cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systematic construction of equations of motion for rigid‐flexible multibody systems containing open and closed kinematic loops

A systematic method for formulating the equations of motion for multibody systems containing rigid and flexible bodies is presented. The method of using joint co-ordinates to derive the minimum number of equations of motion is utilized for rigid bodies and the finite element method is employed for flexible bodies. The equations of motion for flexible bodies are simplified into several steps using (a) a lumped mass assumption, (b) static condensation and (c) modal superposition. The combined rigid and flexible body formulation can be used to simulate dynamic response in a variety of applications such as ride handling, rollover and the crash analysis of vehicles, space structures, and biomechanical problems.
The value of entrepreneurship to recent engineering graduates: A qualitative perspective

Engineering students are increasingly being exposed to entrepreneurship education and activities as a part of their academic programs in order to equip them with the knowledge and skills increasingly valued in today's economy. Data collected from a large sample of senior-year engineering students as part of an NSF-funded study titled “Entrepreneurship Education and its Impact on Engineering Student Outcomes: The Role of Program Characteristics and Faculty Beliefs,” suggested that these experiences increased students' perceived self-efficacy for entrepreneurship and their intention to pursue entrepreneurial careers. This study expands on the results of previous research by conducting post-graduation interviews with recent engineering alumni who were exposed to entrepreneurship education and/or related activities. Telephone interviews were conducted with alumni who had graduated within the past 2-5 years. The study finds that engineering graduates place high value on their entrepreneurship education and the benefits that it has brought to their careers.
Step responses for two-dimensional electromagnetic models

Abstract We have computed the magnetic field step response for a 2-D body in a conductive host via numerical modeling. The numerical method for computing the step response is a modified version of our previous finite difference scheme that computes the impulse response. By comparing the responses of a suite of models, we observe that basically the step and the impulse responses are affected by the host in a similar manner; a homogeneous host delays and attenuates the peak responses, and a conductive overburden accentuates those effects even more. Both the step and impulse response exhibit similar shape of profiles and ability to detect a target. However, the step response exhibits profiles with a smaller dynamic range, and a detectability window that occurs earlier than the impulse response. As a result, measurements of step response require less time, which makes data collection more efficient, and which may minimize natural noise contamination. At early times, the step response of a good conductor stands out, while its impulse response is buried in noise. Therefore, the step response may have some practical advantages over the impulse response, especially for interpretation of a complex model. The late-time decay of 2-D response is closer to a power law than to an exponential. Although it has some limitations, the 2-D modeling is still useful for interpretation.
New Estimates of the Demand for Urban Green Space: Implications for Valuing the Environmental Benefits of Boston’s Big Dig Project

Parks and open spaces enhance the quality of life in urban areas. Over the last 15 years, the city of Boston has sponsored the most expensive urban infrastructure project in history. This project r...
Rapid Screening to Identify Unusual Thermal Starch Traits from Bulked Corn Kernels

ABSTRACT Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is used routinely to screen for starch thermal properties. In early generations of line development, the established analysis separately evaluates starch extracted from five, single corn kernels. A thermal property trait carried by a recessive gene would appear 25% of the time; thus, if five separate kernels were evaluated, the likelihood of detecting an unusual thermal trait is high. The objective of the current work was to expedite selection by examining five kernels at a time, instead of one, hypothesizing that we would be able to detect different thermal properties in this blend. Corn lines, all from the same genetic background (ExSeed68 or Oh43), with known thermal functions (amylose-extender, dull, sugary-1, sugary-2, and waxy) were blended with normal starch (control) in ratios of 0:5, 1:4, 2:3, 3:2, 4:1, and 5:0, and analyzed with DSC. The values for each ratio within a mutant type were unique (α < 0.01) for most DSC measurements, especially for gel...
Measurement of single chain neutron scattering in concentrated polymer solutions

For some time there have been measurements of single-chain form factors for small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) in bulk polymers and in concentrated solutions. These were done by mixing a fraction of completely deuterated polymer with the normal polymer. Until recently, it was believed that these experiments had to be performed using a small fraction of deuterated polymer to avoid interchain interference effects. However, the work of Williams et al. has shown that these experiments are better if one uses large fractions of marked polymer and determines both the single chain and interference contributions to the SANS cross section. We generalize the technique of Williams et al. somewhat and apply it to the measurement of the radius of gyration of polyisoprene in the bulk.
The Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability: Finite Larmor radius magnetohydrodynamics

A preliminary theoretical and computational study of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in an inhomogeneous plasma is presented using finite Larmor radius magnetohydrodynamic (FLR MHD) theory. We show that FLR effects (1) can increase or decrease the linear growth rate, (2) cause the nonlinear evolution to be asymmetric, and (3) allow plasma ‘blobs’ to detach from the boundary layer. The asymmetric growth and nonlinear evolution depend on the sign of B · Ω where B is the magnetic field and Ω = ▽ × V is the vorticity. The simulation results are qualitatively consistent with the hybrid simulations of Thomas and Winske (1991, 1993) and Thomas (1995). These results suggest that FLR MHD can capture important physical processes on length scales approaching the ion Larmor radius.
PCNDT-an electromagnetic finite element package for personal computers

An integrated finite element package for the solution of magnetostatic and eddy current problems, suitable for use on personal computers, is presented. It can handle general field problems but is particularly applicable to nondestructive-evaluation modelling problems including moving probes. The package consists of an interactive preprocessor, routines for adaptive and nonadaptive mesh generation, bandwidth reduction algorithms, iterative and direct linear solvers, and a postprocessor. A simple expert system shell is used in conjunction with the user input. The main emphasis throughout the package is on useful options, simplification of user input, and minimization of the time needed to define correctly a geometry for finite element analysis. Extensive graphics editing capabilities are provided. >
Do children have a theory of race

In recent years a number of studies have detailed young children's enriched, domain-specific, and theory-like understanding in several cognitive domains, including naive biology, naive psychology, and reasoning about physical objects. With few exceptions, students of cognition have not considered the possibility that the acquisition and representation of social categories may also be governed by a specialized faculty for understanding. Rather, most accounts of children's social categorization assume that the classification of the human realm is derived from observations of superficial differences in appearance and does not include expectations of deeper commonalities among category members. Five experiments are reported that challenge this view. The results indicate that young children's inferences about human racial variation involve domain-specific reasoning that parallels but is distinct from common sense understanding of naive biology. These findings have implications for our understanding of the transfer of knowledge across domains and for determining the appropriate level of description of domain-specific devices.
NaI(Tl) electron energy resolution

Abstract NaI(Tl) electron energy resolution ηe was measured using the Modified Compton Coincidence Technique (MCCT). The MCCT allowed detection of nearly monoenergetic internal electrons resulting from the scattering of incident 662 keV gamma rays within a primary NaI(Tl) detector. Scattered gamma rays were detected using a secondary HPGe detector in a coincidence mode. Measurements were carried out for electron energies ranging from 16 to 438 keV, by varying the scattering angle. Measured HPGe coincidence spectra were deconvolved to determine the scattered energy spectra from the NaI(Tl) detector. Subsequently, the NaI(Tl) electron energy spectra were determined by subtracting the energy of scattered spectra from the incident source energy (662 keV). Using chi-squared minimization, iterative deconvolution of the internal electron energy spectra from the measured NaI(Tl) spectra was then used to determine ηe at the electron energy of interest. ηe values determined using this technique represent variations in light production from monoenergetic electrons, light collection at the photomultiplier tube (PMT) photocathode, photoelectron production, photoelectron collection at the first dynode, and PMT gain, as well as noise from the accompanying electronics. It has been found that the electron energy resolution varies from 24.8% at 16 keV to 6.7% at 438 keV. Results from this study can be used to verify the significance of the different contributions to intrinsic energy resolution.
Direct spectrophotometric observation of ribulese-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase activity

Abstract The catalytic conversion of ribulose biphosphate by ribulosebiphosphate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39) to 3-phosphoglycerate has been measured based on the disappearance of a chromophore of ribulose biphosphate (RuBP) absorbing at 280 nm. The rate of disappearance of this chromophore matches perfectly with the rate of appearance of 3-phosphoglycerate as measured by 14 CO 2 assay. The rate of disappearance of RuBP, as shown by the rate of A 280 decrease, correlates well with the rate of disappearance of pentose, as measured by the orcinol-HCl reaction. Use of the above methods as well as a coupled enzyme assay led to a molar absorptivity for RuBP of approximately 48 m −1 cm −1 . The ultraviolet absorption spectrum of RuBP is discussed.
Skeletal muscle metabolic response to exercise in horses with 'tying-up' due to polysaccharide storage myopathy

Summary Polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) is a distinct cause of exertional rhabdomyolysis in Quarter Horses that results in glycogen and abnormal polysaccharide accumulation. The purpose of this study was to determine if excessive glycogen storage in PSSM is due to a glycolytic defect that impairs utilisation of this substrate during exercise. Muscle biopsies, blood lactates and serum CK were obtained 1) at rest from 5 PSSM Quarter Horses, 4 normal Quarter Horses (QH controls) and 6 Thoroughbreds with recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (TB RER) and 2) after a maximal treadmill exercise test in PSSM and QH controls. In addition, 3 PSSM horses performed a submaximal exercise test. At rest, muscle glycogen concentrations were 2.4x and 1.9x higher in PSSM vs. QH controls or TB RER, respectively. Muscle lactates at rest were similar between PSSM and QH controls but significantly higher in PSSM vs. TB RER. Muscle glucose-6-phosphate concentrations were also higher in PSSM horses than controls combined. During maximal exercise, mean muscle glycogen concentrations declined 2.7x more and mean lactate increased 2x more in PSSM vs. QH controls; however, differences were not statistically significant. Blood lactate concentrations after maximal exercise did not reflect generally higher muscle lactate in PSSM vs. QH controls. No change in blood lactate concentrations occurred in PSSM horses with submaximal exercise. Serum CK activity increased significantly 4 h after maximal and submaximal exercise and was significantly higher in PSSM vs. QH controls. These results show that during maximal exercise, PSSM horses utilised muscle glycogen and produce lactic acid via a functional glycolytic pathway and that during submaximal exercise oxidative metabolism was unimpaired. The excessive glycogen storage and formation of abnormal polysaccharide in PSSM horses therefore appear to reflect increased glycogen synthesis rather than decreased utilisation. The specific subset of horses with exertional rhabdomyolysis due to PSSM would likely benefit clinically from a diet low in soluble carbohydrates like grain with fat added as well as gradually increasing daily exercise to reduce excessive glycogen accumulation and enhance utilisation.
Some experimental and estimated characteristics of the lanthanum hexaboride rod cathode electron gun

Measured lifetimes, heating powers and brightnesses are presented for the lanthanum hexaboride rod cathode electron gun together with estimated lifetimes for several operating brightnesses. A detailed description of the cathode structure is given and the effects of poor vacua on the cathode performance are discussed.
Diffuse reflectance spectra of the palpebral conjunctiva and its utility as a noninvasive indicator of total hemoglobin

The palpebral conjunctiva is an attractive location to qualitatively examine for the presence of anemia; however, this method of diagnosis has not been shown to be accurate. A spectroscopic examination of the palpebral conjunctiva enables the use of a quantitative parameter as a basis for diagnoses. Visible range diffuse reflectance spectra from the palpebral conjunctiva are examined from 30 patients and hemoglobin levels are extracted from these signatures using both a partial least-squares (PLS) multivariate regression model and a discrete spectral region model. Hemoglobin concentration derived from both these models is compared to an in vitro measurement of hemoglobin. Root mean squared errors of cross validation for the two analytical methods are 0.67 g/dL and 1.07 g/dL, respectively. Conjunctival reflectance spectra coupled with a PLS analysis achieve an enhanced specificity and sensitivity for anemia diagnoses over reported observational studies using the palpebral conjunctiva and achieve improved accuracy to other reported methods of noninvasive hemoglobin measurement.
Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: Is There a Role for Maintenance Therapy?

Abstract Introduction Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death in women. PLD has been effective in recurrent ovarian cancer, but the ideal treatment length is unknown. We hypothesized that patients with regression or stabilization of disease while receiving PLD, who continued with prolonged treatment, would have increased PFS. Patients and Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of women with recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, primary peritoneal, or uterine papillary serous carcinoma, who received 6 or more cycles of PLD without evidence of progression. Evaluation for progression was based on carcinoma antigen 125, physical examination, and imaging studies. Results Of the 30 patients meeting criteria for inclusion, 13 patients (43%) stopped treatment at best response (median, 6 cycles) and 17 (57%) continued treatment until disease progression (median, 11 cycles). Patients treated to best response experienced a significantly shorter PFS compared with those who continued treatment until progression, median 10 versus 15 months ( P = .009). There was a trend toward improved OS in the prolonged therapy group of 42.5 months (range, 12-84) versus 23 months in the standard therapy group (range, 17-98; P = .56). Conclusion Our data suggest that prolonged PLD treatment to progression is associated with a PFS advantage compared with treatment to best response. In the absence of toxicity, this treatment paradigm should be considered.
Asset specificity, unionization and the firm's use of debt

This paper considers the combined influence of asset specificity and unionization on the firm's use of debt. While previous literature tends to examine these effects separately, we find that the interaction of the two is critical. Thus, while asset specificity may reduce debt as in Williamson (1988), the presence of a strong union offsets this. Unionization increases the firm's debt as in Bronars and Deere (1991), but asset generality diminishes this effect. We model and test the interactive nature of these two effects. Using firm-specific unionization data and various proxies for asset specificity, we find support for our model. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cannibalism can be beneficial even when its mean yield is less than one.

Abstract Two types of adult-on-juvenile cannibalism are discussed and differentiated: those with “mean yield of cannibalism” greater than one, and those with mean yield less than one. Two extant models—one continuous and one discrete—in which cannibalism is beneficial only when the mean yield exceeds one are reviewed and compared. The discrete model is modified and analyzed to demonstrate that cannibalism can be beneficial even when the mean yield is less than one.
Safety of Presurgical Targeted Therapy in the Setting of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background In patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), the timing of systemic targeted therapy in relation to cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) is under investigation.
Lipids Guide the Way: Targeting Proteins to the Chloroplast Outer Envelope Membrane

Correct delivery of peptides to appropriate subcellular organelles requires distinct trafficking and targeting mechanisms. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Kim et al. (2014) demonstrate that AKRA2, a targeting receptor for chloroplast outer envelope membrane proteins, binds chloroplast-specific lipids to ensure proper delivery of cargo to the chloroplast outer envelope.
Characteristics of effective providers of marital and family therapy in rural mental health settings.

Characteristics of effective providers of marital and family therapy (MFT) in rural mental health settings were investigated. The survey sample included 74 members of the National Association for Rural Mental Health who, through a modified Delphi process, created a composite picture of effective MFT providers. The findings yielded six major rank-ordered characteristics of effective MFT providers in rural mental health settings, with effective skills in MFT ranked first. Rural community understanding, appreciation, and participation ranked second. Specific competencies contributing to each major characteristic were also identified and are discussed. Recommendations for use of this information are provided.
The term structure of interest rates and the asset and liability decisions of a financial intermediary

Abstract Interest rate risk management has become an important topic for managing financial institutions. Much of the attention devoted to the topic has focused on asset and liability choices without regard to their impact on the value of the equity of the financial institution. In this paper, a two-period equity valuation model is employed to investigate the optimal asset and liability decisions. The asset and liability decicions are shown to be a function of the slope of the yield curve, the existence of a term premium, and whether the actions of the institutions could result in a penalty for violation of a minimum capital-to-asset restriction.
Utilizing Technology to Improve the Administration of Instructional Physical Activity Programs in Higher Education

(2011). Utilizing Technology to Improve the Administration of Instructional Physical Activity Programs in Higher Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 82, No. 4, pp. 27-32.
Finite element model development and validation for incipient flow analysis of cohesive powders from hopper bins

A true (cubical) triaxial tester was built to evaluate the modified Cam-clay parameters for wheat flour [1]. A finite element model (FEM), using the modified Cam-clay equations, was used to predict incipient flow behavior of wheat flour in a mass flow hopper bin. The incipient flow regime in a hopper bin was characterized by the formation of the first dynamic arch. The first dynamic arch represented the transition between the static case, before opening the hopper outlet, and the dynamic case, when the powder was flowing out of the hopper. Experimental observation showed that an arch was formed after minimal discharge when the gate of a mass flow hopper bin was opened. This arch broke before the development of fully dynamic powder flow. To validate the FEM, a transparent plastic laboratory size mass flow hopper bin with an outlet size of 203 mm and a hopper angle of 15° with respect to the vertical was used. The first experimentally observed dynamic arch location and profile were used to validate the finite element model predictions. Mean average relative difference (ARD) between the FEM predicted and the mean of the first experimentally observed dynamic arch location and profile was 14.2% and the mean absolute difference was 5.8 mm. The FEM predictions were within the 95% CI of the measured values.
Presynaptic GABAB receptor activation attenuates synaptic transmission to rat sympathetic preganglionic neurons in vitro.

Abstract Intracellular recordings were made from sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) in transverse neonate rat spinal cord slices. Superfusion of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA; 25–100 μM) or (−)-baclofen (1–30 μM) consistently attenuated the excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) evoked by stimulation of dorsal rootlets or lateral funiculus, without causing a significant change of the resting membrane potential and input resistance of the SPNs or of the depolarizations induced by pressure applications of glutamate; the IC50 for baclofen was 2.5 μM. When superfused at a higher concentration (≥ 500 μM) or ejected by pressure GABA caused a bicuculline-sensitive membrane hyperpolarization . The enantiomer (+)-baclofen (10–50 μM) and the GABAA agonist muscimol (1–10 μM) had no significant effect on the EPSPs. The GABAB receptor antagonist 2-hydroxy-saclofen caused a fold rightward shift of the baclofen dose—response curve, whereas the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (10–50 μM) was ineffective. Glycine had no significant effects on the EPSPs in the concentrations (10–100 μM) tested here. The results indicate that of the two putative inhibitory transmitters in the spinal cord GABA but no glycine depresses EPSPs evoked in the rat SPNs by acting on presynaptic GABAB receptors, the activation of which results in a reduction of excitatory transmitter release.
Scalable power grid transient analysis via MOR-assisted time-domain simulations

Time domain power grid simulations provide accurate estimations of power supply noises for design verifications. Despite extensive researches, it remains a very challenging problem to perform the simulations efficiently -- the large power grid sizes demand tremendous computational resources and the causality between consecutive time steps hinders parallel implementations. Frequency domain and model order reduction (MOR) techniques promise scalability, though the solution accuracy may become a concern without trading off running time. In this paper, we present a framework for power grid transient analysis where time domain simulations are assisted by MOR techniques for scalability without losing much of the solution accuracy. Utilizing a direct sparse matrix solver and the multinode moment matching technique, we are able to achieve more than 5X speed-up using 16 processor cores distributed over two servers when simulating 1000 time steps for all the six IBM power grid simulation benchmarks, in comparison to the time domain simulations using only the direct solver.
Free Space Optical Communications Utilizing MEMS Adaptive Optics Correction

Free space optical communications (FSO) are beginning to provide attractive alternatives to fiber-based solutions in many situations. Currently, a handful of companies provide fiberless alternatives specifically aimed at corporate intranet and sporting event video applications. These solutions are geared toward solving the ''last mile'' connectivity issues. There exists a potential need to extend this pathlength to distances much greater than a 1 km, particularly for government and military applications. For cases of long distance optical propagation, atmospheric turbulence will ultimately limit the maximum achievable data rate. In this paper, we propose a method to improve signal quality through the use of adaptive optics. In particular, we show work in progress toward a high-speed, small footprint Adaptive Optics system for horizontal and slant path laser communications. Such a system relies heavily on recent progress in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) deformable mirrors, as well as improved communication and computational components.
Children in out-of-home care: does routine health screening improve outcomes?

Aim: Children in out-of-home care have high and frequently unidentified health needs. The Child Protection Unit at Sydney Children's Hospital offers comprehensive health screening to children in care. Recommendations for remediation are made, but follow-up in the clinic is not offered. Current research has failed to establish whether health screening results in health benefits for the children screened. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the health screening clinic on children's health outcomes by tracking the first 100 children screened, determining how many of the health recommendations made for each child had been implemented and, if possible, what the health outcome had been. Methods: Research questionnaires were sent to the Department of Social Services caseworkers of the first 100 children screened. Results: Adherence to health recommendations was high; however, it was not possible to quantify the degree of health benefit to the children screened. A number of systemic problems were identified, which are likely to hinder the accessibility of health care for children in care. Conclusions: Comprehensive health screening of children in care is likely to benefit a child's health, although this could not be determined. Agencies responsible for placing children in care need systems in place to ensure better inter-agency collaboration between the health system and community services. This should help improve health outcomes.
The Effect of the Fermi Energy on the I-V and G-V Characteristics of Molecular Wire

The effect of the Fermi level position Ef on the electron transport of different molecular assembly system (MAS) conformations is investigated. The model contains up to six 1,4-dithiolbenzene (DTB) molecular under fixed intermolecular distance d=3.9 A. The simulation results show that with Ef near the HOMO-LUMO mid gap, the curves show only 3 modes of operation: 1) the conductance gap region (CG); 2) the linear region; and 3) the saturation region. More than 3 different regions of operation were observed when Ef becomes close to LUMO. The threshold voltage Vth, the conductance gap and VIP decrease, while the conductance peak increases. More importantly, in addition to the effect of physical parameter N, which involves the -orbital interactions, enhancing the -orbital interactions strength by reducing HLG, the Fermi level position is another important factor in determining the current flow.
Chromium corroles in four oxidation states

We have isolated and characterized chromium complexes of 5,10,15-tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrole [(tpfc)H_3] (1) in four oxidation states: [(tpfc•)CrO][SbCl_6] (6); [(tpfc)CrO] (2); [(tpfc)CrO][Cp_2Co] (4); and [(tpfc)Cr(py)_2] (3). Complex 6 was prepared both by electrochemical and chemical oxidation of 2; its formulation as a Cr^VO ligand−radical species is based on UV−visible absorption as well as EPR measurements. Cobaltocene reduction of 2 gave 4; it was identified as a diamagnetic d^2 Cr^(IV)O complex from its sharp ^1H NMR spectrum. Reaction of 2 with triphenylphosphine yielded a chromium(III) corrole, [(tpfc)Cr(OPPh_3)_2] (5). Owing to its air sensitivity, 5 could not be isolated in the absence of excess OPPh_3. The structure of the Cr^(III) bis-pyridine complex (3) was determined by X-ray crystallography (Cr−N distances: 1.926−1.952 A, pyrrole; 2.109, 2.129 A, pyridine).
Development of a new composite pseudo random number generator

Abstract We develop a new composite pseudo random number generator called the Composite Sherif-Dear (CSD) generator. The proposed generator satisfies stringent theoretical criteria for the quality of the sequence it produces; and is easy to understand and implement in a portable way.
175 Structure-based engineering to generate high-affinity immunotherapy for the drug of abuse

Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is a major threat in the USA and worldwide without any FDA approved medications. Anti-METH antibody antagonists block or slow the rate of METH entry into the brain and have shown efficacy in preclinical studies (Peterson, Laurenzana, Atchley, Hendrickson, & Owens, 2008). A key determinant of the antibody’s efficacy is its affinity for METH and we attempted to enhance the efficacy by designing mutations to alter the shape or the electrostatic character of the binding pocket. Towards this goal, we developed a single chain anti-METH antibody fragment (scFv6H4) from a parent IgG (1). The crystal structure of scFv-6H4 in complex with METH was determined (Celikel, Peterson, Owens, & Varughese, 2009). Based on its elucidated binding interactions, we designed point mutations in the binding pocket to improve its affinity for METH and amphetamine (AMP), the active metabolite of METH. The mutants, scFv-S93T,-I37 M and -Y34 M were cloned, expressed in yeast and tested for affinity against...
On the imperfection of replacement

Abstract In this paper the replacement process for a N modules parallel structure is characterised by an imperfect nature. Intermediate series states are added to the state transition diagram such that a second procedure is now required to fully attain a complete regenerative process. This is quantified in term of the steady state availability. As an extention of the analysis, the effect of hard core components is presented. This has been proved that under certain circumstances it is not a necessary condition of degradation.
A novel oxidized low-density lipoprotein-binding protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A novel protein, PA0122, has been identified in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and shown to bind to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL). The PA0122 gene was recognized based on gene expression pattern differences between two strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from the sputum of an individual with cystic fibrosis (CF). There was an approximately eightfold increase in PA0122 expression in the non-mucoid strain 383, compared to that in the mucoid strain 2192. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) supported PA0122 transcript expression differences between strains 383 and 2192 and revealed growth-phase dependence, with the highest level of expression at early stationary phase (OD600 1.5). PA0122 encodes a 136 aa ‘conserved hypothetical’ protein that has similarity to Aspergillus fumigatus Asp-haemolysin, which is an Ox-LDL-binding protein, and possessed a motif that is homologous to the fungal aegerolysin family of proteins. Antibodies produced to purified recombinant PA0122 recognized a 16 kDa protein band in cell lysates as well as in the supernatant fractions of strain 383. The PA0122 protein expression pattern was growth phase-dependent, with maximal production observed at OD600 1.5 that was consistent with the PA0122 transcript expression profile. Subcellular fractionation studies revealed differences in the localization of PA0122 between strains 383 and 2192. In 383, PA0122 was observed in the cytoplasm and in membrane fractions. In 2192, PA0122 was found in the cytoplasm but was not detected in membrane fractions. Surface plasmon resonance revealed that recombinant PA0122 binds with high affinity to Ox-LDL and to its major subcomponent, lysophosphatidylcholine, but not to non-oxidized LDL.
Genetic aspects of negative geotaxis in mice.

Negative geotaxis in mice was studied at inclines of 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, and 70° in five experiments. Experiment I describes a monotonic relation between orientation up the inclined plane and the angle of incline. It presents an efficient technique for studying this response and compares results with those obtained by earlier methods. Findings demonstrate that a random presentation of angles gives the same results as a sequential ascending presentation. Experiment II provides evidence for a steeper function relating incline with orientation for A/J than for C57BL/6J mice. F1 and F2 population results indicate dominance for the steep function, genetic segregation, and suggests the influence of the albino locus. Experiment III verifies the steeper function of the albino animals derived from an A/J and DBA2/J cross. Experiment IV depicts the operation of 14 single genes segregating on the C57BL/6J background. Three of the 14 genes, tortoise shell (To), buff (bf), and himalayan (c h), increase the steepness of the relation between orientation and incline angle. Finally, Experiment V illustrates a slight depression of orientation for the pallid (pa) gene which also disrupts the formation of otoliths in the inner ear.
A calorimetric evaluation of the peel adhesion test

Simultaneous mechanical and calorimetric measurements of the work and the heat of peeling have been made for polyester films bonded to rigid metal substrates with a pressure sensitive adhesive. Most of the work expended in peeling is consumed by plastic deformation and viscous dissipation. 70% to 85% of the peel energy is dissipated as heat. The peeled polyester films were tightly curled. Energy stored in the peeled polyester films was measured using solution calorimetry and a significant fraction of the peel energy not dissipated as heat was found to be stored in the peeled films.
Longitudinal Impact of Communication Patterns on Romantic Attachment and Symptoms of Depression

This study investigated how communication patterns, romantic attachment, symptoms of depression, and perceptions of relationship quality are related concurrently and prospectively within monogamous dating relationships. Participants completed two self-report assessments at six-month intervals. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that for males, mutual constructive communication was associated with decreases in depressive symptoms, whereas demand-withdraw communication was associated with increases in attachment avoidance and depressive symptoms from T1 to T2. The same variables were not associated with changes in attachment or depressive symptoms for females. Mixed model ANOVAs revealed insecure attachment, symptoms of depression, and negative perceptions of relationship quality were significantly higher for broken up individuals than for those whose relationships remained intact.
Immunomodulation with anti-αβ T-cell receptor monoclonal antibodies in combination with cyclosporine a improves regeneration in nerve allografts

Objectives: To investigate the use of nerve allografts in animals treated with a short-term combined protocol of anti-α/β T-cell receptor monoclonal antibodies and Cyclosporine A (CsA) to induce tolerance and allow for nerve regeneration. Study design: An established rat sciatic nerve model was used. A total of 76 rats were used in this experiment (Lew RT1Ln = 44, Lewis-Brown-Norway (LBN RT1L+N, n = 22), Brown-Norway (BN RT1N, n = 10). Sciatic nerve (1.5 cm) deficits were created in the Lewis rats and the animals were randomized to seven treatment groups to allow for repair with isograft controls (LEW-LEW) and with both semiallogeneic (LBN-LEW) and full major histocompatability (MHC) mismatched (BN-Lew) allografts. Methods: Nerve regeneration was evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks by somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) and standardized pin-prick and toe-spread tests. Nerve samples were harvested at 12 weeks and stained with toluidine blue to assess the total number of myelinated axons, axon area, and myelin sheath thickness. Muscle denervation atrophy was evaluated by gastrocnemius weights. Immunocompetence was investigated through skin grafting and fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Results: Improved functional, electrophysiologic, and histomorphometric outcomes were observed in animals treated with anti-α/βTCR mAbs and CsA after nerve allograft transplantation when compared to animals receiving no treatment and CsA alone. Conclusions: The immunomodulating protocol of combination anti-α/β TCR mAbs and CsA for a 5 week period altered the rejection process, affording nerve regeneration. It may provide for an expanded source of nerve tissue to alleviate the morbidity of harvesting peripheral nerves from multiple sites for those afflicted with extensive peripheral nerve injuries. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2006.
A Possible Mechanism for the Formation of Hurricane Rainbands

Abstract In a model of hurricane rainbands as linear waves on a barotropic mean vortex, it is possible to derive two conservation laws for the perturbations: both the azimuthally integrated Reynolds torque exerted by the waves and the ratio of the azimuthally integrated radial wave energy flux to the intrinsic frequency are constant with radius for a steady wave field without dissipation or cumulus heating. The latter of these conditions can be invoked to explain the amplification of a class of waves that sustains a flux of energy directed into the vortex center and one of angular momentum directed out of it. The intrinsic phase propagation in the tangential direction is against the mean flow, but it is not fast enough to prevent the waves from being advected slowly downwind in the cyclonic sense. The Doppler shift leads to an increase in the intrinsic frequency toward the center and, in consequence of the second conservation law, to an amplification of the wave energy flux, as well as a large increase in...
Digenic retinitis pigmentosa due to mutations at the unlinked peripherin/RDS and ROM1 loci

In spite of recent advances in identifying genes causing monogenic human disease, very little is known about the genes involved in polygenic disease. Three families were identified with mutations in the unlinked photoreceptor-specific genes ROM1 and peripherin/RDS, in which only double heterozygotes develop retinitis pigmentosa (RP). These findings indicate that the allelic and nonallelic heterogeneity known to be a feature of monogenic RP is complicated further by interactions between unlinked mutations causing digenic RP. Recognition of the inheritance pattern exemplified by these three families might facilitate the identification of other examples of digenic inheritance in human disease.
Pentoxifylline prevents the transition from the hyperdynamic to hypodynamic response during sepsis

The cardiovascular response to sepsis includes an early, hyperdynamic phase followed by a late, hypodynamic phase. Although administration of pentoxifylline (PTX) produces beneficial effects in sep...
Data Processing Algorithms for Analysis of High Resolution MSMS Spectra of Peptides with Complex Patterns of Posttranslational Modifications

The emergence of efficient fragmentation methods such as electron capture dissociation (ECD) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) provides the opportunity for detailed structural characterization of heavily covalently modified large peptides and small proteins such as intact histones. Even with effective gas phase ion isolation so that a single molecular precursor ion is selected, the MSMS spectrum of a heavily modified peptide may reveal the presence of a mixture of peptides with the same amino acid sequence and the same total number of posttranslational modification (PTM) moieties (same PTM composition) but with different PTM configurations or site-specific occupancy isoforms. Currently available data analysis methods depend on a deisotoping procedure, which becomes less effective when spectra (fragmentation patterns) contain many overlapping isotopic distributions. Peptide database search engines can only identify the most abundant PTM configuration (PTM arrangement on different residues) in such mixtures. To identify all the PTM configurations present in these mixtures and to estimate their relative abundances, we extended our fragment assignment by visual assistance program to search for ions representing all possible configurations, subjected to the total PTM composition constraint. This resulted in the identification of PTM configurations supported by unique fragment ions, and their relative abundances were estimated by use of a non-negative least squares procedure.
Epstein-Barr DNA serology and positron-emission tomography imaging of the head and neck in pediatric transplant recipients.

Objectives/Hypothesis Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a potential precursor of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in the pediatric transplant patient. Positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging is increasingly utilized in this population to monitor for neoplasia and PTLD. We assess the association between EBV serum titers and Waldeyer's ring and cervical lymph node PET positivity in the pediatric transplant recipient. Study Design Retrospective analysis of EBV serology and PET imaging results in pediatric orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) recipients. Methods Imaging results and laboratory data were reviewed for all pediatric OLT recipients from January 2005 to July 2011 at a single institution. Charts were evaluated for PET positivity at Waldeyer's ring or cervical lymphatics, and for EBV serology results. Demographic data extracted include patient sex and age at transplantation. Results A total of 122 pediatric OLT recipients were reviewed. Twelve patients (10%) underwent PET imaging. Overall, four patients (33%) had evidence of PET positivity at Waldeyer's ring or cervical lymphatics. Five patients (42%) had positive EBV serology. There was a significant association between PET imaging results and EBV DNA serology results (P = .01). Conclusions PTLD surveillance in the pediatric transplant recipient is an important component of long-term care in this population. Although PET imaging is a new modality in monitoring pediatric transplant recipients for early signs of PTLD, an association between EBV serology and PET imaging results appears to exist. With increased implementation, PET imaging will likely prove valuable in its ability to monitor the transplant recipient at risk for PTLD. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 124:1236–1241, 2014
The Ignatian Matrix of Henri De Lubac's Thought on Temptation, Ascesis, and the Homo Ecclesiasticus

This article argues that Henri de Lubac's conception of the homo ecclesiasticus has deep roots in the spirituality of Ignatius of Loyola. Drawing upon Splendor of the Church, the article first presents de Lubac's vision of the homo ecclesiasticus and his or her temptations; particularly important here is what de Lubac calls the ‘camouflage of the good’ and the consequent importance of discernment and asceticism. The article concludes by analyzing the Ignatian matrix of de Lubac's thought, especially its emphasis on the discernment of spirits, a generous catholicity, and the inseparability of the spiritual and the ecclesial.
SaaS performance and scalability evaluation in clouds

Cloud computing not only changes today's computing infrastructure, but also alters the way of obtaining computing resources, managing and delivering software and services. Meanwhile, cloud computing brings new issues, challenges, and needs in performance testing, evaluation and scalability measurement due to the special features of cloud computing, such as elasticity and scalability. This paper focuses on performance evaluation and scalability measurement issue for Software as a Service (SaaS) in clouds. It proposes new formal graphic models and metrics to evaluate SaaS performance and analyze system scalability in clouds. In addition, the paper reports an evaluation approach based on Amazon's EC2 cloud technology and detailed case study results using the proposed models and metrics.
Adaptation to natural flow regimes

Floods and droughts are important features of most running water ecosystems, but the alteration of natural flow regimes by recent human activities, such as dam building, raises questions related to both evolution and conservation. Among organisms inhabiting running waters, what adaptations exist for surviving floods and droughts? How will the alteration of the frequency, timing and duration of flow extremes affect flood- and drought-adapted organisms? How rapidly can populations evolve in response to altered flow regimes? Here, we identify three modes of adaptation (life history, behavioral and morphological) that plants and animals use to survive floods and/or droughts. The mode of adaptation that an organism has determines its vulnerability to different kinds of flow regime alteration. The rate of evolution in response to flow regime alteration remains an open question. Because humans have now altered the flow regimes of most rivers and many streams, understanding the link between fitness and flow regime is crucial for the effective management and restoration of running water ecosystems.
PRODUCTION OF COMPLEX ALLOYS FROM ORES AND METALLURGICAL WASTES

save resources. Among these technologies are methods that make use of secondary materials to expand the raw-materials base of metallurgy [1–5]. The goal of our study was to develop a process for making a complex barium-containing alloy from wastes generated by the mining and metallurgical sectors. We also wanted to monitor the environmental impact of the process. The raw materials used were tailings formed during the concentration of barium-containing ores at the Madneul’sk Mining-Concentration Combine, wastes generated in the production of ferromanganese at the Zestafoni Ferroalloys Plant, aluminum chips, and burned dolomite (Table 1). We conducted three series of trial heats (three heats in each series) on charges of three different compositions, mass %:
Size- and Composition-Resolved Externally Mixed Aerosol Model

ABSTRACT The need for a numerical algorithm to predict the growth of external mixtures of aerosol populations is common to several current areas of study, including aerosol radiative effects, particle production processes, and pollution source apportionment. This work describes a model that solves this problem for explicit external and internal mixtures for the processes of coagulation, condensation, deposition, activation, and nucleation. The solution is numerically accurate for both particulate mass and number conservation by virtue of a dual-moment sectional method for solute growth. In addition, evaporable components are calculated in moving sections to retain information during particle activation in supersaturated conditions. The model is illustrated by application to the problem of cloud processing in a marine boundary layer capped with a layer of stratus clouds. The aerosol population is tracked in an air parcel circulating within the boundary layer and through the cloud layer. Boundary layer stru...