cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
L1 adaptive control of hysteresis in smart materials

Smart materials display coupling between electrical, magnetic, thermal and elastic behavior. Hence these materials have inherent sensing and actuation capacities. However, the hysteresis inherent to smart materials presents a challenge in control of these actuators/sensors. Inverse compensation is a fundamental approach to cope with hysteresis, where one aims to cancel out the hysteresis effect by constructing a right inverse of the hysteresis. The performance of the inverse compensation is susceptible to model uncertainties and to error introduced by inexact inverse algorithms. We employ a mathematical model for describing hysteresis. On the basis of the hysteresis model, a robust adaptive inverse control approach is presented, for reducing hysteresis. The asymptotic tracking property of the adaptive inverse control algorithm is proved and the issue of parameters convergence is discussed in terms of the reference trajectory. Moreover, suficient conditions under which parameter estimates converge to their true values are derived. Simulations are used to examine the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A note on kernel density estimation with auxiliary information

It is well-known that the method of empirical likelihood can be employed to get sharper inferences on many functionals of the population distribution by making effective use of auxiliary information available in a nonparametric model. In this paper, we show that in the context of estimating a population density function, the modified kernel density estimator which makes use of the knowledge of auxiliary information does not sharpen our inferences on the population density function in the sense that the modified kernel density estimator is first order equivalent to the standard kernel density estimator which does not utilize auxiliary information.
Sequential non-linear least-square estimation for damage identification of structures with unknown inputs and unknown outputs

Abstract The detection of structural damages real-time on-line, based on vibration data measured from sensors, is an important but challenging research topic, and it has received considerable attentions recently. Due to practical limitations, it is highly desirable to install as few sensors as possible in the structural health monitoring system, leading to incomplete measurements of structural responses and excitations. The traditional time-domain analysis techniques, such as the least-square estimation (LSE) method and the extended Kalman filter (EKF) approach, require that all the external excitations (inputs) be available, which may not be the case for most structural health monitoring systems. Recently, the adaptive sequential non-linear least-square estimate (SNLSE) method has been proposed for the on-line identification of structural damages. In this paper, we extend the SNLSE method to cover the general case with unknown (unmeasured) excitations (inputs) and unknown (unmeasured) acceleration responses (outputs) in order to reduce the number of sensors required in the structural health monitoring system, referred to as the SNLSE-UI-UO. Analytic recursive solutions for the new approach are derived and presented. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed approach have been demonstrated using the Phase I ASCE structural health monitoring benchmark building, a 5-degree-of-freedom non-linear hysteretic building model, and a 3-story steel frame finite-element model. Simulation results indicate that the proposed approach is capable of tracking the changes of structural parameters leading to the identification of damages.
Identification of novel genes for secreted and membrane-anchored proteins in human keratinocytes

SummaryBackground Both intercellular and intracellular signals are transduced primarily by interactions of secreted and/or membrane-anchored polypeptides, and they play a pivotal role in regulating proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of keratinocytes within the epidermis. Despite recent identification of these polypeptides, it is likely that several important molecules remain undisclosed. Objectives To identify novel genes encoding secreted or membrane-anchored polypeptides expressed by human keratinocytes. Methods We employed a signal sequence (SS) trap of a 5′-end-enriched cDNA library prepared from primary cultured human keratinocytes. Gene expression analysis was performed using Northern blotting. Results Screening of 4018 cDNA clones yielded 82 positive clones (57 independent genes), most of which encoded SSs in their N-termini. Most of the positive clones were known genes registered in the GenBank database. Seven genes were identified in the EST database, four of which encoded novel membrane-anchored polypeptides with features of type I transmembrane proteins; the other three genes encoded novel non-type I transmembrane polypeptides. These EST genes were expressed differentially by keratinocytes subjected to low vs. high calcium concentrations and by basal vs. squamous cell carcinomas. Conclusions Using the SS trap, we isolated many genes known to be involved in constituting epidermal structures and others that had not previously been associated with keratinocytes. In addition, we identified novel genes (EST genes) that differ in kinetics of gene expression in keratinocyte differentiation. Our results validate the effective use of this SS trap method for identifying secreted and membrane-anchored polypeptides expressed by human keratinocytes. The identification will better illuminate the molecular mechanisms responsible for co-ordinated regulation of epidermal homeostasis.
Longitudinal Prediction of Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: Examination of a Cognitive Vulnerability-Stress Model

Virtually no longitudinal research has examined psychological characteristics or events that may lead to adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). This study tested a cognitive vulnerability-stress model as a predictor of NSSI trajectories. Clinically-referred adolescents (n = 143; 72% girls) completed measures of NSSI, depression, attributional style, and interpersonal stressors during baseline hospitalization. Levels of NSSI were reassessed 3, 6, 9, 15, and 18 months later. Latent growth curve analyses suggested that a cognitive vulnerability-stress interaction significantly predicted increases in NSSI between 9 and 18 months post-baseline. This association remained significant while considering the longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and NSSI; results were not significantly mediated by depressive symptoms at 9 months.
Use of a gamma energy distribution to model the gas chromatographic temperature dependence of solute retention on aryl-siloxane chemically modified porous carbon

Abstract A new equation is derived for the corrected specific retention volume of an infinitely dilute solute on an energetically heterogeneous surface. The equation, which is based on a gamma-type distribution for the adsorption energy, is used to model the temperature dependence of the specific retention volume for benzene chromatographed on four different chemically modified porous carbon adsorbents. Biphasic behavior in plots of the 1n Vs,tvs. 1/T are interpreted in terms of differing energetic heterogeneities of the modified carbons.
La Jolla submarine Fan-Valley

Abstract The submarine fan built into San Diego Trough off La Jolla, California, is creased by a steep-sided valley that “hooks” left, as do most fan-valleys off the western United States. Close-spaced, well-controlled sounding lines have allowed detailed contouring of the feature. Somewhat complex natural levees are quite continuous along the right bank of the valley but poorly developed along the left, except along the outer third of the valley. Terraces are well developed in the central portion of the valley adjacent to the inner channel. They occur intermittently and at variable heights above the floor in the middle portion and are inconspicuous along the outer valley. A landslide origin of most of the terraces seems probable. The La Jolla Fan-Valley differs from many others in lacking distinct distributaries, although remnants may exist along the outer part where the valley merges into San Diego Trough at about 600 fathoms. The precipitous walls on the outer bends of the fan-valley along with the clean sands found under a thin mud layer in the channel are indications of active erosion still intermittently in progress.
Quadratic phase error loss in circular apertures

A very simple expression in closed form has been derived for the loss in gain of a circular aperture suffering quadratic phase error. It is applicable to amplitude distributions that can be approximated by a truncated Gaussian form that tapers to any arbitrary edge value.
Potentiation of monovalent cation effects on ligand binding to cardiac muscarinic receptors in N-ethylmaleimide treated membranes

Guanine nucleotides and monovalent cations decrease the affinity of cardiac muscarinic receptors for agonists and are required for muscarinic receptor mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase. N-ethylmaleimide abolished the effects of Gpp(NH)p on the ability of the agonist oxotremorine to inhibit the binding of the antagonist [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate to purified chick heart membranes. However, the effects of NH4+ to decrease the IC50 for oxotremorine were retained in N-ethylmaleimide treated membranes. The N-ethylmaleimide treatment mimicked the effects of Gpp(NH)p and the oxotremorine inhibition curves obtained with treated membranes in the presence of NH4+ were identical to those obtained in control membranes in the presence of NH4+ and Gpp(NH)p. The results suggest that monovalent cation effects on muscarinic receptors are mediated at a site distinct from effects produced by guanine nucleotides and are greater on free receptors than on receptors coupled to guanine nucleotide binding proteins.
Simplification of the procedure for determining erythrocyte glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity

The in vitro assay procedure for erythrocyte glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD) entails the suspension of cells in a hypotonic hemolyzing solution followed by a freeze-thaw step, presumably to elute the enzyme from the membrane phase. Data outlined in this report indicate that the freezing and thawing of red cells suspended in hypotonic solution does not cause significant elution of this enzyme from the membrane and that the accessibility of the enzyme for the in vitro procedure for measurement can be simplified by omitting the freeze-thaw step.
Effect of uninephrectomy on glomerulotubular functional-structural balance in the dog

Effect of uninephrectomy on glomerulotubular functional-structural balance in the dog. Measurements of glomerular filtration (C IN ), tubular glucose reabsorption (Tm G ) and nephron dimensions were made in dogs to determine if the compensatory adjustments in the surviving kidney following uninephrectomy affect individual nephrons and the nephron population uniformly. Both C IN and Tm G increased proportionately within two to four days after nephrectomy in five dogs. Repeated measurement showed C IN and Tm G levelling off after two weeks in two and after 56 days in the third, 30.9 to 82.8% and 28.5 to 72.9%, respectively, above control values. The relationship between filtered load and tubular reabsorption of glucose remained entirely normal throughout with no evidence of significant "splay". A statistically significant correlation was obtained between glomerular surface area (GS) and the volume of the attached proximal convoluted tubule in random samples of nephrons isolated by microdissection from two control kidneys and from kidneys removed 4 days, 68 days, 156 days and four years after uninephrectomy. The volume of the proximal convolutions was significantly increased above control (renal weight-control, 24.9 g vs. hypertrophic, 29.5 g) without change in GS. It was concluded that the nephron population is uniformly affected while hemodynamic adjustments of glomerular filtration correct the glomerulotubular imbalance potentially inherent in the structural disproportionalities of compensatory hypertrophy.
Letter by Shang Regarding Article, “Relative Contributions of Sympathetic, Cholinergic, and Myogenic Mechanisms to Cerebral Autoregulation”

The recent publication by Hamner and Tan, titled Relative Contributions of Sympathetic, Cholinergic, and Myogenic Mechanisms to Cerebral Autoregulation,1 was of great interest to our group. They analyzed the relationship between specific physiological mechanisms of autoregulation and the overall cerebral pressure–flow relationship. Using projection pursuit regression analysis and ANCOVA decomposition, they were able to analyze the relative contribution of sympathetic, cholinergic, and myogenic mechanisms to cerebral autoregulation, which accounted for 62% of the total cerebral pressure–flow relationship. However, 38% of the cerebral pressure–flow relationship was unexplained. The possible contribution of intrinsic mechanical vessel properties to the cerebral pressure–flow relationship was investigated by testing the pressure–flow relationship on human brachial artery after blockage of sympathetic control. They found that the pressure–flow relationship was mostly linear. Similar linear responses …
The Possible Origin of Mucus Jets Used for Immobilizing Prey in Species of Euchirella (Copepoda, Calanoida, Aetideidae). I. Theoretical Considerations in Relation To Swimming and Feeding Behaviour

The origin of jets of mucus produced in raptorial feeding by species of Euchirella has previously been related to two distinct types of glandular pores in the oral cavity, viz., to urn-shaped and to tubular pores, respectively. The dimensions of both types of integumental organs present no theoretical clues, however, as to which type would be better suited to extrude masses of mucous secretion with hydrodynamic properties such as required to travel some definite distance through the water on their own.
Butterflies and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program Filter Strips: Landscape Considerations

Filter strips or buffers are areas of grass or other perennial herbaceous vegetation established along waterways to remove contaminants and sediments from agricultural field runoff. In the heavily cultivated regions of the Midwestern United States, these buffer zones established under the Farm Bill provide important habitat for wildlife such as butterflies. The question of how the landscape context of these plantings influences their use has not been adequately researched. We used multiple regression and Akaike's Information Criteria to determine how habitat width and several landscape-level factors (i.e., landscape composition [total herbaceous cover, amount of developed area, and amount of wooded cover] and configuration [herbaceous edge density]) influenced the abundance and diversity of the butterfly community using filter strips in southwestern Minnesota, USA. Habitat-sensitive butterfly abundance and all richness and diversity measures were positively correlated with filter-strip width. Butterfly abundance was negatively associated with the amount of developed areas (cities, towns, and roads) within the area of a 1-km radius (3.14 km2) surrounding the sites. Percentage of wooded cover in the landscape was an important variable explaining individual species abundance, although the direction of the relationship varied. Our finding that landscape context influences butterfly use of filter strips highlights the importance of landscape-level approaches to wildlife conservation in agroecosystems.
Coupled heat and mass transfer by natural convection from a horizontal line source in saturated porous medium

Abstract A boundary-layer analysis of coupled heat and mass transfer from a line source in saturated porous medium is reported in this paper. The boundary layer equations are shown to have solutions of similarity form for power-law variation of center-line temperature and concentration. Closed-form solutions are presented for the special case of Le = 1. The equations are numerically integrated for a range of Lewis number and buoyancy ratio, for aiding and opposing buoyancy effects.
A family of oligo-adenylate-terminated transposable sequences in Drosophila melanogaster.

Five members of the F family of transposable elements in Drosophila melanogaster have been characterized. Together with earlier work, these experiments lead to the following conclusions. There are about 50 copies of F elements in the genome located at about 25 euchromatic sites and in the chromocenter. Three of the cloned F elements have a length of 4·7×10 3 bases, the other two are truncated at their left ends by 0·4×10 3 and 1·3×10 3 bases. The shortest F element has been found in a recently arisen revertant of the white ivory mutation. All F elements terminate at their right ends in a stretch of 12 to 30 A residues. A polyadenylation signal (A-A-T-A-A-A) precedes this terminus. Analysis of homologous DNA regions derived from two different strains of D. melanogaster containing F elements (filled sites) or lacking F elements (empty sites) showed that F insertions lead to the generation of target site duplications of 8 to 13 base-pairs. The five target sites analyzed differ in sequence but show a low level of homology. F elements do not contain internal repeats and, in particular, they lack the terminal redundancy characteristic of many other transposable elements. We compare F elements with other oligo(A)-terminated sequences, specifically the Alu sequences and processed pseudogenes of mammals. The presence of an oligo(A) stretch and of a polyadenylation signal raises the possibility that F elements transpose by a mechanism that involves transcription and reverse transcription followed by reinsertion into the genome.
One-and-a-half syndrome, type II

Objective: To describe a second type of the one-and-a-half syndrome in which adduction rather than abduction of one eye is the preserved horizontal movement. Design and Patient Setting: A patient experiencing mucormycosis of the cavernous sinus suffered a sixth-nerve palsy and simultaneous carotid artery occlusion with infarction and a contralateral horizontal gaze palsy. Results: The patient experienced an eye movement syndrome with complete paralysis of horizontal eye movement in the ipsilateral eye and paralysis of horizontal eye movement in one direction, in this case abduction due to the gaze palsy, in the contralateral eye. Adduction of the contralateral eye was the only remaining horizontal eye movement. Conclusion: A lesion in the cavernous sinus producing occlusion of the internal carotid artery and a sixth-nerve palsy may produce a second type of one-and-a-half syndrome. Adduction rather than abduction of one eye is the preserved horizontal eye movement. This combination of eye movement deficits is unlikely to be produced by a lesion in any other location. Mucormycosis, with its propensity to produce vascular occlusion, is a likely, although not specific, cause.
Anticipation – the underlying science of sport. Report on research in progress

Professional sport practitioners intuitively acknowledge anticipation. Sports researchers sometimes discuss it. Still, there is little data-based evidence to characterize the role anticipation plays in human performance. Even less documented is the distinction between reaction and anticipation. This text presents the real-time quantification environment developed as an AnticipationScope™. Based on a very large data harvest from this experimental set-up, hypotheses regarding the role of anticipation in sport are advanced. The conclusion is that while preparation and reaction play an important role in sports performance, in the final analysis anticipation distinguishes the professional from other sport practitioners. Work in progress is presented with the aim of engaging the community of researchers in the design of alternative methods for quantifying anticipation and for processing the data. Generalization from sport to human performance is one of the intended outcomes of this research.
Streaming dielectrophoresis for continuous-flow microfluidic devices

This article describes the engineering development of a continuous-flow, selective particle filter/concentrator that works by a competition between dielectrophoresis (DEP) and electrokinesis (EK) in a microfluidic circuit. It was shown that a broad range of devices can used ideal EK and DEP in a variety of modes. Because these transport mechanisms are proportional to different powers of the electric field, the devices can be tuned at run time to select different classes of particles and even to switch flow regimes from streaming to trapping dielectrophoresis by varying the applied voltage. As observed experimentally and numerically, streaming dielectrophoresis is a novel flow regime for device development. It can be coherently reinforced within a patterned array to produce strong particle "depletion" and "enhancement" effects.
Integration of CREB and bHLH transcriptional signaling pathways through direct heterodimerization of the proteins: role in muscle and testis development.

The cAMP response element binding protein/activating transcription factor (CREB/ATF) family of transcription factors is hormone responsive and critical for nearly all mammalian cell types. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors is important during the development and differentiation of a wide variety of cell types. Independent studies of the role of the bHLH protein scleraxis in testicular Sertoli cells and paraxis in muscle development using yeast-2-hybrid screens provided the novel observation that bHLH proteins can directly interact with ATF/CREB family members. Analysis of the interactions demonstrated the helix-loop-helix domain of bHLH proteins directly interacts with the leucine zipper (ZIP) region of CREB2/ATF4 to form heterodimers. The direct bHLH–CREB2 binding interactions were supported using co-immunoprecipitation of recombinant proteins. Structural analysis of bHLH and ATF4 heterodimer using previous crystal structures demonstrated the heterodimer likely involves the HLH and Zip domains and has the potential capacity to bind DNA. Transfection assays demonstrated CREB2/ATF4 over-expression blocked stimulatory actions of scleraxis or paraxis. CREB1 inhibited MyoD induced myogenic conversion of C3H10T1/2 cells. CREB2/ATF4 and scleraxis are expressed throughout embryonic and postnatal testis development, with scleraxis specifically expressed in Sertoli cells. ATF4 and scleraxis null mutant mice both had similar adult testis phenotypes of reduced spermatogenic capacity. In summary, bHLH and CREB family members were found to directly heterodimerize and inhibit the actions of bHLH dimers on Sertoli cells and myogenic precursor cells. The observations suggest a mechanism for direct cross-talk between cAMP induced and bHLH controlled cellular differentiation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1637–1652, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Alterations in TRH receptors in temporal lobe of schizophrenics: A quantitative autoradiographic study

We utilized quantitative autoradiography to determine the distribution of receptors for thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) throughout the human temporal lobe and to examine the distribution of these receptors in discrete subregions of the temporal lobe from patients diagnosed premortem with schizophrenia. When compared to non-neurologic controls, schizophrenic patients demonstrated an increase of 51% in the concentration of TRH receptors in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. Within nuclei of the schizophrenic amygdala, marked decreases were found in the central (44%), medial (38%), cortical (36%), accessory cortical (52%), lateral (54%), and medial basal (22%) nuclei. We also examined postmortem brain samples from patients with Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease for alterations in the distribution of TRH receptors. No significant differences from non-neuropsychiatric controls were noted within the hippocampus in any of these disease states; however, slight alterations were noted in the central and medial basal amygdala in Huntington's disease and in the cortical amygdala in Alzheimer's disease. These disease-specific findings suggest that TRH may play a role in the neurochemical dysfunction of schizophrenia. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous analysis of selenate and selenite by single-column ion chromatography

A rapid, selective and sensitive method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of selenate [Se(VI)] and selenite [Se(IV)] at trace levels by single-column ion chromatography. p-Hydroxybenzoic acid (4 mM) at pH 8.0 was used as the eluent. A low capacity resin-based anion-exchange column was employed for the separation with conductometric detection for quantification. The method requires minimal sample pretreatment. Resolution (Rs) between Se(VI)/Se(IV) was 6.76. Chloride, nitrate and sulfate did not interfere with selenium separation. The detection limits for Se(VI) and Se(IV) were 0.06 μg/ml and 0.110 μg/ml, respectively. The relative standard deviation using a 500-μl loop was 0.90 to 1.86% for Se(VI) and Se(IV), respectively. The method was applied to analyze seleniferous soil samples.
Effect of Pre-Aging Strain on Mercury Embrittlement of 2024 Aluminum Alloy

Examen de la microstructure et des caracteristiques de traction dans l'air et dans le mercure de l'alliage 2024 dans differents etats de traitement thermique (etirage de 1.2 a 1.5% + vieillissement 12 heures a 463K; Vieillissement seul de 12 heures a 463K). Influence du milieu d'essai.
Hemoglobin versus ADAMTS13

Comment on Studt et al, page [542][1] Free hemoglobin inhibits ADAMTS13 activity in vitro, demonstrating a potential source of artifact affecting ADAMTS13 activity assays and inhibitor screens. Deficiency of the ADAMTS13 metalloprotease causes thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The rare
The innovation pump: supporting creative processes in collaborative engineering

The pervasive expansion of computers and internet has change the way people collaborate. Cybercollaboratories for collaborative engineering in form of web boards, blogs, e-mails, and instant messaging have become de facto mainstream communication channels. This paper reviews the new framework set after these technologies and presents how collaborative creativity and innovation can be modelled and supported using computational models. The paper continues presenting an innovation-support model based on the usage of genetic algorithms as computational metaphors of human innovation. The paper also discuses the results achieved using the proposed technologies in real-world collaborative creative processes.
Effect of closed-loop transfer function pole and zero locations on the transient response of linear control systems

THE ROOT LOCUS methods have in recent years gained a widespread popularity among control engineers engaged in the work of both analysis and synthesis. The reason for this is rather obvious; the root locus techniques give the system designer more information of the kind in which he is interested when analyzing a given system; when he is synthesizing a control network, these techniques permit him to build the desired characteristics into the system in a much more direct fashion than did the old frequency response techniques. The basis for this statement is that in the large majority of control systems, the transient, not the frequency, response is of overshadowing importance.
The Case for Mobile Two-Factor Authentication

User authentication is a core building block of any secure collaborative computing system. And, because of the enhanced interaction between mobile applications and Web ser vices, mobile device user authentication is even more frequent.
Development and Initial Validation of the Coalitional Mate Retention Inventory

Mate retention behaviors are designed to reduce the likelihood of partner infidelity and relationship termination. Measures of mate retention historically have focused on individual mate retention—behaviors that individuals perform alone. The current research explores coalitional mate retention (CMR)—mate retention with assistance from allies. Using an act nomination procedure, we constructed the CMR Inventory (CMRI) to assess specific CMR behaviors. In study 1, participants (n = 100) provided open-ended responses in which they nominated CMR behaviors. In study 2, participants (n = 387) provided frequency reports on the 44 CMR behaviors identified in study 1. We conducted principal component analyses to guide construction of the CMRI, which assesses seven components of CMRI: manipulation (e.g., “got my partner drunk to see what my partner said”), praise (e.g., “said nice things about me when my partner and other people were around”), vigilance (e.g., “observed how my partner acted around people interested in my partner”), monopolizing time (e.g., “accompanied my partner to a party”), therapy (e.g., “told my partner how much I liked my partner”), gifts (e.g., “told me what gifts my partner wanted”), and violence (e.g., “hit someone who was flirting with my partner”). Discussion highlights the limitations of focusing exclusively on individual mate retention and the importance of considering alliances when researching mate retention.
Effects of the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor phenylarsine oxide on excision-activated calcium channels in Lymnaea neurons

Abstract Most calcium channels are tightly regulated, closed in the resting cell, and open only in response to specific physiological signals such as depolarization or binding of a particular ligand. In addition, calcium permeable channels which can be activated experimentally by excising a small patch of plasma membrane from the cell have been described in several preparations, including neurons and cardiac muscle. Little is known about possible physiological regulators of these channels. We examined an excision-activated calcium channel from neurons of the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis . This channel, the ‘HP channel’, is divalent selective and voltage-independent. In this report, we show that excision activation can occur very rapidly (within 200–400 ms after patch excision), and that this activity can be at least partially inhibited by `cramming' the isolated membrane patch back into the cell's cytoplasm. We also show that excision activation is inhibited in cells which have been pretreated with inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases, either pervanadate (0.5 mM) or phenylarsine oxide (1–7 μM). The effect of phenylarsine oxide is not seen in cells which have been pretreated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein or herbimycin A). The results suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation signalling pathways may play a role in the physiological regulation of these channels.
The hippo's tale: how the anatomy and physiology of Late Neogene Hexaprotodon shed light on Late Neogene environmental change

Abstract Modern hippopotamuses are strongly dependent on permanent water because of the structure and properties of their skin, and because they forage on vegetation located close to watercourses. In the fossil record of Asia, the disappearance of hippopotamids (best represented by Hexaprotodon sivalensis) during the late Neogene and Pleistocene was due to a dramatic increase in seasonal patterns of rainfall and river flow, which would have resulted in many river systems being dry for months of the year. The lack of permanent water resulted in the disappearance of He. sivalensis from Asia. Heightened seasonality of rainfall resulted from an intensification of the winter and summer monsoons during the period between 3.6 and 2.6 Ma. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of hippopotamuses to the availability of permanent water, well-established dates for the last appearance of He. sivalensis in Asian fossil sequences can be used as direct indicators of the onset of highly seasonal patterns of rainfall and river flow.
Effect of Ligand Structure on Formation and DNA Binding Properties of the Transformed Rat Cytosolic Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor

The saturation binding of transformed rat hepatic aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor with [{sup 32}P]-dioxin responsive element was determined using gel mobility shift assays. The assay was carried out with ligands which exhibit both high and low Ah receptor agonist activity, namely: (high) 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, and 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran; and (low) 1,2,7,8-TCDF, 2,3,7-trichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and 6-methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF). Woolf plot analysis of the saturation binding data revealed that for the concentrations of ligands used in this study the B{sub max} values for the high-affinity ligands were significantly higher (36.9-39.4 fmol/mg) than observed for the low-affinity ligands (6.15-13.8 fmol/mg). In contrast, there was not a structure-dependent trend in the equilibrium constant for dissociation K{sub D} values or in the half-lives (t{sub 1/2}) for decomposition of the transformed receptor complexes. MCDF, a partial Ah receptor agonist/antagonist, also transformed by the cytosolic Ah receptor and inhibited TCDD-induced transformation as determined by gel mobility shift assays. However, the diagnostic value of this assay to detect partial Ah receptor antagonists is questionable since similar results were obtained with 1,2,7,8-TCDF, a ligand which does not exhibit partial antagonist activity.
Critical Roles of the Stratiform Rainfall in Sustaining the Madden–Julian Oscillation: GCM Experiments*

Abstract This study assesses the impact of stratiform rainfall (i.e., large-scale rainfall) in the development and maintenance of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) in a contemporary general circulation model: ECHAM4 AGCM and its coupled version. To examine how the model MJO would change as the stratiform proportion (the ratio of the stratiform versus total rainfall) varies, a suite of sensitivity experiments has been carried out under a weather forecast setting and with three 20-yr free integrations. In these experiments, the detrainment rates of deep/shallow convections that function as a water supply to stratiform clouds were modified, which results in significant changes of stratiform rainfall. Both the forecast experiments and long-term free integrations indicate that only when the model produces a significant proportion (≥30%) of stratiform rainfall can a robust MJO be sustained. When the stratiform rainfall proportion becomes small, the tropical rainfall in the model is dominated by drizzle-like r...
Are there cytopathic features associated with cytomegalovirus infection predictive of resistance to antiviral therapy

Recent awareness of the broader spectrum of morphologic changes induced by cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection prompted us to investigate whether the concurrent introduction of effective antiviral therapy is in some way related to the appearance of atypical cytopathic features. These changes may be easily misinterpreted on histologic examination as reactive or degenerative. In addition, since resistant strain to antiviral therapy has emerged and its demonstration is a laborious process performed in highly specialized laboratories, it is important to determine if resistance to antiviral drugs can be predicted from the microscopic examination of infected tissues. The population consisted of seven immunosuppressed patients with documented CMV infection from which 18 tissue samples were obtained at autopsy or endoscopically. Antiviral susceptibility to ganciclovir was determined by plaque reduction assay and/or a DNA-DNA hybridization method. Eleven tissue specimens from patients harboring resistant strains were compared with seven specimens from patients infected with sensitive strains. Cytopathic changes were classified as typical or atypical according to previously published criteria. Of the 18 biopsy specimens, the cytopathic changes were distributed as follows: typical 1, typical and atypical 5, and atypical 12. Atypical inclusions were found in 10 of 11 and 7 of 7 sensitive and resistant cases, respectively. In conclusion, there are no specific morphologic features in CMV-infected tissues of patients with infections caused by ganciclovir resistant strains.
Platelet‐derived growth factor in fibrous musculoskeletal disorders: A study of pathologic tissue sections and in vitro primary cell cultures

Despite the great variability in the clinical behavior of fibrous lesions of the musculoskeletal system, they are composed of cytologically similar fibrocytes. Receptors for estrogen or progesterone, or both, are present in some of these lesions and some increase their rate of growth during periods of high levels of sex steroid hormones. The platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) proto-oncogene encodes the B chain of PDGF, a mitogen for fibrocytes. Tissue from aggressive fibromatosis, fibrous dysplasia, plantar fibromatosis, and recurrent plantar fibromatosis was analyzed with use of the polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization for the expression of PDGF-B and PDGF beta receptor. Cell culture was used to determine if estrogen and progesterone stimulation modulated the expression of PDGF-B. Aggressive fibromatosis, fibrous dysplasia, and recurrent plantar fibromatosis expressed PDGF-B; plantar fibromatosis, normal plantar fascia, normal fascia lata, and mature scar did not. All of the tissues expressed PDGF beta receptor. The level of expression in aggressive fibromatosis and fibrous dysplasia was four times that in the recurrent plantar fibromatosis. Estrogen and progesterone stimulation in aggressive fibromatosis resulted in an increase in the level of expression. Therefore, the detection of PDGF-B may be an adjunct in the pathologic identification of locally invasive lesions. Its production may be a common mechanism leading to a fibroproliferative response through deregulation of the control of growth by both paracrine and autocrine mechanisms.
Applying systems theory to project management problems

Abstract A systems study carried out in a medium-sized electronics manufacturing company is described. The ‘system’ in this case was for the provision of project management services. The aim of this paper is to determine that ‘soft’ systems analysis techniques are essential project management tools. The ‘soft’ systems approach is typically applied to unstructured problem situations, the kind most commonly found in ‘organization and management’ type conflicts. These difficulties are typically identified by a chief executive or a director who perceives that something is going wrong — that some sort of problem exists. The soft systems approach adopted to tackle this problem is that proposed by Peter Checkland. It was found to be the most applicable to the problem situation. The approach is a process of enquiry which considers organizational structure, functions, processes, and the climate or environment in which the problem resides. The significant conclusion of the study was that it caused senior management to view the problem in a new way. This resulted in the company establishing an independent Project Management Services Group.
Money illusion: The importance of household time use in social policy making

The paper discusses the reasons for and the implications of the fact that social science does not adequately measure the uses of time or the products of its use. This is called a “money illusion” because typically we focus on the monetary component of many issues, ignoring the equally important time component because it is difficult to quantify. This money illusion affects policy decisions, which are based on faulty or less than complete information. The paper details several examples, including measuring income growth and its distribution; assessing poverty status; calculating family investments in children; setting child support guidelines; assessing the benefits of marriage; and understanding adult sexual behavior.
Prehospital Treatment of Acute Asthma in a Rural State

Background Acute asthma exacerbations can be life threatening and are recognizable to emergency medical service (EMS) personnel; however, the therapies and medications which these emergency service personnel can use to treat exacerbations are limited. Several studies have demonstrated the effective use of β 2 -agonist therapy in the treatment of patients complaining of wheezing or dyspnea, yet few EMS personnel can administer them. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine what therapeutic interventions emergency personnel around the state of New Mexico could use when responding to a call for a severe asthma exacerbation. Methods Questionnaires were distributed over a period of 3 years, 1992-1994, to all Emergency Service Agencies in New Mexico. Results Eighty percent of the emergency medical personnel administer oxygen to patients experiencing acute asthma exacerbations. Seventeen percent of EMS personnel administer epinephrine, 4% administer steroids, and only 23% administer β 2 agonists. Only in more populated areas were EMS personnel allowed to administer β 2 agonists, and those personnel had to have at least intermediate-level training. Most emergency response teams in the state consisted of EMT Basics and provided only basic life support services. In rural New Mexico, transport to a hospital can often take over one hour, which left EMS crews feeling helpless. Conclusions We conclude that due to the rural nature of New Mexico, EMS personnel should be trained in the use of β 2 agonists and allowed to administer them to patients with acute asthma exacerbations. In addition, standard protocols for the pre-hospital management of acute asthma exacerbations should be instituted.
The dynamics of lawmaking in a bicameral legislature: The case of Brazil

This article analyzes legislative performance in a nascent presidential bicameral democracy, taking Brazil as a case. The author argues that the timing and outcomes of legislative production are functions of bicameral incongruence, types of bicameralism, sequence of examination, and legislative bargaining. These hypotheses are tested using a new legislative data set from Brazil that covers over 3,000 bills submitted to the National Congress since 1988. Event history analyses of these bills show that presidential bicameral (coalitional) majorities, presidential elections, initiation by the lower house, and bills proposing provisional changes raise the chances of a bill's approval. The results also indicate that the effects of many of these variables are time dependent. In contrast, bicameral incongruence, symmetric bicameralism, and legislative elections either raise the risks of a bill's rejection or delay the timing of its approval. Economic crises increase legislative activities in general in both appro...
Gender, Lineage, and Fertility-Related Outcomes in Ghana

A growing literature examines the empirical relationship between the joint reproductive preferences of marital partners and reproductive outcomes in Africa. Less explored is how spousal power in decision making may be influenced by lineage type. Using pooled data from Ghana, we investigate how lineage affects gendered reproductive decision outcomes and find some evidence that matrilineal women are more able than nonmatrilineal women to translate their reproductive preferences into action consistent with their goals.
Vibrational and thermodynamic properties of MgSiO3 postperovskite

[1] Phonon dispersions and vibrational density of states of MgSiO3 postperovskite, the new high-pressure phase of MgSiO3 perovskite, are calculated as a function of pressure up to 180 GPa using density-functional perturbation theory. The calculated frequencies are then used to determine the thermal contribution to the Helmholtz free energy within the quasi-harmonic approximation. The equation of state and several thermodynamic properties of interest are derived and compared with those of perovskite. The overall thermodynamic properties of postperovskite are almost the same as those of perovskite under its stability conditions.
Reduced Mercury Vapor Release from Dental Amalgams Prepared with Binary Hg-In Liquid Alloys

For the past ten years, the amounts of mercury vapor released from dental amalgams and the possibility of side-effects caused by these amounts have been discussed. Although no adverse health effects have been substantiated from these minute amounts, besides rare cases of allergies, this release should be reduced. The aim of this study was to reduce the mercury evaporation from a high-copper amalgam during setting by triturating the alloy powder with binary Hg-In liquid alloys having various indium concentrations set at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt%. Specimens (n = 4) were made for each amalgam according to ANSI/ADA Specification #1 and placed into a measuring chamber kept at 36.5 ± 0.5'C, through which a continuous air flow of 0.75 L/min was pumped. The total mercury release was measured during the setting period, according to the method described by Ferracane et al. (1992). Four additional specimens were prepared from a modified 14% Indisperse amalgam powder for the purpose of comparison. The results ...
Women's philanthropic leadership: How is it different?

Based on the author's research, this chapter gives advice to both volunteers and development professionals about better using women's unique leadership qualities.
Design of modular field programmable analog array hardware for analysis of large power systems

In this work, the authors examine design and implementation of modular field-programmable analog array (FPAA) hardware for emulation of multi-bus power system dynamic behavior. The objective is to develop this hardware such that it facilitates the study of large power systems via increased operator (aka. component) density and application-specific design adaptation. This paper focuses on modularity and system structure, scalability and actuation / data acquisition, as well as board fabrication; it represents an extension of the authors' previous work in the field of FPAA technology and power system emulation.
Integrating robot manipulator control into PASCAL

Manipulator motion and end-effector commands are integrated into PASCAL by means of two real-time event-driven asynchronous processes. Communication and synchronization between processes is by means of procedures and global variables. Homogeneous transforms and transform equations, which form the basis of robot manipulator task descriptions, are represented by records and linked dynamic variables. Combining a robot manipulator control system, based on homogeneous transformation, with a general purpose programming language results in an extremely powerful robot control system which is simple to understand and would be easy to develop.
Methanolysis as a model reaction for oligosaccharide synthesis of some 6-substituted 2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-D-galactopyranosyl derivatives

Abstract In the methanolysis of some 2,3,4-tri- O -benzyl- D -galactopyranosyl derivatives, the nature of the C-6 substituent appears to have minor influence on the steric outcome of the reaction compared with the effects of solvent and the nature of the leaving group at C-1. Different combinations of experimental parameters have given methyl glycosides mixtures, the compositions of which vary between 0–70% of α-anomer. Attempts to prepare oligosaccharides from 6- O -substituted 2,3,4-tri- O -benzyl- D -galactopyranosyl derivatives have shown methanolysis to be a less satisfactory model reaction than is the case for the D -glucose series, even when the alcohol and glycosyl derivative are in near equivalent quantities.