cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On computational stochastic structural dynamics applying finite elements

This article presents a review of the state of the art of techniques on computational stochastic structural dynamics applying the finite elements. Linear systems under random excitations, quasi-linear systems, nonlinear systems excited by stochastic disturbances, and spatially stochastic nonlinear systems are included. For spatially stochastic linear and nonlinear systems under stochastic and deterministic excitations, alternative approaches, proposed by the author, to the so-called stochastic finite element method are introduced. The introduced approaches are free from the limitations of the: (a) normal mode analysis for linear and quasi-linear systems, (b) normal mode with statistical linearization for nonlinear systems, and (c) perturbation approximation techniques for spatially stochastic systems. The introduced approaches for nonlinear systems are applicable to systems undergoing large deformations of finite strains and finite rotations. Selected computed results are included to demonstrate their simplicity and efficiency.
A numerical study of H2–air partially premixed flames

Abstract A numerical investigation of the structure of hydrogen/air partially premixed flames (PPFs) in a counterflow configuration is reported. The partially premixed flame structure is characterized by two spatially distinct reaction zones. Unlike hydrocarbon/air PPFs, the fuel is partially consumed in the rich premixed zone, where H, O, and OH are the major intermediate species, with the remaining fuel being consumed in the nonpremixed zone. In both the reaction zones, consumption of reactants occur primarily through reactions H + O 2 ↔ OH + O ( R 1) , H 2 + O ↔ OH + H ( R 2) , H 2 + OH ↔ H 2 O + H ( R 3) , and H + O 2 + M ↔ HO 2 + M ( R 9) . Maximum heat release occurs in the rich premixed zone through reactions R9 and R3. Interactions between the two reaction zones involve the transport of heat from the nonpremixed to the premixed reaction zone and the transport of H 2 from the premixed to the nonpremixed zone. The flame response to variations in equivalence ratio ( φ ) and strain rate ( a s ) is characterized. Increasing φ and/or a s causes the two reaction zones move closer, and eventually merge with each other. Further increase in φ leads to a nonpremixed flame, while that in a s leads to stretch-induced extinction. Finally, differences between the structures of hydrogen PPFs and hydrocarbon-fuel PPFs are highlighted.
The role of gender in a non-cooperative game☆

Abstract Markets are experimentally constructed to test for differences in choice behavior attributable to gender. Subjects participate in two-person, non-cooperative, repeated games. Choices are made simultaneously, opponents are anonymous, and no one knows how many periods are in an experiment. At the beginning of experiments women tend to be more cooperative than men and have a higher variance of choices. After 25 periods these differences vanish. For subject pairs, there is no statistically important relation between paired choice levels and the number of males in a pair. However we find the variance of choices larger for pairs with males.
Adenosine radionuclide perfusion imaging in the preoperative evaluation of patients undergoing peripheral vascular surgery

To define the clinical and adenosine test variables that predicted perioperative cardiac events, 122 patients who received adenosine radionuclide perfusion imaging before peripheral vascular surgery were reviewed. Events included pulmonary edema, an ischemic end point of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or cardiac death. Five patients underwent coronary revascularization before the surgical procedure. Of the 117 remaining patients, 19 had pulmonary edema, 10 had an AMI, and 2 died after peripheral vascular surgery. Most of the patients (78%) were in an intermediate-risk group as indicated by the presence of > or = 1 clinical risk factor as defined by the Eagle criteria. The only predictor of perioperative pulmonary edema was a history of congestive heart failure (33% vs 4%; p = 0.002). No clinical variables predicted AMI or death. The adenosine variables that were univariate predictors of AMI and death were the number of reversible perfusion defects (1.75 +/- 1.84 vs 0.75 +/- 0.90; p = 0.001) and the number of coronary artery distributions with a radionuclide perfusion defect (1.33 +/- 0.64 vs 0.85 +/- 0.67; p = 0.022). The number of reversible perfusion defects was the only multivariate predictor of ischemic events (p = 0.017). The presence of > 1 reversible defect was associated with an increased frequency of ischemic events (68% vs 28%; p = 0.045). The sensitivity and specificity of > 1 reversible defect was 58% and 73%, respectively, with a positive and negative predictive value of 19% and 94%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Murine DNA cytosine C5-methyltransferase: in vitro studies of de novo methylation spreading

The preference of murine DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase (Dnmt1) for single stranded DNA substrates is increased up to 50-fold by the presence of a proximal 5-methyl cytosine (5(me)C). This modulation is distance-dependent and is due to an enhanced binding affinity and minor changes in catalytic efficiency. No modulation was observed with double stranded DNA. Modulation requires that the 5(me)C moiety be attached to the DNA strand containing the CpG methylation target. Our results support a model in which 5(me)C binding by the enzyme occurs to at least one site outside the region involved in CpG recognition. No modulation in response to 5(me)C is observed with the bacterial enzyme M.SssI, which lacks the large N-terminal regulatory domain found in Dnmt1. We suggest that this allosteric modulation involves the N-terminal domain of Dnmt1.
Anion and cation effects on δ-crystallin synthesis in the cultured embryonic chick lens and in a reticulocyte lysate

The ratio of synthesis of the δ-crystallin subunits [48 000 (48K) and 50 000 (50K) daltons] has been correlated previously with the ratio of intracellular Na+ to K+ in cultured embryonic chick lenses. In the present experiments, we have studied the effects of the Na+: K+ and Cl−:OAc− ratios on the ratio of synthesis of the 48K to 50K subunits of δ-crystallin in the 15-day-old embryonic chick lens cultured in the presence of ouabain and in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate primed with δ-crystallin mRNA. The total Na+K+ and Cl−-OAc− concentrations were constant in these tests. Cl− was found to reduce overall δ-crystallin synthesis in the cell-free lysate. In general, high Na+:K+ or Cl−:OAc− ratios in the medium or in the cell-free lysate lowered the ratio of synthesis of the 48K to the 50K subunits, while low Na+:K+ or Cl−:OAc− ratios increased the ratio of synthesis of the 48K to the 50K subunits of δ-crystallin in vivo and in vitro. The ratios of synthesis of the 48K to the 50K δ-crystallin subunits were comparable at similar concentrations of these ions in the reticulocyte lysate and the ouabain-treated lens. The electrolyte-correlated changes in δ-crystallin synthesis in the cultured lenses were reversible. The intralenticular concentrations of Na+, K+ and Cl− equilibrated with the medium in the lenses cultured with ouabain. These experiments indicate that alterations in anions, as well as cations, may influence crystallin synthesis within the lens.
The Use of Mass Media to Promote Smoking Cessation in Adults

We are failing to meet the 2010 goal of reducing cigarette smoking in adults by 12% or more. Though the prevalence of smoking in adults has declined in the past 40 years to a current rate of 19.8%,...
Resonant scattering of slow electrons in molecular solids: Suppression of the elastic beam.

We discuss the effect of the surrounding matrix on the resonant scattering of an electron from a molecule imbedded in a solid. Under the conditions outlined, coupling between the resonantly trapped electrons and acoustical phonons leads to a suppression of the elastic component of the scattered beam. When this happens, a multiphonon loss structure occurs, whose shape and temperature dependence is given for the model explored in the present paper. We discuss the recent experimental studies of slow-electron scattering from solid ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ films reported by Sanche and collaborators, with these results in hand.
Cutting-Tool Management in Computer-Integrated Manufacturing

The problem of cutting tool management has been brought to the forefront with the emergence of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) and, in particular, flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs). The financial and operational ramifications of effective tool management has spurred considerable research in this area during the past decade and many researchers are proposing sound solutions to various facets of this broad-ranging and difficult problem. This paper identifies critical areas of research for the development of tool management systems in CIM. To develop a framework for this, the paper examines and categorizes work in academia and in industry on the management of cutting-tools in CIM and describes some key implementations, particularly in the metal-cutting industry. The solution of manufacturing problems generally demands an eclectic approach, and for this reason, we have tried to taxonomize, describe, and critique the various research thrusts in an attempt to provide a synthesis of use in more unified approaches.
Evidence for the involvement of sulfidopeptide leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of pichinde virus infection in strain 13 guinea pigs

Abstract Strain 13 guinea pigs inoculated subcutaneously with Pichinde virus developed fever, lost body weight, decreased water and food consumption, and died at 14 ± 0.6 days. After FPL-55712, a leukotriene D 4 antagonist, was administered beginning on PID (post-inoculation day) 3 for 18 days, the magnitude of body weight loss decreased and food intake increased, despite a persistent fever. The treated guinea pigs also survived significantly longer than infected animals receiving placebo injection (21 vs 14 days). Using guinea pig ileum bioassay and radioimmunoassay, we detected significant levels of plasma leukotrienes in Pichinde virus-infected guinea pigs on PID 11 and possibly PID 14. These findings strongly suggest that leukotrienes play a role in the pathogenesis of arenavirus infection and may account in part for the observed cardiac depression, pulmonary edema, and eventual death.
Acute Sensitivity of Landslide Rates to Initial Soil Porosity

Some landslides move imperceptibly downslope, whereas others accelerate catastrophically. Experimental landslides triggered by rising pore water pressure moved at sharply contrasting rates due to small differences in initial porosity. Wet sandy soil with porosity of about 0.5 contracted during slope failure, partially liquefied, and accelerated within 1 second to speeds over 1 meter per second. The same soil with porosity of about 0.4 dilated during failure and slipped episodically at rates averaging 0.002 meter per second. Repeated slip episodes were induced by gradually rising pore water pressure and were arrested by pore dilation and attendant pore pressure decline.
Government Policy and Banking Market Structure in the 1920s

This article investigates interstate differences in banking market structure during the 1920s. It finds that the number of banks per capita and the ratio of state-chartered to federally chartered banks were highest in states with deposit insurance systems, low minimum capital requirements, and branching restrictions. In the 1920s banking consolidation was greatest where falling incomes caused high failure rates, in states with deposit insurance, and where branching increased. After 1920, the high failure rate of insured state banks caused the ratio of state–chartered to federally chartered banks to decline relatively more in states with insurance systems.
Damage detection in composite structures using Lamb wave analysis and time-frequency approach

A methodology based on Lamb wave analysis and time-frequency signal processing has been developed for damage detection and structural health monitoring of composite structures. Because the Lamb wave signals are complex in nature, robust signal processing techniques are required to extract damage features. In this paper, Lamb wave mode conversion is used to detect the damage in composite structures. Matching pursuit decomposition algorithm is used to represent each Lamb wave mode in the time-frequency domain. Results from numerical Lamb wave propagation simulations and experiments using orthotropic composite plate structures are presented. The capability of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by detecting seeded delaminations in the composite plate samples. The advantages of the methodology include accurate time-frequency resolution, robustness to noise, high computational efficiency and ease of post-processing.
A firm-level chronicle of financial crises in the Southern Cone

Abstract This paper chronicles the recent emergence of financial crises in the ‘Southern Cone’ countries of South America. Relying on firm-level panel data, major changes in the macro and regulatory environments are linked to changes in firms' earnings streams and financial structures. For each country, a ‘boom’ phase, a ‘squeeze’ phase, and a ‘bust’ phase are identified. It is argued that the proximate cause of this pattern was wild fluctuation in the expected real return on financial assets. Though no formal model is developed, it is suggested that these swings were due to the system of incentives created by rapid banking sector deregulation cum exchange-rate-based stabilization policies.
Using an Optimized Version of the AIRS Water Vapor Retrieval Algorithm to analyze a 3-year Period of Water Vapor Measurements

We present an optimization study of AIRS water vapor retrieval algorithm by comparison with in situ measurements. This optimized algorithm is being used for a more accurate characterization of AIRS water vapor distributions.
The stability of the supersaturated state in isothermal fluxed melts used for magnetic garnet LPE

Abstract The stability of the supersaturated state in PbO-B2O3-Fe2O3 fluxed melts used for the LPE growth of thin magnetic garnet films is investigated. The data show that these melts are very stable against spontaneous nucleation of the garnet phase, especially when undercooling is only moderate. Constant supersaturation can be maintained for 200 min, even with 100°C undercooling. Once spontaneous nucleation of garnet has occurred, the decay of the supersaturation, i.e., rate of ageing, is well-defined and reproducible. The rate of ageing increases with increased undercooling.
Modeling of adaptive composites including debonding

Abstract Debonding of piezoelectric actuators for use in composite structures can result insignificant changes to the static and dynamic response. This important issue is studied in thecurrent work. The refined higher order theory for composite laminates with embedded⧹surfacebonded piezoelectric sensors and actuators is extended to incorporate debonding of transducersby partitioning the laminate into debonded and nondebonded regions. The stress free boundaryconditions at the free surfaces are satisfied in the analytical formulation. Continuity conditionsbetween the debonded and the nondebonded regions, which are nontrivial for the higher ordertheory, are formulated and implemented using a penalty approach in the finite element model.The computational model is efficient and correlation with experimental results is very good.Numerical results are presented which indicate significant changes in the natural frequencies andmode shapes due to debonded transducers.
O-ring fiber optic pressure sensor

Two optical fiber pressure sensor techniques are applied to the measurement of the distributed pressure of an O-ring. These sensors are polarimetrically and interferometrically based. Experimental results are presented for measuring the pressure exerted on an O-ring placed in a vacuum chamber and are compared with analytical results. Resolution and dynamic range of the fiber sensors are discussed.
Numerical Cognition On the Convergence of Componential and Psychometric Models

The relationship between the elementary operations underlying the processing of numerical information and performance on psychometrically derived ability measures defining the Numerical Facility, Perceptual Speed, General Reasoning, and Memory Span factors was examined for a sample of 112 Air Force recruits. The process variables were derived based on a componential model for arithmetic and an additional measure that indexed the ability to allocate attention while executing arithmetical operations in working memory. All numerical facility, general reasoning, and memory-span tests required the processing of numbers, but only the numerical facility and general reasoning measures required arithmetic. Analyses of the pattern of relationship between the process variables and the ability measures indicated that the rate of executing the operations of arithmetic fact retrieval and carrying contributed to individual differences on the measures defining both the Numerical Facility and General Reasoning factors, but was unrelated to performance on the memory-span tests. Moreover, the attentional allocation aspect of working-memory capacity directly contributed to individual differences on only the general reasoning and memory-span measures. The results demonstrated a pattern of convergent and discriminant relationships for parameters reflecting the processing of numerical information and performance on theoretically similar and subtly dissimilar ability measures. Implications for the representation of individual differences in human abilities were discussed.
Small strain vibration of a continuous, linearized viscoelastic rod of expanded polymer cushion material

Abstract In this paper, the free and forced vibration response of a linearized, distributed-parameter model of a viscoelastic rod with an applied tip-mass is investigated. A nonlinear model is developed from constitutive relations and is linearized about a static equilibrium position for analysis. A classical Maxwell–Weichert model, represented via a Prony series, is used to model the viscoelastic system. The exact solution to both the free and forced vibration problem is derived and used to study the behavior of an idealized packaging system containing Nova Chemicals׳ Arcel ® foam. It is observed that, although three Prony series terms are deemed sufficient to fit the static test data, convergence of the dynamic response and study of the storage and loss modulii necessitate the use of additional Prony series terms. It is also shown that the model is able to predict the modal frequencies and the primary resonance response at low acceleration excitation, both with reasonable accuracy given the non-homogeneity and density variation observed in the specimens. Higher acceleration inputs result in softening nonlinear responses highlighting the need for a nonlinear elastic model that extends beyond the scope of this work. Solution analysis and experimental data indicate little material vibration energy dissipation close to the first modal frequency of the mass/rod system.
Behavioral effects of SQSTM1/p62 overexpression in mice: Support for a mitochondrial role in depression and anxiety

Affective spectrum and anxiety disorders have come to be recognized as the most prevalently diagnosed psychiatric disorders. Among a suite of potential causes, changes in mitochondrial energy metabolism and function have been associated with such disorders. Thus, proteins that specifically change mitochondrial functionality could be identified as molecular targets for drugs related to treatment for affective spectrum disorders. Here, we report generation of transgenic mice overexpressing the scaffolding and mitophagy related protein Sequestosome1 (SQSTM1/p62) or a single point mutant (P392L) in the UBA domain of SQSTM1/p62. We show that overexpression of SQSTM1/p62 increases mitochondrial energy output and improves transcription factor import into the mitochondrial matrix. These elevated levels of mitochondrial functionality correlate directly with discernible improvements in mouse behaviors related to affective spectrum and anxiety disorders. We also describe how overexpression of SQSTM1/p62 improves spatial learning and long term memory formation in these transgenic mice. These results suggest that SQSTM1/p62 provides an attractive target for therapeutic agents potentially suitable for the treatment of anxiety and affective spectrum disorders.
In-situ detection of butane gas at a hydrophobic silicon surface

Abstract It has been suggested that attractive forces at hydrophobic surfaces arise from the cavitation of nanobubbles in the interfacial water region eventually leading to film instability and rupture. These phenomena may be the basis for bubble attachment at a hydrophobic surface and the flotation of hydrophobic particles. Now, for the first time the accommodation of gas by interfacial water at a hydrophobic silicon surface has been demonstrated by in-situ FTIR/IRS measurements for the butane/silicon system Such gas accommodation does nor occur at a hydrophilic silicon surface. The origin and long-range nature of hydrophobic interactions are discussed based on these spectroscopic measurements which support the presence of gas nanobubbles/cavities at hydrophobic surfaces. Cavitation of these nanobubbles may explain the very strong long-range attractive forces which have been measured between macroscopic hydrophobic surfaces in some systems.
DNA hypomethylation causes bile duct defects in zebrafish and is a distinguishing feature of infantile biliary atresia.

Infantile cholestatic disorders arise in the context of progressively developing intrahepatic bile ducts. Biliary atresia (BA), a progressive fibroinflammatory disorder of extra- and intrahepatic bile ducts, is the most common identifiable cause of infantile cholestasis and the leading indication for liver transplantation in children. The etiology of BA is unclear, and although there is some evidence for viral, toxic, and complex genetic causes, the exclusive occurrence of BA during a period of biliary growth and remodeling suggests an importance of developmental factors. Interestingly, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) signaling is activated in patients and in the frequently utilized rhesus rotavirus mouse model of BA, and is thought to play a key mechanistic role. Here we demonstrate intrahepatic biliary defects and up-regulated hepatic expression of IFN-γ pathway genes caused by genetic or pharmacological inhibition of DNA methylation in zebrafish larvae. Biliary defects elicited by inhibition of DNA methylation were reversed by treatment with glucocorticoid, suggesting that the activation of inflammatory pathways was critical. DNA methylation was significantly reduced in bile duct cells from BA patients compared to patients with other infantile cholestatic disorders, thereby establishing a possible etiologic link between decreased DNA methylation, activation of IFN-γ signaling, and biliary defects in patients. Conclusion: Inhibition of DNA methylation leads to biliary defects and activation of IFN-γ-responsive genes, thus sharing features with BA, which we determine to be associated with DNA hypomethylation. We propose epigenetic activation of IFN-γ signaling as a common etiologic mechanism of intrahepatic bile duct defects in BA. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
Mirage: a coherent distributed shared memory design

Shared memory is an effective and efficient paradigm for interprocess communication. We are concerned with software that makes use of shared memory in a single site system and its extension to a multimachine environment. Here we describe the design of a distributed shared memory (DSM) system called Mirage developed at UCLA. Mirage provides a form of network transparency to make network boundaries invisible for shared memory and is upward compatible with an existing interface to shared memory. We present the rationale behind our design decisions and important details of the implementation. Mirage's basic performance is examined by component timings, a worst case application, and a “representative” application. In some instances of page contention, the tuning parameter in our design improves application throughput. In other cases, thrashing is reduced and overall system performance improved using our tuning parameter.
Metasystems: An Approach Combining Parallel Processing and Heterogeneous Distributed Computing Systems

Abstract A metasystem is a single computing resource composed of a heterogeneous group of autonomous computers linked together by a network. The interconnection network needed to construct large metasystems will soon be in place. To fully exploit these new systems, software that is easy to use, supports large degrees of parallelism, and hides the complexity of the underlying physical architecture must be developed. In this paper we describe our metasystem vision, our approach to constructing a metasystem testbed, and early experimental results. Our approach combines features from earlier work on both parallel processing systems and heterogeneous distributed computing systems. Using the testbed, we have found that data coercion costs are not a serious obstacle to high performance, but that load imbalance induced by differing processor capabilities can limit performance. We then present a mechanism to overcome load imbalance that utilizes user-provided callbacks.
Influence of tomato genotype on growth of inoculated and indigenous bacteria in the spermosphere

We previously demonstrated a genetic basis in tomato for support of the growth of a biological control agent, Bacillus cereus UW85, in the spermosphere after seed inoculation (K. P. Smith, J. Handelsman, and R. M. Goodman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96:4786-4790, 1999). Here we report results of studies examining the host effect on the support of growth of Bacillus and Pseudomonas strains, both inoculated on seeds and recruited from soil, using selected inbred tomato lines from the recombinant inbred line (RIL) population used in our previous study. Two tomato lines, one previously found to support high and the other low growth of B. cereus UW85 in the spermosphere, had similar effects on growth of each of a diverse, worldwide collection of 24 B. cereus strains that were inoculated on seeds and planted in sterilized vermiculite. In contrast, among RILs that differed for support of B. cereus UW85 growth in the spermosphere, we found no difference for support of growth of the biocontrol strains Pseudomonas fluorescens 2-79 or Pseudomonas aureofaciens AB254. Thus, while the host effect on growth extended to all strains of B. cereus examined, it was not exerted on other bacterial species tested. When seeds were inoculated with a marked mutant of B. cereus UW85 and planted in soil, RIL-dependent high and low support of bacterial growth was observed that was similar to results from experiments conducted in sterilized vermiculite. When uninoculated seeds from two of these RILs were planted in soil, changes in population levels of indigenous Bacillus and fluorescent Pseudomonas bacteria differed, as measured over time by culturing and direct microscopy, from growth patterns observed in the inoculation experiments. Neither RIL supported detectable levels of growth of indigenous Bacillus soil bacteria, while the line that supported growth of inoculated B. cereus UW85 supported higher growth of indigenous fluorescent pseudomonads and total bacteria. The vermiculite system used in these experiments was predictive for growth of B. cereus UW85 inoculated on seeds and grown in soil, but the patterns of growth of inoculated strains-both Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp.-did not reflect host genotype effects on indigenous microflora recruited from soil to the spermosphere.
Monitoring Warfarin Therapy with the International Normalized Ratio

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of suboptimal warfarin monitoring.CASE SUMMARY:A patient with a history of rheumatic heart disease and a mechanical mitral valve was admitted to the local hospital complaining of left-sided weakness. At the time, she was receiving warfarin 5 mg/d. Upon admission her prothrombin time (PT) was 15 s. An initial computed tomography (CT) scan of the head was negative. On the basis of the initial findings, it was unclear whether the symptoms were caused by a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The patient was transferred to the University Medical Center for a more thorough evaluation. The diagnosis of CVA was confirmed by a repeat CT scan seven days after the event. On the basis of the information obtained from the local hospital, it was determined that the initial PT of 15 s converted to an International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 1.5, which is below the recommended range for patients with mechanical heart valves. Prior to discharge, the warfarin dosage was increased to obtain an INR in t...
A Research Guide on Islam in the Russian Federation

As the Muslim population grows in Russia, and along with it questions of radical Islam and the role of Islam in Russian society and government, it has become increasingly important for scholars, students, and policy makers to be able to conduct research effectively on the presence of Islam in Russia. English‐language literature devoted to the topic is infrequent and often difficult to locate and access. This research guide points to important and recent books, reference works, periodicals, periodical databases, Internet resources, electronic discussion lists, and scholarly organizations to help identify relevant quality research material.
Cell division and the nervous system: regulating the cycle from neural differentiation to death

It has long been recognized that the balance between cellular proliferation and cell death during embryogenesis is a key factor in formation of the CNS. The recent definition of molecular mechanisms that drive the cell-division cycle and programmed cell death provides an opportunity to investigate the molecular interactions that co-ordinate cell-cycle regulation with CNS-pattern formation, neural differentiation and histogenesis. It is proposed that not only is the cell-division cycle regulated by developmentally controlled molecular signals to halt or proceed, but gene products that drive the cycle can also influence the course of neural differentiation and apoptosis.
Paralleled hardware annealing for optimal solutions on electronic neural networks

Three basic neural network schemes have been extensively studied by researchers: the iterative networks, the backpropagation networks, and the self-organizing networks. Simulated annealing is a probabilistic hill-climbing technique that accepts, with a nonzero but gradually decreasing probability, deterioration in the cost function of the optimization problems. Hardware annealing, which combines the simulated annealing technique with continuous-time electronic neural networks by changing the voltage gain of neurons, is discussed. The initial and final voltage gains for applying hardware annealing to Hopfield data-conversion networks are presented. In hardware annealing, the voltage gain of output neurons is increased from an initial low value to a final high value in a continuous fashion which helps to achieve the optimal solution for an optimization problem in one annealing cycle. Experimental results on the transfer function and transient response of electronic neural networks achieving the global minimum are also presented. >
Plans and the Initiation of Social Relationships

Researchers interested in cognitive approaches to relational communication have typically sought explanations for how cognition influences the interpretation of social actions. Few attempts have been made to understand how cognitive structures guide action production. This study extends the work of such researchers by demonstrating the relationship of plans to two social outcomes, loneliness and shyness. College students described how they would request a date from a member of the opposite sex and how they would ingratiate themselves to a new roommate. Each plan was judged for its effectiveness (i.e., likelihood of success) and analyzed for the types of actions represented within it. As hypothesized, loneliness and shyness were inversely related to plan effectiveness in the date-requesting domain for males but not for females. Loneliness and shyness were inversely related to plan effectiveness in the roommate ingratiation situation for both sexes. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for theories of planning and action production in social interactions.
The role of microfilaments in early meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes

Mouse oocyte microfilaments (MF) were perturbed by depolymerization (cytochalasin B) or stabilization (jasplakinolide) and correlated meiotic defects examined by confocal microscopy. MF, microtubules, and mitochondria were vitally stained; centrosomes (gamma-tubulin), after fixation. MF depolymerization by cytochalasin in culture medium did not affect central migration of centrosomes, mitochondria, or nuclear breakdown (GVBD); some MF signal was localized around the germinal vesicle (GV). In maturation-blocking medium (containing IBMX), central movement was curtailed and cortical MF aggregations made the plasma membrane wavy. Occasional long MF suggested that not all MF were depolymerized. MF stabilization by jasplakinolide led to MF aggregations throughout the cytoplasm. GVBD occurred (unless IBMX was present) but no spindle formed. Over time, most oocytes constricted creating a dumbbell shape with MF concentrated under one-half of the oocyte cortex and on either side of the constriction. In IBMX medium, the MF-containing half of the dumbbell over time sequestered the GV, MF, mitochondria, and one to two large cortical centrosomes; the non-MF half appeared empty. Cumulus processes contacted the oocyte surface (detected by microtubule content) and mirrored MF distribution. Results demonstrated that MF play an essential role in meiosis, primarily through cortically mediated events, including centrosome localization, spindle (or GV) movement to the periphery, activation of (polar body) constriction, and establishment of oocyte polarity. The presence of a cortical "organizing pole" is hypothesized.
Use of gingival bleeding for reinforcement of oral home care behavior

The present study examined the use of gingival bleeding as a reinforcement mechanism for interproximal home care with the toothpick. After initial assessments of plaque and gingival bleeding, 36 subjects were given a professional toothcleaning and instructed to maintain oral hygiene by toothbrushing alone for 3 months. After 3 months of brushing only, subjects were re-examined and given another professional toothcleaning. Having been matched for age and percentage of sites bleeding on probing, as determined at the initial examination, they were than randomly attached to one of three groups. One group, the control, continued to clean their teeth with only a toothbrush, while the other two groups used the toothbrush supplemented with the toothpick for interproximal subgingival cleaning. Both toothpick groups received identical instruction in toothpick technique, but one group was taught to use bleeding as an interpretive device for health. Three months later, clinical assessments indicated significantly less gingival bleeding for both toothpick groups as compared with the control (whose gingival health worsened). Although there was no significant difference between the final scores of the toothpick groups, only the group that used gingival bleeding as a sign of disease showed a significant improvement in gingival health (P less than 0.003), and also had a fivefold higher rate of return of self-report compliance cards. These results suggest that the use of gingival bleeding as a reinforcement mechanism should be considered as a strategy in oral home care instruction to promote compliance with recommended behavior.
Nonlinear Finite-Element Modeling Analysis of Soil-Pipe Interaction

AbstractThe effect of dynamic compaction forces is ignored in the analysis and design of underground structures. Several failure cases have been reported in which longitudinal cracks are observed during installation and compaction processes. Because, in the current specifications, compacting forces are not considered as design parameters, this study aims at determining the effect of dynamic compaction forces on RC pipes of different sizes. Thus, complete nonlinear three-dimensional finite-element models of pipe and soil are developed and verified against full-scale experimental testing. Particularly, crack initiation and propagation are modeled and predicted. Finally, the effects of dynamic forces are identified on the RC pipe.
On measurements and their quality: Paper 3: Post hoc pooling and errors of discreteness

This is the third in a short series of papers on measurement theory and practice with particular relevance to research in nursing, midwifery, and healthcare. In this paper I demonstrate how the decisions we make regarding the post hoc treatment of our measurements impact the quality of our data and influence the validity of the inferences we draw from them. I address two variations of this practice, pooling data over response options found on self-report measures, and transforming measurements of continuous variables, such as age, into ranges or ordered categories. The problems inherent in this practice are examined using concepts from information theory. Pooling more precise measurements into less precise ones creates errors of discreteness that introduce unpredictable (positive or negative) bias in our results.
A Very High Sensitivity RF Pulse Profile Measurement System

A technique for characterizing the pulse profile of a radio-frequency (RF) amplifier over a very wide power range under fast-pulsing conditions is presented. A pulse-modulated transmitter is used to drive a device under test (DUT) with a phase-coded signal that allows for an increased measurement range beyond standard techniques. A measurement receiver that samples points on the output pulse power profile and performs the necessary signal processing and coherent pulse integration, improving the detectability of low-power signals, is described. The measurement technique is applied to two sample amplifiers under fast-pulsing conditions with a pulsewidth of 250 ns at 3-GHz carrier frequency. A full measurement range of greater than 160 dB is achieved, extending the current state of the art in pulse-profiling techniques.
Will Workers Benefit from This Economic Recovery

Every 2 years, staff at the Economic Policy Institute publishes a labor market and employment sourcebook. The State of Working America 2008-2009 is an especially important and valuable contribution. It documents how poorly working families fared in the period prior to the recent economic crisis and therefore provides a benchmark for assessing whether current economic recovery policies will reverse these trends. The author draws on the data and analysis presented in this volume to suggest policy actions needed to do so.
Variation and Morphosyntactic Theory: Competition Fractionated

The study of the ‘dynamic’ aspects of language – variation and change – and the development of grammatical theory are often pursued independently of one another. Concentrating on morphosyntax, this article explores connections between these domains that are centered on the notion of ‘competition’. When the relationship between competition for grammaticality and competition for use is articulated, it is clear that grammar competition models of variation and change are connected directly to specific theoretical approaches to synchronic grammar.
Stability Analysis of a Nonlinear Wheelset Rolling on Rough Track

The lateral stability of a nonlinear rail vehicle wheelset subject to random track irregularities is analyzed by the random plus sinusoid describing function method. The nonlinearities considered are wheel/rail profile geometry and friction force saturation. A state space, dual-input, equivalent linearization procedure is developed and applied to the wheelset model. It is shown that on perfectly smooth track creep force saturation increases the critical speed and limits the maximum lateral amplitude. The nonlinear geometry creates several stability boundaries (stable and unstable) and limits the maximum wheelset excursion to lower values than the creep force saturation does. This method predicts the experimentally observed phenomenon of intermittent hunting, i.e., a two-mode response randomly shifting between a limit cycling and a nonlimit cycling behavior, when running on rough track near the critical speed. The predicted response is compared to the results from digital simulations and is shown to be quite accurate.
Improved Customers' Privacy Preference Policy

Companies tend to collect more and more data about their customers. This data is seen as useful for the company, but often customers do not wish to share it. Methods such as P3P for verifying a company's privacy policy are available, however these do not provide much choice for the customer and they provide an all-or-nothing approach. In this paper, we improve the privacy preference policy approach to give customers more choices to make decisions on disclosing private information and make online companies more careful on their collection of customers' private information.
The Exopolysaccharide Alginate Protects Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Bacteria from IFN-γ-Mediated Macrophage Killing

The ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to form biofilms and cause chronic infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients is well documented. Numerous studies have revealed that P. aeruginosa biofilms are highly refractory to antibiotics. However, dramatically fewer studies have addressed P. aeruginosa biofilm resistance to the host’s immune system. In planktonic, unattached (nonbiofilm) P. aeruginosa, the exopolysaccharide alginate provides protection against a variety of host factors yet the role of alginate in protection of biofilm bacteria is unclear. To address this issue, we tested wild-type strains PAO1, PA14, the mucoid cystic fibrosis isolate, FRD1 (mucA22+), and the respective isogenic mutants which lacked the ability to produce alginate, for their susceptibility to human leukocytes in the presence and absence of IFN-γ. Human leukocytes, in the presence of recombinant human IFN-γ, killed biofilm bacteria lacking alginate after a 4-h challenge at 37°C. Bacterial killing was dependent on the presence of IFN-γ. Killing of the alginate-negative biofilm bacteria was mediated through mononuclear cell phagocytosis since treatment with cytochalasin B, which prevents actin polymerization, inhibited leukocyte-specific bacterial killing. By direct microscopic observation, phagocytosis of alginate-negative biofilm bacteria was significantly increased in the presence of IFN-γ vs all other treatments. Addition of exogenous, purified alginate to the alginate-negative biofilms restored resistance to human leukocyte killing. Our results suggest that although alginate may not play a significant role in bacterial attachment, biofilm development, and formation, it may play an important role in protecting mucoid P. aeruginosa biofilm bacteria from the human immune system.
Cancer in the Kidney Transplant Recipient

Renal transplantation is the optimal treatment for end stage kidney disease (ESKD). Prolonged immunosuppression in transplant patients has led to a number of posttransplant complications including malignancy. In fact malignancy is the third most common cause of mortality posttransplantation. In this chapter, we discuss the epidemiology and pathogenesis of posttransplant malignancy, with a focus on malignancies that are more prominent posttransplant. In addition, we briefly discuss the donor-derived malignancies and the challenges of transplanting patients with a history of malignancy.
Intravenous mercaptopurine: life begins at 40.

PURPOSEThis review is intended to provide a concise portrayal of the background, rationale, and current use of intravenous infusions of mercaptopurine (6MP) in patients with acute leukemia.DESIGNAfter a brief description of the mode of action of 6MP and the formulation, pharmacokinetics, and history of its intravenous administration, the rationale for current use of intravenous 6MP infusion is explained. Subsequently, the review summarizes and discusses clinical experience with intravenous 6MP alone and in combination with intravenous methotrexate (Mtx) and cytarabine (Ara-C).RESULTSAlthough still an investigative drug, intravenous 6MP has been used for 40 years and currently is being administered extensively to children with previously untreated acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) in frontline protocol studies. The reasons are the better and more consistent bioavailability of intravenous versus oral MP, higher blood and CSF levels, compliance, and preliminary evidence suggesting superior remission experience f...
Stress from Viral Infection: Inhibition of Photosynthesis Following Infection of Tobacco with Tobacco Mosaic Virus

Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) readily infects a wide range of host plants which includes tobacco. Symptoms of infection vary depending on the host species, environmental conditions and the strain of TMV. Some strains, such as PV42, produce symptoms which are essentially masked. Other strains, for example PV230, induce severe yellow chlorosis in leaves. One explanation for the difference in symptom severity postulates that where virus accumulation is high symptoms are severe (1). However, other results suggest that it is a specific effect of the viral coat protein (vCP) which regulates the development and/or severity of disease symptoms (2,3).
Radial Head Excision for Patients with Hemophilic Arthropathy of the Elbow

The elbow is the second most frequently affected joint in hemophilia. Chronic hemophilic synovitis of the elbow usually leads to enlargement of the radial head and severe arthropathy (Fig. 15.1). A derangement of the proximal radio-ulnar joint secondary to hypertrophy and marginal irregularities of the radial head is the major source of pain, recurrent bleeding, and restricted forearm rotation commonly seen in patients with hemophilic arthropathy of the elbow. Limitations in forearm rotation often result in significant disability. For example, loss of supination of the dominant extremity interferes with eating, handling money, and personal hygiene. Excision of the radial head has been successfully used to improve the symptoms associated with advance hemophilic arthropathy of the elbow.