cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Degrees of Models

According to Godel's completeness theorem, every consistent theory1 has a model whose domain is a set of natural numbers. The objects of the model corresponding to the predicate symbols of the theory are then predicates of natural numbers. Kleene [5] p. 398 showed that, if the theory is axiomatizable,2 then the model can be chosen so that these predicates are in both two-quantifier forms, i.e., they can be expressed in both the forms (x)(Ey)R and (Ex)(y)S with R and S recursive. An alternative proof has been given by Hasen jaeger [3].
The state of water in muscle as studied by pulsed NMR

Abstract Spin-lattice relaxation times for the water protons in rat gastronemius muscle are reported over the temperature range +37 to −70°C at six resonance frequencies ranging from 4.5 to 60.0 MHz. From −8 to −70°C, the bulk of the muscle water is frozen. The unfrozen part is termed the hydrated layer and amounts to 7–12% of the total water content. Its correlation time takes teh form of a log-Gaussaian distribution function. From +37 to −8°C, the spin-lattice relaxation time is explained by the exchange of water between the hydration layer and the rest of the water, which behaves like ordinary liquid water. The fact that the observed T 2 values are smaller than the calculated values is attributed to the inner field inhomogeneity of the heterogenous system and/or the modification of T 2 due to non-zero dipolar interaction. In the presence of perdeuterated dimethylsulfoxide, the freezing point of water decreases and the amount of non-freezable water increases. T 1 of water protons for muscle containing 10, 20, and 40% dimethylsulfoxide was calculated.
Diffusion of Cd-In alloy into lead-tin telluride

Abstract Cd-In alloy was used as an impurity source for a diffusion study in lead-tin telluride. Major changes in the physical properties of the diffused semiconductor was observed: A 10 19 cm −3 p -type material was inverted to n -type with 77°K carrier concentration as low as 3 x 10 12 cm −3 and resistivity of 10 3 ohm cm. 0.5% expansion in the lattice constant was measured, while photoconductivity measurements on the diffused material show a large increase in the threshold energy. Temperature dependences of the Hall coefficient, resistivity, mobility, and of the absorption edge are shown.
Simple co-agglutination assay for rapid identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A new co-agglutination assay for the identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from culture was developed and evaluated. A total of 232 P. aeruginosa isolates, and 36 oxidase-positive, Gram-negative clinical isolates were tested. The sensitivity of the assay was 96%, and the specificity was 91.9%. The assay took <15 min to perform.
Synaptic reorganization following regeneration of goldfish spinal cord.

Abstract There appears to be specificity in the regrowth of nerve fibers in the fish central nervous system. However, the distribution of terminal boutons is unknown. This study was undertaken to ascertain the reinnervation of neurons by boutons in the regenerated goldfish spinal cord. The spinal cord of 60 goldfish was transected and a segment 2 cm caudal to the lesion was examined 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, and 60 days postoperatively. In another group of animals the spinal cord was retransected after 60 days regeneration time and examined 5 days later to show contributions of long regenerated tracts. The spinal cord segment was stained for boutons by the Rasmussen technique. Boutons were counted on the soma of neurons in medial intermediate gray, ventral horn motoneurons, and ventral horn interneurons and in addition, on primary dendrite of motoneurons. Animals were observed daily for the return of normal swimming. Neurons in the intermediate gray region showed a gradual linear decrease in boutons for 30 days and they remained at this level from 30 to 60 days. Motoneuron soma and primary dendrite showed an abrupt decrease in boutons at 5 days, with a linear increase in boutons to normal levels by 60 days. Retransection of the spinal cord after 60 days did not result in bouton loss on soma or dendrite. These data indicate that the motoneuron was originally innervated by descending long tracts but was now reinnervated by other tracts. Ventral-horn interneuron soma showed an initial loss of boutons followed by return to normal numbers by 30 days and hyperinnervation between 30 and 60 days. Retransection resulted in the return of boutons to normal levels. Thus, this interneuron was reinnervated by regenerated descending tracts. Despite this synaptic reorganization of spinal neurons, normal swimming returned. We conclude that specificity of regeneration is not selective for soma or dendrite of spinal neurons but is probably selective for the neuronal pools or circuits necessary for swimming.
Thermophysical property standard reference data from NIST

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has a primary function to develop and disseminate standard reference data for the thermophysical properties of fluids and fluid mixtures of interest to the industrial and scientific communities. In this paper we discuss five computerized databases distributed by the Standard Reference Data (SRD) Program of NIST. The databases provide national standards for the properties of pure fluids, an accurate evaluated mixture program focusing on the properties of natural gas mixtures, a predictive package emphasizing hydrocarbon systems up to C20, database for refrigerant and prospective alternative refrigerant fluids, and the current scientific thermophysical property surfaces for pure water and steam. The databases include both thermodynamic surfaces and representations for transport properties over broad ranges of temperature. pressure, and composition. We also discuss our current research to improve the standards for air and for aqueous systems including the binary mixture of ammonia and water.
Crime, Culture Conflict and the Sources of Support for Gun Control: A Multilevel Application of the General Social Surveys

National survey data were combined with information about the cities in which urban respondents lived to determine whether support for gun control is increased by exposure to high crime rates, prior victimization, and fear of crime, or is a product of membership in social groups with cultures hostile to ownership and use of guns. Results indicate that support for gun permits is generally unrelated to crime-related variables but is heaviest among those social groups regarded as most hostile to gun ownership and its associated cultural traits. That is, support is stronger among liberals, higher-income persons, those with more schooling, Jews, and those who do not own guns or hunt. The results support the view that gun control support is more a product of culture conflict than a response to crime. Results for contextual variables also indicate that support is stronger in cities with more police and fewer gun owners per capita.
Fecundity of Northeast Atlantic spurdog (Squalus acanthias)

Ellis, J. R., and Keable, J. 2008. Fecundity of Northeast Atlantic spurdog (Squalus acanthias). - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 979-981.A large catch of mature, female spurdog (Squalus acanthias) was made on 22 November 2005 in the Irish Sea. Examination of a subsample of 202 of these fish (82-117-cm total length, L) indicated that 28% were carrying near-term pups, 70% year one pups, and 1% candles. Uterine fecundity (F) for those fish that were not considered to have aborted pups (n = 179) ranged from 3 to 21 and increased with total length, where F = 0.428 L−31.87. The upper limits of these fecundity estimates are the highest recorded for spurdog in the Northeast Atlantic. These data are discussed in relation to previously published fecundity estimates and the possibility of a density-dependent increase in fecundity.
Canonical quantization with quadratic constraints

Based on an analysis first suggested by Bryce S. DeWitt, we have found that a special case of the general classical theory involving quadratic constraints can be quantized canonically, in the sense that the quantum constraints are consistent. In particular, this special case contains all known physical theories of bosons,including Einstein'sGeneral Theory of Relativity. The quantum constraints for this theory are given explicitly in an appendix.
Chronic Fatigue: Tired of Being Tired

Because of the widespread nature of chronic fatigue, health care providers need a common understanding of chronic fatigue to enable effective communication. To aid this understanding a concept analysis was undertaken using a modified version of Rodger’s evolutionary method of concept analysis. The literature review yielded many resources focused on defining fatigue and relating it to many diverse chronic conditions. This article also discusses the differences between chronic fatigue and acute episodes of fatigue. Chronic fatigue is a subjective, unpleasant, changeable, and exhausting experience that adversely affects quality of life. Whereas rest or sleep often relieves acute fatigue, chronic fatigue is unrelenting. Chronic fatigue has multiple antecedents and is a component of a diverse array of chronic diseases.
Melting of a Solid Sphere Under Forced and Mixed Convection: Flow Characteristics

An experimental investigation on flow around a melting ice sphere in horizontally flowing water is conducted. The flow field is measured quantitatively using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. The distributions of velocity, streamline, and z-component of rotation vector around the ice sphere are obtained for different upstream velocities and temperatures. General flow characteristics around the melting ice sphere and effects of velocity and temperature are analyzed. The visualization of melting of a dyed ice sphere is also conducted to investigate the motion of the melt, its mixing with mainstream, and the separation of the boundary layer. Comparisons with the flow around a non-melting ball are made to investigate the effect of melting on the flow boundary layer
An allosteric mechanism of Rho-dependent transcription termination

Rho is the essential RNA helicase that sets the borders between transcription units and adjusts transcriptional yield to translational needs in bacteria. Although Rho was the first termination factor to be discovered, the actual mechanism by which it reaches and disrupts the elongation complex (EC) is unknown. Here we show that the termination-committed Rho molecule associates with RNA polymerase (RNAP) throughout the transcription cycle; that is, it does not require the nascent transcript for initial binding. Moreover, the formation of the RNAP-Rho complex is crucial for termination. We show further that Rho-dependent termination is a two-step process that involves rapid EC inactivation (trap) and a relatively slow dissociation. Inactivation is the critical rate-limiting step that establishes the position of the termination site. The trap mechanism depends on the allosterically induced rearrangement of the RNAP catalytic centre by means of the evolutionarily conserved mobile trigger-loop domain, which is also required for EC dissociation. The key structural and functional similarities, which we found between Rho-dependent and intrinsic (Rho-independent) termination pathways, argue that the allosteric mechanism of termination is general and likely to be preserved for all cellular RNAPs throughout evolution.
STUDIES ON THE NATURE OF THE PROTEIN CATABOLIC RESPONSE TO ADRENAL CORTICAL EXTRACT. ACCENTUATION BY INSULIN HYPOGLYCEMIA

In previous reports (Engel, Schiller and Pentz, 1949, Bondy, Engel, and Farrar, 1949) data were presented to indicate that the adrenal cortex influenced nitrogen metabolism largely at the level of protein breakdown and that this effect on protein catabolism was conditioned by the internal metabolic environment of the animal at the time of treatment with hormone. It was suggested that the levels of carbohydrate stores in the body and the availability of sources of new carbohydrate other than tissue protein were factors in determining the occurrence or magnitude of protein catabolism after cortical hormone treatment. A possible synergistic role of non-specific stress in the protein catabolic response to adrenal cortical extract (A.C.E.) was also considered. The present study is an attempt to elucidate further the role of the need for gluconeogenesis in determining the protein catabolic response to A.C.E. Insulin hypoglycemia was used as a method for increasing carbohydrate requirements and hence the need fo...
Generation of accurate broadband information from narrowband data using the cauchy method

The Method of Cauchy has been used to extrapolate a desired parameter over a broad range of frequencies. This information is generated using some information about the parameter over a narrow band of frequencies or at some discrete frequency points.
Formation and inflammation of a turbulent jet

The formation and inflammation of a planar, turbulent jet in an incompressible medium is modeled numerically by the use of the random vortex method amended by a flame propagation algorithm. The results demonstrate the dominant influence of turbulent eddies and their interactions upon the development of the jet. Its growth is shown to consist of three stages: formation of small eddies, pairing of eddies with the same sign of circulation, and pairing of eddies of opposite signs. On this basis a number of features of the jet mechanism are revealed, namely penetration, engulfment, entrainment, and intermittency. Two cases of inflammation are considered. In one, the jet is ignited at the center of the orifice, the solution tracing its own inflammation. In the other, combustion is initiated across its full cross section, the results modeling the action of a turbulent torch as it spreads the flame into the combustible surroundings. In both cases the flow field is still dominated by the turbulent eddies and their interactions. However, the coherence among them is encumbered as a consequence of expansion due to the exothermicity of the combustion process.
Synthesis of constrained raloxifene analogues by complementary use of Friedel-Crafts and directed remote metalation reactions.

New constrained heterocyclic analogues, 2a,b and 3, of Raloxifene (1) have been prepared by complementary Directed remote Metalation (DreM)/Friedel−Crafts cyclization approaches. Utilization of a benzylidene-thiolactone rearrangement was successfully implemented to construct benzothiophenes 13a−c in good yields. Selective deprotection of 13a and 13b induced by complexation followed by triflation gave 18 and 23, thereby allowing efficient Suzuki−Miyaura cross coupling with borolane 16 to give biaryls 19 and 24. Treatment of 19 with BCl3 induced an intramolecular para Fridel−Crafts cyclization and concomitant double deprotection to furnish analogue 2a, a new 5,6,6,6-(C4S−C6−C6−C6) sulfur-containing heterocycle. Exposure of 25 with excess LDA induced a DreM cyclization delivering the ortho-substituted 5,6,6,6-(C4S−C6−C6−C6) heterocylic analogue 26 in 70% yield. Similar treatment of 13c and 27 afforded 30, representing the novel 5,5,6,6-(C4S−C5−C6−C6) ring system, which was subjected to Suzuki−Miyaura cross c...
A groaning demographic

What if zombies were real? And what if, rather than wiping out humanity, we found a way to coexist, to manage the problem? We would need data, of course information about the undead horde – to help develop an appropriate civil response. And we would need people like Daniel Zelterman, professor of biostatistics at Yale University, to compile and analyse that data. In this extract from the new book, Mathematical Modelling of Zombies – billed as a maths-based survival guide – Zelterman explores the distribution of the US zombie population in the days, weeks and months that followed the night of the living dead
Microscale flow modelling in geologic materials

Three-dimensional imaging techniques, numerical methods for simulating flow and transport, and emergent computational architectures are combined to enable fundamental studies of fluid flow at the pore scale. High resolution reconstructions of porous media obtained using laser scanning confocal microscopy reduce sampling artifacts to sub-micron features, and simultaneously capture multiple grain length scales. However, the volumetric image data sets are extremely large, and there are significant computational challenges in utilizing this information effectively. The principal problem lies in the complexity of the geometry and the retention of this structure in numerical analyses. Lattice Boltzmann (LB) methods provide a direct means to simulate transport processes in complex geometric domains due to the unique ability to treat accurately and efficiently the multitude of discrete boundary conditions. LB methods are numerically explicit as formulated, and this characteristic is exploited through a mapping of the numerical domain to distributed computing architectures. These techniques are applied to perform single phase flow simulations in 3D data sets obtained from cores of Berea sandstone using confocal microscopy. Simulations are performed using both a purpose-built distributed processor computer and a massively parallel processer (MPP) platform.
The presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis is protective for ileal pouch from Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) has been shown to increase the risk for chronic pouchitis. However, the association between PSC and Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch has not been studied. METHODS Consecutive inflammatory bowel disease patients undergoing proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in our Pouchitis Registry from 2002 to 2012 were studied. Cases consisted of patients with CD of the pouch. Both univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS A total of 1425 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 265 (18.6%) with CD of the pouch and 78 (5.5%) with PSC. In the whole cohort, 799 patients (56.1%) were male and the mean ages at the time of diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and at pouch surgery were 25.5 ± 12.3 years and 35.4 ± 13.9 years, respectively. Patients with PSC had a longer duration from inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis to pouch construction (P < 0.001). Fewer patients with PSC had toxic megacolon at the time of colectomy (P = 0.009), but more patients with PSC had neoplasia as the indication for colectomy (P < 0.001), concurrent autoimmune disorders (P < 0.001), and liver transplantation (P = 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the presence of PSC was shown to be inversely associated with the risk for the development of CD of the pouch, with a hazard ratio of 0.39 (95% confidence interval: 0.16 to 0.95, P = 0.038). However, no significant difference in terms of the distribution of phenotypes of CD of the pouch between patients with and without PSC was identified (P = 0.59). CONCLUSIONS The presence of PSC is inversely associated with the development of CD of the pouch.
Genetic modification of the vessel wall. Comparison of surgical and catheter-based techniques for delivery of recombinant adenovirus.

BACKGROUND Gene transfer can potentially alter vessel wall biology and intervene in the pathogenesis of human disease. Although several methods for vector delivery have been described, systematic comparisons of these methods are unavailable. Therefore, this study compared three catheter-based strategies and a surgical technique to assess efficient and selective gene transfer to the vascular wall. METHODS AND RESULTS The common carotid arteries and internal jugular veins of New Zealand White rabbits were infected with recombinant adenovirus encoding either firefly luciferase or a nuclear-localizing variant of beta-galactosidase. Delivery of recombinant virus was achieved by one of four methods: (1) instillation within a surgically isolated vessel segment (dwell), (2) a double-balloon catheter, (3) a perforated balloon catheter (Wolinsky), or (4) an angioplasty balloon catheter coated with a hydrophilic adsorbent polymer (Hydrogel). Vessel segments were analyzed 4 days after infection for luciferase and beta-galactosidase activity and for the extent of injury to the vessel wall. Luciferase activity in vessels infected using the double-balloon method was substantially greater than that achieved by catheter-based methods (P < .05). The dwell and double-balloon methods yielded selective expression in intimal cells, whereas arteries infected using perforated or Hydrogel-coated balloon catheters demonstrated expression primarily in medial cells. Tissue injury was most pronounced with the perforated balloon catheter. CONCLUSIONS Prototype catheters permit relatively efficient direct gene transfer to vascular endothelium; however, delivery methods for targeting the medial cells are inefficient. Modifications are needed to optimize direct gene transfer and minimize tissue injury.
Nonlinear UHF quartz MEMS oscillator with phase noise reduction

Stable local oscillators with low phase noise are extremely important elements in high performance communication and navigation systems. We present the development of compact UHF-band frequency sources capable of maintaining low phase noise for handheld portable systems. We also explored nonlinearity in MEMS resonators and attempted to use nonlinear dynamics to enhance phase noise performance. Using the quartz MEMS technology, we have thus far demonstrated a 635 MHz oscillator with -112 dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 kHz offset frequency. The controlled oscillation of this nonlinear Duffing resonator in a closed-loop system with improved phase noise is described.
Regularization of pattern formation in metal/SMP bi-layer structures

In this paper, we demonstrate a fabrication method for ordered self-assembly using pre-programmed shape memory polymer (SMP) as the substrate in an organic-inorganic bi-layer structure. By heating the hybrid structure above the SMP's shape recovery temperature, the substrate expands because of positive CTE in one direction, while in the perpendicular direction it shrinks due to shape memory effect overpowering thermal expansion. Consequently, the thin film is subjected to an orthogonal compression-tension stress field and forms unidirectional wavy patterns. We further validate our conceptual design by adjusting the strain level of pre-programmed SMP substrates. The present study is expected to offer a convenient and simple path of fabricating unidirectional wavy patterns. Moreover, selective growth and ordering of patterns can become possible.
Characterizing the Memory Effect on the amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenyl) carbamate stationary phase.

Acid/base modifiers are sometimes used as additives in normal phase elution on columns packed with CHIRALPAK AD. They affect enantioseparations in ways that are not understood for the lack of systematic studies, which makes the scale-up of preparative separations difficult to predict. Once a column has been exposed to these modifiers, the selectivity of certain pairs of enantiomers may change, for the better or the worse. Numerous molecules that are affected by this phenomenon are listed in the literature. We selected five of them, the selectivity of which changes as more acidic or basic solutions are percolated through the column. The selectivity of ketoprofen, 4-chlorophenylalanine methyl and ethyl esters improves as a solution of Ethanesulfonic Acid is percolated through the column. The selectivity of Propranolol HCl and Troger's base increases as a solution of diisopropylamine is percolated through the column. Each one of these five compounds is inversely affected by the percolation of the opposite acid/base solution. We used trans-Stilbene Oxide (tso) as a "standard" to determine the columns stability because no Memory Effect is observed for it (its retention, enantioselectivity, and resolution remain constant). Karl Fisher titrations showed that only slight changes in the water content of the mobile phase occurred, and that a unique water to polymer moiety ratio is important. Analytical studies of the stationary phase suggest that slow protonation/deprotonation of water attached to the carbamate moiety may be responsible for the acid/base Memory Effect. Finally, we showed that the Memory Effect can be minimized by percolating through the column a sufficiently concentrated solution of the appropriate acid or base. Thus, columns that were unreliable for method development, due to the Memory Effect, can now be used. As a result, the need to store several CHIRALPAK AD columns, specific for each condition of the Memory Effect, is eliminated.
Hume’s practically epistemic conclusions?

The inoffensive title of Section 1.4.7 of Hume’s Treatise of Human Nature, ‘Conclusion of this Book’, belies the convoluted treatment of scepticism contained within. It is notoriously difficult to decipher Hume’s considered response to scepticism in this section, or whether he even has one. In recent years, however, one line of interpretation has gained popularity in the literature. The ‘usefulness and agreeableness reading’ (henceforth UA proponents include Ardal (in Livingston & King (eds.) Hume: a re-evaluation, 1976), Kail (in: Frasca-Spada & Kail (eds.) Impressions of Hume, 2005), McCormick (Hume Stud 31:1, 2005), Owen (Hume’s reason, 1999), and Ridge (Hume Stud 29:2, 2003), while Schafer (Philosophers, forthcoming) also defends an interpretation along these lines. In this paper, I will argue that although UA secondly, it is incompatible with other features of the text.
Clinical and Immunologic Basis of Interferon Therapy in Melanoma

Interferon α2b (IFN-α2b) at high dosage is critical to the reversal of signaling defects in T cells of melanoma patients, and to the durable effector (α DC1) polarization of dendritic cells. These immunoregulatory effects appear to be uniquely achieved with levels of IFN-α only attainable in vivo using the high-dose regimen of IFN-α2b (HDI). Three US cooperative group studies have evaluated the benefit of HDI as an adjuvant therapy for high-risk melanoma. All have demonstrated significant and durable reduction in the frequency of relapse, while the first and third trials have demonstrated significant improvements in the fractions of patients surviving compared with observation (E1684) or with a ganglioside vaccine (GMK, E1694). A meta-analysis of 13 randomized trials evaluating adjuvant IFN therapy has now also demonstrated significant benefits for IFN in terms of RFS and OS. Research of IFN-α in melanoma is now focused on identifying prognostic markers of outcome and predictors of therapeutic response.
Restoring Degraded Objects: The Next Best Thing to Teaching Ecological Restoration in the Field

It is often difficult or impossible to take conventional academic students into the field to observe and participate in real world ecological restoration projects. Consequently, many educators attempt to simulate these experiences by incorporating more active learning, non-lecture activities into their classes. In this paper, I share the results of, and what I have learned from, years of tinkering with a hands-on “degraded objects” activity for undergraduate students first presented in a 2004 paper by Lundholm and Larson. I have discovered that this activity is most effective when students select degraded objects that they care deeply about, bring their restored objects to class, and are free to present their work in whatever manner they think best. Although every class and every project has been unique, some common themes have emerged: 1) Restoring their objects turns out to be far more complex and interesting than the students thought it would be; 2) They demonstrate an impressive amount of perseverance, creativity, and resourcefulness; and 3) They meaningfully connect their projects to the individual components and overarching themes of the class as a whole. In conclusion, this can be a remarkably effective activity for simulating the experience of ecological restoration that simultaneously provides a concrete, achievable assignment and a holistic, open-ended challenge. It also helps the class develop a spirit of camaraderie and learn more about each other. This in turn helps us better understand, appreciate, and respect people whose values and perspectives may be radically different than our own.
Online environmental community members' intention to participate in environmental activities: An application of the theory of planned behavior in the Chinese context

This study investigated the factors associated with online environmental community members' intention to participate in environmental activities in the Chinese context, employing the framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Using data from a survey of community members (N=211), structural equation modeling analyses confirmed the roles of subjective norm and self-efficacy in affecting intention to participate in environmental activities. Unlike other TPB studies, however, the study discovered that attitude was not significantly associated with intention. In addition, other relevant factors, including ego involvement, group identification, perceived salience of environmental problems, perceived popularity of environmental activities, and perceived interactivity of the community websites, were found to be associated with the intention of participation, either directly or indirectly. The theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
Economic potential of the eel industry in taiwan

Abstract The economic potential is evaluated in terms of both supply and demand. The eel farming industry in Taiwan is plagued by a serious problem — the inadequate supply of locally produced seed eels in spite of an increasing demand for eel. The prospective growth of this industry in Taiwan depends largely on the success of rearing the imported seed eels.
Building Multirobot Coalitions Through Automated Task Solution Synthesis

This paper presents a reasoning system that enables a group of heterogeneous robots to form coalitions to accomplish a multirobot task using tightly coupled sensor sharing. Our approach, which we call ASyMTRe, maps environmental sensors and perceptual and motor control schemas to the required flow of information through the multirobot system, automatically reconfiguring the connections of schemas within and across robots to synthesize valid and efficient multirobot behaviors for accomplishing a multirobot task. We present the centralized anytime ASyMTRe configuration algorithm, proving that the algorithm is correct, and formally addressing issues of completeness and optimality. We then present a distributed version of ASyMTRe, called ASyMTRe-D, which uses communication to enable distributed coalition formation. We validate the centralized approach by applying the ASyMTRe methodology to two application scenarios: multirobot transportation and multirobot box pushing. We then validate the ASyMTRe-D implementation in the multirobot transportation task, illustrating its fault-tolerance capabilities. The advantages of this new approach are that it: 1) enables robots to synthesize new task solutions using fundamentally different combinations of sensors and effectors for different coalition compositions and 2) provides a general mechanism for sharing sensory information across networked robots
Insulin effect upon lipogenesis of perfused mouse liver

Abstract Lipogenesis of mouse livers was estimated by the incorporation of tritium, from triated water, into triglyceride fatty acids, thus eliminating the problem of varying specific activity of metabolic precursors which is met when using 14 C- or 3 H-labelled substrates. Using this procedure, a rapid (within 2 h) stimulatory effect of insulin upon lipogenesis of perfused livers obtained from anti-insulin serum-treated normal or obese-hyperglycemic ( ob/ob ) micr has been observed. Anti-insulin serum treatment did not alter hepatic glycogen or cyclic AMP content. The smallest effective stimulatory concentration of the hormone was 50 micro unit per ml. Insulin increased lipogenesis in the presence of either glucose or acetate but not in the absence of substrate. It did not relieve the inhibitory effect of added oleate upon the lipogenic process. The clear-cut stimulator effect of insulin upon lipogenesis observed in livers from anti-insulin serum-treated normal or obese-hyperglycemic mice was no longer present when livers from untreated animals were studied. Under the latter conditions, basal lipogenesis was higher than that seen in livers of animals treated with anti-insulin serum prior to the experiment, being highest in livers obtained from hyperinsulinemic obese-hyperglycemic mice. This suggested that the presence of endogenous insulin immediately prior to the experimental sufficed to stimulate hepatic lipogenesis, the degree of this stimulation being apparently related to that of insulinemia. Although the precise site of aciton of the rapid stimulatory influence of insulin upon liver lipogenesis is not determined, it appears to be situated at or beyond the level of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid handling and cyclic AMP being apparently not implicated in such hormonal regulations.
Late Paleozoic conifers of North America: structure, diversity and occurrences

Abstract Late Paleozoic conifer communities originated in moisture-stressed environments along the paleoequator on the Laurussian continent. By Late Permian time, northward movement of the continent displaced these communities toward subequatorial regions. North American deposits provide the most abundant and best preserved pre-Permian conifer fossils. They represent a wide spectrum of preservational modes including compression/impression, mold/cast, and cellular permineralization by carbonates, phosphates, iron sulfides, iron oxides and iron hydroxides. Some modes are associated with distinct biotic assemblages, and to some extent each can be correlated with certain depositional environments and taphonomic histories. Exceptional floras containing extensive conifer remains occur in the Rocky Mountains, the Midcontinent, and the Appalachian regions. These include: estuarine carbonates at Hamilton and Pomona, Kansas; transitional terrestrial to marine clastics at Kinney Brick Quarry, New Mexico, Garnett, Kansas and the 7–11 Mine in northeastern Ohio; and offshore marine shales in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas that were deposited in dysoxic environments. Most specimens have been assigned to the form genus Walchia , but exceptionally well preserved specimens conform to species of Emporia (Emporiaceae) and to one or more undescribed species that may represent additional genera and/or families. These species add significantly to the growing diversity of Paleozoic conifers, and provide valuable data for testing hypotheses of conifer and coniferophyte relationships.
Application of Data Mining Technology in Structural Strength Design

Based on neural networks, the present paper gives an engineering application of data mining. The back propagation (BP) neural network is used as the algorithm of data mining. Then the effects of structural technologic parameters on stress in the weld region of the shield engine rotor in a submarine are analyzed. The mined data come from the numerical simulations of the finite element method. The effects of different parameters on the stress in the weld region are achieved from the results of the data mining. The discovered knowledge is beneficial to the security improvement of structural strength design for the engine rotor.
A Device for Determining the Mechanical Behavior of Orthodontic Appliances

A device for measuring uniplanar force systems from orthodontic appliances is described. The device can be used to rapidly determine forces and moments from appliances which are statically indeterminate.
Masculinity and bystander attitudes: moderating effects of masculine gender role stress

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to examine the bystander decision-making process as a mechanism by which men's adherence to various dimensions of traditional masculinity is associated with their confidence to intervene in sexually aggressive events. Further, this study examined the stress men experience from their attempts to adhere to traditional male gender roles as a moderator of this mediational path. METHOD: Participants (n = 252) completed measures of traditional masculinity, decisional balance (i.e., weighing the pros and cons) for intervening, masculine gender roles stress, and bystander efficacy. RESULTS: The belief that men must attain social status was associated with more confidence in men's ability to intervene. This effect was mediated by greater perceived positive consequences for intervention among men high, but not low, in masculine gender role stress. The belief that men should be tough and aggressive was associated with greater perceived negative consequences for intervention and less confidence to intervene. The belief that men should not act in stereotypically feminine ways was directly associated with less confidence for intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the importance of examining masculinity from a multidimensional perspective to better understand how adherence to various norms differentially influences bystander behavior. These findings may help to inform bystander intervention programming. Language: en
C-TERMINAL FRAGMENT OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR BETA-INDUCED PROTEIN (TGFBIp) IS REQUIRED FOR APOPTOSIS IN HUMAN OSTEOSARCOMA CELLS

Transforming growth factor beta-induced protein (TGFBIp), is secreted into the extracellular space. When fragmentation of C-terminal portions is blocked, apoptosis is low, even when the protein is overexpressed. If fragmentation occurs, apoptosis is observed. Whether full-length TGFBIp or integrin-binding fragments released from its C-terminus is necessary for apoptosis remains equivocal. More importantly, the exact portion of the C-terminus that conveys the pro-apoptotic property of TGFBIp is uncertain. It is reportedly within the final 166 amino acids. We sought to determine if this property is dependent upon the final 69 amino acids containing the integrin-binding, EPDIM and RGD, sequences. With MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 treatment increased expression of TGFBIp over 72 h (p<0.001). At this time point, apoptosis was significantly increased (p<0.001) and was prevented by an anti-TGFBIp, polyclonal antibody (p<0.05). Overexpression of TGFBIp by transient transfection produced a 2-fold increase in apoptosis (p<0.01). Exogenous purified TGFBIp at concentrations of 37-150 nM produced a dose dependent increase in apoptosis (p<0.001). Mass spectrometry analysis of TGFBIp isolated from conditioned medium of cells treated with TGF-beta1 revealed truncated forms of TGFBIp that lacked integrin-binding sequences in the C-terminus. Recombinant TGFBIp truncated, similarly, at amino acid 614 failed to induce apoptosis. A recombinant fragment encoding the final 69 amino acids of the TGFBIp C-terminus produced significant apoptosis. This apoptosis level was comparable to that induced by TGF-beta1 upregulation of endogenous TGFBIp. Mutation of the integrin-binding sequence EPDIM, but not RGD, blocked apoptosis (p<0.001). These pro-apoptotic actions are dependent on the C-terminus most likely to interact with integrins.
A clinical feasibility study of atrial and ventricular electromechanical wave imaging

Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and atrial ablation procedures currently lack a noninvasive imaging modality for reliable treatment planning and monitoring. Electromechanical wave imaging (EWI) is an ultrasound-based method that has previously been shown to be capable of noninvasively and transmurally mapping the activation sequence of the heart in animal studies by estimating and imaging the electromechanical wave, that is, the transient strains occurring in response to the electrical activation, at both high temporal and spatial resolutions. Objective To demonstrate the feasibility of transthoracic EWI for mapping the activation sequence during different cardiac rhythms in humans. Methods EWI was perfor`med in patients undergoing CRT and a left bundle branch block (LBBB) during sinus rhythm, left ventricular pacing, and right ventricular pacing, as well as in patients with atrial flutter (AFL) before intervention, EWI findings from patients with AFL were subsequently correlated with results from invasive intracardiac electrical mapping studies during intervention. In addition, the feasibility of single-heartbeat EWI at 2000 frames/s is demonstrated in humans for the first time in a patient with both AFL and right bundle branch block (RBBB). Results The electromechanical activation maps demonstrated the capability of EWI to localize the pacing sites and characterize the bundle branch block activation sequence transmurally in patients with CRT. In patients with AFL, the EWI propagation patterns obtained with EWI were in excellent agreement with those obtained from invasive intracardiac mapping studies. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the potential capability of EWI to aid in the assessment and follow-up of patients undergoing CRT pacing therapy and atrial ablation, with preliminary validation in vivo.
Observations of anomalous gain coefficients in TEA double-discharge CO 2 lasers

Direct measurements of the gain coefficient of a TEA double-discharge CO 2 laser versus wavelength show that while the overall wavelength dependence is in good agreement with that predicted from the model wherein the rotational levels are in thermal equilibrium, P(20) in the 10.4-μm band and P(22) in the 9.4-μm band have a gain coefficient that is ∼10-percent high. These results are interpreted as evidence for stimulated emission from "hot bands" by these laser lines. Other transitions in these two bands should also exhibit gain coefficients that have been enhanced to a lesser degree.
Skin temperature response of normal human subjects to various conditions.

Ten healthy volunteers (five males and five females), 25 to 41 years of age, were exposed to several different environmental conditions in a constant temperature room. It was found that at 20 C. and about 55 per cent humidity, about five hours after the last meal, the behavior of the temperature of the toe in contrast to that of the finger was consistent, reliable and reproducible. These conditions, somewhat cooler than those frequently used, were deemed suitable for testing vasodilator drugs or procedures.
Molecular interactions of serotonin (5-HT) and endothelin-1 in vascular smooth muscle cells: in vitro and ex vivo analyses

Elevated levels of serotonin (5-HT) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) may be involved in cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Data suggest supraphysiological concentrations of 5-HT (10−6 M) potentiate the ability of ET-1 to stimulate DNA synthesis and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation in vitro via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (p42/44 MAPK) and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) pathways. Additionally, 5-HT enhances agonist-induced contractions via p42/44 MAPK and an unknown tyrosine kinase. However, the exact mechanisms of the 5-HT/ET-1 interactions and whether these effects occur at physiological levels (10−9 M) are unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that interactions between 5-HT and ET-1 at physiological concentrations in VSMC enhanced activation of both p42/44 MAPK and JAK2 pathways contributing to vascular growth and contractile responses. With the use of rat VSMC and Western blot analysis, our data suggest no effect of acute (30 min) preincubation with 5-HT (10−9 M) and/or ET-1 (10−9 M) on the activation of either pathway in normal or high glucose conditions. To determine if there was altered vascular reactivity in intact vessels we tested the effects of 5-HT and ET-1 interaction using myographs to measure isometric contractions of rat thoracic aortic rings. 5-HT (10−9 M) and ET-1 (10−12 M) stimulate enhanced contractile responses to each other that were inhibited by JAK2 and p42/44 MAPK antagonists. Our findings demonstrate that both 5-HT and ET-1 at physiological concentrations could interact with each other and activate p42/44 MAPK and JAK2 signaling pathways to cause an increase in smooth muscle contraction that could lead to altered vascular function.
A program for solving the brain ischemia problem.

Our recently described nonlinear dynamical model of cell injury is here applied to the problems of brain ischemia and neuroprotection. We discuss measurement of global brain ischemia injury dynamics by time course analysis. Solutions to proposed experiments are simulated using hypothetical values for the model parameters. The solutions solve the global brain ischemia problem in terms of “master bifurcation diagrams” that show all possible outcomes for arbitrary durations of all lethal cerebral blood flow (CBF) decrements. The global ischemia master bifurcation diagrams: (1) can map to a single focal ischemia insult, and (2) reveal all CBF decrements susceptible to neuroprotection. We simulate measuring a neuroprotectant by time course analysis, which revealed emergent nonlinear effects that set dynamical limits on neuroprotection. Using over-simplified stroke geometry, we calculate a theoretical maximum protection of approximately 50% recovery. We also calculate what is likely to be obtained in practice and obtain 38% recovery; a number close to that often reported in the literature. The hypothetical examples studied here illustrate the use of the nonlinear cell injury model as a fresh avenue of approach that has the potential, not only to solve the brain ischemia problem, but also to advance the technology of neuroprotection.
Word Learning Rates For A Tactile Hearing Aid Based On The Properties Of Amplitude- And Time-quantized Speech

A tactile hearing aid which is based on the properties of amplitude- and timequantized speech has been tested by two subjects each for a period of 45 hours. This aid presents the digital frequencies of the processed speech signal to the subject using electrotactile stimulation. The information is presented to the skin of the abdomen using a linear array of 30 electrodes. A frequency-to-distance mapping is used. Subject A learned 75 words and subject B learned 65 words during this time for a word learning rate of 1.7 and 1.4 words/hour respectively. However, word learning rates showed a dramatic increase for both subjects during the last 15 hours. Subject A learned words at a 3.3 words/hour rate while subject B learned words at a rate of 2.3 words/hour during this time.