cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural Topology of Transmembrane Helix 10 in the Lactose Permease of Escherichia coli

In the lactose permease of Escherichia coli, transmembrane helix 10 has been shown to be functionally important. The structure of this helix has been examined in greater detail in this study. A total of 46 substitution and 8 insertional mutants were constructed and analyzed along the entire length of transmembrane helix 10. The results identified amino acids that are tolerant of substitutions by a variety of amino acids. Since a number of these amino acids (Thr-320, Val-331, Phe-325, and Ile-317) are clustered in one region in a helical wheel projection of transmembrane helix 10, it seems likely that this face of helix 10 is interacting with the membrane. The channel lining domain is thought to consist of the helical face containing Glu-325, Leu-318, Leu-329, His-322, Val-315, Cys-333, Val-326, and Lys-319 based on the results here and from earlier findings. Deleterious mutations along this face tended to greatly increase the Km value for lactose transport with only minor effects on the Vmax. Analysis of insertional mutants revealed that perturbation of the spatial relationship between amino acids at the periplasmic edge is less deleterious than perturbation in the center of the helix or the cytoplasmic edge. Using all of the above information, a detailed structural topology of transmembrane helix 10 is proposed.
A semi-empirical transient method for modelling frost formation on a flat plate

Abstract This paper models the frost formation process employing a semi-empirical transient model for a flat plate under forced convection conditions. This continuous differential model employs the Euler's method to solve for the temperature and thickness of the frost layer using existing correlations for the convective heat transfer coefficient and the Lewis analogy to compute both a mass transfer coefficient and an enthalpy transfer coefficient. The model is also based on empirical correlations for predicting the frost thermal conductivity and density. Model results are compared with existing experimental data and with numerical data of other investigators and are found to agree very well in the applicable temperature and humidity range of the frost density and conductivity correlations.
Protein–protein interactions among human lens acidic and basic β-crystallins

Human lens β-crystallin contains four acidic (βA1 → βA4) and three basic (βB1 → βB3) subunits. They oligomerize in the lens, but it is uncertain which subunits are involved in the oligomerization. We used a two-hybrid system to detect protein–protein interactions systematically. Proteins were also expressed for some physicochemical studies. The results indicate that all acidic–basic pairs (βA–βB) except βA4-βBs pairs show strong hetero-molecular interactions. For acidic or basic pairs, only two pairs (βA1–βA1 and βA3–βA3) show strong self-association. βA2 and βA4 show very weak self-association, which arises from their low solubility. Confocal fluorescence microscopy shows enormous protein aggregates in βA2- or βA4-crystallin transfected cells. However, coexpression with βB2-crystallin decreased both the number and size of aggregates. Circular dichroism indicates subtle differences in conformation among β-crystallins that may have contributed to the differences in interactions.
Rapid sampling of multiple enzyme reactions

A simple method of initiating and sampling six simultaneous reactions was devised. A commercially available vial rack was fitted with a Plexiglas overlaying sheet to stabilize the vials for the addition and sampling procedures. Glass vials were routinely used because of their thermal conductivity advantages. Samples were added and removed, and the reactions were mixed with a multichannel pipet using every other channel. The data showing six simultaneous progress curves for the rapid inactivation of herpes simplex virus ribonucleotide reductase were presented and analyzed. In addition, the time course of 12 reactions catalyzed by varicella zoster virus thymidine kinase were assayed at one min intervals generating 96 data points within 8.5 min. A second experiment generated data points every 30 s for six simultaneous replicate thymidine kinase reactions. The ease of use and high reproducibility of the method are demonstrated by these data.
Use of pyrazolyl ligands for the formation of a bimetallic cobalt–ruthenium complex

Abstract A straightforward route to Ru(pyz)2(Hpyz)4 (Hpyz = pyrazole) has been developed. This has been found to react readily with a modified Co(pyrazolylborate)Cl complex in the presence of triethylamine as an HCl acceptor to yield a bimetallic cobalt–ruthenium complex, in which the two metals are each six-coordinate, and bridged by three pyrazolyl anions. Both species have been characterized structurally, as has a modified Co(pyrazolylborate)2 complex.
Comparing production function models for wildfire risk analysis in the wildland–urban interface

Abstract Wildfires create damages in the wildland–urban interface (WUI) that total hundreds of millions of dollars annually in the United States. Understanding how fires are produced in built-up areas near and within fire prone landscapes requires evaluating and quantifying the roles that humans play in fire regimes. We outline a typology of wildfire production functions (WPFs) and empirically estimate three broad classes of WPFs: fire event (ignitions), fire aggregate extent, and a combination function of fire effect and aggregate extent (an intensity-weighted aggregate extent model). Our case study is Florida, which contains an abundance of both wildland and human populations. We find that socio-economic variables play statistically significant roles in all three estimated production functions. At the county level, we find that population and poverty are usually positively related to annual wildfire area and intensity-weighted fire area, while unemployment is negatively related to ignitions, area, and intensity-weighted wildfire area. Poverty is found to be negatively related to wildfire ignitions, while the number of police are correlated with fewer ignitions. These results suggest that managers and decision makers should be aware of socio-economic variables and consider them in their wildland fire management decisions in the wildland–urban interface. Our results also emphasize the importance of including such variables in statistical models of wildfire risk in the WUI.
The Role of Slack in Local Government Finances

The research presented here adopts an organizational approach to develop three regression models that examine why local governments accumulate slack in the form of unreserved fund balances, and what is the impact of slack resources on local governments' short-term fiscal conditions and decisions about spending and revenues. Using data on Chicago suburban municipalities and their governments, the first model estimates the effects of long-term and short-term conditions (fiscal and governing) on unreserved fund balances. The second and third models examine the impact of slack resources and other factors on year-end deficits or surpluses and changes in spending and own-source revenues. The results show that ending balances, expenditures (size), and long-term fiscal conditions have the greatest effect on fund balances, and that slack and current fiscal conditions have the greatest effect on ending balances and changes in revenues and spending.
Bridging the Gap: Building Peace Norwegian Style

Over the past 25 years, Norway has emerged as an important player in peacemaking efforts. As a small power on the periphery of Europe, it does not command the wherewithal to be a primary broker, but has been able to provide both tangible and intangible resources that have produced a “value-added” component. In this respect, Norwegian initiatives rely upon a judicious blending of the resources of government and the “field experience” garnered at the grassroots level by their NGOs. The close relationship between Norwegian NGOs and the Norwegian government has produced both detailed knowledge and essential channels at many different levels for trust and consensus building. We have in turn characterized the Norwegian approach to conflict resolution as Track I ½ diplomacy because successive Norwegian governments have consciously sought to draw upon the strengths of their NGOs and build upon activities normally described as Track II.
Heparin Inhibition of Endothelial Cell Proliferation and Organization Is Dependent on Molecular Weight

Objective— Studies have shown improved survival in cancer patients treated with low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs). Tumors depend on an expanding vasculature, and heparins may affect vessel growth and function. We investigated the effect of heparins differing in M r on selected endothelial cell properties. Methods and Results— Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured with fibroblast growth factor-2 and heparins differing in M r . Cell proliferation was assessed by [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation, and vascular organization was assessed by in vitro assays. Maximum inhibition of 94±2% was observed with 6-kDa LMWH, greater than the inhibition seen with unfractionated heparin (58±8%) or 3-kDa LMWH (60±9%, P =0.02 for both). No inhibition of proliferation was observed with heparin tetrasaccharide, octasaccharide, or pentasaccharide (fondaparinux). Three- and 6-kDa fractions decreased endothelial tube formation in Matrigel to 58±15% and 67±9% ( P Conclusions— Heparin inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation and organization requires a chain length of >8 saccharide units, with maximal inhibition at M r of 6 kDa. This M r dependence differs from that required for anticoagulant activity.
Additive and superadditive vasodilating combinations of diltiazem and glyceryl trinitrate in isolated rabbit aorta

The combined use of two drugs with overtly similar action is a common therapeutic strategy. Combinations in doses that produce synergism are frequently sought. In this study, we examined the vasodilating action of diltiazem (DIL) and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), tested in several fixed-ratio combinations on an isolated preparation of the rabbit aorta. This pair of drugs, widely used clinically, exhibited significant superadditivity (synergism) in certain fixed-ratio combinations tested, i.e., 30:1 and 100:1 of DIL:GTN (based on weight), and only simple additivity in other dose ratios, 1:15, 1:1, and 15:1. A demonstration of synergism requires that the total dose of the mixture needed to produce a level of effect be significantly less than the theoretically additive dose calculated; hence, statistical confidence limits of the additive value are needed. Testing of this nature has been limited for statistical reasons to drug combinations that produce parallel regressions of effect on log (dose). In this paper we illustrate the application of new statistical methodology that permits testing of drug combinations that produce nonparallel assays and report our experimental findings, which show that only certain fixed-ratio combinations of DIL and GTN are superadditive (synergistic) in this test. Although vasodilation alone does not imply antianginal action, these findings may serve as a guide for further clinical testing.
The Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT): the mission design solution space and the art of the possible

Although the Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT) was studied as a candidate NASA Origins Probe mission, the real world presents a broader set of options, pressures, and constraints. Fundamentally, SPIRIT is a far-IR observatory for high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy designed to address a variety of compelling scientific questions. How do planetary systems form from protostellar disks, dousing some planets in water while leaving others dry? Where do planets form, and why are some ice giants while others are rocky? How did high-redshift galaxies form and merge to form the present-day population of galaxies? This paper takes a pragmatic look at the mission design solution space for SPIRIT, presents Probe-class and facility-class mission scenarios, and describes optional design changes. The costs and benefits of various mission design alternatives are roughly evaluated, giving a basis for further study and to serve as guidance to policy makers.
Dust transport in photoelectron layers and the formation of dust ponds on Eros

Abstract We investigate the electrostatic transport of charged dust in the photoelectron layer over the dayside surface of an asteroid. Micron-sized dust particles may be levitated above the surface in the photoelectron layer. Horizontal transport within the layer can then lead to net deposition of dust into shadowed regions where the electric field due to the photoelectron layer disappears. We apply a 2D numerical model simulating charged dust dynamics in the near-surface daytime plasma environment of Asteroid 433 Eros to the formation of dust deposits in craters. We find that dust tends to collect in craters and regions of shadow. This electrostatic dust transport mechanism may contribute to the formation of smooth dust ponds observed by the NEAR-Shoemaker spacecraft at Eros. The size distribution of transported dust depends on the particle density and work function, and the work function of the surface and solar wind electron temperature and density. With reasonable values for these parameters, μm-sized and smaller particles are levitated at Eros. Micrometeoroid bombardment is not a sufficient source mechanism for electrostatic transport to create the Eros dust ponds. Laboratory measurements of dust in a plasma sheath show that dust launched off the surface by direct electrostatic levitation can provide a sufficient source for transport to produce the observed Eros ponds.
Intraoperative Transfusion of 1 U to 2 U Packed Red Blood Cells Is Associated with Increased 30-Day Mortality, Surgical-Site Infection, Pneumonia, and Sepsis in General Surgery Patients

Background Transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) increases morbidity and mortality in select surgical specialty patients. The impact of low-volume, leukoreduced RBC transfusion on general surgery patients is less well understood. Study Design The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participant use file was queried for general surgery patients recorded in 2005 to 2006 (n = 125,223). Thirty-day morbidity (21 uniformly defined complications) and mortality, demographic, preoperative, and intraoperative risk variables were obtained. Infectious complications and composite morbidity and mortality were stratified across intraoperative PRBCs units received. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess influence of transfusion on outcomes, while adjusting for transfusion propensity, procedure type, wound class, operative duration, and 30+ patient risk factors. Results After adjustment for transfusion propensity, procedure group, wound class, operative duration, and all other important risk variables, 1 U PRBCs significantly (p Conclusions Intraoperative transfusion of PRBCs increases risk for mortality and several morbidities in general surgery patients. These risks, substantial for even 1 U, remain after adjustment for transfusion propensity and numerous risk factors available in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Transfusion for mildly hypovolemic or anemic patients should be discouraged in light of these risks.
Composite Structural Health Monitoring Through Use of Embedded PZT Sensors

The need to understand and monitor the integrity of structural components made of composite materials is becoming critical, due to an increase of the use of composites in aerospace, civil, wind energy, and transportation engineering. Off-the-shelf piezoelectric transducers embedded inside the composites or bonded onto the structure surface are a pos- sible solution for on-line structural health monitoring and non-destructive evaluation: they can be used to generate Lamb waves, which are able to detect damage. This article focuses on the behavior of two sets of woven fiberglass/epoxy specimens, one with embedded, one with surface-mounted piezoelectric wafer transducers (lead zirconate titanate). The specimens are tested under axial tensile fatigue at high stress ratio, and the transducers are interrogated in pitch-catch mode at different stages of the specimens' life, while they are subjected to the mean test load (the testing machine is paused). A novel signal processing technique based on wavelet thresholding/denoising and Gabor wavelet transform is discussed. This technique identifies changes in boundary conditions, loading/unloading prior to damage and during damage. It appears to correlate the contour area changes with the so-called characteristic damage state observed in the literature in composite laminates under tensile fatigue.
Local area networks and the hospital

Hospital information systems are characterized by their complexity of individual functions, heterogeneity of functions, and dependence upon integration. A distributed computerized information system is well suited to meeting the needs of hospitals. A local area communications network (LACN) removes a major impediment to the use of distributed systems. An advanced microprocessor-based LACN using fiberoptic communications has been developed by the Applied Physics Laboratory of The Johns Hopkins University and has been implemented at the University of California, San Francisco Hospital.
Muon spin relaxation and knight shift in the heavy-fermion superconductor UPt 3

Positive muon spin relaxation experiments have been conducted on the heavy-fermion superconductor UPt3 in both the normal and superconducting states for zero, transverse, and longitudinally applied magnetic fields. Below 6 K in zero applied field, the μ+ relaxation rate is approximately twice that expected from195Pt nuclear dipolar relaxation alone. Transverse- and longitudinal-field measurements show that the observe relaxation rate depends on magnetic field and is quasistatic in origin. It is suggested that the onset of very weak (≈10−3 μB/U atom) magnetic ordering below approximately 6 K is responsible for the observed increase in the relaxation rate. μ+ Knight shift measurements in the normal state of UPt3 show a temperature dependent shift Kμ which tracks the bulk susceptibility X. From the Kμ vs. X plot, a μ+ hyperfine field of approximately 100 Oe/μB is extracted.
Magnetic Confinement, Magnetohydrodynamic Waves and Smooth Line Profiles in Active Galactic Nuclei

ABSTRA C T In this paper, we show that if the broad-line region clouds are in approximate energy equipartition between the magnetic field and gravity, as hypothesized by Rees, there will be a significant effect on the shape and smoothness of broad emission-line profiles in active galactic nuclei. Linewidths of contributing clouds or flow elements are much wider than their thermal widths, because of the presence of non-dissipative magnetohydrodynamic waves and their collective contribution produce emission-line profiles broader and smoother than would be expected if a magnetic field were not present. As an illustration, a simple model of isotropically emitting clouds, normally distributed in velocity, is used to show that smoothness can be achieved for less than ,8 10 4 clouds and may even be as low as a few hundred. We conclude that magnetic confinement has far-reaching consequences for observing and modelling active galactic nuclei.
Modeling of Geometric Variations Within a Tolerance-Zone for Circular Runout

The geometric variations in a tolerance-zone can be modeled with hypothetical point-spaces called Tolerance-Maps (T-Maps) for purposes of automating the assignment of tolerances during design. The objective of this paper is to extend this model to represent tolerances on circular runout which limit geometric manufacturing variations to a specified tolerance-zone. Such a zone is an annular area at one transverse cross-section for spherical, conical, or cylindrical objects (features), but it is a short cylinder when the feature is a round or annular segment of a plane. Depending on the kind of feature and the tolerances that are specified for it, the model may be used to represent variations within tolerance-zones for circular runout, size, position, orientation, and form. In this paper, the Tolerance-Map (T-Map) is a hypothetical volume of points that captures all the circular variations that can arise from these tolerances. The model is compatible with the ASME/ANSI/ISO Standards for geometric tolerances. T-Maps have been generated for other classes of geometric tolerances in which the variation of the feature are represented with a plane or line, and these have been incorporated into testbed software for aiding designers when assigning tolerances for assemblies. In this paper the T-Map for circular runout is created and, for the first time, circles are used to represent the geometric variations of a feature in tolerance-zones.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Metastatic uveal melanoma: an ocular melanoma associated antigen in the serum of patients with metastatic disease.

Abstract Two monoclonal antibodies, MAb8-1H and ME491, which bind to different determinants of the same highly glycosylated melanoma-associated antigen, were used to determine melanoma-associated antigen levels in serum samples from patients treated for primary choroidal or ciliary body melanoma and who subsequently developed systemic metastasis. An immunoassay was developed in which ME491 was absorbed to polystyrene beads in order to bind the melanoma-associated antigen present in serum. 125I-MAb8-1H was used to detect the bound antigen. This double-determinant immunoassay is both sensitive and reproducible. Supernatant fluids of tissue cultured melanoma cell lines served as positive standards for the calculation of melanoma-associated antigen units. The mean serum levels of melanoma-associated antigen were 7.7 units for patients with benign ocular conditions, 9.51 units for patients with choroidal melanoma without documented metastatic disease, and 48.3 units for patients with choroidal melanoma and doc...
Late breakdown phenomena investigation with various kinds of contact material

The phenomena of late breakdowns in vacuum interrupters are being discussed for almost twenty years but are still not fully understood and generally controversially discussed. Initially interpreted as a sign of distress of dielectric properties, this phenomenon is considered today an intrinsic behavior of vacuum interrupters than can be mastered to reach highest performances as very low restrike probability circuit breakers up to 40.5 kV. Previous results indicate that the most probable source for late breakdowns is particles released from the internal surfaces in the vacuum interrupter. This paper aims to deepen our understanding of late breakdown by correlating experimental results obtained with a low-energy in-house test circuit and those obtained at higher power test stations with different kinds of contact materials. Emphasis will be given on the experimental work and analysis of performances of various contact material. Explanation to get a better understanding of the late breakdown phenomena will be further given.
An efficient algorithm for some multirow layout problems

Three multirow layout problems are presented: transistor orientation, contact positioning and symbolic-to-shape translation. It is shown that these multirow problems have a common property, called quantitative dependency. Using this property, an optimization technique which is based on a penalty-delay strategy is presented. It is proved that the penalty-delay strategy assures optimality, and that the optimal solution can be obtained in linear time. The algorithmic approach is based on the observation that optimal layout decisions in any region within a cell or a macro depend only on quantitative measures of the decisions in other regions, rather than on their details. This suggests a departure from the traditional approach of handling the different regions separately and combining them afterward into a single unit, an approach that may degrade the quality of the final layout. Instead, the entire macro can be processed at once, taking into account the mutual quantitative dependency between distinguished regions. >
Characterization of mass-transported p-substrate GaInAsP/InP buried-heterostructure lasers with analytical solutions for electrical and thermal resistances

Studies have been carried out to evaluate mass-transported p-substrate GaInAsP/InP buried-heterostructure lasers, which have a number of potential advantages over the more conventional n-substrate lasers. Devices have been fabricated with series resistances as low as 3 Omega , in good agreement with the p-substrate spreading resistance calculated using conformal mapping. A further development of this theory yields simple formulas of thermal resistances of heat generated both in the active region and in the p-InP. The presently fabricated p-substrate lasers also showed CW threshold currents as low as 4.5 mA, differential quantum efficiencies as high as 34% per facet, output powers as high as 33 mW per facet, and a maximum total electrical-to-optical power conversion efficiency of 36%. >
Current issues in the pedagogy of case: “Case” your verbs

Abstract A guiding perspective of this paper is that linguists of the last decade typically have overworked the semantic elements governing the presentation of verbs in teaching, while teachers of English as a Foreign Language have, presumably, underworked these elements in deference to the weight of formalized syntactic structure. The present state of psychological research, and the advent of Cook's Matrix Case Grammar suggest that teachers may now opt toward a viable mean of description and application, spanning these two extremes. The chief contribution of Cook's Matrix Case Grammar as presented here is conceived to be its potential for allowing teachers to “case” the verbs of their languages in a balanced, basic, and interestingly revealing way. A major thrust of this investigation is the identification of a pattern of insufficiency within prior case models which justifies the application of Cook's intuitively pleasing Matrix Case Grammar to practical situations in the teaching of English as a Foreign Language. A survey of the literature of the past decade reveals a series of contributions of pedagogical relevance made by linguists, psycholinguists, and language teachers. These presentations of case grammar, largely based on Fillmore's theory, contain both the hypothetical links, and theoretical gaps sought for the implementation of Cook's model. A sampling of EFL textbooks of this period also reveals consistent inadequacy of verb presentation. Drawing from Cook's theory, the author suggests a rationale in three phases for remediation of such problems. In the paper's appendix, he applies Matrix Case Grammar to reading exercises.
Radiative-lifetime and absolute-oscillator-strength studies for some resonance transitions of Si I, II, and III

Radiative-lifetime studies have been carried out for resonance transitions of silicon I, II, and III in the ultraviolet using an electron-beam phase-shift apparatus. Lifetimes ranging from 0.03 to 220 nsec were determined. Significant discrepancies with earlier results were found for oscillator strengths of certain transitions, e.g., the Si II 1190-1194-\AA{}A multiplet, the SiII 1808-\AA{}A multiplet, and the SiIII 1206-\AA{}A multiplet, which are important transitions in the establishment of the interstellar abundance of silicon. In making these measurements, some very short lifetimes were encountered, requiring that we make strenuous efforts to avoid errors in the reference phase. This led to redeterminations of the radiative lifetimes for the cascade-free transitions in NeII at 462 \AA{}A and in NII at 1085 \AA{}A, with lifetimes of 0.15 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.03 and 3.0 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1 nsec, respectively.
Nerve growth factor and nociception

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is thought of as a target-derived factor responsible for the survival and maintaining the phenotype of specific sets of peripheral and central neurons during development and maturation. Recently, using physiological techniques, we have shown that specific functional types of nociceptive sensory neurons require NGF, first for survival during development in utero and then for their normal phenotypic development (but not survival) in the early postnatal period. In adulthood, the physiological role of NGF changes dramatically and here it may serve as a link between inflammation and hyperalgesia. Despite apparent changes in NGF's mode of action as the animal matures, it always interacts specifically with nociceptive sensory neurons.
Discrimination between oral amobarbital and diazepam effects in rats

Amobarbital (40 mg/kg) and diazepam (8 mg/kg) were orally intubated in 8 male and 8 female rats 60 min before the 10-min discrimination sessions. Presses on different levers, depending on the drug given, were reinforced by food pellets on a 10-sec fixed interval schedule. Within 27 sessions, divided between the 2 drugs, the rats made reliably more than 50% of their presses on the reinforced lever prior to the first food pellets of the session. Additional training sessions included higher doses of both drugs (60–120 mg/kg amobarbital; 12–32 mg/kg diazepam). The amobarbital choice predominated after the high amobarbital doses (80–120 mg/kg) but was close to 50% after all diazepam doses. Response rates were decreased by the highest doses of amobarbital but not diazepam. In a subgroup of 7 high-dose discriminators, the reinforced lever was predominantly chosen after high doses of either drug. In a subgroup of 7 high-dose nondiscriminators, the high diazepam doses induced a majority of amobarbital choices but the high amobarbital doses induced a greater preponderance of amobarbital choices. The discriminative performance by both subgroups indicated qualitatively different effects of the 2 drugs in spite of their similar sedative effects. A low response rate by both subgroups after a lower dose of both drugs and in nondrug tests indicated that both drug effects were distinctively different from the nondrug condition.
Reading Ability: Lexical Quality to Comprehension

The lexical quality hypothesis (LQH) claims that variation in the quality of word representations has consequences for reading skill, including comprehension. High lexical quality includes well-specified and partly redundant representations of form (orthography and phonology) and flexible representations of meaning, allowing for rapid and reliable meaning retrieval. Low-quality representations lead to specific word-related problems in comprehension. Six lines of research on adult readers demonstrate some of the implications of the LQH. First, large-scale correlational results show the general interdependence of comprehension and lexical skill while identifying disassociations that allow focus on comprehension-specific skill. Second, word-level semantic processing studies show comprehension skill differences in the time course of form-meaning confusions. Studies of rare vocabulary learning using event-related potentials (ERPs) show that, third, skilled comprehenders learn new words more effectively and sho...
Recent advance in energy management optimization for microgrid

A typical microgrid (MG) is composed of renewable energy generation systems including distributed energy resources (i.e., wind, photovoltaic etc.), energy storages and local loads. This paper gives a review on recent significant research initiatives carried out regarding energy management optimization of the MG. The idea is to present the basic architecture and regulation techniques of MG, including the forecasting methods of wind and solar generation, different energy storage technologies, the approaches of user management and integrated scheduling methods of the MG. In addition, an applicable scheduling method for MG that will integrate advanced techniques is introduced in this paper.
Three dimensional dynamics of pretwisted beams: A spectral-Tchebychev solution

Abstract This paper presents the application of the spectral-Tchebychev (ST) technique for solution of three-dimensional dynamics of unconstrained pretwisted beams with general cross-section (including both straight and curved cross-sections). In general, the dynamic response of pretwisted beams presents three-dimensional (3D) motions, including coupled bending–bending–torsional–axial motions. As such, accurately solving pretwisted beam dynamics requires a 3D solution approach. In this work, the integral boundary value problem based on the 3D linear elasticity equations is solved numerically using the 3D-ST approach. To simplify evaluation of the volume integrals, the boundaries are simplified by applying two coordinate transformations to render the pretwisted beam with curved cross-section into an equivalent straight beam with rectangular cross-section. Three sample pretwisted beam problems with rectangular, curved, and airfoil cross-sections at different twist rates are solved using the presented approach. In each case, the convergence of the solution is analyzed, and non-dimensional natural frequencies and mode shapes are compared to those from a finite-element (FE) solution. Furthermore, cross-sectional stress and displacements are obtained from the 3D-ST solution. Lastly, the non-dimensional natural frequencies from the 3D-ST and a 1D/2D solutions are compared. It is concluded that the 3D-ST solution can capture the three-dimensional dynamic behavior of pretwisted beams as accurately as an FE solution, but for a fraction of the computational cost. Furthermore, it is shown that 1D/2D solution can lead to significant errors at high twist rates, and thus, the 3D-ST solution should be preferred.
Comparative Effectiveness of Testosterone, Androstenedione and Dihydrotestosterone in Maintaining Mating Behavior in the Castrated Male Hamster

Adult male hamsters were castrated after displaying the full copulatory pattern including ejaculation. Some animals were given control vehicle injections, while others received injections of testosterone, androstenedione or dihydrotestosterone. Animals were tested at the following daily doses of androgen: 1000 µg, 500 µg, 250 µg, 200 µg, 100. µg, 50 µg and 0 µg. Vehicle-treated animals ceased mating a few weeks after castration with the exception of occasional mounting responses. All three androgens maintained mating although to different degrees. Androstenedione was slightly more effective than testosterone and both of these steroids were substantially, more effective than dihydrotestosterone. The data were taken to mean that neither aromatization nor 5α-reduction processes are critical in the androgenic control of mating in this species. (Endocrinology 95: 1674, 1974).
Theory of the upper critical field in graphite intercalation compounds

The temperature dependence of the upper critical field in graphite intercalation compounds, in particular C{sub 8}K, is calculated within a model that assumes that superconductivity in C{sub 8}K arises from a coupling between the {ital s} and {pi} bands. Within this two-band model, the dependence of the critical magnetic field on orientation is also calculated, and a transition from type-II to type-I superconducting behavior is predicted.
Talking Spirituality with Family Members: Black and Latina/o Children Co-researcher Methodologies

Children in public schools challenge people’s conceptions of them by talking about their spiritualities and spiritual practices. Based on a one-year multicultural feminist critical narrative inquiry, this article examines how Black and Latina/o first grade children co-researchers interview family members to think about their beliefs, encourage others, and to acquire more spiritual knowledge. I provide three counterstories in which children choose a mother, an older sister, and a younger brother to interview. These counterstories demonstrate children’s diverse literacies and spiritual practices, and families’ involvement in children’s lives. I discuss implications for educational practices in support of Black and Latina/o children and their families. I highlight ways pedagogical practices can be critiqued and transformed in order to better support children.
Accel-Decel Method of Producing High-Q Low Velocity Ions

The double EN tandem Van de Graaff accelerators at the University of Pittsburgh's Nuclear Physics Laboratory have been used in part since 1978, operating in the 3-stage mode, as a source of highly stripped but low velocity ions for experiments of interest to atomic physics. Much of the work has involved investigating the technical details of this new accel-decel technique and gaining practical experience in operating the accelerators in the acceldecel mode. Decelerations to a final energy a factor of ? 50 less than the stripping energy have been achieved for fully stripped oxygen ions, and some charge exchange measurements on He published, demonstrating the potential of the accel-decel technique for supplying atomic physics with data from a previously unattainable energy and charge state regime. Practical problems encountered and the technical developments leading to these first prototype experiments will be reviewed. Subsequent developmental work, the present status of the project, and future technical plans at Pittsburgh are summarized. Finally, the future possibilities of the accel-decel technique generally are discussed.
Accuracy of Reconstructed Angular Estimates Obtained With the Ariel Performance Analysis System

Background and Purpose. Three-dimensional computerized gait analysis continues to grow in use among physical therapists and other clinical specialists interested in quantitative data regarding human ambulation. This study documented the accuracy of reconstructed angular estimates under static and dynamic conditions using the Ariel Performance Analysis System™. Methods. Angular velocity was systematically increased by raising the release position of a T-shaped pendulum. Angular velocities were examined by releasing the pendulum from four angles (0°-static, 45°, 90°, and 120°). Twelve reference angles were estimated over 20 autodigitized frames for 10 trials at each release position. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) procedures were used to test the hypothesis that the error of angular estimates grows with increasing angular velocity. Results. Mean errors of the reconstructed angles were consistently within ±1.0 degree, regardless of angular velocity. An ANOVA revealed a statistically significant angular velocity effect, characterized by release position. The 90-degree release position produced the greatest error, followed by the 120-, 45-, and 0-degree release positions. The error was not significantly different between the 120- and 45-degree release positions. Intraclass correlation coefficients greater than .90 were found for all frame-to-frame angular velocities, except for the 90-degree release position. The angle estimates consistently underestimated the reference angles, regardless of release position. Conclusion and Discussion. The results suggest that clinically accurate angular estimates can be obtained across the range of angular velocities used in this study.
High temperature superconducting resonators and switches: design, fabrication, and characterization

We report our recent efforts in designs of several RF and microwave devices using high temperature superconducting (HTS) thin film technology. Devices considered include transmission lines, resonators, switches, and phase shifters in microstrip, stripline and coplanar waveguide. The circuit design, modeling, simulation, fabrication, packaging, and testing are discussed. Using a two-dimensional (2-D) EM simulator, we have optimized the geometry of the RF microstrip and stripline resonators for frequencies near 900 MHz. An unloaded Q is obtained as high as 80,000, three orders of magnitude greater than the traditional 2-D gold or copper resonators with identical structures. On-wafer probe and bit-error rate measurements show that the HTS transmission lines have an extremely small insertion loss and dispersion; thus they are ideal candidates for applications in multichip module interconnects and delay lines. A sharp switching characteristic and an unusually strong RF power hysteresis loop have been observed in the HTS lines. This interesting behavior has been utilized for designs of new HTS microwave phase shifters. The use of HTS lines can substantially reduce the losses suffered by conventional PIN diode switches.
An efficient hybrid stochastic/deterministic coarse mesh neutron transport method

Abstract A new incident flux response expansion method has been developed to significantly improve the accuracy of the hybrid stochastic/deterministic co arse me sh t ransport (COMET) method. Additionally, two acceleration techniques are introduced that significantly increase the computational efficiency of the method by several folds. The new expansion method removes singularities associated with the current method that degrade its accuracy and efficiency and ability to solve realistic problems with complexity and size that are inherent in operating commercial reactors. It also enables (paves the way for) the response method to be imbedded in low order transport methods (e.g., diffusion theory) for improving accuracy without degradation in efficiency. In general, the new expansion method also enables efficient and accurate coupling of different deterministic methods (e.g., characteristic to discrete ordinates and in general high order transport to high or low order transport). The new method improvements enable COMET to perform whole-core neutronics analysis in all light and heavy water operating reactors with Monte Carlo fidelity and efficiency that is several orders of magnitude faster than both direct Monte Carlo and fine mesh transport methods. A stylized CANDU-6 core benchmark problem with and without adjuster rods was used to test the accuracy and efficiency of the COMET method in whole (full) core configurations at two coolant states. The benchmark problem consisted of 4560 fuel bundles containing a total of 168,720 fuel pins and 21 adjuster rods. The COMET solutions were compared to direct Monte Carlo (MCNP) reference solutions. It was found that the core eigenvalue, bundle averaged and fuel pin power distributions predicated by COMET agree very well with the MCNP reference solution in all cases when the coarse mesh incident angular flux expansion in the two spatial and two angular (azimuthal and polar) variables is truncated at 4, 4, 2 and 2, respectively. These comparisons indicate that COMET can achieve accuracy comparable to that of the Monte Carlo method with a computational efficiency that is several orders of magnitude better.
The relationship of left ventricular mass and geometry to incident cardiovascular events: the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) study.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of left ventricular (LV) mass and geometry measured with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to incident cardiovascular events in the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) study. Background MRI is highly accurate for evaluation of heart size and structure and has not previously been used in a large epidemiologic study to predict cardiovascular events. Methods A total of 5,098 participants in the MESA study underwent cardiac MRI at the baseline examination and were followed up for a median of 4 years. Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to predict the end points of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and heart failure (HF) after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Results A total of 216 incident events were observed during the follow-up period. In adjusted models, the end points of incident CHD and stroke were positively associated with increased LV mass-to-volume ratio (CHD, hazard ratio [HR]: 2.1 per g/ml, p = 0.02; stroke, HR: 4.2 per g/ml, p = 0.005). In contrast, LV mass showed the strongest association with incident HF events (HR: 1.4 per 10% increment, p Conclusions The LV size was related to incident HF, stroke, and CHD in this multiethnic cohort. Whereas body size-adjusted LV mass alone predicted incident HF, concentric ventricular remodeling predicted incident stroke and CHD.
Evidence for an Additional Base-Pairing Element between the Telomeric Repeat and the Telomerase RNA Template in Kluyveromyces lactis and Other Yeasts

In all telomerases, the template region of the RNA subunit contains a region of telomere homology that is longer than the unit telomeric repeat. This allows a newly synthesized telomeric repeat to translocate back to the 3' end of the template prior to a second round of telomeric repeat synthesis. In the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis, the telomerase RNA (Ter1) template has 30 nucleotides of perfect homology to the 25-bp telomeric repeat. Here we provide strong evidence that three additional nucleotides at positions -2 through -4 present on the 3' side of the template form base-pairing interactions with telomeric DNA. Mutation of these bases can lead to opposite effects on telomere length depending on the sequence permutation of the template in a manner consistent with whether the mutation increases or decreases the base-pairing potential with the telomere. Additionally, mutations in the -2 and -3 positions that restore base-pairing potential can suppress corresponding sequence changes in the telomeric repeat. Finally, multiple other yeast species were found to also have telomerase RNAs that encode relatively long 7- to 10-nucleotide domains predicted to base pair, often with imperfect pairing, with telomeric DNA. We further demonstrate that K. lactis telomeric fragments produce banded patterns with a 25-bp periodicity. This indicates that K. lactis telomeres have preferred termination points within the 25-bp telomeric repeat.
Beyond the Standard Measures: Physical Education's Impact on the Dialogue About Obesity in the 20th Century

As numerous Homans' lecturers have attested, Amy Morris Homans was a significant and visionary leader who set the foundation for women's physical education for the first half of the 20th century. Her reign at the Boston Normal School for Gymnastics (BNSG) was ironclad, and through the BNSG she controlled her student's lives, including their physical appearance. This notion of appropriate vs. inappropriate physical appearance continues to play out in American society today. One of the most significant debates within the profession of physical education, and throughout the nation, is on the topic of obesity. This essay examines how physical education has been cognizant of body weight more than almost any other profession—except for perhaps medicine—over the past 120 years, but appears to have only in recent years jumped on the bandwagon and is joining the chorus of professions who claim that there is a crisis in contemporary America. In addition, it examines the pedagogy of overweight/obesity. That is, how ...
AFRICAN SWINE FEVER VIRUS (ASFV) MULTIGENE FAMILIES 360 AND 530 GENES PROMOTE INFECTED MACROPHAGE SURVIVAL

INTRODUCTION. In the swine host ASFV infects cells of the mononuclear-phagocytic system including fixed tissue macrophages (1). Cytopathological changes consistent with apoptotic cell death, including karyorrhexis and chromatin condensation, have been observed in mononuclear cells in tissues of pigs infected with highly virulent ASFV isolates (2). ASFV infection induced apoptosis in primary swine macrophages in vitro at late time postinfection, a time at which viral replication had already occurred in these cells (3). Thus, transient modulation of infected macrophage survival may be necessary for productive viral replication to occur in this cell type.
Hypoxic exposure time dependently modulates endothelin- induced contraction of pulmonary artery smooth muscle

Endothelins (ETs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. We determined whether hypoxic exposure of rats (10% O2-90% N2, 1 atm, 1–48 days) altered contra...