cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Middle Eastern Archaic

Relative Time Period: Follows the Early Eastern Archaic tradition, precedes the Late Eastern Archaic tradition.
PHIL implementation of a MVDC fault management test bed for ship power systems based on megawatt-scale modular multilevel converters

Fault management in a shipboard, medium voltage dc (MVDC) integrated power system (IPS) is a ship-wide function requiring a rapid and highly-coordinated response of several different protection strategies. This paper describes the design and implementation of a MVDC fault management test bed at FSU-CAPS that is capable of demonstrating the relative performance of candidate MVDC protection techniques, both individually, and coordinated with other elements of the overall IPS protection system. The test bed described employs power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) interfaces with a Real-time Digital Simulator (RTDS) model of a MVDC IPS. The hardware portion of the PHIL test setup consists of four, megawatt-scale, full-bridge, modular multi-level converters (MMCs) and a scaled version of a full-size MVDC ring bus for Naval surface combatants. This paper discusses the issues associated with implementing the lengthy cable runs of the scaled ring bus in FSU-CAPS' MVDC test building. It also explores application of the test bed to demonstrate the protection system response of several dc fault management methodologies.
Does pyruvate prevent acrylamide neurotoxicity?: Implications for disease pathogenesis

We used the prototype environmental neurotoxin, acrylamide monomer, to evaluate the hypothesis that neurotoxin-induced nerve fiber degeneration results from inactivation of axonal glycolytic enzymes. Treating intoxicated rats with sodium pyruvate, we hypothesized, would bypass the putative neurotoxin-induced blockade in glycolysis, thus ameliorating neurobehavioral and morphologic measures of neurotoxicity. After establishing that pyruvate itself did not affect behavior, we examined its effects on acrylamide-intoxicated animals. Pyruvate treatment had a significant effect on only one of eight neurobehavioral measures, though others showed similar trends. A morphologic observation of lumbar dorsal root ganglion cell bodies and peripheral nerves failed to show an effect of pyruvate. Those results suggested that inactivation of glycolytic enzymes alone is not a sufficient explanation of pathogenesis.
Static disorder from lone-pair electrons in Bi2−xMxRu2O7−y (M=Cu,Co; x=0,0.4) pyrochlores

Abstract The crystal structures of Bi2Ru2O7 and Bi 1.6 M 0.4 Ru 2 O 7 (M= Cu,Co ) pyrochlores are determined by Rietveld refinement of neutron powder diffraction data collected between 300 and 12 K . An appreciable oxygen non-stoichiometry, with no vacancy ordering, is found only in undoped Bi2Ru2O7. In all three compounds, static displacive disorder of both the Bi and O′ sites is observed. This type of disorder has not been reported previously for Bi2Ru2O7, and is proposed to be a common feature of A2B2O7 pyrochlores having a lone electronic pair on the A-site cation. The electronic properties of Bi2Ru2O7 are discussed in terms of calculated electronic band structure, local ruthenium coordination, and the static bismuth displacement.
The Mystery of the Marble Man and His Hat: A Reconsideration of the Bari Episcopal Throne

The iconographic programme of the episcopal throne in the basilica of San Nicola in Bari, Italy, has proven tenaciously enigmatic, particularly on account of the central figure on the throne’s base, whose identity has so far eluded scholars. This article reinterprets the Bari throne in light of late eleventh-century ecclesiastical politics, notes artistic echoes within the Adriatic, and demonstrates the crucial importance of contemporary Fatimid art to an understanding of the central figure likely to be intended to represent a Muslim. The throne is, thus, reconceived as the expression of a dialogue between a crusading pope and a consolidating prelate, as a response to the social upheaval prompted by the Norman conquest of southern Italy, and as new evidence for cross-Mediterranean cultural contacts at the dawn of the Crusades.
Excretion of Enterochelin by exbA and exbB Mutants of Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli mutants that are insensitive to colicins B and I hyperproduce and excrete the iron chelator enterochelin, which is an inhibitor of these colicins. These mutants are classified as exbA and exbB. The exbA mutants are chromium sensitive and require iron for growth, and the mutations are located in the tonB region at min 25 of the E. coli chromosome. tonB mutants in which the genome of phage lambda is inserted into the bacterial chromosome within the tonB gene also exhibit enterochelin excretion. The exbB mutants require methionine and probably result from deletions which are located between min 56 and 58. Colicin insensitivity, enterochelin excretion and methionine auxotrophy are recessive in exbB merodiploids. The methionine requirement of exbB strains is satisfied by cystathionine or homocysteine, and exbB mutants are sensitive to ethionine.
Real Jobs: Assisting Students and Industry with a Resume and Job Posting Service

Real Jobs in a World Wide Web site designed to serve the students and alumni who are affiliated with university real estate programs or who have a career interests in real estate, as well as potential employers. Unlike most resume and job posting systems, Real Jobs allows geographical, experience, education, or other criteria to be used in the search process. Its URL is http://www.real-jobs.com.
Kids, Groups and Crime: Some Implications of a Well-Known Secret

Social and policy sciences, reflecting human nature, are rich in contradiction and are occasionally perverse. It is sometimes possible both to know something important and to ignore that knowledge. To do this is to generate the phenomenon of the well-known secret, an obvious fact we ignore. When Edgar Allen Poe suggested that the best location to hide something is the most obvious place, he was teaching applied law and social science.
Assessment of Relevant Cultural Considerations is Essential for the Success of a Vaccine

This paper explores applications of social science research to international vaccine development and implementation. The paper discusses examples of vaccine-implementation controversies, suggesting that many of these issues could have been avoided with a greater focus on cultural issues regarding perceptions of disease, vaccination, and health services. The paper also discusses the relationship of theory-based behavioural interventions with the development of an overall vaccine strategy and examines experience of growing vaccine research with regard to perceptions of medical decision-making, acceptable practices, and authority and how these perceptions impact vaccine usage. The importance of social science in the ethical conduct of research is also discussed.
Transitions, relaxations, and thermodynamics in the glassy state

The PVT properties of polymer glasses are discussed from two points of view. First, as a low frequency tool in the study of sub-glass relaxations. Dilatometric results illustrate the sensitivity of the thermal expansivity and its temperature coefficient to dynamic processes occuring in the glass. The second point of view considers the quasi-thermodynamics of the non-equilibrium system, under conditions where the rates of relaxational processes are small in comparison with experimental rates, and time dependent processes are practically absent. The starting point is a theory of the equilibrium melt which describes the characteristic liquid disorder in terms of a temperature and pressure dependent hole or loosely, free volume fraction. This function is obtained by the minimization of a configurational free energy. Upon reaching the glass transition, this dependence is reduced, and further so in a sub-glass relaxation region. However, it is not eliminated until temperatures of the order of 50 to 70 K are reached. While this picture is qualitatively universal, significant quantitative differences are observed with different chemical structures and different thermal and pressure histories. A comparison of thermal expansivities of high and low Tg systems indicates that in the former the free volume retained upon reaching Tg is comparatively large and the departure from equilibrium or degree of freeze-in comparatively small. Similarly, it appears that the glassy densification generated by cooling the melt under pressure is more extensive in high Tg glasses. Such results imply structural differences. These should be investigated by comparative studies of (a) time dependent processes in terms of the free volume functions, (b) sorption and transport, and (c) the temperature dependent dynamics of density fluctuations.
Two new species of Cavendishia (Ericaceae : Vaccinieae) from Antioquia, Colombia

Descriptions, illustrations, and discussions of relationships are provided for two new species ofCavendishia collected from the region of Jardin in southern Antioquia:Cavendishia jardinensis andCavendishia nuda.
Indigenous rights and internal wars: The Chiapas conflict at 15 years

This article examines the origins and outcomes of the indigenous-based Zapatista rebellion launched 15 years ago in Chiapas, Mexico. The precursors responsible for the resistance movement are assessed, as well as the proximate events which convinced the indigenous communities to embrace a militarized approach. International relations conflict theory is plumbed for explanations of the conflict and for conflict resolution strategies relevant to this particular event. This study finds that the conflict in Chiapas was the consequence of two antecedent conditions – systematic human rights abuses and extreme material deprivation; and two proximate factors – NAFTA ratification and pending revisions to communal land laws. The article also explains how violence mitigation was subsequently achieved as a result of the behavior of state and non-state actors.
Association of the bovine leukocyte antigen major histocompatibility complex class II DRB3*4401 allele with host resistance to the Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum

The MHC of cattle, known as the bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA) complex, plays an integral role in disease and parasite susceptibility, and immune responsiveness of the host. While susceptibility to tick infestation in cattle is believed to be heritable, genes that may be responsible for the manifestation of this phenotype remain elusive. In an effort to analyze the role that genes within the BoLA complex may play in host resistance to ticks, we have evaluated components of this system within a herd of cattle established at our laboratory that has been phenotyped for ectoparasite susceptibility. Of three microsatellite loci within the BoLA complex analyzed, alleles of two microsatellite loci within the BoLA class IIa cluster (DRB1-118 and DRB3-174) associated with the tick-resistant phenotype, prompting further investigation of gene sequences within the DRB3 region. DRB3 is a class IIa gene, the second exon of which is highly polymorphic since it encodes the antigen recognition site of the DR class II molecule. Analysis of the second exon of the DRB3 gene from the phenotyped calves in our herd revealed a significant association between the DRB3*4401 allele and the tick-resistant phenotype. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a putative association between a class IIa DRB3 sequence and host resistance to the Lone Star tick. Elucidation of the mechanism involved in tick resistance will contribute to improving breeding schemes for parasite resistance, which will be beneficial to the cattle industry.
Effect of hypophysectomy, isletectomy and ACTH on glycemia and hematocrit in the bullhead, Ictalurus melas.

Effect of hypophysectomy, isletectomy and ACTH on glycemia and hematocrit in Ictalurus melas were studied. The mean blood glucose (BG) and hematocrit in intact untreated fish were found to be 69.65 mg/100 ml and 33.7% respectively. Following hypophysectomy there was a 73.1% decrease in BG and a 50% decrease in the hematocrit. Changes in sham-operated controls were insignificant. Eight IU of porcine ACTH administered in two injections on days 6 and 8 post-hypophysectomy increased the BG to pre-hypophysectomy level and the hematocrit to 70% of its initial value on day 9, whereas in vehicle injected controls BG and hematocrit values remained at their post-hypophysectomy level. Isletectomy caused hyperglycemia in all the experimental animals. It induced a net increase of 142.3% over the pretreatment BG compared to 5.2% increase in sham-operated controls. Isletectomy unlike hypophysectomy did not produce any significant change in the hematocrit.
Role of Spatial Data in the Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Homeland Defense

This paper examines how the use of spatial analysis techniques and geographic information systems may assist in developing a more complete understanding of underlying solutions trends and properties in complex optimization problems. In the model, an attacker with multiple attractive targets and multiple entry points into the region attempts to find a complete network path offering the highest probability of non-detection by a defender who has allocated detection resources to reduce arc non-detection and who wishes to minimize this maximum attacker path (this problem is a direct variant of the shortest path network interdiction problem). This paper introduces spatial analysis techniques to analyze defender resource allocation and attacker path selection in two sample networks (Lancaster-Palmdale, California and Northridge, California). The resulting discussion begins to examine how network diversity and other problem parameters can impact observed defender/attacker solutions and illustrates the importance of this knowledge in the making and evaluating of governmental and public policy decisions.
Full Price Competition and Dupuit's Defense of the Long-and-Short-Haul Discrimination

Condemnation of the long-and-short-haul discrimination has been nearly ubiquitous in the literature on economic theory and transportation. However, the French economist Dupuit developed a case against all transport regulation by relating it to a defense of the practice of “place discrimination” before the middle of the nineteenth century. He did so, moreover, within an early elaboration of a full price explanation of competitive functioning. This paper analyzes the idea in Dupuit's context and argues that this so-called form of price “discrimination” is actually an efficient and necessary form of the competitive process.
Visual Entropy Metric Reveals Differences in Drivers' Eye Gaze Complexity across Variations in Age and Subsidiary Task Load:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the global complexity of drivers' eye movement behavior as a function of advanced adult age and variations in information processing resource demands. Glob...
A Constructivist Approach to College-Level Economic Education

This paper begins with a critique of the prevailing stimulus/response approach to economic education in which instructors communicate (typically via lecture) their view of economic reality and the student is expected to replicate that view. In the alternative constructivist approach, economic reality is understood by building on the student's own economic experiences. This process results in active and engaged learning. Initial class experimentation is discussed along with future research plans.
Emissivities of diffuse cavities, II: Isothermal and nonisothermal cylindro-cones

Local, hemispherical, effective emissivities and integrated cavity emissivities are computed for isothermal and nonisothermal diffuse cylindro-cones (a cylindrical section of radius R2 and length L2 joined to a conical base of length L1 and half-angle θ), with and without lids, and are compared with corresponding values for the limiting cases of right circular cones and cylinders. The local emissivities everywhere along the walls are considerably higher in a cylindro-cone with a lid than in a similar one without, and also increase rapidly with decreasing cone angle. They are considerably higher in a cylindro-cone than in a cone of length L1 or in a cylinder of length L2. On the other hand, for cavities of the same total length, the cylinder has the highest local emissivities except at and near the base, where the emissivity of the cone is highest. There is a regular transition between these two extremes through various intermediary cylindro-cones. The normal integrated cavity emissivities are higher than the hemispherical emissivities for cavities for which (L1 + L2)/2R2 ≳ 0.8. The local and integrated spectral emissivities of nonisothermal cylindro-cones change markedly with wavelength and somewhat with cavity reference temperature. Approximate local emissivities for nonisothermal cylindro-cones can be obtained from corresponding isothermal ones in a simple manner, with useful accuracy.
Social welfare in North Korea: ethical and ideological conflicts and dilemmas

Social welfare in North Korea has historically experienced ethical and ideological conflicts and dilemmas. There is a continuing conflict between military needs and social welfare needs. In traditional Marxist–Leninist thinking, the social welfare sector is large, well developed, and (theoretically) exists to serve the socialist citizenry in equalitarian ways. This principle is at odds with the perceived needs for military security by a country perceiving itself “under siege.”
Characterization of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the hyperammonemic sparse fur mouse

The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a glutamate receptor subtype, is a ligand-gated ion channel. Overstimulation of NMDA receptors may increase intracellular Ca2+ concentrations to lethal levels in neurodegenerative disorders affecting the basal ganglia. Such excitotoxicity may also contribute to the loss of medium spiny neurons in the striata of the hyperammonemic sparse fur (spf/Y) mouse, a model of the X-linked disorder of the urea cycle, ornithine carbamoyltransferase deficiency (OCTD). Levels of quinolinic acid (QA), a potent NMDA agonist, are elevated in the brains of spf/Y mice. Further, direct injection of QA into the striatum produces selective degeneration of medium spiny neurons. Microglia, an endogenous source of QA in the brain, are abundant in spf/Y mice during the period of neuronal degeneration. The location and density of NMDA receptors was visualized by gold labelled immunocytochemistry with a polyclonal antibody to the NMDAR1 receptor subtype and their distribution quantified. A 58% reduction was found in the median density value in the layer V pyramidal neurons in fronto-parietal cortex (p<0.001), but no significant change was observed in the striatum. NMDA receptor binding was examined using [3H]dizocilpine ([3H]MK-801). Receptor density (Bmax) in the striata of clinically stable spf/Y mice and +/Y littermates was unchanged, but was decreased 15% (p<0.01) in the fronto-parietal cortices in clinically stable spf/Y mice compared with +/Y littermate controls.
Strong postcranial size dimorphism in Australopithecus afarensis: results from two new resampling methods for multivariate data sets with missing data.

There is considerable debate over the level of size dimorphism and inferred social behavior of Australopithecus afarensis. Most previous studies have analyzed size variation in single variables or multiple variables drawn from single elements. These approaches suffer from small sample sizes, underscoring the need for new techniques that incorporate measurements from multiple unassociated elements, reducing the influence of random sampling on size variation in fossil samples. One such technique, the template method, has recently been proposed but is limited to samples with a template specimen and is sensitive to a number of assumptions. Here we present two new resampling methods that do not require a template specimen, allow measurements from multiple unassociated elements to be included in a single analysis, and allow for significance tests between comparative and fossil multivariate data sets with miss- ing data. Using these new methods, multivariate post- cranial size dimorphism is measured using eight mea- surements of the femur, tibia, humerus, and radius in samples of A. afarensis, modern humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. Postcranial dimorphism in A. afarensis is similar to that of gorillas and orangutans, and significantly greater than in modern humans and chimpanzees. Because studies in living primates have examined the association of behavior with dimorphism in body mass and craniodental measurements, not post- crania, relationships between postcranial dimorphism and social behavior must be established to make robust behavioral inferences for A. afarensis. However, the results of this and past studies strongly suggest behav- ioral and mating strategies differed between A. afarensis and modern humans. Am J Phys Anthropol 135:311-328, 2008. V C 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the description of reactions in solution

Abstract A formulation for diffusion-influenced reactions in solution is given in which reactive and translational contributions are separated, steady state rate-limiting step formulations are generalized to the dynamical case and the influence of different experimental initial conditions is isolated.
Gene expression profiling--a new approach in the study of myocardial ischemia.

Abstract Current technologies make it possible to study thousands of genes simultaneously in the same biological sample — an approach termed gene expression profiling. Several techniques, including (i) differential display, (ii) serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), (iii) subtractive hybridization and (iv) gene microarrays (Gene Chips), have been developed. Recently, gene profiling was applied in studying the mechanisms of ischemic injury and ischemic preconditioning. In the case of reversible ischemia caused by one or several brief transient episodes of complete coronary occlusion (as with ischemic preconditioning), or with a more prolonged but partial coronary ligation, many up-regulated genes were related to the “cell survival program”. Protective genes included mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPKAPK 3), heat shock proteins 70, 27, 22, B-crystalline, vascular endothelial growth factor, inducible nitric oxide synthase and plasminogen activator inhibitors 1 and 2. With permanent coronary occlusion lasting from 24 h to several weeks, and resulting in a true myocardial infarction (MI), the list of up-regulated genes included those related to remodeling (e.g., collagens I and III, fibronectin, laminin) and apoptosis (Bax), while many down-regulated genes were related to major energy-generating pathways in the heart, namely, fatty acid metabolism. Gene expression profiling experiments have resulted in the discovery of two different genetic programs in the heart, namely, a protective program activated upon brief episodes of transient ischemia and an injury-related one activated in response to irreversible ischemic injury. Searching for factors turning on protective genes, and turning down injury-related ones, is a justifiable approach in developing new therapeutic strategies aimed to fight ischemic heart disease.
Direct thermal desorption-gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry profiling of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) essential oils in support of varietal characterization.

The use of direct thermal desorption−gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (DTD-GC-MS) and DTD-GC−flame ionization detection (DTD-GC-FID) for characterization of hop essential oils is described. Four hop varieties (Nugget, Galena, Willamette, and Cluster) from the Yakima valley (Yakima, WA) 1998 harvest were analyzed by DTD-GC-MS and DTD-GC-FID methodology. Approximately 1 g of hops was needed for the analysis. Hop samples were prepared for GC-MS and/or GC-FID profiling in ∼20 min. More than 100 volatile compounds have been identified and quantified for each hop variety. The results were found to be in good agreement with conventional steam distillation−extraction (SDE) data. A calibration curve for determination of essential oil content in hops by DTD-GC-FID has been generated. Quantitation of hop oil content by DTD-GC-FID was shown to be in good agreement with conventional SDE data. The recovery of key oil components valuable for varietal identification was demonstrated to be highly reproducible and char...
Is novelty overrated

Nanomaterial risks are often considered in terms of novel material behaviours. But, as Andrew D. Maynard explains, does this framing end up obscuring some risks, while overplaying others?
An ultra fast quantum well infrared photodetector

Abstract Quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIP) are intrinsically very high speed devices that usually are limited in response speed by the external circuitry. An ultra fast QWIP has been developed that integrates a QWIP mesa with an integrated co-planar waveguide to cable transition. Devices packaged with both K connectors and V connectors have been assembled and tested. At DC the devices demonstrate optical heterodyne efficiency of 90% or greater. Optical heterodyne measurements using CO 2 lasers have shown that with a K connector, response is flat ±10% up to 40 GHz and then drops rapidly due to the cable. Using a V connector, heterodyne efficiency of 50% of ideal has been measured at 56 GHz and 25% at 74 GHz.
THE STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CELL WALL IN PLANTS I. BAST FIBERS OF BOEHMERIA AND LINUM

It is generally admitted that the bast fibers of Boehmeria nivea are among the longest in the higher plants, but there is considerable difference of opinion concerning the maximum length which they may attain. Hassack and Puric, as reported by Wiesner,' found fibers as long as 580 mm. and 520 mm. respectively, but Wiesner concluded that such "fibers" are composed of several cells. According to him, the longest single fibers are from 120-I50 mm. Most investigators in studying the size of bast fibers have utilized dried material which has been subjected to various commercial treatments. In material of this character, it is difficult to determine with certainty whether an isolated fiber is a single cell or a combination of several cells. The difficulty may be overcome, however, by macerating the freshly cut stems of living plants. The writer has obtained very satisfactory preparations by the following procedure. A flask is fastened to the lower end of a long glass tube, and an entire stem is inserted into this elongated, upright receptacle. The flask and the glass tube are filled with sufficient 5-percent solution of KOH to cover the stem. The base of the flask is placed in a water bath which heats and produces a circulation of the macerating fluid. By this arrangement it is possible to accomplish the maceration with very little injury to the fibers. Only a small amount of macerating fluid is required, and this may be changed from time to time. In order to insure an even maceration, the stem should not come In contact at any point with the sides of the glass tube. When the macerating treatment is completed, the fibers are isolated in a large, shallow pan of water. In so doing, it is essential that the parallel arrangement of the fibers be disturbed as little as possible. The isolated fibers are floated over strips of window glass which are coated with fixative. Twisting and buckling of the fibers is minimized by slowly raising one end of each glass strip, while preventing the fibers from drifting laterally. After the fibers are firmly attached to the glass, they are stained, dehydrated, dried, and covered with balsam. The object of the drying is to allow the lumina to become filled with air, which facilitates the task of
Double and multi-pulsed operations of inductive plasma sources

Abstract This paper describes the study of double and multi-pulsed operations of two inductive plasma sources (IPS) for the generation of intense ion/plasma flows. Due to its simplicity and high efficiency, as compared to conventional coaxial J×B plasma sources, the IPS looks promising for a variety of applications that require a multi-pulse mode of operation, such as: intense plasma and ion beams [15th International Conference on High-Power Particle Beams, St. Petersburg, Russia, July 2004]; high current pulsed Hall accelerators [Plasma Phys. Rep. 29 (2003) 261]; spacecraft propulsion [AIP Conf. Proc. 608 (2002) 627] and the formation of field-reversed configurations by colliding current carrying plasma tori in magnetic fusion devices [Nucl. Fusion 39 (1999) 2001]. Design, projected parameters and initial test results for several modifications of the IPS, including characteristics of the generated plasma flows, are given. The density and temperature ranged between 10 12 and 10 15 cm −3 and 2 and 10 eV, respectively. Plasma transport velocities were measured between (1–5)×10 6 cm/s. The multi-pulse mode produced a train of pulses with frequencies up to 10 kHz for several milliseconds at power levels of (1–2)×10 7 W and several joules of deposited energy per pulse. The potential and limitations of double and multi-pulse modes of the IPS are also discussed.
The 108-kDa peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase precursor contains two separable enzymatic activities involved in peptide amidation

A 43-kDa protein factor that increases the ability of purified bovine peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM)-A and -B to produce alpha-amidated peptides at physiological pH was purified to homogeneity from bovine neurointermediate pituitary. At each step of the purification, the amount of activity correlated with the amount of protein detected on Western blots by antibody to bovine PAM(561-579). In the bovine neurointermediate pituitary the 108-kDa PAM precursor protein is cleaved to form a peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase and a peptidyl-alpha-hydroxyglycine alpha-amidating lyase, which function sequentially in the 2-step formation of alpha-amidated peptides.
A lyapunov based stable online learning algorithm for nonlinear dynamical systems using extreme learning machines

Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) is a promising learning scheme for nonlinear classification and regression problems and has shown its effectiveness in the machine learning literature. ELM represents a class of generalized single hidden layer feed-forward networks (SLFNs) whose hidden layer parameters are assigned randomly resulting in an extremely fast learning speed along with superior generalization performance. It is well known that the online sequential learning algorithm (OS-ELM) based on recursive least squares [1] might result in ill-conditioning of the Hessian matrix and hence instability in the parameter estimation. To address this issue, the stability theory of Lyapunov is utilized to develop an online learning algorithm for temporal data from dynamic systems and time series. The developed algorithm results in parameter estimation that is asymptotically stable leading to boundedness in model states. Simulations results of the developed algorithm compared against online sequential ELM (OS-ELM) and the offline batch learning ELM (O-ELM) show that the Lyapunov ELM algorithm can perform online learning at reduced computation, comparable accuracy and with a guarantee on the boundedness of the estimated system.
Labeled reaction matrices, a histocompatibility model

A labeled reaction (or recognition) matrix is a triple (A, o, B) where A and B are zero-one (0-1) matrices and @f is a certain relation between the rows and columns of A and B. In the application in this paper B defines the antigens and antibodies that play a role in some histocompatibility experiment by listing specificities. A represents data observed from testing cells against sera in the experiment. Antigens or antibodies (not necessarily monospecific) whose action in the experiment can be isolated are called monic. (A, @f, B) is called monic if all antigens and antibodies are monic and B is reduced. A partial order =< is put on the collection of 0-1 matrices and it is shown that if (A, @f, B) is any labeled reaction matrix, then A"@w =< B where A"@w is the reduction of A. An algorithm for obtaining A"@w (that gives a labeling of A) is provided. If (A, @f, B) is monic, then A"@w and B are identical (up to a permutation of rows and columns) and the labeling of cells and sera is essentially unique.
Accurate simplistic predictive modeling of nonlinear dynamic processes

Abstract In this article, a new simplistic way of predictive modeling of process variables in nonlinear dynamic processes is introduced. This approach, which is semi-empirical, is demonstrated on a simulated continuous stirred tank reactor. Model development uses a first-order-plus-dead-time structure and only two or three input changes for determining the coefficients. This approach is evaluated for a variety of situations which include measured output, unmeasured output, extrapolation beyond the input range, various levels of dead time, various levels of measurement error, large dynamics, and various levels of nonlinear behavior. In the situation of unmeasured output, the proposed approach is very accurate and in the other cases it is extremely accurate and far superior to linear regression and artificial neural twork models.
Microprecision interferometer: evaluation of new disturbance isolation solutions

This paper describes a benchmark to assess performance of six- axis vibration isolation systems. The targeted application, spaceborne interferometers, require isolation of the reaction wheel disturbances in order to stabilize the precision optical elements to the required levels. The problem is to isolate this vibrating payload from the quiet structure (spacecraft). The unique feature of this procedure is that isolator performance is measured in terms of the stability of the interferometer optical elements. Central to the procedure is the Micro-Precision Interferometer (MPI) testbed which is a hardware model of a future spaceborne optical interferometer. The isolation system under evaluation is mounted on the testbed and disturbance transfer functions are then measured from the isolator payload to the optical sensor output that must be stabilized. Off-line, the procedure combines these measured testbed transfer functions with an empirical model of the reaction wheel disturbance, in order predict isolator performance over the entire range of wheel speeds. The paper applies the procedure to four different disturbance interface conditions: hard mounted, passive hexapod isolator, active hexapod isolator and a passive elastomeric isolator. The paper contains all the necessary information to allow industry, academia or other organizations to evaluate custom designs in this testbed facility.
Cause of discrepancies in diffusion coefficient data as obtained from the sintering experiments of oxides

Abstract It is shown that when the distribution of particle sizes is included, the calculated diffusion coefficient value from the sintering experiment can be many orders of magnitude greater than the usual calculated value which was based on an average particle size.
Replication of influenza virus at elevated temperatures: Production of virus-like particles with reduced matrix protein content☆

Abstract The average matrix protein content in virions of wild-type influenza A/Ann Arbor/6/ 60 (H2N2) or A/Queensland/6/72(H3N2) is reduced by about half when virus is grown in chick kidney cells at 39° instead of at 34°. This results from the production at 39° of a subpopulation of virions having a low buoyant density ( P = 1.14 g/cm 3 ) and having as matrix protein only about 5 to 10% of their total protein, in contrast to normal virions with a matrix protein content of approximately 50% and a buoyant density of 1.20 g/cm 3 . Although the virions comprising the low density subpopulation have little matrix protein, they contain approximately normal proportions of hemagglutinin and nucleoprotein. This suggests that matrix protein may not be essential for maturation of influenza virions containing nucleoprotein and viral modified membrane. However, as judged by their morphology, the virions with a reduced matrix protein content appeared more fragile than normal virions, which implies that a major role for matrix protein is maintaining the structural integrity of influenza virus particles.
Nonmuscle myosin II is required for internalization of the epidermal growth factor receptor and modulation of downstream signaling

Ligand-induced internalization of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important process for regulating signal transduction, cellular dynamics, and cell-cell communication. Here, we demonstrate that nonmuscle myosin II (NM II) is required for the internalization of the EGFR and to trigger the EGFR-dependent activation of ERK and AKT. The EGFR was identified as a protein that interacts with NM II by co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis. This interaction requires both the regulatory light chain 20 (RLC20) of NM II and the kinase domain of the EGFR. Two paralogs of NM II, NM II-A, and NM II-B can act to internalize the EGFR, depending on the cell type and paralog content of the cell line. Loss (siRNA) or inhibition (25 μm blebbistatin) of NM II attenuates the internalization of the EGFR and impairs EGFR-dependent activation of ERK and AKT. Both internalization of the EGFR and downstream signaling to ERK and AKT can be partially restored in siRNA-treated cells by introduction of wild type (WT) GFP-NM II, but cannot be restored by motor mutant NM II. Taken together, these results suggest that NM II plays a role in the internalization of the EGFR and EGFR-mediated signaling pathways.
Occult transitional cell carcinoma and Lynch syndrome incidentally revealed after laparoscopic hysterectomy and cystoscopy during staging for endometrial cancer.

Cystoscopy can be performed during hysterectomy for many reasons, especially for suspicion of urologic injury (Ribeiro et al., 1999). Though it is debated whether routine cystoscopy should be performed at every hysterectomy, especially with regard to cost-effectiveness, routine cystoscopy is still commonly performed. Although not cost-effective in the general population, another potential use of routine cystoscopy is to evaluate for non-iatrogenic ureteral abnormalities. Additionally, some surgeons at large academic institutions take advantage of universal or selective post-operative cystoscopy as an opportunity to teach trainees this important surgical skill. At the time of hysterectomy, most urologic findings (e.g. hematuria or lack of ureteral efflux) are due to bladder and/or ureteral injuries. Many of these findings are due to idiopathic and self-resolving causes (Wilson and Merkur, 2008). However, urologic findings in certain gynecologic oncology patients should raise concern about the possibility of synchronous malignancies. For instance, Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, HNPCC) is a rare but significant risk factor for ureteral transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Whereas there have been reports of intraoperatively-found incidental lymphoepithelial ureteral carcinomas (Ma et al., 2008), a Pubmed search using the terms “transitional cell carcinoma” (or ureteral tumor), “incidental” and “hysterectomy” revealed no prior reports of incidentally-found ureteral TCCs associated with and leading to the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome.
Two distinct inputs to an avian song nucleus activate different glutamate receptor subtypes on individual neurons.

Abstract Although neural circuits mediating various simple behaviors have been delineated, those generating more complex behaviors are less well described. The discrete structure of avian song control nuclei promises that circuits controlling complex behaviors, such as birdsong, can also be understood. To this end, we developed an in vitro brain slice preparation containing the robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA), a forebrain song control nucleus, and its inputs from two other song nuclei, the caudal nucleus of the ventral hyperstriatum (HVc) and the lateral part of the magnocellular nucleus of the anterior neostriatum (L-MAN). Using intracellular recordings, we examined the pharmacological properties of the synapses made on RA neurons by L-MAN and HVc axons. Electrical stimulation of the L-MAN and the HVc fiber tracts evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) from >70% of RA neurons when slices were prepared from male birds of 40-90 days of age, suggesting that many individual RA neurons receive excitatory input from L-MAN and HVc axons. The "L-MAN" EPSPs were blocked by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist D-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (D-APV) as well as the broad-spectrum glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid but were relatively unaffected by the non-NMDA receptor blocker 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX). In contrast, "HVc" EP-SPs were relatively insensitive to D-APV but almost completely abolished by CNQX. These experiments suggest that L-MAN and HVc axons provide pharmacologically distinct types of excitatory input to many of the same RA neurons.
COMPARATIVE CYTOLOGY AND TAXONOMY OF THE ULVAPHYCEAE. I. THE ZOOSPORE OF ULOTHRIX ZONATA (CHLOROPHYTA)1

This fine structural study of the quadriflagellate zoospore of Ulothrix zonata (Weber & Mohr) Kutzing, with special attention to the flagellar root system, demonstrates that it is very similar to the zoospore of Ulva lactuca L. in several aspects. Common features include the presence of a cruciate root system (4-2-4-2 type), a non-striated band that connects basal bodies, a so-called terminal cap, and system I and system II striated root components. Only slight differences exist, i.e. in the shape of the terminal cap, and in the number and position of the system II root components. It is concluded that the taxonomic affinities of U. zonata lie with the Ulvaphyceae sensu Stewart and Mattox rather than with the Chlorophyceae. Additional support for this conclusion is the discovery of tiny, flat body scales on the zoospore of U. zonata. A summary of the distinctive characteristics of the Chlorophyceae, Charophyceae and Ulvaphyceae reflecting the current state of knowledge is given.
Cerebral edema with herniation during acetaminophen-induced fulminant hepatic failure

A 26-year-old woman presented to her local emergency room in stage I-II hepatic encephalopathy about 24 hours after ingestion of at least 6 g of acetaminophen. Her suicide attempt followed a break-up with her boyfriend. The past medical history was remarkable for a complex partial seizure disorder (1 to 3 seizures per year) since age 6. The anticonvulsant medications included phenytoin and Topamax (topiramate; Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Raritan, NJ). On admission, the acetaminophen level was low (36 mmol/L), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level 2,121 U/L, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level 1,468 U/L, alkaline phosphatase level 104 U/L. N-acetylcysteine therapy was started immediately; however, her condition continued to deteriorate over the next 24 hours: AST level 5,610 U/L, ALT level 5,437 U/L, international normalized ratio 6.6, arterial ammonia level 697 mmol/L, blood pH 6.9. The patient became oliguric with a serum Cr 2.3 mg/dL. A computed tomography scan showed diffuse mild to moderate
Application of Synchrotron X‐Ray Microbeam Spectroscopy to the Determination of Metal Distribution and Speciation in Biological Tissues

Abstract Resolving the distribution and speciation of metal(loid)s within biological environmental samples is essential for understanding bioavailability, trophic transfer, and environmental risk. We used synchrotron x‐ray microspectroscopy to analyze a range of samples that had been exposed to metal(loid) contamination. Microprobe x‐ray fluorescence elemental mapping (µSXRF) of decomposing rhizosphere microcosms consisting of Ni‐ and U‐contaminated soil planted with wheat (Triticum aestivum) showed the change in Ni and U distribution over a 27‐day period, with a progressive movement of U into decaying tissue. µSXRF maps showed the micrometer‐scale distribution of Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, and U in roots of willow (Salix nigra L.) growing on a former radiological settling pond, with U located outside of the epidermis and Ni inside the cortex. X‐ray computed tomography (CMT) of woody tissue of this same affected willow showed that small points of high Ni fluorescence observed previously are actually a Ni‐rich substa...
Irreversible Enzyme Inhibitors LXXII: Candidate Active-Site-Directed Irreversible Inhibitors of Dihydrofolic Reductase VI. Derivatives of Hydrophobically Bonded p-Alkyl and p-Aralkyl Benzoic Acids

Since p -(bromobutyl)benzoic acid (IV), N -( m -aminobenzyl)- p -aminobenzoic acid (V), and p -benzylbenzoic acid (VI) showed good hydrophobic bonding to dihydrofolic reductase (6), four candidate active-site-directed irreversible inhibitors related to structures IV-VI were synthesized that contained a terminal alkylating function. Two of the candidates, p -(4-bromoacetamidobutyl)benzoic acid (IX) and N -( m -bromoacetamidobenzyl)- p -aminobenzoic acid (X), lost their ability to form a reversible complex with the enzyme. In contrast, α -( p -chloroacetylanilino)- p -toluic acid (XI) and α -[ p -(4-chloro-1-buten-3-one-1-yl)anilino]- p -toluic acid (XII) formed reasonably good reversible complexes with dihydrofolic reductase and could inactivate the enzyme; chloroacetone under comparable conditions showed no inactivation, thus affording strong evidence that XI and XII inactivated the enzyme via a neighboring-group reaction within a reversible complex with the enzyme.
Recalls of foods containing undeclared allergens reported to the US Food and Drug Administration, fiscal year 1999.

Abstract Background: Food recalls can play a role in preventing or reducing the number of allergic reactions that may occur after a product containing an undeclared allergen has been introduced into commerce. Objective: We sought to summarize the US Food and Drug Administration's records of recalls classified for fiscal year 1999 involving foods containing undeclared allergens. Methods: Food and Drug Administration food recall records were reviewed for fiscal year 1999 to identify recalls that occurred because of the undeclared presence of one or more of the following allergens: milk, eggs, fish, wheat, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and soy. Each record was reviewed to determine the recalled product, the undeclared allergen present, the reason for recall, and reported adverse events. Results: Of 659 total food products classified for recall during fiscal year 1999, 236 (36%) products were recalled because they contained one or more undeclared allergens. Consumers were the party most often responsible for identifying that an undeclared allergen was present in a product (56% of recalled products). A total of 34 consumers reported allergic reactions after consumption of the recalled products. Three principal factors contributed to the presence of undeclared allergens in the recalled products: ingredient-statement omissions and errors (51% of all recalled products); manufacturing equipment cross-contact (40%); and errors by ingredient suppliers or manufacturing firm employees (5%). Conclusion: The presence of undeclared allergens in food products represents one of the more common reasons for food-product recall in the United States. A number of well-recognized allergens may be introduced into foods as a result of several different factors. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;109:1022-6.)
Poor Slavish Dependents

McCormick writes about a rare pamphlet owned by the Library, "Proposals for Traffick and Commerce, or Foreign Trade in New-Jersey . . .," printed in 1718, probably by Andrew Bradford. The central concern of the pamphlet is one that has long plagued Jerseymenâ€”how to achieve freedom from a "slavish dependence" on New York. The answer, devised in the best mercantilist tradition, was to develop an independent foreign trade by a judicious use of export and import duties and by the creation of a local supply of money.