cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability and Measurement Error in the Presence of Homogeneity

ABSTRACT This paper describes a limitation of using Cronbach's Alpha to estimate reliability when using a sample with homogeneous responses in the measured construct. More specifically, it describes the risk of falsely concluding that a new instrument may have poor reliability and demonstrates the use of an alternate statistic that may serve as a cushion against such errors. Data from two validation studies are used to illustrate the utility of the new statistic, referred to as R-Alpha or Relative Alpha. Included is a discussion of the limitations and appropriate use of the statistic in validating multi-item tests, assessment scales, and inventories.
Direct optimization using collocation based on high-order Gauss-Lobatto quadrature rules

The method of collocation and nonlinear programming has been used recently to solve a number of optimal control problems. In this method polynomials are commonly used to represent the state variable time histories over subintervals of the total time of interest. These polynomials correspond to a family of modified-Gaussian quadrature rules known as the Gauss-Lobatto rules. Presently, relatively low-order rules from the Gauss-Lobatto family, such as the trapezoid and Simpson's rule, are used to construct collocation solution schemes. In this work higher-order Gauss-Lobatto quadrature rules are formulated using collocation point selection based on a particular family of Jacob! polynomials. The advantage of using a quadrature rule of higher order is that the approximation using the higher degree polynomial may be more accurate, due to finite precision arithmetic, than a formulation based on a lower degree polynomial. In addition, the number of subintervals and, therefore, the number of nonlinear programming parameters needed to solve a problem accurately may be significantly reduced from that required if the conventional trapezoidal or Simpson's quadrature schemes are used. An optimal trajectory maximizing final energy for a low-thrust spacecraft is used to demonstrate the benefits of using the higher-order schemes.
Endothelium-dependent vascular smooth muscle control

Recent pharmacologic evidence supports the importance of the integrity of the endothelium in modulating vascular reactivity. The endothelial cells produce one or more endothelium derived relaxing factor(s) or EDRF that cause relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells through production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) and subsequent activation of protein kinase. While the molecular pharmacology of vascular relaxation is now well defined and numerous factors have been identified that inhibit or stabilize EDRF, the chemical identity of EDRF still is uncertain. Nitric oxide appears to be one such EDRF. Alterations in vasoreactivity observed during surgical manipulation, trauma, inhalational anesthesia, atherosclerosis, and other disease states can now be explained by their influence on the endothelial cells and EDRF. Further, it is now clear that nitrovasodilators act directly on the vascular smooth muscle cell to produce biological intermediates that mimic the endogenous factors. While anesthesiologists and critical care physicians have traditionally focused on hormonal and nervous system control of vascular reactivity, the effects of various drugs and manipulations on EDRF appear to be of clinical importance. In this manuscript we review the pharmacology of EDRF and of exogenous nitrovasodilators with particular reference to factors that can modulate vasoreactivity.
In search of a ‘cinematic Esperanto’: exhibiting wartime Chongqing cinema in global context

AbstractThis essay examines the neglected wartime Chongqing cinema by situating it in its local and simultaneously global context of exhibition. Instead of reinforcing the image of Chongqing cinema as sheer state propaganda, I illustrate the film-makers' and the film critics' heightened awareness of multiple contexts of exhibition. I propose to consider this wartime cinema as a search for the ‘cinematic Esperanto’, an aspiration toward a world cinema and an international film language that contested the universal language of the Hollywood continuity system so as to bridge film aesthetics and audience responses to register the atrocity of the war and evoke corporeal public responses. By examining the critical interaction between film exhibition, film criticism, and film production, I hope to bring to recognition wartime Chongqing cinema as a highly self-conscious and active participant in an international film culture.
Anthropology and the military — 1968, 2003 and beyond?

A propos des debats sur la responsabilite ethique de l'anthropologue dans le contexte de l'apres-11 septembre 2001 et de la guerre contre le terrorisme, l'A. propose quelques reflexions sur les dilemmes ethiques qui s'imposent a l'anthropologue qui opere dans le conseil militaire, qui coopere avec des services secrets ou d'autres services gouvernementaux du renseignement ou de la securite nationale. Il tente notamment d'eclairer la situation contemporaine a partir des exemples et des controverses historiques de la participation d'anthropologues americains dans des situations de conflits ou de guerres. Il met en evidence les difficultes de choix qui s'imposent a l'anthropologue, notamment du point de vue de ses responsabilites envers sa communaute scientifique, envers ses informateurs, et du point de vue du principe de consentement eclaire. En conclusion, il suggere que les anthropologues doivent defendre l'heritage humain de leur discipline, qui s'exprime notamment dans la capacite de pouvoir transformer les termes dans lesquels sont poses les conflits.
The effect of open-arc process variables on the microstructure and wear resistance of a typical chromium-carbide-type hardfacing deposit

The weld deposition of abrasion-resistant hardfacing alloys is a broad technology which includes many applications, alloy systems, and welding techniques. The purpose of this investigation was to gain insight into the influence of arcwelding process variables on the chemistry, microstructure, and wear behavior of one specific alloy system, namely the high-chromium, high-carbon, molybdenum white irons. The selection of this alloy system was based on the fact that Cr-Mo-C white irons are applied by the mining industry for abrasion-resistant applications as both castings and weld overlay deposits. Arc-welding, using a selfshielding, flux-cored wire electrode was chosen for study because of the wide application of this process for the production of hardfacing overlays and because the openarc technique affords good process control, as well as a relatively high deposition rate. A major advantage of fluxcored wire in hardfacing research is the broad range of welding consumable chemistries which can be achieved without encountering the severe fabrication problems associated with the manufacture of solid wire.
PREDICTED SEASONAL RADIOSENSITIVITY OF SOUTHEASTERN TREE SPECIES

Abstract Vegetative shoot apices of 14 tree species at Oak Ridge, Tennessee were studied for 1 year (1964). The average interphase nuclear volumes, estimated interphase chromosome volumes and ratios of volumes in actively growing to dormant plants were determined. Results indicate that the predicted range in sensitivity between species for any month, approximately a 17-fold range, is constant even though the predicted sensitivity of individual species changes with respect to time.
Uromodulin promoter directs high-level expression of biologically active human α1-antitrypsin into mouse urine

We have recently shown that the regulatory sequence of the uromodulin gene, containing the 3.7 kb promoter, exon 1 and a part of exon 2, provided for kidney-specific expression of the reporter lacZ gene in transgenic mice [Zbikowska, Soukhareva, Behnam, Chang, Drews, Lubon, Hammond and Soukharev (2002) Transgenic Res., in the press]. In the present study, we generated transgenic mice harbouring the regulatory sequence of the uromodulin gene to direct the expression of human alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1AT) into urine. Of the 13 founder mice that tested positive by PCR, seven showed the presence of the human protein in their urine. The concentration of the recombinant human (rh) alpha1AT in the urine, estimated by using ELISA, ranged from 0.5 to 14 microg/ml in the F(0)-generation mice, and reached up to 65 microg/ml in the F1 generation. The transgenically produced rh alpha1AT was found to be N-glycosylated and biologically active. The N-terminal sequence analysis confirmed the identity of the human protein and revealed that the recombinant alpha1AT was correctly processed with the signal peptide cleaved off. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the uromodulin regulatory sequence provides a very attractive option for the potential large-scale production of functional therapeutic proteins in livestock.
Evapotranspiration, yield, and water-use efficiency responses of Lesquerella fendleri at different growth stages

Abstract Lesquerella fendleri (Gray) Wats. is a potential new oilseed crop for the arid southwestern United States. Lesquerella seed oil with similar properties as castor oil is being considered as a domestic replacement for the imported castor oil. Development of new crops with low irrigation needs is of high priority. Because the most critical stage of sensitivity to moisture deficits has not been determined in Lesquerella species, the objectives of this study were: (i) to identify the most critical stage or stages for moisture deficit and, (ii) to determine the effect of moisture deficit on yield, yield components, oil and fatty acid composition. Two-year field studies were conducted at the New Mexico State University, Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center. The experimental design was a randomized complete block. The treatments consisted of (a) T1: Continuous favorable soil moisture [irrigated at 50% soil water depletion (SWD)]. (b) T2: Moisture stress (75% SWD) from establishment to initial flowering with no stress from flowering to final harvest (50% SWD). (c) T3: No stress imposed from establishment to initial flowering (50% SWD) followed by stress to final harvest (75% SWD). (d) T4: Moisture stress (75% SWD) from establishment to final harvest. The amount of water applied ranged from 810 to 729 mm for the first year, and 810 to 625 mm for the second year. Seed weight per plant and number of pods per plant were generally higher when water availability was maintained at or above 50% SWD throughout the growing season. Neither seed number per pod nor seed size was influenced by irrigation treatments. Lesquerella was more sensitive to water availability during flowering and seed development as a greater loss in seed yield occurred when irrigation was delayed to 75% SWD during that stage of development. Seed yield and dry matter production from the 2 year field studies were closely related to the seasonal cumulative evapotranspiration. For each millimeter of evapotranspiration, seed yield increased from 1.8 kg ha −1 mm in 1994–1995 to 1.3 kg ha −1 mm for 1995–1996. The dry matter production increased 13.4 kg ha −1 for each mm increase in seasonal evapotranspiration during 1994–1995. This relationship was a second order polynomial with an R 2 of 0.86 during 1995–1996. The WUE gr and WUE dm were highest under the most favorable water availability conditions for growth and seed development. Delaying irrigation to 75% SWD throughout the crop growth period resulted in the lowest oil content. Lesquerolic acid content was not affected by irrigation during both the growing seasons.
Pseudospin as a relativistic symmetry

We show that pseudospin symmetry in nuclei could arise from nucleons moving in a relativistic mean field which has an attractive scalar and repulsive vector potential nearly equal in magnitude. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Review Essay: The United States as Settler Empire

Aziz Rana, The Two Faces of American Freedom. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2010 (415pp.)
Oscillatory shear stress upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase requires intracellular hydrogen peroxide and CaMKII

Abstract We have previously shown that hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) upregulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression via a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)-mediated mechanism whereas it also acutely activates eNOS enzyme. We hypothesized that oscillatory shear stress (OSS), which stimulates endogenous H 2 O 2 , would have effects on eNOS expression and function similar to that of exogenous H 2 O 2 . Exposure of bovine aortic endothelial cells to OSS (±15 dynes/cm 2 ) increased eNOS mRNA expression by 3-fold. Pretreatment with either polyethylene glycol-catalase (PEG-CAT, a scavenger of H 2 O 2 ) or KN93, an inhibitor of CaMKII, abolished this response. OSS activated CaMKII in an H 2 O 2 -dependent fashion whereas unidirectional laminar shear stress (LSS) inhibited CaMKII phosphorylation. Inhibition of c-Src (essential for LSS upregulation of eNOS) had no effect on OSS upregulation of eNOS. Additionally, OSS stimulated NO • production acutely. Scavenging of H 2 O 2 by PEG-CAT attenuated OSS stimulation of NO • by 50% whereas it had no effect on LSS regulation of NO • production. These data suggest that intracellular H 2 O 2 and CaMKII mediate OSS upregulation of eNOS. The acute activation of eNOS by OSS also partially requires H 2 O 2 . As OSS has been shown previously to stimulate sustained production of superoxide (O 2 •– ) which would inactivate NO • , these responses may represent attempted compensation to restore NO • bioavailability in areas exposed to OSS. Simultaneous stimulation of O 2 •– and NO • by this mechanism, however, could facilitate peroxynitrite formation and protein nitration, which may enhance atherosclerotic lesion formation. Both OSS and LSS upregulate eNOS expression but via different signaling mechanisms.
Utility of lead V4R in exercise testing for detection of coronary artery disease

Abstract Several reports have documented the frequent association of right ventricular infarction with inferior wall left ventricular infarction. 1–4 Because the right coronary artery always supplies the right ventricular wall as well as a variable part of the left ventricular wall, electrocardiographic leads sensitive to right ventricular ischemia might be expected to improve exercise test sensitivity in detecting significant narrowing of the right coronary artery. ST-segment elevation in right-sided precordial leads has been proven useful in diagnosing right ventricular infarction in patients with inferior wall left ventricular infarctions. 4,5 ST elevation of ≥1 mm in V 4 R was found to be 100% sensitive and 87% specific in diagnosing occlusion of the right coronary artery proximal to the first right ventricular branch. 4 V 4 R has also been used in exercise testing to predict proximal stenosis of the right coronary artery. 6 This study assesses the utility of V 4 R in routine exercise testing to diagnose significant narrowing of any major coronary artery, particularly the right coronary artery.
GASTRIC "FREEZING" FOR PEPTIC ULCER: EVALUATION BY GASTROSCOPIC, CINEFLUOROSCOPIC, GASTRIC SECRETORY, AND GASTRIC BIOPSY STUDIES.

In our clinical trials of gastric freezing for treatment of peptic ulcer, we have found on gastroscopic examination some increase in friability of the gastric mucosa. Microscopic examination of biopsy specimens disclosed no significant abnormalities early or late after freezing. There was an early decrease in motility after freezing, and in some instances an early decrease in the 12-hr, overnight secretion of free hydrochloric acid. However, there was no persistent, significant change apparent after gastric freezing, as evaluated by these anatomic and physiologic studies.
A Preliminary Report on Research Comparing Self- and Hetero-hypnosis

Abstract A method is described for the study of the relationship between self- and hetero-hypnosis and initial findings are presented. A new instrument is described, the Inventory of Self-Hypnosis (ISH) which is a self-hypnosis adaptation of the hetero-hypnotic Harvard Group Scale, Form A (HGS). The new scale permits the making of precise item-by-item quantitative comparisons between the effects of these two scales. Preliminary research with 29 non-motivated college student subjects suggests that mean levels of responsiveness to the two scales are about the same, that item difficulty levels have much in common, but that whatever it is that the ISH measures is largely different from what the HGS measures. The findings help to formulate the need to study what it is that contributes to the similarities and differences. Further studies are in progress.
A SEASONAL STUDY OF THE VEGETATIVE SHOOT APEX OF MYRIOPHYLLUM HETEROPHYLLUM

A B S T R A C T The seasonal study of the vegetative shoot apex and its direct derivatives in the dicotyledonous angiosperm Myriophyllum heterophyllum during the production of its 3 leaf types revealed a great similarity in the anatomy of the apex which produced them. The apex consisted of 2 tunica layers and a corpus that varied slightly. The corpus consisted of the corpus initials, the central rib meristem, and the inner layers of the flanking meristem. The work was compared with several works, but in particular with that of Vochting (1872). Vochting worked with another species, M. spicatum, using the terminology of the histogen concept. This work has verified many of Vochting's observations in the light of today's terminology and extends the range of seasonal shoot-apical studies. MYRIOPHYLLUM heterophyllum Michx., commonly called water milfoil or mermaid weed, belongs to the family Haloragaceae in the order Myrtales of group 3 Calyciflorae and the subclass Dicotyledoneae (Benson, 1957). Myriophyllum heterophyllum is a perennial aquatic exhibiting a heterophyllous condition during its growth. The shoot apex during this heterophyllous development produces 3 types of leaves. We designated them as submersed (found always growing under the water), transitional (that phase between aerial and water types found both above and below the water surface) and aerial (initiated under water but later found above it). The aerial leaves are associated with the production of axillary flowers and have been called bracts (Fassett, 1940). This study on Myriophyllumn heterophyllum has many similarities to that of Jentsch (1960) on 2 other species of Myriophyllum and Hippuris, and
Joining technologies for the next century: drivers and directions

An ongoing revolution in the development and implementation of new materials has placed new demands on the ability to join these materials into devices, parts and components, and devices, parts and components into packages, assemblies and structures for both electrical and mechanical applications. Looks at the past successes and shortcomings of traditional joining technologies. Presents some obvious and some not‐so‐obvious directions as one attempt at prognostication of the needs for new joining technologies for the forthcoming new century.
Fabrication of Surface With Hydrophobicity Gradient Using ZnO Nanowires

Current techniques focus on generating ZnO nanowires with uniform density and length on a substrate. However, ZnO nanowires with gradients of density and length over a single substrate could make the corresponding devices have varied properties. Here, we have explored the possibility of fabricating nanowires with gradients in density and length using the vapor-solid method via tilting of the substrate using a mixture of ZnO and graphite powder. This setup creates a non-uniform boundary layer (δ) over the substrate which varies the concentration of reactants reaching the surface leading to the asymmetric growth of the nanowires. A 2-D model was developed in Fluent in order to determine the distribution of velocities around the substrate and calculate δ, with the following substrate tilt angles: 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 80°. From the simulation results, the variation of δ was maximum for the 80° tilted substrate. Hence, this angle of tilt was chosen for our experiment. The nanowires were sampled for their densities, lengths and diameters at four locations (L1–L4), spaced 5 mm apart. As an application, we have demonstrated the formation of a surface with continuously varying hydrophobicity. The water contact angles measured were as follows: L1: 105°; L2: 116.5°; L3: 129.5°; and L4: 171.0°. A water droplet (volume: 4 μL) was able to move a distance of 10 mm in 0.8 s, with a substrate tilt of ∼1°.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Hydrogen bonds assist the organization of up to 11 guests within self-assembling cavities of nanometer dimensions

Abstract The self-assembly of C-methylresorcin[4]arene with 4,4′-bipyridine affords the formation of closed solid state cavities with internal volumes of ca. 1.0 nm3 which encapsulate up to an unprecedented 11 guests involving three different molecules. These cages exhibit functionality directed into the cavities, in the form of hydrogen bond donor and acceptor sites, which assists the organization of their guests. In one case, the guests interact, with each other and the walls of the host, via 15 hydrogen bonds, to produce chiral molecular assemblies within the solid.
Odors of swine waste lagoons

Abstract A laboratory-scale lagoon was constructed and loaded with swine wastes while the temperature was varied from 30 to 1°C on a 120-day cycle. The lagoon was shown to generate particles in the 0.5–3-μm range. The number of particles ranged from 880 to 16 000 1−1 and was least when the temperature was low. The lagoon liquid was analyzed for volatile odor compounds during the temperature cycle. In general, the same volatile peaks were found throughout the lagoon cycle, but the volatiles reached maximum values as the temperature rose above 15°C. A number of the odor volatiles were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, but the analysis was complicated by the presence of large amounts of volatile hydrocarbons in the swine wastes that obscured the odorous compounds. A synthetic medium inoculated with lagoon organisms and incubated anaerobically was capable of generating typical lagoon odors. Amino acids were the primary precursors of odor compounds, and it was possible to demonstrate the conversion of a number of amino acids to specific odorous compounds.
Reactivity comparison of iron(II) reductant with type 1 copper(II) in native and type 2 copper-depleted Rhus vernicifera laccase

Abstract Rate constants and activation parameters are compared for the reductions of native and type 2 copper-depleted (T2D) Rhus vernicifera laccase type 1 Cu(II) by hydroxyethylferrocene, Fe(CN)64− and Fe(EDTA)2−. Oxidation of Fe(CN)64− (k(25°C)=1.45 · 102 M−1 · s−1, pH 7, I = 0.5 M) by T2D laccase blue copper is an order of magnitude faster than the corresponding native enzyme rate, and a type 2 Cu(II)-Fe(CN)64− interaction is shown to be responsible for complex kinetic behavior in the reduction of native laccase. Activation parameters ( ΔH ‡ , ΔS ‡ ) confirm the presence of a large conformational rearrangement barrier in the electron transfer pathway to laccase type 1 Cu(II), as compared with other blue copper proteins. A systematic compensation pattern between ΔH ‡ and ΔS ‡ in laccase reductions by Fe(II) redox agents suggests a common mechanism, with considerable flexibility in activation requirements, dependent upon the hydrophilicity of the electron donor.
Effects of aging and alterations in dietary sodium intake on total nitric oxide production

Abstract Animal studies suggest that nitric oxide (NO) deficiency is linked to salt-sensitive hypertension and that NO activity decreases during normal aging. This study investigates the impact of increasing age and manipulations in dietary salt intake on biochemical indices of the NO system in healthy humans. We measured NO 2 + NO 3 (NO x ; stable oxidation products of NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP; major second messenger) in plasma and urine of 30 healthy subjects aged 22 to 77 years. Subjects were maintained on controlled low NO x and low-, normal-, or high-salt diets for 3 days. Salt sensitivity of blood pressure was seen only in the oldest subjects. Plasma renin activity was suppressed by a high salt intake in all age groups, and baseline values declined with advancing age. Neither age nor salt intake correlated with indices of NO activity over the third 24-hour period of controlled salt intake. In a subgroup of subjects aged 33 ± 4 years challenged with ultrahigh sodium intake (400 mEq/24 h), again there was no increase in NO 2 + N0 3 or cGMP measures. In contrast to animal studies, there is no correlation in humans between either salt intake or age and total NO production and activity, indicated by NO 2 + N0 3 and cGMP measures. This does not preclude undetected alterations occurring in NO production and/or activity in strategic locations in the kidney and cardiovascular system. Limitations of blood and urine measurements of NO 2 + N0 3 and cGMP as indices of NO activity are discussed.
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency: severe phenotype with normal leukocyte enzyme activity.

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency (McKusick 229700) is a rare disorder of gluconeogenesis. It may present in the neonatal period with severe life-threatening episodes, with patients exhibiting hyperventilation, hypotonia, convulsions and hepatomegaly with fatty infiltration. Hypoglycaemia, lactic acidosis, ketosis and hyperalaninaemia are commonly found and increased concentrations of glycerol (Dremsek et al 1985), glycerol-3-phosphate (Krywawych et al 1986) and other sugar phosphates (Nakai et al 1993) are characteristic features. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (EC 3.1.3.11) plays a key regulatory role in gluconeogenesis; gene expression also appears to be regulated (El-Maghrabi et al 1993)
Women Teaching Class: Emotional Labor in Brazilian Literacy Classes

Introduction This paper argues that traditional analytic models of work, while useful, overlook defining features of labor by deemphasizing the cultural meaning of work for participants. Applying a cultural models approach to the case of Brazilian non-governmental (NGO) teachers, the article explains why emotional labor has become a central feature in teachers' educational work. The teachers of Freirean, popular education programs promote conscientization and the revolution of hierarchical class relations through the enactment of friendship and egalitarian speech interaction in the classroom. This analytic framework allows us to see more fully the positional aspects of labor in relation to social structures of gender, race, and class; it ensures the representation of cultural as well as economic perspectives; and it permits a more grounded explanation of social change. To expound upon this argument, I first outline the concept of cultural models and details its benefits. I then examine the Brazilian cultural model of the educated person and provide some background on Freirean, non-governmental literacy organizations. Finally, I show how teachers attempted to cultivate friendship and sociability in the classroom and suggest how this might influence the learning that occurs in the classroom.
Reductions in total body fat decrease humoral immunity.

Mounting an immune response requires substantial energy, and it is well known that marked reductions in energy availability (e.g. starvation) can suppress immune function, thus increasing disease susceptibility and compromising survival. We tested the hypothesis that moderate reductions in energy availability impair humoral immunity. Specifically, we examined the effects of partial lipectomy (LIPx) on humoral immunity in two seasonally breeding rodent species, prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). Animals received bilateral surgical removal of epididymal white adipose tissue (EWATx), inguinal white adipose tissue (IWATx) or sham surgeries and were injected with the antigen keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) either four or 12 weeks after surgery. In prairie voles, serum anti-KLH immunoglobulin G (IgG) did not differ significantly at four weeks. At 12 weeks, serum IgG was significantly reduced in IWATx, but not EWATx animals, compared with sham-operated animals. In Siberian hamsters, both IWATx and EWATx animals reduced serum IgG at four weeks. At 12 weeks, EWATx hamsters displayed a significant compensatory increase in IWAT pad mass compared with sham-operated hamsters, and serum IgG no longer differed from sham-operated animals. There was no significant increase in EWAT in IWATx hamsters compared with sham animals and IgG remained significantly reduced in IWATx hamsters. These results suggest that reductions in energy availability can impair humoral immunity.
An intelligent assistant for manufacturing system simulation

This paper discusses the coupling of an intelligent assistant with the simulation of manufacturing systems. Included in this paper are a description of the traditional simulation approach, simulation using an intelligent user interface to define the simulation model, an automatic program generator to write the simulation code in the target simulation language and the development of the Automatic Manufacturing Programming System (AMPS).
Constructing infinite families of regular incidence (quasi-)polytopes

Given a regular incidence (quasi-)polytopeP of type {a 1,a 2, ...,a n−1} and a function on its directed edges satisfying certain conditions, we construct for everym ≥ 2 a regular incidence (quasi-)polytope of type {ma 1,a 2, ...,a n−1} with the same vertex figure asP.
Multi-Scale Modeling of Wind-Wave Interaction in the Presence of Offshore Structures for Renewable Energy Applications

We develop a multi-scale modeling capability for the simulation of wind and wave coupling dynamics, with a focus on providing environmental input for wind and wave loads on offshore structures. For the large-scale wind–wave environment, large-eddy simulation for the wind turbulence and high-order spectral simulation for the nonlinear ocean waves are dynamically coupled. For the local-scale air and water flows past the structure, we use a hybrid interface capturing and immersed boundary method. Coupled level-set/volume-of-fluid/ghost-fluid method is used to capture the wave surface. Immersed boundary method is used to represent the structure. The large-scale wind–wave simulation provides inflow boundary conditions for the local-scale air–water–structure simulation. Our simulation captures the dynamic evolution of ocean nonlinear wavefield under the wind action. The wind field is found to be strongly coupled with the surface waves and the wind load on a surface-piercing object is largely wave-phase dependent.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Assembly of highly aligned DNA strands onto Si chips

This paper reports a robust and efficient approach to assemble highly aligned DNA strands onto Si chips. The method combines advantages from molecular combing and microcontact printing to realize controlling both the density and direction of DNA strands on the Si chip. In addition, it also can be utilized to prepare stretched DNA structures on solid surfaces. Compared to approaches that use molecular combing directly on silanated surfaces, the stretched single-chain DNA structures are straighter. Furthermore, by exploiting the hydrophobic property of the intrinsic poly(dimethylsiloxane) stamp, this study also describes a simple way to produce straight bundled DNA arrays on Si and other substrates.
An essential role for CoREST in nucleosomal histone 3 lysine 4 demethylation

We have previously described a multiprotein complex termed the BHC or BRAF-HDAC complex, which is required for the repression of neuronal-specific genes. We have shown that the BHC complex is recruited by a neuronal silencer, REST (RE1-silencing transcription factor), and mediates the repression of REST-responsive genes. BHC is a multiprotein complex consisting of two enzymatic activities: a histone deacetylase (HDAC1 or 2) and a recently described histone demethylase (BHC110, also known as LSD1 or AOF2). Here we show that BHC110-containing complexes show a nearly fivefold increase in demethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) compared to recombinant BHC110. Furthermore, recombinant BHC110 is unable to demethylate H3K4 on nucleosomes, but BHC110-containing complexes readily demethylate nucleosomes. In vitro reconstitution of the BHC complex using recombinant subunits reveals an essential role for the REST corepressor CoREST, not only in stimulating demethylation on core histones but also promoting demethylation of nucleosomal substrates. We find that nucleosomal demethylation is the result of CoREST enhancing the association between BHC110 and nucleosomes. Depletion of CoREST in in vivo cell culture results in de-repression of REST-responsive gene expression and increased methylation of H3K4. Together, these results highlight an essential role for CoREST in demethylation of H3K4 both in vitro and in vivo.
A new approach to routing of two-layer printed circuit board

This paper presents a new method for routing two-layer printed circuit boards with fixed geometry, i.e. alternate columns of pins and vias. Circuit components are mounted on top of the board, and conductor wires are to be laid on the board such that circuit connections can be properly made. The proposed approach gives 100 per cent routability. The method consists of three steps, namely: partitioning of multi-pin nets into 2-pin subnets, via assignment, and routing on the two layers. In comparison with the traditional unidirectional routing, the method offers more flexibility and it requires usually about half as many vias. A computer program based on the presented algorithms was written. Its implementation is presented along with testing examples.
A simple ultrafiltration method for determining unbound estradiol in serum.

The Amicon MPS-1 centrifugal ultrafiltration device and the YMT membrane were used to measure free estradiol in serum. Two independent assays were required. The first measured total estradiol-17β and the second ultrafiltrable fraction. The unbound fraction was determined by counting [3H]estradiol-17β in 0.15 − 0.3 mL ultrafiltrates of 0.5 to 1 mL of serum that had been equilibrated with [3H]estradiol-17β at 37°C. The assay is rapid (1 h), practicable (requires 0.6 mL serum) and reproducible (CV 4.6% within assay and 6.5% between assays). Samples from apparently healthy men and women and from pregnant women gave results that agreed with those obtained by equilibrium dialysis. The percentages of free serum estradiol-17β were similar during both early and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. Samples from women with hirsutism gave values for total and free estradiol-17β which were not significantly different from those of normal females when no consideration was given to the phase of the menstrual cycle. The means for both of these female groups were significantly different from those of males.
Synthesis and Compatibility of Ionic Liquid Containing Rod-Coil Polyimide Gel Electrolytes with Lithium Metal Electrodes

A highly cross-linked polyimide-polyethylene oxide copolymer has been synthesized that is capable of holding large volumes of liquid component, simultaneously maintaining good dimensional stability. An amine end capped oligomer was made that was imidized in solution, followed by reaction with a triisocyanate in the presence of desired additives at ambient temperature. Polymer films are able to hold over 4 times their weight in room temperature ionic liquid RTIL or carbonate solvent. Electrolytes were studied that contained varying amounts of RTIL, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonimide LiTFSi, and alumina nanoparticles. Electrochemical stability of these electrolytes with lithium metal electrodes was studied by galvanic cycling and impedance spectroscopy. Improved cycling stability and decreased interfacial resistance were observed when increasing amounts of RTIL and LiTFSi were added. The addition of small amounts of alumina further decreased interfacial resistance by nearly an order of magnitude. During the course of the study, cycling stability increased from less than 3 to greater than 1000 h at 60 C and 0.25 mA/cm2 current density.
INTRODUCING OR/MS INTO ORGANIZATIONS: NORMATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF SELECTED INDIAN EXPERIENCE*

There is considerable evidence that firms and institutions that have adopted and utilized operations research and related management sciences (OR/MS) experience severe internal disruptions and changes as the new technology is introduced. In some cases the reactions have been adverse enough to result in temporary rejection of the technology and a period of three to five years has been necessary for reintroduction of OR/MS. Such lags represent lost opportunities with attendant costs that firms and institutions can ill afford. There is obvious need to manage the introduction of OR/MS into organizations to minimize the inevitable resistances to change and to expedite institutional acceptance and practice. This paper presents a normative framework for this purpose based on four case studies of Indian implementation experience. The selected firms, which represent different sectors of industry, adopted different strategies for introduction and diffusion of OR/MS. The authors have noted several points of similarity between the Indian experience and the experience of U.S. organizations which indicate a fair measure of general validity for the proposed normative framework.
Gravitational theory of matter

A unified field theory is constructed on the principle of the equivalence of mass and curvature. A salient feature of the theory is that the scalar curvature R of space-time satisfies the nonlinear wave equation D/sup 7/Alembertian/sup 2/R - a/sup -2/R = vertical-barD/sup 7/AlembertianRvertical-bar/sup 2//R. Here the new universal constant a plays the role of a fundamental length in the geometry. A solution, correct to the first order in curvature, of the field equations corresponding to static spherical symmetry is obtained by Picard's method of successive approximations. This solution is found to be free from singularities in both its gravitational and its electromagnetic parts. A consequence of this regularity is the emergence of formulas for mass and charge in terms of curvature. The prediction by the theory of the charge distribution of a particle provides a means by which the theory can be tested. For purposes of illustration, the results obtained are tentatively applied to the pion. This calculation indicates that the fundamental length a is on the order of 10/sup -13/ cm. It is concluded that a pure field theory of matter can describe in a satisfactory manner the phenomenon of an isolated particle.
Pathogenesis of endometriosis — Current research

Proliferative, secretory and menstrual endometrial cells of both the stroma and epithelium adhere to intact peritoneal mesothelium and mesothelial monolayers. Endometrial attachment to the mesothelium appears to occur rapidly (within 1 h) and transmesothelial invasion occurs between 1 and 18-24 h. These results demonstrate that the mesothelium is not a 'no-stick' surface and indicates that molecules present at the surface of the mesothelium are involved in the pathogenesis of the early endometriotic lesion. The inhibition of endometrial cell adherence to peritoneal mesothelium by hyaluronidase indicates that CD44-hyaluronan binding is at least one of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We believe that investigation of mesothelial cell adhesion molecules is central to understanding the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Classification and evolution of alpha-amylase genes in plants.

The DNA sequences for 17 plant genes for alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) were analyzed to determine their phylogenetic relationship. A phylogeny for these genes was obtained using two separate approaches, one based on molecular clock assumptions and the other based on a comparison of sequence polymorphisms (i.e., small and localized insertions) in the alpha-amylase genes. These polymorphisms are called "alpha-amylase signatures" because they are diagnostic of the gene subfamily to which a particular alpha-amylase gene belongs. Results indicate that the cereal alpha-amylase genes fall into two major classes: AmyA and AmyB. The AmyA class is subdivided into the Amy1 and Amy2 subfamilies previously used to classify alpha-amylase genes in barley and wheat. The AmyB class includes the Amy3 subfamily to which most of the alpha-amylase genes of rice belong. Using polymerase chain reaction and oligonucleotide primers that flank one of the two signature regions, we show that the AmyA and AmyB gene classes are present in approximately equal amounts in all grass species examined except barley. The AmyB (Amy3 subfamily) genes in the latter case are comparatively underrepresented. Additional evidence suggests that the AmyA genes appeared recently and may be confined to the grass family.
Oxygen consumption in weakly electric Neotropical fishes

Weakly electric gymnotiform fishes with wave-type electric organ discharge (EOD) are less hypoxia-tolerant and are less likely to be found in hypoxic habitats than weakly electric gymnotiforms with pulse-type EOD, suggesting that differences in metabolism resulting from EOD type affects habitat choice. Although gymnotiform fishes are common in most Neotropical freshwaters and represent the dominant vertebrates in some habitats, the metabolic rates of these unique fishes have never been determined. In this study, O2 consumption rates during EOD generation are reported for 34 gymnotiforms representing 23 species, all five families and 17 (59%) of the 28 genera. Over the size range sampled (0.4 g to 125 g), O2 consumption of gymnotiform fishes was dependent on body mass, as expected, fitting a power function with a scaling exponent of 0.74, but the O2 consumption rate was generally about 50% of that expected by extrapolation of temperate teleost metabolic rates to a similar ambient temperature (26°C). O2 consumption rate was not dependent on EOD type, but maintenance of “scan swimming” (continuous forwards and backwards swimming), which is characteristic only of gymnotiforms with wave-type EODs, increased O2 consumption 2.83±0.49-fold (mean±SD). This suggests that the increased metabolic cost of scan swimming could restrict gymnotiforms with wave-type EODs from hypoxic habitats.
Soccer-Related Injuries in Children and Adults Aged 5 to 49 Years in US Emergency Departments From 2000 to 2012:

BACKGROUND: An increase in soccer-related injuries occurred in the United States between 2000 and 2012; however, most studies of soccer-related injuries have only examined the pediatric population and not adults. HYPOTHESIS: The number of soccer injuries is increasing in both the pediatric and adult populations. There are differences in injury types and counts when comparing male and female players within various age groups. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: This retrospective analysis surveyed the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database from 2000 to 2012 for soccer-related injuries in children and adults aged 5 to 49 years. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2012, there were an estimated 2,472,066 soccer-related injuries among 5- to 49-year-olds; 629,994 (25.5%) in adults (aged 20-49 years). The overall estimated pediatric injury count increased significantly over the time period (R (2) = 0.764, P CONCLUSION: There are age- and sex-related differences in estimated injury count, body part injured, type of injury, and hospital admissions for soccer. Also, estimated injury count increased over the 2000 to 2012 time period. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates that there are differences between pediatric and adult injuries, based on sex, body part, type of injury, and hospital admissions. Language: en
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, 1818) tetraspanin membrane protein family: Identification, characterization and expression analysis of CD63 cDNA

CD63, known as lysosome associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP-3), is a member of the tetraspanin integral membrane protein family. This protein plays many important roles in immuno-physiological functions. In this communication, we report the identification, characterization, and expression analysis of the channel catfish CD63 transcript. The complete nucleic acid sequence of channel catfish CD63 cDNA was comprised of 1159 nucleotides, including an open reading frame, which appears to encode a putative peptide of 237-amino-acid residues. Like other tetraspanin proteins, the channel catfish CD63 peptide can be divided into domains, including four transmembrane domains, three intracellular domains, and one of each small and large extracellular loops. The channel catfish CD63 peptide shares 52-55% identity among fish counterparts, but only 43-46% identity among mammalian counterparts. The characteristic Cys-Cys-Gly motif and four Cys residues in the large extracellular loop were conserved. The channel catfish CD63 transcript was detected by RT-PCR in spleen, anterior kidney, liver, intestine, skin and gill. This result provides important information for further elucidating CD63 functions in channel catfish.
Determination of the upper boundary of a Posidonia meadow

Abstract The sensitivity of Posidonia oceanica at environmental variations is well known since long time. The capability of quantifying environmental space-time modification is very interesting in order to establish seagrasses cover changes. The use of aerial colour photos, after the necessary manipulations, can be useful for investigative aims. Thanks to ortorectification and mosaicing processes, a georeferenced space representative of the study area is reconstructed without optical distortions. The images are processed to highlight the area covered by P. oceanica and the recif barriere in particular. This permitted to obtain a set of themes representative of the underwater vegetable cover and to analyze the space-time changes between 1987 and 1999.
A bedside test for cerebral autoregulation using transcranial Doppler ultrasound

Although disorders of cerebral autoregulation are commonly seen in neurosurgical disease, there is currently no test of autoregulation in widespread use that may be performed safely at the bedside. The presence of autoregulation, however, can be seen in the brief hyperemic response in the middle cerebral artery distribution following a transient manual carotid artery compression in the neck. This transient hyperemic response (THR) is readily measured with transcranial Doppler techniques, and therefore might serve as a qualitative marker of cerebral autoregulation. To evaluate the THR as a clinical tool, carotid compressions were performed during 172 TCD studies on 79 patients with neurosurgical disorders and on 10 patients without cerebral disease. The results were correlated with clinical status (e.g., Hunt-Hess Grade for subarachnoid hemorrhage and Glasgow Coma Score for trauma). There were no complications arising from the compressions. A separate assessment of autoregulation was made from TCD recordings obtained intraoperatively during 16 procedures and correlated to the pre-operative THRs. Autoregulation was further assessed in 4 patients during a hypotensive challenge, and again compared to the THRs. A strong correlation was seen between the THR results and clinical status. The THR was also strongly correlated with the intraoperative assessments, and all 4 patients receiving hypotensive challenges had abnormal THRs and demonstrated evidence of poor autoregulation during the challenge. None of the control patients had abnormal THRs. The THR arising from transient artery compression is readily detected with TCD techniques and correlates well with clinical status and other indicators of autoregulatory ability.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A base metal alloy for ceramo-metal restorations☆

Abstract Research of the existing scientific literature and examination of multiple porcelain/metal samples indicate that Ni Cr is not only compatible with veneering porcelain but, indeed, can probably be the basis for superior ceramo-metal restorations.