Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mesh‐free simulation of ductile fracture

This paper is concerned with mesh‐free simulations of crack growth in ductile materials, which is a major technical difficulty in computational mechanics. The so‐called reproducing kernel particle method, which is a member of the mesh‐free method family, is used together with the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman constitutive model for simulation of ductile fracture. A study has been carried out to compare the proposed mesh‐free simulation with the available experimental results and previous finite element simulations for crack propagation in a three‐point‐bending steel specimen. The results show that the mesh‐free simulation agrees well with experimental results, and it is confirmed that the proposed method provides a convenient and yet accurate means for simulation of ductile fracture. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emergence of new strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a neonatal intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND Genetically distinct strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) of community rather than hospital origin have emerged in many areas of the United States. We determined if MRSA strains causing bacteremia in infants treated from birth in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) demonstrated the genetic traits of community-associated MRSA. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted among NICU infants with bacteremia due to MRSA during 2003 in a large tertiary care center NICU in Houston. MRSA isolates were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing by polymerase chain reaction. All MRSA cases were reviewed for clinical severity of infection and outcome. RESULTS During 2003, a total of 8 (47%) of 17 infants with bacteremia due to S. aureus had MRSA infection. Isolates from 6 (75%) of these 8 infants carried the SCCmec genes (class B mec and ccr2) that are characteristic of community MRSA; 4 isolates were type IVa. All 6 isolates were resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics and erythromycin; 1 was also resistant to clindamycin. One isolate was nontypeable, and another carried the SCCmec type II gene (typical of hospital-associated strains) and was susceptible only to vancomycin. Seven (88%) of 8 infants presented in septic shock. Despite initial treatment with vancomycin, 3 (38%) died, and 3 survivors had complications requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy; these 6 infants had MRSA isolates with genetic characteristics of isolates of community origin. CONCLUSIONS Community-associated MRSA strains have emerged as a significant cause of sepsis in neonates hospitalized in NICU since birth and have caused disseminated infection with substantial morbidity and mortality.
Impact of the Internet on intermediaries

The exponential growth of the Internet has led to the growing debate about "disintermediation, i.e. the elimination of intermediaries from markets. Many believe that traditional intermediaries will soon become extinct because the Internet allows producers to sell directly to consumers in a more cost-effective way. The debate on disintermediation in the literature has so far focussed only on "elimination" of intermediaries, which assumes that all the functions performed by intermediaries can be disintermediated by the Internet. A deeper analysis of the raison d'etre of intermediaries suggests that "elimination" of intermediaries is an extremely unlikely scenario. Broadly speaking, intermediaries perform three functions in a marketing channel: information & transaction function, logistics function and trust function. Clearly, the Internet can impact only the information and transaction function, while the logistics and trust issues still need to be addressed. This thesis explores the issue of disintermediation from a different perspective: how the Internet will lead to reorganization of intermediary functions and what kind of disintermediation scenarios may emerge. It assumes that the allocation of different functions among various entities in a channel (manufacturers, intermediaries and consumers) will depend on who can perform the function more efficiently in the long run. Based on this premise, the thesis explores various disintermediation scenarios and their applicability to different industries in relation to the consumer needs and buying behavior. The thesis develops a framework in terms of a decision flowchart that can be used to evaluate the possibility of different disintermediation scenarios for specific products/ industries. The framework fulfills the twin objectives of integrating the different approaches on distribution channels found in the literature and providing a starting point for further research on industry-wise impact of the Internet on channel structure. Thesis supervisor: Yossi Sheffi Title: Director, MIT Center for Transportation Studies
Charles A. Dice Center for Research in Financial Economics Bank Capital and Lending Relationships

This paper investigates the mechanisms behind the matching of banks and firms in the loan market and the implications of this matching for lending relationships, bank capital, and the provision of credit. I find that bank-dependent firms borrow from well capitalized banks, while firms with access to the bond market borrow from banks with less capital. This matching of bank-dependent firms with stable banks smooths cyclicality in aggregate credit provision and mitigates the effects of bank shocks on the
Regulation of Apical Dominance in Aspergillus nidulans Hyphae by Reactive Oxygen Species

In fungal hyphae, apical dominance refers to the suppression of secondary polarity axes in the general vicinity of a growing hyphal tip. The mechanisms underlying apical dominance remain largely undefined, although calcium signaling may play a role. Here, we describe the localized accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the apical region of Aspergillus nidulans hyphae. Our analysis of atmA (ATM) and prpA (PARP) mutants reveals a correlation between localized production of ROS and enforcement of apical dominance. We also provide evidence that NADPH oxidase (Nox) or related flavoproteins are responsible for the generation of ROS at hyphal tips and characterize the roles of the potential Nox regulators NoxR, Rac1, and Cdc42 in this process. Notably, our genetic analyses suggest that Rac1 activates Nox, whereas NoxR and Cdc42 may function together in a parallel pathway that regulates Nox localization. Moreover, the latter pathway may also include Bem1, which we propose represents a p40phox analog in fungi. Collectively, our results support a model whereby localized Nox activity generates a pool of ROS that defines a dominant polarity axis at hyphal tips.
The Performance of Different Organisations under Different Marked Conditions : An Empirical Analysis of the Organisational Structure and Performance of 1900 Danish Firms

Among some scholars of management, organisation and also economists as well as policy makers it is argued that certain new forms of firm organisation such as flexible and learning organisations increasingly are becoming " best practice " , in an increasingly learning and global economy. On a policy level, in eg. Denmark and OECD, questions are already asked as to how policies should be set up to stimulate such organisational forms. A crucial aspect that is recognised by some scholars, is that it is in certain competitive structures where flexible and learning organisations are well suited, though tends to be overlooked within the debate. The analysis in this paper applies performance data from Statistics Denmark merged with survey data of organisational forms, management, work practices and employee skills collected through a questionnaire in 1900 Danish firms in manufacturing as well as services. Applying regression analyses we show that the flexible or learning organisational forms in some parts of the economy, characterised by innovation turbulence and cumulativeness, are best performers though not in general. We argue that a quantitative analysis as ours is vital to both avoid idiosyncratic generalisations among scholars as well as policy makers, and to give rigid and more detailed implications for policy regarding firm organisation, both at present and in a dynamic setting.
Reconsolidation or Extinction: Transcription Factor Switch in the Determination of Memory Course after Retrieval

In fear conditioning, aversive stimuli are readily associated with contextual features. A brief reexposure to the training context causes fear memory reconsolidation, whereas a prolonged reexposure induces memory extinction. The regulation of hippocampal gene expression plays a key role in contextual memory consolidation and reconsolidation. However, the mechanisms that determine whether memory will reconsolidate or extinguish are not known. Here, we demonstrate opposing roles for two evolutionarily related transcription factors in the mouse hippocampus. We found that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is required for fear memory reconsolidation. Conversely, calcineurin phosphatase inhibited NF-κB and induced nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) nuclear translocation in the transition between reconsolidation and extinction. Accordingly, the hippocampal inhibition of both calcineurin and NFAT independently impaired memory extinction, whereas inhibition of NF-κB enhanced memory extinction. These findings represent the first insight into the molecular mechanisms that determine memory reprocessing after retrieval, supporting a transcriptional switch that directs memory toward reconsolidation or extinction. The precise molecular characterization of postretrieval processes has potential importance to the development of therapeutic strategies for fear memory disorders.
Please Scroll down for Article International Journal of Transgenderism the Case against Autogynephilia

This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material.
Correlation Analysis of Occupational Stress and Job Performance in Lebanon

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between occupational stress and job performance by using self-administered questionnaires collected from Malaysian defense and security personnel involved in humanitarian aid in the Middle East. The results of the SmartPLS path model analysis show two important findings: (1) physiological pressure is associated with job performance and (2) psychological stress is associated with significant job performance. These results indicated that occupational stress in humanitarian aid does act as an important determinant in the performance of work in the organization's sample. Furthermore, discussions, implications and conclusions are explained.
A Bellman Approach for Regional Optimal Control Problems in RN

This article is a continuation of a previous work where we studied infinite horizon control problems for which the dynamic, running cost, and control space may be different in two half-spaces of some Euclidian space $\mathbb{R}^N$. In this article we extend our results in several directions: (i) to more general domains; (ii) to consideration of finite horizon control problems; (iii) to weakening the controllability assumptions. We use a Bellman approach and our main results are to identify the right Hamilton--Jacobi--Bellman equation (and, in particular, the right conditions to be put on the interfaces separating the regions where the dynamic and running cost are different) and to provide the maximal and minimal solutions, as well as conditions for uniqueness. We also provide stability results for such equations.
Law, Agency Costs and Project Finance

We investigate Project Finance as a private response to ine¢ ciencies created by weak legal protection of outside investors. In the context of large investment projects, Project Finance o¤ers a contractual and organizational substitute for investor protection laws by making cash ows veri able, thereby enhancing debt capacity. Project Finance makes cash ows veri able through: (i) contractual arrangements made possible by structuring the Project Company as a single, discrete project legally separate from the sponsor; and (ii) private enforcement of these contracts through a network of project accounts that ensures lender control of project cash ows. Comparing the incidence of bank loans for Project Finance with regular corporate loans for large investments (Corporate Debt Finance), we show that Project Finance is more likely in countries with weaker laws against insider stealing and weaker creditor rights laws. In addition, stronger creditor rights mitigate the marginal e¤ect of weaker laws against insider stealing on the choice of Project Finance versus Corporate Debt Finance. To provide this evidence, we employ cross-country tests as well as time-series, di¤erence-in-di¤erence tests that exploit country-level changes in legal rules. JEL classi cation: G32, G33, G34, K22
The Effect of State Merit-Based Financial Aid on College Price: An Analysis of Florida Postsecondary Institutions

Title of Document: THE EFFECT OF STATE MERIT-BASED FINANCIAL AID ON COLLEGE PRICE: AN ANALYSIS OF FLORIDA POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS Patricia E. Steele, Doctor of Philosophy, 2007 Dissertation Directed By: Laura W. Perna, Ph.D., Education Policy and Leadership This study extends two bodies of research, one that analyzes institutional price response to student financial aid and a second that examines the effect of state meritbased aid programs on institutions, by examining changes in tuition and fees, room and board charges, and institutional aid expenditures following the introduction of the Bright Futures merit-based aid program in Florida. Applying an economic theoretical framework to postsecondary education pricing, this study explores how institutions respond to the introduction of a new aid subsidy and how this response varies for different types of postsecondary institutions. Using descriptive and ordinary least squares regression analyses that include year fixed-effects and other controls, this study uses institutional data for the 1993-1994 to 2000-2001 academic years from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and the Florida Bright Futures program to explore postsecondary price changes in Florida relative to a control group of institutions in selected southeastern states. The findings show that the introduction of Bright Futures was associated with an increase in tuition and fees at public four-year and public two-year institutions in Florida as well as an increase in room and board rates in public four-year institutions in Florida but no change in price at private four-year institutions in Florida. Some caution is
Equivalent Circuit Derivation and Performance Analysis of a Single-Sided Linear Induction Motor Based on the Winding Function Theory

A linear metro that is propelled by a single-sided linear induction motor (SLIM) has recently attracted much attention. Compared with the rotating-induction-machine drive system, the SLIM drive has advantages such as direct thrust without needing friction between the wheel and the railway track, small cross-sectional area, lack of gear box, and flexible line choice on account of the greater climbing capability and smaller turning circle. However, due to its cut-open primary magnetic circuit, the SLIM has a longitudinal end effect and half-filled slots on the primary ends, which can reduce the air-gap average flux linkage and thrust. Based on the winding function method, the SLIM is supposed to have the following three groups of windings: 1) primary windings; 2) secondary fundamental windings; and 3) secondary end effect windings. The proposed method considers the actual winding distribution and structure dimensions. It can calculate the mutual, self, and leakage inductance to describe the influence of the longitudinal end effect and half-filled slots. Moreover, a new equivalent model is presented to analyze the different dynamic and steady-state performance. Comprehensive comparisons between simulation and experimental results that were obtained from both one arc induction machine and one linear metro indicate that the proposed model can be applied to predict the SLIM performance and control scheme evaluation.
Determining Sociability, Social Space, and Social Presence in (A)synchronous Collaborative Groups

The effectiveness of group learning in asynchronous distributed learning groups depends on the social interaction that takes place. This social interaction affects both cognitive and socioemotional processes that take place during learning, group forming, establishment of group structures, and group dynamics. Though now known to be important, this aspect is often ignored, denied or forgotten by educators and researchers who tend to concentrate on cognitive processes and on-task contexts. This "one-sided" educational focus largely determines the set of requirements in the design of computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments resulting in functional CSCL environments. In contrast, our research is aimed at the design and implementation of sociable CSCL environments which may increase the likelihood that a sound social space will emerge. We use a theoretical framework that is based upon an ecological approach to social interaction, centering on the concept of social affordances, the concept of the sociability of CSCL environments, and social presence theory. The hypothesis is that the higher the sociability, the more likely that social interaction will take place or will increase, and the more likely that this will result in an emerging sound social space. In the present research, the variables of interest are sociability, social space, and social presence. This study deals with the construction and validation of three instruments to determine sociability, social space, and social presence in (a)synchronous collaborating groups. The findings suggest that the instruments have potential to be useful as measures for the respective variables. However, it must be realized that these measures are "first steps. "
A Product of the Drosophila stoned Locus Regulates Neurotransmitter Release

The Drosophila stoned locus encodes two novel gene products termed stonedA and stonedB, which possess sequence motifs shared by proteins involved in intracellular vesicle traffic. A specific requirement for stoned in the synaptic vesicle cycle has been suggested by synthetic genetic interactions betweenstoned and shibire, a gene essential for synaptic vesicle recycling (Petrovich et al., 1993). A synaptic role ofstoned gene products also is suggested by altered synaptic transients in electroretinograms recorded from stonedmutant eyes (Petrovich et al., 1993). We show here that the stonedA protein is highly enriched at Drosophila nerve terminals. Mutant alleles that affect stonedA disrupt the normal regulation of synaptic vesicle exocytosis at neuromuscular synapses ofDrosophila. Spontaneous neurotransmitter release is enhanced dramatically, and evoked release is reduced substantially in such stoned mutants. Ultrastructural studies reveal no evidence of major disorganization at stonedmutant nerve terminals. Thus, our data indicate a direct role for stonedA in regulating synaptic vesicle exocytosis. However, genetic and morphological observations suggest additional, subtle effects ofstoned mutations on synaptic vesicle recycling. Remarkably, almost all phenotypes of stoned mutants are similar to those previously described for mutants of synaptotagmin, a protein postulated to regulate both exocytosis and the recycling of synaptic vesicles. We propose a model in which stonedA functions together with synaptotagmin to regulate synaptic vesicle cycling.
Potential benefits of late reperfusion of infarcted myocardium. The open artery hypothesis.

117. Cannon CP, McCabe CH, Henry TD, Rogers WJ, Schweiger M, Gibson RS, Anderson JL, Williams DO, Braunwald E, for the TIMI 5 Investigators. Hirudin reduces reocclusion compared to heparin following thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction: results of the TIMI-5 trial. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1993;21:136a.
Price transmission system in Ethiopian coffee market

Price is the most vital element in market interaction. If there is an international free trade and the domestic market of one country is interconnected with the international market, and if there is a price shocks in one market, the impact will have the same in the other market. This is the major concept of price theory and the concept of price transmission explored here. This paper analyses the price transmission system on the level of the producer, the auction market and the foreign (international) market in the Ethiopian coffee market in the short as well as in the long run. The study cover the periods from December 1991 to April 2009, based on 209 observations. Using the vector error correlation method and by using EVIEWS and STATA software, the study attempts to examine the three most important elements in price transmission analysis. These are causality, speed of adjustment and asymmetric response. The finding of this study shows that, there is a long run cointegration between these three markets. The long run analysis further shows that if there is a 10% change auction market, the long run impact on the producer price is 9.56%, implies these two markets moves closely together in the long run. On the other hand, a 10% change in foreign price has only 6.5% and 5.7% impact on the auction and producer market respectively in the long run. The result from the VEC model suggested that the adjustment coefficient for producer price is only 3% if there is a shock in the foreign coffee market by one unit in the short run. This means that only 3% of the shock is transmitted to the domestic market in each month. 3% adjustment coefficient is quite small and insignificant. This indicates that lagged producer price is insignificant in the foreign market. The result on the VECM indicates that the producer market and the foreign market are poorly dependent and have very weak relationships to one another as comparing to auction to the foreign market. Because of this, the transmission period from producer market to foreign market takes more than 12 months. This is a clear indication for the lack of market infrastructure, information asymmetry and poor transportation system. A more organized market infrastructure may improve the supply channel and thereby raise the farmer’s income.