cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Could God Fail to Exist

I apply developments in modal reasoning to the question of whether God has necessary existence. My larger task is to assess the main reasons to think that God is not a metaphysically necessary being. I consider Hume’s conceivability-based argument, and then I pay attention to more recent arguments, including Swinburne’s neo-Humean argument and the subtraction argument. I show that such arguments face a ‘parity’ problem, since the very reasoning that gets them off the ground also launches parallel arguments for an opposite conclusion. In my closing section, I sketch an argument schema designed to illustrate a new, general strategy for deducing the necessary existence of God by building upon recent modal cosmological arguments.
Remarks on the Instability of an Incompressible and Isotropic Hyperelastic, Thick-Walled Cylindrical Tube

The problem of instability of a hyperelastic, thick-walled cylindrical tube was first studied by Wilkes [1] in 1955. The solution was formulated within the framework of the theory of small deformations superimposed on large homogeneous deformations for the general class of incompressible, isotropic materials; and results for axially symmetrical buckling were obtained for the neo-Hookean material. The solution involves a certain quadratic equation whose characteristic roots depend on the material response functions. For the neo-Hookean material these roots always are positive. In fact, here we show for the more general Mooney–Rivlin material that these roots always are positive, provided the empirical inequalities hold. In a recent study [2] of this problem for a class of internally constrained compressible materials, it is observed that these characteristic roots may be real-valued, pure imaginary, or complex-valued. The similarity of the analytical structure of the two problems, however, is most striking; and this similarity leads one to question possible complex-valued solutions for the incompressible case. Some remarks on this issue will be presented and some new results will be reported, including additional results for both the neo-Hookean and Mooney–Rivlin materials.
Can increased spatial resolution solve the crossing fiber problem for diffusion MRI

It is now widely recognized that voxels with crossing fibers or complex geometrical configurations present a challenge for diffusion MRI (dMRI) reconstruction and fiber tracking, as well as microstructural modeling of brain tissues. This "crossing fiber" problem has been estimated to affect anywhere from 30% to as many as 90% of white matter voxels, and it is often assumed that increasing spatial resolution will decrease the prevalence of voxels containing multiple fiber populations. The aim of this study is to estimate the extent of the crossing fiber problem as we progressively increase the spatial resolution, with the goal of determining whether it is possible to mitigate this problem with higher resolution spatial sampling. This is accomplished using ex vivo MRI data of the macaque brain, followed by histological analysis of the same specimen to validate these measurements, as well as to extend this analysis to resolutions not yet achievable in practice with MRI. In both dMRI and histology, we find unexpected results: the prevalence of crossing fibers increases as we increase spatial resolution. The problem of crossing fibers appears to be a fundamental limitation of dMRI associated with the complexity of brain tissue, rather than a technical problem that can be overcome with advances such as higher fields and stronger gradients.
Sub-nanosecond resolution electric field measurements during ns pulse breakdown in ambient air

Electric field during ns pulse discharge breakdown in ambient air has been measured by ps four-wave mixing, with temporal resolution of 0.2 ns. The measurements have been performed in a diffuse plasma generated in a dielectric barrier discharge, in plane-to-plane geometry. Absolute calibration of the electric field in the plasma is provided by the Laplacian field measured before breakdown. Sub-nanosecond time resolution is obtained by using a 150 ps duration laser pulse, as well as by monitoring the timing of individual laser shots relative to the voltage pulse, and post-processing four-wave mixing signal waveforms saved for each laser shot, placing them in the appropriate 'time bins'. The experimental data are compared with the analytic solution for time-resolved electric field in the plasma during pulse breakdown, showing good agreement on ns time scale. Qualitative interpretation of the data illustrates the effects of charge separation, charge accumulation/neutralization on the dielectric surfaces, electron attachment, and secondary breakdown. Comparison of the present data with more advanced kinetic modeling is expected to provide additional quantitative insight into air plasma kinetics on ~ 0.1–100 ns scales.
Surgical Management of Simultaneous Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Patellar Tendon Ruptures: A Systematic Review.

This study performs a systematic review to determine (1) if a significant difference exists in return to preinjury activity level between one- and two-stage treatment of combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and patellar tendon (PT) tears; and (2) if a significant difference exists in the number of postoperative complications between the two differing surgical treatment approaches. A systematic review was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered on PROSPERO. MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SCOPUS, and Sport Discus were searched for English language level I-IV evidence studies on either one- (simultaneous) or two-stage (sequential) surgical treatment of simultaneously sustained ipsilateral ACL and PT tears. The approach to initial evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes were qualitatively analyzed. Methodological quality assessment of all included studies was completed using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS). The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool was used to assess quality of evidence and provide strength of recommendation. Statistical analyses were done using Fischer's exact test. Eleven articles (18 patients; 83% males; mean age, 31.1 ± 10.1 years; mean follow-up, 2.2 ± 1.7 years; and mean MINORS 7.8/16) were analyzed. Eight patients had a one-stage procedure (primary PT repair and ACL reconstruction), and 10 patients underwent a two-stage procedure (primary PT repair first followed by ACL reconstruction) with mean 28 ± 45.7 weeks (5 weeks-3 years) between surgeries. The rate for return to preinjury activity level after surgery was not significantly different between one- (88%) and two-stage (100%) (p = 0.444). There was a significantly higher complication rate (p = 0.023) in the one-stage (stiffness, instability, and patella baja) versus two-stage surgery (no complications). There was no significant difference in return to preinjury activity level between one- and two-stage PT repair and ACL reconstruction. However, the one-stage combined surgery had a significantly higher complication rate compared with two-stage surgery. The level of evidence is IV.
Synthesis of 2-Aminoimidazolones and Imidazolones by (3 + 2) Annulation of Azaoxyallyl Cations

The first examples of (3 + 2) annulations between azaoxyallyl cations and cyanamides and nitriles to give the corresponding 2-aminoimidazolones and imidazolones are reported. On the basis of the isolation of unexpected imidate products with certain substrates, it is proposed that the reaction proceeds via fast kinetic O-alkylation followed by rearrangement to the thermodynamically favored 2-aminoimidazolones and imidazolones. The method was applied to the formal synthesis of the antihypertensive drug irbesartan.
Rotor Ablation: Around and Around We Go∗

The mechanisms hypothesized to be responsible for the onset and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF) include pulmonary vein and extrapulmonary vein triggers, atrial remodeling with associated longitudinal and endo-epicardial dissociation, and accompanying multiple wavelets with wavebreak and re-
Autonomous New Media Artefacts (AutoNMA)

The purpose of this brief paper is to revisit the question of longevity in present experimental practice and coin the term autonomous new media artefacts (AutoNMA), which are complete and independent of external computer systems, so they can be operable for a longer period of time and can be demonstrated at a moment’s notice. We argue that platforms for prototyping should promote the creation of AutoNMA to make extant the devices which will be a part of the future history of new media.
Assessing design instability in iterative (agile) object-oriented projects: Research Articles

Assessing progress and stability in rapid, highly iterative and agile object-oriented software development processes is difficult because program evolution appears somewhat disorderly. With agile software development methods, the expected time to reach software stability is obscured by the dynamic nature of the agile process itself. The System Design Instability (SDI) metric was developed to help analyze object-oriented software evolution under these conditions. In this paper we examine a new version of SDI, called SDIe, based on the maximum entropy in a system. We believe our new measure is easier to calculate than the original version of SDI since it is based on data that are more commonly available than those used by SDI; also, SDIe gives a more accurate indication of software stability and maturity since it suffers less from data spikes. To validate the new metric, we use maintenance data from a commercial software project, developed using an agile process; these are the same data that were collected and analyzed in the original SDI study. In addition, we apply the refined SDI metric to the evolution of a well-established, open-source, iteratively-developed software product. The results of our case study indicate our new SDIe metric is a viable measure of system design stability. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
5.510 – Engineered Bioactive Molecules

The field of biamaterials is undergoing a paradigm change. Foundational work in this area focused on inert materials that induced a minimal biological response. However, it is now clear that this approach to biomaterial design neglects the tremendous opportunity of incorporating biological cues into the material to guide the biological response. This new strategy has been catalyzed by recent advances in understanding the structure and function of biomolecules that coordinate the complex cellular processes that ultimately lead to tissue development and regeneration. The field of biomaterials is now capitalizing on this new information by building materials that incorporate bioactive molecules into implanted devices, scaffolds for tissue engineering, drug and gene delivery vehicles, and cell culture supports. However, the naturally occurring biomolecules are typically reengineered into forms that are more facile, economical, efficacious, or robust. This work has established a novel conceptual approach to biomaterials design and created a new focus in the area of applied molecular engineering. This chapter reviews the classes of molecules that are being targeted for this purpose, the methods used for reengineering these molecules, and the applications in biomaterials and tissue engineering that have benefited from this approach.
CLEISTOGAMY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INTRASPECIFIC FLORAL VARIATION

This paper describes the results of developmental studies on two annual and one perennial cleistogamous species in which dimorphic, hermaphroditic flowers are produced on an individual. The cleistogamous (CL) flowers remain closed and self in the bud, while the chasmogamous (CH) flowers open and may outcross.
(4,4′,6,6′-Tetra-tert-butyl-2,2′-{[2-(di­methyl­amino)­ethyl]­nitrilo­bis­(methyl­ene)}diphenolato)dioxidomolyb­denum(VI) chloro­form monosolvate

In the title compound, [Mo(C34H54N2O2)O2]·CHCl3, the molybdenum(VI) ion exhibits a cis-dioxide distorted octa­hedral geometry. Two anionic phenolate O-atom donors and two neutral N-atom donors of the ligand are trans and cis, respectively. The Mo=O bond lengths and the O=Mo=O bond angle are typical for six-coordinated dioxomolyb­denum(VI) complexes. The Mo—N bond lengths are longer than 2.30 A, as expected for a trans O=Mo—N structure.
Die Zivilgesellschaft und die postmoderne Stadt: Das Überdenken unserer Kategorien im Kontext der Globalisierung

Der Diskurs uber die Zivilgesellschaft ist „global“ geworden. Die „Zivilgesellschaft“ ist nun eines der von Politikern, Akademikern und politischen Aktivisten weltweit meistverwendeten Konzepte und wird herangezogen, um alles zu beschreiben — von Burgerinitiativen, Freiwilligenverbanden und Wohltatigkeitsorganisationen bis hin zu globalen Netzwerken, NGO’s, Menschenrechtsgruppen und transnationalen sozialen Bewegungen. Tatsachlich ist die Vorstellung von einer transnationalen oder globalen Zivilgesellschaft der Schlusselbeitrag des 21. Jahrhunderts zum Zivilgesellschaftsdiskurs geworden. Wie auch in der Vergangenheit, analysiert dieser Diskurs die Zivilgesellschaft weitgehend als Schlussel zu beidem — zu Demokratien und Demokratisierung — und als die Quelle fur soziale Solidaritat und soziale Integration. 23 Der neue Kontext, jedoch, in dem die Zivilgesellschaft einen Boom erlebt hat, und zugleich das Ziel der Demokratisierung und Integration, ist nicht mehr der Staat, sondern vielmehr die sich entwickelnde globale Ordnung oberhalb und die transformierten stadtischen Schauplatze unterhalb des nationalen Gemeinwesens. Der Grund fur diese Verschiebung ist offensichtlich: Globalisierungsprozesse und die zunehmende Geschwindigkeit werden als unterminierend betrachtet im Hinblick auf die Fahigkeit des Staates, entscheidende Kontrollund Regulierungsfunktionen zu ubernehmen, die darauf abzielen, die negativen Nebenwirkungen vorherzusehen, abzuwehren und abzuschwachen. Staaten scheinen sich eher den Forderungen der Wirtschaft und des Marktes anzupassen, als dass sie an der Gestaltung derselben mitwirken.
Ideology in the schools: Developing the teacher’s Civic Education Ideology Scale within the United States:

What ideological views toward citizenship education do teachers possess? Does a teacher’s Civic Education Ideology relate to how and what they teach? This study addresses these questions by develop...
Fast mapping is a laboratory task, not a cognitive capacity.

Fast Mapping is a laboratory task that typically involves an experimenter creating a nonsense name for an object the participant has never seen before. We demonstrate how researchers’ use of the te...
Characterization of the efflux transporter(s) responsible for restricting intestinal mucosa permeation of the coumarinic acid-based cyclic prodrug of the opioid peptide DADLE.

Purpose. To elucidate the efflux transporter(s) responsible for restricting the permeation of a coumarinic acid-based cyclic prodrug of the opioid peptide DADLE (CD) thorough Caco-2 cell monolayers.
Patient Education Issues and Strategies Associated With Immunotherapy

Abstract Objective To provide education strategies to health care providers caring for patients receiving immunotherapy and who are managing the various potential adverse events related to these treatments. Data Sources: Peer-reviewed literature. Conclusion Delivering patient education on immunotherapy based on a thorough educational needs assessment and identification of learning barriers may contribute to effective patient outcomes and patient safety. Implications for Nursing Practice It is a critical role of the nurse to educate and empower patients and caregivers with the ability to identify early signs of impending toxicities related to immunotherapy regimens. With continuous learning and clinical experience, oncology nurses are at the forefront for providing high-quality immunotherapy education to patients and caregivers.
Sharing Conservation Imaging Research with the Public

Conservation investigation often includes substantial technical analysis, and digital tools now permit visitor engagement with this content in museum galleries. Reflectance Transformation Imaging (...
Community College Workforce Development and Student Self-Efficacy

This study explored the impact of a seven-college consortium called Credentials to Careers (C2C), which was created to foster innovative programs to retrain unemployed and displaced workers for STE...
Observation of Thermospheric Gravity Waves in the Southern Hemisphere With GOLD

The middle thermospherefrom ~150 to 250 km is characterized by rapid increase in temperature with altitude and rapid ionization. The entire thermosphere is believed to be home to atmospheric waves ...
A heuristic model for collaborative practice-part 2: development of the collaborative, dialogue-based clinical practice model for community mental health and substance abuse care.

Various models for collaborative practice in mental health care incorporating the perspectives of service-user participation and collaboration in the care have been developed. However, the emphasis in these practice models has not been on identifying specific features of “how” collaboration and service-user participation can occur and be nurtured. This suggests a need for a collaborative practice model that specifies essential strategies operationalizing the tenets of service-user participation and collaboration applicable in mental health and substance abuse (MHSA) care. A double helix approach of coalescing theoretical ideas and empirical findings to develop a practice model that is applicable in MHSA practice. A theoretical analysis is carried out to identify the critical, foundational elements for collaborative practice in MHSA practice, and has identified the philosophical-theoretical orientations of Habermas’ theory of communicative action, Bakhtin’s dialogicality, and the philosophy of personhood as the foundational features of collaboration. This base is juxtaposed with the results of a qualitative meta-analysis of 18 empirical articles on collaboration in MHSA to advance a collaborative practice model specifically in the domain of service user/professional collaboration. “The collaborative, dialogue-based clinical practice model” (CDCP Model) for community mental health care is proposed, within the structure of four main components. The first specifies the framework for practice that includes person-centered care, recovery-orientation, and a pluralistic orientation and the second identifies the domains of collaboration as service user/professional collaboration, inter-professional collaboration, and service sector collaboration. The third identifies self-understanding, mutual understanding, and shared decision-making as the essential principles of collaboration. The fourth specifies interactive-dialogic processes, negotiated-participatory engagement processes, and negotiated-supportive processes as the essential strategies of collaboration applicable in service user/professional collaboration which were extracted in the empirical work. An illustration of the CDCP Model in a clinical case is given. The CDCP Model presented fills the gap that exists in the field of community MHSA practice regarding how to operationalize systematically the tenets of person-centeredness, recovery-oriented, and pluralism-oriented practice in terms of user/professional collaboration.
Human Evolution: Biological, Cultural, and Social

Three processes—biological, cultural, and social evolution—are united by the overarching analytical framework of Darwinian thought. The chapter first surveys biological evolution in a theory that now balances genetic evolution of individual organisms from generation to generation with epigenetic development during the life course of each organism. A key example focuses on genomic analysis. Then, the chapter turns to cultural evolution, in which big-brained but non-speaking hominids supplemented their genetic heritage by adding the learning of techniques for tool-making and other social practices, archived it in their brains, and passed it to the next generation. Third, the chapter introduces the rise of agriculture and the social institutions that enabled it to become successful (113).
Sex-Related Differences in Symptoms and Psychosocial Outcomes in Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Prospective Questionnaire Study.

Abstract Objective To investigate sex-related differences in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) in terms of demographic characteristics and clinical features, including tender point count (TPC), mood disorders, sleep problems, FM symptom severity, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and quality of life (QOL). Patients and Methods We studied 668 consecutive patients with FM (606 women) from May 1, 2012, to November 30, 2013. Validated questionnaires assessed outcomes of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), sleep problems (Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale), FM symptom severity (Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory), cognitive dysfunction (Multiple Ability Self-report Questionnaire), and QOL (36-Item Short Form Health Survey). Nonparametric Mann-Whitney U and Pearson χ2 tests were used to compare continuous and categorical outcome measures, respectively, between men and women. Linear regression models were performed for all continuous dependent variables, adjusting for age, body mass index, ethnicity, marital status, and highest education level completed. P Results Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant association of female sex and greater TPC (P Conclusion A higher TPC may be associated with female sex in patients with FM. The assumption of other sex-based differences in the clinical presentation of FM was not supported in our study.
Endothelial Cell Regrowth

Endothelial cells, either in vivo or in vitro, grow as a monolayer and despite their key location in blood vessels and the important functions which they carry out, we know relatively little about the mechanisms which control their growth in vivo.1–3 This is perhaps because most endothelial cells, at least in vitro, were found to grow readily and little attention was given to understanding what factors might influence this process. The widespread use of vascular grafting and the discovery that reendothelialization is often severely limited,4–8 however, clearly demonstrate that endothelial growth and maintenance of an intact endothelial monolayer are not simple automatic processes. In this chapter we will discuss those experiments which have focused on understanding what factors are important in controlling endothelial cell replication and whether these factors can influence endothelial cell growth in the denuded blood vessel.
Epidemic Diphtheria in the Newly Independent States of the Former Soviet Union

In spite of decades of good control, in the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union epidemic diphtheria has reemerged. During the late 1980s, childhood immunization coverage levels were low in some regions of the Soviet Union. One of the factors contributing to lack of ontime vaccination of children was a long list of contraindications for vaccination. In the central Asian republics and Caucasian countries there were vaccine shortages due to disruption of the supply in 1992 and 1993, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russian-manufactured diphtheria toxoid vaccine was used throughout the Soviet Union. Although morbidity data from the armed forces are not available to civilian public health authorities in the former Soviet Union, outbreaks of diphtheria among soldiers have been reported. High coverage among children (95% coverage with four doses of diphtheria toxoid in all districts) and administration of a single dose of diphtheria toxoid to each inhabitant were essential to achieve high population immunity. The risk of emergence of epidemic diphtheria in other countries is difficult to estimate, but clearly clinical and public health expertise in diagnosis and management of diphtheria cases must be maintained. Although previously a disease of children, diphtheria has emerged as an epidemic disease among adolescents and adults in the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union decades after the implementation of an effective childhood vaccination program.
Derivations and the permutability of subgroups in polycyclic-by-finite groups

It is shown that there is an algorithm to decide if two given subgroups of a polycyclic-by-finite group permute. This is accomplished by finding an algorithm which is able to determine if a derivation is surjective.
Using noisy gene expression mediated by engineered adenovirus to probe signaling dynamics in mammalian cells.

Abstract Perturbations from environmental, genetic, and pharmacological sources can generate heterogeneous biological responses, even in genetically identical cells. Although these differences have important consequences on cell physiology and survival, they are often subsumed in measurements that average over the population. Here, we describe in detail how variability in adenoviral-mediated gene expression provides an effective means to map dose responses of signaling pathways. Cell–cell variability is inherent in gene delivery methods used in cell biology, which makes this approach adaptable to many existing experimental systems. We also discuss strategies to quantify biologically relevant inputs and outputs.
Abstract 19342: Bilateral Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens: More Than Meets the IVC

A 40 year-old woman presented with edema, discoloration and severe pain of the lower extremities. Four weeks prior, she noted chest pain with pain and swelling of the right arm and both legs. Imaging demonstrated sub-segmental pulmonary embolism (PE) with bilateral deep venous thrombi (DVT) of the legs and thrombus of the right brachial vein. She was treated with warfarin however despite anticoagulation, had progressive dyspnea. Repeat imaging demonstrated new PE and progression of bilateral DVT. Anticoagulation was transitioned to argatroban, and an IVC [[Unable to Display Character: ﬁ]]lter was placed. Subsequently, she had worsened edema and discoloration of the lower extremities, weakness, and severe pain. On physical examination, the lower extremities were cold and deeply violaceous with 2/5 strength at the bilateral hips and 0/5 strength below. Pulses were absent. Ultrasound examination demonstrated complete thrombosis of the lower extremity venous system to the level of the IVC. The clinical triad of limb swelling, ischemic pain, and blue color change suggested bilateral phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD). She was referred emergently for catheter based thrombolysis, however despite restoration of venous patency, she had progressive lower limb ischemia. She underwent bilateral above-the-knee amputation on hospital day 4. Given her profound thrombotic state, she underwent evaluation for inherited and acquired thrombophilia. To evaluate for malignancy, whole-body PET/CT was performed demonstrating FDG avidity of the gallbladder, multiple liver lesions, and adenopathy at the porta hepatis concerning for metastatic gallbladder carcinoma. Fine-needle biopsy of a liver lesion demonstrated poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Given poor prognosis, the patient elected not to pursue further therapy and passed away at home. This patient presented with bilateral PCD as a [[Unable to Display Character: ﬁ]]rst manifestation of metastatic gallbladder carcinoma. PCD is a rare cause of limb ischemia characterized by the clinical triad of limb swelling, ischemic pain, and blue color change. Early attention to restoring venous patency is critical to avoid life and limb loss, and thrombophilia evaluation including evaluation for malignancy should be included in the diagnostic evaluation.
Impact of Service-Oriented Architecture Adoption on Electronic Supply Chain Performance

Service Oriented Architecture (“SOA”) has been viewed as a strategic approach to IT that provides increased flexibility. However, there is scant research evidence of SOA adoption leading to tangible performance benefits across a cross section of firms. We fill this research gap by empirically analyzing the impact of SOA adoption on the performance of electronic supply chains for a cross section of large US firms. We estimates the moderating impact of SOA adoption on relationships between supply chain performance and complexity and transparency of information sharing relationship between firms and their suppliers. Our results show that while SOA adoption mitigates the negative effects of information sharing complexity, it also reduces the positive benefits of information sharing transparency. Thus while SOA adoption can lead to potential improvements in performance, the extent of the benefit depends on characteristics of the information sharing relationship.
Numerical Simulations of Gravity Wave Driven Shear Flows in the Solar Tachocline

Numerical simulations of gravity wave driven shear flows in the solar radiative interior are presented. A suite of models varying wavenumber, frequency, amplitude and diffusivities is run. In general, the shear flows that develop grow to angular velocities which are greater than or equivalent to the horizontal phase speed of the wave; thus forming a critical level. Critical levels are not allowed, and their dynamics are not accounted for, in typical asymptotic treatments of wave‐driven oscillations. This may pose problems for theories based on such treatments.
Reactions of College Students to the Sexuality of Older People

The reactions of 153 college students to incidents of sexuality were measured using a series of scenarios. Age of target was manipulated with three levels (30-35, 50-55, and 70-75) to test reactions to the sexuality of different age groups. Gender of target was also manipulated with three levels (female, male, and couple). For sexual scenarios, age of target was found statistically significant for all reactions, with responses less favorable toward older targets. No gender differences were found for sexual scenarios. Results were evidence for a strong bias against the sexuality of older people.
Design and control of atomic force microscopes

Models for two atomic force microscope (AFM) designs were presented, namely, cantilever-on-scanner and sample-on-scanner design. It was found that coupling between scanner's bending and extension motion is present in both designs, making the scanner bending mode observable from the output. As a result, the ultimate feedback bandwidth is limited by the lower frequency bending mode in contrast to being ideally by the extension mode. Simulation and experimental data provided insight into pole-zero flipping and changes in the system dynamics as a function of force set point and input amplitude. Closed loop performance under integral and PID control were compared. It was found that PID control offers lower bandwidth over integral control if high-frequency roll-off and step response overshoot constraints were to be met. In addition, integral controller has a single gain compared 3 for PID, which makes it easier for parameter tuning by AFM users.
Geraniol, an Inhibitor of Mevalonate Biosynthesis, Suppresses the Growth of Hepatomas and Melanomas Transplanted to Rats and Mice

Farnesyl-pyrophosphate is required for the posttranslational modification of G proteins including p21 ras, prelamin A and lamin B, each of which plays an essential role in cell proliferation. As a consequence, competitive inhibitors of mevalonate synthesis, the rate-limiting substrate for the synthesis of the prenyl-pyrophosphates, arrest cultured cells at the G1/S interface of the cell cycle and initiate apoptotic cell death. Geraniol, an acyclic monoterpenoid alcohol, suppresses 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity and concomitantly arrests the growth of cultured tumor cells. We evaluated the impact of dietary geraniol on the growth of two tumors. In the first study, geraniol (23 mmol/kg diet, 350 mumol/d) was fed to male buffalo rats for 14 d before and for 42 d after the transplant of Morris 7777 hepatomas. Tumor growth was suppressed (P < 0.001). In the second study, the dose-dependent impact of geraniol on the growth of B16 melanomas was assessed. Dietary geraniol (0.65, 6.5 and 65 mmol/kg diet) was fed to female C57BL mice for 14 d before and for 21 d after tumor transplant. Tumor growth was suppressed (P < 0.02) by 6.5 and 65 mmol geraniol/kg diet.
Model based fuzzy logic control

In this paper, we introduce a general formalism for generating a fuzzy plant model. We provide a description of fuzzification, inference rules, and defuzzification in terms of mappings from the set of real numbers to the fuzzy set domain; We demonstrate the use of this formalism by developing a general fuzzy logic, rule based plant model for a stable, discrete-time, linear time-invariant system, with rational coefficients. We prove that the fuzzy plant model exactly duplicates the behavior of the discrete-time linear system. A worked example and simulation results are also presented. Finally, we outline a method for control design using fuzzy rule base plant models. Possible application of this method for regulation and tracking is considered. >
Coordination of intermittent generation with storage, demand control and conventional energy sources

The intermittency of renewable energy sources such as wind or solar generation is a major challenge in the integration of these resources. Storage devices combined with optimal control provide the opportunity to overcome this challenge. In this paper, a control concept is presented which coordinates the usage of storage devices, intermittent energy sources, conventional generation and load control. The goal is to minimize the emissions and the required capacity of fast acting backup generation which is generally used to balance the intermittency of renewable generation. A multi-time step optimization is applied to optimally control the considered devices. Simulations show the superior control performance of the proposed concept.
Proteolysis of Alcohol-Treated Soybean Meal Proteins by Bacteroides ruminicola, Bacteroides amylophilus, Pepsin, Trypsin, and in the Rumen of Steers

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis and cation exchange chromatography were used to examine degradation of treated and untreated soybean meal protein fractions by Bacteroides amylophilus H18(1), Bacteroides ruminicola B(1)4, pepsin, trypsin, and intraruminally. Soybean meal treatments consisted of 30% vol/vol isopropanol, 40% propanol, or 50% ethanol at 22 degrees C or 70% ethanol at 80 degrees C. Water-soluble protein fractions were applied to a hydroxylapatite column and eluted with a discontinuous phosphate gradient of .03 to .27 and then .27 to 1.0 M. The four protein fractions with the highest absorbance at 276 nm were dialyzed against distilled water prior to being subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis. Soybean meal treated with 40% propanol had the greatest reduction in absorbance of all effluents at 275 nm, followed by soybean meal treated with 50% ethanol or 30% isopropanol. Comparison of electrophoretic patterns over time showed that B. amylophilus H18(1), degraded protein subunits more rapidly than B. ruminicola B(1)4. Protein subunits with the highest molecular weights were the most rapidly degraded by B. amylophilus H18(1), B. ruminicola B(1)4, pepsin, and trypsin. Hydroxylapatite chromatography of omasal fluid from steers supplemented with untreated soybean meal or soybean meal treated with 70% ethanol at 80 degrees C indicated that no detectable soluble glycinin or conglycinin escaped ruminal degradation.
Design of electromagnetic shock absorbers

Automobiles and trucks have shock absorbers to damp out the vibration experienced due to roughness of the roads. However, energy in conventional shock absorbers gets dissipated as heat and is not used in any way. Regenerative electromagnetic shock absorbers provide a means for recovering the energy dissipated in shock absorbers. Two configurations of regenerative electromagnetic shock absorber have been developed for this purpose: a linear device and a rotary device. Performance of these shocks in a laboratory test stand and in a small all terrain vehicle is described.
Context Interchange: Overcoming the Challenges of Large-Scale Interoperable Database Systems in a Dynamic Environment

Research in database interoperability has primarily focused on circumventing schematic and semantic incompatibility arising from autonomy of the underlying databases. We argue that, while existing integration strategies might provide satisfactory support for small or static systems, their inadequacies rapidly become evident in large-scale interoperable database systems operating in a dynamic environment. This paper highlights the problem of receiver heterogeneity, scalability, and evolution which have received little attention in the literature, provides an overview of the Context Interchange approach to interoperability, illustrates why this is able to better circumvent the problems identified, and forges the connections to other works by suggesting how the context interchange framework differs from other integration approaches in the literature.
Estimating transfer parameters in the absence of data

The calculation of transfer of radionuclides from the abiotic to the biotic environment is a well-established practice in radiological assessments. Concentration ratios provide simple means to estimate radionuclide activity in biota, from measured (or estimated) radionuclide concentrations in either a food source or an abiotic component such as soil or water. They are typically reported by element, and data compilations may include information such as soil type (e.g., sand, loam, clay) and species. The data may be for multiple species at a single location, single species at multiple locations, or represent compilations from multiple sources. Recently published guidance suggests that estimates are best made using data from the same ecosystem. This paper examines this recent guidance, in the context of using measured data from within a single ecosystem and comparing results to more generic values. Results suggest that generic values may be an adequate substitute for site-specific information. It illustrates how ionic potential may be used as an alternative to group chemical properties in estimating transfer factors. Lastly, limited evidence is found to support the concept of allometric scaling functions for elemental concentrations in plants.
Quantitative assessment of Tn antigen in breast tissue micro-arrays using CdSe aqueous quantum dots

In this study, we examined the use of CdSe aqueous quantum dots (AQDs) each conjugated to three streptavidin as a fluorescent label to image Tn antigen expression in various breast tissues via a sandwich staining procedure where the primary monoclonal anti-Tn antibody was bound to the Tn antigen on the tissue, a biotin-labeled secondary antibody was bound to the primary anti-Tn antibody, and finally the streptavidin-conjugated AQDs were bound to the biotin on the secondary antibody. We evaluated the AQD staining of Tn antigen on tissue microarrays consisting of 395 cores from 115 cases including three tumor cores and one normal-tissue core from each breast cancer case and three tumor cores from each benign case. The results indicated AQD-Tn staining was positive in more than 90% of the cells in the cancer cores but not the cells in the normal-tissue cores and the benign tumor cores. As a result, AQD-Tn staining exhibited 95% sensitivity and 90% specificity in differentiating breast cancer against normal breast tissues and benign breast conditions. These results were better than the 90% sensitivity and 80% specificity exhibited by the corresponding horse radish peroxidase (HRP) staining using the same antibodies on the same tissues and those of previous studies that used different fluorescent labels to image Tn antigen. In addition to sensitivity and specificity, the current AQD-Tn staining with a definitive threshold was quantitative.
Phenomenology of new baryons with charm and strangeness

The CLEO Collaboration recently has announced the discovery of an excited charmed and strange baryon. We estimate the expected width of this new member of the {Xi}{sub c} family. We discuss the phenomenology of the excited csq and css states, and consider what additional charmed baryons might be observable in the future. We point out that the final state {Xi}{sub c}K could be an interesting new channel to examine. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Critique of 'Nebular condensation of moderately volatile elements and their abundances in ordinary chondrites' by Chien M. Wai and John T. Wasson

Abstract The abundances of 17 moderately volatile elements in ordinary chondrites show three discrete groupings, significant at the 0.1% level. They reflect mainly condensation on matrix and volatilization from chondrules and coarse metal grains. Elements of high condensation temperature (1300-1000 K) such as Na or Mn are fully condensed on matrix and only partially lost from chondrules and therefore have abundances of 0.7-0.9 the C1 chondrite value. Elements of lower condensation temperature (1000-600 K) such as Ga and Se are fully condensed on matrix but are largely lost from chondrules; they have abundances of 0.4-0.2. Elements of still lower condensation temperature such as Bi and Tl are incompletely condensed on matrix and are lost from chondrules; they have abundances ranging from 0.1 to ≤0.001. Gas-dust fractionation may have produced second-order effects, but it cannot be the sole mechanism, contrary to claims by Wai and Wasson. There is much experimental evidence for depletion of volatiles from chondrules, and since chondrules comprise 3/4 of the meteorite, Wai and Wasson are not justified in ignoring their contribution to the volatile-element budget.
Early biocompatibility of crosslinked and non-crosslinked biologic meshes in a porcine model of ventral hernia repair

Purpose Biologic meshes have unique physical properties as a result of manufacturing techniques such as decellularization, crosslinking, and sterilization. The purpose of this study is to directly compare the biocompatibility profiles of five different biologic meshes, AlloDerm® (non-crosslinked human dermal matrix), PeriGuard® (crosslinked bovine pericardium), Permacol® (crosslinked porcine dermal matrix), Strattice® (non-crosslinked porcine dermal matrix), and Veritas® (non-crosslinked bovine pericardium), using a porcine model of ventral hernia repair.
A research and class model for future library instruction in higher education

Purpose – The purpose of this article was to describe a university library instruction and research model that represents a collaborative effort between faculty, libraries, and the campus reading writing center. It uses rigorous research methods to measure whether the classroom intervention impacts student perceptions and success outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – Longitudinal, mixed-methods approach that attempts to measure the outcome of an experimental class that uses precision (exact) matching to control for extraneous variables that impact student success and a survey to measure student perceptions. Findings – Librarians can benefit by collaborating with faculty to learn more rigorous research methods. Precision (exact) matching a control group with an experimental group is time-intensive, but easily replicated. Preliminary results are very promising for both the precision matching and the survey data. It appears that students are able to learn critical thinking, research and writing skills from...
Cerulenin inhibition of spore germination in Rhizopus stolonifer

We have used cerulenin, a known inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis, to study essential fatty acid and membrane syntheses during spore germination. Cerulenin (4 μg/ml) prevented the germination of Rhizopus stolonifer sporangiospores and this inhibition was reversed by Tween 80. Specifically, spore swelling, germ tube formation, and, probably, mitochondrial biogenesis were inhibited, whereas, during the first 2 h at least, the rates of protein and RNA syntheses and oxygen uptake remained undiminished. We conclude that de novo fatty acid synthesis is necessary for spore germination.
The distributions of chain lengths in a crosslinked polyisoprene network

A fundament of classical rubber elasticity theory is the Gaussian chain approximation formula, P(n,r) for the probability distribution of end-to-end distances of a polymer chain composed of n beads. It is considered to provide a realistic distribution of end-to-end distances, r, provided that the length of the polymer chain is much greater than its average end-to-end distance. By considering the number of beads (n) to be the independent variable, we can use P(n,r) to construct the probability distributions of network chain lengths, for fixed r. Since the network crosslinks reduce the probability for the occurrence of longer chains, the formula must be modified by a correction factor that takes this effect into account. We find that, both the shape of the n-probability distribution, its height, and the position of the peak vary significantly with r. We provide a numerical procedure for constructing networks that respect these distributions. The algorithm was implemented in a three-dimensional, random polymer-and-node network model to construct polyisoprene networks at two common crosslink densities. Although the procedure does not constrain the density, we find that the networks constructed have densities very close to the measured bulk density.
Query-driven context aware recommendation

Context aware recommender systems go beyond the traditional personalized recommendation models by incorporating a form of situational awareness. They provide recommendations that not only correspond to a user's preference profile, but that are also tailored to a given situation or context. We consider the setting in which contextual information is represented as a subset of an item feature space describing short-term interests or needs of a user in a given situation. This contextual information can be provided by the user in the form of an explicit query, or derived implicitly.We propose a unified probabilistic model that integrates user profiles, item representations, and contextual information. The resulting recommendation framework computes the conditional probability of each item given the user profile and the additional context. These probabilities are used as recommendation scores for ranking items. Our model is an extension of the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model that provides the capability for joint modeling of users, items, and the meta-data associated with contexts. Each user profile is modeled as a mixture of the latent topics. The discovered latent topics enable our system to handle missing data in item features. We demonstrate the application of our framework for article and music recommendation. In the latter case, the set of popular tags from social tagging Web sites are used for context descriptions. Our evaluation results show that considering context can help improve the quality of recommendations.
Carbene durch photochemische Cycloeliminierung

Eine Vielzahl stabiler, lagerungsfahiger Verbindungen geht unter relativ milden Bedingungen photochemische Cycloeliminierungen ein. Geeignete Substrate sind z.B. Cyclopropane, Oxirane, Aziridine und Diazirine sowie 3H-Pyrazole und 1,3-Dioxolane. Die aus diesen Substraten sowie aus einigen cyclischen Carbonaten, Sulfiten und Phosphoranen gewonnenen Carbene verhalten sich ahnlich wie die Spezies mit zweiwertigem Kohlenstoff, die aus konventionellen Diazo-Vorstufen zuganglich sind, d.h. sie reagieren mit Alkenen zu Cyclopropanen und schieben sich in CH-Bindungen von Alkanen ein. In vielen Fallen lassen sich die Carbene auch ESR-spektroskopisch oder durch ihre optischen Spektren nachweisen.