cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Balance of synovial fluid IL-1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist and recovery from Lyme arthritis

Abstract Borrelia burgdorferi , the causative agent of Lyme disease, is a potent inducer of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis. The balance between IL-1 and the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), a naturally occurring inhibitor of IL-1, might influence disease expression. To explore this possibility, we have done a retrospective study that compared the clinical course of Lyme arthritis in 83 patients with concentrations of IL-1β and IL-1ra in the patients' synovial fluid. Patients with high concentrations of IL-1ra and low concentrations of IL-1β had rapid resolution of attacks of arthritis, whereas patients with the reverse pattern of cytokine concentrations had long intervals to recovery. Thus, the balance between synovial fluid IL-1β and IL-1ra concentrations relates to the time to recovery from an episode of Lyme arthritis.
Expression of the Escherichia coli IrgA homolog adhesin is regulated by the ferric uptake regulation protein

The IrgA homolog adhesin (Iha) is an adherence-conferring outer membrane protein of Escherichia coli associated with enterohemorrhagic and uropathogenic strains. Here, we used primer extension analysis to identify iha promoters in O157:H7 and uropathogenic E. coli strains. Transcriptional fusions demonstrated that iha transcription is repressed by iron. Gel shifts using purified ferric uptake regulator protein (Fur) demonstrated that repression involves a direct interaction between Fur and the iha promoter. We identified strain-dependent differences in iha expression and determined that single nucleotide polymorphisms upstream of the iha promoter, in particular position -85, contribute to differences in expression levels.
Critical Evaluation of Adhesive Test Methods Used in Dentistry

Through the years, numerous articles dealing with dental adhesives have been published in the dental literature. A critical comparison of such articles reveals large differences in measured values, differences that not only seem to be between products, but also between different research groups. Because of these differences, the objective of this paper was to critically review some fundamental aspects of adhesion, and relate those aspects to dental adhesive studies. The outcome of that review was not very encouraging, because research, particularly in fields such as mechanical engineering and physics, does not support the notion of an overall adhesive strength value as we usually define in dentistry. Instead, adhesive studies should approach the problem from a fracture mechanics point of view rather than from an overall strength point of view. This review reveals that it is time to abandon traditional strength testing and move toward an increased use of fracture toughness tests and fatigue tests. Having s...
In-situ observation of intergranular stress corrosion cracking in AA2024-T3 under constant load conditions

A specially designed setup was used to apply a constant load to a thin sheet sample of AA2024-T3 and, using microfocal X-ray radiography, to observe in situ the resulting intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) from the exposed edge of the sample. The growth of and competition between multiple IGSCC sites was monitored. In many experiments twin cracks initiated close to each other. Furthermore, the deepest crack at the beginning of every experiment was found to slow or stop growing, and was then surpassed by another crack that eventually penetrated through the sample. These observations cannot be explained by the theory of fracture mechanics in inert environments. The possible mechanisms underlying the competition between cracks are discussed.
Nonspherical Perturbations of Spherical Geometries in Transport Theory

It is often desirable to solve radiation transport problems in one-dimensional spherical geometries even if the actual object being modeled is not spherical. It may be possible to use perturbation ...
In vivo genesis of a transposon carrying the histidine genes of Escherichia coli K-12.

Many different translocatable elements have been identified and characterized as normal constituents of the bacterial, plasmid and phage genomes (Kopecko 1980; Starlinger 1977). Such elements, referred to as insertion sequences (IS) or transposons (Tn), appear to be mostly responsible for several classes of chromosomal rearrangements (Anderson and Roth 1977; Depicker et al. 1980; Kleckner et al. 1979; Ross et al. 1979), including deletions, duplications, inversions, replicon fusions and transposition of DNA segments. All these chromosomal rearrangements involve a recA-independent recombination which acts in the absence of apparent sequence homology between the interacting DNA regions and can affect the expression of nearby genes. Transposons were originally distinguished from insertion sequences because transposons carry detectable genes often conferring antibiotic resistance. Partial or complete sequence information is now available for most of the known insertion sequences and for several transposons (Calos and Miller 1980). All the insertion sequences analyzed at the DNA sequence level terminate in a perfect or nearly perfect inverted repeat involving approximately 20-40 base pairs. Transposons often terminate in long inverted or direct repeats and these direct repeats are IS or IS-like elements (Berg and Drummond 1978). Many transposons thus represent a segment of DNA that is mobile as a result of being flanked by IS units or by inverted repeats, because the IS elements themselves terminate in short inverted repeats (Calos and Miller 1980). It is clear, however, that there is a close relationship between the IS and Tn elements. The longer inverted repeats of some transposons may be able to function as independent translocatable elements analogous to the IS elements (Abelson 1979; So et al. 1979). In a derivative of plasmid R6 (R6-5)v an additional copy of the IS 10 element flanking the transposon Tnl0 is capable of inserting into tetracycline genes and thus causes their reversible inactivation (Sharp et al. 1973). From preceeding paragraphs, it appears that virtually any DNA segment that is flanked by identical IS units comprises a new transposon. Since IS units are normal constituents of the bacterial chromosome and these units readily transpose, virtually any gene of the bacterial chromosome may exist as a transposable element at various times; for instance the his-gnd genes that have recently been found to transpose (Palchaudhuri et al. 1979; Wolf 1980). In this work, we provide the necessary experimental evidence in
An Examination of Multiple Predictors of Orthographic Functioning

The purpose of this study was to compare three variables in terms of how well they predict orthographic functioning. To this end, the authors examined the relative contributions of rapid automatic naming, exposure to print, and visual processing to a composite measure of orthographic functioning in a heterogeneous group of 8- to 12-year-old children. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that rapid naming, exposure to print, and visual processing were each predictive of orthographic functioning when controlling for the other variables as well as vocabulary knowledge and phonological awareness. Thus, it appears that both linguistic and visual abilities are related to orthographic functioning.
Density Profiles in the Levitated Dipole Experiment

A multi-chord interferometer (center frequency 60 GHz) has been constructed to measure the electron density profiles of plasmas in the Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX). Theoretical considerations suggest that the density of a dipole-confined plasma will vary with radius as 1/r 4. Measurements have been made for LDX plasmas, where the dipole-field was produced by a coil that was not levitating but rather suspended from a central column by thin supports. A ray-tracing code has been written to fit the chord data, which are line-integrated densities, to azimuthally-symmetric electron density profiles n e (r, t). Initial analysis has focused on the model $$n_e(r, t) = A(t)(r-r_0)^{-\alpha(t)}$$ , where A(t) and α(t) are free parameters; α(t) is referred to as the “steepness exponent.” The density profiles are observed to exhibit dynamics due to ECR heating and neutral-gas fueling. The model-fit, meant only to serve as a rough approximation, suggests that LDX plasmas have steepness exponents in the range of 1.5–4. The density at the location of the 2.45 GHz ECRH resonance is reconstructed and found to be of the same order of magnitude as the heating cut-off $$n_e \sim n_c =7.4\times10^{10}\,{\rm cm}^{-3}$$ .
Modeling and Simulation of Fast Neutral Beam Sources for Materials Processing

Fast (kinetic energy of 10 to some 100 eV) neutral beams can be used for etching, deposition or surface modification, without charging damage that may occur in conventional plasma processing of materials. This paper provides an overview of the modeling and simulation approaches applicable to neutral beam sources. Neutral beam sources based on both volume and surface neutralization of ions are discussed, with emphasis on the latter.
Relationship Characteristics and Protective Orders Among a Diverse Sample of Women

This study examines descriptive information for rural White (n = 371), urban White (n = 254), and urban African American (n = 103) women with protective orders on relationship characteristics, victimization experiences, protective order stipulations and violations, and self-reported effectiveness of the orders. Results indicate that women, regardless of group, reported high rates of physical and psychological violence. Although the majority of the women reported the protective order was effective, almost one in four women reported their partner had violated the order even though the order had only been in effect an average of five weeks. The rural White women reported longer involvement in the violent relationship, worse economic circumstances, more victimization, more protective order stipulations, and feeling less safe compared to the urban groups. The urban White and the urban African American women in this sample were very similar with regard to self-reported relationship and socioeconomic characteristics as well as on perceptions of protective order effectiveness and satisfaction.
The properties of disorders of carbohydrate metabolism in elderly patients with gout and metabolic syndrome

This article discusses the properties of disorders of carbohydrate metabolism in elderly patients with gout. The results of examination of 60 patients who were divided by the HOMA index into two groups are presented. The significant disorders of carbohydrate metabolism during gout that are risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases are revealed.
Knight Shift in Small Particles at Low Temperatures

It is shown that the magnetic moments of the ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ molecules in a surface layer of air adsorbed to small particles will create a static magnetic field at low temperatures that is large enough to affect the measured Knight shifts and linewidths.
Changes in free galactose, myo-inositol and other monosaccharides in normal and non-ripening mutant tomatoes

Abstract Using high-resolution GC, changes in total free galactose, myo-inositol, arabinose, xylose, rhamnose and mannose have been studied in pericarp tiss
Differential Requirements for Actin Polymerization, Calmodulin, and Ca2+ Define Distinct Stages of Lysosome/Phagosome Targeting

Fusion of phagosomes with late endocytic organelles is essential for cellular digestion of microbial pathogens, senescent cells, apoptotic bodies, and retinal outer segment fragments. To further elucidate the biochemistry of the targeting process, we developed a scintillation proximity assay to study the stepwise association of lysosomes and phagosomes in vitro. Incubation of tritium-labeled lysosomes with phagosomes containing scintillant latex beads led to light emission in a reaction requiring cytosol, ATP, and low Ca(2+) concentrations. The nascent complex was sensitive to disruption by alkaline carbonate, indicating that the organelles had "docked" but not fused. Through inhibitor studies and fluorescence microscopy we show that docking is preceded by a tethering step that requires actin polymerization and calmodulin. In the docked state ongoing actin polymerization and calmodulin are no longer necessary. The tethering/docking activity was purified to near homogeneity from rat liver cytosol. Major proteins in the active fractions included actin, calmodulin and IQGAP2. IQGAPs are known to bind calmodulin and cross-link F-actin, suggesting a key coordinating role during lysosome/phagosome attachment. The current results support the conclusion that lysosome/phagosome interactions proceed through distinct stages and provide a useful new approach for further experimental dissection.
Anticipation-based partial redundancy elimination for static single assignment form

Partial redundancy elimination lPREr is a program transformation that identifies and eliminates expressions that are redundant on at least one lbut not necessarily allr execution paths of a program without increasing any path length. Chow, Kennedy and co-workers devised an algorithm lSSAPREr for performing partial redundancy elimination on intermediate representations in static single assignment lSSAr form. The practicality of that algorithm is limited by the following concerns: l1r it makes assumptions about the namespace that are stronger than those of SSA form and that may not be valid if other optimizations have already been performed on the program; l2r if redundancies occur in nested expressions, the algorithm may expose but not eliminate them lrequiring a second pass of the algorithmr; l3r it misses cases covered by the state of the art in PRE; and l4r it is difficult to understand and implement. We present an algorithm lA-SSAPREr structurally similar to SSAPRE that uses anticipation rather than availability; this algorithm is simpler than SSAPRE, covers more cases, eliminates nested redundancies on a single pass, and makes no assumptions about the namespace. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of Asthma in Late Preterm Infants: A Propensity Score Approach

Background The risk of asthma, specifically in former late preterm infants, has not been well defined. Covariate imbalance and lack of controlling for this has led to inconsistent results in prior studies. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the risk of asthma in former late preterm infants using a propensity score approach. Methods The study was a population-based birth cohort study. Study subjects were all children born in Rochester, Minn, between 1976 and 1982. Asthma status during the first 7 years of life was assessed by applying predetermined criteria. The propensity score was formulated using 15 covariates by fitting a logistic regression model for late preterm birth versus term birth. We applied the propensity score method to match late preterm infants (34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks of gestation) to term infants (37 0/7 to 40 6/7 weeks of gestation) within a caliper of 0.2 standard deviation of logit of propensity score. Results Of the eligible 7040 infants, 5915 children had complete data. Before propensity score matching, late preterm infants had a higher risk of asthma (20 of 262, 7.6%) compared with full-term infants (272 of 5653, 4.8%) ( P = .039). There was significant covariate imbalance between comparison groups. After matching with propensity scores, we found that former late preterm infants had a similar risk of asthma to the matched full-term infants (6.6% vs 7.7%, respectively, P = .61), and the result was consistent with covariate-adjustment Cox regression models controlling for significant covariates ( P = .57). Conclusion A late preterm birth history is not independently associated with childhood asthma, as the reported risk of asthma among former late preterm infants appears to be due to covariate imbalance.
The Mental Model Comparison of Expert and Novice Performance Improvement Practitioners

This study investigates the mental model comparison between expert and novice performance improvement practitioners. Nonexperimental survey research design was applied. Based on specific criteria, 11 critical concepts out of 30 were selected by 23 experts. Sixteen of those 23 experts provided data about the relatedness of 55 concept-pairs generated from the 11 concepts to develop the common mental model of experts in the Knowledge Network Organizing Tool utilizing Pathfinder scaling. Two-hundred-forty-two practitioners participated in the further phases of the study. Out of those practitioners, 33 novices, who have not met any of the criteria used for expert selection, are selected. Those novices also provide similar data for the common mental model of novices. The results of the study show that the expert model has more consistent and hierarchical structure than the novice model. Discussions and further research recommendations are provided.
Synaptic organization of complex ganglion cells in rabbit retina: type and arrangement of inputs to directionally selective and local-edge-detector cells.

The type and topographic distribution of synaptic inputs to a directionally selective (DS) rabbit retinal ganglion cell (GC) were examined and were compared with those received by two other complex GC types. The percentage of cone bipolar cell (BC) input, presumably an index of sustained responses and simple receptive field properties, is much higher than expected for complex GCs in reference to previous reports in other species: approximately 20% for the type 1 bistratified ON–OFF DS GC and for a multistratified GC, and approximately 40% for the small-tufted local-edge-detector GC. Consistent with a previous study (Famiglietti [1991] J. Comp. Neurol. 309:40–70), no ultrastructural evidence is found for inhibitory synapses from starburst amacrine cells to the ON–OFF DS GC. The density of inputs to the ON–OFF DS GC is high and rather evenly distributed over the dendritic tree. Clustering of inputs brings excitatory and inhibitory inputs into proximity, but the strict on-path condition of more proximal inhibitory inputs, favoring shunting inhibition, is not satisfied. Prominent BC input and its regional variation suggest that BCs play key roles in DS neural circuitry, both pre- and postsynaptic to the ON–OFF DS GC, according to a bilayer model (Famiglietti [1993] Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 34:S985). Asymmetry of inhibitory amacrine cell input may signify a region on the preferred side of the receptive field, the inhibition-free zone (Barlow and Levick [1965] J. Physiol. (Lond.) 178:477–504), supporting a role for postsynaptic integration in the DS mechanism. Prominent BC input to the local-edge-detector, often without accompanying amacrine cell input, indicates presynaptic integration in forming its trigger feature. J. Comp. Neurol. 484:357–391, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Concurrent engineering: a prototyping case study

Vuman is a wearable portable computer used for navigation through electronic blueprints. Thirty working units of Vuman were designed and manufactured from system concept using a concurrent engineering design environment. The authors describe the steps in prototyping Vuman, using the suite of synthesis and analysis tools in the electronic and mechanical domains which comprise the concurrent engineering design environment. Some unforeseen problems and their proposed solutions are discussed. >
In Vivo Activity of Murine De Novo Methyltransferases, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b

The putative de novo methyltransferases, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, were reported to have weak methyltransferase activity in methylating the 3' long terminal repeat of Moloney murine leukemia virus in vitro. The activity of these enzymes was evaluated in vivo, using a stable episomal system that employs plasmids as targets for DNA methylation in human cells. De novo methylation of a subset of the CpG sites on the stable episomes is detected in human cells overexpressing the murine Dnmt3a or Dnmt3b1 protein. This de novo methylation activity is abolished when the cysteine in the P-C motif, which is the catalytic site of cytosine methyltransferases, is replaced by a serine. The pattern of methylation on the episome is nonrandom, and different regions of the episome are methylated to different extents. Furthermore, Dnmt3a also methylates the sequence methylated by Dnmt3a on the stable episome in the corresponding chromosomal target. Overexpression of human DNMT1 or murine Dnmt3b does not lead to the same pattern or degree of de novo methylation on the episome as overexpression of murine Dnmt3a. This finding suggests that these three enzymes may have different targets or requirements, despite the fact that weak de novo methyltransferase activity has been demonstrated in vitro for all three enzymes. It is also noteworthy that both Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b proteins coat the metaphase chromosomes while displaying a more uniform pattern in the nucleus. This is the first evidence that Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b have de novo methyltransferase function in vivo and the first indication that the Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b proteins may have preferred target sites.
Modeling data communications controls: a computerized decision aid for design and evaluation

Abstract The major purpose of this study is to model data communications (DC) controls for large, complex, and sensitive computer systems. Modeling is based on reliability concepts. A computerized decision aid for assisting design and evaluation of internal control in a data communications system is developed and evaluated. The DC controls are separated into three areas: interception controls, access controls, and network management. A DC-based computer system case with fixed controls and a related DC control questionnaire are developed. In order to determine the modeling effectiveness, a small group of experienced users are asked to evaluate the DC controls of the case without using the computerized decision aid. Each subject evaluates this case by answering a DC control questionnaire. After collecting the questionnaires, the researchers enter the base values answered by every subject into this decision aid. The decision aid is used to compute the values for each DC control area and the entire DC control system. These computed values are compared with the values assigned by every subject. By using the reliability model established in the decision aid, sensitivity analysis with different lower values of every detailed DC control and with different conversion functions are performed to examine differences between human judgments and model results.
Constrained (closed-loop) robot simulation by local constraint propagation

Robot mechanisms during many typical interactions with their environment have long posed a difficulty to computer simulation. This is due to the coupling of effects from the base and the tip (the closed loop problem), often complicated by mixtures of known and unknown endpoint forces and accelerations. This paper presents a linear-time (recursive) algorithm for the closed-loop forward dynamics of kinematic chains under very general environmental endpoint constraints. The statement of very complex systems of endpoint constraints is particularly easy, and the algorithm is conceptually simple and physically intuitive. The algorithm is then generalized to branching kinematic chains (trees), where every endpoint may be subject to environmental (closed-loop) constraints. The time complexity for constrained kinematic trees remains also linear in the number of joints. An appendix sketches an extension of the algorithm to general kinematic structures with one-dof joints, but containing arbitrary internal closed loops. The time complexity with internal loops is no worse than O(n) + O(l2, for n joints and l internal loops; for many structures the algorithm attains O(n)+ O[l\log(l)].
A DECADE OF RESEARCH ON THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION AND COPING: Things we assumed and lessons we learned

Recently, the field of psychology has begun to display a growing interest in religious coping methods and their implications for health and well-being. Empirical studies have yielded an interesting picture of the relationship between religious coping and physical and mental health. In this paper, we review some of the foundational assumptions on which the theory of religion and coping rests. Then, we summarize recent advances in research in the area of religion and coping. We conclude by highlighting some of the exciting new directions for research in the psychology of religion and coping.
Iron-stress Response in Mixed and Monocultures of Soybean Cultivars

Hawkeye (Fe-efficient) and PI-54619-5-1 (Fe-inefficient) soybeans (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) were grown in mixed and monoculture nutrient solutions to evaluate an inhibitory effect of PI-54619-5-1 on the uptake of Fe by Hawkeye. The ability of Hawkeye to take up Fe (Fe-stress response) was dependent on the degree of Fe stress (Fe deficiency) and was not the result of an inhibitory substance released by PI-54619-5-1 in mixed culture (Hawkeye + PI-54619-5-1).The degree of Fe stress in Hawkeye was dependent on the amount of Fe taken up by the plant. Hawkeye took up more Fe and developed less Fe stress in mixed than in monoculture because in mixed culture PI-54619-5-1 did not utilize Fe as efficiently as Hawkeye which allowed more Fe to be available per HA plant. Thus, Fe-stress response, rather than any inhibitory substances produced by PI-54619-5-1 plants, controls the uptake of Fe in Hawkeye soybean.
Social Empathy Attitudes: Do Latino Students Have More?

This article reports on the “social empathy attitudes” results that were part of a larger study on empathy in college students at a large research university in the Southwest. Two hundred ninety-four students completed the Social Empathy Assessment Index (SEAI). The research hypothesis was that students of color would have higher levels of social empathy attitudes than Caucasian students. The statistically significant SEAI items suggested that Latino students identify as more collectivist and more optimistic and have higher levels of social empathy attitudes. Latinos may be more willing to help a stranger than either Caucasians or members of other racial groups.
Design Compensation for Fabrication Imperfections of Tuning-Fork Gyroscopes

AbstractMicroelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscopes consist of proof masses that are driven to vibration. The sensing of angular motion requires certain symmetry in the driven motion. This symmetry is destroyed by imperfections introduced during the device fabrication. Strategies at the design stage that can compensate for the effect of fabrication imperfections are proposed. Our analyses are conducted through a discrete coupled oscillator model. The results are further verified through a finite element model of a tuning-fork microgyroscope design.
Racial equity in the post-civil rights suburbs? Evidence from US regions 2000–2012:

Minority suburbanites in the US have historically lived in more disadvantaged neighbourhoods than Whites. Yet, those in suburbs that came of age after the 1960s civil rights era may be experiencing more equal outcomes. Using US Census data and descriptive statistics, this research tests whether post-civil rights suburbs had greater racial equity in neighbourhood poverty, college educated, and homeownership rates relative to central cities and older suburbs in 88 regions from 2000 to 2012. Minorities typically experienced better and more equitable neighbourhood conditions in the post-civil rights suburbs, with African American and low-income households accruing the greatest gains. Ordinary least squares regression modelling reveals that post-civil rights suburbs’ newer housing stock and greater racial integration and income equality contributed to their greater racial equity.
Analysis of binary/ternary cardinality combinations in entity-relationship modeling

In this paper, we discuss the simultaneous existence, and relationships, between binary and ternary relationships in entity-relationship (ER) modeling. We define the various interpretations that can be applied to the simultaneous existence of ternary and binary relationships having the same participating entities. We have identified that only certain cardinalities are permitted to exist simultaneously in such ER structures. We demonstrate which binary relationship cardinalities are permitted within ternary relationships, during ER modeling. We develop an Imp licit Binary Cardinality (IBC) rule, which states that, in any ternary relationship, the cardinality of any binary relationship embedded in the ternary, is many-to-many when there are no explicit constraints on the data instances. We then present an Explicit Binary Permission (EBP) rule, which explains and enumerates all permitted binary relationships for various cardinalities of ternary relationships. Finally we present an Implicit Binary Override (IBO) rule, which states that the implicit binary cardinalities can be constrained in a ternary relationship by an explicitly imposed binary relationship. We then use these rules to consider the further implicit dynamics of ternary relationships when multiple binary relationships are imposed. In discussing these findings, we consider the rules in the context of supporting functional dependency analysis. The relevance of the findings is presented in the context of ensuring that all functional dependencies associated with ternary relationships are correctly applied and identifying the potential for decomposing the ternary relationship into multiple binary relationships based on all explicit functional dependencies.
Finite element models predict cancellous apparent modulus when tissue modulus is scaled from specimen CT-attenuation.

Abstract High-resolution architecture-based finite element models are commonly used for characterizing the mechanical behavior of cancellous bone. The vast majority of studies use homogeneous material properties to model trabecular tissue. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate that inhomogeneous finite element models that account for microcomputed tomography-measured tissue modulus variability more accurately predict the apparent stiffness of cancellous bone than homogeneous models, and to examine the sensitivity of an inhomogeneous model to the degree of tissue property variability. We tested five different material cases in finite element models of ten cancellous cubes in simulated uniaxial compression. Three of these cases were inhomogeneous and two were homogeneous. Four of these cases were unique to each specimen, and the remaining case had the same tissue modulus for all specimens. Results from all simulations were compared with measured elastic moduli from previous experiments. Tissue modulus variability for the most accurate of the three inhomogeneous models was then artificially increased to simulate the effects of non-linear CT-attenuation-modulus relationships. Uniqueness of individual models was more critical for model accuracy than level of inhomogeneity. Both homogeneous and inhomogeneous models that were unique to each specimen had at least 8% greater explanatory power for apparent modulus than models that applied the same material properties to all specimens. The explanatory power for apparent modulus of models with a tissue modulus coefficient of variation (COV) range of 21–31% was 13% greater than homogeneous models (COV=0). The results of this study indicate that inhomogenous finite element models that have tissue moduli unique to each specimen more accurately predict the elastic behavior of cancellous cubic specimens than models that have common tissue moduli between all specimens.
Robust Active Stereo Vision Using Kullback-Leibler Divergence

Active stereo vision is a method of 3D surface scanning involving the projecting and capturing of a series of light patterns where depth is derived from correspondences between the observed and projected patterns. In contrast, passive stereo vision reveals depth through correspondences between textured images from two or more cameras. By employing a projector, active stereo vision systems find correspondences between two or more cameras, without ambiguity, independent of object texture. In this paper, we present a hybrid 3D reconstruction framework that supplements projected pattern correspondence matching with texture information. The proposed scheme consists of using projected pattern data to derive initial correspondences across cameras and then using texture data to eliminate ambiguities. Pattern modulation data are then used to estimate error models from which Kullback-Leibler divergence refinement is applied to reduce misregistration errors. Using only a small number of patterns, the presented approach reduces measurement errors versus traditional structured light and phase matching methodologies while being insensitive to gamma distortion, projector flickering, and secondary reflections. Experimental results demonstrate these advantages in terms of enhanced 3D reconstruction performance in the presence of noise, deterministic distortions, and conditions of texture and depth contrast.
Enzymatic Reversal of Polymeric Thymine Photocrosslinking with E. coli DNA Photolyase

Polymers containing pendant thymine groups undergo a 2π+2π cycloaddition crosslinking reaction. The enzyme DNA photolyase has been demonstrated to reverse this photocrosslinking in thymine containing styrene derivatives.
An efficient basis set representation for calculating electrons in molecules

ABSTRACTThe method of McCurdy, Baertschy, and Rescigno, J. Phys. B, 37, R137 (2004) [1] is generalised to obtain a straightforward, surprisingly accurate, and scalable numerical representation for calculating the electronic wave functions of molecules. It uses a basis set of product sinc functions arrayed on a Cartesian grid, and yields 1 kcal/mol precision for valence transition energies with a grid resolution of approximately 0.1 bohr. The Coulomb matrix elements are replaced with matrix elements obtained from the kinetic energy operator. A resolution-of-the-identity approximation renders the primitive one- and two-electron matrix elements diagonal; in other words, the Coulomb operator is local with respect to the grid indices. The calculation of contracted two-electron matrix elements among orbitals requires only O(Nlog (N)) multiplication operations, not O(N4), where N is the number of basis functions; N = n3 on cubic grids. The representation not only is numerically expedient, but also produces energ...
The Bp Amoco Merger: Executive Compensation

This case is designed for an MBA course on management planning and control systems, an MBA course on mergers and acquisitions, an MBA course on strategy implementation, or any course on executive-compensation systems. It exposes students to executive-compensation plans, the design of performance-measurement and incentive-compensation systems to facilitate the implementation of strategy, and issues that arise in postmerger integration. Significant differences in executive compensation at British Petroleum and Amoco Corporation before the merger of the two companies pose interesting challenges to the successful integration of the two executive teams after the merger. Students are asked to evaluate the postmerger executive-compensation plan for BP Amoco in light of the company's postmerger strategy, differences in the premerger executive-compensation plans, and issues surrounding postmerger integration.
"Arousal" and alcoholism: psychophysiological responses to alcohol.

It is assumed that any comprehensive theory of alcoholism presupposes an understanding of the biological mechanisms of action subserving or associated with this disorder. It is further assumed that the determinants of excessive drinking behavior pertain not only to environmental events and contingencies but to interoceptive bodily cues induced by alcohol itself (1). Unfortunately, though alcohol represents one of the oldest and most widely used drugs known to man, there is a surprisingly scant and often contradictory literature relevant to its physiological and neurophysiological effects in alcoholics. Almost all prior studies (a) pertain to animals rather than humans, (b) pertain to normal, healthy male volunteers rather than habituated or detoxified alcoholics, thereby ignoring critical factors of metabolic and tissue tolerance (2), (c) employ extremely small, non-representative samples (d) do not take into account the “Mellanby effect” (3) (i.e., differential effects of alcohol pertaining to the ascending and descending limb of the blood alcohol curve) or time-dose-response characteristics and (e) do not control for the extremely important influences of mental set and physical setting.
Consumer Protection Without Law

Conventional wisdom holds that consumer well being is best advanced by expansive consumer protection laws that frame a rigorous two-way contract between buyer and seller. But experience suggests that the more these laws grow, the less careful consumers become and the less attention sellers give to earning consumers’ trust. This paper theorizes that a regime of one-way contracts that binds consumers but not sellers may ultimately better serve consumer interests. In such a world, alternative consumer protection devices would likely emerge: transactions will be redesigned to limit consumers’ exposure to breach, insurance and bond services would emerge that would protect aggrieved consumers, and reputation and rating services would gain prominence.
Coating and Characterization of Energetic Materials

This project develops a method of manufacturing Plastic Bonded Explosives by using use precision control of agglomeration and coating of energetic powders. The energetic material coating process entails suspending either wet or dry energetic powders in a stream of inert gas and contacting the energetic powder with atomized droplets of a lacquer composed of binder and organic solvent. By using a high velocity air stream to pneumatically convey the energetic powders and droplets of lacquer, the energetic powders are efficiently wetted while agglomerate drying begins almost immediately. The result is an energetic powder uniformly coated with binder; i.e., a PBX, with a high bulk density suitable for pressing. Experiments have been conducted using mock explosive materials to examine coating effectiveness and density. Energetic materials are now being coated and will be tested both mechanically and thermally. This allows for a comprehensive comparison of the morphology and reactivity of the newly coated materials to previously manufactured materials.© 2010 ASME
Efficient Supersonic Air Vehicle Structural Modeling for Conceptual Design

The next generation efficient supersonic air vehicle (ESAV) will be designed to meet a very challenging set of performance objectives. These objectives will cover, among others, supercruise, supersonic dash, survivability, maneuverability and extended range. Meeting these objectives will require the use of advanced technologies such as active aeroelastic wing, flutter suppression, maneuver load control, tailless supersonic configurations, etc. These technologies require a flexible representation of a given concept to evaluate. Because the generation of a FEM model is a very labor intensive these technologies are not evaluated on a configuration until that configuration is set based on design methods that do not include flexibility. Therefore the results have very little feedback into the configuration itself, minimizing the potential effectiveness of these advanced technologies. This paper discusses the development of rapid conceptual FEM, aero, and control and sizing design models for ESAV concepts. The specifics of the method are given and Matlab code (MstcGeom) is used to demonstrate the rapid model generation methodology.
Cardiovascular pharmacology of prostaglandin B1 and B2 in the intact dog.

SummaryThe effects of intravenous PGB1 and PGB2 on systemic pressure, HLPP, HP PP, PAP and LVP were evaluated in intact anesthetized dogs. Both PGB1 or PGB2 decreased SAP, LVP and HR but did not affect either RAP or LVEDP. These PGB-induced decreases in systemic pressure probably reflected the decreased LVP as well as vasodilatation in the renal bed. Since PGB1 and PGB2 both increased PAP without increased LVEDP, the data suggest that these prostaglandins increased the resistance across the lungs. Furthermore, PGB2 was a potent constrictor of the perfused canine hindpaw when administered intra-arterially into the paw or intravenously. The data are compatible with the conclusion that PGB1 and PGB2 possess vasodilator and vasoconstrictor activity on the canine cardiovascular system. PGB2 is a more potent prostaglandin than PGB1.The authors express their appreciation to Miss Marilyn F. Mosle for her excellent technical assistance. The generous gift of PGB1 and PGB2 from Drs. J. R. Weeks and J. E. Pike of the...
Assertion and Assumption: Fictional Patterns and the External World

Although representational art does not reflect an empirically verifiable world, novels are nevertheless useful as historical documents, because they can reveal the views that authors expect readers to hold. Extracting those views, however, requires distinguishing the beliefs that authors expect in their readers from beliefs that readers pretend to take on for the sake of the fiction (the belief that a person can turn into a bug, in Metamorphosis). Such an analysis is possible because of a basic rule of reading: all fiction, even the most fantastic, is realistic except where it signals its readers to the contrary. This rule implies that what is not said in a text (a text's assumptions) is a surer guide to readers' views than what is (its assertions). The “sudden-reward” pattern (familiar from Cinderella) and its unmasking by Mark Twain in Pudd'nhead Wilson are analyzed to demonstrate how readers' beliefs can be extracted from an apparently unrealistic convention.
"A Reputation for What, Exactly? How CVC Firm Reputation(s) Attract Potential Investments"

In a sample of 156 corporate venture capital (CVC) investors over the course of 1998 to 2001 we study the effect of three different kinds of reputation on the investor’s ability to attract potentia...
Shallow Analysis of College Archive Management Digitization

Files is organization or individual from the previous social practice form directly in the clear,definite,and complete record of human history,which information is the most important vector one of the record,to be revealed the truth of history,and file itself is constantly changing.this article by the existence of some major problems and benefits system in the higher the figure is an important issue of the study.
Intractable malabsorption with a flat jejunal mucosa and selective IgA deficiency. A case report with immunological and autoradiographic studies.

A 13-year-old male with selective IgA deficiency, a flat jejunal mucosa, and severe, fatal malabsorption is reported. Unlike previously well described cases, there was no reponse to a gluten-free diet, and multiple forms of therapy were not helpful. The mucosal lesion was the only basis demonstrated for malabsorption, and contributing factors, such as giardiasis and bacterial overgrowth, were not present. Infusions of fresh-frozen plasma raised the serum IgA from undetectable levels to 14.5 to 16.0 mg per 100 ml, but there was no obvious beneficial effect from this. Investigations of the jejunal mucosa demonstrated proliferation of plasma cells and an increased proliferation of epithelial cells as in gluten-sensitive enteropathy. This case illustrates that in the occasional patient who initially appears to have gluten enteropathy, but does not respond to treatment, correction of coexisting selective IgA deficiency by plasma infusions may not be helpful.
The nature of response to light in Amoeba proteus (Leidy)

1. Amoeba proteus orients in directive illumination and is negative in strong light and probably positive in very weak light. 2. Negative orientation is due to inhibition in the formation of pseudopods on the more highly illuminated surface; and this is due to increase in the elastic strength of the plasmagel on this side. 3. If the luminous intensity is rapidly and greatly increased, all movement ceases, but if it is only slightly increased there is only a slight momentary retardation in the rate of streaming and this is confined to the tip of advancing pseudopods. Between these extremes there are innumerable types of responses depending upon the magnitude of increase in luminous intensity. 4. Cessation in streaming is due to gelation produced by the light, resulting in increase in the thickness and the elastic strength of the plasmagel sheet at the tip of advancing pseudopods. 5. The magnitude of gelation is correlated with the extent of increase in luminous intensity. This accounts in part for the relation between the nature of the response and the extent of increase in luminous intensity. 6. The smaller the increase in luminous intensity, the less the gelation and the less the retardation in rate of flow. This relation continues theoretically until the increase in intensity is reduced to zero. 7. There is no threshold and the “all or none law” does not apply.
Conformal invariants for multiply connected surfaces: Application to landmark curve-based brain morphometry analysis

Abstract Landmark curves were widely adopted in neuroimaging research for surface correspondence computation and quantified morphometry analysis. However, most of the landmark based morphometry studies only focused on landmark curve shape difference. Here we propose to compute a set of conformal invariant-based shape indices, which are associated with the landmark curve induced boundary lengths in the hyperbolic parameter domain. Such shape indices may be used to identify which surfaces are conformally equivalent and further quantitatively measure surface deformation. With the surface Ricci flow method, we can conformally map a multiply connected surface to the Poincare disk. Our algorithm provides a stable method to compute the shape index values in the 2D (Poincare Disk) parameter domain. The proposed shape indices are succinct, intrinsic and informative. Experimental results with synthetic data and 3D MRI data demonstrate that our method is invariant under isometric transformations and able to detect brain surface abnormalities. We also applied the new shape indices to analyze brain morphometry abnormalities associated with Alzheimer’ s disease (AD). We studied the baseline MRI scans of a set of healthy control and AD patients from the Alzheimer’ s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI: 30 healthy control subjects vs. 30 AD patients). Although the lengths of the landmarks in Euclidean space, cortical surface area, and volume features did not differ between the two groups, our conformal invariant based shape indices revealed significant differences by Hotelling’ s T2 test. The novel conformal invariant shape indices may offer a new sensitive biomarker and enrich our brain imaging analysis toolset for studying diagnosis and prognosis of AD.