cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advanced Modeling Strategies for the Analysis of Tile-Reinforced Composite Armor

A detailed investigation of the deformation mechanisms in tile-reinforced armored components was conducted to develop the most efficient modeling strategies for the structural analysis of large components of the Composite Armored Vehicle. The limitations of conventional finite elements with respect to the analysis of tile-reinforced structures were examined, and two complementary optimal modeling strategies were developed. These strategies are element layering and the use of a tile-adhesive superelement. Element layering is a technique that uses stacks of shear deformable shell elements to obtain the proper transverse shear distributions through the thickness of the laminate. The tile-adhesive superelement consists of a statically condensed substructure model designed to take advantage of periodicity in tile placement patterns to eliminate numerical redundancies in the analysis. Both approaches can be used simultaneously to create unusually efficient models that accurately predict the global response by incorporating the correct local deformation mechanisms.
Stabilization of a class of mechanical systems with impulse effects by Lyapunov constraints

This paper presents a new theoretical control approach for the feedback stabilization of a class of mechanical systems with impulse effects that is based on using Lyapunov conditions of asymptotic stability as kinematic affine constraints [8] where the corresponding constraint force is the control force. We prove that the condition of existence and uniqueness lead to a system of partial differential equations whose solution is the required Lyapunov function, as a result we apply this approach to design a controller to stabilize limit cycles of a compass-gait biped.
Complicated path function search

It is shown that one of the possible ways of conducting an optimum path search for a complicated path function is to reduce the problem to a short path search through the state space. A general algorithm for the optimum path search is proposed and discussed. The proposed algorithm can be considered as a general method of conducting a search in the state space for the classes of problem described.
The Local Volatility Surface: Unlocking the Information in Index Option Prices

The structure of listed index options prices, examined through the prism of the implied tree model, reveals the local volatility surface of the underlying index. In the same way as fixed-income investors analyze the yield curve in terms of forward rates, so index options investors should analyze the volatility smile in terms of local volatilities. This article explains the concept of local volatility and its use. It also presents three heuristic rules that relate local and implied volatilities. Local volatilities are used in markets with a pronounced smile to measure market sentiment, to compute the evolution of implied volatilities through time, to calculate the index exposure of standard index options, and to value and hedge exotic options. In markets with significant smiles, all of the results show large discrepancies from those of the standard Black–Scholes approach.
Advances in image-based biomechanics of the human ankle

Medical Imaging techniques including CT, MRI, Micro-CT and micro-MRI have matured over the last years into affordable, practical and accessible observational tools to the Biomechanics community. These tools provide unique opportunities to expand the knowledge of the biomechanics of the human foot and ankle. The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the potential of these imaging techniques through three specific applications from our current research.
Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Migraine

Occipital nerve stimulation may be effective in treating chronic migraine. Six studies, including three double-blind studies, were performed, with five showing evidence of benefit. However, of the three randomized, controlled trials, none has met a primary endpoint successfully. A separate study suggested a benefit for combined supraorbital and greater occipital nerve stimulation.
Formation of bromochlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and furans from the high-temperature pyrolysis of a 2-chlorophenol/2-bromophenol mixture.

The homogeneous, gas-phase pyrolytic thermal degradation of a 50:50 mixture of 2-bromophenol and 2-chlorophenol was studied in a 1 cm i.d., fused silica flow reactor at a total concentration of 88 ppm, reaction time of 2.0 s, and temperatures from 300 to 1000 °C. Observed products included (in decreasing yield) naphthalene, dibenzo-p-dioxin (DD), phenol, dibenzofuran (DF), bromobenzene, chloronaphthalene, 4-bromo-6-chlorodibenzofuran (4-B,6-CDF), bromonaphthalene, benzene, 4,6-dichlorodibenzofuran (4,6-DCDF), chlorobenzene, 4-monobromodibenzofuran (4-MBDF), 4-monochlorodibenzofuran (4-MCDF), 1-monobromodibenzo-p-dioxin (1-MBDD), 2-chloro,4-bromophenol, 2,4-dibromophenol, and 2-bromo-4-chlorophenol. Unlike the case for the pyrolysis of pure 2-chlorophenol, 4,6-DCDF was observed, but the analogous 4,6-DBDF remained undetected similar to the individual results with 2-MBP. This indicates that the presence of bromine increases the concentration of chlorine atoms available for the formation of 4,6-DCDF. Due to ...
Novel Senescence Associated Gene, YPEL3, is Repressed by Estrogen in ER+ Mammary Tumor Cells and Required for Tamoxifen-Induced Cellular Senescence

Estrogen signaling plays an important role in breast carcinogenesis. An increased understanding of estrogen gene targets and their effects will allow for more directed and effective therapies for individuals with breast cancer, particularly those with estrogen receptor positive tumors resistant to tamoxifen therapy. Here, we identify YPEL3 as a growth suppressive protein downregulated by estrogen in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cell lines. Estrogen repression of YPEL3 expression was found to be independent of p53 but dependent on estrogen receptor alpha expression. Importantly, YPEL3 expression, which is induced by the removal of estrogen or treatment with tamoxifen triggers cellular senescence in MCF-7 cells while loss of YPEL3 increases the growth rate of MCF-7 cells. Taken together these findings suggest that YPEL3 may represent a potential target for directed hormonal therapy for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients.
Displaceable binding of [3H]L-glutamic acid to non-receptor materials

[3H]L-glutamic acid binding to microfuge tubes and glass was investigated in four buffers. Background binding to these materials was negligible, but was increased by centrifugation or suction in Tris-HCl and Tris-citrate buffer. This binding was much less or eliminated when HEPES-KOH, or Tris-acetate buffer was used instead. [3H]L-glutamate binding to microfuge tubes was inhibited by L- but not D-isomers of glutamate and aspartate. DL-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid also did not inhibit the binding. Other compounds which showed low to moderate inhibition were: N-methyl-D-aspartate, quisqualate, L-glutamic acid diethyl ester, N-methyl-L-aspartate, kainate, and 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate. Binding was inhibited by denatured rat brain membranes. A protein-dependent [3H]glutamate binding was obtained with a repeatedly frozen-thawed membrane preparation when binding was done in Tris-acetate buffer. It is recommended that Tris-acetate or HEPES-KOH buffer should be used in the glutamate binding assay. If Tris-HCl or Tris-citrate buffer is used, appropriate control experiment should be done to correct for binding to microfuge tubes or glass fiber filters.
Investigation of the insulating phase of magnetite by NMR and the Mössbauer effect

Abstract New low temperature NMR and Mossbauer effect data are presented and are interpreted as further evidence against the validity of the Verwey model of magnetite.
Low-energy-electron-diffraction analysis of the atomic geometry of ZnO (10¯10)

An analysis of measured elastic low-energy-electron diffraction intensities from ZnO (10\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}10) is performed using a dynamical multiple-scattering methodology in which the scattering of the electrons from the individual Zn-O layers is evaluated exactly but the scattering between the layers is treated using a self-consistent version of perturbation theory. These analyses were carried out for six independent beams [i.e., $(hk)=(00), (01), (0\overline{1}), (10), (11), \mathrm{and} (1\overline{1})$] at three angles of incidence [$\ensuremath{\theta}=0,5,10\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$] along the azimuth such that the ($hk$) and ($\overline{h}k$) beams are identical by symmetry. This analysis reveals that the most probable structure of ZnO (10\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}10) is one in which the oxygen anions in the uppermost layer have relaxed vertically by $\ensuremath{\Delta}{d}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}(\mathrm{O})=\ensuremath{-}0.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$ \AA{} and the zinc cations by $\ensuremath{\Delta}{d}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}(\mathrm{Zn})=\ensuremath{-}0.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1$ \AA{}. The lateral displacements of these species are less precisely defined with $\ensuremath{\Delta}{d}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}(\mathrm{O})l0.1$ \AA{} and $\ensuremath{\Delta}{d}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}(\mathrm{Zn})=0.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$ \AA{}.
Stress responses of rats to acute body or neck restraint.

Abstract Physiological and behavioral responses to a stressor were measured in 120 male, albino rats, divided among nine groups decapitated at one of three intervals (1, 4, 24 hr) after one of three 2-hr treatments (neck restraint in a newly devised apparatus, body restraint and control). Plasma corticosterone levels of both restraint groups were above the controls at each interval, and at one hour the levels were higher after neck than body restraint. Body weights were below the control at 1 and 24 hr after restraint. Consumption of food and water was elevated during the first four hours after restraint, but during the 24-hr interval was depressed by both types of restraint. Ambulation in the open field test was below the control level at 24 hr after restraint, but at 1 hr ambulation tended to be higher and excretion of fecal boli lower than the control level.
Is internationalization associated with investments in HRM? A study of entrepreneurial firms in emerging markets

This study investigates how internationalization is associated with investing in HRM within entrepreneurial firms from emerging markets. Using a sample of 171 firms from India, China, and South Africa, we show that when firms internationalize either into more economically developed countries or into countries with stronger employment regulations, they also invest more in HRM practices. Moreover, firms led by CEOs with general management experience and those more concerned with meeting international standards invest more in HRM practices. Finally, HRM investments are also greater in entrepreneurial firms characterized by extensive international partnerships. Overall, our findings suggest that internationalization by entrepreneurial firms in emerging markets is associated with developing HRM practices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intrathecal CART (55-102) enhances the spinal analgesic actions of morphine in mice

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides are found in brain and spinal cord areas involved in pain transmission. In the present study, we investigated the role of rat CART (55-102) in the modulation of an acute pain model after intrathecal administration. The results show that CART (55-102) was without effect on the tail-flick test after i.t. injection in mice. Interestingly, i.t. administration of CART (55-102) significantly enhanced the antinociceptive effect of morphine in the tail-flick test. These results suggest that CART (55-102) potentiates the effects of opioids to inhibit the nociceptive information transmission.
NASA Langley's AirSTAR Testbed: A Subscale Flight Test Capability for Flight Dynamics and Control System Experiments

As part of the Airborne Subscale Transport Aircraft Research (AirSTAR) project, NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has developed a subscaled flying testbed in order to conduct research experiments in support of the goals of NASA s Aviation Safety Program. This research capability consists of three distinct components. The first of these is the research aircraft, of which there are several in the AirSTAR stable. These aircraft range from a dynamically-scaled, twin turbine vehicle to a propeller driven, off-the-shelf airframe. Each of these airframes carves out its own niche in the research test program. All of the airplanes have sophisticated on-board data acquisition and actuation systems, recording, telemetering, processing, and/or receiving data from research control systems. The second piece of the testbed is the ground facilities, which encompass the hardware and software infrastructure necessary to provide comprehensive support services for conducting flight research using the subscale aircraft, including: subsystem development, integrated testing, remote piloting of the subscale aircraft, telemetry processing, experimental flight control law implementation and evaluation, flight simulation, data recording/archiving, and communications. The ground facilities are comprised of two major components: (1) The Base Research Station (BRS), a LaRC laboratory facility for system development, testing and data analysis, and (2) The Mobile Operations Station (MOS), a self-contained, motorized vehicle serving as a mobile research command/operations center, functionally equivalent to the BRS, capable of deployment to remote sites for supporting flight tests. The third piece of the testbed is the test facility itself. Research flights carried out by the AirSTAR team are conducted at NASA Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The UAV Island runway is a 50 x 1500 paved runway that lies within restricted airspace at Wallops Flight Facility. The facility provides all the necessary infrastructure to conduct the research flights in a safe and efficient manner. This paper gives a comprehensive overview of the development of the AirSTAR testbed.
Atmospheric monitoring of bischloromethylether at low ppb levels using an automated system

Abstract An automated system for monitoring bischloromethylether (BCME) in atmospheres to below the threshold limit set by the Health and Safety Executive is described. The BCME is trapped on an adsorbent contained in a small tube‐type personal monitor. Routine analysis of the monitors is fully automated. Thermal desorption is used to remove the vapours from the adsorbent; they are separated using gas chromatography, and the BCME is identified and measured by mass spectrometry using an Ion Trap Detector (ITD)TM.
The Trouble with TOPO; Identification of Adventitious Impurities Beneficial to the Growth of Cadmium Selenide Quantum Dots, Rods, and Wires

Tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) is a commonly used solvent for nanocrystal synthesis. Commercial TOPO samples contain varying amounts of phosphorus-containing impurities, some of which significantly influence nanocrystal growth. Consequently, nanocrystal syntheses often give irreproducible results with different batches of TOPO solvent. In this study, we identify TOPO impurities by 31P NMR, and correlate their presence with the outcomes of CdSe nanocrystal syntheses. We subsequently add the active impurity species, one by one, to purified TOPO to confirm their influence on nanocrystal syntheses. In this manner, di-n-octylphosphine oxide (DOPO) is shown to assist CdSe quantum-dot growth; di-n-octylphosphinic acid (DOPA) and mono-n-octylphosphinic acid (MOPA) are shown to assist CdSe quantum-rod growth, and DOPA is shown to assist CdSe quantum-wire growth. (The TOPO impurity n-octylphosphonic acid, OPA, has been previously shown to assist quantum-rod growth.) The beneficial impurities are prepared on mult...
Association between sleep and breast cancer incidence among postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative.

Study objectives To determine whether the duration of sleep, sleep quality, insomnia, or sleep disturbance was associated with incident breast cancer in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Women enrolled in one of the Clinical Trial (CT) arms or the Observational Study (OS) from the WHI conducted in the United States. Participants This study included 110,011 women age 50 to 79 years with no history of cancer. Measurements and results Typical sleep duration, sleep quality, and other self-reported sleep measures over the past 4 weeks were assessed during the screening visits for both the CT and OS participants. The presence of insomnia and level of sleep disturbance was calculated from an index of the WHI Insomnia Rating Scale. The outcome for this study was primary, invasive breast cancer. A total of 5,149 incident cases of breast cancer were identified in this study. No statistically significant associations were found between sleep duration, sleep quality, insomnia, or level of sleep disturbance with the risk of breast cancer after multivariable adjustment. A positive trend was observed for increasing sleeping duration with the risk of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, but the association estimates for each sleep duration category were weak and nonsignificant. Conclusions This study does not provide strong support for an association between self-reported sleep duration, sleep quality, insomnia, or sleep disturbance with the risk of breast cancer.
A Simplified Model of Interceptional Deposition of Fibers at Airway Bifurcations

Based on a simplified model, a theoretical expression for the deposition efficiency of fibers by interception at the bifurcation of a parent–daughter system was derived. In deriving this expression, the simultaneous effect of the velocity shear of the flow and Brownian rotation on fiber orientation was considered. Calculated deposition efficiencies in different airway generations of a Weibel lung model showed that the results obtained previously by Harris and Frazer in 1976 were valid only for small fibers. More accurate deposition results for large fibers are presented in this paper.
Means of cutting fuel consumption in kilns of the refractories industry

A reduction in fuel consumption in kilns of the refractories industry can be obtained through the further introduction of contraflow-recuperative firing units (PROA), improving their design and operating schedules, optimizing the firing processes on the basis of mathematical modeling.
Quality of Information and Energy Efficiency Optimization for Sensor Networks via Adaptive Sensing and Transmitting

Co-optimizing information quality and energy efficiency are an important but challenging problem in sensor networks, because of the interdependency that exists between them. For example, increasing sensor sampling rate will improve information quality but cost energy consumption, due to more traffic needed to be transmitted. To address this co-optimization issue, this paper first presents a novel quality/energy efficient metric, which models the relationship of sensing, processing, and transmitting with quality and energy. Then, based on the metrics, a quality-energy adapting system is developed to exploit base station scheduling priority and techniques such as batch processing and adaptive sampling to optimize both energy efficiency and overall quality. Our results have demonstrated the usefulness of this model and its feasibility for base station to runtime co-optimize both quality and energy under changing environment and network conditions.
Birthdays and Time of Death: A Footnote:

Several recent studies have examined the relationship between an individual's date of birth and date of his or her death [1, 2]. In the most recent contribution, Kunz and Summers note, on the basis of analysis of material in several archival sources, a significantly higher number of deaths occur during the first quarter after one's birthday than during the quarter preceding the birthday [3]. The present note is a brief historical addendum to this material.
The far-infrared luminosity of molecular clouds in the Galaxy

A detailed analysis is presented of the IR emission and CO properties of a large sample of giant molecular clouds (GMCs) with and without H II regions. It is found that high-mass star-forming clouds have significantly higher peak dust temperatures, but averaged over the entire cloud volume, their IR color temperatures are not very different from those of the general GMC population and the mean disk temperature. The results indicate that the bulk of the IR emission in GMCs is excited by embedded stars within the clouds rather than the exterior interstellar radiation field, that only a small fraction of the IR luminosity originates from stars which ionize the H II region. An overall higher level of star-formation activity for the H II region GMCs than the general population is indicated.
Full-waveform inversion in the time domain with an energy-weighted gradient

When applying full-waveform inversion to surface seismic reflection data, one difficulty is that the deep region of the model is usually not reconstructed as well as the shallow region. We develop an energy-weighted gradient method for the time-domain full-waveform inversion to accelerate the convergence rate and improve reconstruction of the entire model without increasing the computational cost. Three different methods can alleviate the problem of poor reconstruction in the deep region of the model: the layer stripping, depth-weighting and pseudo-Hessian schemes. The first two approaches need to subjectively choose stripping depths and weighting functions. The third one scales the gradient with only the forward propagation wavefields from sources. However, the Hessian depends on wavefields from both sources and receivers. Our new energy-weighted method makes use of the energies of both forward and backward propagated wavefields from sources and receivers as weights to compute the gradient. We compare the reconstruction of our new method with those of the conjugate gradient and pseudo-Hessian methods, and demonstrate that our new method significantly improves the reconstruction of both the shallow and deep regions of the model.
Genetic networks involved in poplar root response to low nitrogen

Perception of environmental cues and adaptation to changing environmental conditions are crucial for survival of sessile organisms like plants. This is even more important for woody perennial species like trees that can occupy a site for thousands of years. We have previously shown that under low nitrogen (LN), poplar trees display a vigorous and long-lasting root growth associated with global transcriptomic reprogramming and an activation of hierarchical genetic networks. Here we use computational analysis to better understand the network among the genes showing distinct chronological patterns of expression during the response. Our analyses confirm the previous findings, define new potential signaling pathways and the possible downstream targets of these signaling events.
Electrically Induced Fusion of Mammalian Cells in the Presence of Polyethylene Glycol

Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells were fused by subjecting cell suspensions to an exponentially decaying electric pulse in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG), Dextran or Ficoll. PEG (MW 1,000, 3,350, 8,000, 10,000 and 18,500), Dextran (MW 71,200) and Ficoll (MW 400,000) were added to the pulsing medium. A single exponential electric pulse with peak field strength of 4 kV/cm, and a half-time of 0.72 msec was used. The combination of two techniques, PEG-induced fusion and electrofusion, resulted in highly efficient fusion of CHO cells. Fusion yields (FY) at different concentrations of these polymers were measured using phase-contrast microscopy. FY was highly dependent on the concentration of PEG in media, while the presence of Dextran and Ficoll had no influence on fusion yield. PEG with MW 8,000 was found to be the most effective in causing cell aggregation, and to give the highest FY (40%). An optimal concentration for fusion was found for PEG of each molecular weight. Diluting cells suspended in higher concentrations of PEG to these optimal concentrations after the pulse application regained the optimal FY. It was concluded that PEG-induced prepulse aggregation and moderate cell swelling immediately after the pulse were important factors in achieving high fusion yields.
Hepatic arterial resistive indices: Correlation with the severity of cirrhosis

Forty-three patients who were scheduled to undergo a percutaneous liver biopsy were evaluated with Doppler sonography to determine the hepatic arterial resistive index (RI). The histologic specimens were graded by a pathologist regarding cirrhosis and inflammation. The specimens demonstrated no cirrhosis in 12 of 43 (28%) patients, early cirrhosis in 10 of 43 (23%), and established cirrhosis in 21 of 43 (49%). Analysis also revealed that inflammation was absent in three of 43 (7%) patients, minimal in seven of 43 (16%), mild in 17 of 43 (40%), moderate in 13 of 43 (30%), and severe in three of 43 (7%). Hepatic artery RIs (without correction for heart rate) ranged from 0.64+0.06 in patients with early cirrhosis to 0.68 ±0.09 in patients with severe inflammation. There was no significant correlation between the degree of cirrhosis and/or inflammation and hepatic artery RI (with or without correction for heart rate). We conclude that Doppler determination of hepatic artery RIs is not a reliable method of predicting the severity of hepatic cirrhosis and/or inflammation.
Chloromethanesulfonylethene and dichloromethanesulfonylethene: new reagents for tandem Diels-Alder/Ramberg-Bäcklund reactions.

Chloromethanesulfonylethene (3a) and dichloromethanesulfonylethene (3b) were prepared by oxidation of the adducts of ethylene and ClCH2SCl or Cl2CHSCl, respectively, followed by NaHCO3 dehydrochlorination. With dienes, 3a gave Diels−Alder adducts that, with base, underwent Ramberg−Backlund reaction, giving products corresponding to the adducts of the dienes and allene. Similarly, 3b gave Diels−Alder adducts that, with base in the presence of the novel chlorine source MeSO2CCl3, cleanly afforded products corresponding to the adducts of the dienes and 1,1-dichloropropa-1,2-diene.
Stable expression of human cytochrome P450 1B1 in V79 Chinese hamster cells and metabolically catalyzed DNA adduct formation of dibenzo[a,l]pyrene.

Chinese hamster V79 cell lines were constructed for stable expression of human cytochrome P450 1B1 (P450 1B1) in order to study its role in the metabolic activation of chemicals and toxicological consequences. The new V79 cell lines were applied to studies on DNA adduct formation of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DB[a,l]P). This compound has been found to be an environmental pollutant, and in rodent bioassays it is the most carcinogenic PAH yet discovered. Activation of DB[a,l]P in various metabolizing systems occurs via fjord region DB[a,l]P-11,12-dihydrodiol 13,14-epoxides (DB[a,l]PDE): we found that DB[a,l]P is stereoselectively metabolized in human mammary carcinoma MCF-7 cells to the (−)-anti- and (+)-syn-DB[a,l]PDE which both bind extensively to cellular DNA. To follow up this study and to relate specific DNA adducts to activation by individual P450 isoforms, the newly established V79 cells stably expressing human P450 1B1 were compared with those expressing human P45...
Some N-triaryltin and -lead derivatives of certain purines

Abstract The preparation of N -triphenylstannyl and N -triphenylplumbyl derivatives of purine, 6-chloropurine, and 6-methylmercaptopurine (triphenylplumbyl derivative only) is described. A novel complex was obtained from the reaction of 6-methylmercaptopurine with bis(triphenyltin) oxide. Novel complexes were also obtained from the reaction of 6-mercaptopurine monohydrate with bis(triphenyltin) oxide, triphenyllead hydroxide, tris( p -fluorophenyl)tin hydroxide, bis[tris( p -chlorophenyl)tin] oxide, and bis(tri- p -tolyltin) oxide.
Plasma membrane polypeptides of resident and activated mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Abstract With the lactoperoxidase/glucose oxidase-catalyzed iodination method, we have identified at least 19 exteriorly disposed plasma membrane polypeptides on mouse peritoneal macrophages, with molecular weights ranging from 12,000 to 290,000. Resident and inflammatory macrophages could be distinguished by qualitative and quantitative differences in the display of selected polypeptides, although the overall banding patterns were similar. Some of the labeled polypeptides were identified by immunoprecipitation.
Convergence analysis and parallel computing implementation for the multiagent coordination optimization algorithm with applications

In this paper, a novel variation of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, called Multiagent Coordination Optimization (MCO), is implemented in a parallel computing way for practical use by introducing MATLAB built-in function "parfor" into MCO. Then we present the global convergence result for MCO. Besides sharing global optimal solutions with the PSO algorithm, the MCO algorithm integrates cooperative swarm behavior of multiple agents into the update formula by sharing velocity and position information between neighbors to improve its performance. Numerical evaluation of the parallel MCO algorithm is provided in the paper by running the proposed algorithm on supercomputers. Finally, as an application, balanced coordination for damage mitigation and resource allocation in network systems is studied and solved by parallel MCO, serial MCO, and PSO.
Serial single photon emission computed tomography imaging in patients with cerebral lupus during acute exacerbation and after treatment

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with [99mTc] HMPAO was performed sequentially every week in 4 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), from the acute phase of neurologic involvement until normal cerebral blood flow (CBF) was detected by the scan. SPECT accurately reflects central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities in patients with SLE and correlates with subsequent improvement. Correlated with the patients' rapid clinical improvement, the brain SPECT blood flow scan demonstrated homogeneous distribution in 1 to 9 weeks. In these four patients, the defect in CBF could be reversed by optimal treatment. Brain SPECT blood flow scan may be used as a biologic marker of pathologic activity in the brain of patients with SLE.
Cosmic ray-modified stellar winds. I - Solution topologies and singularities

In the present two-fluid hydrodynamical model for stellar wind flow modification due to its interaction with Galactic cosmic rays, these rays are coupled to the stellar wind by either hydromagnetic wave scattering or background flow irregularity propagation. The background flow is modified by the cosmic rays via their pressure gradient. The system of equations used possesses a line of singularities in (r, u, P sub c)-space, or a two-dimensional hypersurface of singularities in (r, u, P sub c, dP sub c/dr)-space, where r, u, and P sub c are respectively the radial distance from the star, the radial wind flow speed, and the cosmic ray pressure. The singular points may be nodes, foci, or saddle points.
Knowledge-based image understanding and classification system for medical image databases

With the advent of Computer Radiographs(CR) and Digital Radiographs(DR), image understanding and classification in medical image databases have attracted considerable attention. In this paper, we propose a knowledge-based image understanding and classification system for medical image databases. An object-oriented knowledge model has been introduced and the idea that content features of medical images must hierarchically match to the related knowledge model is used. As a result of finding the best match model, the input image can be classified. The implementation of the system includes three stages. The first stage focuses on the match of the coarse pattern of the model class and has three steps: image preprocessing, feature extraction, and neural network classification. Once the coarse shape classification is done, a small set of plausible model candidates are then employed for a detailed match in the second stage. Its match outputs imply the result models might be contained in the processed images. Finally, an evaluation strategy is used to further confirm the results. The performance of the system has been tested on different types of digital radiographs, including pelvis, ankle, elbow and etc. The experimental results suggest that the system prototype is applicable and robust, and the accuracy of the system is near 70% in our image databases.
Expectant parents groom adult sons according to previous alloparenting in a biparental cooperatively breeding primate

In the biparental, cooperatively breeding cottontop tamarin, Saguinus oedipus oedipus, adult sons provide an energetically and reproductively valuable service to their breeding parents by helping to carry infants. Other species may use aggressive coercion or punishment to enforce alloparenting. Yet, affiliation in primates is important in negotiating social relationships and may be exchanged for services. We hypothesized that the rewards of grooming might be used by expectant parents to cultivate strong relationships with and maintain the services of adult son alloparents. We tested for an interchange trade of aggression or grooming for infant carrying according to a biological market. Individual rates of grooming, but not aggression, received by sons were explained by previously demonstrated levels of alloparental infant carrying. However, the direction of the interaction differed according to the sex of the parent. Mothers groomed better carriers at a higher rate, whereas fathers groomed poorer carriers at a higher rate. This sex difference in parental behaviour may reflect differential benefits that male and female breeders receive with increasing help. Market predictions based on alloparent availability were not supported, but results indicated a connection between affiliation and cooperative service. The rates of huddling and contact affiliation between fathers and adult sons suggest a sex-specific set of social relationship traits conducive to both affiliation and infant carrying. These may be necessarily tied to the particular form of infant care by males in this cooperatively breeding species. Fathers may condition sons for the social aspects of carrying, which involve socially coordinated efforts and close physical proximity between adult males.
Variability of the downwelling diffuse attenuation coefficient with consideration of inelastic scattering.

In situ time-series measurements of spectral diffuse downwelling irradiance from the Bermuda Testbed Mooring are presented. Averaged diffuse attenuation coefficients of downwelling irradiance, Kd, and their elastic and inelastic components are investigated at seven wavelengths. At shorter wavelengths ( 510 nm), Kd shows a strong dependence on the solar zenith angle. As depth increases, inelastic scattering plays a greater role for the underwater light field at red wavelengths.
1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Activates Sphingomyelin Turnover in ROS17/2.8 Osteosarcoma Cells without Sphingolipid-Induced Changes in Cytosolic Ca2+

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] initiates the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin in ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cells with the resultant generation of cell-associated ceramide. Increases in ceramide levels were detectable at 15 min and maximal one hour after exposure of cells to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). Neither 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) nor exogenous ceramide elicited a change in cytosolic free Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)). Transient elevations in [Ca(2+)](i) were observed when cells were exposed to exogenous sphingosine, but there was no detectable conversion of ceramide to sphingosine in 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3)-treated cells. Ceramide also did not stimulate Ca(2+) uptake across ROS 17/2.8 cell plasma membranes. Collectively, these results suggest that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) activates sphingomyelin turnover in ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cells but that the sphingolipid metabolite ceramide is not responsible for 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced activation of plasma membrane Ca(2+) channels.
Inhibition of the angiotensin converting enzyme by perindoprilat and release of nitric oxide

Experiments were designed to investigate the mechanism underlying the endothelium-dependent relaxations to perindoprilat, a converting enzyme inhibitor, in canine coronary arteries previously exposed to bradykinin. Rings suspended in organ chambers were exposed to bradykinin for 3 min and washed extensively for 150 min. In rings previously exposed to the peptide, bradykinin induced relaxations which were augmented in the presence of perindoprilat; this response was not affected by indomethacin, but nitro-L-arginine induced a rightward shift of the relaxation to the peptide without affecting its maximal effect. In canine coronary arteries previously exposed to the peptide, perindoprilat caused endothelium-dependent relaxations (IC50 = 7.83), which had been observed previously at concentrations where the converting enzyme inhibitor did not augment the response to bradykinin. Carboxypeptidase B, but not aprotinin, impaired the relaxation to perindoprilat, suggesting a contribution of bradykinin. The relaxation to perindoprilat was not affected by the B1 antagonist Leu8-des-Arg9-bradykinin. However, the bradykinin B2 antagonist HOE-140 displayed a noncompetitive antagonism against the response to perindoprilat. The response to the converting enzyme inhibitor was not affected by indomethacin but was impaired significantly by nitro-L-arginine. The present findings suggest that in canine coronary arteries previously exposed to bradykinin, the relaxation to perindoprilat is mediated mainly by endothelium-derived nitric oxide. In addition, the response to perindoprilat may be due to factors other than just protection of bound bradykinin from degradation.
Computer graphics in high-energy physics event visualization

Abstract The role of event visualization software in the overall context of a high-energy physics experiment is reviewed with emphasis on its integration into the overall software structure of the experiment.
Modelling stand dynamics in whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) forests.

Abstract The ecological process model firesum (a fire su ccession mo del) has been adapted to whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) forests of the inland Northwest and Rocky Mountains, U.S.A. firesum simulates tree establishment, growth, and mortality on a 400-m2 plot. Also modelled are live and dead fuel accumulations, fire behavior, fuel reduction, and insect and disease mortality. The following influences on tree establishment and growth are simulated in the model: temperature, water stress, site quality, and light conditions. An additional submodel in firesum simulates the mutualistic relationship between the Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) and the whitebark pine. Seed caches made by the Clark's nutcracker are evidently responsible for most whitebark pine regeneration. Whitebark pine seeds are also an important food for red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), black bear (Ursus americana), and especially grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis). Infestations of white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) and mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), and successional replacement by shade-tolerant conifers can reduce whitebark pine populations, which can adversely impact dependent wildlife species. The model firesum was used to investigate the effects of fire, insects, and disease on whitebark pine regeneration and growth. Model predictions of basal area by tree species are presented for contrasting disturbance scenarios. Simulation predictions indicate severe reduction in some whitebark pine populations if current trends are not altered. Model predictions from a test were compared with inventory data from actual postfire stands.
Space–time analysis of precipitation-weighted sulfate concentrations over the eastern US

Abstract This paper illustrates a simple technique of performing space–time analysis of precipitation-weighted SO 4 2− concentration data across the eastern US that were collected by the National atmospheric deposition program. Using a moving average filter and two-dimensional spatial data filtering algorithm on the time series of precipitation-weighted SO 4 2− concentrations, we show that decreases of about 50% have occurred in SO 4 2− concentrations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and over the northeastern US between 1985 and 1998, generally consistent with SO 2 emissions’ reductions over this period. The decreases in SO 4 2− concentrations tended to be smaller in the midwest and south.
If not functionalism, then what? Eliminative materialism?

The isomorphism between relational structures advocated by Palmer corresponds quite closely to Paul Churchland's theory of “state-space semantics,” so much so that one can be used to elucidate problematic areas in the other. The resulting hybrid shows eliminative materialism to be superior to functionalism as a theory of mental phenomena and seems to provide the best ontology for cognitive science.
Numerical Study of Leading-Edge Heat Transfer Under Free-Stream Turbulence

Abstract : The effect of incoming organized disturbance and free-stream turbulence on leading-edge heat transfer is investigated numerically. An optimum length scale is found to give the maximum heat transfer enhancement for the organized disturbance case. Beyond this optimum value, the enhancement decreases with the increase of length scale. For the free-steam turbulence case, large eddy simulation with dynamic SGS model is performed at Reynolds number Re(D) = 10(exp 4) based on upstream velocity u(infinity) and the leading edge diameter of curvature D. The free-stream turbulence is specified as homogeneous, isotropic turbulence with intensity U'(rm8)/U(infinity) = 0.08 and integral length scale L/D = 0.1. Three different regions characterize the interaction of turbulence impinging on the leading edge. For the conditions of the simulations a turbulent beat transfer enhancement of 11% is obtained, which is in fair agreement with the experimental data. The level of heat transfer enhancement is modest because of the Reynolds number is low. However, our results show that in the region very close to the leading edge, the energetic turbulence length scale decreases to the order of 2-3 times the local boundary layer thickness, so a high grid resolution is needed for accurate prediction of heat transfer using large eddy simulation. This is a challenge for future investigations where simulations at higher Reynolds numbers and transonic flow conditions are planned. Our results motivate a hybrid simulation strategy where the turbulence outside and away from a blade surface is captured using LES techniques while a finer DNS-like grid is embedded within the near-wall region to resolve the smaller eddies responsible for near-wall effects. Such a methodology is being developed in an extension of the work supported under this grant.
Influence of Temperature and Salinity on Growth, Survival, and Biomass Productivity of Postlarval and Early Juvenile Pink Shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum (Burkenroad 1939)

ABSTRACT An investigation was conducted of the combined effect of salinity and temperature on growth, survival, and biomass productivity of postlarval and early juvenile pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum (Burkenroad 1939) produced from a single spawning event. The study used a factorial block design consisting of three salinity treatments (15, 35, and 55), each replicated, within three temperature treatment (22°C, 27°C, and 32°C) water baths. The study was divided into two phases: postlarval (first 28 days) and early juvenile (second 28 days). Growth was assessed every 7 days throughout the experiment by measuring carapace length (CL) and wet weight (WWT) of 15 randomly selected shrimp from each temperature/salinity replicate tank. After the first study phase, survival was assessed and experimental aquaria were reset with 30 randomly selected shrimp from the same temperature—salinity replicates. Survival was assessed again at the end of the early juvenile phase. The effect of treatments was evaluated b...
Laser welding of urinary tissues, ex vivo, using a tunable Thulium fiber laser

Recent advances in Thulium fiber laser technology have resulted in the availability of a compact, inexpensive, tunable, mid-infrared laser for potential use in laser surgery. The objective of this study was to tune the Thulium fiber laser wavelength and corresponding optical penetration depth to match the tissue thickness, and thus produce full-thickness, watertight tissue closure during microsurgical laser welding of urinary tissues. 1-cm-length incisions were made, ex vivo, in porcine ureters. Thulium fiber laser radiation with a wavelength of 1873 nm, power of 550-650 mW, and 750-μm-diameter spot was delivered to the tissue in continuous-wave mode through a 600-μm silica optical fiber. The fiber was scanned over the weld site once at a rate of 0.1 mm/s using a motion controller and linear stage controlled by a PC. Optical coherence tomography, histology, flow rates, and temperature measurements were used to optimize and evaluate laser welding success. Histologic analysis demonstrated full-thickness welding of the ureteral wall. Weld success rates ranged from 67% (8/12) at an incident laser power of 550 mW to 91% (10/11) at 650 mW. Peak flow rates greater than 200 ml/min were measured, however, mean flow rates were only about 50 ml/min. Average tissue temperatures increased with incident laser power from 59-89 o C. The tunable Thulium fiber laser may be useful for surgical applications requiring variable control of thermal coagulation depth, such as microsurgical laser tissue welding.
Groundwater nitrate and denitrification in a coastal plain riparian forest

Mechanisms of nitrate (NO₃) removal from groundwater in riparian forests are poorly understood. This study was conducted in the Georgia coastal plain to: (i) determine changes in NO₃ and Cl concentrations within shallow groundwater moving from a row-crop field to a stream; (ii) determine the spatial and temporal distribution of denitrifiration potential relative to changes in NO₃ concentrations; and (iii) determine whether NO₃ or C supply was limiting denitrification potential. Nitrate and Cl concentrations in groundwater were measured biweekly or monthly for October 1988 through May 1990. Denitrification potentials, indicated by the denitrification enzyme assay, were measured bimonthly from October 1988 through October 1989. Modified potential measurements, lacking either NO₃, C, or both, were also performed bimonthly. Both NO₃ and NO₃/Cl ratios in groundwater decreased by a factor of 7 to 9 in the first 10 m of forest. Within the next 40 m of forest, mean NO₃ concentration decreased from 1.80 to 0.81 mg NO₃-N L⁻¹. Denitrifiration potential was more than two orders of magnitude higher in the top 10 cm of soil than in the top 10 cm of the shallow aquifer. Denitrification potential was consistently highest in surface soil nearest the field and nearest the stream and was limited by NO₃ availability in all surface soil samples. Denitrification potential was highest in October and August. Although NO₃ is definitely being removed from shallow groundwater, it is apparently not due to direct denitrification from the saturated zone. High denitrification potential in surface soils, especially near the field/forest interface, may contribute to NO₃ disappearance from shallow groundwater. Processes associated with intact riparian vegetation appear to play the primary role in N removal.