1976a) for external mass transfer control.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors for the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Objective: To review the literature evaluating serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Data Sources: A PubMed search (1966-January 2014) was performed using the key terms serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, milnacipran, venlafaxine, chemotherapy, and peripheral neuropathy. Bibliographies of select articles were examined for additional references and abstracts. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Case reports and clinical trials published in English and conducted in humans were identified. All reports and trials evaluating a SNRI for the treatment of CIPN were included; 4 case reports, 1 open-label study, and 2 randomized controlled trials were identified for review. Data Synthesis: At present, no medications are approved for the treatment for CIPN. Emerging evidence suggests that venlafaxine and duloxetine may be effective for treating CIPN. Results of select trials report that these medications not o...
Software performance analysis using a graphic modeling technique

Most performance analysis tools in existence today are closely associated with traditional programming languages. Hence a user cannot model a software system using a performance modeling technique directly. The authors consider this problem and describe a graphic modeling technique and a support tool (GPAS). GPAS can accept the model in a graphical form independent of any programming language and use it to evaluate the computation's performance. An example is used to show the feasibility of using this approach. >
Recent Advances in Soot Formation from Spherical Droplet Flames at Atmospheric Pressure

Recent developments pertaining to the spherically symmetric combustion of sooting fuels are discussed. The spherical droplet e ameis well suited forstudying soot formation in droplet combustion because ofthesimplicity of thetransportprocessthatresultsfromaone-dimensionalcombustionprocess.Recentadvancesinnewexperimental designs for forming and deploying droplets in a low-buoyancy environment are revealing effects that have gone unnoticed in early experimental studies. These include soot’ s ine uence on burning, the role of initial droplet diameter,andtheimportanceofradiation.Theseaspectsillustratetherichnessofthephysicsandthenewknowledge that continues to be forthcoming from this most basic of droplet burning cone gurations.
PRoMT: inferring demographic history from DNA sequences.

Summary: I describe a parallel implementation of Rogers’ mismatch algorithm, a method for making inferences about demographic history from DNA sequence data. The program is distributed on clusters of workstations, providing a substantial speedup and low execution times on large numbers of nodes. Availability: Source code and documentation are available at http:// mombasa.anthro.utah.edu/ wooding/
Robust regularized tomographic imaging with convex projections

A robust method for tomographic image reconstruction from limited-angle noisy measurements is proposed which builds upon a combination of regularization theory and the method of projections onto convex sets (POCS). Two specific formulations of the proposed method, namely, Tikhonov-POCS and TV-POCS, are introduced and investigated. A statistical framework is developed that provides insight into the behavior of the two algorithms. The inclusion of a reference image is approached by either a coarse reconstruction or a model generated background image. The method is validated in the context of simulations for the reconstruction of highly structured images from partial projections. Results demonstrate significant improvement over conventional regularization methods in situations where the conventional techniques are inadequate.
Protein phosphatase activity is required for prothoracicotropic hormone‐stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis in the prothoracic glands of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

The multiple phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 appears to be required for prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH)-stimulated protein synthesis and ecdysteroidogenesis by the prothoracic glands of Manduca sexta. The present study investigated the role of protein phosphatase in these phenomena by analyzing the effects of pretreatment of prothoracic glands with the phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid and calyculin A in both basal and PTTH-stimulated glands. Okadaic acid or calyculin A treatment enhanced ribosomal S6 phosphorylation in control glands to a level similar to that observed with PTTH-stimulated glands. This treatment also prevented S6 dephosphorylation but had no apparent synergistic effect on S6 phosphorylation in PTTH-stimulated glands. Most importantly, okadaic acid or calyculin A treatment inhibited, rather than augmented, ecdysteroidogenesis in both PTTH-stimulated and non-stimulated glands. The composite data suggest that protein phosphatase activity sensitive to okadaic acid or calyculin A is required for PTTH-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis.
Adaptive control of flexible systems using self-tuning digital notch filters

An adaptive control scheme for suppressing vibrations of large flexible structures is presented. The control scheme utilizes self-tuning digital notch filters to minimize the excitation of the system resonant modes by control forces. The notch filters are tuned such that their center frequencies coincide with the system resonant frequencies, which are identified using an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) and a heuristic search technique. This enables the control system to automatically adapt to variations or uncertainties in the dynamical characteristics of the plant. The control scheme is evaluated by means of a hardware-in-the-loop simulation using an analog computer to solve t he plant equations of motion in real time. The resonant frequency detection and control functions are implemented in real time using c omnercially available signal a nalysis and digital control hardware. Conclusions regarding the performance, advantages, and limitations of this adaptive control scheme are presented along with recomnendations for further research and development.
Mutualistic interactions of the aphid Lachnus allegheniensis (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its tending ant Formica obscuripes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

A mutualistic relationship is described between the aphid Lachnus allegheniensis McCook, which occurs on Quercus gambellii Nutt, and the ant Formica obscuripes Forel. Evidence for the mutualism includes fouling of the aphid feeding aggregation with honeydew in the absence of the ants, the presence of the aphid only on Q. gambellii clones with foraging F. obscuripes present, a decline in aphid numbers at the periphery of the tending ant colony's foraging territory, the defensive behavior of the ant toward intruders, and the construction of a gallery by F. obscuripes in the ground at the base of the plant where the aphid retreats when disturbed or during the heat of the day in midsummer. Adaptations of L. allegheniensis that enhance ant attendance are numerous. The phenology of aphid development coincides strongly with the season-long activity of F. obscuripes , providing to the ant a dependable honeydew supply. The aphid has reduced cornicles, produces a concentrated honeydew, has very limited alate production, feeds in dense aggregations when resources are suitable, and migrates daily to protected galleries constructed by F. obscuripes. Q. gambellii indirectly benefits from ant tending of L. allegheniensis by significant reductions in amount and frequency of damage to leaves by defoliators, thus potentially increasing its long-term suitability as a host plant for the aphid. These considerations lead to the conclusion that persistence of L. allegheniensis populations depends upon the survival of the tending ant colony.
Measurement of the spin-transfer-torque vector in magnetic tunnel junctions

The transfer of spin angular momentum from a spin-polarized current to a ferromagnet can generate sufficient torque to reorient the magnet’s moment. This torque could enable the development of efficient electrically actuated magnetic memories and nanoscale microwave oscillators. Yet difficulties in making quantitative measurements of the spin-torque vector have hampered understanding. Here we present direct measurements of both the magnitude and direction of the spin torque in magnetic tunnel junctions, the type of device of primary interest for applications. At low bias V, the differential torque dτ/dV lies in the plane defined by the electrode magnetizations, and its magnitude is in excellent agreement with recent predictions for near-perfect spin-polarized tunnelling. We find that the strength of the in-plane differential torque remains almost constant with increasing bias, despite a substantial decrease in the device magnetoresistance, and that with bias the torque vector also rotates out of the plane.