cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unifying Verification Paradigms

The field of formal methods is blessed with an overabundance of formalisms (functional, relational, automata-theoretic, modal, and temporal), techniques (resolution, rewriting, induction, and model checking), and application areas (hardware, reactive, fault-tolerant, real-time, and hybrid systems). No single verification approach has proven convincingly superior to the others. I argue that it is both necessary and desirable to develop a unified framework within which different approaches can coexist. The paper outlines some preliminary efforts in this direction in the context of SRI's PVS system. These efforts include the embedding of special-purpose formalisms (e.g., the Duration Calculus) into the general-purpose PVS logic, the integration of theorem proving with various forms of model checking, and the application of theorem proving and model checking to the analysis of tabular specifications.
Large-scale geo-facial image analysis

While face analysis from images is a well-studied area, little work has explored the dependence of facial appearance on the geographic location from which the image was captured. To fill this gap, we constructed GeoFaces, a large dataset of geotagged face images, and used it to examine the geo-dependence of facial features and attributes, such as ethnicity, gender, or the presence of facial hair. Our analysis illuminates the relationship between raw facial appearance, facial attributes, and geographic location, both globally and in selected major urban areas. Some of our experiments, and the resulting visualizations, confirm prior expectations, such as the predominance of ethnically Asian faces in Asia, while others highlight novel information that can be obtained with this type of analysis, such as the major city with the highest percentage of people with a mustache.
Gains from trade, stability and profits: A comment on Chichilnisky's ‘Terms of trade and domestic distribution: export-led growth with abundant labour’

Abstract This paper develops further the stability and comparative static properties of a model of North– South trade due to Chichilnisky. Chichilnisky established that, in a perfectly competitive market, an increase in the exports of a labor-intensive good by a labor-abundant developing country may make the exporter worse off: we give sufficient conditions for this to benefit the Northern importer as well. An expansion of labor-intensive exports thus leads to a net transfer of welfare from the exporting to the importing country. We then investigate alternative approaches to stability analysis in constant returns models, and show that under most reasonable definitions of stability, these results occur at a Walrasian stable competitive equilibrium.
Computational considerations for fault diagnosis in complex systems

Establishing effective and computationally tractable methods for fault diagnosis is a significant aspect of the overall intelligent control of complex systems. Such systems typically have substantial economic penalties associated with downtime, and it is essential to be able to rapidly and accurately determine the cause of a fault, and the needed repair action. This paper presents two approaches to effective and timely fault diagnosis in large, complex systems: one using sequential testing, and the second using parallel computation. >
Bioimmobilization of keratinase using Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli systems

Immobilized keratinase can improve stability while retaining its proteolytic and keratinolytic properties. Conventional purification followed by chemical immobilization is a laborious and costly process. A new genetic construct was developed to produce the keratinase-streptavidin fusion protein. Consequently, the purification and immobilization of the fusion protein onto a biotinylated matrix can be accomplished in a single step. The method was tested in both the Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli systems. In B. subtilis, the fusion protein was produced extracellularly and readily immobilized from the medium. In E. coli, the fusion protein was produced intracellularly in inclusion bodies; additional separation and renaturation processes were required prior to immobilization from the cell extract. The overall efficiencies were approximately the same, 24-28%, using both systems.
Prolytic changes in chicken erythrocytes exposed to Micrococcus aureus toxins.

Conclusions1. Chicken erythrocytes exposed to a dilute toxin obtained from Micrococcus aureus progressively become more fragile prior to hemolysis. 2. These cells hemolyze more rapidly in isosmotic solutions of ethylene glycol and glycerol. 3. Swelling and shrinking measurements show that the toxin has little or no effect on the permeability of these cells to glycerol. 4. The fact that more of the toxin-treated cells hemolyze following shrinking and swelling in 0.3 M glycerol in Ringer Locke than do controls suggests that the toxin may weaken the membrane in some way. 5. A comparison between erythrocytes exposed to the toxin for 10 minutes and then washed and erythrocytes continuously in the presence of the toxin indicates that the toxin effects an immediate and irreversible change. 6. Even though diffusible toxin is removed by washing, some toxin apparently remains and gradually the cells hemolyze. This process occurs more rapidly if the diffusible toxin is not removed.
Ophthalmoplegic migraine: a case report.

SUMMARY A case of ophthalmoplegic migraine in a boy of 11 years is described. Treatment with ergotamine tartrate at the beginning of attacks was of immense benefit. RESUME Migraine ophtalmoplegique: Observation d'un cas Observation d'un cas de migraine ophtalmoplegique chez un garcon de 11 ans. Le traitement par le tartrate d'ergotamine au debut des attaques donnait d'excellents resultats. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Ophthalmoplegische Migrane: Ein Bericht iiber einen Krankheitsfall Es wird ein Fall von ophthalmoplegischer Migrane in einem 11-jahrigen Jungen be-schrieben. Behandlung mit Ergotamin-Tartrat bei Einsetzen der Anfalle erwies sich von ausserordentlichem Nutzen. RESUMEN Sobre un caso de jaqueca oftalmica Se describe un caso de jaqueca oftalmica en un nino de 11 anos. El enfermo sacaba gran provecho de la administration de ergotamina tartrata al comencimiento de los ataques.
Design of broadband-optimized computer-generated hologram dispersers for the computed-tomography imaging spectrometer

This paper describes an algorithm based on the singular-value decomposition that converges to a solution for a computer-generated-hologram disperser from a random-phase starting diffuser. In this paper, we report on the application of this algorithm to the design of two-dimensional, surface-relief CGH dispersers for use in the Computed-Tomography Imaging Spectrometer (CTIS). The designed CGH's produce desired diffraction images at five wavelengths through a 1:1.67 wavelength band. Performance results are presented for a demonstration CGH designed by the SVD algorithm and fabricated in GaAs for use in the mid-wave infrared CTIS.
Lethal levels of selected water quality variables to larval and juvenile Lost River and shortnose suckers

Abstract Resource managers hypothesize that occasional fish kills during summer–early fall in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, may be linked to unfavorable water quality conditions created by massive algal blooms. In a preliminary effort to address this concern, short-term (96-h-long) laboratory tests were conducted with larval and juvenile Lost River (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose (Chasmistes brevirostris) suckers to determine the upper median lethal concentrations (LC50s; also referred to as median tolerance limits) for pH, un-ionized ammonia, and water temperature, and the lower LC50s for dissolved oxygen. The mean LC50s varied among species and life stages as follows: for pH, 10.30–10.39; for un-ionized ammonia, 0.48–1.06 mg litre−1; for temperature, 30.35–31.82°C; and for dissolved oxygen, 1.34–2.10 mg litre−1. Comparisons of 95% confidence limits indicated that, on average, the 96-h LC50s were not significantly different from those computed for shorter exposure times (i.e., 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h). According to two-way analysis of variance, LC50s for the four water quality variables did not vary significantly (p>0.05) between fish species. However, LC50s for pH (exposure times of 24 h and 48 h) and dissolved oxygen (exposure times of 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h) differed significantly (p≤0.05) between life stages, whereas LC50s for un-ionized ammonia and water temperature did not exhibit significant differences. In general, larvae were more sensitive than juveniles to high pH and low dissolved oxygen concentrations. When compared to ambient water quality conditions in Upper Klamath Lake, our results strongly suggest that near-anoxic conditions associated with the senescence phase of algal blooms are most likely to cause high mortalities of larval and juvenile suckers.
Defining keratin protein function in skin epithelia: epidermolysis bullosa simplex and its aftermath.

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is a rare genetic condition typified by superficial bullous lesions following incident frictional trauma to the skin. Most cases of EBS are due to dominantly acting mutations in keratin 14 (K14) or K5, the type I and II intermediate filament (IF) proteins that copolymerize to form a pancytoplasmic network of 10nm filaments in basal keratinocytes of epidermis and related epithelia. Defects in K5–K14 filament network architecture cause basal keratinocytes to become fragile, and account for their rupture upon exposure to mechanical trauma. The discovery of the etiology and pathophysiology of EBS was intimately linked to the quest for an understanding of the properties and function of keratin filaments in skin epithelia. Since then, continued cross-fertilization between basic science efforts and clinical endeavors has highlighted several additional functional roles for keratin proteins in the skin, suggested new avenues for effective therapies for keratin-based diseases, and expanded our understanding of the remarkable properties of the skin as an organ system.
Effect of Orientation in Haptic Reproduction of Line Length

We investigated the accuracy of haptic reproduction of line length and whether accuracy is influenced by line orientation. 13 blindfolded subjects felt along different line lengths at various orientations in the horizontal plane, then reproduced the line lengths in the same orientation as that felt. Efforts were made to equate learning and reproductive scanning movements. Reproductions of line lengths were a nonveridical power function of their true lengths, but the power function exponents did not differ across spatial orientations. It was concluded that people can encode line lengths across spatial orientations by a common power function if care is taken to equate proprioceptive information across learning and reproduction.
Brief Characterization of Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Separated from Serum on Protein A

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) immunoglobulin fraction was separated from whole serum by Protein A Sepharose chromatography. In serum electrophoresis, this fraction had a gamma motility; when electrophoresed on a polyacrylamide gel with sodium dodecyl sulfate it resolved into two protein bands of approximately 52 and 25 kilodaltons, respectively These bands were consistent with molecular weights of known heavy and light chains of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in other closely related species. Furthermore, the putative muskrat immunoglobulins had a strong cross-reactivity with mouse IgG1, IgG3, and kappa chain in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We propose, that the proteins bound to the Protein A Sepharose represent muskrat immunoglobulins of the IgG class.
Simultaneous determination of arsenic, germanium, and antimony by gas chromatography after hydride generation

Abstract A method is described for the simultaneous gas Chromatographie determination of arsenic, germanium and antimony. The approach is based on conversion of the elements to their hydrides, collection of these via a semi-selective trapping procedure, desorption from the trap, and delivery to a gas Chromatograph for separation and determination. Detection limits, based on the analysis of 100-ml natural water samples, are 1, 0.3, and 10 μg l -1 for As, Ge, and Sb, respectively. Recovery studies indicate that the relatively simple method yields precise and accurate results.
Determinism versus nondeterminism with arithmetic tests and computation: extended abstract

For each natural number d we consider a finite structure md whose universe is the set of all 0,1-sequence of length n=2d, each representing a natural number in the set [0,1,...,2n-1] in binary form. The operations included in the structure are the four constants 0,1,2n-1,n, multiplication and addition modulo 2n, the unary function min[2x, 2n-1], the binary functions ⌊ x/y⌋ (with ⌊ x/0 ⌋ =0), max(x,y), min(x,y), and the boolean vector operations ∧,∨,- defined on 0,1 sequences of length n by performing the operations on all components simultaneously. These are essentially the arithmetic operations that can be performed on a RAM, with wordlength n, by a single instruction. We show that there exists a term (that is, an algebraic expression) F(x,y) built up from the mentioned operations, with the only free variables x,y, such that for all terms G(y), which is also built up from the mentioned operations, the following holds. For infinitely many positive integers d, there exists an a ∈ md such that the following two statements are not equivalent: (i) md |= ∃ x, F(x,a), (ii) md models G(a)=0. In other words, the question whether an existential statement, depending on the parameter a ∈ md is true or not, cannot be decided by evaluating an algebraic expression at a. Another way of formulating the theorem, in a slightly stronger form, is, that over the structures md, quantifier elimination is not possible in the following sense. Let calm be a first-order language with equality, containing function symbols for all of the mentioned arithmetic operations. Then there exists an existential first-order formula φ(y) of calm, containing a single existential quantifier and the only free variable y, such that for each propositional formula P(y) of calm, we have that for infinitely many positive integers d, φ(y) and P(y) are not equivalent on md, that is, md |= - ∀ y, φ(y) >-> P(y). We also show that the theorem, in both forms, remains true if the binary operation min [xy, 2n-1] is added to the structure md. A general theorem is proved as well, which describes sufficient conditions for a set of operations on a sequence of structures kd, d=1,2,... which guarantees that the analogues of the mentioned theorems holds for the structures kd too.
Characterization of cytochrome c accumulation in white and pink strains ofUstilago violacea using low-temperature spectroscopy and amino acid analysis

The extent of cytochrome c accumulation in 46 pink and white strains ofUstilago violacea was determined using low-temperature spectroscopy. Pink strains accumulated approximately 14 times more cytochrome c than white strains. Cytochrome c was extracted and purified from two pink (2A2, 1.C429) and two white (15.10, 900-42.1) strains ofU. violacea and subjected to amino acid analysis. One pink (2A2) and one white (15.10) strain were genetically related; the others (900-42.1, 1.C429) were not. One white strain (900-42.1) contained spectrally distinct cytochrome c. Comparisons of the amino acid compositions of the cytochrome c from these four strains ofU. violacea using divergence calculations and computer-assisted cluster analysis indicated a high degree of relatedness for the two pink strains, a moderate degree of relatedness for the pink strains and white strain 15.10, and a low degree of relatedness for white strain 900-42.1 with the others. These results support the hypothesis that there are two distinct cytochrome c loci inU. violacea.
Crystal structure of a functional dimer of the PhoQ sensor domain.

The PhoP-PhoQ two-component system is a well studied bacterial signaling system that regulates virulence and stress response. Catalytic activity of the histidine kinase sensor protein PhoQ is activated by low extracellular concentrations of divalent cations such as Mg2+, and subsequently the response regulator PhoP is activated in turn through a classic phosphotransfer pathway that is typical in such systems. The PhoQ sensor domains of enteric bacteria contain an acidic cluster of residues (EDDDDAE) that has been implicated in direct binding to divalent cations. We have determined crystal structures of the wild-type Escherichia coli PhoQ periplasmic sensor domain and of a mutant variant in which the acidic cluster was neutralized to conservative uncharged residues (QNNNNAQ). The PhoQ domain structure is similar to that of DcuS and CitA sensor domains, and this PhoQ-DcuS-CitA (PDC) sensor fold is seen to be distinct from the superficially similar PAS domain fold. Analysis of the wild-type structure reveals a dimer that allows for the formation of a salt bridge across the dimer interface between Arg-50′ and Asp-179 and with nickel ions bound to aspartate residues in the acidic cluster. The physiological importance of the salt bridge to in vivo PhoQ function has been confirmed by mutagenesis. The mutant structure has an alternative, non-physiological dimeric association.
A longitudinal study of the effects of boundary spanning and project supervision on turnover and promotion in research and development

An investigation of the influence of boundary spanning project supervisors on the turnover and promotion of engineering professionals found that, in general, boundary spanning supervisors had littl...
A biochemical method for increasing the size of deletion mutations in simian virus 40 DNA.

Abstract A biochemical procedure has been developed for increasing the size of deletion mutations in closed-circular, double-stranded DNA. Specifically, the deletion in a simian virus 40 (SV40) mutant ( dl 892), a viable deletion mutant lacking about 35 base-pairs at 0.675 to 0.68 SV40 map units, has been enlarged to produce a series of new mutants lacking from 45 to 90 base-pairs. To enlarge the deletion, the following steps were involved: mutant and wild-type SV40 DNAs were cleaved with the Eco RI restriction endonuclease to form full-length linear molecules, and then they were mixed, denatured and annealed to reform duplex structures. The linear heteroduplex DNAs were re-circularized by treatment with DNA ligase. These closed-circular molecules, half of which contain a small deletion loop at 0.675 to 0.68 map units, were treated with S1 endonuclease, which cleaves at the site of the deletion loops to produce linear molecules with ends at 0.675 to 0.68 map units. Mutants containing enlarged deletions were obtained by infecting permissive monkey kidney cells with the linear DNA. The location of the enlarged deletion in each mutant was compared to that of the parental mutant, dl 892. One end of the parental deletion (at about 0.675 map units) remained essentially unmoved; the deletions were enlarged almost entirely in the opposite direction. Since these mutants were all selected for viability, 0.675 map units very likely marks the boundary between a region of the genome previously shown to contain non-essential sequences (from 0.675 to about 0.74 map units) and a portion of the genome required for lytic growth.
N2O-based tunnel oxides

Scaling down of the tunnel oxides allows reduction of the internal programming voltages and the memory cell size, and simplification of the peripheral circuit design related to highvoltage operation. However, several serious factors limit the scaling down of conventional thermal oxides. This includes the reduction in endurance which is related to charge trapping and time-dependent dielectric breakdown of the tunnel oxide. Leakage currents such as stressinduced leakage current and direct tunneling current are becoming a dominant factor as thicknesses are scaled down. Other factors that might limit the scaling of conventional thermally grown oxides include high defect and pinhole density which affect the manufacturing yield and device reliability, the ineffectiveness of thermal oxides in blocking diffusion of dopants, metals and impurities, excessive interface state density generation under various types of electrical and radiation stresses, and inadequate charge-to-breakdown and time-to-breakdown values. Furthermore, it has been reported that post-oxidation processes such as plasma exposure during metal etching can degrade thin oxides.
Atomic Tungsten for Ultrafast Hard X-ray Generation

High-resolution X-ray absorption measurements (with an accuracy of ±0.3 eV) of ZnSO4 (aq) were performed with ultrafast selected energy X-ray absorption spectroscopy (USEXAS) using a laser-driven tungsten target X-ray source. The results were used to determine the absolute spectral positions of characteristic emission lines. By comparing these positions to those predicted for the line emission from tungsten of different oxidation states using the Dirac−Fock formula, the tungsten species responsible for ultrafast hard X-ray generation were found to be tungsten atoms. This finding provides the first direct evidence to support the mechanism of X-ray generation via high-energy electrons interacting with tungsten atoms in the solid target.
Recovery of horses from general anesthesia in a darkened or illuminated recovery stall.

Abstract Objective To assess whether recovery from general anesthesia, in an illuminated or a darkened stall, has an effect on time to first movement, time to standing, and recovery score. Study design Prospective randomized clinical study. Animals Twenty-nine healthy, 2- to 5-year-old horses undergoing surgical correction of dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Methods Each horse was assigned randomly to recover in either an illuminated (n = 15) or a darkened stall (n = 14). For pre-anesthetic medication, all horses received intravenous (IV) xylazine (0.4 mg kg−1) and butorphanol (0.02 mg kg−1). Anesthesia was induced with midazolam (0.1 mg kg−1) and ketamine (2.2 mg kg−1) IV and maintained on isoflurane in oxygen. Vital parameters, end-tidal CO2 and isoflurane were recorded at 5-minute intervals. At the conclusion of anesthesia, horses were placed in either an illuminated or a darkened stall and xylazine (0.2 mg kg−1) IV was administered at extubation. Video cameras were used to record the horses while they were allowed to recover undisturbed. Video recordings were later viewed and recoveries were evaluated on a 100-point scale by three graders. Results Horses in illuminated and darkened recovery stalls were evaluated on total anesthesia time, minimum alveolar concentration hours of isoflurane, time to first movement, time to standing, and total recovery score. There were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the measured parameters. Conclusion Recovering horses in a darkened versus an illuminated recovery stall may provide no benefit. Clinical relevance Darkening the recovery stalls for horses recovering from general anesthesia may be unnecessary.
Direct Measurement of X-Ray Drive from Surrogate Targets in Nova Hohlraums.

A new method for measuring x-ray drive in Nova hohlraums near target center using surrogate targets is proposed as an alternative to conventional wall-based techniques. A solid, low-density (0.3g/cm{sup 3}) SiO{sub 2} aerogel ball placed at the center of a Nova hohlraum is used to infer x-ray drive from the backlighter-imaged ablatively driven shock trajectory. A nearly 10{percent} (40{percent}) increase in peak radiation temperature (flux) near the hohlraum center in the presence of axial shields is predicted from radiation-hydrodynamics simulations and corroborated by experiment. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Investigations into the Stability of Tethered Palladium(II) Pincer Complexes during Heck Catalysis

A variety of palladated PCP pincer complexes are covalently tethered onto polymeric and silica supports via either amide or ether linkages and are evaluated in the Heck reaction of iodobenzene and n-butyl acrylate. The decomposition under reaction conditions of all complexes studied is established through poisoning and kinetic studies. Furthermore, the initial steps of the decomposition pathway of PCP as well as SCS pincer Pd(II) complexes are proposed and validated using in situ NMR, mass spectroscopy, and XAS as well as computational methods. These findings together with our previous reports strongly suggest that all Pd(II) pincer complexes are simply precatalysts during the Heck reaction that decompose to form catalytically active Pd(0) species.
Nanofibrous Calcite Synthesized via a Solution−Precursor−Solid Mechanism

The synthesis of calcite fibers has been confined to nature and is observed most prominently in sea urchin teeth and bacterial deposits. By generating a liquid-phase mineral precursor, induced by the addition of acidic macromolecules to a crystallizing solution, calcite fibers with diameters ranging from 100 to 800 nm have been deposited on existing calcite substrate crystals. A solution−precursor−solid (SPS) mechanism, which has features similar to both the vapor−liquid−solid (VLS) and solution−liquid−solid (SLS) mechanisms, is proposed as the growth mechanism. Because this aqueous-based SPS mechanism occurs under physiological conditions (and down to temperatures as low as 4 °C), it is feasible that it may be used by organisms to form their fibrous biomineral structures. This discovery suggests an interesting link between two seemingly unrelated processes, high-temperature semiconductor fiber formation and biological mineralization.
Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-Related Virus in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Prostate Cancer

Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) is a γ retrovirus that has been associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and prostate cancer. The search for viral causes of these syndromes was reignited by the finding that RNase L activity was low in hereditary prostate cancer and some CFS patients. The six strains of XMRV that have been sequenced have greater than 99% identity, indicating a new human infection rather than laboratory contamination. DNA, RNA, and proteins from XMRV have been detected in 50% to 67% of CFS patients and in about 3.7% of healthy controls. XMRV infections could be transmitted to permissive cell lines from CFS plasma, suggesting the potential for communicable and blood-borne spread of the virus and potentially CFS. This troubling concept is currently under intense evaluation. The most important steps now are to independently confirm the initial findings; develop reliable assays of biomarkers; and to move on to investigations of XMRV pathophysiology and treatment in CFS, prostate cancer, and potentially other virus-related syndromes, if they exist.
Role of the primate placenta in cortisol secretion by the maternal adrenals

Peripheral serum cortisol levels were measured throughout gestation in 5 intact pregnant rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and 3 hypophysectomized-fetectomized monkeys, leaving the placentas in situ and viable. These monkeys, as well as 4 other groups used to separately control for effects of pregnancy, hypophysectomy, or fetectomy, were unilaterally (left) adrenalectomized to permit comparisons of adrenal gland weights. Circulating cortisol levels of intact pregnant monkeys tended to rise slightly with advancing gestation. However, hypophysectomy at 70 to 73 days after fertilization caused a marked decline (p < 0.01) in serum cortisol concentrations to about 1/2 the preoperative level. These monkeys were fetectomized at 107 to 114 days without further reduction in circulating cortisol levels. In hypophysectomized-fetectomized monkeys, either surgical removal of the placentas near term or abortion was followed by a rapid decrease in peripheral cortisol to undetectable concentrations. Their cortisol levels were 5 to 12 times higher in left adrenal venous effluent than in peripheral circulation on the day of placental delivery. The presence of a viable placenta protected against the extensive adrenocortical involution seen in nonpregnant hypophysectomized monkeys (p < 0.01). Fetectomy, alone or in combination with hypophysectomy, did not alter left adrenal gland weights from those of intact pregnant monkeys. Thus, continued cortisol secretion and maintenance of adrenal weight in hypophysectomized-fetectomized monkeys, in the presence of a functional placenta, supports the existence of a placental adrenocorticotropin in this primate.
Semicoarsening Multigrid on Distributed Memory Machines

This paper presents the results of a scalability study for a three-dimensional semicoarsening multigrid solver on a distributed memory computer. In particular, we are interested in the scalability of the solver---how the solution time varies as both problem size and number of processors are increased. For an iterative linear solver, scalability involves both algorithmic issues and implementation issues. We examine the scalability of the solver theoretically by constructing a simple parallel model and experimentally by results obtained on an IBM SP. The results are compared with those obtained for other solvers on the same computer.
Handy-Potter: Rapid 3D Shape Exploration Through Natural Hand Motions

We present the paradigm of natural and exploratory shape modeling by introducing novel 3D interactions for creating, modifying and manipulating 3D shapes using arms and hands. Though current design tools provide complex modeling functionalities, they remain non-intuitive and require significant training since they segregate 3D shapes into hierarchical 2D inputs, thus binding the user to stringent procedural steps and making modifications cumbersome. In addition the designer knows what to design when they go to CAD systems and the creative exploration in design is lost. We present a shape creation paradigm as an exploration of creative imagination and externalization of shapes, particularly in the early phases of design. We integrate the capability of humans to express 3D shapes via hand-arm motions with traditional sweep surface representation to demonstrate rapid exploration of a rich variety of fairly complex 3D shapes. We track the skeleton of users using the depth data provided by low-cost depth sensing camera (Kinect™). Our modeling tool is configurable to provide a variety of implicit constraints for shape symmetry and resolution based on the position, orientation and speed of the arms. Intuitive strategies for coarse and fine shape modifications are also proposed. We conclusively demonstrate the creation of a wide variety of product concepts and show an average modeling time of a only few seconds while retaining the intuitiveness of communicating the design intent.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Local structure of multiferroic RMn2O5: Important role of the R site

Abstract The temperature and magnetic field dependent local structure of RMn 2 O 5 systems was examined. While no significant displacements of the Mn ions are observed, it is found that the R–O distribution exhibits changes at low temperature which are possibly related to the changes in the electric polarization. Density functional computations are used to explore the system dynamics and to link the local structural measurements with anomalous changes in the infrared absorption spectra. The anomalous R–O distribution and observed coupling to magnetic fields point to the need to properly treat the 4f electrons on the R sites in these systems.
Characterisation of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against glycinin (11S storage protein) from soya (Glycine max)

Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies have been raised against the soya (Glycine max L) 11S storage protein, glycinin. The characteristics of the antibodies have been studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting techniques. The polyclonal antibodies showed strong recognition of the storage proteins from pea, and smaller but significant interactions with storage proteins from other seeds. Two monoclonal antibodies were virtually completely soya specific, recognising different continuous epitopes from the acidic polypeptides believed to be present on the surface of the native protein. A third monoclonal showed a much wider specificity in the ELISA, including the recognition of certain storage proteins from other seed types to a greater extent than soya. The epitope for this antibody may have been present on the surface of the native protein and was discontinuous, dependent on spatial organisation for recognition.
Tribological composition optimization of chromium-carbide-based solid lubricant coatings for foil gas bearings at temperatures to 650 °C

A test program to determine the optimum composition of chromium carbide based solid lubricant coatings for compliant gas bearings is described. The friction and wear properties of the coatings are evaluated using a foil gas bearing test apparatus. The various coatings were prepared by powder blending, then plasma sprayed onto Inconel 718 test journals and diamond ground to the desired coating thickness and surface finish. The journals were operated against preoxidized nickel-chromium alloy foils. The test bearings were subjected to repeated start/stop cycles under a 14 kPa (2 psi) bearing unit load. The bearings were tested for 9000 start/stop cycles or until the specimen wear reached a predetermined failure level. In general, the addition of silver and eutectic to the chromium carbide base stock significantly reduced foil wear and increased journal coating wear. The optimum coating composition, PS212 (70 wt% metal bonded Cr3C2, 15 wt% Ag, 15% BaF2/CaF2 eutectic), reduced foil wear by a factor of two and displayed coating wear well within acceptable limits. The load capacity of the bearing using the plasma-sprayed coating prior to and after a run-in period was ascertained and compared to polished Inconel 718 specimens.
Applying a dynamic model of situated cognition to the investigation of mishaps

Abstract : Complex systems will, inevitably, experience failures. The cause of these failures or mishaps may be labeled operator error, but often they are actually caused by the confluence of technological, situational, individual, and organizational factors. Several models and theories of human error have been proposed over the years and are reviewed in this paper. The authors propose another model, the Dynamic Model of Situated Cognition (DMSC), to explain how complex systems fail. Miller and Shattuck (2004) developed the DMSC in an effort to link technological aspects of a system to the perceptual and cognitive aspects of that system. They illustrated the model by applying it to the USS Stark incident and to a military command and control simulation (Shattuck and Miller, 2004). The model also appears to have utility as a retrospective explanatory tool to identify when and where things went wrong. In this paper, the authors describe the DMSC as it relates to the analysis of error in complex systems and apply it to the February 2001 mishap in which the U.S. Navy submarine USS Greeneville collided with the Japanese motor vessel Ehime Maru off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii.
Role of C-terminal B-chain residues in insulin assembly: the structure of hexameric LysB28ProB29-human insulin.

Abstract Background: Lys B28 Pro B29 -human insulin (Humalog TM ), a fully potent insulin analog in which the prolyl, lysyl sequence at the C-terminal end of the B-chain is inverted, exhibits a decreased association of monomers to dimers leading to rapid in vivo absorption. This provides important benefits for the insulin-requiring diabetic. In spite of its monomeric nature, Lys B28 Pro B29 -human insulin can exist as a discrete hexameric structure in the presence of both zinc and phenol. Studies of the crystal structure of Lys B28 Pro B29 -human insulin in a hexameric complex were initiated to gain a molecular understanding of the effect of the sequence inversion on the analog's self-association properties and, consequently, its in vivo efficacy. Results Under the conditions reported, Lys B28 Pro B29 -human insulin crystallized as a T 3 R f 3 hexamer that is isomorphous with the uncomplexed T 3 R f 3 native human insulin hexamer previously known as ‘4Zn insulin'. The three-dimensional structure of the T 3 R f 3 hexamer was determined by X-ray crystallographic methods to a resolution of 2.3 a. The prolyl, lysyl sequence inversion leads to local conformational changes at the C termini of the B-chains which eliminate two critical hydrophobic interactions and weaken two terminal β -sheet hydrogen bonds that stabilize the dimer. Conclusion The loss of these native dimer interactions weakens the hexameric Lys B28 Pro B29 -human insulin complex formed in the presence of phenolic ligands. Thus, it is hypothesized that the diffusion of the phenolic ligands from the site of injection results in the dissociation of hexamers directly to monomers, thereby maintaining the rapid time-action of the monomeric analog in spite of the hexameric conformation in therapeutic formulations.
Beyond Sexual Orientation: Integrating Gender/Sex and Diverse Sexualities via Sexual Configurations Theory

Sexual orientation typically describes people's sexual attractions or desires based on their sex relative to that of a target. Despite its utility, it has been critiqued in part because it fails to account for non-biological gender-related factors, partnered sexualities unrelated to gender or sex, or potential divergences between love and lust. In this article, I propose Sexual Configurations Theory (SCT) as a testable, empirically grounded framework for understanding diverse partnered sexualities, separate from solitary sexualities. I focus on and provide models of two parameters of partnered sexuality--gender/sex and partner number. SCT also delineates individual gender/sex. I discuss a sexual diversity lens as a way to study the particularities and generalities of diverse sexualities without privileging either. I also discuss how sexual identities, orientations, and statuses that are typically seen as misaligned or aligned are more meaningfully conceptualized as branched or co-incident. I map out some existing identities using SCT and detail its applied implications for health and counseling work. I highlight its importance for sexuality in terms of measurement and social neuroendocrinology, and the ways it may be useful for self-knowledge and feminist and queer empowerment and alliance building. I also make a case that SCT changes existing understandings and conceptualizations of sexuality in constructive and generative ways informed by both biology and culture, and that it is a potential starting point for sexual diversity studies and research.
In-Source Fragmentation and the Sources of Partially Tryptic Peptides in Shotgun Proteomics

Partially tryptic peptides are often identified in shotgun proteomics using trypsin as the proteolytic enzyme; however, their sources have been controversial. Herein, we investigate the impact of in-source fragmentation on shotgun proteomics profiling of three biological samples: a standard protein mixture, a mouse brain tissue homogenate, and mouse plasma. Because the in-source fragments of peptide ions have the same LC elution time as their parental peptides, partially tryptic peptide ions from in-source fragmentation can be distinguished from other partially tryptic peptides based on their elution time differences from those computationally predicted data. The percentage of partially tryptic peptide identifications resulting from in-source fragmentation in a standard protein digest was observed to be ∼60%. In more complex mouse brain or plasma samples, in-source fragmentation contributed to a lesser degree of 1–3% of all identified peptides due to the limited dynamic range of LC–MS/MS measurements. The...
The New Care and Feeding of Entrepreneurs

A description is given of a community based small business advisement center model developed by the American Management Associations and the United States Department of Labor. The model, reflecting strong orientations from the fields of organization development and instructional technology, is presently being implemented and tested. This model recommends solutions to problems presently facing advisement centers, particularly with regard to effectively and efficiently handling large numbers of start‐up clients.
Preparation and catalytic evaluation of ruthenium-nickel dendrimer encapsulated nanoparticles via intradendrimer redox displacement of nickel nanoparticles.

Ru and RuxNi30 dendrimer encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) were synthesized using a redox-displacement method. DEN catalytic activity for the reduction of p-nitrophenol was evaluated and found to be dependent on the ratio of metals present.
Time stick for measuring action and reaction speed.

A simple “time stick,” graduated in hundredths of a second, falling under constant gravitational acceleration, provides ready, accurate measurement of certain manual action and reaction times.
Role of lipid peroxidation in metalloporphyrin-mediated phototoxic reactions in neonatal rats.

ABSTRACT: Our group previously demonstrated dose-dependent mortality in neonatal rats treated with tin protoporphyrin and light. We hypothesize that lipid peroxidation may be responsible for the toxic effects of photosensitizing metalloporphyrins. Neonatal rat blood samples with or without metalloporphyrins (40 mM) were exposed to cool white light (20 μW/cm2/nm) for 30 min at 37°C. In the in vivo model, neonatal rat pups were given injections of 40 μmol of either tin protoporphyrin (4 mM), zinc protoporphyrin/kg body weight, or saline and placed over cool white light. The control animals were similarly treated but kept in the dark. After 3 h, the animals were killed, and their tissues were analyzed for malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, and disappearance of polyunsaturated fatty acids as indices of lipid peroxidation. In all cases, the known photosensitizer tin protoporphyrin was associated with increased conjugated dienes in the liver and disappearance of polyunsaturated fatty acids and increased malondialdehyde in the liver and brain when animals were exposed to light. Zinc protoporphyrin was not associated with increased lipid peroxidation in the light except in the case of blood in vitro where malondialdehyde levels increased. We conclude that lipid peroxidation plays a role in metalloporphyrin-mediated phototoxicity in neonatal rat tissues.
Kinetics of the reaction of aluminum EDTA and cobalt(II) EDTA with calmagite

Abstract The reaction of aluminum EDTA with calmagite was found to be first-order in calmagite, half-order in aluminum EDTA, and zero-order in excess EDTA. The three-halves-order apparent rate constant at pH 9.48 and 20°C with ionic strength 0.30 was 0.232 ± 0.0141 1 2 · mol 1 2 · s−1. The activation energy was 3.2 ± 0.3 kcal/mol. The pH dependence was complex between 8 and 10. The mechanism proposed is a rapid dissociation of a dimer of aluminum EDTA to a monomer followed by a rate-determining displacement of the EDTA by calmagite. The reaction of Co(II) EDTA with calmagite was confirmed to be first-order in Co(II) EDTA and first-order in calmagite with an activation energy of 7.5 ± 0.6 kcal/mol.
Summary of conference on design of dental prostheses

On July 12–17, 1987, a unique dental conference, entitled “The Applications of Modern Engineering Methods to the Design and Fabrication of Dental Prostheses and Restorations” was held in Henniker, New Hampshire, USA. This conference was sponsored by the Engineering Foundation with cosponsorship by the United States Army Institute for Dental Research. The objective of the conference was to foster an interchange of ideas among dental researchers, engineers, academicians, and representatives from industry on how recent engineering methods could be applied to advance dental research related to the design and construction of dental prostheses and restorations. Sessions were held on finite element analysis (FEA), computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), Weibull statistics, fracture mechanics, and reliability analysis. The unifying theme was the utilization of existing analytical solutions and software to analyze stress states and optimum design configurations in dental prostheses such that the risk of premature failure could be ascertained. The interdisciplinary nature of the conference created a need for tutorial lectures as well as state-of-the-art presentations.
Numerical techniques for computing the inertia of products of matrices of rational numbers

Consider a rational matrix, particularly one whose entries have large numerators and denominators, but which is presented as a product of very sparse matrices with relatively small entries. We report on a numerical algorithm which computes the inertia of such a matrix in the nonsingular case and effectively exploits the product structure. We offer a symbolic/numeric hybrid algorithm for the singular case. We compare these methods with previous purely symbolic ones. By "purely symbolic" we refer to methods which restrict themselves to exact arithmetic and can assure that errors of approximation do not affect the results. Using an application in the study of Lie Groups as a plentiful source of examples of problems of this nature we explore the relative speeds of the numeric and hybrid methods as well as the range of applicability without error.
Synovial membrane and cartilage changes in experimental osteoarthrosis

The Hulth instability model was performed on 25 rabbit knee joints. Electron-microscopic, light-microscopic, and histomorphometric data demonstrated consistent chondrocyte alterations and cartilage destruction. The comparison between operated, sham, and control knees shows that surgical intervention without surgically induced instability is followed by changes in the synovial membrane and cartilage. The cartilage destruction is preceded by a synovial reaction, suggesting that the inflammatory response has an important role in the onset of cartilage damage in this model. The damage was more severe in the experimental knees, suggesting that mechanical instability is also a factor in cartilage destruction.
Pathways to a World City: Shanghai Rising in an Era of Globalisation

Summary. In a globalising world, cities at or near the apex of the international urban hierarchy are among the favoured few—New York, London and Tokyo—that have acquired large econ- omic, cultural and symbolic roles. Among a handful of regional aspirants, such as Hong Kong, Miami and Sao Paulo, Shanghai has reasonable long-term prospects. If the Chinese economy can sustain its growth rate, it will rival the US in a few decades. And if Shanghai is able to retain its pre-eminence in the Chinese context, then it is likely to be the East Asian city with the best prospect of becoming a global centre. This paper briee y explores the makings of a world city, identie es certain necessary ingredients, examines Shanghai's recent development, indicates national and municipal policies that may determine Shanghai's pathway to a global city and shows how such policies are being implemented.
Toward a Broader Perspective on the Role of Economics in Legal Policy Analysis: A Retrospective and an Agenda from Albert O. Hirschman

Legal thinkers interested in economic analysis of law-whether as believers, doubters or both at once-could profit from greater attention to the writings of Albert 0. Hirschman, an economist whose territory over his long and varied career has been the border country of economics and politics.' Hirschman rarely discusses law directly, but his potential value to legal scholars is that he sets economic concerns in a broader social and intellectual context than do most economists or practitioners of "law and economics." Resistance to his ideas is likely to come from those legal scholars who have turned to economics as an apparent refuge from uncertainty and ambiguity and to advance a pure allegiance to free market ideol-