cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Economic Effects of Using Geothermal Waters in the Production of Flowers and Vegetables in Glasshouses

Abstract Using geothermal waters in growing flowers and vegetables in the glasshouses represents the most modern form of production in sheltered areas, which enables the realization of a production cycle during the whole year, along with decreased energy costs. According to a study research, which was done in the area of South and East Serbia (first of all in the municipality of Vranje), in the paper were shown the economic effects of flowers and vegetables production, which can be expected by starting the production in modern glasshouses, along with the geothermal waters use. A basic goals of the research is to point out to peculiarities of flowers and vegetables production in the modern glasshouses, as well as to determine, based on the analysis of the gross reimbursement margin (gross financial result) in production of cut flowers (i.e. roses, gerbera and calla) and vegetables (i.e. tomato, cucumber and pepper), in which production line can be realized the best results. Accordingly, by making the analytical calculations based on the variable costs, was determined that the best results can be expected for roses (cut flowers production line) and tomato (vegetable production line).
Discrete element method prediction of particle curtain properties

Abstract The discrete element method (DEM) is used to predict the properties of a particle curtain created by the three-dimensional granular flow through a hopper constricted by a slit opening. The profiles of the mean and fluctuation velocity components and solid volume fraction within the particle curtain are estimated. The model is validated against experimental measurements of the mean and fluctuation velocity profiles in a granular channel flow. Good agreement is observed between the experimental channel flow measurements and our DEM simulations. The approach is extended to model the behavior of the particle curtain after it exits the hopper. The model predictions suggest that the volume fraction is not uniform across the curtain as expected from experimental results.
Opposing roles of Dkk1 in LRP6 stabilization and Wnt signaling: implication for Wnt ligand-induced LRP6 down-regulation

4385 Classically, ligand-induced cell surface receptor down-regulation has been recognized as a longer-term mechanism for termination of a signaling pathway. The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-6 (LRP6) is an essential co-receptor for canonical Wnt signaling. Dickkopf 1 (Dkk1), a major secreted Wnt signaling antagonist, binds to LRP6 with high affinity and prevents the Frizzled-Wnt-LRP5/6 complex formation in response to Wnts. Previous studies have demonstrated that Dkk1 promotes LRP6 internalization and degradation when it forms a ternary complex with the cell surface receptor, Kremen. Intriguingly, in the present study, we found that co-transfection of LRP6 and Dkk1 stabilizes LRP6 at the cell surface while still inhibiting Wnt/LRP6 signaling. This finding was recapitulated with exogenous Dkk1 application suggesting that Dkk1 acts on the cell surface and stabilizes LRP6 at non-functional state. We also found that Kremen coexpression abrogated the effect of Dkk1 on LRP6 expression, suggesting that the effect of Kremen2 is dominant over Dkk1 regulation of LRP6. Furthermore, we demonstrated a Wnt3A-induced LRP6 down-regulation; an effect blocked by Dkk1. Taken together, our results reveal a novel role for Dkk1 on Wnt ligand-induced LRP6 down-regulation and Wnt/LRP6 signaling.
Convective heat transfer and flow stability in rotating disk CVD reactors

The flow and heat transfer of NH{sub 3} and He have been studied in a rotating disk system with applications to chemical vapor deposition reactors. Influence of the important operating parameters were studied numerically over ranges of the primary dimensionless variables: (1) the spin Reynolds number, Re{sub {omega}}, (2) the disk mixed convection parameter, MCP{sub d}, and (3) a new parameter, the wall mixed convection parameter, MCP{sub w}. Inlet velocities were set to the corresponding infinite rotating disk asymptotic velocity. Results were obtained primarily for NH{sub 3}. Results show that increasing Re{sub {omega}} from 314.5 to 3,145 increases the uniformity of the rotating disk heat flux and results in thinner thermal boundary layers at the disk surface. At Re{sub {omega}} = 314.5, increasing MCP{sub d} to 15 leads to significant departure from the infinite disk result with nonuniform disk heat fluxes and recirculating flow patterns. At Re{sub {omega}} = 3,145, the results are closer to the infinite disk for MCP{sub d} up to 15. For large values of MCP{sub w}, the flow recirculates and there is significant deviation from the infinite disk result. The influence of MCP{sub w} on flow stability is increased at larger MCP{sub d} and lower Re{submore » {omega}}. The results show that because of variable transport properties, the flow of NH{sub 3} is less stable than that of He as MCP{sub d} is increased for MCP{sub w} = 0 and Re{sub {omega}} = 314.5.« less
Spatial mapping of evapotranspiration and energy balance components over riparian vegetation using airborne remote sensing

High resolution, airborne multispectral imagery of a riparian system dominated by salt cedar (Tamarix spp) along the Rio Grande in New Mexico, USA, was used to determine the instantaneous evapotranspiration rates and spatially distributed energy balance components over the system. Comparisons of instantaneous spatially distributed upwind fluxes with values of ground-based measured fluxes using eddy correlation techniques and other micrometeorological instruments, were conducted for two different dates. Results show considerable differences between the fluxes that can be attributed to advection, canopy heat storage and wind variability. A careful footprint analysis will need to be conducted in the future to better match the ground-based and aircraft measurements.
Structural biology of the purine biosynthetic pathway

Purine biosynthesis requires ten enzymatic transformations to generate inosine monophosphate. PurF, PurD, PurL, PurM, PurC, and PurB are common to all pathways, while PurN or PurT, PurK/PurE-I or PurE-II, PurH or PurP, and PurJ or PurO catalyze the same steps in different organisms. X-ray crystal structures are available for all 15 purine biosynthetic enzymes, including 7 ATP-dependent enzymes, 2 amidotransferases and 2 tetrahydrofolate-dependent enzymes. Here we summarize the structures of the purine biosynthetic enzymes, discuss similarities and differences, and present arguments for pathway evolution. Four of the ATP-dependent enzymes belong to the ATP-grasp superfamily and 2 to the PurM superfamily. The amidotransferases are unrelated, with one utilizing an N-terminal nucleophileglutaminase and the other utilizing a triad glutaminase. Likewise the tetrahydrofolate-dependent enzymes are unrelated. Ancestral proteins may have included a broad specificity enzyme instead of PurD, PurT, PurK, PurC, and PurP, and a separate enzyme instead of PurM and PurL.
Analysis of the simulation of single phase flow through a naturally fractured reservoir

A general form of the double porosity model for single phase flow through a naturally fractured reservoir is derived by explicitly considering fluid flow in individual matrix' blocks. The Warren and Root model is shown to be a crude approximation to this model. The general model consists of a parabolic equation coupled to a series of parabolic equations. It is shown that the coupling term can be viewed as a positive-semidefinite perturbation of the time derivative, and hence it is verified that the model is well posed. A finite element method is presented to approximate the solution, and optimal order $L^2 $-error estimates are derived.
Scientific visualization of landscapes and landforms

Scientific visualization of geospatial data provides highly effective tools for analysis and communication of information about the land surface and its features, properties, and temporal evolution. Whereas single-surface visualization of landscapes is now routinely used in presentation of Earth surface data, interactive 3D visualization based upon multiple elevation surfaces and cutting planes is gaining recognition as a powerful tool for analyzing landscape structure based on multiple return Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data. This approach also provides valuable insights into land surface changes captured by multi-temporal elevation models. Thus, animations using 2D images and 3D views are becoming essential for communicating results of landscape monitoring and computer simulations of Earth processes. Multiple surfaces and 3D animations are also used to introduce novel concepts for visual analysis of terrain models derived from time-series of LiDAR data using multi-year core and envelope surfaces. Analysis of terrain evolution using voxel models and visualization of contour evolution using isosurfaces has potential for unique insights into geometric properties of rapidly evolving coastal landscapes. In addition to visualization on desktop computers, the coupling of GIS with new types of graphics hardware systems provides opportunities for cutting-edge applications of visualization for geomorphological research. These systems include tangible environments that facilitate intuitive 3D perception, interaction and collaboration. Application of the presented visualization techniques as supporting tools for analyses of landform evolution using airborne LiDAR data and open source geospatial software is illustrated by two case studies from North Carolina, USA.
Relation between 300-mb North Polar Vortex and Equatorial SST, QBO, and Sunspot Number and the Record Contraction of the Vortex in 1988–89

Abstract The size of the 300-mb north circumpolar vortex and quadrants has been estimated between 1963 and 1989 by planimetering the area poleward of contours in the main belt of westerlies on the 300-mb mean-monthly polar-stereographic maps analyzed by the Meteorological Institute, Free University of Berlin. The annual-mean vortex was most contracted in 1989, 6.4% less than average size, and next most contracted in 1988, 4.6% less than average size. There have been three extensive vortex displacements during this period, the last toward the North Pacific and associated with the strong El Nino of 1982–83. Based on 108 seasonal deviations, there has been a significant correlation of −0.39 between sea surface temperature (SST) in the eastern equatorial Pacific and vortex size three seasons later, that is, the vortex has tended to be contracted following El Nino. There has been a highly significant correlation of 0.45 between this SST and the size of quadrant 90°W-180° in the same season, that is, this “El N...
Electron crystallography — the waking beauty of structural biology

Since its debut in the mid 1970s, electron crystallography has been a valuable alternative in the structure determination of biological macromolecules. Its reliance on single-layered or double-layered two-dimensionally ordered arrays and the ability to obtain structural information from small and disordered crystals make this approach particularly useful for the study of membrane proteins in a lipid bilayer environment. Despite its unique advantages, technological hurdles have kept electron crystallography from reaching its full potential. Addressing the issues, recent initiatives developed high-throughput pipelines for crystallization and screening. Adding progress in automating data collection, image analysis and phase extension methods, electron crystallography is poised to raise its profile and may lead the way in exploring the structural biology of macromolecular complexes.
Urocopsis associated with videourodynamic studies

Videourodynamic studies (VUS) of the lower urinary tract are useful in the evaluation of complicated voiding dysfunctions. These studies involve placement of urethral and rectal catheters, measurement of pressures during bladder filling and voiding, and simultaneous fluoroscopic cystourethrography. A cluster of five cases of urosepsis occurred in patients examined with VUS between November 1981 and February 1982. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultured from the blood and/or urine of three of these patients. P. aeruginosa was also recovered from cultures of fluid within the stopcock-tubing-syringe apparatus used to connect the urethral catheter to the pressure transducer. The temporal relationship of urosepsis to the VUS procedure and the identification of an environmental reservoir of P. aeruginosa suggest that these episodes were related to VUS.
13C Scrambling of [5-13C]5-cyclodecynone

Scrambling of [5-13C]5-cyclodecynone occurs as a result of acidic conditions that preclude its rapid consumption.
Intraretinal transfer of a color discrimination task after tectal and telencephalic lesions in goldfish

Abstract Memory for color discrimination learning after tectal or telencephalic lesions was studied in adult goldfish. Differential suppression of respiration to visual stimuli directed to precise retinal loci was used as the behavioral measure. Lesions included either the “trained” half-tectum or the telencephalon. Good intraretinal transfer was observed to the remaining untrained portions of the visual field. Telencephalic lesions had no effect on performance. The results suggest that memory is not localized to the directly trained portion of tectum, and that the telencephalon does not play a major role in storage for this task.
Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation and left atrial flutter in a patient with a left atrial appendage occlusion device.

A 60-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation (AF) and prior implantation of an Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion device was referred for ablation. A pre-procedural transoesophageal echocardiography revealed device deformation of the anterior aspect of the left superior pulmonary vein …
Significance of 40Ar39Ar age spectra of whole-rock and constituent grain-size fractions from anchizonal slates

Abstract Constituent grain-size fractions and whole-rock samples of “middle” and “upper” anchizone slates from the north-eastern Rheinisches Schiefergebirge (Federal Republic of Germany) were analyzed with 40 Ar 39 Ar incremental heating techniques. Comparison of the total-gas ages and previously determined KAr ages indicates variable recoil-loss of 39 Ar, reflecting differences in grain size and/or grain-edge morphology. Grains with poorly defined edges characterize the middle anchizone size fractions. They have relatively large surface/volume ratios and are more strongly affected by recoil-loss of 39 Ar than grains in the upper anchizone size fractions which have clearer, more well-defined edges. The strongly discordant age and K Ca spectra reflect differences in diffusive characteristics of constituent mineralogical phases, including: relatively non-retentive chlorite, white mica, and relatively refractory albite. White mica records anomalously old apparent ages as a result of recoil-loss of 39 Ar. Gas fractions evolved from chlorite and albite record anomalously young ages because of recoil-gain of 39 Ar. These effects are more prominent in the middle anchizone size fractions.
Indicators of sediment and biotic mercury contamination in a southern New England estuary

Abstract Total mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were analyzed in near surface sediments (0–2 cm) and biota (zooplankton, macro-invertebrates, finfish) collected from Narragansett Bay (Rhode Island/Massachusetts, USA) and adjacent embayments and tidal rivers. Spatial patterns in sediment contamination were governed by the high affinity of Hg for total organic carbon (TOC). Sediment MeHg and percent MeHg were also inversely related to summer bottom water dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations, presumably due to the increased activity of methylating bacteria. For biota, Hg accumulation was influenced by inter-specific habitat preferences and trophic structure, and sediments with high TOC and percent silt–clay composition limited mercury bioavailability. Moreover, hypoxic bottom water limited Hg bioaccumulation, which is possibly mediated by a reduction in biotic foraging, and thus, dietary uptake of mercury. Finally, most biota demonstrated a significant positive relationship between tissue and TOC-normalized sediment Hg, but relationships were much weaker or absent for sediment MeHg. These results have important implications for the utility of estuarine biota as subjects for mercury monitoring programs.
Conditional efficiency, operational risk and electronic ticket pricing strategies for the airline industry

As the USA moves towards an economic slowdown and possible recession, the airline industry is particularly vulnerable to consumer price sensitivity regarding the purchase of electronic tickets. In this research, we provide a methodological approach that utilises operational risk metrics to examine the impact of various electronic ticket pricing strategies on profitability. Specifically, the work presented herein is differentiated from previous airline revenue management studies in the following ways: 1) we develop a Monte Carlo simulation model which can be used effectively to construct conditionally efficient discount ticket pricing strategies, 2) we show that the operational value at risk and expected shortfall are effective measures for weighing the risk-return tradeoffs for efficient discount ticket pricing strategies along the constructed frontier and 3) we implement a demand-recapturing variable in the simulation model where prior studies have assumed independent demand among various consumer classes.
Accelerated Degradation Models for Failure Based on Geometric Brownian Motion and Gamma Processes

Based on a generalized cumulative damage approach with a stochastic process describing degradation, new accelerated life test models are presented in which both observed failures and degradation measures can be considered for parametric inference of system lifetime. Incorporating an accelerated test variable, we provide several new accelerated degradation models for failure based on the geometric Brownian motion or gamma process. It is shown that in most cases, our models for failure can be approximated closely by accelerated test versions of Birnbaum–Saunders and inverse Gaussian distributions. Estimation of model parameters and a model selection procedure are discussed, and two illustrative examples using real data for carbon-film resistors and fatigue crack size are presented.
Long-term Follow-up of Transsphenoidal Selective Adenomectomy for Prolactinoma

Although transsphenoidal selective resection of prolactinoma has high cure rates and low morbidity, the frequency of late recurrence of adenoma is controversial. Long-term follow-up data were available on 29 of our patients having initial return to normal prolactin levels after microadenoma resection; in 24, prolactin levels remained normal at 50 ± months' (range, 11 to 81 months) follow-up. Five patients manifested hyperprolactinemia again after intervals of six to 16 months. In five patients with normal prolactin levels immediately after macroadenoma resection, who were available for long-term follow-up, prolactin levels remained normal in four at 41 ±3 months; one patient had a relapse 78 months after surgery. Testing of prolactin secretory dynamics six weeks postoperatively was not predictive of who would suffer relapse. It is not known whether these relapses are due to regrowth of tumor remnants or represent new tumor formation. (JAMA1984;252:921-924)
Effect of geldanamycin on androgen receptor function and stability

In the ligand-binding inactive state, the steroid receptor heterocomplex contains Hsp90, Hsp70, high-molecular weight immunophilins, and other proteins. Hsp90 acts in association with co-chaperones to maintain the native state of the receptor within the cells. It was reported earlier that Hsp90 might not be as important for the androgen receptor (AR) activity as for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the progesterone receptor (PR) activities. We used the Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin (GA) to explore the role of Hsp90 in the function of the AR heterocomplex. GA selectively binds to Hsp90 and inhibits its activity, leading to the loss of steroid receptor activity, and frequently, its degradation. In our study, LNCaP prostate cancer cells were treated with GA for 30 minutes or 24 hours, in the presence of mibolerone, a synthetic androgen. GA reduced the androgen-induced AR protein levels to 15% after 24 hours of treatment. Several androgen up-regulated genes, including immunophilin FKBP51 and prostate specific antigen (PSA), were reduced by GA treatment. In cells treated with GA after transfection with a PSA promoter or an androgen response element-driven reporter gene, AR-mediated transactivation of reporter gene expression was reversibly inhibited by GA. Loss of androgen-binding ability and AR levels was attributed to reduced transcription of AR-regulated gene expression. Degradation rate of 35S-labeled AR was significantly increased by GA in the presence or absence of mibolerone. GA induced the degradation of AR through the proteasomal pathway. AR in cells treated with proteasomal inhibitor lactacystin, was insoluble in Nonidet P-40 (NP40)-based buffer and could not restore the androgen-binding ability. We report here that GA treatment disrupted both hormone-binding activity and receptor protein stability, resulting in a dramatic loss of androgen-induced gene activation. These results show that Hsp90 activity is important for both the chaperone-mediated folding of the AR into a high-affinity ligand-binding conformation and the functional activity of the AR.
The effect of softeners on the elastic modulus of regenerated cellulose sheet

The dynamic elastic modulus of cellophanes has been measured by use of the resonant frequency of a 2 × 60-mm. strip of film in longitudinal vibration. The niodulus was computed from the resonant frequency length of specinieii, and the cross-sectional area determined from its resonant frequency in transverse vibration. The apparatus is described briefly. Unsoftened film and glycerol-softened films containing 7.3, 13.7, and 21.3% glycerol prepared from the same roll of never-dried regenerated cellulose were conditioned a t 75°F. and 15, 35, and 81% R. H., and the elastic moduli were measured in both directions. Moisture and softerier contents were determined. The reciprocals of the geometric means of the moduli in the machine and transverse directions were plotted as a function of the volume of film containing 1 g. of cellulose. The displacement of the curve obtained for each softened film from the curve for the unsoftened film measures the effect of the softener, since the curves would coincide if the effect of softener were from swelling only. This permits construction of an empirical equation for the modulus of these glycerol-softened films as a function of moisture and softener content. It was found further that the logarithms of the corrected compliance (1/EV2/2c), where E is the geometric mean modulus and Vc is the volunie of film containing 1 g. of cellulose, gave a straight line when plotted as a function of the number of moles of water plus twice the number of glycerol present in 100 g. of cellulose. This indicates that the effect of a mole of glycerol in breaking up the hydrogen-bonded structure of the cellulose is twice as great as that of a mole of water. These results have been compared with similar results obtained on films containing ethylene carbonate and ethylenediamine. With the exception of ethylenediamine-treated films studied a t high humidities, these fdms gave points falling approvimately on the corrected compliance curve obtained for the glycerol-softened and unsoftened films. For these films, however, the simple sums of moles of water plus moles of ethylene carbonate or ethylenediamine monohydrate present in 100 g. of cellulose were used rather than the weighted sum used for the glycerolsoftened films.
On the Weight Distribution of Spherical t-designs

An analogue of Sidel'nikov-Delsarte's theorem is obtained for the cumulative weight distribution function of spherical t-designs.
In Vitro Cultivation of Cells and a Microsporidian Parasite of Biomphalaria Glabrata (pulmonata: Basommatophora)

Cells from juvenile heart and gonads of B. glabrata have been grown in vitro for more than 1 year. These cell cultures are not actively mitotic but show other characteristics normal for metazoan cells in culture. They are tolerant of widely variable culture conditions. Challenges with mitogens, mutagens, and altered cyclic nucleotide levels have failed to induce mitosis. A microsporidian parasite grows intracellularly in vitro. The ultrastructural details of sporogeny and pansporoblastic maturation are described. Several pansporoblasts can occur in one snail cell; maturation of spores within a pansporoblast is not synchronous, which is a highly unusual feature. Time-lapse cinemicrography reveals engulfment of free spores by snail cells. Polar tube and sporoplasm release are reported photographically. Drug therapy failed to eliminate the protozoan. The potential value of microsporidia in schistosome control programs is evaluated as slight.
Finite Energy Management and Flight Control for a System of Airships Systems

This paper examines the problem of controlling a system of airships that are operating as a temporary mobile cell phone network. The primary requirements are maintaining a formation that is subjected to environmental gust disturbances while holding either a fixed position or attempting to hold a reference velocity. The purpose of having both position and velocity hold modes is to have the performance of an aerostat while maintaining the ability to relocate as required by cell phone load usage. This paper examines the use of a predictive realtime control technique which solves an optimal control problem that takes into account minimum control energy, desired velocity, formation constraints, and control constraints. The control problem is reformulated as a linear programming problem for rapid convergence to a solution. This paper will illustrate the optimal control technique using a simulation on two airships.
Whose Detroit? Politics, Labor, and Race in a Modern American City . By Heather Ann Thompson. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2001. Pp. viii, 295. $29.95.

By the mid-1980s, the city of Detroit had become an icon in U.S. urban history. Many saw it as the most extreme example of what went wrong in Northern industrial cities in the late twentieth century. The sequence of events is well known: the rapid influx of African American migrants from the South, combative reaction from the white community, civil unrest culminating in the 1967 riot, white flight, the loss of manufacturing jobs, and the development of a desperately poor, socially alienated, primarily black underclass. Other cities experienced similar events, but Detroit's descent was certainly among the most dramatic.
Renierone, an antimicrobial metabolite from a marine sponge

Abstract The major antibacterial metabolite in the sponge Reniera sp. was shown to be an isoquinoline quinone, renierone ( 1 ). The structure of renierone ( 1 ) was defined by X-ray crystallography.
Herpes zoster polyradiculopathy

Herpes zoster infection, resulting from reactivation of the dormant varicella zoster virus in the dorsal root ganglia, usually causes a painful dermatomal vesicular rash. Rarely, associated peripheral motor weakness is present, the mechanism of which is unclear. Three patients are reported who had focal limb muscle weakness associated with zoster infection. Physical and occupational therapy played a key role in motor function recovery of the patients, yet emphasis on the rehabilitation of postherpetic motor weakness is lacking in the literature. Physiatrists evaluating patients with limb muscle weakness following herpes zoster infection should be alert to this condition. The clinical syndrome of herpes zoster radiculopathy and the rehabilitation of these patients are discussed.
Middle‐ear development VI: Structural maturation of the rat conducting apparatus

Background: The contribution of middle-ear development to the overall development of hearing has not been explored in great detail. This presentation describes the maturation of conductive elements in the rat middle ear, and provides the basis on which future studies of middle-ear functional development will follow. Methods: The middle-ear apparatus was examined at nine different ages (between 1 and 80 days postpartum) in Long Evans rats. At each age elements of the conducting apparatus were observed with either light or scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and quantitative measurements were made from video enhanced photomicrographs. Tympanic membrane area and cone depth, the length of the malleus and incus arms, ossicular weight, stapes foot plate and oval window areas, and bulla volume were all measured. Development of the area and lever ratios were derived from these measurements. The data were fitted to exponential equations and the time in days required to reach 90% of the adult level determined. Results: The pars tensa achieved 90% of total area by 17 days. The oval window achieved the 90% criterion by 13 days, while the area ratio was within 10% of its adult size by 8 days. The ossicles took between 26 and 34 days, while bulla volume took 59 days to reach the 90% level. Conclusions: Middle-ear growth was very orderly and systematic in the data reported. When maturation of the area ratio was considered against development of the endocochlear potential or the round window compound action potential, it was clear that the growth of this important aspect of the middle ear preceded the onset of cochlear function. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nonstandard Fock spaces

A theory of nonstandard inner product spaces is developed using methods of nonstandard analysis. Various results concerning nonstandard operators and their spectra are proved. The theory is applied to construct nonstandard Fock spaces which extend the standard Fock spaces. Moreover, a rigorous framework for the field operators of quantum field theory is presented. The results are illustrated for the case of Klein-Gordon fields.
Persian Architecture and Mathematics: An Overview

NNJ Guest Editor Reza Sarhangi introduces the Editorial Committee for this issue: Carol Bier, B. Lynn Bodner, Douglas Dunham, Mohammad Gharipour, and Hooman Koliji, and the papers dedicated to Persian Architecture and Mathematics in NNJ vol. 14, no. 2 (Autumn 2012).
TRAIL-deficient mice exhibit delayed regression of retinal neovascularization.

While it is well established that tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in various cell types, the role of TRAIL in regulation of retinal neovascularization (NV) has not been described. Here we determined the role of TRAIL in retinal NV during oxygen-induced retinopathy using TRAIL deficient ( −/− ) mice. TRAIL and its receptor, DR5, were expressed in wild-type retinas at all time points evaluated (postnatal days 12, 17, 21, 24) during oxygen-induced retinopathy and in age-matched room air control animals. Localization of TRAIL + cells within the neovascular tufts of hyperoxia- exposed wild-type mice suggested TRAIL plays a role in oxygen-induced retinopathy. Retinal vascular development appeared normal in the TRAIL −/− mice, except for a small but significant difference in the capillary-free zone surrounding major arteries. A minimal difference in avascularity was observed at postnatal day 12 in the retinas of TRAIL −/− mice after hyperoxia-exposure compared with wild-type mice, suggesting that TRAIL does not play a major role in the vaso-obliterative phase of oxygen-induced retinopathy. However, at the peak of NV, TRAIL −/− mice had a significant increase in retinal neovascularization. In addition, when NV naturally regresses in wild-type mice, TRAIL −/− mice continued to display significantly high levels of NV. This was attributed to a significant decrease in neovascular tuft cells undergoing apoptosis in TRAIL −/− mice. Together, these data strongly suggest that TRAIL plays a role in the control of retinal NV.
Modeling and simulation of mixed traffic on a prioritized shared medium

Network access systems (NAS) such as digital loop carriers (DLC) are increasingly utilizing a shared medium, such as Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) to provide point-to-multi-point access from the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to the end user (consumer). New services, such as direct access to the packet switched network (PSN, WWW) have been added to DLC equipment in such a way as to provide for a prioritized set of services over a shared medium in an effort to take advantage of otherwise unused bandwidth. The introduction of such services requires the modeling and analysis of these network access systems. This becomes complex when considering the variability in different service type traffic characteristics. This work identifies a traffic engineering problem of prioritized circuit switched and packet switched (PSTN/PSN) traffic over the same shared medium as it may relate to “perceived” quality of service (QoS).
A comparative study of coldly-and warmly-condensed Ag films by scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract Using scanning tunneling microscopy with a subnanometer lateral resolution we have studied silver films condensed at ∼ 90 K and at room temperature (RT). The coldly-condensed films are known to show the surface enhanced Raman effect, while the RT condensed films do not. We observe in real space that the coldly-condensed films exhibit nearly flat portions (average size 130 A) separated by deep trenches of less than 30 A width. In contrast, the RT condensed films do not exhibit trenches and their surface topography may be described in terms of a “rolling surface” with low-angle bounderies.
Systems modeling, simulation and material operating requirements for chemical hydride based hydrogen storage

Abstract Research on ammonia borane (AB, NH 3 BH 3 ) has shown it to be a promising material for chemical hydride based hydrogen storage. AB was selected by DOE’s Hydrogen Storage Engineering Center of Excellence (HSECoE) as the initial chemical hydride of study because of its high hydrogen storage capacity (up to ∼16% by weight for the release of ∼2.5 M equivalents of hydrogen gas) and its stability under typical ambient conditions. Another promising candidate is alane, AlH 3 (10.1% by weight). Materials operating requirements to use chemical hydrides for vehicle onboard storage are discussed. A flow-through system concept based on augers, ballast tank, hydrogen heat exchanger and H 2 burner was designed and implemented in simulation. In this design, the chemical hydride material was assumed to produce H 2 in the auger itself, thus minimizing the size of ballast tank and reactor. One dimensional models based on conservation of mass, species and energy were used to predict important state variables such as reactant and product concentrations, temperatures of various components, flow rates, along with pressure, in various components of the storage system. Various subsystem components in the models were coded as ‘C’ language S-functions and implemented in Matlab/Simulink. Steady state simulation results for all the three candidate materials (solid AB, liquid AB and alane) were presented to show the proof of concept, whereas the drive cycle simulations were discussed only for solid AB using the fuel cell H 2 demand for four different US drive cycles. Conditional logic based controllers that control the material flow rate into the reactor and to control the H 2 fed to the burner were developed and implemented in drive cycle simulations. Simulation results show that the proposed system meets most of the 2010 DOE targets, and is well above the required > 40% of the DOE targets for fill time, well-to-powerplant efficiency, and volumetric and gravimetric density.
Low-energy ion precipitation during the Halloween storm

Abstract During the Halloween storm of October 29–31, 2003, four defense meteorological satellite program (DMSP) satellites detected fluxes of low-energy ions precipitating well equatorward of auroral electrons in the dawn/morning magnetic local time sector during the main phase. There were three southward turnings of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), leading to three intensifications of the ring current to DST values of −125, −310 and −350 nT. In each case the ion fluxes weakened dramatically and/or vanished during DST recoveries. DMSP only encountered short-lived episodes of subauroral ion precipitation in the dusk/evening sector. A brief survey of the DMSP database reveals that near-dawn, ion precipitation is a main-phase characteristic of all large magnetic storms. DMSP satellites also detected similar ion precipitation during the main phase of the March 1991 magnetic storm. During an outbound pass of the combined release radiation effect satellite (CRRES) through the inner magnetosphere it detected low energy (
Lipid-Induced Mitochondrial Stress and Insulin Action in Muscle

The interplay between mitochondrial energetics, lipid balance, and muscle insulin sensitivity has remained a topic of intense interest and debate for decades. One popular view suggests that increased oxidative capacity benefits metabolic wellness, based on the premise that it is healthier to burn fat than glucose. Attempts to test this hypothesis using genetically modified mouse models have produced contradictory results and instead link muscle insulin resistance to excessive fat oxidation, acylcarnitine production, and increased mitochondrial H 2 O 2 -emitting potential. Here, we consider emerging evidence that insulin action in muscle is driven principally by mitochondrial load and redox signaling rather than oxidative capacity.
Probing the spatial distribution of the energy gap in Josephson tunnel junctions.

It is explicitly shown that the spatial distribution of the energy gap in a superconducting tunnel junction can be determined quantitatively. This is verified experimentally using semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor tunnel junctions where gap inhomogeneity is de- liberately induced with patterned laser illumination.
Early changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidative defense in diabetic rat retina: effect of dl-α-lipoic acid

This study was designed to (1) evaluate retinal lipid peroxidation in early diabetes by the method specific for free malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals, (2) identify impaired antioxidative defense mechanisms and (3) assess if enhanced retinal oxidative stress in diabetes is prevented by the potent antioxidant, DL-alpha-lipoic acid. The groups included control and streptozotocin-diabetic rats treated with or without DL-alpha-lipoic acid (100 mg kg(-1) day(-1), i.p., for 6 weeks). All parameters were measured in individual retinae. 4-Hydroxyalkenal concentration was increased in diabetic rats (2.63+/-0.60 vs. 1.44+/-0.30 nmol/mg soluble protein in controls, P<0.01), and this increase was prevented by DL-alpha-lipoic acid (1.20+/-0.88, P<0.01 vs. untreated diabetic group). Malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentrations were similar among the groups. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione reductase (GSSGRed) and glutathione transferase (GSHTrans) activities were decreased in diabetic rats vs. controls. Quinone reductase was upregulated in diabetic rats, whereas catalase and cytoplasmic NADH oxidase activities were unchanged. DL-alpha-Lipoic acid prevented changes in superoxide dismutase and quinone reductase activities induced by diabetes without affecting the enzymes of glutathione metabolism. In conclusion, accumulation of 4-hydroxyalkenals is an early marker of oxidative stress in the diabetic retina. Increased lipid peroxidation occurs in the absence of GSH depletion, and is prevented by DL-alpha-lipoic acid.
Association of spectrin with its membrane attachment site restricts lateral mobility of human erythrocyte integral membrane proteins

Interactions between spectrin and the inner surface of the human erythrocyte membrane have been implicated in the control of lateral mobility of the integral membrane proteins. We report here that incubation of “leaky” erythrocytes with a water-soluble proteolytic fragment containing the membrane attachment site for spectrin achieves a selective and controlled dissociation of spectrin from the membrane, and increases the rate of lateral mobility of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled integral membrane proteins (> 70% of label in band 3 and PAS-1). Mobility of membrane proteins is measured as an increase in the percentage of uniformly fluorescent cells with time after fusion of fluorescent with nonfluorescent erythrocytes by Sendai virus. The cells are permeable to macromolecules since virus-fused erythrocytes lose most of their hemoglobin. The membrane attachment site for spectrin has been solubilized by limited proteolysis of inside-out erythrocyte vesicles and has been purified (V). Bennett, J Biol Chem 253:2292 (1978). This 72,000-dalton fragment binds to spectrin in solution, competitively inhibits association of 32P-spectrin with inside-out vesicles with a Ki of 10−7M, and causes rapid dissociation of 32P-spectrin from vesicles. Both acid-treated 72,000-dalton fragment and the 45,000 dalton-cytoplasmic portion of band 3, which also was isolated from the proteolytic digest, have no effect on spectrin binding, release, or membrane protein mobility. The enhancement of membrane protein lateral mobility by the same polypeptide that inhibits binding of spectrin to inverted vesicles and displaces spectrin from these vesicles provides direct evidence that the interaction of spectrin with protein components in the membrane restricts the lateral mobility of integral membrane proteins in the erythrocyte.
Behavioral and convulsant effects of the (S) enantiomer of the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist 3,5-DHPG in mice.

Abstract The purpose of the present studies was to investigate the behavioral and convulsant effects produced by the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG). Administered i.c.v. to mice, (S)-3,5-DHPG produced a behavioral syndrome consisting of scratching and/or facial grooming, tremors, slow forelimb clonus, rearing, and falling that increased over the dose range of 10–400 nmol. The full syndrome, produced by 400 nmol of (S)-3,5-DHPG, was antagonized by the selective mGlu1 receptor antagonist LY456236 but not by the mGlu5 receptor antagonist MPEP or the mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist LY341495. The behaviors induced by the 400 nmol dose were not blocked by the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801, but were attenuated by the non-NMDA receptor antagonists GYKI 52466 and NBQX, and the Ca2+ mobilization inhibitor dantrolene, but at motor-impairing doses. The scratching behaviors produced by 30 nmol of (S)-3,5-DHPG were antagonized by LY456236 but not by MPEP, LY341495 or MK-801. GYKI 52466 and dantrolene, but not NBQX, inhibited scratching at motor-impairing doses. Both 400 and 30 nmol of (S)-3,5-DHPG produced a generalized seizure as recorded by surface EEG electrodes. LY456236 blocked the seizures produced by 30 nmol but not by 400 nmol; dantrolene was ineffective in blocking seizures produced by either dose. The present findings suggest that (S)-3,5-DHPG produces an increase in excitation that is mediated by mGlu1 and non-NMDA receptors.
Effect of Reduced Temperature and Cathode Porosity on the Performance of Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

The effect of decreasing the inlet temperature and the cathode porosity of tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell with one air channel and one fuel channel was investigated using CFD approach. A CFD model of the cell was developed using the commercial CFD software Fluent 6.2. A Fluent based SOFC model was used to simulate the electrochemical effects. The cathode and the anode of the cell were resolved in the model and the convection and conduction heat transfer modes were included. The results of the CFD model are presented at inlet temperatures of 700°C, 600°C, and 500°C and with cathode porosity of 30%, 20% and 10%. The resulting thermal, electrical, and flow fields are presented and discussed. It was found that the Fluent based SOFC model is effective tool for analyzing the complex and highly interactive three-dimensional electrical, thermal, and fluid flow fields, generally associated with the SOFCs. The comprehensive current density and thermal fields generated with the Fluent based model are necessary to assist a life-cycle analysis of the cell through prediction of thermal stresses.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Dynamic coupling in an unsymmetrically tapered beam

A method is derived for analyzing the dynamic coupling between axial and transverse displacements of an unsymmetrically tapered beam. The basis for this analysis is an elementary theory of longitudinal motions and Timoshenko beam theory. A beam finite element is derived which includes these coupling effects. Numerical results are given for the response of a non-uniform beam to a prescribed axial motion at one end.
‘You have to care.’ perceptions of promoting autonomy in support settings for adults with intellectual disability

Accessible Summary People who get paid to support people with intellectual disabilities need to understand what is important to people with intellectual disabilities and how to help them get what they want. We asked people with intellectual disabilities and people paid to support them about what is important to people with disabilities and how people with disabilities can get what they want. We learned that: The people with intellectual disabilities whom we talked to knew what they wanted. The support people that we talked to had a hard time figuring out what people with intellectual disabilities wanted and how they could help them get what they wanted. The support people that we talked to said that some of the rules at their jobs made it hard to help people with intellectual disabilities to do what they wanted. Nearly everyone we talked to said that it was important to support people with intellectual disabilities in a caring way. Summary This study from the south-western United States investigated the perceptions of persons with intellectual disability receiving support and of persons providing support regarding the autonomy of people with intellectual disability. The participants included 10 people with intellectual disability and 10 support workers. Through interviews, this qualitative investigation examined issues related to autonomy in support services. Analysis of participant interviews revealed that support workers and people with intellectual disability faced challenges that restricted the promotion of the autonomy of people with intellectual disability. Both groups of participants noted that support workers had to care about their work with individuals with intellectual disability to effectively promote their autonomy.
Recent progress in multiuser information theory with correlated sources

Multiuser information-theoretic analysis of achievable communication rate regions over networks traditionally assumes that individual sources of information are independent.