bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Studies for Classification of Variants of Uncertain Classification: Current Laboratory Clinical Practice and a New Web‐Based Educational Tool
Authors: Garrett Lauren T. , Hickman Nathan , Jacobson Angela , Bennett Robin L. , Amendola Laura M. , Rosenthal Elisabeth A. , Shirts Brian H.
Published: July 2016

Multi‐gene cancer panels often identify variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) that pose a challenge to health care providers in managing a patient's cancer risk. Family segregation analysis can yield powerful data to re‐classify a VUS (as either benign or pathogenic). However, financial and personnel resources to coordinate these studies are limited. In an informal assessment we found that family studies for variant classification are done by most clinical genetics laboratories that offer hereditary cancer panel testing. The process for family studies differs substantially across laboratories. One near universal limitation is that families usually have too few individuals for an informative co‐segregation analysis. A unique and potential resource‐saving approach is to engage patients and their families in expanding their own pedigrees for segregation analysis of their VUS. We describe a novel public educational tool (FindMyVariant.org) designed to inform patients and genetic counselors about strategies to improve the probability of variant classification using familial segregation. While the web tool is designed to be useful for any gene, the project was primarily focused on VUS's returned in cancer risk genes. FindMyVariant.org is a resource for genetic providers to offer motivated families who are willing to gather information about their family relationships and history. Working alongside clinical or research genetic laboratories, the information they collect may help reclassify their VUS using segregation analysis.
Prenatal exposure to sodium valproate alters androgen receptor expression in the developing cerebellum in a region and age specific manner in male and female rats
Authors: Perez‐Pouchoulen Miguel , Miquel Marta , Saft Paul , Brug Brenda , Toledo Rebeca , Hernandez Maria Elena , Manzo Jorge
Published: July 2016

Valproic acid (VPA) is an anti‐epileptic drug with teratogenicity activity that has been related to autism. In rodents, exposure to VPA in utero leads to brain abnormalities similar than those reported in the autistic brain. Particularly, VPA reduces the number of Purkinje neurons in the rat cerebellum parallel to cerebellar abnormalities found in autism. Thus, we injected pregnant females on embryonic day 12 either with VPA (600 mg/kg, i.p.) or 0.9% saline solution and obtained the cerebellum from their offspring at different postnatal time points. Testosterone has been linked to autism and plays an important role during brain development. Therefore, we identified and analyzed the androgen receptor (AR) by immunohistochemistry and densitometry, respectively. We found VPA decreases AR density in the superficial Purkinje layer only in cerebellar lobule 8 at PN7, but increased it at PN14 compared to control in males. In females, VPA decreased AR density in the superficial Purkinje layer in cerebellar lobule 6 at PN14, but increased it in lobule 9 at the same time point. No differences were found in the deep Purkinje layer of any cerebellar lobule in terms of AR density neither in males nor females. We additionally found a particular AR density decreasing in both superficial and deep regions across development in the majority of cerebellar lobules in males, but in all cerebellar lobules in females. Thus, our results indicate that VPA disrupts the AR ontogeny in the developing cerebellum in an age and region specific manner in male and female rats. Future epigenetic studies including the evaluation of histone deacetylases (HDAC's) might shed light these results as HDAC's are expressed by Purkinje neurons, interact with the AR and are VPA targets. This work contributes to the understanding of the cerebellar development and it might help to understand the role of the cerebellum in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
The self medication use among adolescents aged between 13–18 years old; Prevalence and behavior, Riyadh – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 2014–2015
Authors: Albatti Turki Homod , Alawwad Shahd , Aldueb Roqaih , Alhoqail Razan , Almutairi Rawan
Published: July 2016

Background and objectives:

In Saudi Arabia, people have easy access to medication and can purchase prescribed medications, such as anti-acne medications and antibiotics, over the counter without the need for a prescription from a physician.

Our research is focused on estimating the prevalence of self-medication and understanding the reason for self-medication because previous studies have shown an increase in the practice of self-medication globally and locally.

The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of self-medication among adolescents aged 13–18 years of both genders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In addition, we aim to identify the indications and external and internal factors behind self-medication, including the effects of gender, peer influence and parental supervision on the decision of adolescents to self-medicate.

Patients and Methods:

An observational and cross-sectional adolescent-based study was performed to estimate the degree of self-medication among 400 intermediate and high school students in private and governmental schools living in Riyadh between 2014 and 2015 using a multistage random sampling technique. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection, and data were tabulated and analyzed with the SPSS version 21 computer program.

Results:

We found that the rate of self-medication among adolescents was high (94.5%). Analgesics were the most common medication used (87.3%), and the least common medication used was hormones (5%). A majority of the students reported that headache was the reason for using analgesics. The sources of the medications included the pharmacy (51.64%), followed by parents (34.33%). The results showed that self-medication was significantly associated with the type of school that the adolescents attended (P < 0.011) and the health status of the adolescents (P -value <0.035).

Conclusion:

Self-medication is highly prevalent in Riyadh, particularly among adolescents. Easy access to pharmacies was found to be the leading cause for self-medication. The use of these drugs was associated with inappropriate drug use and the deterioration of health status. Self-medication should be closely monitored and awareness should be increased with educational programs among students.
Cerebrospinal fluid sTREM2 levels are associated with gray matter volume increases and reduced diffusivity in early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gispert Juan Domingo , Suárez‐Calvet Marc , Monté Gemma C. , Tucholka Alan , Falcon Carles , Rojas Santiago , Rami Lorena , Sánchez‐Valle Raquel , Lladó Albert , Kleinberger Gernot , Haass Christian , Molinuevo José Luis
Published: July 2016

Introduction

TREM2 is involved in the regulation of inflammatory response and phagocytosis. A soluble fragment (sTREM2) is often found abnormally increased in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

One hundred fourteen participants (45 control, 19 preclinical, 27 mild cognitive impairment [MCI], and 23 AD) underwent CSF sTREM2 determination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We studied the association between CSF sTREM2, gray matter volume, and water motion diffusivity and anisotropy across groups.

Results

In MCI patients, a positive correlation between CSF sTREM2 and gray matter volume was found in the bilateral inferior and middle temporal cortices, precuneus, the supramarginal, and angular gyri, after controlling by age, sex, and p‐tau. A negative correlation with mean diffusivity was detected in overlapping regions, among others.

Discussion

In early AD, augmented CSF sTREM2 levels correspond with cerebral MRI features typical of brain swelling, supporting a role for TREM2 in the regulation of the neuroinflammatory response to early neurodegeneration.
The role of evaluation mode on the unit effect
Authors: Schley Dan R. , Lembregts Christophe , Peters Ellen
Published: July 2016

Recent research on the unit effect has suggested that consumers tend to ignore relevant unit information and over‐rely on numeric magnitudes in judgments (e.g., perceiving the difference between 700 and 900 on a 1000‐point quality scale to be larger than the difference between 7 and 9 on a 10‐point scale). The current work investigates the nature of the unit effect by studying the role of different modes of evaluation, and types of information processing, on the unit effect. Specifically, three studies demonstrate that the unit effect occurs when options are evaluated simultaneously and attenuated when options are evaluated sequentially. The current article builds on research concerning comparative versus selective information processing. It demonstrates that, when information is processed in a comparative rather than selective manner, common elements in the decision (i.e., units) are more likely to be edited out, resulting in the unit effect.
Characterization of a re‐engineered, mesothelin‐targetedPseudomonasexotoxin fusion protein for lung cancer therapy
Authors: Bauss Frieder , Lechmann Martin , Krippendorff Ben-Fillippo , Staack Roland , Herting Frank , Festag Matthias , Imhof-Jung Sabine , Hesse Friederike , Pompiati Marc , Kollmorgen Gwendlyn , da Silva Mateus Seidl Rita , Bossenmaier Birgit , Lau Wilma , Schantz Christian , Stracke Jan O. , Brinkmann Ulrich , Onda Masanori , Pastan Ira , Bosslet Klaus , Niederfellner Gerhard
Published: July 2016

Mesothelin overexpression in lung adenocarcinomas correlates with the presence of activating KRAS mutations and poor prognosis. Hence SS1P, a mesothelin‐targeted immunotoxin, could offer valuable treatment options for these patients, but its use in solid tumor therapy is hampered by high immunogenicity and non‐specific toxicity. To overcome both obstacles we developed RG7787, a de‐immunized cytotoxic fusion protein comprising a humanized SS1 Fab fragment and a truncated, B‐cell epitope silenced, 24 kD fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE24). Reactivity of RG7787 with sera from immunotoxin‐treated patients was >1000 fold reduced. In vitro RG7787 inhibited cell viability of lung cancer cell lines with picomolar potency. The pharmacokinetic properties of RG7787 in rodents were comparable to SS1P, yet it was tolerated up to 10 fold better without causing severe vascular leak syndrome or hepatotoxicity. A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model developed based on NCI‐H596 xenograft studies showed that for RG7787 and SS1P, their in vitro and in vivo potencies closely correlate. At optimal doses of 2–3 mg/kg RG7787 is more efficacious than SS1P. Even large, well established tumors (600 mm3) underwent remission during three treatment cycles with RG7787. Also in two patient‐derived lung cancer xenograft models, Lu7336 and Lu7187, RG7787 showed anti‐tumor efficacy. In monotherapy two treatment cycles were moderately efficacious in the Lu7336 model but showed good anti‐tumor activity in the KRAS mutant Lu7187 model (26% and 80% tumor growth inhibition, respectively). Combination of RG7787 with standard chemotherapies further enhanced efficacy in both models achieving near complete eradication of Lu7187 tumors.
NPT088 reduces both amyloid‐β and tau pathologies in transgenic mice
Authors: Levenson Jonathan M. , Schroeter Sally , Carroll Jenna C. , Cullen Valerie , Asp Eva , Proschitsky Ming , Chung Charlotte H.‐Y. , Gilead Sharon , Nadeem Muhammad , Dodiya Hemraj B. , Shoaga Shadiyat , Mufson Elliott J. , Tsubery Haim , Krishnan Rajaraman , Wright Jason , Solomon Beka , Fisher Richard , Gannon Kimberley S.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by appearance of both extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, comprised of aggregates of misfolded amyloid‐β (Aβ) and hyper‐phosphorylated tau, respectively. In a previous study, we demonstrated that g3p, a capsid protein from bacteriophage M13, binds to and remodels misfolded aggregates of proteins that assume an amyloid conformation. We engineered a fusion protein (“NPT088”) consisting of the active fragment of g3p and human‐IgG1‐Fc.

Methods

Aged Tg2576 mice or rTg4510 mice received NPT088 weekly via IP injection. Cognitive and/or functional motor endpoints were monitored during dosing. Pathology was quantified biochemically and immunohistochemically.

Results

NPT088‐lowered Aβ plaque and improved cognitive performance of aged Tg2576 mice. Moreover, NPT088 reduced phospho‐tau pathology, reduced brain atrophy, and improved cognition in rTg4510 mice.

Discussion

These observations establish NPT088 as a novel therapeutic approach and potential drug class that targets both Aβ and tau, the hallmark pathologies of AD.
A martingale approach to software reliability
Authors: Koch G. , Spreij P. J. C.
Published: July 2016

Consider the following situation: a computer program which presumably contains a certain number of errors is tested over a given period of time, in order to infer some conclusions about its behaviour when used by future customers.
Probability models in polymer science
Authors: Miller Douglas R.
Published: July 2016

Polymeric materials are encountered everywhere: rubber, plastics, paint, soft contact lenses; the list is endless. There are two basic types of polymer, linear and non-linear. The linear polymers can be envisioned as a mass of long spaghetti-like strands. The molecules of non-linear polymers have a branched tree-like structure and can form ‘infinite’ networks. The basic building blocks of polymers are monomers. Monomers have reactive sites: chemical bonds can form between sites on different monomers leading to the formation of many monomers into a large molecule (polymer). If all monomers have one or two reactive sites, linear polymers result. If some of the monomers have three or more reactive sites, a non-linear (branched) molecule results. For many materials the reaction between monomers can be modelled as a random process; thus probability theory is the natural tool for studying polymers.
Large deflection analysis of cantilever beams of symmetrical cross-section subjected to a rotational distributed loading including the effect of material nonlinearity
Authors: Nageswara Rao B. , Venkateswara Rao G.
Published: July 2016

Combined effects of geometrical and material non-linearities on a cantilever beam having symmetrical cross-section about its central axis with a rotational distributed loading are studied. It is assumed that the stress-strain relation in compression is identical to that in tension. Due to this, the neutral axis coincides with the central axis of the beam. The problem is formulated by means of an integral equation which is suitably converted to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations which are solved using a simple and accurate numerical method. Details of the load deflection characteristics for an I-beam and for a beam of rectangular cross-section are presented.
Modelling of aircraft program motion with application to circular loop simulation
Authors: Blajer W.
Published: July 2016

The objective of this paper is to present the principles of a mathematical model of aircraft prescribed motion. Requirements imposed on the aircraft motion are treated as program constraints on the system and both the transient dynamic solution of motion equations and the control ensuring the exact realisation of the prescribed motion are obtained as a result. The approach used is equivalent to the Lagrange multiplier method, generalised for the purpose of this paper. It consists of the solution of the set of differential/algebraic equations of index exceeding three. The presented mathematical model has been applied to the simulation of aircraft prescribed motion in a loop. The flight along an ideal circle and the flight with additionally demanded constant velocity are described. Some results of numerical calculations are demonstrated.
An appraisal of ‘flat plate’ closure for the approximate solution of boundary layer problems
Authors: Poll D. I. A. , Hellon C. M.
Published: July 2016

The usefulness of zero pressure gradient, flat plate closure relations in providing approximate solutions for the boundary layer momentum and energy integral equations is examined. Expressions are obtained for skin friction, surface heat transfer rate and local Reynolds analogy factor under general compressible flow conditions. For laminar flows the predictions are compared with well known similarity solutions, with some exact solutions for non-similar flows and with experimental heat transfer data for high speed flow over a blunt cone. Consideration is also given to situations in which the surface temperature is a function of position. For turbulent flow situations comparisons are made with experimental data obtained from two-dimensional and axi-symmetric tests. Conditions vary from low Mach number incompressible flows through to high Mach number compressible flows with highly cooled walls. Some comparisons are also made with other prediction techniques.
The dynamic response of an aircraft wheel to variations in runway friction
Authors: Wattling A. G.
Published: July 2016

Experimental and analytical techniques are presented for the determination of the response characteristics of a scale-model aircraft wheel to changes in runway friction. Results obtained from tests using these techniques are given. The wheel spin-up acceleration is shown to be proportional to wheel load and to the magnitude of the surface friction coefficient after surface change. It is also found to be inversely proportional to brake torque, but is largely independent of speed. An increase of speed is shown to increase the distance required for spin-up of a locked wheel as it encounters surfaces of higher friction coefficient. Good correlation of these trends is obtained analytically.

The effects of tyre flexibility are indicated by the results of both the experimental tests and the analytical simulations. These effects may degrade the performance of aircraft antiskid braking systems. It is recommended, therefore, that simulations used in the development of such systems take proper account of tyre flexibility when modelling the dynamics of the wheel and tyre.
The longitudinal dynamic stability and control of a large receiver aircraft during air-to-air refuelling
Authors: Bloy A. W. , Ali K. A. M. , Trochalidis V.
Published: July 2016

The longitudinal stability and control of a large receiver aircraft was considered during air-to-air refuelling. A simple horseshoe vortex was used to model the tanker wake and approximate expressions were derived for the additional aerodynamic derivatives due to the position and attitude of the receiver aircraft within the downwash field. These derivatives were shown to depend on the mean variation of downwash with vertical displacement at the receiver wing and tailplane. The mean downwash gradients, in turn, depend mainly on the vertical separation between the tanker and receiver aircraft and the ratio of the tanker-to-receiver aircraft wing spans. Solutions of the linearised equations of motion were obtained for a range of values of the downwash gradients. The large receiver aircraft, considered in the paper, typically exhibits two divergent modes which appear to be controlled in flight by frequent alternate movement of the elevators and engine throttle.
Project Management—A Science, an Art, or an Organisation Problem?
Authors: Harland R. E. W.
Published: July 2016

Modern weapons are very powerful. They may be very spectacular. They make news.

They are also very complex. They cost a lot of money. This, too, makes news.

Doing something complex and expensive usually takes a long time. This is not news. It only becomes news, then, if something sudden or unexpected happens—like a crash or a cancellation.

Sometimes it seems that, for such projects, the press look on no news as bad news; and bad news is good news for a reporter.

The art of project management is to ensure that nothing is entirely unexpected. This may not be newsworthy, but it should be economic.
Simulators for the Lunar Mission
Authors: McGowan James
Published: July 2016

This is the Age of Space Flight. Satellites orbiting the earth are the heralds of more spectacular demonstrations to come. “Man in earth orbit” is the prologue to manned missions in the alien environment of lunar space.

Basically, the objectives of the US space programme are to:

1.

Expand human knowledge of atmosphere and space.

2.

Improve the use, speed, performance, safety and efficiency of aeronautical and space vehicles.

3.

Develop and operate vehicles capable of carrying instruments, equipment, supplies and living organisms through space.

4.

Study the potential benefits of space activities for peaceful and scientific purposes.

5.

Preserve the role of the US as a leader in aeronautical and space science and technology, and in the application thereof to peaceful activities.
VTOL Aircraft Development on the VJ 101 C
Authors: Pabst O. E.
Published: July 2016

I would first like to thank the Royal Aeronautical Society for inviting Entwicklungsring Süd to give this lecture on the development work on vertical take-off aircraft. The Southern Germany Development Group—Entwicklungsring Süd—the abbreviation of which is EWR—was founded at the beginning of 1959 for the purpose of developing a vertical take-off and landing strike-fighter, the VJ 101, and was an association of the three firms: Bölkow-Entwicklungen KG, Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugbau GmbH und Messerschmitt AG. Heinkel has recently left the association and joined Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke (VFW), Bremen. The work is now carried on by the remaining two firms, Bölkow and Messerschmitt. Since July 1965 EWR has the form of GmbH (Ltd).
Dr. A. A. Griffith, CBE, FRS
Authors: Eyre Donald
Published: July 2016

From June 1937, I had been working on advanced project design schemes with a small group located at the Rolls-Royce guest house. An ideal spot for quiet concentration, in extensive private grounds by the river Derwent and on the outskirts of the village of Duffield.

Early in 1939, we were informed that Dr. A. A. Griffith would be occupying a room at the guest house. E. W. Hives (later Lord Hives) had invited Griffith to join Rolls-Royce and to work on the initiation of aero engine research, in particular the gas turbine and its applications.

We were naturally interested to learn more about him but all that I could gather from my associates was that he was “tall, thin and had a hell of a brain”.
Interference Effects at Sonic Speeds for a Biconvex Aerofoil in a Wind Tunnel with Slotted Liners
Authors: Graham W. J. , MacDonald A. G. J.
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this note is to present some recently acquired data showing the effects of variations in the open area of slotted liners on the pressures on a twodimensional aerofoil at sonic speed in the 36 inch X 14 inch transonic wind tunnel at the NPL. The basic slotted liners for this tunnel have eleven longitudinal slots, giving an open-area ratio (σ) of 0.091. Other slot openings are obtained by closing appropriate slots with “Sellotape.” Nine values of σ ranging from 0 to 0.091, were used in this investigation. A wall static-pressure orifice, sufficiently far upstream of the model to be unaffected by its presence (3-6 chords), was used as a reference pressure for tunnel speed. The relationship between the Mach number given by this reference pressure and the true tunnel Mach number (M0), at the model location, was obtained by careful calibration.
Modern Solutions to Coupling and Transmission Problems of Aircraft Engines
Authors: Bruyère Marcel
Published: July 2016

After a brief review of the classification of the couplings from the kinematic and mechanical points of view, the problem of aircraft engine Interconnection is introduced, together with some solutions which have made it possible to overcome the difficulty presented by the joint, at the expense, however, of some other mechanical requirements. The troubles experienced with couplings are to be blamed on the following three aspects of the conventional coupling designs: the use of gear-tooth couplings, sliding splined shaft arrangements, and the use of couplings of excessive weight. Possible improvements in the conventional designs using splined shafts are described, also the correct means of ensuring lubrication and the possibility of avoiding the need of lubrication by use of elastic distortion. Some Information is given about the effect of materials to be used for joint faces. The author then deals with coupling systems which are essentially based on the elastic property of materials. Three systems are investigated: flexible shafts, diaphragms and flexible couplings. Although flexible shafts are excellent for small misalignments, they do not permit axial movements of which diaphragms and flexible couplings are capable. The author then deals with sliding motions by recirculation of rollers which considerably extend the possibilities of axial movement. While couplings are devices normally intended to (ink up adjacent units, they become transmissions when units are some distance apart, and the typical feature of transmissions is that they require to be supported on one or more bearings. Straight and curved transmissions are presented, together with a brief survey of the following problems:

Torsional and bending strength, critical speeds, bearings, damping, loads on attachment points, effect of high and low temperatures, selection of materials, end couplings.

Typical test results are given, including those for the Breguet 941 curved transmission which has been run for 17 000 hours, that is 3.6 X 1010 revolutions, with only one relubrication at 10 000 hours. A short length instructional film showed the operation of a flexible bearing under critical speed conditions (this bearing is a part of the Breguet 941 curved transmission), and also demonstrated the endurance of the joints using sliding-type flexible couplings.
Stress Measurements in a Plate Containing Two Reinforced Circular Holes Using a Photoelastic Method
Authors: Suzuki Shin-Ichi
Published: July 2016

Since it is too complicated to obtain analytically the stress distribution in a plate containing two reinforced circular holes under uniaxial tension, the stress distribution along the inner edge of a reinforcing ring will be determined experimentally in this report.

The relationship between σθ/p at the inner edge of a ring, the dimensions of a ring and the distance between the centres of two holes will be investigated. Experiments are done in the cases when the uniform load is applied in the perpendicular or parallel direction to the centre line (see Figs. 1 and 2).
Hypersonic Test Facilities at the Royal Aircraft Establishment
Authors: Shaw J. M.
Published: July 2016

The existing hypersonic test facilities at the Royal Aircraft Establishment are described. In particular the Hypersonic Tunnel and the Shock Tunnel are considered in some detail from the aspects of design, performance and use, with a view to seeing what lessons can be learned from their construction and operation. The reasons which led to the building of the present facilities are compared with modern ideas for tackling hypersonic research. Consideration of the problems which will require experimental investigation in the future suggest that additional tunnels will be required which, like the Hypersonic Tunnel, will run steadily for periods of seconds rather than for much shorter times. The air supply and power requirements of such tunnels are given and the recent developments in heater design which make their realisation possible are reviewed.
The Single-Rotor Helicopter with Rigidly-Mounted Blades
Authors: Heppe R. R.
Published: July 2016

For many years, studies of various light aircraft designs have been carried on by the Lockheed-California Company in search of a vehicle that had the potential of truly generating the “air age”—a vehicle which would perform a useful service to many people, in many jobs. Shortly after the Second World War, these studies were directed along the lines of present-day light aeroplanes, but were eventually discarded upon recognition of the limited utility of these vehicles when related to general public acceptance. However, in 1959, spurred by recent developments in VTOL craft, the Lockheed research team again raised the question, “Is it possible today to develop a vehicle of low cost and with sufficient utility to reach the mass market?”
A Note on the Sonic Bang Waveform of an Aircraft with Lift
Authors: Warren C. H. E.
Published: July 2016

It is well-known that, at large distances from the flight path, the waveform of the sonic bang from an aircraft, without lift at any rate, has the characteristic N-wave shape, as illustrated in Fig. 1. When we depict a waveform such as this we are stating what would occur at large distances in the absence of viscosity and other diffusive effects, such as turbulence. We know, of course, that in reality, because of these effects, the bow and stern shocks will be “softened”, i.e. the pressure jumps associated with them will not be instantaneous, but will have a finite, but small, “rise time”. However, this is not the matter under discussion. The essential feature of the N-wave illustrated in Fig. 1 is that the pressure jumps associated with the bow and stern shocks are equal, and that the positive and negative phases are of equal duration. The arguments for the waveform to take up this shape at large distances are put in a classical paper by Whitham.
A Note on the Effect of Proof Stress on the Notched Fatigue Strength of the Aluminium Alloy HE 15
Authors: Forrest P. G.
Published: July 2016

The notched fatigue strength of the aluminium alloy HE 15, under stress conditions similar to those occurring in aircraft structures, is greater when the material is naturally aged than when it is fully heat-treated. This is attributed to the lower proof stress of the naturally aged material, which enables the high stresses in regions of stress concentration to relax more readily. However, no further improvement was obtained by re-solution-treating the alloy to reduce the proof stress further.
Education For Technology
Authors:   H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, K.G.
Published: July 2016

The First Handley Page Memorial Lecture, organised jointly by the Cranfield Society and the Royal Aeronautical Society, was given by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., at the College of Aeronautics, Cranfield, on 21st May 1963 before an audience of some 1500. The Chair was taken by Sir Harold Roxbee Cox, Ph.D., D.I.C., D.Sc, B.Sc.(Eng.), F.R.Ae.S., F.A.I.A.A, M.I.Mech.E., Chairman of the Board of Governors of the College of Aeronautics, and a Past President of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Sir Harold Roxbee Cox said that the late Sir Frederick Handley Page was one of the greatest figures in British aviation. His was the unique achievement of creating his company in 1909 and leading it for over half a century until he died in 1962. Although always in touch with every phase of his company's work, he found time to serve the country in many other ways. They particularly remembered two of them that day. He was a Past President of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and he was Chairman of the Governing Body of the College of Aeronautics. Both the Society, and the Cranfield Society of old students of the College, wished to honour his memory by the creation of the Handley Page Memorial Lecture, and they decided to do so in partnership. In the hope of starting the series with the maximum distinction they asked His Royal Highness if he would give the first Memorial Lecture. It was difficult adequately to express thanks to him for agreeing to do so, and it was with the feeling that they were all honoured to be present on this great occasion that he asked His Royal Highness now to deliver the first Handley Page Memorial Lecture.
Some Aspects of Science in Support of the Royal Air Force—the Scientific Adviser's Branch
Authors: Morgan M. B.
Published: July 2016

R. K. Pierson was a great man, not least physically. I can still see those huge shoulders, the hands thrust into the coat pockets, the magnificent head, and the aggressive chin. It is not for me to deliver a eulogy of R. K. P. and his work at Vickers—that has already been well done. But I must say how honoured I feel at being asked to give, on this occasion, the lecture which you arrange annually in memory of an outstanding designer.

My recollection of him goes back to 1933. In the long vacation of that year, as an undergraduate, I crept into the flight sheds at Weybridge for an eight weeks indoctrination from Industry. Rigging Virginias, Victorias and Vildebeestes was the main occupation, with some analysis of flight tests if you showed willing, and banishment to the main shops across the airfield— knocking rivets into Vildebeeste wireless containers— if you were naughty. I enjoyed it so much that I came back for a similar period in 1934 just after graduating. The family atmosphere and team spirit were very marked —Pierson used to rush into the flight office with his pipe and tear through the test flight reports with Mut. Summers; he was quite willing to deal kindly with some diffident and probably idiotic remark put forward by a vacation apprentice clutching a bundle of grubby graphs prepared for Radcliffe—who in those days was the mainstay of the flight test Department (he was outnumbered by the test pilots—there were two of those).
Stress Concentrations Around Cut-outs in a Cylinder
Authors: Houghton D. S.
Published: July 2016

A considerable amount of theoretical investigation has been undertaken recently, into the stress concentrations arising in the vicinity of cut-outs in aircraft pressure cabins. Papers which analyse the stress concentrations around circular, elliptical, and square reinforced cut-outs, under various loading conditions have been presented by Mansfield, Hicks and Wittrick.

In all of these investigations, the problem of the cut-out in a cylinder has been reduced to a problem of an infinite plane sheet containing a hole, and the effects of the curvature have been generally assumed to be insignificant.
Some Handley Page Recollections
Authors: Richards S. T. A.
Published: July 2016

After an interview with Mr. Handley Page, I began work for him in January 1916. My brother had been on design work on the 0-100 for many months under Mr. G. R. Volkert and Mr. F. Arcier, and when recommending me to Mr. Page he was told “I had better sack you and engage him”—however, we were both members of his staff for many years. The drawing office at Cricklewood Lane was cramped and had been stables. Handley Page wind tunnel work was first in charge of Mr. Boswell, and later Messrs. Reynolds, Widgery and Russell. I was fortunate in gaining wind tunnel experience and came to realise how keenly Mr. Page followed up the results (taking them home with him at weekends). For many months I was Mr. Page's Personal Assistant.

Handley Page wind tunnel work was first in charge of Mr. Boswell, and later Messrs. Reynolds, Widgery and Russell. I was fortunate in gaining wind tunnel experience and came to realise how keenly Mr. Page followed up the results (taking them home with him at weekends). For many months I was Mr. Page's Personal Assistant.
Random Reminiscences in Centenary Year
Authors: Owner F. M.
Published: July 2016

It makes me somewhat pensive to reflect that the whole era of powered flight has taken place in my lifetime—even though I was too young when the Wright brothers first flew to realise what it would mean to the world in general and myself in particular. Nor could I have dreamt that I should one day have the privilege, in 1938, of meeting Mr. Orville Wright at his home in Dayton and hearing his views on the astonishing development of the art which he and his brother pioneered.
The Development of Army Flying
Authors: Mead Brigadier P. W.
Published: July 2016

It is only in recent years that aircraft have become firmly established, like tanks or trucks, as integral vehicles of the British Army. The interest of the Army in the third dimension, however, is as old as War itself, and as soon as aircraft became available the Army made use of them. In this short article we shall trace the development of our Army aviation, and deduce perhaps to what extent it has contributed to the aeronautical scene.
What has Aviation Meant to Me?
Authors: Armandias L. S.
Published: July 2016

What has aviation meant to me?

It has meant being taken, as a boy of seven or eight (in 1913 or 1914) to Buc, a small airfield near Paris, to see the daring Pegoud “loop the loop”. I can still so well remember arriving at this small airfield, and this before daybreak—the air had to be very still for this daring feat!

Waiting for the sun to rise—the haze slowly clearing up—a few dim figures—a small boy clutching his father's hand. Then a dot on the horizon, a gentle hum, a graceful machine and then the “loop”, the breathless pause at the apex and the silence—then it vanishing away.
Then and Now
Authors: Gates S. B.
Published: July 2016

I am one of a dwindling band of old men who could fill in the then of Aeronautics’ Then and Now if only their memory would serve them. Aeronautically I am almost exactly half as old as our Society as it reaches its centenary: it is 50 years since I had my first job. The Editor has invited me to “write what you like”. The dangerous freedom of this invitation prompts me to exhibit myself as what I am, a survivor from another age—and to add a few reflections on the Now as I see it.
A Monotone Process Maintenance Model for a Multistate System
Authors: Yeh Lam
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we study a monotone process maintenance model for a multistate system with k working states and ℓ failure states. By making different assumptions, we can apply the model to a multistate deteriorating system as well as to a multistate improving system. We show that the monotone process model for a multistate system is equivalent to a geometric process model for a two-state system. Then, for both the deteriorating and the improving system, we analytically determine an optimal replacement policy for minimizing the long-run average cost per unit time.
Multi-Actor Markov Decision Processes
Authors: Ahn Hyun-Soo , Righter Rhonda
Published: July 2016

We give a very general reformulation of multi-actor Markov decision processes and show that there is a tendency for the actors to take the same action whenever possible. This considerably reduces the complexity of the problem, either facilitating numerical computation of the optimal policy or providing a basis for a heuristic.
What is Known About Robbins' Problem?
Authors: Bruss F. Thomas
Published: July 2016

Let X
1, X
2,…, X

n
be independent, identically distributed random variables, uniform on [0,1]. We observe the X

k
sequentially and must stop on exactly one of them. No recollection of the preceding observations is permitted. What stopping rule τ minimizes the expected rank of the selected observation? This full-information expected-rank problem is known as Robbins' problem. The general solution is still unknown, and only some bounds are known for the limiting value as n tends to infinity. After a short discussion of the history and background of this problem, we summarize what is known. We then try to present, in an easily accessible form, what the author believes should be seen as the essence of the more difficult remaining questions. The aim of this article is to evoke interest in this problem and so, simply by viewing it from what are possibly new angles, to increase the probability that a reader may see what seems to evade probabilistic intuition.
Tails in generalized Jackson networks with subexponential service-time distributions
Authors: Baccelli François , Foss Serguei , Lelarge Marc
Published: July 2016

We give the exact asymptotics of the tail of the stationary maximal dater in generalized Jackson networks with subexponential service times. This maximal dater, which is an analogue of the workload in an isolated queue, gives the time taken to clear all customers present at some time t when stopping all arrivals that take place later than t. We use the property that a large deviation of the maximal dater is caused by a single large service time at a single station at some time in the distant past of t, in conjunction with fluid limits of generalized Jackson networks, to derive the relevant asymptotics in closed form.
B-stability
Authors: Mallows Colin , Shepp Larry
Published: July 2016

A random variable Y is branching stable (B-stable) for a nonnegative integer-valued random variable J with E(J)>1 if Y
*J
∿cY for some scalar c, where Y
*J
is the sum of J independent copies of Y. We explore some aspects of this notion of stability and show that, for any Y
0 with finite nonzero mean, if we define Y

n+1=Y

n

*J
/E(J) then the sequence Y

n
converges in law to a random variable Y
∞ that is B-stable for J. Also Y
∞ is the unique B-stable law with mean E(Y
0). We also present results relating to random variables Y
0 with zero means and infinite means. The notion of B-stability arose in a scheme for cataloguing a large network of computers.
A Limit Theorem for Discrete Galton-Watson Branching Processes with Immigration
Authors: Li Zenghu
Published: July 2016

We provide a simple set of sufficient conditions for the weak convergence of discrete-time, discrete-state Galton-Watson branching processes with immigration to continuous-time, continuous-state branching processes with immigration.
Structured coalescent with nonconservative migration
Authors: Sampson Koffi Y.
Published: July 2016

We study the ancestral process of a sample from a subdivided population with stochastically varying subpopulation sizes. The sizes of the subpopulations change very rapidly (almost every generation) with respect to the coalescent time scale. For haploid populations of sizeN, one coalescence time unit corresponds toNgenerations. Coalescence and migration events occur on the same time scale. We show that, when the total population size tends to infinity, the structured coalescent is obtained, thus confirming the robustness of the coalescent. Many population structure models have been shown to converge to the structured coalescent (see Herbots (1997), Hudson (1998), Nordborg (2001), Nordborg and Krone (2002), and Notohara (1990)).
An optimal sequential procedure for a buying-selling problem with independent observations
Authors: Sofronov G. , Keith Jonathan M. , Kroese Dirk P.
Published: July 2016

We consider a buying-selling problem when two stops of a sequence of independent random variables are required. An optimal stopping rule and the value of a game are obtained.
Rare events, temporal dependence, and the extremal index
Authors: Segers Johan
Published: July 2016

Classical extreme value theory for stationary sequences of random variables can to a large extent be paraphrased as the study of exceedances over a high threshold. A special role within the description of the temporal dependence between such exceedances is played by the extremal index. Parts of this theory can be generalized not only to random variables on an arbitrary state space hitting certain failure sets, but even to a triangular array of rare events on an abstract probability space. In the case of M4 (maxima of multivariate moving maxima) processes, the arguments take a simple and direct form.
Ultra-small scale-free geometric networks
Authors: Yukich J. E.
Published: July 2016

We consider a family of long-range percolation models (G

p
)
p>0 on ℤ
d
that allow dependence between edges and have the following connectivity properties for p ∈ (1/d, ∞): (i) the degree distribution of vertices in G

p
has a power-law distribution; (ii) the graph distance between points
x
and
y
is bounded by a multiple of log
pd
log
pd
|
x
-
y
| with probability 1 - o(1); and (iii) an adversary can delete a relatively small number of nodes from G

p
(ℤ
d
∩ [0, n]
d
), resulting in two large, disconnected subgraphs.
Asymptotics of the density of the supremum of a random walk with heavy-tailed increments
Authors: Wang Yuebao , Wang Kaiyong
Published: July 2016

Under some relaxed conditions, in this paper we obtain some equivalent conditions on the asymptotics of the density of the supremum of a random walk with heavy-tailed increments. To do this, we investigate the asymptotics of the first ascending ladder height of a random walk with heavy-tailed increments. The results obtained improve and extend the corresponding classical results.
The upcrossings index and the extremal index
Authors: Ferreira H.
Published: July 2016

For stationary sequences
X
= {X

n
}
n≥1 we relate τ, the limiting mean number of exceedances of high levels u

n
by X
1,…,X

n
, and ν, the limiting mean number of upcrossings of the same level, through the expression θ = (ν/τ)η, where θ is the extremal index of
X
and η is a new parameter here called the upcrossings index. The upcrossings index is a measure of the clustering of upcrossings of
u
by variables in
X
, and the above relation extends the known relation θ = ν/τ, which holds under the mild-oscillation local restriction D″(
u
) on
X
. We present a new family of local mixing conditions D̃
(k)(
u
) under which we prove that (a) the intensity of the limiting point process of upcrossings and η can both be computed from the k-variate distributions of
X
; and (b) the cluster size distributions for the exceedances are asymptotically equivalent to those for the lengths of one run of exceedances or the lengths of several consecutive runs which are separated by at most k − 2 nonexceedances and, except for the last one, each contain at most k − 2 exceedances.
Exact distributions for reward functions on semi-Markov and Markov additive processes
Authors: Stefanov Valeri T.
Published: July 2016

The distribution theory for reward functions on semi-Markov processes has been of interest since the early 1960s. The relevant asymptotic distribution theory has been satisfactorily developed. On the other hand, it has been noticed that it is difficult to find exact distribution results which lead to the effective computation of such distributions. Note that there is no satisfactory exact distribution result for rewards accumulated over deterministic time intervals [0, t], even in the special case of continuous-time Markov chains. The present paper provides neat general results which lead to explicit closed-form expressions for the relevant Laplace transforms of general reward functions on semi-Markov and Markov additive processes.
Genealogy for supercritical branching processes
Authors: Lagerås Andreas Nordvall , Martin-Löf Anders
Published: July 2016

We study the genealogy of so-called immortal branching processes, i.e. branching processes where each individual upon death is replaced by at least one new individual, and conclude that their marginal distributions are compound geometric. The result also implies that the limiting distributions of properly scaled supercritical branching processes are compound geometric. We exemplify our results with an expression for the marginal distribution for a class of branching processes that have recently appeared in the theory of coalescent processes and continuous stable random trees. The limiting distribution can be expressed in terms of the Fox H-function, and in special cases by the Meijer G-function.
A relation between positive dependence of signal and the variability of conditional expectation given signal
Authors: Mizuno Toshihide
Published: July 2016

Let S
1 and S
2 be two signals of a random variable X, where G
1(s
1 ∣ x) and G
2(s
2 ∣ x) are their conditional distributions given X = x. If, for all s
1 and s
2, G
1(s
1 ∣ x) - G
2(s
2 ∣ x) changes sign at most once from negative to positive as x increases, then the conditional expectation of X given S
1 is greater than the conditional expectation of X given S
2 in the convex order, provided that both conditional expectations are increasing. The stochastic order of the sufficient condition is equivalent to the more stochastically increasing order when S
1 and S
2 have the same marginal distribution and, when S
1 and S
2 are sums of X and independent noises, it is equivalent to the dispersive order of the noises.