In the case of the Splendor, the heat generated by the fire damaged two engine control switchboards directly above and melted electrical cabling, causing a total loss of electrical power on board and the failure of the forward engine room.

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Japan already faces rolling blackouts for months due to the loss of electrical capacity.

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There was no loss of electrical service after Thursday's shutdown, Exelon said.

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The aircraft's computer system did send about four minutes of automated messages indicating a loss of cabin pressure and an electrical failure, officials have said.

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This does not square with experience at Mitsubishi Electric, the weakest of Japan's big three electrical groups, which is expecting to halve its loss on semiconductors this year compared with 1997.

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Their loss of discrimination was reflected in the piriform cortex, which now produced similar electrical patterns in response to both odours.

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