cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the impact of maintenance on naval fleet total ownership cost

The US Navy is making a concerted effort to use total ownership cost (TOC) as a metric for decision-making about the various systems needed to perform the Navy's missions. System Total Ownership Cost seeks to combine aspects related to acquisition costs, operating costs, maintenance costs, and manpower costs (both staffing and training) over the lifecycle of the system. Here, this paper presents initial efforts to consider deferred maintenance and its impact on TOC for long-lived systems, like the DDG-51 class destroyers. Near-term cost pressures often result in decisions that defer maintenance to a later time than scheduled or well after first notice of a maintenance need. Deferring maintenance allows the costs of performing maintenance to be postponed, saving short term costs, but the choice to defer maintenance may also result in the system moving to a state of further degradation. If this is true, later maintenance tasks needed to restore the ship's capability or reliability may become more costly. While these trade-offs are conceptually well understood, they have not been adequately quantified to allow decision makers to make the best decisions when funds are constrained. One reason such quantification has been lacking is that the necessary data is often not available. This paper presents initial work aimed at using data recorded by the Navy to construct a model that could allow for quantitative decision support. The principal challenge is that most of the recorded data is at the system level, implying that the ship must be modeled as a single unit. This assumption results in an underestimation of the impact on reliability of deferring corrective maintenance. Our results show that given the data available, a stochastic renewal process can model the Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) class guided-missile destroyers, implying that the ship returns to a “like new” condition following successful maintenance. The stochastic renewal process model provides a first step in using reported data to develop a model of delayed maintenance and its effect on TOC.
Tagetitoxin Inhibits RNA Polymerase through Trapping of the Trigger Loop

Tagetitoxin (Tgt) inhibits multisubunit chloroplast, bacterial, and some eukaryotic RNA polymerases (RNAPs). A crystallographic structure of Tgt bound to bacterial RNAP apoenzyme shows that Tgt binds near the active site but does not explain why Tgt acts only at certain sites. To understand the Tgt mechanism, we constructed a structural model of Tgt bound to the transcription elongation complex. In this model, Tgt interacts with the β′ subunit trigger loop (TL), stabilizing it in an inactive conformation. We show that (i) substitutions of the Arg residue of TL contacted by Tgt confer resistance to inhibitor; (ii) Tgt inhibits RNAP translocation, which requires TL movements; and (iii) paused complexes and a “slow” enzyme, in which the TL likely folds into an altered conformation, are resistant to Tgt. Our studies highlight the role of TL as a target through which accessory proteins and antibiotics can alter the elongation complex dynamics.
Histopathologic correlation with diffusion tensor imaging after chronic hypoxia in the immature ferret

Chronic hypoxia in rodents induces white matter (WM) injury similar to that in human preterm infants. We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and immunohistochemistry to study the impact of hypoxia in the immature ferret at two developmental time points relevant to the preterm and term brain. On ex vivo imaging, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was decreased throughout the WM after 10 days of hypoxia (hypoxia from postnatal day 10 (P10) to P20 and killed at P20 (early hypoxia P20)), corresponding to increased astrocytosis and decreased myelination. Diffusion values normalized after 10 days of normoxia (hypoxia from P10 to P20 and killed at P30 (early hypoxia P30)), but immunohistochemistry revealed significant astrocytosis and hypomyelination. In contrast, ADC and anisotropy were increased after 10 days of hypoxia at a later developmental time point (hypoxia from P20 to P30 and killed at P30 (late hypoxia P30)), with less astrocytosis and more prominent myelination. The patterns of alteration in imaging and histology varied in relation to the developmental time at which hypoxia occurred. Normalization of diffusion measures did not correspond to the normalization of underlying histopathology. Ferrets were subjected to 10% hypoxia and divided into three groups: early hypoxia P20, early hypoxia P30, and late hypoxia P30.
System-wide Studies of N-Lysine Acetylation in Rhodopseudomonas palustris Reveal Substrate Specificity of Protein Acetyltransferases

N-Lysine acetylation is a posttranslational modification that has been well studied in eukaryotes and is likely widespread in prokaryotes as well. The central metabolic enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase is regulated in both bacteria and eukaryotes by acetylation of a conserved lysine residue in the active site. In the purple photosynthetic α-proteobacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris, two protein acetyltransferases (RpPat and the newly identified RpKatA) and two deacetylases (RpLdaA and RpSrtN) regulate the activities of AMP-forming acyl-CoA synthetases. In this work, we used LC/MS/MS to identify other proteins regulated by the N-lysine acetylation/deacetylation system of this bacterium. Of the 24 putative acetylated proteins identified, 14 were identified more often in a strain lacking both deacetylases. Nine of these proteins were members of the AMP-forming acyl-CoA synthetase family. RpPat acetylated all nine of the acyl-CoA synthetases identified by this work, and RpLdaA deacetylated eight of them. In all cases, acetylation occurred at the conserved lysine residue in the active site, and acetylation decreased activity of the enzymes by >70%. Our results show that many different AMP-forming acyl-CoA synthetases are regulated by N-lysine acetylation. Five non-acyl-CoA synthetases were identified as possibly acetylated, including glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and Rpa1177, a putative 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase. Neither RpPat nor RpKatA acetylated either of these proteins in vitro. It has been reported that Salmonella enterica Pat (SePat) can acetylate a number of metabolic enzymes, including GAPDH, but we were unable to confirm this claim, suggesting that the substrate range of SePat is not as broad as suggested previously.
Fresnel Lenses Design by Acoustic Transmission Line

We proposed an approach to construct a 2D Fresnel lenses by acoustic network. This lens is composed of an array of Helmholtz resonators. The resonance at individual resonators results in effective focusing even the plate has subwavelength thickness. The FEM simulation results presented the ultrasonic wave propagation through the lenses together with the resulting diffraction pattern.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
D2-40 immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of seminoma and embryonal carcinoma: a comparative immunohistochemical study with KIT (CD117) and CD30

The distinction between seminoma and embryonal carcinoma based on morphology alone can sometimes be problematic, requiring the use of immunohistochemistry to facilitate diagnosis. D2-40 is a monoclonal antibody that reacts with an oncofetal antigen expressed by fetal germ cells and testicular germ cell tumors. The diagnostic value of D2-40 immunohistochemistry in distinguishing seminoma from embryonal carcinoma has not been determined. D2-40 immunoreactivity was evaluated in a series of testicular germ cell tumors and compared with that of KIT (CD117) and CD30, to assess the relative utility of this marker in discriminating between seminoma and embryonal carcinoma. Forty testicular germ cell neoplasms were examined, which included 19 seminomas, three embryonal carcinomas, three teratomas, one yolk sac tumor, and 14 mixed germ cell tumors. The 14 cases of mixed germ cell tumors contained components of seminoma (n=7), embryonal carcinoma (n=11), teratoma (n=10), yolk sac tumor (n=2), and choriocarcinoma (n=1). All cases of pure seminoma and the seminomatous components of mixed germ cell tumors exhibited positive immunoreactivity for D2-40. Focal positivity for D2-40 was also observed in 29% of the embryonal carcinoma samples. D2-40 immunoreactivity in seminomas was characterized by diffuse membrane staining, whereas for embryonal carcinomas, staining was focal and distributed along the apical surfaces of the neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemical staining for KIT was observed in 92% of the seminoma samples and in none of the embryonal carcinomas. Conversely, CD30 expression was identified in 93% of the embryonal carcinoma samples and in none of the seminomas. Other germ cell components showed no immunoreactivity for D2-40, KIT, or CD30. KIT and CD30 are effective immunohistochemical markers in separating seminoma from embryonal carcinoma. Although a highly sensitive marker for seminomas, D2-40 positivity was also observed in a subset of embryonal carcinomas, thus limiting the utility of this antibody for discriminating between these two malignancies.
Cloning and sequence analysis of a human type A/B hnRNP protein☆

A cDNA encoding a 284 residue long type A/B hnRNP protein has been cloned. This protein, previously referred to as type C[(1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 17126–17137], is an RNA unwinding protein from HeLa 40S hnRNP with a high affinity for G- followed by U-rich sequences. The N-terminal part of the protein contains two consensus RNA binding domains present in a number of other RNA binding proteins. The C-terminal part is glycine-rich and contains a potential ATP/GTP binding loop. The distribution of charged amino acids is highly uneven and there are multiple potential phosphorylation sites.
Search for Large Extra Dimensions Using the DØ detector

We have searched for the effects of Kaluza Klein gravitons predicted in theories of large spatial extra dimensions (LED). Analyzing angular and invariant mass distributions of photon and electron pairs in 127 pb-1 of data, we find complete agreement with expectations from the Standard Model. There were no anomalous events found that are characteristic of virtual graviton exchange. We set lower limits on the compactification scale of large extra dimensions between 1.0 and 1.4 TeV for the number of extra dimensions between 2 and 7.
Do nonclinical checkers exhibit deficits in cognitive control? Tests of an inhibitory control hypothesis ☆

We tested the hypothesis that persons who engage in compulsive checking may do so to compensate for cognitive errors produced by deficient inhibitory control. In two experiments, undergraduates were classified by scores on the MOCI checking subscale as checkers or noncheckers. On self-report measures, checkers were significantly more depressed, more anxious, more prone to cognitive slips, and more likely to engage in obsessive-compulsive behaviors. However, checkers performed similarly to noncheckers on laboratory tests of inhibitory control of cognition. Checkers and noncheckers were equally able to (1) ignore distractors in a selective attention task, (2) suppress inappropriate word meanings in a sentence comprehension task, and (3) inhibit retrieval of to-be-forgotten items in a memory task. These results suggest that compulsive checking does not arise from failures of inhibitory control of cognition.
A fracture mechanics approach to the tensile strength perpendicular to grain of dimension lumber

Six hundred short sections taken from 23 flatsawn 2x12-inch planks of construction grade Doughas-fir were tested in tension perpendicular to grain. Most of the specimens contained defects in the form of checks, knots, resin streaks, pitch pockets, and pith. Checks were found to be the major strength-reducing defect. The effect of checks could be analyzed effectively by using the concepts of fracture mechanics.
Bandwidth efficient MT-DS-SS via reduced subcarrier frequency spacing

We investigate modifications to conventional multitone direct-sequence spread spectrum (MT-DS-SS) signaling to improve spectral efficiency, for high-data-rate systems with small processing gain. Reduction in subcarrier frequency spacing to half the symbol rate improves bandwidth efficiency at no cost in complexity or performance. Via both analysis and simulations, we provide example results that illustrate the attractive performance and throughputs attainable with reduced frequency spacing. We extend study to synchronous multiuser transmission, and show that our best spectrally efficient MT-DS-SS scheme outperforms the conventional MT-DS-SS in a dispersive multiuser environment.
Assessment of the Impact of Monetary Incentives upon Smoking Behavior.

Following the recent innovative use of monetary incentives by some business firms to discourage cigarette smoking among their employees, this study attempts to evaluate the merits of such programs in a carefully controlled environment. Results indicated that a monetary incentive was generally effective in discouraging people from smoking cigarettes. Interestingly, a monetary incentive offered to groups appeared to be more effective in bringing about behavioral changes among females than among males. Conversely, incentives offered directly to individuals appeared to result in more positive behavioral changes among males than among females. Time of the offer, that is, whether the incentive was offered immediately following the change in behavior or six months after the behavior had been established did not seem to make any difference in the effectiveness of the incentive.
Preoperative Pulmonary Evaluation of the Thoracic Surgical Patient

Fig. 2 is an algorithm for the preoperative pulmonary evaluation of the lung resection candidate. Patients should undergo routine spirometry and diffusion capacity testing. If the FEV1 and DLCO are greater than 80% predicted, no further study is needed. When these parameters are less than 80%, some estimation of postoperative function is likely needed, taking into account the proposed resection. Patients with ppoFEV1 or ppoDLCO less than 40% are at increased risk of perioperative complications or death and should undergo formal exercise testing. A VO2max or ppoVO2max less than 10 mL/kg/min is associated with prohibitive risk for anatomic lung resection, and alternative treatment modalities should be considered.
Influence of Seidel distortion on combining beams from a phased telescope array.

When beams from an array of afocal telescopes are presented to a beam-combining telescope, tilt errors of the beam wave fronts with respect to the combined wave front place limits on the achievable field of view (FOV); these limits, to the best of our knowledge, have not previously been correctly described in the literature. We show that if the front-end telescopes have just the right Seidel distortion coefficient, then tilt error does not limit the FOV. If this is not the case, at least small FOV’s can still be obtained, even if the FOV is not centered on the on-axis direction.
Corrosion of nickel-base and iron-base alloys in a simulated fluidized-bed coal-combustion environment

The modes of initiation and propagation of corrosion attack on a series of high-temperature alloys were studied in synthetic gas mixtures at 900°C. The gas mixtures were intended to simulate the oxygen and sulfur partial pressures experienced in reducing zones in a coal-fired fluidized-bed combustor and comprised mixtures of CO, CO2, and SO2. The alloys studied were candidates for in-bed heat exchanger tubing for an air-heater cycle operating at 843°C and 300–500 psig and so ranged from type 300-series stainless steels to nickel-base alloys. With the exception of two FeCrAlY alloys and types 304 and 347 stainless steels, it was found that sulfidation corrosion could be initiated on all the alloys within 0.25 hr; the rate of propagation of the corrosive attack depended on the flux of SO2 in the environment and on the nickel content of the alloys. The presence of iron in the alloys appeared to slow the initiation of sulfidation, by forming a continuous iron oxide layer. The effects of various alloying additions are discussed, and a schematic model for the initiation of sulfidation is proposed.
Method To Preprocess Observed Traffic Data for Consistency: Application of Fuzzy Optimization Concept

For any of the algorithms of an intelligent transportation system (ITS) to be effective, high-quality data are essential. In reality the data obtained in the field carry significant noise because of imperfections in the measurement devices. For example, the traffic volume data on different links of a network must be consistent and must satisfy the conservation of flow, but this condition is rarely met by the observed values. A way to adjust the observed values so that the adjusted values satisfy predetermined conditions, such as the flow conservation equations or any consistency requirements in a network, is proposed. The adjusted values are found to be as close to the observed value as possible by using the concept of fuzzy optimization. The method can be applied to any network configuration and can also estimate the traffic volumes for links for which traffic volume data may be missing. The method is so general that it can be applied to various transportation problems in which a set of observed or calcu...
Unusual T-Lymphoblastic Blast Phase of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-ALL) presenting as blast phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML-BP) is rare. In patients without history of CML, it is difficult to differentiate between CML-BP or de novo T-ALL. Here we reported 2 unusual cases of T-ALL presenting as CML-BP. Case 1 was a 24-year-old female with leukocytosis. Besides T-lymphoblasts (32%), her marrow exhibited some morphologic features of CML. Multiple remission or relapsing marrow had never demonstrated morphologic features of CML. Despite of imatinib treatment and stem cell transplant, she died 2.5 years later. Case 2, a 66-year-old male with diffuse lymphadenopathy, showed T-ALL in a lymph node and concurrent CML chronic phase (CML-CP) in his marrow. Same BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript with minor breakpoint was present in both the lymph node and marrow specimens. Although both cases did not have a history of CML, both cases represented T-lymphoblastic CML-BP with unusual features: Case 1 is unusual in that it presented as T-ALL with some CML morphologic feature but never showed CML-CP in her subsequent marrows biopsies; Case 2 is the first reported case of T-lymphoblastic CML-BP harboring BCR-ABL1 transcript with a minor breakpoint.
Habitat edges, within-patch dispersion of hosts, and parasitoid oviposition behavior

Although density–edge effects are commonly reported, we have only scratched the surface in understanding the mechanisms underlying how habitat edges mediate species interactions. Here, I use a combination of field surveys and experiments to explore the linkages between the presence of host-plant edges (Scolochloa festucacea), the within-patch distribution of planthopper eggs (Delphacodes scolochloa), and the oviposition behavior of their egg parasitoids (Anagrus spp.). The field surveys revealed that densities of hosts and parasitoids at the edge were ≥2.5 times lower than densities in the patch interior and that the effect was independent of patch size. As a consequence of its edge-avoidance behavior, host within-patch dispersion was significantly more aggregated in the presence, as compared to the absence, of an edge. Also, as patch size decreased, the proportion of the patch that was core (i.e., beyond the influence of the edge) decreased, and the degree of host aggregation increased. In a subsequent field experiment, I found that the dispersion of hosts affected Anagrus oviposition behavior only when hosts were present on islands with discrete edges. Under these circumstances, the proportion parasitized and per capita parasitized were 2.3 and 3.4 times higher, respectively, when hosts were clumped as compared to when hosts were uniformly or randomly distributed. Based on a laboratory experiment using small S. festucacea patches, I found that Anagrus had 40% shorter step lengths, spent 52% more time in the patch, and parasitized 84% more hosts when hosts were clumped as compared to uniformly distributed. These results were indicative of area-restricted search by Anagrus, which is an effective foraging strategy when hosts are clumped. This is the first study to demonstrate that predator foraging behavior in response to prey dispersion can be mediated by the presence of a patch edge. Also, because edge-averse behavior is commonly reported in the literature, an underappreciated effect of fragmentation on predator–prey interactions and stability could arise from edge-mediated effects on prey within-patch aggregation.
The Hg (1P1) sensitized photolysis of N2 and CO

Abstract The Hg( 1 P 1 ) sensitized photolysis of CO and COO 2 , CON 2 , N 2 CO 2 NO, and N 2 N 2 ONO mixtures were studied at 25°C. Hg( 1 P 1 ) sensitization of CO leads to small amounts of CO 2 and C 3 O 2 , and this is taken as evidence for some CO(a 3 Π) production. The CO 2 quantum yield increases markedly in the presence of O 2 , but the enhancement can be explained entirely by the oxidation of vibrationally excited CO. The Hg( 1 P 1 ) sensitization of N 2 can proceed by three paths: The relative importance is k 1a / k 1 = 0.28 and k 1b / k 1 > 0.50, where k 1 ≡ k 1a + k 1b + k 1c .
Description and Defense of Prenatal Diagnosis and Treatment With Low-Dose Dexamethasone for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Much speculation as to the conduct of my research has been made by scholars and the media, particularly by the authors of fetaldex.org and in the article in this journal by MuCullough and colleague...
T Cells Use Rafts for Survival

T cell homeostasis must be tightly controlled. In this issue of Immunity, Cho et al. (2010) describe results that begin to define the roles of the T cell receptor, self-peptide-MHC ligands, cytokines, and membrane rafts in this dynamic process.
Two-dimensional laser collision-induced fluorescence mapping of electron density and temperature near plasma cathode apertures

Laser collision-induced fluorescence (LCIF) diagnostics are used to generate two-dimensional images of electron density and temperature inside a RF helium plasma cathode setup, near the electron extraction aperture. During electron current extraction, a region of dense plasma is seen at the aperture, and this aperture plasma is often surrounded by a layer of high-temperature electrons. Density and temperature profiles are imaged at variable gas pressure, applied bias, and aperture size. The properties of the aperture plasma are compared with those in the bulk plasma, using LCIF and probe diagnostics. Because this aperture plasma acts as an interface between the internal bulk plasma and the downstream extraction anode, an understanding of these behaviors may prove useful when optimizing plasma cathodes for more efficient current extraction.
Os odontoideum in identical twins: Comparative gene expression analysis

Background: Os odontoideum is a well identified anomaly of the craniovertebral junction. Since its initial description, there has been a continuous debate regarding the nature of its etiology: Whether congenital or traumatic. We sought to compare the gene expression profiles in patients with congenital os odontoideum, those with traumatic os odontoideum and controls. Methods: We have evaluated a pair of identical twins both with os odontoideum. We identified two additional patients with and four subjects without os odontoideum. We analyzed the gene expression profiles in these patients using a custom TaqMan microarray and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‑PCR). The relative gene expression profiles in the two identical twins, the two nontwin patients with os odontoideum and the controls were assessed. Results: A total of 213 genes with significantly different expression between the twin os odontoideum patients and the subjects without os odontoideum were detected. CACNG6, PHEX, CACNAD3, IL2, FAS, TUFT1, KIT, TGFBR2, and IGF2 were expressed at levels greater than 100‑fold more in the twins. There were six genes with significantly different expression profiles in the twins as compared with the nontwin os odontoideum patients: CMK4, ATF1, PLCG1, TAB1, E2F3, and ATF4. There were no statistically significant differences in gene expression in the four patients with os odontoideum and the subjects without. Trends, however, were noted in MMP8, KIT, HIF1A, CREB3, PWHAZ, TGFBR1, NFKB2, FGFR1, IPO8, STAT1, COL1A1, and BMP3. Conclusions: Os odontoideum has multiple etiologies, both traumatic and congenital and perhaps some represent a combination of the two. This work has identified a number of genes that show increased expression in a pair of twins with congenital os odontoideum and also demonstrates trends in gene expression profiles between a larger group of os odontoideum patients and non‑os patients. A number of these genes are related to bone morphogenesis and maintenance.
Participant Outcomes of a Leadership Development Initiative in Eight Human Service Organizations

A leadership development initiative for managers in eight county human service organizations is described, followed by evaluation results from an ongoing study with six years of data. Multiple methods included surveys of participants and their supervisors using a time series design with post-program and 12-month follow-ups. Factors measured included program satisfaction, the acquisition of skills, and improved functioning in terms of leadership and management performance. Program graduates and their supervisors were asked the same questions regarding changes in the graduates’ performance as managers. Results show high participant satisfaction, numerous opportunities to apply new knowledge, and improved on-the-job performance.
Comment on the 3+1 dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equations

Abstract We comment on traveling wave solutions and rational solutions to the 3+1 dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (KP) equations: (ut + 6uux + uxxx)x ± 3uyy ± 3uzz = 0. We also show that both of the 3+1 dimensional KP equations do not possess the three-soliton solution. This suggests that none of the 3+1 dimensional KP equations should be integrable, and partially explains why they do not pass the Painleve test. As by-products, the one-soliton and two-soliton solutions and four classes of specific three-soliton solutions are explicitly presented.
Washed Away by Hurricane Katrina

(2006). Washed Away by Hurricane Katrina? Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 15-17.
Cross-layer network planning for multi-radio multi-channel cognitive wireless networks

We propose a general network planning framework for multi-radio multi-channel wireless networks. Under this framework, data routing, resource allocation, and scheduling are jointly designed to maximize a network utility function. We first treat such a cross-layer design problem with fixed radio distributions across the nodes and formulate it as a large-scale convex optimization problem. A primal-dual method together with the column-generation technique is proposed to efficiently solve this problem. We then consider the radio allocation problem, i.e., the optimal placement of radios within the network to maximize the network utility function. This problem is formulated as a large- scale combinatorial optimization problem. We derive the necessary conditions that the optimal solution should satisfy, and then develop a sequential optimization scheme to solve this problem. Simulation studies are carried out to assess the performance of the proposed cross-layer network planning framework. It is seen that the proposed approach can significantly enhance the overall network performance.
The low angle light scattering of polytetrafluoroethylene films

Abstract : Low-angle light scattering patterns from polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) using V sub v polarization (parallel polarization and analyzer) and H sub v polarization (crossed polarizer and analyzer) are presented. The difference in appearance is evident and is interpretable in terms of morphological differences between these 2 polymers. Attempts are made to interpret the PTFE scattering pattern and relate it to the known morphology of PTFE. Experimental evidence indicated that the scattering entities are aggregates of the crystals in which the crystals are arrayed at a preferred angle with respect to the direction of maximum extension of the aggregate. Patterns obtained with stretched PTFE films are consistent with the orientation of the aggregate with its longest dimension lying along the stretching direction accompanied by a decrease in the angle between the aggregate axis and the principal polarizability direction.
Modeling soil CO2 emissions from ecosystems

We present a new soil respiration model, describe a formal model testing procedure, and compare our model with five alternative models using an extensive data set of observed soil respiration. Gas flux data from rangeland soils that included a large number of measurements at low temperatures were used to model soil CO2 emissions as a function of soil temperature and water content. Our arctangent temperature function predicts that Q10 values vary inversely with temperature and that CO2 fluxes are significant below 0 °C. Independent data representing a broad range of ecosystems and temperature values were used for model testing. The effects of plant phenology, differences in substrate availability among sites, and water limitation were accounted for so that the temperature equations could be fairly evaluated. Four of the six tested models did equally well at simulating the observed soil CO2 respiration rates. However, the arctangent variable Q10 model agreed closely with observed Q10 values over a wide range of temperatures (r2 = 0.94) and was superior to published variable Q10 equations using the Akaike information criterion (AIC). The arctangent temperature equation explained 16–85% of the observed intra-site variability in CO2 flux rates. Including a water stress factor yielded a stronger correlation than temperature alone only in the dryland soils. The observed change in Q10 with increasing temperature was the same for data sets that included only heterotrophic respiration and data sets that included both heterotrophic and autotrophic respiration.
EFFECTS OF A PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR HAMSTRING STRAIN INJURY ON OPTIMUM LENGTH OF THE KNEE FLEXORS

Background The hamstring muscles are especially vulnerable during the late swing phase of sprinting, where the simultaneous actions of hip flexion and knee extension actively stretch the hamstrings to greater lengths. Objective To assess whether a functional strengthening program (i.e. eccentric, plyometric and acceleration exercises) increased optimum lengths of the knee flexors in soccer players. Design Longitudinal, unblinded randomized controlled study. Setting Amateur male soccer players from nine Spanish teams of the same competitive level. Participants 52 players were assigned to an exercise group (EG) or a control group (CG). Over the study, 8 athletes (6 from CG and 2 from EG) were dropped due to personal reasons, contracting by other clubs or injuries (non-hamstring strain injuries). After these exclusions, 25 players constituted the EG (22.7±4.8 years; 71.2±8.4 kg; 174.5±5.6 cm) and 19 the CG (21.8±2.5 years; 71.1±6.5 kg; 176.8±6.2 cm). Interventions Both groups performed their habitual soccer training throughout the study (with a similar physical load profile). Additionally, the EG performed a functional strengthening preventive program twice per week for seven weeks. Main outcome measurements The optimum angle of peak torque (and therefore optimum length) was calculated through of a 4th order polynomial curve. Previously, each subject performed 6 maximum concentric repetitions on an isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocity of 60°/s. Results After the seven-week period, the optimum length of the EG during knee flexion was significantly greater (i.e. the optimum angle of peak torque was smaller; 39.85±8.42 pre-test vs 35.26±7.50 pos-test). Similarly, the EG (35.26±7.50) showed a significantly great optimum length in the pos-test than the CG (40.89±8.71). Conclusions The prevention program proposed increases the optimum length of the knee flexors, promoting the development of strength at longer muscle lengths.
Rapid model building of α-helices in electron-density maps

A method for the identification of α-helices in electron-density maps at low resolution followed by interpretation at moderate to high resolution is presented. Rapid identification is achieved at low resolution, where α-helices appear as tubes of density. The positioning and direction of the α-helices is obtained at moderate to high resolution, where the positions of side chains can be seen. The method was tested on a set of 42 experimental electron-density maps at resolutions ranging from 1.5 to 3.8 A. An average of 63% of the α-helical residues in these proteins were built and an average of 76% of the residues built matched helical residues in the refined models of the proteins. The overall average r.m.s.d. between main-chain atoms in the modeled α-helices and the nearest atom with the same name in the refined models of the proteins was 1.3 A.
THE J DOMAIN OF SIMIAN VIRUS 40 LARGE T ANTIGEN IS REQUIRED TO FUNCTIONALLY INACTIVATE RB FAMILY PROTEINS

Transformation by simian virus 40 large T antigen (TAg) is dependent on the inactivation of cellular tumor suppressors. Transformation minimally requires the following three domains: (i) a C-terminal domain that mediates binding to p53; (ii) the LXCXE domain (residues 103 to 107), necessary for binding to the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein, pRB, and the related p107 and p130; and (iii) an N-terminal domain that is homologous to the J domain of DnaJ molecular chaperone proteins. We have previously demonstrated that the N-terminal J domain of TAg affects the RB-related proteins by perturbing the phosphorylation status of p107 and p130 and promoting the degradation of p130 and that this domain is required for transformation of cells that express either p107 or p130. In this work, we demonstrate that the J domain of TAg is required to inactivate the ability of each member of the pRB family to induce a G1 arrest in Saos-2 cells. Furthermore, the J domain is required to override the repression of E2F activity mediated by p130 and pRB and to disrupt p130-E2F DNA binding complexes. These results imply that while the LXCXE domain serves as a binding site for the RB-related proteins, the J domain plays an important role in inactivating their function.
CapNet-using gigabit network as a high speed backplane

The authors propose a wide area distributed shared memory (DSM) system in which the memory hierarchy is integrated into the switching network. The system requires only one message to access a mobile shared object, as compared to two in a directory-based approach. The authors simulated a wide-area DSM on the NSFNET and showed that the approach reduced memory fault delay significantly. >
Supersymmetry breaking through transparent extra dimensions

We propose a new framework for mediating supersymmetry breaking through an extra dimension. It predicts positive scalar masses and solves the supersymmetric flavor problem. Supersymmetry breaks on a ``source'' brane that is spatially separated from a parallel brane on which the standard model matter fields and their superpartners live. The gauge and gaugino fields propagate in the bulk, the latter receiving a supersymmetry breaking mass from direct couplings to the source brane. Scalar masses are suppressed at the high scale but are generated via the renormalization group. We briefly discuss the spectrum and collider signals for a range of compactification scales.
The results of several acoustic telemetry tests in both shallow and deep water

The US Navy has a requirement for the transfer of data to and from underwater vehicles while submerged during training exercises. The required environments are diverse. Both midrange shallow water and midrange deep water areas will be used for training. In the deep water case, the system must be very cheap and expendable; in the shallow water case, it will be a permanently installed system. One of the goals of the Range Technology Development Program is the design, development, and testing of an acoustic telemetry system that will meet these needs. As a part of the design and development, phases of the program, several experiments in acoustic telemetry were done. A variety of different modulation and synchronization signals have been sent. The location of the testing includes deep water in the Bahamas, shallow water in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, and shallow water off Block Island, Rhode Island. A summary of the results of these tests is presented.
Components of an Incident Management Simulation and Gaming Framework and Related Developments

The nation's emergency responders need to work in a coordinated, well-planned manner to best mitigate the impact of an emergency incident. They need to be trained and ready to act in view of the increased security threat. The training has been traditionally provided using live eXercises at great eXpense. Simulation and gaming systems could provide a wider range of training at a much lower cost. Integrated gaming and simulation systems should be used for training decision makers and responders on the same scenarios, preparing them to work together as a team. A large number of simulation and gaming tools are needed to address the huge number of scenarios that can be of interest for incident management. An efficient approach will be to develop a library of interoperable component models that can be assembled together in different combinations to represent a range of scenarios. Standard specifications of the component models are needed to stimulate the development. The specifications should allow for alternate competing implementations. This paper presents a conceptual architecture that partitions the incident management simulation and gaming solution space into standard components. Recent literature is surveyed to identify related models and/or simulators where available for each defined component. The suggested components and the survey lay some preliminary groundwork in developing a holistic model of the incident response domain.
Comment on causality and pathway search in microarray time series experiment

Granger causality (GC) (Granger, 1969) is ideally suited to infer causal relationships from bivariate time series such as first-order vector-autoregressive processes VAR (1) (Hamilton, 1994). Recent studies have used GC to infer causal relationships and network structure from temporal gene expression profiles (Mukhopadhyay and Chatterjee, 2007; Fujita et al., 2007). Mukhopadhyay and Chatterjee (2007) proposed a method to infer causality from temporal gene expression data. Their approach determine the p-values from F-test (Hamilton, 1994) across each pair of genes (gi, gj) addressing the null hypotheses (gi fails to Granger cause gj) and (gj fails to Granger cause gi). Subsequently, they chose the desired uni-directional causal relationship as the direction with the lowest p-value. Mukhopadhyay and Chatterjee (2007) also caution the audience that their approach does not guarantee true causality but may prove to be a strong starting point in uncovering “….functional, metabolic relationship and biological causation models for temporal gene expressions……”. They demonstrate their approach on stationary and non-stationary networks modeled as vector auto-regressive processes as well as microarray gene expression profiles. In this brief letter, we investigate the usefulness of such unidirectional/acyclic approximations within the context of Granger causality and vector auto-regressive processes (VAR). Subsequently, biological significance of the various parameters in a VAR (1) model that can give rise to acyclic approximations is elucidated. In this respect, synthetic two-gene networks modeled as VAR (1) with and without auto-regulatory feedback are investigated. The choice of VAR (1) is especially encouraged by (i) its close connection with the formulation of Granger causality (Granger, 1969; Hamilton, 1994); (ii) recent simulation studies presented by the authors Mukhopadhyay and Chatterjee (2007) and (iii) its prevalence in modeling genetic networks [Fujita et al., 2007; Opgen-Rhein and Strimmer, 2007). We show that such uni-directional/acyclic approximations reflected by discrepancy in p-values as proposed by (Mukhopadhyay and Chatterjee, 2007) may provide biologically meaningful results under the assumptions of equal transcriptional noise variance, reflected by the variance of the noise terms in VAR (1). and equal strength of auto-regulatory feedback, reflected by the magnitude of the diagonal elements in VAR (1). The results presented encourage cautious interpretation of the results of Granger causality (Granger, 1969; Hamilton, 1994) and its variants (Mukhopadhyay and Chatterjee, 2007) in acyclic representation of transcriptional networks inferred from their expression profiles.
High Altitude Free Fall: Theoretical Analysis of G-Forces Impacting Human Subjects

The physical problem of object varying mass and cross-sectional area falling from high altitudes is analyzed. The equation of motion for velocities in the atmosphere with exponentially growing density (Laplace’s isothermal atmospheres) is resolved analytically and reasonable approximations are found for numerical analysis. The purpose of this project was to estimate maximal drag decelerations impacting objects in free fall, and find altitudes where these decelerations are reached. Estimates are conducted for the range of object masses between 75 Kg and 140 Kg, and altitudes between 10 and 100 Km. Preliminary results of the analysis show: - Maximum drag accelerations (G-forces for human subjects) caused by dense atmosphere grow up with free fall altitude and in range of masses and altitudes considered do not exceed 15-16 g; - Altitude of maximal drag acceleration is increasing with free fall altitude increase and asymptotically approaching certain limit which is determined by the properties of atmosphere and free fall acceleration (for Earth atmosphere this limit is calculated as 28.67 Km); - Parachuting from high altitudes would decrease G-forces for human subjects to the tolerable levels, this effect is specifically sensible for sky-diving from highest altitudes. Based on suggested approach acceptable survival corridors (such as maximal altitudes and initial velocities of free fall) and Life Support (LS) systems requirements for emergency escape during space operations could be formulated. Further general schematics are outlined to support in direct tests the data from theoretical analysis.
Neurodegeneration With Brain Iron Accumulation: From Genes to Pathogenesis

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation comprises a clinically and genetically heterogeneous collection of disorders that share key features. These include progressive neurological disease accompanied by high basal ganglia iron and axonal dystrophy. To date, 2 genetic forms have been associated with mutations in PANK2 and PLA2G6, both of which encode proteins that are critical to membrane integrity. The intersection of pathways perturbed by defects in these 2 genes now enables us to test hypotheses of a common pathogenesis and ask why iron accumulates. The mechanisms implicated may contribute to our understanding of more common neurodegenerative disorders with iron dyshomeostasis, including Parkinson and Alzheimer disease.
The Government, the Market, and the Problem of Catastrophic Loss

This article addresses the comparative advantage of the government to the private property/casualty insurance industry for the provision of insurance coverage for catastrophic losses. That the government can play an important role as an insurer of societal losses has been a central public policy principle since at least the New Deal. In addition, our government typically automatically provides forms of specific relief following unusually severe or unexpected disasters, which itself can be viewed as a form of ex post insurance. This article argues that, for systemic reasons, the government is much less effective than the private property/casualty insurance market in providing coverage of losses generally, but especially of losses in contexts of catastrophes.
Simulation studies of the LAMPF proton linac

The work presented here is an extension of our previous work. We have attempted to do a more complete simulation by including modeling of the low-energy beam transport (LEBT). No measurements of the longitudinal structure of the beam, except phase-scans, are performed at LAMPF. Transverse measurements include slit and collector emittance measurements, and wire scans to determine beam size and centroids. Comparison of simulations to beam loss data suggest that the primary causes of beam spill are incomplete longitudinal capture and the lack of longitudinal matching. Measurements to support these claims are not presently made at LAMPF. However, agreement between measurement and simulation for the transverse beam properties and transmissions serve to benchmark the simulations.
Simulation of electron distributions within auroral acceleration regions

Plasma data from the Dynamics Explorer 1 satellite are used to investigate the electron distributions found within regions of parallel potential drops. A computer simulation was developed to predict major features of the observed electron distributions found within these regions. The simulation results are discussed and compared with observations. Good agreement is observed only when the potential distribution along the field line is split into separate potential drops, one above and one below the satellite. The simulated electron distribution exhibits a trapped particle region, the formation of the electron hole, and the evacuation of the loss cone.
A methodology for surface reconstruction of concealed objects

A methodology is presented that uses span length between contours' data points to determine elementary tiles, addresses pathological problems that could occur, and uses contour corner points to reconstruct the surface. This methodology will use additional points along the contour, if necessary, to properly represent the boundary and will also use a smoothed boundary, obtained from applying MFA (mean field annealing), to reconstruct the surface. Distance is used as the metric in determining an appropriate solution. This metric was used because the primary application of the method is for reconstructing objects inside luggage, which requires a fast solution. Corner points from one contour were mapped to the other contour. The results do not produce a Eulerian path and additional span lengths had to be added to the graph. The method addressed pathological problems that could occur in reconstructing the object by solving for the contours' center and using the offset of the center in mapping corner points. MFA was applied to produce a smooth boundary for corner point detection. >