cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Component Based Modeling of Electromechanical Systems

Simulation methods for electromechanical systems should accommodate their interdisciplinary nature and the fact that these systems often display qualitative changes in system behavior during operation, such as saturation effects and changes in kinematic structure. Current approaches are either based on deriving the system equations by applying a single formulation to all problem domains, or they are based on trying to integrate different software packages/modules to solve the interdisciplinary problem. In this paper, we present a component-based approach which allows the governing equations of each component to be defined in terms of its natural variables. The different component equations are then brought together to form a single system of differential-algebraic equations (DAE’s), which can be numerically solved to obtain the system response. The fact that we have an explicit, unified form of the system governing equations means that this formulation can be easily extended to design sensitivity analysis and optimization of electromechanical systems (EMS). The formulation includes monitor functions which can be used to detect when a qualitative system change has occurred, and to switch to a new set of governing equations to reflect this change. A single step integrator is used to make it easier to switch to a new system behavior, since this will always require a restart of the integrator. There is considerable flexibility in how the components can be defined, and connections between components are themselves modeled as special types of components. Examples of components from the mechanical and electrical side are presented, and two numerical examples are solved to illustrate the efficacy of the proposed method. One example is a link that is driven by a DC motor through a gearbox. The results of this example were verified against Simulink, and good agreement was observed. The second example is a motor driven slider-crank mechanism. The method can be extended to include components from any domain, such as hydraulics, thermal, controls, etc., as long as the governing equations can be written as DAE’s.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Postmortem examination of relapsing acute Guillain-Barre syndrome.

We report a patient who had six episodes of acute Guillain—Barre syndrome during his life. He is the fifth such case with postmortem analysis. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The structure of phosphorylated p38gamma is monomeric and reveals a conserved activation-loop conformation

Abstract Background: Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases mediate the cellular response to stimuli such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and environmental stress. P38 γ is a new member of the MAP kinase family, and is expressed at its highest levels in skeletal muscle. P38 γ is 63% identical in sequence to P38 α . The structure of P38 α MAP kinase has been determined in the apo, unphosphorylated, inactive form. The structures of apo unphosphorylated ERK2, a related MAP kinase, and apo phosphorylated ERK2 have also been determined. Results: We have determined the structure of doubly phosphorylated P38 γ in complex with an ATP analog by X-ray crystallography. This is the first report of a structure of an activated kinase in the P38 subfamily, and the first bound to a nucleotide. P38 γ residue phosphoryl-Thr183 forms hydrogen bonds with five basic amino acids, and these interactions induce an interdomain rotation. The conformation of the activation loop of P38 γ is almost identical to that observed in the structure of activated ERK2. However, unlike ERK2, the crystal structure and solution studies indicate that activated P38 γ exists as a monomer. Conclusions: Interactions mediated by phosphoryl-Thr183 induce structural changes that direct the domains and active-site residues of P38 γ into a conformation consistent with catalytic activity. The conformation of the phosphorylation loop is likely to be similar in all activated MAP kinases, but not all activated MAP kinases form dimers.
Efficacy of tobramycin-soaked collagen shields vs tobramycin eyedrop loading dose for sustained treatment of experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis in rabbits.

We compared the efficacy of a fortified tobramycin-soaked collagen shield to the efficacy of a single loading dose (four 50-microliters drops) of fortified tobramycin eyedrops in the treatment of New Zealand White rabbits with Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis. Eyedrop loading-dose efficacy was evaluated with and without lateral tarsorrhaphy. Six hours after a single treatment, significantly fewer Pseudomonas colonies were present in the corneas of all three drug-treated groups as compared to the number of colonies in the corneas of balanced salt solution-treated control rabbits (P less than .006). Although no significant difference was observed between any of the drug-treated groups, lateral tarsorrhaphy was associated with a greater than tenfold decrease in the number of colony-forming units (P = .073). We found no significant difference in efficacy between a collagen shield presoaked in tobramycin, and a single loading dose of tobramycin eyedrops, in the treatment of rabbits with P. aeruginosa-induced keratitis.
Understanding Vendor Data with Federated Searching

Federated searching options are offered by academic libraries as a way to simplify using varied electronic resources while simulating a popular Internet search engine. While search results may satisfy the novice user, more senior, sophisticated researchers often prefer using the proprietary, native interfaces of the specific resource. This study investigates one university's encounter with a federated search portal and analyzes usage and effectiveness through vendor-provided data. Statistical reports indicate patron use despite the lack of promotion and instruction, no significant differences in completion of searches between access methods, and the distribution of access methods for freely available Internet resources. Avenues for further research are also presented.
The relationship between student communication motives and perceived instructor communicator style

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between student communication motives (i.e., relational, functional, participatory, excuse‐making, sycophantic) and perceived instructor communicator style (i.e., friendly, impression leaving, relaxed, contentious, attentive, precise, animated, dramatic, open, dominant). Participants were 228 undergraduate students enrolled in a variety of communication courses at a small Midwestern university. Results indicate that (a) the perceived instructor communicator style attributes of impression leaving, friendly, and contentious predict student use of the relational motive, (b) the attribute of friendly predicts student use of the functional motive, (c) the attributes of animated, contentious, and friendly predict student use of the participatory motive, (d) the attributes of attentive and contentious predict student use of the excuse‐making motive, and (e) the attributes of contentious and friendly predict student use of the sycophantic motive.
Angle of arrival estimation using spectral interferometry

We have developed a correlative signal processing concept based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and spatial-spectral (S2) materials that enables direct mapping of RF spectral phase as well as power spectral recording. This configuration can be used for precise frequency resolved time delay estimation between signals received by a phased antenna array system that in turn could be utilized to estimate the angle of arrival. We present an analytical theoretical model and a proof-of-principle demonstration of the concept of time difference of arrival estimation with a cryogenically cooled Tm:YAG crystal that operates on microwave signals modulated onto a stabilized optical carrier at 793 nm.
Turtle urinary bladder epithelial cell line.

Abstract 1. 1. We compared enzymatic and functional properties of a turtle bladder cell line to those of turtle bladder epithelial cells. Like the original epithelium, the cell line displays carbonic anhydrase activity and acetazolamide inhibits O 2 consumption in isolated cells and acidification by cells grown in monolayers. 2. 2. Staining with acridine orange revealed the presence of cytoplasmic orange red vesicles which could be dissipated by NH 4 Cl or protonophores indicating that these vesicles represent areas of low pH. 3. 3. Addition of ATP to cells permeabilized by digitonin led to reappearance of the red granules suggesting that acidification of the vesicles is mediated by H + -ATPase.
Semiconducting oxide anodes in photoassisted electrolysis of water

The electrochemical properties of semiconducting anodes of TiO2, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Fe2O3, CdO, CdFe2O4, WO3, PbFe12O19, Pb2Ti1.5W0.5O6.5, Hg2Ta2O7, and Hg2Nb2O7 in photoassisted electrolysis of water were determined. All of these oxides formed a rectifying junction with the electrolyte and anodic photocurrents were generated only with larger‐than‐band‐gap illumination. For Fe2O3, the optical absorption spectrum was different from the photoelectrochemical spectrum due to crystal field transitions. These oxides were found to be stable over certain range of pH. In a given electrolyte, the flatband potential Vfb varied linearly with the band gap. A good correlation was obtained between Vfb and the heat of formation of the oxide per metal atom per metal‐oxygen bond, but not between Vfb and the calculated Fermi energy of the oxide. This suggests that a semiconductor‐electrolyte interface may be approximated by a semiconductor‐metal junction where the barrier height is determined by the heat of formation of the me...
Enhanced learning after genetic overexpression of a brain growth protein

Ramon y Cajal proposed 100 years ago that memory formation requires the growth of nerve cell processes. One-half century later, Hebb suggested that growth of presynaptic axons and postsynaptic dendrites consequent to coactivity in these synaptic elements was essential for such information storage. In the past 25 years, candidate growth genes have been implicated in learning processes, but it has not been demonstrated that they in fact enhance them. Here, we show that genetic overexpression of the growth-associated protein GAP-43, the axonal protein kinase C substrate, dramatically enhanced learning and long-term potentiation in transgenic mice. If the overexpressed GAP-43 was mutated by a Ser → Ala substitution to preclude its phosphorylation by protein kinase C, then no learning enhancement was found. These findings provide evidence that a growth-related gene regulates learning and memory and suggest an unheralded target, the GAP-43 phosphorylation site, for enhancing cognitive ability.
Novel interaction of the bacterial-Like DnaG primase with the MCM helicase in archaea.

DNA priming and unwinding activities are coupled within bacterial primosome complexes to initiate synthesis on the lagging strand during DNA replication. Archaeal organisms contain conserved primase genes homologous to both the bacterial DnaG and archaeo-eukaryotic primase families. The inclusion of multiple DNA primases within a whole domain of organisms complicates the assignment of the metabolic roles of each. In support of a functional bacterial-like DnaG primase participating in archaeal DNA replication, we have detected an interaction of Sulfolobus solfataricus DnaG (SsoDnaG) with the replicative S. solfataricus minichromosome maintenance (SsoMCM) helicase on DNA. The interaction site has been mapped to the N-terminal tier of SsoMCM analogous to bacterial primosome complexes. Mutagenesis within the metal binding site of SsoDnaG verifies a functional homology with bacterial DnaG that perturbs priming activity and DNA binding. The complex of SsoDnaG with SsoMCM stimulates the ATPase activity of SsoMCM but leaves the priming activity of SsoDnaG unchanged. Competition for binding DNA between SsoDnaG and SsoMCM can reduce the unwinding ability. Fluorescent gel shift experiments were used to quantify the binding of the ternary SsoMCM–DNA–SsoDnaG complex. This direct interaction of a bacterial-like primase with a eukaryotic-like helicase suggests that formation of a unique but homologous archaeal primosome complex is possible but may require other components to stimulate activities. Identification of this archaeal primosome complex broadly impacts evolutionary relationships of DNA replication.
Development of a unified guidance system for geocentric transfer

A method is presented for open loop guidance of a solar electric propulsion spacecraft to geosynchronsus orbit. The method consists of determining the thrust vector profiles on the ground with an optimization computer program, and performing updates based on the difference between the actual trajectory and that predicted with a precision simulation computer program. The motivation for performing the guidance analysis during the mission planning phase is discussed, and a spacecraft design option that employs attitude orientation constraints is presented. The improvements required in both the optimization program and simulation program are set forth, together with the efforts to integrate the programs into the ground support software for the guidance system.
Histopathogenesis of 7,12-diemthylbenz(a)anthracene-induced rat mammary tumors.

Abstract The histopathogenesis and growth behavior of mammary tumors and dysplasias induced by a single intragastric dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in 50-day-old virgin female Lewis rats were examined both in situ and after transplantation into gland-free mammary fat pads of syngeneic hosts. Terminal mammary ductules are indicated as a site of origin of both ovarian hormone-dependent mammary tumors and spontaneously gegressing mammary tumors, and terminal ductule hyperplasia appears to be an early stage in mammary tumor formation. The precancerous nature of hyperplastic alveolar nodules induced by dimethylbenzanthracene in rats has been further examined, and our studies indicate that these nodules are not significantly preneoplastic.
Principles of opioid pharmacotherapy: Practical implications of basic mechanisms

Abstract Opioids forM the cornerstone of the pharmacologic armamentarium for the treatment of pain. Despite their long history of use, much confusion and misperception still surrounds their use. This short review will focus on pharmacodynamic and physiologic considerations in the clinical use, of oral and parenteral opioids.
Operational modes of solar heating and cooling systems

Abstract This paper emphasizes factors associated with the subsystems that are required to extract heat from solar collectors, store this heat, and deliver it to the loads upon demand. While minimum use of auxiliary energy is the general objective, it must be sought with due regard to safety, convenience and cost. Subsystem alterations that improve energy efficiency typically come at added cost in terms of installation and maintenance. In some cases, the advantages of a specified component or arrangement of components are immediately evident. In other cases, such options are less decisive and will require longer periods of comparative operation to arrive at accurate assessments. The Colorado State University Solar House I allows for such comparative operation in several experimental modes. These selected modes of operation provide for different methods of solar heat transfer and employ different arrangements of system components and control functions. The principles underlying these modes as well as results of these studies are presented. In addition, the methods of operation found necessary for efficient and reliable performance are discussed. While this evaluation is an ongoing process, the initial “start up” and “break in” periods have been experienced and serve as a basis for several recommendations concerning subsystem components and component arrangements.
Effects of Hawthorn on Cardiac Remodeling and Left Ventricular Dysfunction after 1 Month of Pressure Overload-induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats

Hawthorn (Crataegus) is a natural product used to treat patients with heart failure. The effects of hawthorn on cardiac remodeling, however, are not known. The purpose was to determine the effects of hawthorn treatment on remodeling and function of the left ventricle (LV) after 1 month of pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Sprague-Dawley rats (male, 300 g) were subjected to sham operation (SH) or aortic constriction (AC) for 4 weeks and treated with Hawthorn (Crataegus-Extract- WS1442;1.3, 13, 130 mg kg−1 day−1; AC-L, AC-M, AC-H) or vehicle (SH-V, AC-V) for 3 weeks after surgery. Systolic and diastolic function were measured using echocardiographic assessment at baseline and 4 weeks after AC. AC increased the LV/body weight ratio by 34% in vehicle and hawthorn treated rats. Hawthorn markedly reduced LV chamber volumes (VOL) after AC [systolic VOL, mean ± SEM, mm3: SH-V, 87 ± 13; AC-V, 93 ± 12; AC-L, 62 ± 9; AC-M, 68 ± 12; AC-H; 50 ± 11 and diastolic VOL: SH-V, 433 ± 45; AC-V, 412 ± 57; AC-L, 313 ± 25; AC-M, 319 ± 37; AC-H, 264 ± 25 (p < 0.05)] and augmented relative wall thickness, mm: SH-V, 0.45 ± 0.02; AC-V, 0.65 ± 0.05; AC-L, 0.71 ± 0.03; AC-M, 0.74 ± 0.06; AC-H, 0.80 ± 0.09 (p < 0.05). AC reduced velocity of circumferential shortening (Vcfc) by 28% compared with SH-V. Hawthorn attenuated the AC-induced decrease in Vcfc (p < 0.05). Hawthorn treatment modifies left ventricular remodeling and counteracts myocardial dysfunction in early pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy.
Attractiveness to Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) of plant essential oils and a synthetic food-odour lure

Experiments were conducted in a citrus orchard to investigate the attractiveness of 26 plant essential oils individually and in combination with a synthetic food odour lure to the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens Loew. Anise, rose/grape seed, and tea tree oils were more attractive than unbaited traps but none approached the attractiveness of Advanced Pheromone Technologies' AFF lure, a synthetic food-odour lure that emits several nitrogenous chemicals attractive to this fly. Traps baited with most of the oils were less attractive than unbaited traps. Rose/grape seed oil and pure-rose oil enhanced attractiveness of AFF lures to both males and females by about 68%. Grape seed oil did not enhance the attractiveness of AFF lures demonstrating that rose oil was the active component of the rose/grape seed oil. No other oil enhanced attractiveness of AFF lures and most decreased attraction to AFF lures. The possibility that highly attractive chemicals may be present in rose oil as minor components is discussed. Traps baited with the combination of clove bud oil and the AFF lure captured only 3% as many flies as traps baited only with the AFF lure indicating that clove bud oil is highly repellent to Mexican fruit flies.
Flexibility of the pyrrolidine ring in proline peptides

A survey of over 50 crystal structures indicates that both imino acid and peptide derivatives of proline populate ring conformers consistent with the torsional potentials about single bonds. In both cases, lower barriers for rotation about CN bonds relative to those about CC bonds favor smaller values for dihedral angles about the former bonds. In peptides a minimum in the torsional potential about CN bonds occurs at zero dihedral angle, further favoring small angles. The pyrrolidine-ring dihedral angles of the proline compounds in the solid state obey a cyclopentane-type pseudorotation function. Thus the puckering of the five-membered ring can be quantitatively described by two parameters. Consistent with small dihedral angles about CN bonds, Cβ and/or Cγ are puckered out of the mean plane of the ring in nearly all of the nonstrained compounds. Utilizing the consistent force-field method of Lifson and coworkers [see A. Warshel, M. Levitt, and S. Lifson (1970) J. Mol. Spectrosc.33, 84] the intramolecular energy of five proline peptides was minimized with respect to all internal coordinates. In addition, the energy surface near minima was explored by constraining a particular dihedral angle and reminimizing the energy with respect to all remaining variables. In linear peptides two types of pyrrolidine-ring conformers have identical predicted energies. In the cyclic dipeptide cyclo (Pro-Gly) one of the ring conformers is favored by about 3 kcal/mol, while the cyclic tripeptide cyclo(Pro-Gly-Gly) favors the other conformer by a comparable margin. In agreement with observations in the solid state and in solution, Cβ and/or Cγ are puckered in the predicted conformers. A correlation between proline Φ and the details of the puckered conformation was predicted and found to match precisely conformers observed in crystals. For the diamides N-acetyl-L-proline-N′-methyl-amide and N-acetyl-L-proline-N′,N′-dimethylamide (AcProMe2A) 30% and 60% cis acetyl peptide bonds were predicted in good agreement with observations in nonpolar solvents for the respective compounds. The conformational distributions with respect to proline Ψ are also in accord with experimental observations. For AcProMe2A, a model for a -Pro-Pro-sequence in a peptide chain, this study is the first to predict stable conformers for proline Ψ either ca. −50° or 140° for both cis and trans peptides.
Developing a codebook to guide content analysis of expressive writing transcripts

This article describes a team-based approach to the development of a comprehensive codebook for multiple researchers to use during content analysis of the transcripts of the expressive writings of women (in this study, N = 89) with metastatic breast cancer. The codebook structure was developed iteratively by reaching a consensus on the analysis of shared transcripts to create an all-encompassing set of codes, with definitions, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and exemplar text from the transcripts. The Qualitative Solutions and Research International NVivo software program was used to maintain an electronic database of the consensus analysis of transcripts, information about each code, and a detailed log about the process of developing the codebook. The team ultimately created a comprehensive codebook that contained 27 codes with definitions, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and example text. The codes were verified by each team member through reanalysis of a set of shared transcripts that had been previously coded using an earlier version of the codebook. The team met to discuss individual coding and reached a consensus on the final version of the codebook. No new code was identified during the reanalysis, and there was fairly uniform agreement on the coding. The final version of the codebook will be used to guide each team member's individual analysis of the remaining (74) transcripts, which will be divided among the team. Periodic meetings are planned to discuss the individual analysis and to resolve any issue associated with using the codebook. As new codes are identified and agreed upon by the team, they will be added to the codebook. A team-based approach can facilitate the development of a practical and accurate codebook to guide the analysis of a large amount of qualitative data.
Perception and Cognition: Essays in the Philosophy of Psychology

Perception and Cognition: Essays in the Philosophy of Psychology Gary Hatfield New York: Oxford University Press, 2009 448 pages, ISBN: 0199228213 (pbk); $55.00 Among the special sciences, psycholo...
A Second Generation Epoxy-Mica-Paper Insulation System for Large Turbine-Generator Stator-Windings

The development of a second-generation thermoset steam turbine-generator insulation system is described. Reiterative optimization and selection of materials, material composites, and processes are reported. he resulting new insulation is characterized with respect to its short and longterm electrical properties, thermal and dimensional stability. High priority was assigned to the mechanical properties of the new insulation system.
Canopy photosynthesis and transpiration of field-grown cotton exposed to free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) and differential irrigation

Growth, yield and leaf photosynthetic rates of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) all respond strongly to CO2 enrichment, but the gas exchange of whole cotton canopies grown under elevated CO2 has not been investigated. We compared the effects of CO2 enrichment on both single-leaf and whole-canopy photosynthetic rates in cotton. We also determined whole-canopy photosynthetic and transpiration rates in cotton in response to CO2 enrichment and differential irrigation. Field-grown cotton was exposed to either 550 μmol mol−1 of CO2 using the free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) system or to 370 μmol mol−1 in control plots. In the second year of the experiment, half of each plot received reduced levels of irrigation. Rates of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of single leaves were determined using a portable photosynthesis system and a portable steady-state porometer, respectively. Rates of whole-canopy photosynthesis and transpiration were determined using a custom-built chamber (about 1 m × 1 m). Midday net photosynthetic rates of both leaves and canopies were 19–41% higher in the CO2-enriched plots than in control plots. The CO2 effect on leaf photosynthesis was greatest in July, whereas the CO2 effect on canopy photosynthesis was greatest in June and decreased thereafter as mutual shading of leaves and the amount of non-photosynthetic biomass increased. Midday stomatal conductance values of leaves were 13–44% greater in control plants than in CO2-enriched plants. Except for late in the second season, canopy transpiration rates were not affected by the CO2 treatment because the decrease in stomatal conductance was offset by an increase in plant size. Differential irrigation led to no significant differences in either canopy photosynthesis or transpiration, possibly because differential irrigation was applied only during the second half of the season. It appears that cotton crops grown in a future, higher-CO2 climate may have increased photosynthetic rates, but water requirements may not be reduced.
A Soft-Start Circuit for Arcjet Ignition

The reduced propellant flow rates associated with high performance arcjets have placed new emphasis on electrode erosion, especially at startup. A soft-start current profile was defined which limited current overshoot during the initial 30 to 50 ms of operation, and maintained significantly lower than the nominal arc current for the first eight seconds of operation. A 2-5 kW arcjet PPU was modified to provide this current profile, and a 500 cycle test using simulated fully decomposed hydrazine was conducted to determine the electrode erosion during startup. Electrode geometry and mass flow rates were selected based on requirements for a 600 second specific impulse mission average arcjet system. The flow rate was varied throughout the test to simulate the blow down of a flight propellant system. Electrode damage was negligible at flow rates above 33 mg/s, and minor chamfering of the constrictor occurred at flow rates of 33 to 30 mg/s, corresponding to flow rates expected in the last 40 percent of the mission. Constrictor diameter remained unchanged and the thruster remained operable at the completion of the test. The soft-start current profile significantly reduced electrode damage when compared to state of the art starting techniques.
Progestin stimulation of manganese superoxide dismutase and invasive properties in T47D human breast cancer cells

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) occurs in two intracellular forms in mammals, copper-zinc SOD (CuZnSOD), found in the cytoplasm, mitochondria and nucleus, and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), in mitochondria. Changes in MnSOD expression (as compared to normal cells) have been reported in several forms of cancer, and these changes have been associated with regulation of cell proliferation, cell death, and metastasis. We have found that progestins stimulate MnSOD in T47D human breast cancer cells in a time and physiological concentration-dependent manner, exhibiting specificity for progestins and inhibition by the antiprogestin RU486. Progestin stimulation occurs at the level of mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity. Cycloheximide inhibits stimulation at the mRNA level, suggesting that progestin induction of MnSOD mRNA depends on synthesis of protein. Experiments with the MEK inhibitor UO126 suggest involvement of the MAP kinase signal transduction pathway. Finally, MnSOD-directed siRNA lowers progestin-stimulated MnSOD and inhibits progestin stimulation of migration and invasion, suggesting that up-regulation of MnSOD may be involved in the mechanism of progestin stimulation of invasive properties. To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of progestin stimulation of MnSOD in human breast cancer cells.
Quadrupedal bounding with a segmented flexible torso: passive stability and feedback control

In this paper, the implications of torso flexibility on the dynamics of quadrupedal running are examined in a template setting. In the same vein with the spring loaded inverted pendulum, a reductive sagittal-plane model with a segmented flexible torso and compliant legs is introduced to capture the dynamics of bounding in the presence of torso flexibility via a minimum number of variables and parameters. Numerical return map studies of the system in dimensionless setting reveal that a large variety of cyclic bounding motions can be realized passively, through the natural interaction of the model with its environment. Despite the simplicity of the model, the resulting motions correspond to torso bending movements that resemble those in galloping mammals without explicit reliance on the fine structural and morphological details. Furthermore, for certain combinations of the system parameters—in particular the torso and leg relative stiffness—self-stable bounding motions emerge. The implications of the existence of such self-stable bounding orbits to control design are also discussed and a hybrid control law is derived that is capable of stabilizing the system as it encounters significantly large disturbances using only a single actuator located at the torso joint.
Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of the surface roughening of binary systems

Abstract Although the surface roughening transition in single component systems has been studied extensively, the surface roughening transition in binary alloys has not. We have conducted a kinetic Monte Carlo computer study to simulate alloy crystallization using the spin-one Ising Model with diffusion. The surface roughness, which is defined as the density of lateral unsatisfied bonds at the interface, has been determined for both the pure components and for alloys of various compositions. The surface roughness for a pure material depends on the change in bond energy associated with the transformation, divided by the melting point. The solid phase contains essentially one component, the surface roughness of the alloys was found to depend on the change in bond energy of the pure component, divided by the liquidus temperature of the alloy.
Unsolved Problems in EM and CEM: A Personal Perspective [Open Problems in CEM]

We often hear our colleagues say that electromagnetics is a dead field. However, if we can imbibe new ideas into the field, by using our mathematical skills and physics knowledge, it can be enlivened. We can use our knowledge and skills to identify and formulate new problems and research directions. If we can work together to grow this field, the future for electromagnetics in its modern form has infinite potential.
Combined maze procedure and septal myectomy in a septuagenarian

A 75-year-old woman with refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy underwent a successful combined maze procedure and septal myectomy. Postoperative episodes of atrial fibrillation and flutter occurred only during periods of bradyarrhythmia and did not recur with atrial inhibited pacing.
Lipid binding promotes oligomerization and focal adhesion activity of vinculin

Adherens junctions (AJs) and focal adhesion (FA) complexes are necessary for cell migration and morphogenesis, and for the development, growth, and survival of all metazoans. Vinculin is an essential regulator of both AJs and FAs, where it provides links to the actin cytoskeleton. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) affects the functions of many targets, including vinculin. Here we report the crystal structure of vinculin in complex with PIP2, which revealed that PIP2 binding alters vinculin structure to direct higher-order oligomerization and suggests that PIP2 and F-actin binding to vinculin are mutually permissive. Forced expression of PIP2-binding–deficient mutants of vinculin in vinculin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts revealed that PIP2 binding is necessary for maintaining optimal FAs, for organization of actin stress fibers, and for cell migration and spreading. Finally, photobleaching experiments indicated that PIP2 binding is required for the control of vinculin dynamics and turnover in FAs. Thus, through oligomerization, PIP2 directs a transient vinculin sequestration at FAs that is necessary for proper FA function.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Monitoring to Predict Postoperative Renal Insufficiency Following Repair of Congenital Heart Disease:

Background: Infants undergoing repair or palliation of congenital heart disease are at risk of renal insufficiency. Development of renal insufficiency increases mortality. This project seeks to determine whether intra- and postoperative renal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring can reliably predict renal insufficiency after cardiac surgery in infants. Methods: In this prospective, observational cohort study 48 patients undergoing repair or palliation of congenital heart disease in the first 6 months of life were studied intraoperatively and on postoperative day 1 and 2. The NIRS mean and nadir were recorded for the 3 time periods, as were urine output, fluid balance, and serum creatinine. Renal insufficiency was defined as rise in creatinine ≥40% from baseline or oliguria for >4 hours. Near-infrared spectroscopy data were compared to creatinine increase, oliguria, and fluid balance on postoperative day 0, 1, and 2 by regression analysis. Results: Mean renal regional saturation on postoperative da...
Yeast Sco1, a protein essential for cytochrome c oxidase function is a Cu(I)-binding protein.

Sco1 is a conserved essential protein, which has been implicated in the delivery of copper to cytochrome coxidase, the last enzyme of the electron transport chain. In this study, we show for the first time that the purified C-terminal domain of yeast Sco1 binds one Cu(I)/monomer. X-ray absorption spectroscopy suggests that the Cu(I) is ligated via three ligands, and we show that two cysteines, present in a conserved motif C XXXC, and a conserved histidine are involved in Cu(I) ligation. The mutation of any one of the conserved residues in Sco1 expressed in yeast abrogates the function of Sco1 resulting in a non-functional cytochrome c oxidase complex. Thus, the function of Sco1 correlates with Cu(I) binding. Data obtained from size-exclusion chromatography experiments with mitochondrial lysates suggest that full-length Sco1 may be oligomeric in vivo.
Responses of cells in the midbrain near-response area in monkeys with strabismus.

PURPOSE. To investigate whether neuronal activity within the supraoculomotor area (SOA—monosynaptically connected to medial rectus motoneurons and encode vergence angle) of strabismic monkeys was correlated with the angle of horizontal misalignment and therefore helps to define the state of strabismus. METHODS. Single-cell neural activity was recorded from SOA neurons in two monkeys with exotropia as they performed eye movement tasks during monocular viewing. RESULTS. Horizontal strabismus angle varied depending on eye of fixation (dissociated horizontal deviation) and the activity of SOA cells (n ¼ 35) varied in correlation with the angle of strabismus. Both near-response (cells that showed larger firing rates for smaller angles of exotropia) and far-response (cells that showed lower firing rates for smaller angles of exotropia) cells were identified. SOA cells showed no modulation of activity with changes in conjugate eye position as tested during smooth-pursuit, thereby verifying that the responses were related to binocular misalignment. SOA cell activity was also not correlated with change in horizontal misalignment due to A-patterns of strabismus. Comparison of SOA population activity in strabismic animals and normal monkeys (described in the literature) show that both neural thresholds and neural sensitivities are altered in the strabismic animals compared with the normal animals. CONCLUSIONS. SOA cell activity is important in determining the state of horizontal strabismus, possibly by altering vergence tone in extraocular muscle. The lack of correlated SOA activity with changes in misalignment due to A/V patterns suggest that circuits mediating horizontal strabismus angle and those that mediate A/V patterns are different. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012;53:3858–3864) DOI:10.1167/iovs.11-9145
The future of research in marketing: Marketing science

This February 1993 issue begins the 30th Anniversary volume of the Journal of Marketing Research. The academic marketing discipline, as reflected in the articles published in JMR, has certainly cha...
Solar wind interaction with asteroids

Abstract The solar wind interaction with an asteroid has aspects similar to the solar wind interactions with the Moon and comets, and the MHD interaction between Io and its plasma torus. Each of these aspects is modified by finite gyro radius effects, which become very significant for the small-diameter majority of asteroids.
The effect of castration on the weight and composition of the muscles of the guinea pig.

ONE of the expressions of the protein anabolic effect of the androgens is an increase in muscle mass. This is strikingly demonstrated by the temporal muscle of the guinea pig (Papanicolaou and Falk 1938; Kochakian, Humra and Bartlett 1948; Scow and Roe 1953). It seemed that possibly the temporal muscle is not representative of all of the muscles of the body. Therefore, a detailed study has been made of the effect of castration on the rate of growth of 49 different muscles of the guinea pig. PROCEDURE Male guinea pigs of the inbred Hartley strain (Tumblebrook Farms, Brant Lake, New York) were castrated at 534 (457-573) gra. body weight. A group of normal animals were killed at the time of castration and paired groups of normal and castrated pigs at intervals of 6, 12 and 27 weeks later. In addition, a group of normal guinea pigs was castrated 21 weeks later than the first group and killed at the same time as the 27-week groups. There were S animals in each group. The guinea pigs were maintained four in a c...
Cytokines regulate L-arginine-dependent cyclic GMP production in rat glial cells

We have previously demonstrated that primary astrocyte cultures from neonatal rat cortex and C6 glioma cells express a calcium-independent nitric oxide synthase (NOS) on induction with bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS). One hypothesis regarding the mechanism of the LPS induction is that it causes release of cytokines from these cells which then induce the enzyme directly. Such cytokine induction of NOS has been demonstrated in many extraneural cell types. L-Arginine-dependent increases in cyclic GMP correlate with smaller increases in accumulation of nitrite, the major oxidation product of nitric oxide, and hence can serve as a more sensitive measure of nitric oxide production. Here we provide evidence that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-1 beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha induce L-arginine-dependent cyclic GMP synthesis in C6 cells and that a combination of IFN-gamma and IL-1 beta induce L-arginine-dependent cyclic GMP synthesis in astrocyte cultures, indicating that these cytokines induce NOS. In both cell types the induction by cytokines was less sensitive to inhibition by dexamethasone, IL-10 and IL-4 than was induction by LPS. These data suggest that cytokines can also induce a NOS in glial cells and that the mechanism of this induction may be more direct than that of LPS, since it is less sensitive to modulation by immunosuppressors. Due to the close associations of astrocytes with neurons and microvasculature, cytokine-induced NOS could have potentially important pathophysiological effects in the central nervous system.
Highly sensitive and selective analysis of urinary steroids by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography combined with positive chemical ionization quadrupole mass spectrometry.

Comprehensive two dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) provides greater separation space than conventional GC. Because of fast peak elution, a time of flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) is the usual structure-specific detector of choice. The quantitative capabilities of a novel GC × GC fast quadrupole MS were investigated with electron ionization (EI), and CH4 or NH3 positive chemical ionization (PCI) for analysis of endogenous urinary steroids targeted in anti-doping tests. Average precisions for steroid quantitative analysis from replicate urine extractions were 6% (RSD) for EI and 8% for PCI-NH3. The average limits of detection (LODs) calculated by quantification ions for 12 target steroids spiked into steroid-free urine matrix (SFUM) were 2.6 ng mL−1 for EI, 1.3 ng mL−1 for PCI-CH4, and 0.3 ng mL−1 for PCI-NH3, all in mass scanning mode. The measured limits of quantification (LOQs) with full mass scan GC × GC-qMS were comparable with the LOQ values measured by one-dimensional GC-MS in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. PCI-NH3 yields fewer fragments and greater (pseudo)molecular ion abundances than EI or PCI-CH4. These data show that a benchtop GC × GC-qMS system has the sensitivity, specificity, and resolution to analyze urinary steroids at normal urine concentrations, and that PCI-NH3, not currently available on most GC × GC-TOFMS instruments, is of particular value for generation of structure-specific ions.
Horizontal dispersion of a near-bed coastal plume

The transport of scalars in the coastal ocean is considered through the analysis of a vertically constrained plume which disperses laterally. Observations of the plume are made using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operating in two modes: (i) repeated transects of the plume at a fixed distance from the source; and (ii) a large-scale mapping of the plume development. Together, these measurements define both the variability in the plume centreline (i.e. the meandering) and the growth of the plume around the centreline (i.e. the relative dispersion). The analysis of the measurements suggests that the meandering is well-described by a spatially uniform but temporally variable velocity field, indicating that large-scale flow structures dominate the centreline variability. The growth of the plume downstream is seen to follow a scale-dependent dispersion law, most likely of a compound structure: a 4/3-law in the near field, and a scale-squared law in the far field. This transition between dispersion laws is consistent with the transition from three-dimensional turbulence structures to two-dimensional eddies, which is due to the constraints imposed on the vertical dimension at the site. Comparing the two dispersion processes, the effective dispersion created by meandering is found to be comparable with or larger than the relative dispersion in the near field; but in the far field, the relative dispersion is found to dominate considerations of overall dispersion.
Cryoablation of sternal metastases for pain palliation and local tumor control.

Abstract Purpose To determine safety and effectiveness of cryoablation of sternal metastases for pain palliation and local tumor control. Materials and Methods A tumor ablation database was retrospectively reviewed for sternal cryoablation procedures performed between January 2005 and June 2013, which yielded 15 procedures to treat 12 sternal metastases in 12 patients (five men). Median patient age was 57 years (range, 38–80 y). Metastases arose from five primary sites (breast, lung, kidney, ampulla, and thyroid), and median tumor size was 3.8 cm (range, 2.2–7.5 cm). Seven patients (58%) underwent cryoablation for pain palliation, and five (42%) underwent cryoablation for local tumor control of oligometastatic disease. Clinical outcomes (including complications, local tumor control, and pain response) were evaluated retrospectively. Results Mean pain scores decreased from 7.0 ± 1.9 (median, 7; range, 4–10) at baseline to 1.8 ± 1.2 (median, 1.5; range, 0–4) following cryoablation ( P = .00049). Two patients had durable pain palliation, and four had greater than 1 month of pain relief, with a median duration of 5.7 months (range, 1.5–14.7 mo). Two patients in whom recurrent pain developed underwent repeat cryoablation, with durable pain relief. Allowing for a single repeat treatment, local tumor control was achieved in four of five patients (80%) treated for this indication, with median follow-up of 8.4 months (range, 2.6–13.6 mo). In one patient (8%), an infectious complication developed that was successfully treated with antibiotics on an outpatient basis. Conclusions Cryoablation is a safe and potentially effective treatment for patients with painful sternal metastases and can achieve local tumor control in select patients.
Effect of glutamine on heat-shock-induced mRNA and stress proteins.

Our aim was to delineate the effect of glutamine on the level of heat shock-inducible mRNA and synthesis of stress protein(s) in cultured kidney cells. Experiments were carried out using opossum kidney (OK) cells. The induction of HSP70 mRNA as well as the synthesis of 72,73 kDa stress proteins was evaluated in cell monolayers exposed to 45 degrees C for 15 minutes followed by a recovery period at 37 degrees C for 3 hours. Incubations were performed in Krebs buffer supplemented with 0, 2, 5, or 10 mM glutamine. A separate series of experiments was performed in the presence of glutamine metabolites, such as NH4Cl, glutamate, or aspartate. Glutamine without preincubation at 37 degrees C remarkably increased the steady-state level of HSP70 mRNA as well as the production of 72,73 kDa stress proteins in a dose-dependent manner. The production of stress protein(s) in the presence of glutamine was associated with decreased percent LDH efflux, suggesting cytoprotective action of glutamine in cultured kidney cells. However, when OK cells were preincubated for 1 hour at 37 degrees C with 10 mM glutamine, there was an approximately fourfold decline in level of HSP70 mRNA compared with experiments in the presence of 10 mM glutamine without preincubation. In addition, metabolites of glutamine, i.e., ammonia and glutamate decreased the level of heat-inducible HSP70 mRNA. Furthermore, aspartate or NH4Cl had little effect on LDH release compared with heat shock experiments, without addition of amino acids. These observations suggest that metabolites of glutamine may blunt the steady-state level of glutamate or HSP70 mRNA. The decreased level of HSP70 mRNA in the presence of NH4Cl may explain the role of ammonia in renal injury and brain toxicity, as well as glutamate excitotoxicity.
Rigorous Global Optimization for Dynamic Systems Subject to Inequality Path Constraints

A new approach is described for the rigorous global optimization of dynamic systems subject to inequality path constraints (IPCs). This method employs the sequential (control parametrization) appro...
WEATHER IMPACTED ROUTES FOR THE FINAL APPROACH SPACING TOOL (FAST)

This paper addresses the issue of developing weatherimpacted routes for the Final Approach Spacing Tool (FAST). FAST relies on adaptation data that includes nominal terminal area routes and degrees of freedom to generate optimum landing sequences and runway assignments. However, during adverse weather some adapted routes may become unavailable due to the presence of hazardous weather. If FAST continues to generate trajectories using these routes, its schedule will not be accurate during the adverse weather. The objective of the study was to determine methods for incorporating severe weather products and weatherimpacted route data into FAST.