Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Buckling of Truncated Cones With Localized Imperfections

The paper shows that both the inward and outward bulge-type axisymmetric shape imperfections can significantly lower the buckling strength of steel conical shells. The FE results are provided for: (i) axial compression, (ii) external pressure, and (iii) combined action of both loads. Sensitivity of buckling loads to outward bulges has not been generally known or expected. It is shown that the sensitivity of buckling load depends not only on the shape, amplitude but also on the position of the imperfection along the slant.Geometry of recently tested cones was also used in order to assess the influence of measured shape deviations on the buckling strength. The amplitudes of imperfections in these machined models were small (up to 5 % of wall thickness). As a result their influence on the buckling strength was found to be negligible.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
An empiricist's guide to theoretical predictions on the evolution of dispersal

Dispersal, the tendency for organisms to reproduce away from their parents, influences many evolutionary and ecological processes, from speciation and extinction events, to the coexistence of genotypes within species or biological invasions. Understanding how dispersal evolves is crucial to predict how global changes might affect species persistence and geographical distribution. The factors driving the evolution of dispersal have been well characterized from a theoretical standpoint, and predictions have been made about their respective influence on, for example, dispersal polymorphism or the emergence of dispersal syndromes. However, the experimental tests of some theories remain scarce partly because a synthetic view of theoretical advances is still lacking. Here, we review the different ingredients of models of dispersal evolution, from selective pressures and types of predictions, through mathematical and ecological assumptions, to the methods used to obtain predictions. We provide perspectives as to which predictions are easiest to test, how theories could be better exploited to provide testable predictions, what theoretical developments are needed to tackle this topic, and we place the question of the evolution of dispersal within the larger interdisciplinary framework of eco-evolutionary dynamics.
Allometric scaling of flight energetics in orchid bees: evolution of flux capacities and flux rates

SUMMARY The evolution of metabolic pathways involved in energy production was studied in the flight muscles of 28 species of orchid bees. Previous work revealed that wingbeat frequencies and mass-specific metabolic rates decline in parallel by threefold as body mass increases interspecifically over a 20-fold range. We investigated the correlated evolution of metabolic rates during hovering flight and the flux capacities, i.e. Vmax values, of flight muscle enzymes involved in substrate catabolism, the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain. Vmax at the hexokinase (HK) step scales allometrically with an exponent almost identical to those obtained for wingbeat frequency and mass-specific metabolic rate. Analysis of this relationship using phylogenetically independent contrasts supports the hypothesis of correlated evolution between HK activity and mass-specific metabolic rate. Although other enzymes scale allometrically with respect to body mass, e.g. trehalase, glycogen phosphorylase and citrate synthase, no other enzyme activities were correlated with metabolic rate after controlling for phylogenetic relatedness. Pathway flux rates were used with enzyme Vmax values to estimate fractional velocities (fraction of Vmax at which enzymes operate) for various reactions to gain insights into enzyme function and how this varies with body mass. Fractional velocity is highly conserved across species at the HK step, but varied at all other steps examined. These results are discussed in the context of the regulation and evolution of pathways of energy metabolism.
Review of literature on aftercare services among children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE Psychiatric hospital lengths of stay have decreased for children and adolescents, in part because of the presumption that aftercare services in the community are effective and accessible. This review critically examines the literature that pertains to the rates of aftercare service use, the effectiveness of aftercare services, and predictors of aftercare service use. METHODS Studies were selected on the basis of MEDLINE and PsychINFO computer searches, covering the period between January 1992 and August 2003. Reports that were selected (N=21) included data on outpatient aftercare service use among youths who were aged 18 years and younger and who were discharged from child and adolescent inpatient facilities. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A majority of youths received aftercare services after hospitalization, but many youths and families were not fully compliant with aftercare recommendations. Many youths and families continued to receive services up to three months after hospitalization. The literature documents only a small amount of evidence about the effectiveness of aftercare services, but the evidence suggested that aftercare services for youths with substance use problems may have beneficial effects. Few studies examined predictors of aftercare service use and discontinuation, but previous recent mental health service use and decreased family dysfunction appeared to be related to aftercare service use.
Larrabee: a many-core x86 architecture for visual computing

This paper presents a many-core visual computing architecture code named Larrabee, a new software rendering pipeline, a manycore programming model, and performance analysis for several applications. Larrabee uses multiple in-order x86 CPU cores that are augmented by a wide vector processor unit, as well as some fixed function logic blocks. This provides dramatically higher performance per watt and per unit of area than out-of-order CPUs on highly parallel workloads. It also greatly increases the flexibility and programmability of the architecture as compared to standard GPUs. A coherent on-die 2nd level cache allows efficient inter-processor communication and high-bandwidth local data access by CPU cores. Task scheduling is performed entirely with software in Larrabee, rather than in fixed function logic. The customizable software graphics rendering pipeline for this architecture uses binning in order to reduce required memory bandwidth, minimize lock contention, and increase opportunities for parallelism relative to standard GPUs. The Larrabee native programming model supports a variety of highly parallel applications that use irregular data structures. Performance analysis on those applications demonstrates Larrabee's potential for a broad range of parallel computation.
C5a mediates peripheral blood neutrophil dysfunction in critically ill patients.

RATIONALE Critically ill patients are highly susceptible to hospital-acquired infection. Neutrophil function in critical illness remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVES To characterize and define mechanisms of peripheral blood neutrophil (PBN) dysfunction in critically ill patients. To determine whether the inflamed lung contributes additional phagocytic impairment. METHODS Prospective collection of blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia and from age- and sex-matched volunteers; laboratory analysis of neutrophil functions. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Seventy-two patients and 21 volunteers were included. Phagocytic capacity of PBNs was 36% lower in patients than in volunteers (P < 0.0001). From several biologically plausible candidates only activated complement was significantly associated with impaired PBN phagocytosis (P < 0.0001). Phagocytosis was negatively correlated with serum C3a and positively correlated with expression of C5a receptor type 1 (CD88) on PBNs. C5a recapitulated impaired PBN phagocytosis and significantly down-regulated CD88 expression in vitro. C5a-mediated phagocytic impairment was prevented by blocking either CD88 or phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and completely reversed by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. C5a also impaired killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by, and migration of, PBNs, indicating that effects were not restricted to phagocytosis. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid leukocytes from patients also demonstrated significantly impaired function, and lavage supernatant reduced phagocytosis in healthy neutrophils by 43% (P = 0.0001). However, lavage fluid did not affect CD88 expression and lavage-mediated impairment of phagocytosis was not blocked by anti-CD88 antibody. CONCLUSIONS Critically ill patients have significant dysfunction of PBNs, which is mediated predominantly by activated complement. Further, profound complement-independent neutrophil dysfunction occurs in the inflamed lung.
Extracytoplasmic function σ factors of the widely distributed group ECF41 contain a fused regulatory domain

Bacteria need signal transducing systems to respond to environmental changes. Next to one‐ and two‐component systems, alternative σ factors of the extra‐cytoplasmic function (ECF) protein family represent the third fundamental mechanism of bacterial signal transduction. A comprehensive classification of these proteins identified more than 40 phylogenetically distinct groups, most of which are not experimentally investigated. Here, we present the characterization of such a group with unique features, termed ECF41. Among analyzed bacterial genomes, ECF41 σ factors are widely distributed with about 400 proteins from 10 different phyla. They lack obvious anti‐σ factors that typically control activity of other ECF σ factors, but their structural genes are often predicted to be cotranscribed with carboxymuconolactone decarboxylases, oxidoreductases, or epimerases based on genomic context conservation. We demonstrate for Bacillus licheniformis and Rhodobacter sphaeroides that the corresponding genes are preceded by a highly conserved promoter motif and are the only detectable targets of ECF41‐dependent gene regulation. In contrast to other ECF σ factors, proteins of group ECF41 contain a large C‐terminal extension, which is crucial for σ factor activity. Our data demonstrate that ECF41 σ factors are regulated by a novel mechanism based on the presence of a fused regulatory domain.
Biofilms from Klebsiella pneumoniae: Matrix Polysaccharide Structure and Interactions with Antimicrobial Peptides

Biofilm matrices of two Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates, KpTs101 and KpTs113, were investigated for their polysaccharide composition and protective effects against antimicrobial peptides. Both strains were good biofilm producers, with KpTs113 forming flocs with very low adhesive properties to supports. Matrix exopolysaccharides were isolated and their monosaccharide composition and glycosidic linkage types were defined. KpTs101 polysaccharide is neutral and composed only of galactose, in both pyranose and furanose ring configurations. Conversely, KpTs113 polysaccharide is anionic due to glucuronic acid units, and also contains glucose and mannose residues. The susceptibility of the two strains to two bovine cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides, BMAP-27 and Bac7(1–35), was assessed using both planktonic cultures and biofilms. Biofilm matrices exerted a relevant protection against both antimicrobials, which act with quite different mechanisms. Similar protection was also detected when antimicrobial peptides were tested against planktonic bacteria in the presence of the polysaccharides extracted from KpTs101 and KpTs113 biofilms, suggesting sequestering adduct formation with antimicrobials. Circular dichroism experiments on BMAP-27 in the presence of increasing amounts of either polysaccharide confirmed their ability to interact with the peptide and induce an α-helical conformation.
A Dynamical Systems Hypothesis of Schizophrenia

We propose a top-down approach to the symptoms of schizophrenia based on a statistical dynamical framework. We show that a reduced depth in the basins of attraction of cortical attractor states destabilizes the activity at the network level due to the constant statistical fluctuations caused by the stochastic spiking of neurons. In integrate-and-fire network simulations, a decrease in the NMDA receptor conductances, which reduces the depth of the attractor basins, decreases the stability of short-term memory states and increases distractibility. The cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia such as distractibility, working memory deficits, or poor attention could be caused by this instability of attractor states in prefrontal cortical networks. Lower firing rates are also produced, and in the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex could account for the negative symptoms, including a reduction of emotions. Decreasing the GABA as well as the NMDA conductances produces not only switches between the attractor states, but also jumps from spontaneous activity into one of the attractors. We relate this to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, including delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations, which may arise because the basins of attraction are shallow and there is instability in temporal lobe semantic memory networks, leading thoughts to move too freely round the attractor energy landscape.
Sex differences in spatial ability: a test of the range size hypothesis in the order Carnivora

Sex differences in spatial cognition have been reported for many species ranging from voles to humans. The range size hypothesis predicts that sex differences in spatial ability will only occur in species in which the mating system selects for differential range size. Consistent with this prediction, we observed sex differences in spatial ability in giant pandas, a promiscuous species in which males inhabit larger ranges than females, but did not observe sex differences in Asian small-clawed otters, a related monogamous species in which males and females share home ranges. These results provide the first evidence of sex differences in spatial ability in the order Carnivora, and are consistent with the range size hypothesis.
Sleep-disordered breathing and psychomotor vigilance in a community-based sample.

STUDY OBJECTIVE Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has been associated with impaired psychomotor vigilance performance in patients with sleep apnea patients. A bias toward greater referral of sleep apnea patients with severely impaired performance could explain these findings. Furthermore, no studies on the association between SDB and vigilance performance in a large community-based sample have been reported that encompasses the full spectrum of SDB severity. This study investigated the association between SDB and psychomotor vigilance with cross-sectional data from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Community-based sample of 265 women and 346 men, mean age of 53.0 +/- 7.9 (age range: 35-74) years was used. Within 6 months of completing an overnight polysomnography protocol for SDB assessment, participants completed a 10-minute psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) during a daytime protocol. MEASUREMENTS Sleep-disordered breathing was indicated by the number of apneas and hypopneas; psychomotor vigilance task variables included (1) mean of 1/reaction time (RT), (2) number of lapses, (3) mean reciprocal of fastest 10% RTs, (4) mean reciprocal of slowest 10% RTs, (5) slope of linear regression line across the 10 minutes of the task fit to 1/RTs, and (5) number of false responses. RESULTS Multiple regression analysis showed a significant negative association between the logarithmically transformed apnea-hypopnea index (LogAHI) and number of lapses, mean of the slowest 10%, and number of false responses from the psychomotor vigilance task, independent of sex and body mass index in participants aged 65 years and older. CONCLUSION SDB in the community population is associated with impaired psychomotor vigilance in older men and women.
Oral delivery of bioencapsulated coagulation factor IX prevents inhibitor formation and fatal anaphylaxis in hemophilia B mice

To address complications of pathogenic antibody or life-threatening anaphylactic reactions in protein replacement therapy for patients with hemophilia or other inherited protein deficiencies, we have developed a prophylactic protocol using a murine hemophilia B model. Oral delivery of coagulation factor IX fused with cholera toxin β-subunit (with or without a furin cleavage site; CTB-FFIX or CTB-FIX), expressed in chloroplasts (up to 3.8% soluble protein or 0.4 mg/g leaf tissue), bioencapsulated in plant cells, effectively blocked formation of inhibitory antibodies (undetectable or up to 100-fold less than controls). Moreover, this treatment eliminated fatal anaphylactic reactions that occurred after four to six exposures to intravenous F.IX. Whereas only 20–25% of control animals survived after six to eight F.IX doses, 90–93% of F.IX-fed mice survived 12 injections without signs of allergy or anaphylaxis. Immunostaining confirmed delivery of F.IX to Peyer's patches in the ileum. Within 2–5 h, feeding of CTB-FFIX additionally resulted in systemic delivery of F.IX antigen. This high-responder strain of hemophilia B mice represents a new animal model to study anaphylactic reactions. The protocol was effective over a range of oral antigen doses (equivalent to 5–80 μg recombinant F.IX/kg), and controlled inhibitor formation and anaphylaxis long-term, up to 7 months (∼40% life span of this mouse strain). Oral antigen administration caused a deviant immune response that suppressed formation of IgE and inhibitory antibodies. This cost-effective and efficient approach of antigen delivery to the gut should be applicable to several genetic diseases that are prone to pathogenic antibody responses during treatment.
On the union of κ-round objects

A compact body c in ℝ<sup>d</sup> is κ-round if for every point p∈ ∂c there exists a closed ball that contains p, is contained in c, and has radius κ diam c. We show that, for any fixed κ>0, the combinatorial complexity of the union of n κ-round, not necessarily convex objects in ℝ<sup>3</sup> (resp., in ℝ<sup>4</sup>) of constant description complexity is O(n<sup>2+ε</sup>) (resp., O(n<sup>3+ε</sup>)) for any ε>0, where the constant of proportionality depends on ε, κ, and the algebraic complexity of the objects. The bound is almost tight.
SNPs, haplotypes, and model selection in a candidate gene region: The SIMPle analysis for multilocus data

Modern molecular techniques make discovery of numerous single nucleotide polymorphims (SNPs) in candidate gene regions feasible. Conventional analysis relies on either independent tests with each variant or the use of haplotypes in association analysis. The first technique ignores the dependencies between SNPs. The second, though it may increase power, often introduces uncertainty by estimating haplotypes from population data. Additionally, as the number of loci expands for a haplotype, ambiguity in interpretation increases for determining the underlying genetic components driving a detected association. Here, we present a genotype‐level analysis to jointly model the SNPs via a SNP interaction model with phase information (SIMPle) to capture the underlying haplotype structure. This analysis estimates both the risk associated with each variant and the importance of phase between pairwise combinations of SNPs. Thus, rather than selecting between genotype‐ or haplotype‐level approaches, the SIMPle method frames the analysis of multilocus data in a model selection paradigm, the aim to determine which SNPs, phase terms, and linear combinations best describe the relation between genetic variation and a trait of interest. To avoid unstable estimation due to sparse data and to incorporate both the dependencies among terms and the uncertainty in model selection, we propose a Bayes model averaging procedure. This highlights key SNPs and phase terms and yields a set of best representative models. Using simulations, we demonstrate the utility of the SIMPle model to identify crucial SNPs and underlying haplotype structures across a variety of causal models and genetic architectures. Genet. Epidemiol. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reexamining Issues of Conceptualization and Willing Consent

This study problematizes the literature’s conceptualization of sexual compliance, predominantly defined as willing participation in, and consent to, unwanted sexual activity in the absence of immediate partner pressure. Using a feminist theoretical framework, we argue that covert forms of social coercion, including normalized expectations for heterosexual women to participate in sexual activity and maintain relationship satisfaction, ultimately pressure women into participating in unwanted sexual activity. In other words, immediate partner pressure is not necessary for a sexually coercive experience to occur. Results of the current study indicate that relationship control and media influence significantly predict sexual acquiescence, and women acquiesce to unwanted sexual activity in an effort to maintain relationships and partner satisfaction as well as to avoid negative outcomes. Women cite various forms of social coercion, such as fulfilling sexual scripts and relationship obligations, as primary reasons for participating in unwanted sexual activity without resisting their partners.
Social Licking in Pregnant Dairy Heifers

Simple Summary Social licking is often associated with good animal welfare, but little is known about this behavior in cattle. Licking behavior was compared in heifers housed indoors versus on pasture. Licking frequency was four-fold higher when heifers were indoors. However, when considering all social interactions recorded (licking and aggressions) licking events represented about 10% of all interactions regardless of housing. This behavior happened more frequently between heifers that were observed more repeatedly in close vicinity of each other. Provision of smaller indoor floor spaces likely brought animals into closer proximity thus facilitating social interactions. Abstract Housing affects social behaviors, such as competition, but little work has addressed affiliative behaviors. This study compared social licking (SL) in pregnant heifers housed indoors (in a free-stall barn) versus outdoors (on pasture), and relationships with competition, feeding and physical proximity to others. Six heifer groups were observed during two six-hour-periods in both treatments. The total number of social events (SL and agonistic interactions) was four times higher when heifers were housed indoors compared to pasture (546 ± 43 vs. 128 ± 7 events/group; P < 0.05). SL as a ratio of the total number of social events was similar in the two treatments (12% vs. 8% of interactions, free-stall and pasture, respectively; P > 0.05). Housing did not affect how the SL bout was initiated and terminated, the duration, the body part licked and behavior preceding licking (P > 0.05). Animals in close proximity showed higher rates of SL (P < 0.0001) but not agonistic interactions (P > 0.05). A previous agonistic event did not predict occurrence or the role of heifers in the following licking event. The higher stocking density indoors likely resulted in increased social interactions.
Verifying programs with unreliable channels

The verification of a particular class of infinite-state systems, namely, systems consisting of finite-state processes that communicate via unbounded lossy FIFO channels, is considered. This class is able to model, e.g., link protocols such as the Alternating Bit Protocol and HDLC. For this class of systems, it is shown that several interesting verification problems are decidable by giving algorithms for verifying: the reachability problem (whether a finite set of global states is reachable from some other global state of the system); the safety property over traces, formulated as regular sets of allowed finite traces; and eventuality properties (whether all computations of a system eventually reach a given set of states). The algorithms are used to verify some idealized sliding-window protocols with reasonable time and space resources. <<ETX>>