cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cutoff and reestablishment of current in rocket-triggered lightning

[1] A total of three negative rocket-triggered lightning flashes without return strokes (two from 1997 and one from 1993) are analyzed in this paper in order to study the processes associated with the disintegration of the triggering wire and its replacement by an air-plasma channel. It appears that the gap resulting from the vaporization of the triggering wire by the upward-positive leader current is bridged by a leader/return-stroke type process. Electric fields at distances of 50, 110, and 500 m, the corresponding magnetic fields at 500 m, and the currents to ground are examined for the two 1997 flashes. The electric field prior to the triggering wire's vaporization in these flashes exhibits a positive (atmospheric electricity sign convention) millisecond-scale ramp due to the upward-extending positive leader. The electric field changes observed at the three distances just prior to wire vaporization are consistent with an equivalent point charge of about 0.3 C at a height of 1.2 to 1.5 km, suggesting that the charge density distribution at that time is strongly skewed toward the upward positive leader tip. The length of the triggering wire at the time of its vaporization was estimated from still photographs to be about 210–220 m. Following the ramp, a microsecond-scale V-shaped negative pulse, which resembles the close electric field signature of a small dart-leader/return-stroke sequence, is observed. The corresponding magnetic field decreases abruptly, simultaneously with the onset of the leading edge of the V-shaped pulse, to values near zero and remains there for tens of microseconds, indicating the attempted interruption (cutoff) of the upward positive leader current flow to ground through the triggering wire as it is vaporized by this current. Following the abrupt decrease, the magnetic field exhibits a rapid increase at a time corresponding to the trailing edge of the V-shaped electric field pulse, suggesting that the vaporized triggering wire is replaced by an air-plasma channel that becomes part of the upward positive leader channel when electrical connection to ground is restored. For the third triggered lightning flash, from 1993, similar inferences regarding the processes involved in the replacement of the triggering wire by an air-plasma channel are made from high-speed (streak) photography and from measurements of the current to ground and electric field at 30 m. In this flash, the upward positive leader exhibited very pronounced stepping: step current pulses had peaks, as measured at the ground, that were up to a few kiloamperes, and step charges that were up to 100 mC. Characterization of the attempted interruption and the following reestablishment of current to ground in rocket-triggered lightning may have important implications for the understanding of channel current cutoff in natural lightning flashes and may provide new insights into the formation of strokes observed to occur in the same channel within a millisecond or less.
Solvent minimization induces preferential orientation and crystal clustering in serial micro-crystallography on micro-meshes, in situ plates and on a movable crystal conveyor belt

X-ray diffraction data were obtained at the National Synchrotron Light Source from insulin and lysozyme crystals that were densely deposited on three types of surfaces suitable for serial micro-crystallography: MiTeGen MicroMeshes™, Greiner Bio-One Ltd in situ micro-plates, and a moving kapton crystal conveyor belt that is used to deliver crystals directly into the X-ray beam. 6° wedges of data were taken from ∼100 crystals mounted on each material, and these individual data sets were merged to form nine complete data sets (six from insulin crystals and three from lysozyme crystals). Insulin crystals have a parallelepiped habit with an extended flat face that preferentially aligned with the mounting surfaces, impacting the data collection strategy and the design of the serial crystallography apparatus. Lysozyme crystals had a cuboidal habit and showed no preferential orientation. Preferential orientation occluded regions of reciprocal space when the X-ray beam was incident normal to the data-collection medium surface, requiring a second pass of data collection with the apparatus inclined away from the orthogonal. In addition, crystals measuring less than 20 µm were observed to clump together into clusters of crystals. Clustering required that the X-ray beam be adjusted to match the crystal size to prevent overlapping diffraction patterns. No additional problems were encountered with the serial crystallography strategy of combining small randomly oriented wedges of data from a large number of specimens. High-quality data able to support a realistic molecular replacement solution were readily obtained from both crystal types using all three serial crystallography strategies.
University-industry entrepreneurship: The organization and management of American university technology transfer units

Mechanisms for increasing technology transfer between universities and industry have proliferated rapidly in the United States as institutions of higher education have become much more entrepreneurial. The economic implications of these activities have received substantial attention and the sociological aspects of this process have been vigorously debated (e.g. the effect of university-industry relationships on academic integrity). Much less consideration has been given to the successful organization and management of these emerging university ‘service’ units. The study presents results of a national survey of the organization, management, and perceived performance effectiveness of university technology transfer units. Units studied included: licensing and patenting offices (units seeking commercial applications for university research); small business development centers (units providing technical or managerial assistance to entrepreneurs or small businesses); research and technology centers (units operating or participating in facilities for the development of new technology); incubators (units managing facilities in support of new technology-based businesses); and investment/endowment offices (units utilizing the university's financial resources for equity in start-up businesses). The implications of the research for university management and government policy are explored.
Differentiation and angiogenic growth factor message in two mammalian lens epithelial cell lines

Abstract Lens epithelial cells in culture can sometimes be induced to form spheroid aggregates termed lentoid bodies, composed of cells exhibiting various characteristics of the more highly differentiated lens fiber cells. However, lentoid bodies are often slow to form, and the ability to produce them declines with serial subculture. It was therefore of interest to establish and/or characterize lens epithelial cell lines capable of forming lentoid bodies. The differentiation state was assessed in lentoid bodies formed by each of two lens epithelial cell lines, the transformed αTN4 cell line from mouse and the nontransformed N/N1135A cell line from rabbit. Lentoid and monolayer cultures of each cell line were examined for transcripts of the lens-specific αA-crystallin (“αA”), γD-crystallin (“γD”; formerly γ 1 -crystallin) and MP26 genes. αTN4 lentoid bodies contained 2.5 times the αA RNA found in monolayer cells, but lacked detectable γD and MP26 RNA. None of the three markers were detected in either lentoid or monolayer N/N1135A cultures grown under the conditions described. Lentoid body formation alone, therefore, does not indicate the extent of differentiation occurring. At least some of the changes in cell adhesion occurring during lentoid body formation involve laminin-like and fibronectin-like interactions, and are reminiscent of those observed during embryonic lens formation. Finally, vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA was absent from the lens but present in αTN4 cells, suggestin a mechanism whereby the lens tumors of the founder mouse became vascularized.
Seasonal variations in the rates of aquatic and aerial respiration and ammonium excretion of the ribbed mussel, Geukensia demissa (Dillwyn)

Aquatic and aerial rates of oxygen consumption and ammonium excretion of ribbed mussels, Geukensia demissa (Dillwyn), collected from the mid-intertidal zone of a mid-Atlantic salt marsh, were measured under ambient conditions of food, temperature, and salinity over five seasons. Rates of aquatic respiration covaried with body size and season, as the rates were high and strongly related to mussel tissue weight in spring and summer but low and weight independent in winter. There was a significant interannual difference between summer of 1995 and 1996. Rates of aerial respiration also varied seasonally, with high rates of oxygen consumption in summer and low rates in winter. The magnitude of these seasonal variations were greater than those for aquatic respiration, and as a result, the ratio of aerial to aquatic respiration was higher in summer (0.61 and 0.52) than in winter (0.11). This indicates that G. demissa was able to actively regulate aerial respiration, thereby permitting high aerobic metabolism during prolonged periods of air exposure in summer. We hypothesize that such high rates of aerial respiration, during the seasons of high metabolic activity, are required to provide sufficient energy for mussels to facilitate food digestion during air exposure at low tide. Rates of ammonium excretion varied seasonally and increased with mussel weight in all seasons. The atomic ratio of oxygen to nitrogen (O:N), calculated from aquatic respiration vs. ammonium excretion, was significantly lower in autumn (26) than in other seasons (46–60) among which the O:N did not vary significantly.
Suprascapular nerve entrapment by ganglion cysts: A report of six cases with arthroscopic findings and review of the literature

Suprascapular nerve entrapment by a ganglion cyst can produce pain and shoulder dysfunction. We report six cases with the associated arthroscopic intraarticular findings of a posterior capsulolabral injury (only the second such description) and review the literature. Based on the current literature and our experience, we document our treatment algorithm for suprascapular nerve entrapment secondary to a ganglion cyst. We believe it is necessary to evaluate and treat the intraarticular pathology as well as the ganglion cyst/nerve entrapment to successfully manage these patients.
Erythematous papules evolving into reticulated hyperpigmentation on the trunk: A case of prurigo pigmentosa

Prurigo pigmentosa is a rare cutaneous disorder consisting of a network of erythematous, pruritic papules evolving into reticulated hyperpigmentation with a specific predilection for the trunk. It was first described in Japan in 1971, where the condition still predominates. Although recognition is increasing outside of Japan, the disease is still not well known in the West. Herein, we present the case of a 19-year-old white woman with prurigo pigmentosa diagnosed based on the correlation of clinical and histopathologic findings. Although prurigo pigmentosa is well known in Japan, the low incidence of this disease entity in the United States is likely secondary to underdiagnosis. Thus, the purpose of this case is to increase recognition of this unusual pruritic, reticulated rash.
Clinical characteristics and treatment of malignant brainstem gliomas in elderly patients

Adult brainstem gliomas (BSG) are uncommon tumors that constitute only 2% of all brain tumors. Due to its rare occurrence in the elderly (60 years and older), there is no literature discussing the natural history, prognosis, and best treatment strategy for malignant BSG in this population to our knowledge. We report seven elderly patients with malignant BSG and propose treatment strategies to manage these aggressive tumors. The median age at onset in this cohort was 65 years, with the majority of patients being male (71.4%) and Caucasian (85.7%). The median duration of symptoms prior to presentation was 0.5 months, with the most common symptoms being facial weakness, blurry vision, headache, and extremity weakness. Tumors were most commonly located in the pons (85.7%), with one tumor being located in the tectal plate. Five of seven (71.4%) patients underwent biopsies, with two patients undergoing partial resections. Following tissue diagnosis, patients received radiation therapy and concurrent temozolomide, followed by additional chemotherapeutics upon progression. Side effects as a result of treatment were seen in three patients and all involved reversible hematological complications such as neutropenia and thrombopenia. The median time to progression was 6.7 months and the median overall survival was 13.5 months. While malignant BSG in elderly patients are aggressive gliomas with an overall poor prognosis, these patients are able to safely undergo aggressive chemoradiotherapy, resulting in improved survival. Resection may be considered for select patients in which the tumor is mostly exophytic, near the brainstem surface, and easily accessible.
Screening and association testing of common coding variation in steroid hormone receptor co-activator and co-repressor genes in relation to breast cancer risk: the Multiethnic Cohort.

Background Only a limited number of studies have performed comprehensive investigations of coding variation in relation to breast cancer risk. Given the established role of estrogens in breast cancer, we hypothesized that coding variation in steroid receptor coactivator and corepressor genes may alter inter-individual response to estrogen and serve as markers of breast cancer risk.
Discovery of a highly potent, nonabsorbable apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter inhibitor (GSK2330672) for treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) transports bile salts from the lumen of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to the liver via the portal vein. Multiple pharmaceutical companies have exploited the physiological link between ASBT and hepatic cholesterol metabolism, which led to the clinical investigation of ASBT inhibitors as lipid-lowering agents. While modest lipid effects were demonstrated, the potential utility of ASBT inhibitors for treatment of type 2 diabetes has been relatively unexplored. We initiated a lead optimization effort that focused on the identification of a potent, nonabsorbable ASBT inhibitor starting from the first-generation inhibitor 264W94 (1). Extensive SAR studies culminated in the discovery of GSK2330672 (56) as a highly potent, nonabsorbable ASBT inhibitor which lowers glucose in an animal model of type 2 diabetes and shows excellent developability properties for evaluating the potential therapeutic utility of a nonabsorbable ASBT inhibitor for treatment of pa...
Left ventricular quantification in heart failure by cardiovascular MR using prospective respiratory navigator gating: comparison with breath-hold acquisition.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is the reference standard for the assessment of cardiac function. Faster sequences, such as breath-hold (BH) fast low-angle shot, have made CMR more clinically acceptable and cost effective. In a significantly large patient group, however, holding their breath is difficult, resulting in poor-quality images. We compared prospective navigator-echo respiratory gating (NE), which allows image acquisition during free breathing, and BH imaging in 14 patients with heart failure and 10 normal volunteers. There was good agreement between both NE and BH volumes, mass, and ejection fraction. The image quality of both NE basal and apical slices was significantly better than the corresponding BH slices in both the heart failure (P < 0.01) and normal groups (P < 0.05). The NE image acquisition was more time efficient than the BH acquisition in the heart failure group (P < 0. 01), with no difference in the normal group (P = 0.2). Thus, prospective navigator-echo gating, previously only described in coronary artery imaging, can be used in the assessment of cardiac function. It is particularly useful in patients who find it difficult to hold their breath in whom NE provides good-quality, time-efficient images.
Chronic allograft nephropathy or interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy: what is in a name?

Purpose of review Chronic allograft nephropathy has fallen into disfavor as a morphologic term to describe parenchymal scarring in the renal allograft, with a recommendation that this be replaced by the more descriptive term 'interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy'. However, neither term addresses the underlying cause of the scarring. This review focuses on whether all interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in the renal allograft has the same implications for long-term graft survival, and whether there are specific features of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy that can be used to identify its underlying cause. Recent findings Results from a number of studies indicate that interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, when associated with interstitial inflammation, is a strong predictor of graft loss, much more so than interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy alone. Most notably, findings from the multicenter Long-Term Deterioration of Kidney Allograft Function study, designed to identify the causes of late allograft dysfunction, showed interstitial inflammation in the areas of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (i-IF/TA) was predictive of reduced time to graft failure, even after adjustment for serum creatinine. In addition, the presence of i-IF/TA correlates with increased acute kidney injury gene transcripts. However, neither interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy nor i-IF/TA is associated with any specific cause of chronic graft injury. Summary Although (i-IF/TA), especially when widespread, is clearly associated with reduced renal allograft survival and molecular markers of active graft injury and repair, there is presently no reliable way, using either morphology alone, immunohistochemistry, or molecular techniques, to differentiate i-IF/TA (or interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy alone) resulting from different causes.
Teaching Short-Term Psychotherapy With Blind Role Playing

This report describes the use of blind role playing to introduce the theory and techniques of the short-term psychotherapies in a combined "laboratory" and lecture course. "Therapist" and "patient" (but not instructor) are blind to each other's governing assumptions about therapy, yet must respond creatively to each other based on the algorithms of the "script" and on real-life experience as both doctor and patient.
Characteristics and outcomes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma presenting in leukaemic phase.

SummaryDiffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) occasionally presents with circulat-ing malignant cells. The clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes ofthese patients have not been described. Twenty-nine newly diagnosedDLBCL presenting in leukaemic phase were identiﬁed between 1996 and2010, at two institutions. Median age was 48 years, and patients presentedwith leucocytosis, high lactate dehydrogenase levels, B symptoms, and highInternational Prognostic Index score. Extra nodal site involvement wasobserved in all patients and affected the bone marrow (100%), spleen(62%), pleura/lung (41%), liver (21%), bone (17%), bowels (7%) and cere-brospinal ﬂuid (14%). Blood lymphomatous cells co-expressed CD19,CD20, CD22, CD38, CD45, HLA-DR and FMC7 in >90%, and kappa orlambda light chain restriction in >50%. Ninety per cent received rituximaband anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Overall, remission was complete in54% and partial in 31%; 15% had resistant disease. Median follow-up was47 months; 13 (45%) patients remain alive in complete remission. Medianprogression-free and overall survivals were 11·5 and 46·7 months, respec-tively. In summary, patients with DLBCL in leukaemic phase present withhigh tumour burden and frequent involvement of extra nodal sites. In thisuncommon DLBCL subgroup, anthracycline-based regimens with rituximabare associated with early morbidity and mortality, but yield approximately50% 4-year survival.Keywords: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leukaemic phase, outcomes,characteristics, treatment.
A Robust Broadcast Scheme for VANET One-Hop Emergency Services

IEEE- and ASTM-adopted Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) vehicle safety-related communication services, which require reliable and fast message delivery, usually demand broadcast communications in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). In this paper, we propose and justify a distributive robust scheme for DSRC one-hop safety-critical services. The new scheme enhances broadcast reliability using dynamic receiver-oriented packet repetitions and mini-slot within DIFS in IEEE 802.11 for one-hop emergency warning message dissemination. In addition, we investigate the reliability and performance of the proposed broadcast scheme for DSRC VANET safety-related services on highway analytically and by simulations. The analytic model accounts for the impact of the beacon message broadcast and the fading channel conditions on the reliability and performance.
Micromachined confocal optical microscope

In this paper we describe a new fiber confocal optical microscopy with miniature scanner and imaging optics that is being developed for in situ imaging applications. The microscope uses torsional mirrors to accomplish the scanning. The mirrors, which are 300 X 360 micrometers and 500 X 600 micrometers , respectively, are fabricated with silicon micromachining techniques and produce a raster scan at video rates suitable for real time imaging. The objective is an off-axis grating lens and has numerical aperture of 0.25. Imaging is monochromatic at (lambda) equals 0.6328 micrometers , and the system is capable of approximately 1.0 micrometers resolution over a 100 micrometers field of view. The cross sectional dimensions of the imaging head that contains the mirrors and the lens is 1.2 X 2.5 mm. We present the microscope architecture and discuss the design parameters, the limitations, and the performance tradeoffs that were faced in developing this microscope.
An intracellular pathway is required for ABA-tyrosine presentation to T cells

Although tyrosine-azobenzenearsonate (ABA-Tyr) is not degraded by proteolytic enzymes, its presentation by accessory cells is inhibited by lysosomotropic agents such as chloroquine. Presentation of ABA-poly-L-glutamic, alanine, tyrosine (ABA-GAT) is similarly inhibited by chloroquine, but in contrast to ABA-Tyr it is also inhibited by leupeptin. Finally formaldehyde fixation of accessory cells after pulsing with ABA-Tyr but not before permits successful stimulation of ABA-specific hybridoma cells. These results suggest that a lysosomal pathway but not digestion is necessary for the association of ABA-Tyr and la molecules for presentation.
Cesium chromate, Cs2CrO4: heat capacity and thermodynamic properties from 5 to 350 K☆

Abstract The heat capacity of a sample of Cs 2 CrO 4 was determined in the temperature range 5 to 350 K by aneroid adiabatic calorimetry. The heat capacity at constant pressure C p o (298.15 K), the entropy S o (298.15 K), the enthalpy { H o (298.15 K) - H o (0)} and the function − {G o (298.15 K ) - H o (0)} 298.15 K were found to be (146.06 ± 0.15) J K −1 mol −1 , (228.59 ± 0.23) J K −1 mol −1 , (30161 ± 30) J mol −1 , and (127.43 ± 0.13) J K −1 mol −1 , respectively. The heat capacity C p o (298.15 K) and entropy S o (298.15 K) and entropy S o (298.15 K) of Rb 2 CrO 4 are estimated to be (146.0 ± 1.0) J K −1 mol −1 and (217.6 ± 3.0) J K −1 mol −1 , respectively.
A study of light fluence rate distribution for PDT using MC simulation

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), it is essential to accurately determine the light fluence rate distribution from the known treatment geometry and optical properties. The light distribution calculation for intracavitory PDT is a complex problem because the light near the tissue surface inside the cavity is influenced by the geometry of the surrounding tissue, by multiply scattered light inside the cavity, and by possible attenuation of the fluid contained within the cavity. To address this problem we use Monte Carlo simulations as a gold standard to calculate the light fluence in a spherical cavity, both with homogenous and inhomogeneous optical property distributions. The MC code is developed in the Matlab platform with the Fresnel reflection well defined at the tissue-medium boundary, allowing the number of times a photon can be scattered within the cavity to be user specified. We find that increasing the attenuation, causes a decrease the light fluence rate for the same total light power from a point source. The resulting fluence rate is then compared with our empirical model based on diffusion. Preliminary results of comparisons of the MC simulation and the empirical model will be presented. We conclude that the empirical model is adequate for modeling light fluence within the cavity.
Electron beam coronary angiography to assess patency in the off-pump coronary bypass graft.

Abstract Background Off-pump coronary artery bypass is widely practiced today, with critics questioning patency rates. This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using electron beam coronary angiography to determine patency in this group of patients. Methods A total of 27 patients from a series of 653 off-pump coronary artery bypass patients were selected at random and, after informed consent, underwent electron beam coronary angiography with an Imatron C150 single slide mode using Ioversol as contrast material injected in an antecubital vein. Results A total of 88 bypasses were studied with an average of 3.2 ± 0.7125 grafts per patient, with a mean follow-up of 20.3 months. Four bypasses were occluded. Conclusions Electron beam coronary angiography appears to be a safe, suitable test to demonstrate patency in the off-pump coronary artery bypass graft patient, allowing study of a large group of patients without the risk or discomfort of cardiac catheterization.
Substitution of Hydraulic for Pneumatic IC Engine Valve Control System

Research into computer control of the operation of the engine intake and exhaust valves is continuing at Minnesota State University in Mankato to further the goals of improved gas mileage and reduced emissions from IC (internal combustion) engines. A major source of energy-wasting pumping losses can be reduced by controlling valve timing and duration, combined with the elimination of the throttle, while promoting more efficient combustion. An ideal system would allow complete variable computer control of valve lift and timing during all portions of the stroke cycles. Our first paper reported earlier Senior Design Project work, in which a spark ignition internal combustion engine was modified to allow computer control of the engine’s valves. These projects replaced the mechanically operated intake and exhaust valves with pneumatically operated valves controlled by computer in the form of a Programmable Logic Controller. The valves controlled by the solenoids switched compressed air to pneumatic cylinders that operated the existing poppet intake and exhaust valves on the engine. It was found that the use of compressible air was unsatisfactory for the higher RPMs due to the inability of the system to operate the valves quickly enough. Hydraulic operation could theoretically allow more accurate valve control at higher engine speeds. A follow-up research team found out that putting computer-controlled hydraulic valve actuation into operation on a real IC engine introduces other problems, however. We had hoped to present preliminary data from tests of the new hydraulic system, but inadequate hydraulic pressure plus equipment purchase order problems and hydraulic component failures allowed only limited testing using external power by the end of the semester. While we could not get the engine to run under its own power, the analysis pointed the way to future improvements. This paper summarizes the background and pneumatic valve results of the first paper, and discusses the operational issues and problems, and presents the analysis of the follow-up research into the use of hydraulic valve actuation.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The Structuring of Urban Life in a Mixed-Income Housing “Community”

Developing mixed–income communities has drawn increased attention from sociologists and other researchers in recent years, generating sharp debates over equitable access, the nature of community, a...
A putative role for extracellular ATP: Facilitation of67copper uptake and of copper stimulation of the release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone from median eminence explants

Abstract We have previously shown that extracellular copper stimulates the release of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) from explants of the median eminence area (MEA), that chelated copper (Cu) but not ionic Cu is the active form of the metal, and that there is a direct correlation between the ligand specificity for 67 Cu uptake and Cu action. In this study, we examined the possibility that extracellular ATP can serve as a ligand facilitating Cu action on the LH-RH neuron. Hypothalamic slices or MEA explants of adult male rats were used. It was found that ATP facilitates 67 Cu uptake by hypothalamic slices when Cu:ATP molar ratio was 1:2000 but not 1:2. Keeping the [Cu] constant (150 μM) and varying [ATP], ATP facilitation of Cu stimulation of LH-RH release from MEA explants was found to be a saturable function of [ATP]; maximal facilitation occurred with 2.5 mM ATP. When the nucleotide phosphate specificity for facilitation of Cu action was assessed, ADP, ATP, α,β-methylene-ATP (the non-hydrolyzable analogue of ATP) and GTP were equally effective, whereas AMP and adenosine were ineffective. These results indicate that extracellular ATP can facilitate Cu action on the LH-RH neuron and they are consistent with two mechanisms: (1) ATP facilitating Cu uptake and hence, Cu action and (2) ATP facilitating Cu action via an interaction with a purinergic receptor.
A procedure for incorporating setup into load and resistance factor design of driven piles

In a recent study, the time-dependent increase in axial load resistance of steel H-piles driven into cohesive soils, due to setup, was systematically quantified using measured field data. A method to estimate the setup based on measurable soil properties was subsequently established. These studies highlighted that the uncertainties of the measurements of soil properties and thus the semi-empirical approach to estimate setup are significantly different from those of the methodology used for measuring the pile resistance during retaps at any time after the end of driving. Recognizing that the two sets of uncertainties should be addressed concurrently, this paper presents a procedure for determining the factored resistance of a pile with due consideration to setup in accordance with the load and resistance factor design that targets a specific reliability index. Using the first-order second-moment method, the suggested procedure not only provides a simplified approach to incorporate any form of setup in design, but it also produces comparable results to the computationally intensive first-order reliability method. Incorporating setup in design and construction control is further shown to reduce foundation costs and minimize retap requirements on piles, ultimately reducing the construction costs of pile foundations.
Multiplets: Their behavior and utility at dacitic and andesitic volcanic centers

[1] Multiplets, or groups of earthquakes with similar waveforms, are commonly observed at volcanoes, particularly those exhibiting unrest. Using triggered seismic data from the 1980–1986 Mount St. Helens (MSH) eruption, we have constructed a catalog of multiplet occurrence. Our analysis reveals that the occurrence of multiplets is related, at least in part, to the viscosity of the magma. We also constructed catalogs of multiplet occurrence using continuous seismic data from the 2004 eruption at MSH and 2007 eruption at Bezymianny Volcano, Russia. Prior to explosions at MSH in 2004 and Bezymianny in 2007, the multiplet proportion of total seismicity (MPTS) declined, while the average amplitudes and standard deviations of the average amplitude increased. The life spans of multiplets (time between the first and last event) were also shorter prior to explosions than during passive lava extrusion. Dome-forming eruptions that include a partially solidified plug, like MSH (1983–1986 and 2004–2008), often possess multiplets with longer life spans and MPTS values exceeding 50%. Conceptually, the relatively unstable environment prior to explosions is characterized by large and variable stress gradients brought about by rapidly changing overpressures within the conduit. We infer that such complex stress fields affect the number of concurrent families, MPTS, average amplitude, and standard deviation of the amplitude of the multiplets. We also argue that multiplet detection may be an important new monitoring tool for determining the timing of explosions and in forecasting the type of eruption.
Transmitting Character in Schools—Some Common Questions and Answers

(1995). Transmitting Character in Schools—Some Common Questions and Answers. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 68, No. 3, pp. 151-153.
Implementation of iterative networks with CMOS differential logic

An improved differential CMOS logic family called enabled/disabled CMOS differential logic (ECDL) is presented. An extension to this logic technique which enables the implementation of iterative network arrays is also presented. Two simple logic functions, a Gray-to-binary decoder and an XOR cell, are implemented to demonstrate this methodology. >
K X-Ray Yields from C-, O-, and F-Bearing Gases

The K x-ray yields induced by 2 MeV proton bombardment of various C-, O-, and F-bearing gases show variations that depend in a systematic way on the effective charge of the atom in the molecule.
Algorithms for producing grammars from sample derivations: a common problem of formal language theory and developmental biology

We give a number of algorithms which for a finite set of finite sequences of strings of symbols decide whether or not there exists a grammar of a certain fixed type such that each of the sequences is a derivation (or subderivation) by the grammar. Whenever such grammars exist, our algorithms will effectively produce one of them. The types of grammars which we consider operate by applying rules in parallel to all symbols in the strings; thus they are similar to other parallel type grammars which have been actively investigated in recent years. We restrict our attention to the types of grammars which have been found useful in modeling developmental processes in biology. In view of this, our algorithms can be considered to produce, from a finite number of observations of the development of a particular kind of organism, a model which represents the developmental rules of that organism. We discuss the relevance of our results to formal language theory and to developmental biology.
High Prevalence of Isolates with Reduced Glycopeptide Susceptibility in Persistent or Recurrent Bloodstream Infections Due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Reduced susceptibility to glycopeptides in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates is considered a risk factor for failure of glycopeptide therapy. We compared the prevalences of MRSA isolates with reduced glycopeptide susceptibility in patients with versus without persistent or recurrent MRSA bloodstream infections. A retrospective cohort study at the University Hospital of Geneva identified 27 patients with persistent or recurrent clonally related MRSA bacteremic episodes over an 8-year period, which included 208 consecutive nosocomial MRSA bacteremic episodes. Vancomycin and teicoplanin MICs were determined by a modified macrodilution assay allowing improved detection of glycopeptide-intermediate MRSA isolates (GISA), characterized by elevated teicoplanin or/and vancomycin MICs (≥ 4 μg/ml). For 16 patients (59%), their pretherapy and/or posttherapy MRSA isolates showed elevated teicoplanin MICs, among which 10 (37%) concomitantly displayed elevated vancomycin MICs. In contrast, 11 other patients (41%) were persistently or recurrently infected with non-GISA isolates. In comparison, only 39 (22%) of 181 single isolates from patients with no microbiological evidence of persistent or recurrent infections showed elevated teicoplanin MICs, among which 14 (8%) concomitantly displayed elevated vancomycin MICs. Clinical, microbiological, and pharmacokinetic variables for patients persistently or recurrently infected with GISA or non-GISA isolates were similar. Bacteremic patients with a poor response to glycopeptide therapy had a 2.8-fold- and 4.8-fold-higher rates of MRSA isolates displaying elevated teicoplanin and vancomycin MICs, respectively, than patients with single isolates (P < 0.0001). Detection of elevated teicoplanin MICs may help to predict a poor response to glycopeptide therapy in MRSA bacteremic patients.
The impact of stress on marital quality: A stress-vulnerability theory

This article outlines a stress-vulnerability theory for describing how stress impacts marital quality. Implications for therapy are also discussed based on the stress-vulnerability theory.
Temperature gradients in the rabbit eye

Temperature measurements of the eyes of adult albino rabbits showed consistent gradients from the anterior surface of the retina to the outer surface of the cornea. Average difference between temperature at the retina and at the outer surface of the cornea was 5.01°C. Between rectal temperature and temperature at the outer surface of the cornea, average difference was 5.84°C. Temperature readings at points on the surfaces of ocular structures showed a consistent tendency to be highest in the lower nasal quadrant and lowest in the upper distal quadrant.
Treatment of Peyronie's disease with PDE5 inhibitors: an antifibrotic strategy

Pharmacological treatments for Peyronie's disease generally have limited success. Research using cell culture systems and animal models has provided insights into the fibrotic mechanisms underlying this disease, and has revealed a novel and potentially effective application of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in this context. Peyronie's disease (PD) is a localized fibrotic condition of the tunica albuginea that is associated with risk factors for corpora cavernosa fibrosis (such as advanced age and diabetes) and Dupuytren contracture, another localized fibrotic process. Most of the current pharmacological treatments for PD are not based on antifibrotic approaches that have shown promising results in animal models and clinical efficacy in other fibrotic conditions, which may explain why they are generally unsuccessful. Evidence gathered in human specimens and animal models of PD have elucidated aspects of its etiology and histopathology, showing that overexpression of transforming growth factor β1, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, reactive oxygen species and other profibrotic factors, which are, in most cases, assumed to be induced by trauma to the tunica albuginea, leads to myofibroblast accumulation and excessive deposition of collagen. At the same time, a steady overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, leading to increased nitric oxide and cGMP levels, seems to act as an endogenous antifibrotic mechanism. This process has also been reported in corporal and cardiovascular fibrosis, and has led to the demonstration that long-term continuous administration of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors counteracts the development of a PD-like fibrotic plaque in a rat model, and later extended to the prevention of corporal fibrosis in animal models of erectile dysfunction.
Cohesin, gene expression and development: Lessons from Drosophila

The cohesin complex, discovered through its role in sister chromatid cohesion, also plays roles in gene expression and development in organisms from yeast to human. This review highlights what has been learned about the gene control and developmental functions of cohesin and the Nipped-B (NIPBL/Scc2) cohesin loading factor in Drosophila. The Drosophila studies have provided unique insights into the aetiology of Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS), which is caused by mutations affecting sister chromatid cohesion proteins in humans. In vivo experiments with Drosophila show that cohesin and Nipped-B have dosage-sensitive effects on the functions of many evolutionarily conserved genes and developmental pathways. Genome-wide studies with Drosophila cultured cells show that Nipped-B and cohesin co-localize on chromosomes, and bind preferentially, but not exclusively, to many actively transcribed genes and their regulatory sequences, including many of the proposed in vivo target genes. In contrast, the cohesion factors are largely excluded from genes silenced by Polycomb group (PcG) proteins. Combined, the in vivo genetic data and the binding patterns of cohesin and Nipped-B in cultured cells are consistent with the hypothesis that they control the action of gene regulatory sequences, including transcriptional enhancers and insulators, and suggest that they might also help define active chromatin domains and influence transcriptional elongation.
Escherichia coli persistence kinetics in dairy manure at moderate, mesophilic, and thermophilic temperatures under aerobic and anaerobic environments

To assess Escherichia coli (E. coli) persistence in dairy manure, bench scale experiments were conducted under aerobic and anaerobic environments. The changes in E. coli levels in dairy manure were assessed at moderate (25 °C), mesophilic (37 °C), and thermophilic (52.5 °C) temperatures. The inactivation of E. coli at moderate, mesophilic, and thermophilic temperatures were described by linear regression equations. Subsequently, double-exponential kinetic models were developed to describe the E. coli decay curves under aerobic and anaerobic environments. The kinetics models were used to estimate E. coli log reductions at various temperatures. Results showed that the double-exponential kinetic models performed well while calculating E. coli reductions in dairy manure over the incubation period. In addition, we evaluated digestate to compare the changes in total solids and volatile solids, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, pH, and oxygen reduction potential levels in aerobic and anaerobic conditions under various temperatures. We anticipate that the results presented here will be useful for enhancing the understanding of pathogen reduction in anaerobic and aerobic processes during dairy manure treatment.
Do I Hear What You Hear? Thinking about Psychotherapy and Spirituality from a Self Psychological Approach

Drawing upon contributions of Heinz Kohut's psychoanalytic psychology of the self and scholarship in theology and religion, the essay outlines an approach to psychotherapy and spirituality. It reflects on the question, “Do I hear what you hear?,” introduces an unfolding clinical illustration, explores some essentials of a self psychological approach, and examines “spiritual matters” as a dimension of the self psychological process.
Motion Planning for Redundant Manipulators Using a Floating Point Genetic Algorithm

This paper deals with the trajectory planning problem for redundant manipulators. A genetic algorithm (GA) using a floating point representation is proposed to search for the optimal end-effector trajectory for a redundant manipulator. An evaluation function is defined based on multiple criteria, including the total displacement of the end-effector, the total angular displacement of all the joints, as well as the uniformity of Cartesian and joint space velocities. These criteria result in minimized, smooth end-effector motions. Simulations are carried out for path planning in free space and in a workspace with obstacles. Results demonstrate the effectiveness and capability of the proposed method in generating optimized collision-free trajectories.
Some reflections on clinical research.

SUMMARY The place of clinical research in the veterinary profession is discussed against the author's personal experiences and in the context of how research workers, clinicians, teachers and veterinary students might be brought into a more cohesive unit through the development of a Faculty of clinical research and experimental medicine. It is argued that students should receive training in research and teaching and that efforts should be made to break down the attitude of “them” and “us” which tends to separate the clinicians and academics. RESUME La situation de la recherche clinique dans la profession veterinaire est discutee par l'auteur, avec le souci de savoir comment les chercheurs, les praticiens, les enseignants et les etudiants pourraient cooperer plus efficacement. On pense ici que les etudiants devraient recevoir une formation d'enseignants et de chercheurs. Par ailleurs tous les efforts devraient etre faits pour combler le fosse entre les vocations cliniques et “academiques”. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die Stellung der klinischen Forschung im tierarztlichen Beruf wird diskutiert aufgrund personlicher Erfahrungen. Es wird auch besprochen wie Forscher, Kliniker, Lehrer und Studenten zu einer besser zusammenhangenden Einheit werden konnten durch die Entwicklung einer Fakultat fur klinische Forschung und experimentelle Medizin. Es wird befurwortet, dass Studenten in Forschung und Lehre eingesetzt werden; es sei auch wunschenswert, die Unterteilung in “Sie” und “Uns” zu bekampfen, weil sie zu einer Trennung von Akademikern und Klinikern fuhre.
Dynamical calculation of low energy hydrogen reflection

Abstract A current critical question in plasma/first wall interactions is that of low energy ( ) hydrogen reflection. Experiments in this energy regime are extremely difficult. Previous to this work, calculations have not been performed with an interaction potential of sufficient quality to simulate the chemical interactions which may dominate reflection at low energies. The Embedded Atom Method (EAM) [1] has recently been developed to simulate such chemical interactions with a free surface. Using EAM the reflection coefficient for hydrogen on a clean (100) nickel surface has been calculated as a function of incident energy from 0.1 to 100 eV. At the high end of the range the reflection coefficient is similar to that predicted by TRIM, a binary collision model, but below 3 eV, EAM predicts considerably lower reflection than does TRIM. Additional calculations have been performed to investigate the effects of crystal orientation and angle of incidence. These results will have a significant effect on the predictions made by neutral gas codes such as DEGAS [2] on the modelling of pump limiters and divertor ducts.