cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time series analysis of wind speed with time‐varying turbulence

The characterization of the time series properties of wind speed, in terms of the mean and variance, is important and relevant to both engineers and businesses. This research investigates the first and second moments of the Texas Tech WERFL wind speed data utilizing the ARMA-GARCH-in-mean framework. The methodology allows the conditional variance to depend on the size of past shocks (i.e. gusts) in the series. Results have important implications for wind energy production as well as for the operational and financial hedging strategies of companies exposed to wind-related risk. The findings can be summarized as follows: (i) mean wind speeds measured at different heights above ground exhibit persistence and are highly dependent on immediate past wind speed values; (ii) regardless of the height at which the data were collected, wind speed exhibits time-varying variance; (iii) persistence in conditional variance increases with height at which the data were collected; (iv) there is strong evidence that conditional volatility is positively correlated with mean wind speed while the magnitude of this relationship declines with height. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Just fix it: IT support for students

Using Yale Law School as a model, this paper describes a means of providing Information Technology support to a student population using a combination of full-time staff, student workers, management software and central campus resources.
A theory for amorphous viscoplastic materials undergoing finite deformations, with application to metallic glasses

Abstract This study develops a finite-deformation, Coulomb–Mohr type constitutive theory for the elastic–viscoplastic response of pressure-sensitive and plastically-dilatant isotropic materials. The constitutive model has been implemented in a finite element program, and the numerical capability is used to study the deformation response of amorphous metallic glasses. Specifically, the response of an amorphous metallic glass in tension, compression, strip-bending, and indentation is studied, and it is shown that results from the numerical simulations qualitatively capture major features of corresponding results from physical experiments available in the literature.
Individual Differences and Arousal: Implications for the Study of Mood and Memory

Abstract Inconsistent findings in the study of mood-related effects on memory are discussed in terms of the effects of arousal on cognitive processes. Manipulations used in studies of mood and memory typically affect arousal as well as affective valence. Although mood-related effects on memory are often interpreted in terms of valence, a consideration of arousal-mediated effects rarely occurs. In the motivation and performance literature, however, variations in arousal have been shown to interact with retention interval to affect immediate and delayed recall. Arousal is hypothesised to hinder some aspect of short-term memory but facilitate both the speed of processing and some aspect of storage for long-term retrieval. The construct of arousal is also used more generally to organise the effects of stable individual differences in personality and a variety of motivational manipulations on cognitive performance. The implications of these effects of arousal for the pattern of inconsistent findings in the stu...
An approximate semi-analytical method for prediction of interlaminar shear stresses in an arbitrarily laminated thick plate

An approximate semianalytical method for determination of interlaminar shear stress distribution through the thickness of an arbitrarily laminated thick plate has been presented. The method is based on the assumptions of transverse inextensibility and layerwise constant shear angle theory (LCST) and utilizes an assumed quadratic displacement potential energy based finite element method (FEM). Centroid of the triangular surface has been proved from a rigorous mathematical point of view (Aubin-Nitsche theory), to be the point of exceptional accuracy for the interlaminar shear stresses. Numerical results indicate close agreement with the available three-dimensional elasticity theory solutions. A comparison between the present theory and that due to an assumed stress hybrid FEM suggest that the (normal) traction-free-edge condition is not satisfied in the latter approach. Furthermore, the present paper is the first to present the results for interlaminar shear stresses in a two-layer thick square plate of balanced unsymmetric angle-ply construction. A comparison with the recently proposed Equilibrium Method (EM) indicates the superiority of the present method, because the latter assures faster convergence as well as simultaneous vanishing of the transverse shear stresses on both of the exposed surfaces of the laminate. Superiority of the present method over the EM, in the case of a symmetric laminate, is limited to faster convergence alone. It has also been demonstrated that the combination of the present method and the reduced (quadratic order) numerical integration scheme yields convergence of the interlaminar shear stresses almost as rapidly as that of the nodal displacements, in the case of a thin plate.
Captopril kinetics in chronic congestive heart failure

We investigated the kinetics of 25 mg Captopril by mouth in 12 patients with congestive heart failure and correlated them with the hormonal and hemodynamic changes associated with the drug. Observations were made after a single dose (25 mg orally), and after short-term therapy (25 mg t.i.d. for 3 days). Captopril kinetics were as previously reported in normal subjects, with the exception that time to maximum concentration (tmax) of free Captopril was slightly higher and the half-life (t½) was slightly shorter than in normal subjects. Total Captopril t½ was longer than normal, suggesting cumulation. Urinary excretion was slower than normal. Differences between Captopril kinetics on days 1 and 5 were that the tmax developed somewhat sooner, with a shorter t½ on day 5 and total Captopril blood levels were higher on day 5 than on day 1. Urinary excretion was greater on day 5 than on day 1. Hemodynamic improvement after a single oral dose of Captopril was significant and correlated with baseline plasma renin activity (PRA). The onset of converting-enzyme inhibition, as determined by PRA and hemodynamic improvement correlated with Captopril blood levels. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1982) 32, 721–726; doi:10.1038/clpt.1982.228
Isolation and structure of several peptides from porcine hypothalami.

Abstract Ten peptides were isolated from porcine hypothalami and structurally elucidated. These included four dipeptides Arg-Phe, Phe-Tyr, Val-Trp, and Tyr-Phe; a tripeptide Lys-Phe-Tyr; two tetrapeptides Gly-Lys-Val-Asn and Phe-Glu-His-Glu, a nonapeptide Val-Val-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Thr-Gln-Arg-Phe; a decapeptide Leu-Val-Val-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Thr-Gln-Arg-Phe and a hexadecapeptide Phe-Leu-Gly-Phe-Pro-Thr-Thr-Lys-Thr-Tyr-Phe-Pro-His-Phe-Asn-Leu. The tetrapeptide Gly-Lys-Val-Asn, the nonapeptide, the decapeptide and the hexadecapeptide most probably represent artifact fragments of α- and β-chains of porcine hemoglobin. The natural or synthetic Gly-Lys-Val-Asn and Phe-Glu-His-Glu had some growth hormone releasing activity while Val-Trp, Tyr-Phe and Lys-Phe-Tyr had slight prolactin releasing activity. The biological activities of other peptides have not been determined yet.
Objectivity of incremental constitutive relations over finite time steps in computational finite deformation analyses

Abstract Computational techniques, which preserve the objectivity of incremental constitutive relations, for finite elastic or inelastic materials, for finite time steps, during which the material elements may undergo finite rotations, are presented. These techniques are useful in finite deformation (finite rotations and finite strain) computational analysis of two as well as three dimensional solids and structures.
The Political Attitudes of German Business

The surface indices of political life in Germany suggest that that nation has embarked upon a moderate pro-European and pro-Western course, and that political extremism and nationalism have no significant appeal at the present time. Thus the elections of 1953 produced an overwhelming majority for the “moderate” parties. Neither the Communist Party nor specifically neo-Nazi formations attained significant votes or representation in the Bundestag in the election of that year. On the whole, the statements made by governmental, political, and interest group leaders have been cautious and responsible. Occasional manifestations of neo-Nazism have been local and limited in character. There is no evidence to suggest that such tendencies have widespread organized support either aboveground or underground.
Rural adult education: Current status

This chapter provides a brief overview of the term rural and a summary of critical issues important to adult and continuing educators working with rural populations.
One-electron and phonon-assisted tunneling in n-Ge Schottky barriers

Metal-Ge n-type semiconductor tunnel junctions, discussing Sb and As doped units and conductance and barrier heights air cleavage effects
Results from a volcanologist's laboratory

The 1980 Eruptions of Mount St. Helens, Washington. Edited by Peter W. Lipman and Donal R. Mullineaux. US Government Printing Office/Microinfo, Alton, Hampshire: 1982. Pp.844. $35, £65.70.
The effect of anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and reconstruction on the patellofemoral joint.

BackgroundLittle is known about the effect of anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and reconstruction on the patellofemoral joint.HypothesisAnterior cruciate ligament deficiency changes the patellofemoral joint biomechanics. Reconstruction of the ligament does not restore the altered patellofemoral joint function.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsEight patients with an acute anterior cruciate ligament injury in 1 knee and the contralateral side intact were included in the study. Magnetic resonance and dual-orthogonal fluoroscopic imaging techniques were used to compare the patellofemoral joint function during a single-leg lunge between the intact, the anterior cruciate ligament–injured, and the anterior cruciate ligament–reconstructed knee. Data on the patellar tendon apparent elongation and orientation, patellar tracking and patellofemoral cartilage contact location were collected preoperatively and at 6 months after reconstruction.ResultsAnterior cruciate ligament deficiency caused a signi...
Evaluation of subxiphoid pericardial window used in the detection of occult cardiac injury

Abstract We critically evaluated several diagnostic modalities (clinical criteria, subxiphoid pericardial window (SPW) and laparoscopy) used in the detection of occult cardiac injury in haemodynamically stable patients at high risk of cardiac injury. Over 5 years, 122 patients were admitted to a Level I trauma centre with such an injury. They sustained 69 stab wounds, and 53 gunshot wounds. Sites of penetration were: precordial (81), right chest (25), lateral chest (13), thoracoabdominal (40) and abdominal (19). Vital signs in the emergency room were (mean ± SD): systolic BP, 111 ± 23.2 mmHg; HR, 106 ± 18.7; GCS, 13.6 ± 1.3; and CVP, 17 ± 7.8 cmH2O. SPW was performed in all patients and was positive for haemopericardium in 26 patients, 24 (92 per cent) of whom had a cardiac injury at operation. Two patients had pericardial lacerations without cardiac injury. In addition, 14 patients with lower precordial and thoracoabdominal wounds underwent laparoscopy. At laparoscopy, the pericardium was evaluated by transdiaphragmatic inspection in 10 patients. The presence (two) or absence (eight) of blood within the pericardium was accurately predicted and verified by SPW. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis of clinical data failed to reveal any significant predictor of cardiac injury. SPW remains the standard means of diagnosing occult cardiac injury in high-risk patients. Since the incidence of occult cardiac injury in haemodynamically stable patients is 20 per cent, SPW should be used liberally. Laparoscopy may have a role in evaluating the pericardium in the subgroup of patients with lower chest wounds, and it facilitates inspection of intra-abdominal viscera and diaphragm at the same time.
Bathing Trunk Nevus with Extensive Vascular Involvement

An extensive congenital melanocytic nevus is described which, in its deeper portion, had striking neurofibromatous features. At the dermal subcutaneous junction, there were prominent subendothelial collections of nevus cells in large veins. Similar findings have been described in neurofibromatosis. The apparent relationship of these two disorders both histologically and clinically suggests a histogenetic relationship between nevus and Schwann cells.
Corticosteroid effects on cell signalling

Corticosteroids are the most effective anti-inflammatory therapy for asthma. Inflammation in asthma is characterised by the increased expression of multiple inflammatory genes regulated by pro-inflammatory transcription factors, such as nuclear factor-kappaB and activator protein-1, which bind to and activate coactivator molecules that acetylate core histones and switch on gene transcription. Corticosteroids suppress the multiple inflammatory genes that are activated in asthmatic airways, mainly by reversing histone acetylation of activated inflammatory genes through binding of glucocorticoid receptors to coactivators and recruitment of histone deacetylase 2 to the activated transcription complex. Activated glucocorticoid receptors also bind to recognition sites in the promoters of certain genes in order to activate their transcription, resulting in secretion of anti-inflammatory proteins, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1, which inhibits mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways. Glucocorticoid receptors may also interact with other recognition sites to inhibit transcription, for example of several genes linked to their side-effects. In some patients with steroid-resistant asthma, there are abnormalities in glucocorticoid receptor signalling pathways. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and asthmatic patients who smoke, histone deacetylase 2 is markedly impaired as a result of oxidative/nitrative stress, and so inflammation is resistant to the anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids. The therapeutic implications of these new findings are discussed.
Curcumin enhances the anticancer effects of trichostatin a in breast cancer cells

Breast cancer patients with HER-2 positive or estrogen receptor negative tumors have a poor prognosis because these tumors are aggressive and respond poorly to standard therapies. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been shown to decreased cell survival, which suggests that HDAC inhibitors may be developed for preventing and treating breast cancer. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and proapoptotic effects in cancer cells. We determined whether the HDAC inhibitor, Tricostatin A (TSA) in combination with curcumin would produce greater antiproliferative and apoptotic effects than either agent alone. Increasing the concentration of curcumin from 10 to 20 µM enhanced the growth inhibitory effects of the combination in SkBr3 and 435eB breast cancer cells, which was accompanied by decreased viability along with decreased phosphorylation of ERK and Akt. The decreased cell viability observed in SkBr3 cells when curcumin was combined with TSA led to a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and increased p21 and p27, and decreased Cyclin D1 protein expression. The combination induced cleavage of caspase 3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, suggesting that cell death occurred by apoptosis. There were no changes in protein expression of Bcl2, Bax, or Bcl-xL and decreased expression of p53. The combination increased protein expression of phosphorylated JNK and phosphorylated p38. Pharmacological inhibition of JNK, but not p38, attenuated the decreased viability induced by the curcumin and TSA combination. We conclude that p53 independent apoptosis induced by combining curcumin and TSA involves JNK activation. These findings provide a rationale for exploring the potential benefits of the combination of curcumin with TSA for treatment of breast cancer.
A dual‐mode interpretation of spin relaxation for 13CO2 sorbed in polycarbonate

Carbon-13 spin-lattice relaxation, spin-spin relaxation and nuclear Overhauser enhancements (NOE) are reported for 13CO2 sorbed in glassy polycarbonate. These spin relaxation parameters were determined as a function of temperature and Larmor frequency. A quantitative interpretation is presented based on a two-site, rapid exchange model. The model is related to the dual-mode model developed to interpret sorption and permeability data for gases sorbed in glassy polymers. This model proposes the existence of two types of sorbed gas molecules: dissolved molecules and Langmuir sorbed molecules. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) interpretation supports the conceptual features of the dualmode model. Gas molecules in the dissolved site have rotational, collisional, and translational dynamics typical of low molecular liquids. Langmuir sorbed gas molecules have much slower rotational and translational motions. The activation energy for motions in the dissolved site is about 1 kJ while the activation energy for the Langmuir site is about 10 kJ. The relative values of these activation energies are again consistent with the dual-mode picture. The translational diffusion constants determined from the NMR data range from 10−7 to 10−13 cm2 s−1 and are consistent with the apparent diffusion constant from permeability measurements of 3x10−8 cm2 s−1. A relation between the permeability value and the NMR values is available from a theoretical description of the dualmode model in terms of a random walk on a lattice containing two sites.
Shame in the obsessive compulsive related disorders: A conceptual review

Abstract Background Theoretical and anecdotal support for the role of shame in obsessive compulsive related disorders (OCRDs) is prominent. Developing our understanding of shame׳s role in OCRDs is important to building knowledge about this new diagnostic category. This review aims to consolidate our understanding of shame in each OCRD, through summarizing existing clinical, conceptual, and empirical work. Methods We provide an overview of shame, its measurement considerations, and a full review of 110 articles addressing shame in OCRDs. Results General shame and shame about having a mental illness are the broadest types of shame relevant to OCRDs; symptom-based shame and body shame may be more specific to OCRDs. In OCD, violent, sexual, or blasphemous obsessions may trigger symptom-based shame. In trichotillomania (TTM) and skin picking (SP), symptom-based shame may be related to pulling, picking, and post-pulling/picking behaviors. In hoarding disorder, symptom-based shame may accompany beliefs about being defective due to living with clutter. Body shame appears inherent to body dysmorphic disorder, while in TTM and SP it may arise as a secondary response to damage resulting from body focused repetitive behaviors. Limitations Much of the current knowledge on shame in OCRDs comes from anecdotal, case, and conceptual work. Empirical studies do not always assess specific types of shame, instead assessing shame as a general construct. Conclusions Shame is closely related to OCRDs. Clinical and research recommendations drawing from the literature are provided.
A compact directional coupled slot antenna for ultra-wideband applications

In this paper we presented a new type of directional coupled sectorial loop antenna. The principle of operation of the antenna is based on the utilization of the coupling between the two loops separated by a metallic sector, to obtain wideband impedance matching and, in order to obtain directional pattern, the radiation of one of the loops has to be suppressed by carefully selecting its sector angle and the corner reflector angle. The effects of the different dimensions of the antenna are presented and design tradeoffs were investigated. A sample antenna operating over the frequency band 1-6 GHz with VSWR < 2 was fabricated and measured. The measured results showed good agreement with the simulation results and verified the validity of our approach.
Course-embedded student support for online English language learners

This paper describes an embedded approach to learner support in online English language courses. The support model is based on language acquisition, transactional distance, and self-regulated learning theories. Based on these theories, courses were designed to provide the interaction necessary for academic English language gains, decrease the transactional distance between the teacher and learner, and assist learners in developing the ability to control the factors that affect their learning; in other words, to be self-regulated learners. The latter is critical for those who lack the autonomy needed for successful distance learning. In this paper, three course activities are described and analyzed to demonstrate how the embedded support model responds to the needs of diverse learners and assists them in achieving identified outcomes. The courses were designed for off-site international students enrolled in traditional English-speaking higher education institutions.
Higher-Order Fertility Among Urban Fathers: An Overlooked Issue for a Neglected Population

The study includes a longitudinal sample of 1,989 fathers from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study and examines factors associated with fathering a higher-order birth (three or more children) and compares these factors to those predicting any subsequent birth. Also, the article examines differences by marital status. Logistic regression analyses indicate the likelihood of fathering a higher-order birth is greater among more disadvantaged men in urban contexts, those with lower levels of education, the unmarried, minorities, and those exhibiting higher levels of depressive symptomology. This suggests that the men likely to be least prepared to father large numbers of children have an elevated probability of having a higher-order birth. This study provides continuing evidence that several aspects of men's lives in urban contexts have important influences on their decisions to have a higher-order birth, and suggests that policies or programs that address fertility issues should include fathers whe...
Binding-Site Interactions between Epstein-Barr Virus Fusion Proteins gp42 and gH/gL Reveal a Peptide That Inhibits both Epithelial and B-Cell Membrane Fusion

Herpesviruses require membrane-associated glycoproteins gB, gH, and gL for entry into host cells. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gp42 is a unique protein also required for viral entry into B cells. Key interactions between EBV gp42 and the EBV gH/gL complex were investigated to further elucidate their roles in membrane fusion. Deletion and point mutants within the N-terminal region of gp42 revealed residues important for gH/gL binding and membrane fusion. Many five-residue deletion mutants in the N-terminal region of gp42 that exhibit reduced membrane fusion activity retain binding with gH/gL but map out two functional stretches between residues 36 and 96. Synthetic peptides derived from the gp42 N-terminal region were studied in in vitro binding experiments with purified gH/gL and in cell-cell fusion assays. A peptide spanning gp42 residues 36 to 81 (peptide 36-81) binds gH/gL with nanomolar affinity, comparable to full-length gp42. Peptide 36-81 efficiently inhibits epithelial cell membrane fusion and competes with soluble gp42 to inhibit B-cell fusion. Additionally, this peptide at low nanomolar concentrations inhibits epithelial cell infection by intact virus. Shorter gp42 peptides spanning the two functional regions identified by deletion mutagenesis had little or no binding to soluble gH/gL and were also unable to inhibit epithelial cell fusion, nor could they complement gp42 deletion mutants in B-cell fusion. These studies identify key residues of gp42 that are essential for gH/gL binding and membrane fusion activation, providing a nanomolar inhibitor of EBV-mediated membrane fusion.
The human geography of the western mountains of Romania

(1971). The human geography of the western mountains of Romania. Scottish Geographical Magazine: Vol. 87, No. 2, pp. 116-127.
Dosimetry and clinical implementation of dynamic wedge

Purpose Wedge-shaped isodoses are desired in a number of clinical situations. Physical wedge filters have provided nominal angled isodoses with dosimetric consequences of beam hardening, increased peripheral dosing, nonidealized gradients at deep depths, along with the practical consequences of filter handling and placement problems. Dynamic wedging uses a combination of a moving jaw and changing dose rate to achieve angled isodoses. The clinical implementation of dynamic wedge and an accompanying quality assurance program are discussed in detail. Methods and materials The accelerator at our facility has two photon energies (6 MV and 18 MV), currently with dynamic wedge angles of 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees. The segmented treatment tables (STT) that drive the jaw in concert with a changing dose rate are unique for field sizes ranging from 4.0 cm to 20.0 cm in 0.5 cm steps, resulting in 256 STTs. Transmission wedge factors were measured for each STT with an ion chamber. Isodose profiles were accumulated with film after dose conversion. For treatment-planning purposes, dmax orthogonal dose profiles were measured for open and dynamic fields. Physical filters were assigned empirically via the ratio of open and wedge profiles. Results A nonlinear relationship with wedge factor and field size was found. The factors were found to be independent of the stationary field setting or second order blocking. Dynamic wedging provided more consistent gradients across the field compared with physical filters. Percent depth doses were found to be closer to open field. The created physical filters provided planned isodoses that closely resembled measured isodoses. Comparative isodose plans show improvement with dynamic wedging. Conclusions Dynamic wedging has practical and dosimetric advantages over physical filters. Table collisions with physical filters are alleviated. Treatment planning has been solved with an empirical solution. Dynamic wedge is a positive replacement for physical filters, and a first step for commercial introduction of dynamic conformal therapy.
Reciprocally Imprinted Genes and the Response to Selection on One Sex

We explore the theoretical consequences of limiting selection to males for the evolution of imprinted genes. We find that the efficiency of male-limited selection depends on the pattern of imprinting at an imprinted locus. When selection is strong, the maternally expressed pattern of imprinting allows faster genetic change than the reciprocal, paternally expressed pattern. When selection is relatively weak, the pattern of imprinting that permits a greater rate of genetic response to selection depends on the frequency of the favored allele: the paternally expressed pattern permits faster genetic change than does the maternally expressed pattern at low frequencies of a favored allele; at higher frequencies of a favored allele, however, the maternally expressed pattern is again more conducive to a genetic response. To our knowledge, this is the first theoretical description of a difference between the two reciprocal patterns of imprinting. The selective efficiency bias we identify between the two patterns of imprinting has implications for natural and livestock populations, which we discuss.
Ecological Factors Impacting Provider Attitudes Towards Human Service Delivery Reform

Although reform efforts are substantially altering the structural operations and guiding ideological framework of the human service delivery system, little empirical work has been done to systematically examine these transformations. This study examines providers' attitudes regarding two reform elements that are being widely implemented: an increased emphasis on inter-agency collaboration and a shift from a medical model service delivery philosophy, that focuses on client deficits, to one that emphasizes consumer strengths. Through survey data collected from 186 providers from 32 human service agencies in one county, the relationship between providers' perceptions of contextual support for human service delivery reform and providers' attitudes towards these initiatives is explored. The findings from this study support the importance of attending to the ecology in which we initiate system reform efforts. For both reform elements, working within contexts that are perceived as providing ideological and functional support for change was associated with positive provider attitudes towards those changes. Staffs' perceptions of the external environment played the most critical role in shaping staff attitudes. Interestingly, unique aspects of providers' work environments were related to positive attitudes towards the two different reforms. The implications of these findings for the success of human service delivery reform are discussed.
Design of a 5:1 bandwidth stripline notch array from FDTD analysis

A 5:1 bandwidth stripline notch array antenna is designed from parametric investigations of flare and feed dimensions. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is employed to perform the parametric studies. Both linear and planar single-polarization arrays are considered with half-wavelength element spacing at the highest frequency. The linear array elements depend upon E-plane element mutual coupling to achieve wideband behavior. Edge elements, which cannot benefit from full E-plane coupling, are shown to maintain good transmit performance with the application of amplitude tapering. The planar array is shown to have a scanability (active VSWR <2) averaging 51/spl deg/ off broadside in the E-plane and exceeding 60/spl deg/ in the H-plane. As an infinite planar array, the antenna is predicted to have a bandwidth exceeding 7:1 on broadside. Measurements are in good agreement with the computations.
Modeling of biodynamic responses distributed at the fingers and the palm of the human hand–arm system

The objective of this study is to develop analytical models for simulating driving-point biodynamic responses distributed at the fingers and palm of the hand under vibration along the forearm direction (z(h)-axis). Two different clamp-like model structures are formulated to analyze the distributed responses at the fingers-handle and palm-handle interfaces, as opposed to the single driving point invariably considered in the reported models. The parameters of the proposed four- and five degrees-of-freedom models are identified through minimization of an rms error function of the model and measured responses under different hand actions, namely, fingers pull, push only, grip only, and combined push and grip. The results show that the responses predicted from both models agree reasonably well with the measured data in terms of distributed as well total impedance magnitude and phase. The variations in the identified model parameters under different hand actions are further discussed in view of the biological system behavior. The proposed models are considered to serve as useful tools for design and assessment of vibration isolation methods, and for developing a hand-arm simulator for vibration analysis of power tools.
Benchmarking the Asia Pacific tourism industry: A Bayesian combination of DEA and stochastic frontier

Abstract This study measures and compares the efficiency of leading tour operator and hotel companies across several Asia Pacific countries. We use an innovative methodology that is based on combining the stochastic frontier and data envelopment analysis in a Bayes framework. We show from the results that Australia, Singapore and South Korea are the most efficient in both their tour operator and hotel industries. We further show that international hotels in the region have a slightly higher efficiency than local hotels. We provide a listing of the most efficient tour operators and hotels in each country and discuss the implications of our findings.
Analysis of isoprenoid biosynthesis in peroxisomal-deficient Pex2 CHO cell lines

ZR-78 and ZR-82 cells are two peroxisomal-defi- cient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell mutants. These cells lack normal peroxisomes and show reduced levels of plasmalogen synthesis and other peroxisomal functions at- tributed to the deficiency of peroxisomal matrix enzymes. As we have recently identified two HMG-CoA reductase pro- teins in CHO cells, a 97 kDa reductase localized in the ER and a 90 kDa reductase protein localized in peroxisomes, this enabled us to study the two reductase proteins for the first time in peroxisomal-deficient CHO cells. In this study we report the results of a detailed analysis of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway in the peroxisomal-deficient CHO cell lines ZR-78 and ZR-82. We demonstrate that total HMG - CoA reductase activity is significantly reduced in the peroxi- somal-deficient cells as compared to the wild type cells. Analysis of the two reductase proteins in permeabilized cells indicated that in the ZR-78 and ZR-82 cells the 90 kDa peroxisomal reductase protein was mainly localized to the cytosol. We further show that the rates of both sterol (cho- lesterol) and non-sterol (dolichols) biosynthesis were signif- icantly lower in the peroxisomal-deficient cells, when either ( 3 H) acetate or ( 3 H) mevalonate was used as substrate. In contrast, the rate of dolichol biosynthesis in the peroxi- somal-deficient cells was similar to that of the wild type cells when incubated with ( 3 H) farnesol. In addition, we demon- strate that the peroxisomal-deficient cells exhibited increased rates of lanosterol biosynthesis as compared to wild type cells. The results of this study provide further evidence for the essential requirement of peroxisomes for choles- terol biosynthesis as well as for dolichol production.— Aboushadi, N., and S. K. Krisans. Analysis of isoprenoid bio- synthesis in peroxisomal-deficient Pex2 CHO cell lines. J. Lipid Res. 1998. 39: 1781-1791.
Model validation for an AMB-based compressor surge control test rig

In this paper, we present experimental test data for validation of a recently introduced mathematical model for compression systems, including the dynamic effects of varying the impeller axial tip clearance. For the centrifugal compressor test rig that was built to study the suppression of surge by using active magnetic bearings (AMBs) to control its impeller tip clearance, the steady state and the dynamic response of the compression system induced by varying the impeller tip clearance are measured and compared to theoretical predictions, and the states of the compression system in surge condition are collected and analyzed. Parameters in the compression system model, such as the Greitzer parameter B and Helmholtz frequency ωн are experimentally identified. Also, the servo dynamics of the magnetic bearing that controls the axial impeller position is determined experimentally.
Angular estimation: An exploratory study

Employing a backward visual masking paradigm, three exploratory studies were carried out to examine the effects of angle size and ISI on angle recognition processing. The results suggest that increasing size probably improves angle recognition performance, but clearly, much additional work remains.
Luminescent Main-Chain Organoborane Polymers: Highly Robust, Electron-Deficient Poly(oligothiophene borane)s via Stille Coupling Polymerization

A series of polymers (PBnT, n = 2–5) with boron atoms incorporated into the conjugated polythiophene main chain have been prepared via Pd-catalyzed coupling of stannylated thienylborane monomers. The polymers exhibit excellent long-term chemical stability to air and moisture and remarkable thermal stability with decomposition temperatures reaching over 300 °C. The high stability is achieved by placing very bulky pendant groups, 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl (Mes*) and 2,4,6-tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (FMes), on boron that prevent attack by nucleophiles. All these polymers display strong absorptions in the visible region and intense fluorescence in both solution and the solid state with quantum yields of up to 38% and fast radiative decay constants (kr) of up to 3.3 × 108 s–1. Density functional theory (DFT) studies on diborylated oligothiophene model compounds suggest that the strong absorption of the polymers results from π–π* transitions on the oligothiophene borane main chain with significant charge tran...
Synthesis of Ti, Mo and W Silicide Intermetallic Compounds by Mechanical Alloying

Ti5Si3 powder was synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA) of Ti powder and Si powder using a vibrational ball milling under 35kPa Ar. When stainless steel was used as a vessel and balls for MA, the obtained MA powder was amorphous and included a considerable amount of Fe because of adhesive wear of MA balls.ZrO2 ball forms coating layer on the surface of a ball in MA process, so that the contamination from MA ball to MA powder can be reduced. The Ti5Si3 powder milled for 720ksec with ZrO2 balls was not amorphous and contained Ti and Si crystal phase. WSi2 powder and MoSi2 powder were not synthesized by MA of W powder and Si powder or Mo powder and Si powder for 720ksec with ZrO2 balls.
Buffered Bloom Filters on Solid State Storage.

Bloom Filters are widely used in many applications including database management systems. With a certain allowable error rate, this data structure provides an efficient solution for membership queries. The error rate is inversely proportional to the size of the Bloom filter. Currently, Bloom filters are stored in main memory because the low locality of operations makes them impractical on secondary storage. In multi-user database management systems, where there is a high contention for the shared memory heap, the limited memory available for allocating a Bloom filter may cause a high rate of false positives. In this paper we are proposing a technique to reduce the memory requirement for Bloom filters with the help of solid state storage devices (SSD). By using a limited memory space for buffering the read/write requests, we can afford a larger SSD space for the actual Bloom filter bit vector. In our experiments we show that with significantly less memory requirement and fewer hash functions the proposed technique reduces the false positive rate effectively. In addition, the proposed data structure runs faster than the traditional Bloom filters by grouping the inserted records with respect to their locality on the
Eosinophils and Respiratory Virus Infection: A Dual-Standard Curve qRT-PCR-Based Method for Determining Virus Recovery from Mouse Lung Tissue

Several lines of investigation have indicated a role for eosinophilic leukocytes in limiting virus infectivity and promoting virion clearance. We have established a respiratory virus infection model with pneumonia virus of mice (PVM; family Paramyxoviridae), a natural mouse pathogen that replicates the more severe forms of human disease elicited by the phylogenetically related respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In this chapter, we present a rapid and highly reproducible dual-standard curve qRT-PCR based method for quantitative detection of PVM replication in mouse lung tissue. We have used this assay to evaluate eosinophil-mediated antiviral host defense in mouse models of cytokine and antigen-driven eosinophilic inflammation.
Progress in pharmacotherapy of depression: research implications

The relationship between the therapeutic effects of tricyclic antidepressant drugs (TCAs) and their behavioral and biochemical action in animals is, at present, not well understood. With a few exceptions, most TCAs are characterized by their ability to inhibit the neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) and/or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (Glowinski and Axelrod, 1964; Iversen, 1965; Carlsson et al., 1969a, 1969b; Ross and Renyi, 1969). Therefore, it has generally been believed that the therapeutic action of these drugs is due to an enhancement of NE and/or 5-HT neurotransmission in the brain caused by reuptake inhibition (Schildkraut, 1965; Coppen, 1967; Lapin and Oxenkrug, 1969; U’Prichard et al., 1978). Since the prototype TCAs such as imipramine, amitriptyline and, more recently, clomipramine (Ross and Renyi, 1975) affect both NE and 5-HT reuptake in vivo and thus presumably enhance the functional activity of both amines, the relative role of NE and 5-HT in the therapeutic action of antidepressant drugs has been quite controversial. This is further complicated by their pronounced action on pre- and postsynaptic receptors.
An ‘Englishman at Heart’? Lawrence, the Jews, and the National Identity Debates

I have already taken some issue with the inclusion of Lawrence among the ‘authoritarians’, those modernists who maintain strict boundaries between self and Jewish other. Here I would address another part of that same categorical statement from these commentators: that Lawrence is among those (Eliot, Pound, et al.) ‘who locate themselves at the heart of European and English national culture’.1 I would nuance that assertion, because Lawrence cannot be said to lie ‘at the heart’ of his culture, much less to place himself there — he voiced too many objections to aspects of English society. In fact, his situation bears a kinship to that of the Jew. For, in an interview in the Jewish Chronicle in 1926, the British Home Secretary, William Joynson-Hicks — who would a few years later instigate the seizure of Lawrence’s poetry collection Pansies — explained that his chief test for granting nationalization papers to an ‘alien’ was whether the immigrant had become ‘an Englishman at heart’. By this standard Joynson-Hicks had in mind assimilation into the dominant culture through adoption of its language and customs, and on the basis of this standard he deported hundreds of Jewish immigrants after the First World War.2 Had Lawrence, Joynson-Hicks’s nemesis, been put to the same test, it is problematic whether he himself would have passed, even though in many ways, including holding negative attitudes toward Jews, he was the arch Englishman. Lawrence presents an inter- esting case of a person who was both in and outside of Englishness, and whose struggles at self-de finition mirror those of this marginalized group that he frequently denounced.
The Moderating Effect of National Culture on the Relationship between Entrepreneurial Orientation and Strategic Alliance Portfolio Extensiveness

This study examines the influence that national culture has on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and strategic alliance formation. Using a sample of small- to medium-sized enterp...
Utilizing the Walking Interview to Explore Campus Climate for Students of Color.

This article explores the walking interview as a qualitative tool to assess campus climate. Using examples from a study that employed the walking interview, the author elucidates how this method of data collection allows for in situ understandings of participants’ perceptions, spatial practices, biographies, social architecture, and social realms within the campus environment. The author also details how the walking interview may be useful in exploring the experiences of and empowering students of Color.
Photocatalytic Oxidation of Lignin Model Systems by Merging Visible-Light Photoredox and Palladium Catalysis.

Lignin valorization has long been recognized as a sustainable solution for the renewable production of aromatic compounds. Two-step oxidation/reduction strategies, whereby the first oxidation step is required to “activate” lignin systems for controlled fragmentation reactions, have recently emerged as viable routes toward this goal. Herein we describe a catalytic protocol for oxidation of lignin model systems by combining photoredox and Pd catalysis. The developed dual catalytic protocol allowed the efficient oxidation of lignin model substrates at room temperature to afford the oxidized products in good to excellent yields.
Comparative methylation analysis of murine transgenes that undergo or escape X-chromosome inactivation

We analyzed an X-linked metallothionein–vasopressin (MTVP) fusion transgene that undergoes X-chromosome inactivation (X inactiv ation) and an X-linked transferrin (TFN) transgene that escapes X inactivation with respect to methylation in the 5′ regulatory regions. The MTVP transgene promoter region is unmethylated when the transgene is on the active X chromosome and methylated when on the inactive X chromosome. Interestingly, the MTVP transgene is not detectably transcribed from the male X chromosome, although it is unmethylated, consistent with its availability for transcription. The TFN transgene promoter region is hypomethylated on both the active and inactive X chromosomes, consistent with its expression from both chromosomes. The TFN and MTVP transgenes have been mapped to chromosomal regions D and C, respectively, by fluorescence in situ hybridization. These observations are discussed in the context of our understanding of the role of DNA methylation in the spread and maintenance of X-chromosome inactivation.
Two cases of Legg–Perthes and intellectual disability in Tricho–Rhino–Phalangeal syndrome type 1 associated with novel TRPS1 mutations

Tricho-Rhino-Phalangeal syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TRPS1 gene. This malformation syndrome is characterized by distinctive craniofacial features including sparse scalp hair, bulbous tip of the nose, long flat philtrum, thin upper vermilion border, and protruding ears. Skeletal abnormalities include cone-shaped epiphyses at the phalanges, hip malformations, and short stature. In this report, we describe two patients with the physical manifestations and genotype of TRPS type I but with learning/intellectual disability not typically described as part of the syndrome. The first patient has a novel heterozygous two-base-pair deletion of nucleotides at 3198-3199 (c.3198-3199delAT) in the TRPS1 gene causing a translational frameshift and subsequent alternate stop codon. The second patient has a 3.08 million base-pair interstitial deletion at 8q23.3 (113,735,487-116,818,578), which includes the TRPS1 gene and CSMD3. Our patients have characteristic craniofacial features, Legg-Perthes syndrome, various skeletal abnormalities including cone shaped epiphyses, anxiety (first patient), and intellectual disability, presenting unusual phenotypes that add to the clinical spectrum of the disease.
The Multimodal Exponential Families of Statistical Catastrophe Theory

This paper reviews recent developments in statistical catastrophe theory. A connection is established between a class of stochastic catastrophe models (the ‘cuspoid’ catastrophes, with Weiner input) and a class of regular exponential families, which are the stationary probability densities of the stochastic catastrophe models. These are called the exponential catastrophe densities. Parameter estimation is examined from the point of view of three methods: maximum likelihood, moments, and approximation theory. Special attention is given to the cusp densities, and a comparative example is presented. Then an inferential theory is presented, based on the likelihood ratio test. This test can be used on a hierarchy of catastrophe densities. At the base of the heirarchy are the familiar normal, gamma, and beta densities, while at the top are complex multimodal forms. The theory as presented has none of the topolological flavor of catastrophe theory, but the principle of invariance up to diffeomorphism is discussed in relation to the inferential theory.