cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency response characteristics of a multi-degree-of-freedom system with clearances

Abstract In an earlier study, the frequency response characteristics of a single-degree-of-freedom system with a clearance non-linearity were studied. The current study, an extension of the earlier work, is concerned with the frequency response characteristics of a multi-degree-of-freedom system with clearances. The method of harmonic balance is used to develop approximate analytical solutions of the undamped equations of motion of a multi-degree-of-freedom system composed of three coupled non-linear oscillators. For primary resonances and a harmonic excitation, general formulations are presented which can be used to study both the existence and the stability of the solutions. These general formulations are used to discuss a number of modal spacing and modal coupling issues. An analysis methodology for multi-degree-of-freedom systems is introduced and illustrated by two special but practical cases: a strongly non-linear system and a weakly non-linear system. The results of the analysis of the special cases are validated by using analog simulation. It is shown that an analysis of the special cases of the general multi-degree-of-freedom non-linear formulation can provide not only an improved understanding of the dynamic behavior of non-linear systems, but also can be used as the basis for the development of simplified approximate solutions. The limitations of the current study and areas for further research are discussed.
Comparison of electron concentrations, electron temperatures, gas kinetic temperatures, and excitation temperatures in argon ICPs operated at 27 and 40 MHz

Abstract Spatially resolved electron temperatures (Te), electron number densities (ne) and gas kinetic temperatures (Tg) were measured for 27 and 40 MHz argon inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) by means of Thomson and Rayleigh scattering. The study used the same r.f. generator, impedance-matching network, load coil, torch, and operating conditions for both frequencies. The experiments were carried out at three r.f. forward power settings (1.00, 1.25 and 1.50 kW) and three central gas flow rates (0.80, 1.00 and 1.201 min−1). The results show that all three fundamental parameters drop when the r.f. frequency is increased from 27 to 40 MHz under all operating conditions used. The change in ne was the most significant. The relative change in each of the fundamental parameters depends mainly on the observation position in the plasma; the largest drop is generally found in the central channel. Under the same operating conditions, the 40 MHz ICP shows a larger, clearer central channel than the 27 MHz ICP, offering ease of sample introduction. This beneficial plasma environment cannot be created in a 27 MHz ICP simply by lowering the r.f. power, but could be produced by raising the central gas flow at the expense of shortening the sample residence time. The measured excitation temperature (Texc) also declines with increasing r.f. frequency. The change in Texc is comparable with those in Te and Tg. The argon ionization temperature (Tion) obtained from measured ne values and the Saha equation is higher than Te at both r.f. frequencies, indicating that the recombining mode is a common feature in the region above the load coil in an ICP.
A generalized propulsion control logic

Precise dynamic positioning requirements for drilling and other offshore applications necessitate precise coordinated thruster control. This paper describes the design implementation advantages and test results of a Generalized Propulsion Control Logic (PCL) System that was developed to generate thruster force and angle orientation commands for dynamically positioning a surface vessel. The PCL allocates thruster output level and azimuth angle commands to an arbitrary combination of fixed-axis thrusters, main screws, and steerable thrusters. The thruster allocation is composed of a fixed pointing angle, minimum energy allocation for all thrusters blended with an allocation that commands both thrust level and azimuth angle to all steerable thrusters. The combination of both allocations, blended according to the thruster power consumption, significantly reduces azimuth modulation of the steerable thrusters.
The global capitalist crisis and youth: from Tunisia and Egypt to Europe and the USA

Departing from the recent revolutionary upsurge in the Arab world, this article focuses on the links between youth protest and the current economic crisis. Although its levels in Arab countries have in recent months reached spectacular heights, such protest has also been significant in other parts of the capitalist world, notably Europe. Interpreting youth protest as a manifestation of global capitalism’s inability to provide young people with the kind of future that they need and deserve, this article concludes by offering economic democracy as an alternative project that could bring young people and ordinary workers and citizens around the world together in an effort to address the social and economic chaos produced by a generation of neoliberal economic policies.
Modulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α activity by N‐acetyl cysteine attenuates inhibition of oligodendrocyte development in lipopolysaccharide stimulated mixed glial cultures

Glial cells secrete proinflammatory mediators in the brain in response to exogenous stimuli such as infection and injury. Previously, we documented that systemic maternal lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-exposure at embryonic gestation day 18 causes oligodendrocyte (OL)-injury/hypomyelination in the developing brain which can be attenuated by N-acetyl cysteine (NAC; precursor of glutathione). The present study delineates the underlying mechanism of NAC-mediated attenuation of inhibition of OL development in LPS-stimulated mixed glial cultures. Factors released by LPS-stimulated mixed glial cultures inhibited OL development as shown by decrease in both proliferation 3bromo-deoxyuridine+/chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-NG2+, hereafter BrdU+/NG+ and differentiation (O4+ and myelin basic protein+) of OL-progenitors. Correspondingly, an impairment of peroxisomal proliferation was shown by a decrease in the level of peroxisomal proteins in the developing OLs following exposure to LPS-conditioned media (LCM). Both NAC and WY14643, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-alpha agonist attenuated these LCM-induced effects in OL-progenitors. Similar to WY14643, NAC attenuated LCM-induced inhibition of PPAR-alpha activity in developing OLs. Studies conducted with cytokines and diamide (a thiol-depleting agent) confirmed that cytokines are active agents in LCM which may be responsible for inhibition of OL development via peroxisomal dysfunction and induction of oxidative stress. These findings were further corroborated by similar treatment of developing OLs generated from PPAR-alpha(-/-) and wild-type mice or B12 oligodendroglial cells co-transfected with PPAR-alpha small interfering RNAs/pTK-PPREx3-Luc plasmids. Collectively, these data provide evidence that the modulation of PPAR-alpha activity, thus peroxisomal function by NAC attenuates LPS-induced glial factors-mediated inhibition of OL development suggesting new therapeutic interventions to prevent the devastating effects of maternal infections.
Purification, characterization, and hydrodynamic properties of arginine kinase from gulf shrimp (Penaeus aztecus).

Abstract Arginine kinase from the tail muscle of the Gulf shrimp ( Penaeus aztecus ) was purified to apparent homogeneity, using a rapid, high-yield method. The protein exhibits a molecular weight of 40 kDa according to the methods of gel filtration and gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate, also indicating that arginine kinase from shrimp is a monomer. The amino acid content of arginine kinase from shrimp is similar to arginine kinases from several species and to creatine kinase from rabbit muscle. Arginine kinase derivatized at the reactive sulfhydryl with 2-(4′-(iodoacetamido)anilino)naphthalene-6-sulfonic acid exhibits significant changes in fluorescence anisotropy only in the presence of the guanidino substrate and the so-called “dead-end complex” containing arginine + MgADP. Several compounds structurally similar to arginine, e.g., ornithine do not interact with arginine kinase, suggesting a narrow specificity for substrate binding. The most suitable description of the decay of the fluorescence of arginine kinase derivatized with 5-[(((acetyl)-amino)ethyl)amino]naphthalene-1-sulfonate (AEDANS-AK), from among discrete and distributed models, is a triple exponential discrete decay. The presence of the dead-end complex only marginally increases the rate of decay, but significantly shifts the magnitude of the preexponentials (amplitudes) between the two major decay components. One interpretation of these results is that multiple conformational isomers may occur, in which the relative concentrations are dependent upon the presence of the dead-end complex. Measurement of the time-dependent anisotropy decay of AEDANS-AK reveals a two-term decay law with rotational correlation times of 0.88 and 15.2 ns. The slower component is close to the theoretical value of 16.7 ns for an isotropic rotator of the molecular mass of arginine kinase. This finding suggests that the overall conformation of arginine kinase may differ considerably from the prolate ellipsoidal subunits of the functionally analogous creatine kinase.
Müllerian inhibiting substance: New perspectives and future directions

MIS, as a differentiate and antiproliferative agent, is precisely regulated, for example, at the transcriptional level by such transacting factors as SRY, and posttranslationally by testosterone. Processing of MIS most likely requires an as yet unknown in vivo protease which probably serves to control cleavage of MIS and hence its activation at specific sites wherein a localized program of cell death is initiated via a receptor mediated event. Progress has been made in understanding the molecular domains of MIS; current efforts are focused on characterizing the wild type MIS receptor as well as cloning and expressing the MIS receptor. We need now to understand how to target and efficiently activate MIS at its projected site of action. We must focus, after structural analysis of its receptor, on elucidating the MIS initiated intracellular signals which result in localized cell inhibition. Understanding of these mechanisms will permit design of antitumor agents and therapeutic strategies. Similarly, understanding regulation of MIS expression may lead to therapeutic induction of expression in those states where depressed expression is associated with tumorigenesis, sexual ambiguity, or infertility.
Phase-change numerical heat transfer analysis with applications to frost shielding

A computer package has been developed to solve heat transfer problems with phase change and predict the temperature distribution and phase-front location variation with time. The fixed-mesh package incorporates latent heat effects using O'Neill's method. The time-domain solution uses a central-difference procedure. Published results on freezing of slab-shaped foodstuffs, solidification in an internal corner, a solidification outside a 270° wedge, and solidification of cast steel are used to demonstrate the validity of the numerical technique and the capabilities of the program. Underground freezing of pipelines with and without frost shields is studied using our package, and the results are discussed.
On a functional equation

Abstract In this article, the author derives a functional equation (1) η ( s ) = [ ( π 4 ) s - 1 2 2 π Γ ( 1 - s ) sin ( π s 2 ) ] η ( 1 - s ) of the analytic function η( s ) which is defined by (2) η ( s ) = 1 - s - 3 - s - 5 - s + 7 - s + … for complex variable s with Re s > 1, and is defined by analytic continuation for other values of s . The author proves (1) by Ramanujan identity (see [1], [3]). Her method provides a new derivation of the functional equation of Riemann zeta function by using Poisson summation formula.
The use of time series processes to model the error structure of earnings in a longitudinal data analysis

Abstract This study presents an error structure that offers a rich statistical framework for panel data analysis. It includes as special cases most of the error specifications found in longitudinal studies of wages and earnings. A general set of procedures for choosing a specification of this error structure and estimating its parameters appears in the first part of this study. The last section applies these procedures to fit an error structure for wages and earnings of prime-age males using data from the Michigan Panel of Income Dynamics.
Einstein, Gödel, Bohr

Linear combinations of “elements of reality,” as defined by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen, may not be themselves “elements of reality.” There are questions which can be formulated (and unambiguously answered) in the ordinary language of experimental physics, but cannot be represented in the mathematical framework of quantum theory in a nontrivial way.
Activism, Deliberation, and Networked Public Screens Rhetorical Scenes From the Occupy Moment in Lincoln, Nebraska (Part 1)

Part 1 of this manuscript is a dramatization of five rhetorical scenes that take the Occupy phenomenon as a moment to explore features of contemporary social protest and change. Drawing on rhetoric...
Two‐scale method for shear bands: thermal effects and variable bandwidth

A method for the analysis of shear bands using local partition of unity is developed in the framework of the extended finite element method (XFEM). Enrichments are introduced for both the displacement field and the thermal field. The shear band width is determined by minimizing the plastic work. A coupled finite strain thermo-elastoplastic constitutive law is used. The enrichment is injected into the mesh when the material law becomes unstable. The criterion based on a complete stability analysis for materials in the finite strain regime including heat conduction, strain hardening, strain rate hardening and thermal softening is presented. A mixed continuous quadrilateral element is employed. The method is applied to the Nesterenko experiments, which exhibit multiple propagating shear bands and other problems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A microfluidic processor for gene expression profiling of single human embryonic stem cells

The gene expression of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) is a critical aspect for understanding the normal and pathological development of human cells and tissues. Current bulk gene expression assays rely on RNA extracted from cell and tissue samples with various degree of cellular heterogeneity. These ‘cell population averaging’ data are difficult to interpret, especially for the purpose of understanding the regulatory relationship of genes in the earliest phases of development and differentiation of individual cells. Here, we report a microfluidic approach that can extract total mRNA from individual single-cells and synthesize cDNA on the same device with high mRNA-to-cDNA efficiency. This feature makes large-scale single-cell gene expression profiling possible. Using this microfluidic device, we measured the absolute numbers of mRNA molecules of three genes (B2M, Nodal and Fzd4) in a single hESC. Our results indicate that gene expression data measured from cDNA of a cell population is not a good representation of the expression levels in individual single cells. Within the G0/G1 phase pluripotent hESC population, some individual cells did not express all of the 3 interrogated genes in detectable levels. Consequently, the relative expression levels, which are broadly used in gene expression studies, are very different between measurements from population cDNA and single-cell cDNA. The results underscore the importance of discrete single-cell analysis, and the advantages of a microfluidic approach in stem cell gene expression studies.
Characteristics of Peer Reviewed Clinical Medicine Journals

ABSTRACT Many variations exist in editorial peer review practices in clinical medicine journals. These practices will become more crucial as medical journals make more of their contents available via the World Wide Web. This paper explores five fundamental dimensions of editorial peer review variations: (1) the extent to which manuscripts are subjected to peer review; (2) the sequence of decision points in the peer review process; (3) blinding practices; (4) acceptance rates for submitted manuscripts; and (5) guidelines stating editors' expectations of reviewers. Variations in editorial peer review practices make it difficult to define a “peer reviewed journal” in clinical medicine. Research in this relatively new area of inquiry has not established the relative strengths of each variation in relation to a journal's quality.
Effects of previous curare-immobilization on Pavlovian conditioned heart decelerations in the curarized rat.

Abstract Recent evidence indicates that mechanisms other than the vagal-blocking properties of d-tubocurarine chloride (dTC) or inadequate respiration may account for the reports of invariant heart rate (HR) in curarized rats. Two experiments were conducted to determine if repeated dTC-paralysis facilitate acquisition of a Pavlovian HR conditioning in the dTC-paralyzed rat. In Experiment 1, Pavlovian HR conditioning was examined in curarized rats which had (1) experience with dTC-induced immobilization before conditioning, or (2) no experience with dTC-induced immobilization. The results showed that pronounced conditioned HR decelerations were observed only for the curare-experienced animals. Experiment 2 was conducted to determine if repeated curarization influenced tolerance to dTC-induced neuromuscular paralysis. No group differences in basal electromyographic (EMG) activity or time to recover from paralysis were found between the Non-Curare Adapted (NCA), and the Curare Adapted (CA) groups. The implications of the results are discussed in terms of the role of immobilization-induced stress on acquiring stimulus control over autonomic responses.
Target detection and range resolution by the big brown bat ( Eptesicus fuscus ) using normal and time-reversed model echoes

Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) were tested for their ability to detect an electronically simulated target, and to discriminate differences in range to two simulated targets, when receiving either a model of their own sonar emissions or the model reversed in time as the ‘echo’. The theory of matched detection predicts a large decrease in performance if bats use matched filtering, unless they are somehow able to adjust their filter to match the novel, time-reversed signal. The detection thresholds we obtained were much lower than Mohl's (1986), but like him we found no difference in threshold for reversed models (Table 2). This suggests either that bats do not use matched filtering for target detection, or, possibly, that they are able to adapt their filter to a highly unnatural signal in some way as yet unknown. Unlike detection, range discrimination was much poorer with reversed echoes (Table 3). Threshold increased from about 1 cm range difference with normal model echoes to 18 cm or more with reversed model echoes. This suggests that range determination, which is based on measuring the time of arrival of echoes, does involve matched filtering. Whether such filtering is ‘ideal’ (i.e., equivalent to cross-correlation detection) cannot be decided by our results, but there are some indications that the match between an echo and the presumed internal template (the ‘match’ of matched filtering) must be fairly precise. Also, since performance with phantom targets generated using model echoes was as good as has been found with real targets, the internal template is probably fixed (or only slowly modifiable) rather than re-programmed with each sonar emission. Finally, because synchronization of emission and model echo was not perfect, the apparent distance to targets probably varied by 2 to 4 cm from emission to emission, although both targets would appear to move together thus keeping the range difference constant. This suggests that bats determined range to the targets simultaneously rather than sequentially, as is usually assumed.
A generalization of fuzzy multistage decision-making and control via linguistic quantifiers

Abstract Multistage incision-making (control) under fuzziness is considered. At each control stage, a fuzzy constraint is imposed on the control applied, and a fuzzy goal is imposed on the state attained. An optimal sequence of controls is sought which maximizes the membership function of the fuzzy decision which is assumed to be the intersection of fuzzy constraints and fuzzy goals. Thin is basically equivalent to the determination of an optimal sequence of controls which ‘ best satisfies the fuzzy constraints and fuzzy goals at nil the control stages ’. The generalization proposed in the paper replaces the strict ‘ all ’ the something milder, for example ‘ most ’: Thus, we seek an optimal sequence of controls which ‘ best satisfies the fuzzy constraints and fuzzy goals at, for example, most of the control stages ’. A calculus of linguistically quantified statements based upon fuzzy sets and possibility theory is used. First, the algebraic method is employed. The resulting control problem is solved by dy...
Preventing mortality and morbidity from cervical cancer

Over 50 years ago, Papanicolaou and Traut’s discovery changed the way we view cancer screening. The link between cytological sampling and histopathology was made, and the natural history of cervical carcinoma was explored. We now face a multi-billion dollar ‘‘cervical cancer prevention’’ practice model and industry which has traditionally advocated screening with the conventional Papanicolaou smear, followed by diagnostic colposcopy, biopsy, and potential treatment of precursors for the ‘‘at-risk’’ patient. Despite all of our efforts, the initial significant reduction in cervical cancer incidence and mortality has reached a plateau in the last decade. The prevalence of high grade precursors and high risk behavior is on the rise. This issue refocuses on the desired endpoint, as our goal all along has been to the end the suffering and mortality associated with cervical carcinoma. To achieve that goal we must re-examine the etiology, natural history, the existing, and new strategies used in caring for women prone to develop cervical neoplasia and carcinoma. We must measure the value of interventions on several levels which include the impact on the quality of care (outcomes), the quality of services rendered (accessible, culturally sensitive care), and cost effectiveness or benefit. The intent of the authors of this issue is to provide a guide for women’s health care givers that is hinged upon finding effective interventions in the context of three levels of prevention. Our introductory articles set the context with background information, and provides a financial ‘‘primer’’ on standardizing and measuring the value of health care interventions. We then ‘‘begin with the end in
Credibility and clinical utility of thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy in a teaching hospital

Abstract Background : Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy allows cost-effective thyroid nodule management at referral centers. The authors examined its use at a teaching hospital for safety, accuracy, and clinical utility. Methods : Patients having thyroid FNA blopsy in 1991 were identified. Pathology results through 1993 were retrieved and selected charts through 1993 were reviewed. House staff, with faculty supervision, performed patient evaluations, FNA biopsy, and therapy. Results : There were 91 uncomplicated FNAs. Aspirates were diagnostically adequate in 78 (86%) cases. In 15 operations for neoplastic FNA biopsy, 14 (93%) tumors were confirmed. Twelve operations for clinical indications despite benign FNA biopsy yielded 2 (17%) adenomas. Fineneedle aspiration biopsy and frozen section were similarly accurate. No observed patients have had thyroidectomies. Patient management, operation in 15 cases and observation in 48 cases, was directed by FNA biopsy in 63 of 91 patients (69%). Conclusion : Thyroid FNA biopsy by house staff with faculty supervision is safe, accurate, allows efficient patient management, and can reduce frozen section use.
The Decimation of Endemic Hawai'ian Tree Snails by Alien Predators

Endemic terrestrial tree snails of the Hawai'ian Islands, like those of other oceanic islands and even some continental areas, are extremely sensitive to disturbance because of their low population numbers and small geographic ranges. Like many other plants and animals of oceanic islands, they have evolved no defenses against introduced predators and competitors. The range of Achatinella mustelina, a tree-snail species found only in a short mountain range on the island of O'ahu, typifies this problem. Mark-recapture studies at two field locations reveal that the snails exhibit slow growth and late maturity (3-5 years). Fecundity is estimated at about 7 offspring per adult per year. The young are born live at about 4.6 mm
Targeting the human androgen receptor gene with platinated triplex-forming oligonucleotides.

Platinum-derivatized homopyrimidine triplex-forming oligonucleotides (Pt-TFOs) consisting of 2′-O-methyl-5-methyluridine, 2′-O-methyl-5-methylcytidine, and a single 3′-N7-trans-chlorodiammine platinum(II)-2′-deoxyguanosine were designed to cross-link to the transcribed strand at four different sequences in the human androgen receptor (AR) gene. Fluorescence microscopy showed that a fluorescein-tagged Pt-TFO localizes in both the cytoplasm and nucleus when it is transfected into LAPC-4 cells, a human prostate cancer cell line, using Lipofectamine 2000. A capture assay employing streptavidin-coated magnetic beads followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was used to demonstrate that 5′-biotin-conjugated Pt-TFOs cross-link in vitro to their four designated AR gene targets in genomic DNA extracted from LAPC-4 cells. Similarly, the capture assay was used to examine cross-linking between the 5′-biotin-conjugated Pt-TFOs and the AR gene in LAPC-4 cells in culture. Three of the four Pt-TFOs cross-...
Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome in a Boy With Charcot Marie Tooth Disease Type 1A: A Rare Co-occurrence of 2 Genetic Disorders

Pitt-Hopkins syndrome is characterized by marked intellectual impairment, hyperventilation episodes, and dysmorphic facial features. This article reports a boy who presented with developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, microcephaly, hypotonia, and areflexia. He was initially diagnosed with Charcot Marie Tooth disease type 1A based on family history and genetic testing. However, severe mental impairment was atypical of Charcot Marie Tooth disease type 1A. Over the next few years he developed characteristic breathing abnormality, hand stereotypies, seizures, and marked constipation. The evolution of these manifestations coupled with the characteristic facial appearance suggested the additional diagnosis of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, which was confirmed by the genetic defect of the transcription factor 4 on chromosome 18. This case demonstrates the rare co-occurrence of 2 genetic disorders in the same individual.
Alpha1‐adrenergic Effects on Dopamine Neurons Recorded Intracellularly in the Rat Midbrain Slice

Previous studies have indicated excitatory adrenergic effects on midbrain dopamine systems. To investigate the cellular mechanisms, intracellular recordings were made from neurons in perfused, oxygenated slices of male rat midbrain. Electrophysiological and pharmacological parameters were used to identify cells as principal (presumably dopaminergic) neurons as opposed to secondary (presumably GABAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra zona compacta and the ventral tegmental area. Noradrenalin (10-100 microM) hyperpolarized 57% of all principal cells and depolarized 36%. Sulpiride (100-1000 nM), a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, completely blocked noradrenalin-induced hyperpolarizations (six of six cells). In sulpiride, noradrenalin depolarized 58% of all principal neurons and had no effect in 42%; this effect was mimicked by the alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (10-30 microM) which depolarized 43 of 72 cells. The alpha 1 receptor antagonist prazosin (30-100 nM) completely blocked the membrane depolarization produced by either noradrenalin or phenylephrine in all cells tested, whereas alpha 2- and beta-adrenergic agents had no effect. In voltage clamp, phenylephrine evoked an inward current (at -60 mV) and reduced cord conductance by 0.81 +/- 0.14 nS (n = 4). Inward current evoked by phenylephrine became outward at -96 +/- 8 mV, which is near the membrane reversal potential for potassium as predicted by the Nernst equation. Phenylephrine also depolarized secondary cells and increased the frequency of spontaneous GABAA receptor-mediated postsynaptic potentials recorded in both principal and secondary cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Molecular dynamics simulations of the basal planes of Ni and Cu using Finnis-Sinclair potentials

Abstract Using MD simulations, we have calculated the surface phonon spectral density functions for the (100), (110), and (111) surfaces of Ni and Cu using Finnis-Sinclair (FS) potentials. These simulated phonon spectral densities are compared to the experimental inelastic helium atom scattering and HREELS data which are available for the three basal faces of Ni and Cu. We find that the overall shape of the calculated surface and second layer phonon spectral densities qualitatively reproduce those obtained from force constant fits, i.e. lattice dynamical modelling, of the experimental phonon dispersion data. Good agreement is also found between the calculated and experimental geometric separations between the surface and second layer for a given interface. However, on all surfaces the phonon frequencies calculated with Finnis-Sinclair potentials are lower than the experimentally measured values. The best agreement between our calculated results and the experimentally measured phonon frequencies was for the (100) and (110) surfaces, while the poorest agreement was on the (111) surfaces. From this we conclude that Finnis-Sinclair model potentials derived from bulk properties systematically underestimate the many body binding potential at the surface. This underestimation of the many body binding term is also manifested in the magnitude of the calculated surface stress. Our results indicate that the Finnis-Sinclair model potentials are quite adequate for a good qualitative and semi-quantitative description of the bonding changes at the surfaces of Ni and Cu.
Cytotoxic activity ofEscherichia coli O157:H7 culture filtrate on the mouse colon and kidney

Escherichia coli O157:H7 culture filtrate (O157CF) produced colonic and renal lesions in mice following intraperitoneal or intravenous injection. Colonic lesions were characterized by death and sloughing of both surface and crypt epithelial cells, leading to loss of the mucous membrane and subsequent occult colonic hemorrhage. Several areas of severe colonic damage existed where loss of the epithelium and lamina propria was complete, leaving only the submucosal and smooth muscle layers intact. The colon was the only portion of the gastrointestinal tract affected by O157CF. Renal lesions were characterized by marked vacuolation and general necrosis of proximal convoluted tubular cells, and the presence of numerous exfoliated renal epithelial cells in the lumina of distal convoluted and collecting tubules. A neurogenic response was demonstrated by paralysis of the animals' rear extremities. The mouse was a useful model for detecting and studying in vivo the toxic properties of O157CF.
Event-related-potential (ERP) correlates of cognitive styles, abilities and aptitudes

Abstract Fifty, right-handed males were given 11 psychometric tests of cognitive styles, abilities and aptitudes. Visual (VERP), auditory (AERP) and bimodal (BERP) brain event-related-potential (ERP) amplitudes were recorded from each of these S s. Canonical and product-moment correlations were computed. These analyses established that VERPs and BERPs elicited in the frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital regions were related to abilities and aptitudes: general aptitude, reading and verbal comprehension and spatial ability; and a cognitive style: field dependence-independence. The results demonstrated the construct validity of ERPs as indicators of individual differences in cognitive characteristics, especially crystallized and fluid intelligence.
Quasiparticle lifetime in a bilayer system

In a bilayer system, the decay rate of an excited quasiparticle is enhanced by momentum and energy transfer to low energy plasmonic modes. These correspond to antisymmetric charge density oscillations that propagate acoustically, with ω∼q. Within the random phase approximation, we study the relaxation rate dependence on the excitation energy above the Fermi level and suggest an experimental situation that can probe this estimate.
Psychosocial factors in the development of heart disease in women: current research and future directions

Objective To review the recent (1995–2009) literature on psychosocial risk and protective factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) among women, including negative emotions, stress, social relationships, and positive psychological factors.
Prediction of bids for two-outcome gambles in a casino setting

An experimental game was conducted in a Las Vegas casino. Ninety twooutcome gambles were presented in turn, and the player's monetary evaluation of each gamble was determined by the Marschak bidding procedure. Ordinal tests supported the monotonicity and the cancellation properties that are necessary for any from the family of expectation models. A number of different parametric expectation models were tested by a least-squares method. The bids were well predicted by the expected value (EV) of the gambles. More elaborate predictors, in which parameters were estimated to represent the individual player's subjective probabilities and/or utilities, merely capitalized on noise; cross-validation showed that no real improvement could be obtained over the EV predictor. Furthermore, no single feature of the bet nor any linear combination of them did as well as EV.
Nonthermal line profiles from O( 1 S) in the thermospheric nightglow

Generalized composite nonthermal line profiles are calculated for the thermospheric nighttime emission from O(1S) metastable atoms based on an extension to the simple relaxation model of Hays and Walker (1966). It is shown that the Dynamics Explorer Fabry-Perot interferometer will enable accurate values to be obtained for the branching ratio of the O(1S) production reaction and for the excitation exchange collision frequency.
Decontamination of beef carcass tissue with nisin using a pilot scale model carcass washer

Nisin spray treatments were tested for controlling Gram-positive bacteria attached to beef carcass surface tissue using a pilot scale model carcass washer. Section of lean and adipose tissues were inoculated with approximately 4 log10 cfu cm-2 of Brochothrix thermosphacta, Carnobacterium divergens or Listeria innocua. Following 28°C water or nisin sprays, bacterial populations were enumerated immediately and after incubation for 24 h at 4°C. Spray treatments with water did not significantly alter the bacterial populations at day 0 or 1 (< 1 log10 reduction). However, nisin spray treatments (5000 AU ml-1) reduced populations by 1·79 to 3·54 log10 cfu cm-2 at day 0 and by 1·97 to 3·60 log10 cfu cm-2 at day 1. This study demonstrates that spray washing is an effective means of applying bacteriocins and that these compounds may be useful as sanitizers of red meat carcasses.
Optimization of the anti-parallel diode in an IGBT module for hard-switching applications

This paper presents a novel P-i-N diode which is suitable to be used as an anti-parallel diode in an IGBT module. It is shown that the switching performance of the module is significantly improved with the new diode structure, under hard-switching conditions. Diode performance in commercially available IGBT modules is studied under hard-switching conditions, both experimentally and using a finite element based device simulator. The device simulator is then used to study and compare the performance of the new diode structure with commercially available devices. It is shown that the new structure gives superior switching performance at the cost of a small increase in its on-state voltage drop. It is also shown that the switching characteristics of the new diode show a dramatic improvement over the conventional P-i-N diode at high temperatures.
Comparison of Five Regimens for Treatment of Experimental Clindamycin-Associated Colitis

The hamster model of clindamycin-induced enterocolitis was studied to determine the natural course of the disease and the response to five therapeutic regimens. Tissue culture assays of stools from untreated animals showed that colitis toxin is present at low titers within 24--36 hr after challenge with clindamycin; titers of toxin in subsequent specimens of stool increased progressively until the animals died on days 2--4 after challenge. Therapeutic regimens tested in this model were initiated 24 hr after clindamycin challenge when the majority of the animals had evidence of colitis toxin. Methylprednisilone, an anion exchange resin, and gas gangrene polyvalent antitoxin had a minimal effect on toxin titers in stool and failed to delay substantially death due to enterocolitis. Vancomycin and tetracycline eliminated toxin in stools and delayed death. However, the salutary effects of these antibiotics were noted only during the course of their administration since all animals died of enterocolitis and had high titers of toxin when treatment was discontinued.
The haptic probe: mechanized haptic exploration and automated modeling

It seems likely that humans build internal models of objects that they explore haptically, and that the complexity of an internal model is not necessarily associated with complex exploratory procedures or the existence of visual input. Can a robot build a model of an object it touches or presses, and if so, can that model be used to render the object through a haptic interface? Or even simpler can a robot estimate parameter values for a model already provided using data produced only by haptic exploration? This paper addresses the problem of parameter identification of hybrid dynamical systems, a class which contains systems of objects which make and break contact with one another We propose the use of a hybrid sensitivity model as a basis for the construction of parameter identification algorithms. We distinguish between two components of a hybrid sensitivity model: sensitivity of states and sensitivity of switching instants to parameter variation, and we present two algorithms, one essentially based on each type of sensitivity. Simulation results demonstrating each algorithm are also presented.
Detection and identification of IHN and ISA viruses by isothermal DNA amplification in microcapillary tubes

Unique base sequences derived from RNA of both infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) were detected and identified using a combination of surface-associated molecular padlock DNA probes (MPPs) and rolling circle amplification (RCA) in microcapillary tubes. DNA oligonucleotides with base sequences identical to RNA obtained from IHNV or ISAV were recognized by MPPs. Circularized MPPs were then captured on the inner surfaces of glass microcapillary tubes by immobilized DNA oligonucleotide primers. Extension of the immobilized primers by isothermal RCA produced DNA concatamers, which were labeled with fluorescent SYBR Green II nucleic acid stain, and measured by microfluorimetry. Molecular padlock probes, combined with this method of surface-associated isothermal RCA, exhibited high selectivity without the need for thermal cycling. This method is applicable to the design of low-power field sensors capable of multiplex detection of viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens within localized regions of microcapillary tubes.
An exact integral equation for steady surface waves

An exact integral equation is found for inviscid steady surface waves. Existing known approximations are all derived from the one equation. A numerical solution is attempted in the case of the solitary wave. From the numerical solution the amplitude of the solitary wave of maximum height is estimated. The numerical solution is also compared with the existing approximations and the implications drawn from the comparison are discussed.
The Influence of Cation Stoichiometry on the Electrical Conductivity and High-Temperature Stability of MgO.nAl203 Spinel *

The electrical conductivity of MgO:nAl2O3spinel has been measured for 1 < n < 3.6 for temperatures between 500 and 1400°C. The results for nonstoichiometric spinel are significantly different from those of stoichiometric material. Spinel with n up to 2 was found to be stable at temperatures above 1000°C, whereas, MgO:3.6Al2O3 exhibited multiple indications of instability and disproportionation.
Neurobiological constituents of active, passive, and variable coping strategies in rats: Integration of regional brain neuropeptide Y levels and cardiovascular responses

Effective coping strategies build resilience against stress-induced pathology. In the current study, young male rats were categorized as active, passive, or variable copers by observing their responses to being gently restrained on their backs (i.e., the back-test). The rats were subsequently exposed to chronic unpredictable stress, which included several ethologically relevant stressors such as predator odors and calls, for approximately three weeks. During this time, the variable copers, defined as rats that demonstrated a variable as opposed to a rigid response to stress, exhibited more seemingly adaptive responsiveness in three successive forced swim tests than the more consistently responding passive and active copers. This behavioral flexibility was accompanied by increased neuropeptide Y-immunoreactivity in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and the amygdala and increased fos-immunoreactivity in the BNST. Additionally, the alterations in fecal corticosteroid levels and cardiovascular measures (systolic blood pressure and tail blood volume) between baseline and stress conditions differed according to coping strategy. Factor analysis indicates that variable copers were characterized by a distinct cardiovascular and neural response to the stress exposure. These results suggest that this animal coping model may be useful in discerning the adaptive nature of particular response strategies in the face of environmental exigencies.
Spectral surface reconstruction from noisy point clouds

We introduce a noise-resistant algorithm for reconstructing a watertight surface from point cloud data. It forms a Delaunay tetrahedralization, then uses a variant of spectral graph partitioning to decide whether each tetrahedron is inside or outside the original object. The reconstructed surface triangulation is the set of triangular faces where inside and outside tetrahedra meet. Because the spectral partitioner makes local decisions based on a global view of the model, it can ignore outliers, patch holes and undersampled regions, and surmount ambiguity due to measurement errors. Our algorithm can optionally produce a manifold surface. We present empirical evidence that our implementation is substantially more robust than several closely related surface reconstruction programs.
Vibrio harveyi quorum sensing: a coincidence detector for two autoinducers controls gene expression

In a process called quorum sensing, bacteria communicate with one another by exchanging chemical signals called autoinducers. In the bioluminescent marine bacterium Vibrio harveyi , two different auto inducers (AI‐1 and AI‐2) regulate light emission. Detection of and response to the V.harveyi autoinducers are accomplished through two two‐component sensory relay systems: AI‐1 is detected by the sensor LuxN and AI‐2 by LuxPQ. Here we further define the V.harveyi quorum‐sensing regulon by identifying 10 new quorum‐sensing‐controlled target genes. Our examination of signal processing and integration in the V.harveyi quorum‐sensing circuit suggests that AI‐1 and AI‐2 act synergistically, and that the V.harveyi quorum‐sensing circuit may function exclusively as a ‘coincidence detector’ that discriminates between conditions in which both autoinducers are present and all other conditions.
Synthesis-Analysis of Water and Wastewater Pipeline Condition Assessment and Renewal Engineering Technologies

WATERiD (Water Infrastructure Database) is an online database created primarily for the use of utility managers and municipality decision makers that struggle with obtaining easy access to comprehensive information about available pipeline condition assessment and renewal technologies and the experiences of other utilities in dealing with needs created by aging infrastructure. Population of WATERiD included an extensive literature review, interviews with technology vendors, and production of case studies based on interviews with over 100 experienced national and international utilities. This information was combined to develop synthesis reports on the status of pipeline condition assessment and renewal technologies in the United States. The synthesis reports effectively describe the available water and wastewater pipeline condition assessment technologies, discuss usage trends for utilities in the United States, and evaluate the gaps in technological needs and provide recommendations for the direction of future research. The synthesis reports also recommend standard data reporting parameters for pipeline condition assessment and renewal projects. By basing this work not only on literature and vendor information, but also on case studies of actual technology implementation by utilities with various characteristics, greater understanding of the nation’s needs are promoted. The availability of WATERiD and the synthesis reports will foster sound decisions regarding pipeline condition assessment and renewal and will expedite the use of innovative technologies and the communication between utilities. The synthesis reports will also encourage the sharing of utility project data in standard formats for further analysis and understanding. This work will result in improved public, environmental, and economic health while making it possible for municipalities to practice greater compliance with statutes, regulations, and EPA requirements.
Electromagnetic Wave Propagation in Lossy Ferrites

The square of the complex transverse propagation constant in a lossy, magnetized ferrite is found to be described approximately by a circle in the complex plane when the magnetic field is varied. A graphical method for obtaining approximate values for the transverse propagation constant when the wave number in the direction of the applied field is given and real is derived here. This method is used to find The power absorbed from an incident plane wave by A semi-infinite ferrite as a function of the magnetizing field amplitude.
Realizing Galois Fields

If F is an algebraic number field of degree n over Q and p is a prime, then F is p-realizable if there is a tor-sionfree abelian group A of rank n such that qA = A for all prines q i p and F is isomorphic to the quasi-endomorphism algebra of A. The question “for which F and p is F p-realizable?” was the subject of the paper by Pierce and Vinsonhaler. The results in that work were incomplete. In particular, the characterization of the fields that are p-realizable for all p was not considered. This note provides fragmentary information on that question in the case that F/Q is a Galois extension.