cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional mitral stenosis in patients with massive mitral annular calcification

Mitral insufficiency with mitral annular calcification occurring predominantly in elderly females has been described. We studied six patients with mitral diastolic obstruction associated with mitral annular calcification without stenosis of the mitral leaflets. Three were males and three were females, aged 43-77 years. All had significant diastolic gradients across the mitral valve (mean gradient 16 mm Hg) recorded at catheterization. Two patients had aortic and three had mitral valve replacement. No patient had retraction of the mitral leaflets, diffuse thickening or fusion of the commissures at surgery or pathologic examination. Three patients had severe mitral insufficiency, one associated with voluminous prolapsing mitral leaflets and one as a result of ruptured chordae tendineae. The left ventricle was dilated in three patients, two with mitral regurgitation and one with mixed aortic valve disease. Active mitral annular motion is a normal event and is necessary for normal valvular function; severe calcification of the ring interferes with its normal diastolic relaxation and this alone may explain the holodiastolic mitral gradient found in these patients.
Reconstruction of in-vivo optical properties for human prostate using interstitial diffuse optical tomography

A CW interstitial diffuse optical tomography has been developed to characterize the in-vivo optical properties of prostate gland during photodynamic therapy. The spatial distributions of light fluence rate can be described by the diffusion equation. Optical properties of the prostate are reconstructed by solving the inverse problem with an adjoint method. The 3D reconstructed in-vivo optical properties for a human prostate is illustrated and compared with the results generated by a well-established point-by-point method. Moreover, the calculated fluence rate using the reconstructed optical properties matches the measured data.
Convergences in recent democratic theory

A discussion of Robert Dahl, A Preface to Economic Democracy (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1985); Benjamin R. Barber, Strong Democracy: Participatory Politics for a New Age (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1984); Norberto Bobbio, The Future of Democracy: A Defence of the Rules of the Game, translated from II Futuro della democrazia (1984) by Roger Griffin (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1987); and David Held, Models of Democracy, (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1987).
Priming read and end_of_file

In a Pascal like language a program to read integers from a text file of integers and to write them on a terminal is usually written as follows: (i) read(n); while not eof do begin write(n); read(n); end; The first read statement is called a priming read, and causes the following problems: (1) The program has two read statements where one suffices; (2) The first read statement looks more important because the second one is part of the while statement; (3) Within the while loop it is writing an integer which was read in the previous iteration and reading an integer which will be printed in the next iteration except for the first and the last ones. These problems make the program not "structure" if "structured" means logical, elegant, easy to understand, efficient, etc. We can use a goto statement to eliminate priming read; however, in many other cases a goto statement is more difficult to understand, and so we prefer not to use it. If we use a repeat statement,
Breaking symmetry in complete graphs by orienting edges: asymptotic bounds

Abstract We derive upper and lower asymptotic bounds on the minimum number of edges of Kn that need to be oriented in order to break all its symmetries. This number is denoted by io(Kn) in a previous paper by Harary and Jacobson. We show that this number is n — Θ( n lg n ) . Moreover, our constructive proof leads to a linear-time algorithm that explicitly achieves this asymptotic optimal bound. We also present an algorithm that, given n, will compute an identity orientation of Kn with least number of oriented edges.
Stress-Induced Secretion of α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone and Its Physiological Role in Modulating the Secretion of Prolactin and Luteinizing Hormone in the Female Rat

The pattern of αMSH release during immobilization stress in ovariectomized rats was determined and correlated with that of plasma PRL and LH. Stress induced a marked elevation in plasma immunoreactive αMSH, with a time course identical to that of plasma PRL. The increment in plasma PRL was greater than that in plasma αMSH. Plasma LH was markedly lowered by stress. Analysis of pituitary and hypothalamic αMSH indicated a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the neurointermediate lobe and anterior lobe content of αMSH. The αMSH content in the hypothalamus was lowered by stress when expressed as tissue content (P < 0.025), although no significant differences in content in this area were detected when the results were expressed in terms of tissue protein. Stress induced a marked increase (P < 0.01) in the median eminence levels αMSH. Intraventricular (third ventricle) injection of the γ-globulin fraction of a specific antiserum raised against αMSH increased basal PRL levels (P < 0.025) and prevented the decline ...
Anaerobic treatment of effluents from an industrial polymers synthesis plant

Abstract The feasibility of the anaerobic treatment of an industrial polymer synthesis plant effluent was evaluated. The composition of the wastewater includes acrylates, styrene, detergents, a minor amount of silicates and a significant amount of ferric chloride. The average chemical oxygen demand (COD) corresponding is about 2000 mg/l. The anaerobic biodegradability of the effluent is shown and the toxicity effect on the populations of anaerobic bacteria is evaluated. The results of the anaerobic biodegradation assays show that 62% of the wastewater compounds, measured as COD, could be consumed. An upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was used in the evaluation, it has a diameter–height ratio of 1:7, and 4-liter volume. The inoculum was obtained from a UASB pilot plant that treats brewery wastewaters. At the beginning of the operation, the biomass showed an anaerobic activity of 0.58 gCOD/(gVSS×d), it decreased only 2.5% in the subsequent 4 months. After 35 days of continuous operation, the reactor was operated at different steady states for 140 days. The COD was maintained at 2200 mg/l in the feed. The results were: organic loading rate (OLR): 4.3 kg COD/(m 3 ×d), hydraulic retention time: 12 h, superficial velocity: 1 m/h, average biogas productivity: 290 L CH 4 /kg COD fed, biogas composition: 70–75% methane and a COD removal percentage >75%. ©
Full bridge ZCS PWM converter for high-voltage high-power applications

This paper presents a comprehensive study of a full bridge (FB) zero-current switched (ZCS) PWM converter which is suitable for high-voltage and high-power DC application that achieves ZCS for all active switches, and zero-voltage-switched (ZVS) operation for all diodes on the high voltage side. The given converter utilizes component parasitic parameters, particularly for the high-voltage transformer, and employs fixed-frequency phase-shift control to implement soft-switching commutations. Detailed steady state analysis of the converter power stage is presented for the first time and the major features of the converter's power stage are discussed. Small-signal characteristics are also presented and accompanied by a discussion of the controller design and implementation. A design example is also presented based on the steady state analysis and is validated by simulation. Theoretical and simulated results are in good agreement.
Process analysis and reengineering

Abstract To achieve meaningful improvements of the process performance measures such as quality, speed, service, and cost, fundamental rethinking and redesign of the underlying process is required. Numerous corporations have been forced to change their processes in order to survive in a highly competitive market. To perform analysis and reengineering of processes, a structured and unified approach is required. In this paper, a framework based on the IDEF methodology, stream analysis approach, and dynamic simulation for process analysis and reengineering is presented. The stream analysis approach is used for analysis, diagnosis, and management of process changes represented with an IDEF model. To evaluate the impact of changes considered, support the process analysis, and to model performance of the proposed process, a dynamic simulation is used. This study extends the IDEF methodology by including quantitative information. The latter improves IDEF process analysis and reengineering capability, and facilitates the formulation of a dynamic simulation model. The significance of the results presented in the paper arises from the fact that many companies, e.g. Lockheed–Martin, General Motors, Rockwell International, are using IDEF for representing their processes.
Acetyltransferases and susceptibility to chemicals.

Abstract Arylamine chemicals inflict a number of toxicities including cancer. Metabolic activation (i.e., oxidation) is required in order to elicit the toxic actions. Acetylation is an important step in the metabolic activation and deactivation of arylamines. N-acetylation forms the amide derivative which is often nontoxic. However, O-acetylation of the N-hydroxyarylamine (following oxidation) yields an acetoxy arylamine derivative which breaks down spontaneously to a highly reactive arylnitrenium ion, the ultimate metabolite responsible for mutagenic and carcinogenic lesions. Human capacity to acetylate arylamine chemicals is subject to a genetic polymorphism. Individuals segregate into rapid, intermediate, or slow acetylator phenotypes by Mendelian inheritance regulated by a single gene encoding for a polymorphic acetyltransferase isozyme (NAT2). Individuals homozygous for mutant alleles are deficient in the polymorphic acetyltransferase and are slow acetylators. A second acetyltransferase isozyme (NAT1) is monomorphic and is not regulated by the acetylator genotype. Several human epidemiological studies suggest an association between slow acetylator phenotype and urinary bladder cancer. In contrast, a few studies suggest a relationship between rapid acetylator phenotype and colorectal cancer The basis for this paradox may relate to the relative importance of N- versus O-acetylation in the etiology of these cancers. Conclusions drawn from human epidemiological data are often compromised by uncontrolled environmental and other genetic factors. Our laboratory recently completed construction of homozygous rapid, heterozygous intermediate, and homozygous slow acetylator congenic Syrian hamsters to be homologous in greater than 99.975% of their genomes. The availability of these acetylator congenic lines should eliminate genetic variability in virtually all aspects of arylamine carcinogenesis except at the acetylator gene locus. Ongoing studies in these congenic hamster lines should provide unequivocal information regarding the role of genetic acetylator phenotype in susceptibility to arylamine-related cancers.
Seismic properties of the Eltanin Transform System, South Pacific

Abstract We present a compilation of the seismic properties of the Eltanin Transform Fault (TF) system, compelled by the recent discovery of the Hollister Ridge and the possibility of a change of plate kinematics pattern in the region. The Hollister Ridge is a major volcanic system located on the Western flank of the Pacific–Antarctic Ridge (PAR), immediately south of the Eltanin Fracture Zones (FZs). We find or confirm two anomalous characteristics: the occurrence of seven normal faulting events on the transform segments, expressing extension across the plate boundary in the azimuth N26°W, and more than 90% deficiency in the seismic moment released during strike–slip events on the transforms, as compared to the rate expected from kinematic models. Other seismic properties are typical of the seismicity of a fast-spreading mid-ocean ridge (MOR) system. In particular, we could not document a single teleseismically recorded event on the Hollister Ridge; earthquakes are confined to narrow TFs with no activity present on the ridge segments. The transform events have regular frequency–moment statistics, and we could not document any significantly slow sources. These seismic properties generally support conventional plate tectonics models such as NUVEL-1, and cannot be reconciled with a proposed reorientation of the Pacific plate 4 Ma ago.
Science and Technology Library Innovations Without a Science and Technology Library

SUMMARY A small university library in a rural location with limited resources requires creativity and serendipity to support faculty and students in science and technology.
Capacity Management: How to Avoid Suboptimal Decisions

Managers often calculate fixed costs per unit based on the expected activity for the period. But allocating fixed costs based on expected activity can result in suboptimal decisions. What is the answer? Focus on capacity instead. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Schauble Receives 2009 Hisashi Kuno Award

Edwin A. Schauble received the Hisashi Kuno Award at the 2009 AGU Fall Meeting, held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is for outstanding contributions to the fields of volcanology, geochemistry, or petrology.
The crystal structures of stainless steel films sputter-deposited on austenitic stainless steel substrates

Sputter deposited austenitic stainless steels, AISI 304 and 316, almost always result in films having crystalline structures different from the parent material when the deposition temperature is below 648 K. The earlier investigation showed when 316L-SS films were sputter-deposited on glass substrates at room temperature, they contained a mixture of two phases, a ferrite like bcc phase and a hexagonal phase bearing a resemblance to [epsilon]-martensite. Sputter deposition of 304-SS performed at 77 K on rock salt resulted in an amorphous structure; however, when deposited at room temperature, it yielded a structure that could not be indexed either as bcc or as fcc. Thus, in general for AISI 304 or 316 compositions, low temperature depositions result in films with bcc crystal structure, whereas high temperature depositions yield fcc films. In addition to the temperature dependence, it is also relevant to question whether the substrate can influence the nature of the phases present in the films. In this paper, the authors address this question by changing the surface condition of the substrate. With this purpose they have selected a substrate of a similar nature to the target to be sputtered, 316L-SS, and varied the surface preparation.
Nutrient changes during storage of anaerobic digester effluent and fresh dairy cattle manure with phosphoric acid

Abstract The effects of phosphoric acid additions on nitrogen losses from fresh manure and effluent from a dairy cattle manure anaerobic digester during aerated and non-aerated storage were evaluated over a 60-day period. Phosphoric acid at 2·24 g P per kilogram of slurry, which lowered the slurry pH to ≤6·0 throughout the storage period, was most effective in reducing nutrient transformations and losses and showed potential for conserving biologically available nitrogen in these animal wastes.
In Utero and Postnatal Exposure to Arsenic Alters Pulmonary Structure and Function

In addition to cancer endpoints, arsenic exposures can also lead to non-cancerous chronic lung disease. Exposures during sensitive developmental time points can contribute to the adult disease. Using a mouse model, in utero and early postnatal exposures to arsenic (100 ppb or less in drinking water) were found to alter airway reactivity to methacholine challenge in 28 day old pups. Removal of mice from arsenic exposure 28 days after birth did not reverse the alterations in sensitivity to methacholine. In addition, adult mice exposed to similar levels of arsenic in drinking water did not show alterations. Therefore, alterations in airway reactivity were irreversible and specific to exposures during lung development. These functional changes correlated with protein and gene expression changes as well as morphological structural changes around the airways. Arsenic increased the whole lung levels of smooth muscle actin in a dose dependent manner. The level of smooth muscle mass around airways was increased with arsenic exposure, especially around airways smaller than 100 microm in diameter. This increase in smooth muscle was associated with alterations in extracellular matrix (collagen, elastin) expression. This model system demonstrates that in utero and postnatal exposure to environmentally relevant levels of arsenic can irreversibly alter pulmonary structure and function in the adults.
Inequalities relating norms invariant under unitary similarities

Let M be the complex linear space of all n×n complex matrices or the real linear space of all n×n hermitian matrices. A norm N on M is invariant under unitary similarities if for any AeM and for any unitary matrix U. For N′ equal to the numerical radius or the spectral norm, we study the best constants α and β, i.e., the largest α and the smallest β, such that The results are then applied to study the multiplicativity factors ν for N with respect to different products ○ on M, i.e., constants ν>0 satisfying The particular case when N is a C-numerical radius and ○ is the usual product is studied in detail. Some other multiplicativity properties of N are also considered.
Synthesis of polystyrene-carbon nanofibers nanocomposite foams

In this study, the use of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as nucleating agents to produce polystyrene nanocomposite foams was demonstrated. With the addition of CNFs, microcellular foams with uniform cell size distributions were obtained. Compared to nanoclay and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), CNFs exhibit substantially higher nucleation efficiency in the foaming process. The underlying mechanism is semi-quantitatively explained by the classical nucleation theory. The homogeneous fiber distribution and favorable surface and geometrical characteristics of CNFs make them ideal nucleating agents.
Reduced aerobic metabolic efficiency in globally "stunned" myocardium.

Post-ischemic “stunned” myocardium appears to be metabolically inefficient, since oxygen consumption is preserved, while mechanical work is depressed. The present study investigated whether this metabolic inefficiency represents a basal functional abnormality present in the quiescent myocardium (e.g. abnormal mitochondrial coupling) or is specifically related to muscle contraction. Isolated perfused rabbit hearts (n = 7) were exposed to 20 min zero-flow ischemia to produce post-ischemic myocardial stunning. After 10 min of reperfusion, mean rate-pressure product (mmHg/min), was reduced to 56.1% of baseline in stunned hearts, while mean oxygen consumption (μmol O2/min/g LV) was reduced to only 71.8% of baseline. The ratio of oxygen consumption to rate-pressure product remained significantly elevated throughout 40 min of reperfusion when compared with non-ischemic controls (P < 0.01). Despite inappropriately high oxygen consumption in the beating stunned heart, basal oxygen consumption measured after KCl arrest was not significantly different from controls (1.07 ± 0.07 vs. 1.03 ± 0.04, respectively). These results indicate that the metabolic inefficiency found in stunned myocardium is not a basal abnormality, but rather is related specifically to abnormalities in contraction or electromechanical coupling.
A preliminary assessment of oxygen isotope fractionation and growth increment periodicity in the estuarine clam Rangia cuneata

Rangia cuneata is an upper estuarine clam common in the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico. Limited data exist regarding oxygen isotope fractionation and microstructural increment periodicity in this species. As these clams were recently identified as an invasive species in other regions, such data may be useful for environmental management purposes. Additionally, the shell of this clam is common in archeological middens, and thus may serve as a paleoenvironmental proxy. In order to assess these aspects of the species’ natural history, samples were collected from the upper Mobile Bay, Alabama, USA. A stable oxygen isotope profile was generated from one of these valves, and compared to growth increments seen in thin section. Time-series water temperature data from near the collection site were used to construct idealized models of oxygen isotope variation, assuming equilibrium fractionation, constant shell growth, and stable water δ18O values. Comparison of the modeled and measured data suggest the shell was precipitated in, or near oxygen isotope equilibrium with ambient water, and that the microstructural increments in the shell were precipitated in response to tidal cycles.
Persistent gene expression changes in ventral tegmental area of adolescent but not adult rats in response to chronic nicotine.

Abstract Because adolescent brains are undergoing extensive developmental changes, they may be uniquely sensitive to effects of addictive drugs like nicotine. We exposed adolescent and adult rats to nicotine infusion for two weeks, and then used whole genome microarray analysis to determine effects on gene expression in the ventral tegmental area. We examined brains immediately after two weeks of nicotine or saline, and also four weeks after termination of nicotine exposure. After identifying genes with a significant age×treatment interaction, we employed template matching to find specific patterns of expression across age and treatment. Of those genes that were transiently regulated (up- or down-regulated immediately following the end of nicotine treatment, but back to saline baseline 30 days later), two-thirds were specific to adult animals, while only 30% were specific to adolescents and 4% were shared across the two ages. In contrast, significant genes that were persistently regulated (altered following nicotine treatment and still altered 30 days later) were more likely (59%) to be adolescent, with only 32% in adults and 8% shared. The greatest number of significant genes was late-regulated (no change immediately after nicotine, but regulated 30 days later). Again, most were in adolescents (54%), compared to adults (10%) or shared (36%). Pathway analysis revealed that adolescent-specific genes were over-represented in several biological functions and canonical pathways, including nervous system development and function and long-term potentiation. Furthermore, adolescent-specific genes formed extensive interaction networks, unlike those specific for adults or shared. This age-specific expression pattern may relate to the heightened vulnerability of adolescents to the effects of addictive drugs. In particular, the propensity of adolescents to show persistent alterations in gene expression corresponds to the persistence of drug dependence among smokers who began their habit as adolescents. These findings support a model whereby adolescent brains are uniquely vulnerable to long-term changes in gene expression in the brain's reward pathway caused by early exposure to nicotine.
Ethnic Segmentation in the American Metropolis: Increasing Divergence in Economic Incorporation, 1980-1990.

Based on the industrial sectors in which group members are concentrated, the ethnic economies of various racial and ethnic groups became more distinctive from one another during the 1980s. Non-Hispanic whites continued to dominate key sectors in every metropolitan area studied. Their withdrawal from some others, however, left openings for other groups in apparel manufacturing and in a variety of trade and personal service activities. The void was filled by selected immigrant groups who had already begun to establish enclave economies by 1980: especially Koreans, Chinese, and Cubans. As many as two-thirds of these groups' members worked in their enclaves in some regions. At the same time, other immigrant and minority groups, especially blacks, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, and Filipinos remained highly dependent on employment niches in the public sector or working for other groups in the private sector. The model of a dual city (with a mainly white core economy and a minority periphery) is losing its descriptive power due to the divergent paths taken by different nonwhite groups
Desmin increases with high-intensity concentric contractions in humans

To investigate the role desmin may play in muscular adaptation to exercise, we measured desmin protein content in the vastus lateralis muscle of seven untrained men in response to 8 weeks of high-intensity cycle training. Training involved 15-s sprints separated by rest for 5 min. Subjects began with four sprints twice per week, and progressed to six sprints three times per week. Peak power was measured before and after training with a 30-s maximal sprint test. Mean power during the first 15 s increased significantly after training (P < 0.05). Desmin and actin protein levels were determined by immunoblotting, from pretraining and posttraining muscle biopsies. Desmin protein levels were increased by 60% after training (P < 0.01), whereas actin protein levels did not change with training. We conclude that the cytoskeletal protein desmin increases in response to a high-tension, concentric-only load consequent to sprint training. Desmin appears to increase as the force generating capacity of the muscle increases. A reinforced desmin cytoskeleton may be necessary for increased force generation by the muscle. Muscle Nerve, 2004
Strengthening the university continuing education mission

Strategies to enhance the spirit of colleagueship with other campus groups will ultimately determine how well continuing education leaders influence institutional mission and Organization.
Defects and defect processes in silicon dioxide

Abstract Silicon dioxide has two outstanding characteristics: it is of great technological importance in several forms, and it involves physical phenomena of considerable scientific interest. In this paper we review several issues regarding defects and defect processes in SiO2. We consider issues associated with oxygen vacancies in different charge states in both α-quartz and silica glass, and ways that hydrogen can interact with vacancies. Interstitials are discussed, with particular focus on interstitial hydrogen. We reach two conclusions: first, that basic chemical notions of bonding seem to work well in describing processes in silicon dioxide, a relatively unconstrained material that can relax to yield chemically stable structures; and second, that considerable progress in understanding many of the questions that still surround defects in silica glass could be attained from a careful analysis of local structures in high-quality, many-atom structural models of silica.
On the Coevolution of Basic Arithmetic Language and Knowledge

Skyrms-Lewis sender-receiver games with invention allow one to model how a simple mathematical language might be invented and become meaningful as its use coevolves with the basic arithmetic competence of primitive mathematical inquirers. Such models provide sufficient conditions for the invention and evolution of a very basic sort of arithmetic language and practice, and, in doing so, provide insight into the nature of a correspondingly basic sort of mathematical knowledge in an evolutionary context. Given traditional philosophical reflections concerning the nature and preconditions of mathematical knowledge, these conditions are strikingly modest.
Effects of compost and chicken litter on soil nutrition, and sugarcane physiochemistry, yield, and injury caused by Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract Soil enrichment with two rates of compost and chicken litter were compared with conventionally fertilized sugarcane, Saccharum spp., in the subtropical Lower Rio Grande Valley of south Texas for two consecutive seasons. The high compost rate resulted in the most consistent increases of soil nutrients, including N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu. Analysis of nutrients in sugarcane leaf tissue showed that only N was greater in the high compost treatment, and this was associated with greater abundances of three free amino acids, arginine, histidine, and lysine (each essential to insect growth and development), and of the sugar fructose. Although the high compost treatment yielded the most marketable sugarcane stalks per stool during the first season, this benefit was offset by greater infestations by the Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), in terms of numbers of entry and exit holes per stalk, and percentages of injured internodes and stalks. As a result, stalk weight, length, and percentage brix were reduced. During the second season, numbers of stalks per stool were not greater in the high compost treatment, nor were brix percentages less, but stalk weight and length were decreased and Mexican rice borer injury was greatly increased. This study demonstrates that changes in host plant biochemistry resulting from enhanced soil nutritional quality can have substantial negative effects on sugarcane production in the presence of Mexican rice borers. Hence, soil quality should be considered as part of integrated efforts to manage the pest.
Organizational factors and technology-intensive industry: the US and Japan

High technology industry in the US and Japan can be thought of as distinct organizational models. Here the authors examine the historical evolution, major characteristics, and benefits and costs of these different models. This leads to the conclusion that organizational factors exert a powerful influence on the ability of firms, industries and nations to adapt to new technology-intensive industries.
Two new species of Clito from South America and a revision of the Clito littera group (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Pyrginae).

Two new species of Clito from the C. littera group are described: C. palotschka, sp. nov. from the Choco region in Ecuador is the most distinctive in the group, and C. litteroides, sp. nov. from Venezuela is superficially more similar to C. littera differing mostly in the shape of male genitalic valvae. Comparative analyses of male genitalia and wing patterns suggest that C. anda Evans, 1953, new status; and C. nebulosa (Draudt, 1924), reinstated status are species-level taxa. A lectotype for Telemiades littera Mabille, 1877 is designated to ensure nomenclatural stability. Primary type specimens of all seven species in the C. littera group are illustrated with photographs, and an identification key to males is given.
Modeling and real-time simulation architectures for virtual prototyping of off-road vehicles

Virtual Reality-based simulation technology has evolved as a useful design and analysis tool at an early stage in the design for evaluating performance of human-operated agricultural and construction machinery. Detecting anomalies in the design prior to building physical prototypes and expensive testing leads to significant cost savings. The efficacy of such simulation technology depends on how realistically the simulation mimics the real-life operation of the machinery. It is therefore necessary to achieve ‘real-time’ dynamic simulation of such machines with operator-in-the-loop functionality. Such simulation often leads to intensive computational burdens. A distributed architecture was developed for off-road vehicle dynamic models and 3D graphics visualization to distribute the overall computational load of the system across multiple computational platforms. Multi-rate model simulation was also used to simulate various system dynamics with different integration time steps, so that the computational power can be distributed more intelligently. This architecture consisted of three major components: a dynamic model simulator, a virtual reality simulator for 3D graphics, and an interface to the controller and input hardware devices. Several off-road vehicle dynamics models were developed with varying degrees of fidelity, as well as automatic guidance controller models and a controller area network interface to embedded controllers and user input devices. The simulation architecture reduced the computational load to an individual machine and increased the real-time simulation capability with complex off-road vehicle system models and controllers. This architecture provides an environment to test virtual prototypes of the vehicle systems in real-time and the opportunity to test the functionality of newly developed controller software and hardware.
DIFFERENTIAL TOPOLOGY OF NUMERICAL RANGE

Abstract The numerical range of an n × n matrix, also known as its field of values , is reformulated as the image of a smooth quadratic mapping from the n − 1 dimensional complex projective space to the complex plane. This paper investigates the numerical range from the perspective of differential topology (Morse theory). More specifically, the boundary of the range is interpreted as a rank 1 critical value curve and its sharp points are interpreted as rank 0 critical values. More importantly, the map is shown to have additional critical value curves in the interior of the numerical range. These additional curves are shown to have such singularity phenomena as cusps and swallow tails, to be the caustic envelopes of families of lines, and to exhibit the so-called “normal bifurcation” when an eigenvalue becomes unitarily decoupled.
Cooperative Interactions Between Myosin II and Actin Cross-Linking Proteins To Actin Filaments

Heavy meromyosin (HMM) of both muscle myosin II and non-muscle myosin II cooperatively binds to actin filaments in a manner that depends on divalent ion composition and concentration or the transition state of the myosin motor domain. Therefore, the cooperative binding may be due to the conformational changes in F-actin induced by two-headed HMM that facilitate the binding of other heads to nearby regions in the same actin filament. Recently, we found that myosin II and an actin crosslinker cortexillin I cooperatively accumulate to highly deformed regions in Dictyostelium cells and the accumulation extent increases with increasing forces. One possible mechanism of the cooperative accumulation is that the binding of myosin to actin enhances cortexillin binding to actin filaments. We suspect this kind of cooperative binding might also exist among other actin crosslinkers. We are testing this hypothesis by using novel designed in vitro systems and advanced molecular simulation schemes. We are experimentally investigating this mechanism by measuring the binding lifetimes of myosin II and actin crosslinkers to actin and their accumulations at different load conditions in reconstituted actin cytoskeletons. One of the reconstituted systems is a bilayer vesicle that has an actin cortex anchored to its inner lipid membrane. Another system is an actin meshwork crosslinked by various actin crosslinkers and stiffened by myosin II. It is positioned in a motor-driven stretcher, allowing for in situ TIRF microscopic measurements at different strains and different strain rates. In addition, we simulate the corresponding two-dimensional reaction-diffusion problems using coarse-grained kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. In our simulations, the diffusion coefficients vary in the range of 0.01∼100 μm2/s and the forward and backward characteristic time of the binding reactions is in the range of 100 s and 0.01 s.
Structural determinants of aortic regurgitation in type A dissection and the role of valvular resuspension as determined by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography

Disruption of the aortic root by dissection often produces significant aortic regurgitation (AR). Resuspension of the native valve usually reestablishes competence. The mechanisms of this complex process are poorly understood. We used intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography to characterize the in vivo aortic root structure of type A aortic dissection and the changes brought about by native valve resuspension. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiograms were obtained from 34 patients with type A dissection and aortic resuspension between January 1990 and April 1997. The severity of AR, aortic root diameter, circumference of the aortic annulus, percentage of the annulus dissected, and presence of leaflet prolapse were assessed in multiple planes. Preoperatively, AR of varying degree was present in 25 patients (73%). Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative AR was most related to percentage of the annulus dissected (p<0.0001) and less related to root diameter (p<0.01). Leaflet prolapse was predicted by percent aortic annulus dissected (p <0.0001). After resuspension, annular dissection and leaflet prolapse were no longer present. Postoperative AR was significantly decreased from preoperative AR (p<0.0001) and was considered trace to mild. Although postoperative root diameter and annular circumference decreased (p<0.001), individual reductions in AR did not correlate with individual changes in root diameter or annular circumference. The degree of dissection of the valve annulus is the most significant determinant of leaflet prolapse and AR severity. Overall size of the aortic root also contributes to AR. Surgical resuspension significantly decreases root size, but its primary benefit is restoration of the structural integrity of the aortic annulus.
Natural history of glaucoma.

Purpose: To present an overview of the recent observations and research that shed light on the understanding of open and closed angle glaucoma. Methods: Literature review. Results: Glaucoma is a major eye problem afflicting millions of people worldwide. As the population increases, the number of people with glaucoma also increases, with glaucoma becoming an increasing public health concern. This paper presents the natural history of open angle and angle closure glaucoma. We examine the glaucomatous progression in terms of changes in optic disk morphology and visual fi elds as well as the risk factors for progression. Conclusions: This present review highlights the magnitude of glaucoma globally and the need for a greater understanding of this disease and its natural progression.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Tissue Engineering

The repair of diseased or damaged cartilage remains one of the most challenging problems of musculoskeletal medicine. Tissue engineering advances in cartilage repair have utilized autologous and allogenic chondrocyte and cartilage grafts, biomaterial scaffolds, growth factors, stem cells, and genetic engineering. The mesenchymal stem cell has specifically attracted much attention because of its accessibility, potential for differentiation, and manipulability to modern molecular, tissue and genetic engineering techniques. Mesenchymal stem cells provide invaluable tools for the study of tissue repair when combined with a carrier vehicle/matrix scaffold, and/or bioactive growth factors. However, an underappreciated source of knowledge lies in the relationship between fetal development and adult tissue repair. The multitude of events that take place during fetal development which lead from stem cell to functional tissue are poorly understood. A more thorough understanding of the events of development as they pertain to cartilage organogenesis may help elucidate some of the unknowns of adult tissue repair.
Performance and Cost Characteristics of Combined Cycles Integrated With Second Generation Gasification Systems

The performance of combined cycle power plants integrated with advanced air- and oxygen-blown entrained gasification systems as well as with advanced oxygen-blown fixed bed gasifiers will be presented. The performance and cost of such plants using near-term gas turbine technology will be compared to the performance of conventional coal-fired steam plants with FGD. The integrated combined cycle plant appears attractive at today’s gas turbine firing temperatures. Further benefits from advanced gas turbine operating conditions on the performance and economics of such plants and the rationale for these performance trends will be discussed.Copyright © 1980 by ASME
A Case of Severe Neuropathy Associated with Hypertriglyceridemia

Objective: To describe a case of severe neuropathy associated with hypertriglyceridemia.Methods: We describe the clinical and laboratory findings of the study patient and review the relevant litera...
Obesity is associated with increased myocardial oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE: To determine: 1) whether obesity predisposes the myocardium to oxidative stress as evidenced by higher tissue levels of myocardial lipid peroxidation, and 2) what cellular mechanisms are responsible for this predisposition. DESIGN: Comparative, descriptive study of the myocardial tissue of lean and obese Fatty Zucker animals. ANIMALS: 12 month old lean (−/fa; n=6; mean body weight=590 g) and obese (fa/fa; na=7; mean body weight=882 g) male Fatty Zucker rats. MEASUREMENTS: Basal lipid peroxidation (assessed using thiobarbituric reactive acid substances (TBARS) and cumene hydroperoxide equivalents), oxidative and antioxidant enzyme activities (citrate synthase (CS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT), thiol content, heat shock protein expression (HSP72/73) and TBARS concentrations following an iron-mediated challenge in vitro. RESULTS: Compared to lean, lipid peroxidation was greater (P 0.05) between groups. Also, LV levels of HSP 72 (inducible) and 73 (constitutive) did not differ (P>0.05)( between lean and obese animals. Following an iron-stimulated oxidative challenge in vitro, TBARS concentration was significantly greater (P<0.05) in LV of obese rats compared to the lean (mean=12.7 vs 16.7 nMol/mg lipid). CONCLUSIONS: These results support the notion that obesity predisposes the myocardium to oxidative stress. However, the postulate that obesity is associated with elevated myocardial antioxidant enzyme activities and HSPs was only partially supported by these findings.
Elevated Maternal Serum Relaxin Concentrations Throughout Pregnancy in Singleton Gestations After Superovulation

Abstract Objective: To test the hypothesis that superovulation results in elevated maternal circulating relaxin concentrations throughout the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, independent of the pattern of hCG secretion. Methods: Two groups of women with singleton gestations were studied: a group of nine women who achieved pregnancy after stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropin and a group of six women who achieved pregnancy without prior stimulation. Peripheral blood samples were drawn approximately every 5 weeks throughout the second and third trimesters. Serum relaxin concentrations were measured using a human relaxin–specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; hCG was measured by an immunofluorometric assay. Results: The stimulated group had significantly higher relaxin levels throughout pregnancy (P = .007, multivariate analysis of variance) than did nonstimulated controls. The mean relaxin level in stimulated patients was 1.78 ng/mL (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5, 2.17) and in nonstimulated subjects the level was 0.73 ng/mL (95% CI 0.59, 1.25). Spline fits demonstrated that stimulated patients had higher relaxin levels throughout the second and third trimesters. There was no significant difference in hCG concentrations between the two groups (P = .61). Conclusion: In singleton gestations after superovulation, maternal serum relaxin concentrations are significantly higher throughout the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. These differences are independent of the pattern of hCG secretion. It appears that luteal relaxin secretion is controlled by factors in addition to hCG.
Early development, pattern, and reorganization of the planula nervous system in Aurelia (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa)

We examined the development of the nervous system in Aurelia (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) from the early planula to the polyp stage using confocal and transmission electron microscopy. Fluorescently labeled anti-FMRFamide, antitaurine, and antityrosinated tubulin antibodies were used to visualize the nervous system. The first detectable FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity occurs in a narrow circumferential belt toward the anterior/aboral end of the ectoderm in the early planula. As the planula matures, the FMRFamide-immunoreactive cells send horizontal processes (i.e., neurites) basally along the longitudinal axis. Neurites extend both anteriorly/aborally and posteriorly/orally, but the preference is for anterior neurite extension, and neurites converge to form a plexus at the aboral/anterior end at the base of the ectoderm. In the mature planula, a subset of cells in the apical organ at the anterior/aboral pole begins to show FMRFamide-like and taurine-like immunoreactivity, suggesting a sensory function of the apical organ. During metamorphosis, FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity diminishes in the ectoderm but begins to occur in the degenerating primary endoderm, indicating that degenerating FMRFamide-immunoreactive neurons are taken up by the primary endoderm. FMRFamide-like expression reappears in the ectoderm of the oral disc and the tentacle anlagen of the growing polyp, indicating metamorphosis-associated restructuring of the nervous system. These observations are discussed in the context of metazoan nervous system evolution.
Wireless and cellular architecture and services

Cellular architecture partitioning can improve the performance of telecommunications systems. The model proposed by the author allows for changing the cell size for different services and the number of users. The cell size that will ensure the best possible performance and quality of service can be derived by the model. The main task of a telecommunication system is call processing. This includes identifying incoming calls, establishing a communication path for the duration of the connection, and disconnecting the call after the conversation has ended. Call processing uses different components of the software architecture and involves processes and messages performing different functions and accessing various resources. In addition, the system requires administration and maintenance that also involves processes using different resources. >
Predictors of hostility in a group of relocated refugees.

The objective of this research was to determine whether early postmigration demographic and psychosocial factors associated with cultural marginality would predict hostility one decade after flight and relocation. In this longitudinal study, participants, who had spent 1 year in a refugee comp, were studied at 1.5, 3.5, and 9 years postrelocation in the United States (i.e., Times 1, 2, and 3). Earlier data were compared with hostility at 9 years. Participants were interviewed primarily in their homes, although a few were interviewed elsewhere at their request (i.e., community center, University of Minnesota clinical offices). The 102 Hmong participants in this study, originally from Laos, comprised the first group of Hmong refugees, aged 15 to 72 years old (M = 31.0, SD = 13.1), to be relocated from Thailand to Minnesota by the Immigration and Naturalization Service in 1976. Hmong research assistants collected these data using a questionnaire format at 1.5, 3.5, and 9 years postrelocation. Hostility was measured using the Hostility subscale of the 90-item Symptom Checklist (SCL-90). Female gender, animistic belief, absence of a leadership role, and high scores on the SCL-Hostility predicted higher SCL-Hostility scores. Increased hostility was associated with greater financial, marital, and mental-emotional problems. This study suggests that demographic factors associated with marginality and loss of control predict hostility in a group of refugee immigrants. Losses and stressors from a decade earlier in Asia did not predict hostility.