cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Instabilities of conical flows causing steady bifurcations

A new stability approach is developed for a wide class of strongly non-parallel axisymmetric flows of a viscous incompressible fluid. This approach encompasses all conical flows, and all steady and weakly unsteady disturbances, while prior studies were limited to specific flows and particular disturbances. A specially derived form of the Navier-Stokes equations allows the exact reduction of the linear stability problem to a system of ordinary differential equations. Disturbances originating at the boundaries of a similarity region cause a variety of steady bifurcations. Consideration of the still fluid allows disturbances to be classified into inner, outer and global modes, depending on the boundary conditions perturbed. Then we identify and study modes which cause bifurcation as the Reynolds number increases. The study provides improved understanding of (a) azimuthal symmetry breaking, (h) genesis of swirl, (c) onset of heat convection, (d) hydromagnetic dynamo, (e) hysteretic transitions, and (f) jump flow separation. We also discover and analyse two new bifurcations: (g) fold catastrophes and (h) appearance of radial oscillations in swirl-free jets
A programmable floating-point cell for systolic signal processing

The FPC controller and the AMD Am29325 32-bit floating-point mathematics processor form a two-chip cell designed for one- or two-dimensional systolic arrays which can be used to implement a wide variety of signal processing applications. The FPC controls the Am29325, routes data to and from it, and routes data and control to other cells in the array. Unique architectural features include two interchangeable data memories, an input port which can be used as either a local or global port, and a 32-bit instruction word that allows concurrent use of all cell resources. Additional features include a program memory, two data streams, and three control streams.
Control of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Turbidity in Poultry-Processing Chiller Water Using UV-Enhanced Ozonation

Abstract UV-enhanced ozonation experiments on unscreened overflow chiller-water from a commercial poultry-processing plant successfully compared the oxidative and bactericidal effects of four treatments (viz., O2/O3, O2 /UV, ( O2/O3/UV, and O2 as the control). Optimal treatments provided greater than 99.9% control of pathogenic microorganisms. Results far exceeded the USDA-FSIS requirements of at least a 60% reduction of aerobic plate count (APC) bacteria including similar reductions in coliforms and E. coli, as well as the maintenance of light transmission at a value no less than 60% that of fresh water, consequently permitting 90% recirculation of the required 0.5 gal (1.9 L) overflow per carcass. Also an additional synergistic reduction (≥0.8 Log CFU/mL) in APC bacteria was documented for ozone acting in concert with UV photons as compared with the sum of the effects of O3 and UV acting in series. Economic analysis of operational and maintenance costs for this UV-enhanced ozonation system estimates ann...
Direct alteration of a gene in the human genome.

Direct alteration of a gene in the human genome requires an understanding of the role of the gene in metabolism. A gene may need to be introduced into a specific tissue or alternatively it may be possible to use accessible tissue such as bone marrow. The level of gene expression required also needs to be known as does the position in the genome into which the gene is to be inserted. Insertion of DNA needs to be of high efficiency and accuracy. Various methods are available including virus, the use of inert adjuvant, microinjection and electroporation. The procedure with the most potential for accuracy is the use of specially designed plasmids. The example of the use of such a plasmid in achieving target modification of the β-globin gene is given. The method has high accuracy but low efficiency.
Measurement of changes in total plant composition of five ions simultaneously by emission spectrography

Abstract Changes in composition of five different ions in bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Improved Tendergreen) exposed for 40 hours to different experimental conditions were studied by means of emission spectrography. At 24°c newly absorbed Mg and Na tended to remain in roots; P and K tended to be somewhat equally distributed between root and shoot, and Ca tended to be transported to shoots. At 4°C absorbed Na was transported to shoots. The low temperature (cold shock) also caused a large net loss of K from plants including from the shoot. The pattern indicated circulation from shoot to root. To a lesser extent the same occurred for Mg.
A case of vitamin D deficiency associated with cirrhosis of the liver and a dyscrasia of calcium and phosphorus metabolism

Summary A case report of a boy, 18 years of age, with an intrauterine historyof chronic illness on the part of the mother and a diet definitely deficient in minerals and vitamins during the first few years of life, is presented. There was advanced clinical rickets at 2 years of age associated with a moderate enlargement of the liver. No specific therapy was given until the child was 9 years old, when he was sent to the country for the summer and a marked improvement in walking ability followed extensive exposure to sunshine. At 18 years of age metabolism studies showed a dyscrasia in calciumand phosphorus metabolism which has been described in detail. Death occurred at 19 years from pulmonary tuberculosis. Necropsy observations which were pertinent to the case history showedthat the dentine of the teeth was riddled with interglobular spaces and that the enamel was very hypoplastic. The bones showed a definite thinning of the cortex and the red marrow was hyperplastic. The two parathyroid glands which were isolated were normal, grossly and histologically. The lived displayed advanced portal cirrhosis.
Improving atomic force microscopy images with the adaptation of ultrasonic force microscopy

The quest for technical advancements is leading scientists to study how devices interact on the nanometer scale. There is a growing need for material characterization techniques, which can image, detect damage/changes, and characterize the material and its engineered structures in the nanometer region. One of the most powerful tools that are routinely used for characterization of nanostructured materials is Atomic Force Microscopy. The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) provides a 3 dimensional surface topographic image of a sample. When imaging a sample's surface, a 10-micron or smaller area maybe fairly flat so that the AFM image provides very little detail and contrast even though the overall sample surface is quite rough. Ultrasonic Force Microscopy (UFM) has been developed in order to improve the image contrast on flat areas of interest where the AFM topography images are limited in contrast. The combination of AFM-UFM allows a near field acoustic microscopic image to be generated. The AFM tip is used to detect the ultrasonic waves and overcomes the lateral resolution limit of the acoustic wavelength that occurs in acoustic microscopy. By using the elastic changes under the AFM tip, an image of much greater detail than the AFM topography can be generated. Nondestructive evaluation and material characterization on ceramic and copper applications in which the addition of UFM has greatly improved upon the AFM images is presented.
A CITATION ANALYSIS OF ARTICLES IN SERIES

A study of 100 series of articles in science and technology examined how well members of a series cite each other. Citations from one article to another were either excellent, good, fair, poor, or nonexistent, depending on how much information could be gotten about the cited article from the citing article. It was found that 11% of all possible citations from earlier to later articles in a series—foward citations—were excellent, good, or fair. 73% of citations from later to earlier articles—retrospective citations—were excellent, good, or fair. It is recommended that the author of a series clearly point readers to at least one retrospective member of the series and that readers use a four‐step method to identify all members of a given series.
Thermal boundary conditions: an asymptotic analysis

A generalized thermal boundary condition is derived for a material region, representing all thermal effects of an adjacent thin layer. The boundary condition is obtained by considering the equations of heat conduction in each region and performing an asymptotic expansion of the temperatures about the ratio of thermal conductivities. From the asymptotic theory, the generalized boundary condition arises naturally for the leading order problem. An example is given to demonstrate the utility of the effective boundary condition.
Demography: The past 30 years, the present, and the future

Demography is a multidisciplinary and multifaceted field within a discipline; therefore any attempt to describe its past and project its future depends on which disciplines and which facets are emphasized. Of necessity, this essay represents one view of the field, influenced by the author's areas of study and research; this view may not be shared by others looking at the field from other viewpoints or even from the same viewpoint. The task at hand is to celebrate 30 years of Demography by assessing past changes and their implications for the future of the field. Standard demographic projection techniques require that one assess past trends, determine the factors causing change, and then assess how these factors are likely to operate in the future. Such a procedure is appropriate for projecting trends in demographic analysis as well as demographic events. For this reason I will begin with an assessment of past changes. Then I will discuss what the present indicates for the future, keeping in mind that projecting the future of demographic research is probably even riskier than predicting future population characteristics. To do this, I will address four facets of the field: how and where demography is done, the type of data employed, the methods used, and finally the theoretical approach and the questions addressed. Perhaps this order proceeds from the mundane to the significant, but I see it as proceeding from what has changed most to what has changed least.
A Commentary on Isocrates' Antidosis

Yun Lee Too, A Commentary on Isocrates’ Antidosis (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008), vi + 244 pp. $100 (cloth). As Isocrates’ longest and most comprehensive statement of his life and work, An...
Cardiothoracic intensive care: operation and administration.

The cardiothoracic surgery intensive care unit (CTICU) has evolved as a separate entity from the general surgical intensive care unit as management for cardiac surgery patients has become streamlined and algorithm driven. Critical care is best managed when the service is designed for a homogeneous population with a circumscribed set of medical and surgical issues. The repetition involved with the subspecialty care allows health care providers such as primary care nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other ancillary services to become appropriately focused on issues pertinent to this population. The goals of the CTICU include the attainment of rapid and safe recovery from surgery and anesthesia despite decreasing resources, increasing patient age and comorbidity, and increasing complexity of the operative procedure. The coordinated and systematic approach to the postoperative cardiac surgery patient under the direction of a staff physician offers the most effective opportunity to achieve these expectations at this time. The traditional model of staffing by a physician with responsibilities that conflict temporally with the immediacy often needed for the postoperative care of cardiac patients may expose patients to unnecessary risks. A responsible physician should be available in the CTICU, especially during the immediate postoperative period when physical assessment and direct hands-on involvement are essential. In an era when the operative team (ie, cardiac surgeon and cardiac anesthesiologist) must return to the surgical suite soon after the patient arrives in the intensive care unit, the presence of a physician dedicated to postoperative medical and surgical management becomes mandatory. According to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, "Each special care unit is properly directed and staffed according to the nature of the special patient care needs anticipated and scope of services provided." The assignment of staff is designed to match experience with patient acuity.
Variable Lithium Coordination Modes in Two- and Three-Dimensional Lithium Boron Imidazolate Frameworks

Despite years of efforts, known metal−organic frameworks rely predominantly on the use of group 12, d- and f-block elements. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in the use of s- and p-block elements (e.g., Mg and Al) as framework polyhedral nodes. Still, there are much fewer framework materials constructed from lightweight second-row elements (e.g., Li and B). Here we report three framework structures constructed by using lithium and boron as 3- or 4-connected nodes. It is shown that structural features of the poly(azolyl)borate anion can be used to induce 3-connected lithium sites, as compared to much more common 4-connected lithium sites. The creation of 3-connected lithium is of significance because it may offer open metal sites for enhanced guest binding. BIF-10 is a 3-connected three-dimensional lithium boron imidazolate built from the tripodal [BH(mim)3]− anion (mim = 2-methylimidazolyl). One unique feature of BIF-10 is that lithium sites in two interpenetrating sublattices have different c...
Isolation and characterization of a breast progenitor epithelial cell line with robust DNA damage responses

We report the establishment of a breast epithelial cell model that undergoes growth arrest at different stages of the cell cycle depending upon the DNA damaging agents encountered. Primary breast epithelial cells from normal reductive mammoplasty were grown in low-calcium culture medium. Free-floating cells under this condition were separated and used for establishment of the MCF-15 breast epithelial cell line. We found that MCF-15 breast epithelial cells display a superb response to different phases of the cell cycle arrest in response to various DNA damaging agents. Immunohistological analysis indicates that MCF-15 cells express cytokeratin 19, CD44, CXCR4, SDF-1, SPARC and vimentin. Although less than 5% of the MCF-15 cells expressed Muc-1 in culture, increased Muc-1 expression was observed in luminal epithelial cells along the newly formed lumen in xenografts. Furthermore, a small population of MCF-15 cells expressed estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) in xenografts while ERalpha expression was not detected in monolayer culture. Therefore, the MCF-15 breast epithelial cell line possesses characteristics of breast progenitor cells and provides a good cell culture model for studying the response to DNA damage and the etiology of aggressive basal-like breast cancers.
Understanding vascular development

The vasculature of an organism has the daunting task of connecting all the organ systems to nourish tissue and sustain life. This complex network of vessels and associated cells must maintain blood flow, but constantly adapt to acute and chronic changes within tissues. While the vasculature has been studied for over a century, we are just beginning to understand the processes that regulate its formation and how genetic hierarchies are influenced by mechanical and metabolic cues to refine vessel structure and optimize efficiency. As we gain insights into the developmental mechanisms, it is clear that the processes that regulate blood vessel development can also enable the adult to adapt to changes in tissues that can be elicited by exercise, aging, injury, or pathology. Thus, research in vessel development has provided tremendous insights into therapies for vascular diseases and disorders, cancer interventions, wound repair and tissue engineering, and in turn, these models have clearly impacted our understanding of development. Here we provide an overview of the development of the vascular system, highlighting several areas of active investigation and key questions that remain to be answered.
Force Control of Pneumatic Actuators Utilizing a New Pressure Estimation Technique

In this paper, a new method of estimating the pressures needed to control the force output of a pneumatic cylinder is presented. A sliding mode force controller, encapsulating the dynamics of the system, is developed in order to implement and validate the pressure estimation. Experiments were conducted in order to measure the accuracy of the pressure estimation against that of the actual pressures. The results presented show that the estimated pressures accurately represent the actual pressures of the system.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Outsourcing in India: The Past, Present, and Future

Mr. N. Krishnakumar is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MindTree Consulting and the Chairperson of Emerging Companies Forum, NASSCOM, India. MindTree Consulting was founded in 1999. It is an international IT and R&D services company that delivers business and technology solutions through global software development. MindTree is coheadquartered in Somerset, New Jersey and Bangalore, India, and employs over 7500 professionals worldwide. It has development centers in both India and US. In 2009, MindTree was named among the world’s top 100 outsourcing service providers by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals and has been consistently ranked high among the Best Place to Work in India. National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) is the Indian chamber of commerce and is a consortium that serves as an interface to the Indian software industry and Indian BPO industry. It has more than 1200 organization members, of which over 250 are global companies from across US, UK, EU and APAC. NASSCOM was set up in 1988, at Mumbai to facilitate business and trade in software and services and to encourage advancement of research in software technology. The Emerging Companies Forum, one of the four forums of NASSCOM, is aimed at strategizing the growth potential of small and medium outsourcing enterprises.
CHRONIC EOSINOPHILIC MENINGITIS DUE TO LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS VIRUS (LCMV)

LCMV infection of adult mice is the classic example of an immunopathologic disease, in that the cell mediated immune response of the host causes the disease. We have seen a 2 1/2-year-old female with chronic meningitis of 80 days' duration manifested by fatigue, lethargy, CSF pleocytosis and high spiking fevers. A peripheral eosinophilia (1,472-2, 688 cells/mm3) and CSF eosinophilia (3-25%) were found during a one-month hospitalization at the height of her illness. Fourfold rises in CF, Neut. and Fluorescent antibody titers established LCMV as the cause. Extensive evaluations for parasitic or other CNS or systemic disease were unrevealing. T & B cell function and macrophage studies were normal during her illness. During a documented intercurrent influenza A/ Victoria infection the following values were found: This is the first known report of prolonged fever, eosinophilia and chronic eosinophilic meningitis due to LCMV.
Glutamine-selective membrane electrode that uses living bacterial cells

A novel bioselective membrane electrode for L-glutamine has been constructed by coupling living bacteria of the strain Sarcina flava to a potentiometric ammonia gas sensor. Tests in aqueous standards and human serum show that the electrode combines excellent sensitivity and selectivity with rapid response and a useful lifetime of at least 2 weeks.
Differential Prediction of College Grades by Gender and by Ethnicity: A Replication Study

Differential predictive validity in forecasting academic performance in college has been observed for a number of years. A common finding is that the use of a single regression equation generally under predicts the grades of women and over predicts the grades of minority students. This study was undertaken to determine whether differential prediction was evident for a recent cohort of students at a state university. The results confirm that the phenomenon still exists. For women, but not for minority students, the difference in predictive validity appears to be related to the effects of course selection.
A study of the relationship of community living situation to independence and satisfaction in the lives of mentally retarded adults.

. This study examined the relationship between the level of supervision provided at the community residences of 61 adults with mental retardation and their sense of independence and satisfaction in specific aspects of home life, work and community activity. Responses given to interview questions were transformed into scores for independence and satisfaction for each subject. In order to compare the relationship of supervision at home, an individual's intellectual functional ability, and his social support to independence and satisfaction, non-parametric analyses of the data were performed. These revealed statistically significant inverse relationships between the degree of home supervision and independence both at home and within the community, and satisfaction at home. Greater functional ability was found not to be significantly related to any measures of independence or satisfaction. A high level of social support was correlated only with overall measures of community independence, satisfaction at home, and community satisfaction.
High resolution electron microscopy of grain boundaries

Our ability to observe atomic-scale features of grain boundaries has tremendously improved during the past decade. In this paper we give, aided by a number of examples, a select overview, on progress in the field of grain boundary research directly related to the advent of modern high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) instruments (point-to-point resolution better than 0.2 nm). Examples of grain boundary issues addressed by atomic structure observations of grain boundaries in oxides and metals will be given with emphasis on systematic investigations of the role of macroscopic and microscopic grain boundary parameters. Since comparisons between observed interface structures and atomistic computer modeling results are quite important, considerable efforts towards quantification have been undertaken recently by a number of authors. Most valuable insights have been obtained by the systematic examination of a range of grain boundary structures, using a combination of experimental observations and computer modeling results. In this manner HREM observations have been invaluable not only as a test of theoretical models, but also by exposing common atomic-scale features of high-angle grain boundaries. This has brought us closer to the goal of generating a general understanding of the interface structure and its connection to properties. Such studies have given valuable insights regarding the correlations between macroscopic grain boundary geometry, interfacial energy, and atomic relaxation modes.
Perspective: technology management in the service sector

This paper reports out of the symposium on 'Technology Management in the Service Sector' which was held as a part of Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology in 2007. The objectives of the symposium were: to explore how technology management research and education can contribute to the evolving field of services science, management and engineering; to define a research agenda for the field of engineering and technology management that addresses the critical needs of the evolving service economy and to discuss needed funding structures and programs to foster service oriented research. We tackled these issues in two ways. First, the key leaders from academia, industry and government presented the critical issues and challenges that presently exist. Then, small groups analysed the selected topics in depth. We identified three main components of service science: value, people and technology, and explored how researchers in the field of technology management would tackle this new phenomenon.
Studies on hormonal regulation of metabolism using isolated hepatocytes

A number of enzymatic methods have been developed to prepare hepatocytes using collagenase and hyaluronidase. However, best cell preparations are obtained by using only low concentrations of collagenase and exposing the liver to the enzyme for a very short period of time. These isolated cells with intact cell membranes and large numbers of microvilli on the cell surface respond to hormones at physiological concentrations suggesting that these microvilli contain hormone receptors. In addition, high glycogen content is essential to maintain thein vivo metabolic characteristics of the hepatocytes suggesting that intracellular glycogen plays an important role in the hormonal regulation of metabolism in hepatocytes. Studies with glucagon and insulin on carbohydrate metabolism show that the molar ratios of these hormones control gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Furthermore,in vitro addition of insulin stimulates glycogen synthesis and activates glycogen synthase. Insulin also stimulates protein synthesis in cells containing high glycogen and maintains more normal parallel strands of polyribosomes. Studies with isolated hepatocytes from diabetic, hypophysectomized and adrenalectomized animals show a reduced glucagon response to glycogenolysis. This lack of glucagon response was not due to reduction in glycogen levels. Other hormones such as somatostatin and parathyroid also give rise to alterations in carbohydrate metabolism in isolated hepatocytes.
The Zone of Acceptance in Organization Theory: An Explanation of the Challenger Accident

Theories and less formal explanations have been used to account for the destruction of the space shuttle Challenger on January 28, 1986. The accounts typically conclude that the accident was the predictable outcome off technological deficiencies, organizational problems, and human error; Yet such appeals to in evitability of the shuttle accident do not explain why it was the Challenger slight, and not earlier ones, that sailed. An organizations "zone of acceptance, first discussed in the work of Barnard, Simon, and Thompson, is developed further as the analytic framework in in which to answer his more specific questions.
Focus Issue: The Long and Short of Redox Signaling

Reduction-oxidation reactions produce reactive species that regulate cellular behavior, predominantly by posttranslationally modifying cysteine residues on target proteins. Research Articles, as well as a Perspective and Review in this issue, provide insight into the pathological potential of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as the important physiological signals that the reactive molecules transmit and the biological processes that they regulate.
Ionic thermocurrent study of the dipole-dipole interaction in CaF2 doped with NaF

Abstract An investigation of the relaxation of electric dipoles produced by doping polycrystal CaF 2 with NaF was carried out by means of ionic thermocurrents (I.T.C.). I.T.C. measurements were conducted in the temperature range of 77°K to room temperature. Results show four separate peaks. Three relatively small peaks were observed along with a large, main peak, which significantly broadens as the Na + concentration increases. The first and fourth peaks are directly dependent on concentration while the second and third seem to vary inversely with concentration. A lattice calculation of the dipole-dipole interaction was made, giving results which predict the main peak and its broadening as a function of concentration and possibly the lowest small peak. It is observed that the dipole-dipole interaction energy can be as great as 0.14 eV and manifests itself as a large effect in samples with doping concentrations on the order of 1 mole% NaF. By analyzing the I.T.C. curves, an activation energy of 0.52 eV and a τ 0 of 6.0 × 10 −15 sec is obtained for the reorientation of the uninfluenced Na + V F − dipole. These values agree with previous measurements obtained by dielectric loss and internal friction.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency - what are the treatment options?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is an under-recognized genetic condition that predisposes to liver disease and early-onset emphysema. Although AAT is mainly produced in the liver, its main fun...
Dietary restriction: theory fails to satiate.

In the Review “Extending healthy life span—From yeast to humans” (16 April, p. [321][1]), L. Fontana et al. discuss the positive effects of dietary restriction—or to be more precise, caloric restriction—on longevity. However, these results are far from a universal phenomenon. For years,
The DOE ARM Aerial Facility

The Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program is a climate research user facility operating stationary ground sites that provide long-term measurements of climate-relevant properties, mobile ground- and ship-based facilities to conduct shorter field campaigns (6–12 months), and the ARM Aerial Facility (AAF). The airborne observations acquired by the AAF enhance the surface-based ARM measurements by providing high-resolution in situ measurements for process understanding, retrieval-algorithm development, and model evaluation that are not possible using surface-or satellite-based techniques. Several ARM aerial efforts were consolidated to form AAF in 2006. With the exception of a small aircraft used for routine measurements of aerosols and carbon cycle gases, AAF at the time had no dedicated aircraft and only a small number of instruments at its disposal. AAF successfully carried out several missions contracting with organizations and investigators who provided their research airc...
cC1q-R (calreticulin) and gC1q-R/p33: ubiquitously expressed multi-ligand binding cellular proteins involved in inflammation and infection

Abstract The first component of complement, C1, is a multi-molecular complex comprising of C1q and the Ca 2+ -dependent tetramer C1r 2 –C1s 2 . The traditional role of C1q within the complex is that of recognition signal—a signal, which is instantly converted into a highly specific intramolecular proteolytic activation of the C1r 2 –C1s 2 tetramer thereby triggering activation of the classical pathway. Another important function of C1q is its ability to bind to a wide range of cell types resulting in the induction of cell-specific biological responses. These cells include polymorphonuclear leukocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, dendritic cells, endothelial cells and platelets. Interaction of C1q with endothelial cells and platelets, for example, leads to cellular activation followed by release of biological mediators and/or expression of adhesion molecules, all of which contribute, directly or indirectly to the inflammatory process. These specific responses are mediated by the interaction of C1q with C1q binding proteins or receptors on the cell surface. To date, four types of putative C1q binding cell surface expressed proteins/receptors have been described. These include cC1q-R/CR, or calreticulin (CR), a 60 kDa protein, which is also known as collectin receptor; gC1q-R/p33, a 33 kDa homotrimeric protein; C1q-Rp (CD93), a 120 kDa, O-sialoglycoprotein; and CR1 (CD35), the receptor for C3b. Although the specific role of each of these molecules in a given C1q-mediated cellular response is yet to be worked out, all of them may, in one form or another, participate in the inflammatory processes associated with vascular or atherosclerotic lesions, autoimmune diseases, or infections. The main focus of our laboratory for the past 20 years has been to elucidate the structure and function of cC1q-R/CR and gC1q-R/p33, both of which have been isolated and characterized on the basis of their ability to bind C1q. The purpose of this article is therefore to provide an up to date overview of these two proteins with particular emphasis on their unique structural and functional features, their multi-faceted nature and most importantly their role in infection and inflammation.
Comparison of drilling rates and material removal dynamics for nanosecond and femtosecond laser pulses

The results of the interaction of the first harmonic of a 200 femtosecond laser pulse produced by a Ti:Sapphire commercial laser system and the third harmonic of a 40 ns laser pulse produced by a DPSS Nd:YVO4 laser with various materials are reported. The drilling rates were measured as a function of laser pulse energy and material thickness. Differences in material removal rates were observed between the low and high pulse energy. The dependence of the material removal rate on the sample thickness was measured. The observed dependencies of the drilling rate of a femtosecond laser on the laser pulse energy and material thickness are similar to a nanosecond laser drilling. This supports previously suggested hypothesis that a femtosecond laser system produces pulse containing a nanosecond pedestal with estimated energy comparable to the energy of the femtosecond component.
Software Mythbusters Explore Formal Methods

In 1990, Anthony Hall identified and challenged seven common myths about formal methods in the IEEE Software article "Seven Myths of Formal Methods." This update re-examines those myths, reflecting both on the authors' experience with formal methods in practice and on their persistent mythic status
Leaves and litterbugs: how litter quality affects amphipod life-history and sexually selected traits

AbstractResources that cross ecosystem boundaries (subsidies) are common in nature, but we have little knowledge of how such resources affect individual traits and, consequently, ecological interactions. In wetlands, leaf litter is an important resource subsidy that regulates ecological processes including the production of consumer biomass. However, litter quality is highly variable and depends on local plant species diversity. Many aquatic consumers are highly nutrient limited, so differences in nutrients and other chemical components in litter are likely to affect numerous individual traits of consumers including life-history and sexually selected traits. We tested whether the species of tree leaf litter consumed by freshwater amphipods affected survival, growth, and development of sexually selected traits. Amphipods had higher survival, attained larger body sizes, and had larger male sexual traits when reared on litter that was relatively nutritious and low in plant secondary and structural compounds....
TRANSPORT-RELATED IMPACTS OF THE NORTHRIDGE EARTHQUAKE

This research estimates the transportation related business interruption impacts of the 1994 Northridge earthquake using a spatial allocation model, SCPM (the Southern California Planning Model) and surveys of businesses and individuals. Total business interruption losses are estimated at more than $6.5 billion, sizeable but much smaller than total structural damage (over $25 billion), with an associated jobs loss of 69,000 person years. The four types of transportation related interruptions (commuting, inhibited customer access, and shipping and supply disruptions) totaled more than $1.5 billion, or 27% of all local business interruptions, with a job loss of more than 15,700 person years. In addition, there were commuting time losses of at least $33 million and some dislocation of shopping patterns and frequencies. These losses would have been much higher had it not been for the substantial redundancy of Los Angeles' highway system.
Role of Power Hardware in the Loop in Modeling and Simulation for Experimentation in Power and Energy Systems

The area of modeling and simulation is a critical aspect in the basic research to commercialization and instantiation cycle. This paper reports on modeling and simulation in the context of verification, validation, and experimentation of power and energy systems and associated electrical apparatus via the utilization of power hardware in the loop (PHIL)-based strategies. PHIL is a powerful technique for testing and demonstration of systems in a rigorous and dynamic manner that is not achievable with other methodologies; however, it must only be conducted with foreknowledge of the technique and its challenges in order to realize its significant benefits. This paper reports on the state of the art in PHIL and its challenges and presents sample case studies illustrating its impact.
A new approach to adaptive control using an observer

The control scheme is based on a Luenberger observer. The approach to adaptive control is based on the concepts of the model following controller and the estimation of a disturbance by an observer. The plant is represented by a model with a fictitious disturbance at the input, and an observer estimates the states and the disturbance. The controller uses the states given by the observer in a feedback loop to make the states of the plant follow the states of the model, and the fictitious disturbance in a feedforward signal in order to cancel it. >
News from the Therapeutic Section

(1944). News from the Therapeutic Section. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 214-215.
Rapid detection and destruction of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck by nano-quadrapeutics

Survival and quality of life remain poor for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that cannot be fully resected safely, and form therapy-resistant residual and recurrent tumors. We report novel cell-level technology, quadrapeutics. Quadrapeutics converts surgery, drug, and radiation therapies into on-demand microtreatment that unites the diagnosis and treatment in 1 rapid procedure by using 4 standard components: (1) targeted gold colloids; (2) liposomal drugs; (3) a laser pulse; and (4) radiation, all at safe doses. The therapeutic strength of quadrapeutics increases with cancer aggressiveness. In animal models of a primary and microscopic residual HNSCC, quadrapeutics increased the efficacy of standard chemoradiation therapy by more than 17-fold by using only 3% to 6% of clinical doses of drug and radiation, did not cause side effects, and detected residual microtumors in vivo intraoperatively. Quadrapeutics can be applied to detect and eradicate HNSCC and similar microtumors in a safe and rapid theranostic procedure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1547–1555, 2015
Response surface analysis of two‐stage stochastic linear programming with recourse

We apply the techniques of response surface methodology (RSM) to approximate the objective function of a two-stage stochastic linear program with recourse. In particular, the objective function is estimated, in the region of optimality, by a quadratic function of the first- stage decision variables. The resulting response surface can provide valuable modeling insight, such as directions of minimum and maximum sensitivity to changes in the first-stage variables. Latin hypercube (LH) sampling is applied to reduce the variance of the recourse function point estimates that are used to construct the response surface. Empirical results show the value of the LH method by comparing it with strategies based on independent random numbers, common random numbers, and the Schruben{Margolin assignment rule. In addition, variance reduction with LH sampling can be guaranteed for an important class of two-stage problems which includes the classical capacity expansion model. c 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.* Naval Research Logistics 46: 753{776, 1999
On-line nitrate-delta(15)N extracted from groundwater determined by continuous-flow elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

Nitrate-δ15N from groundwater samples is determined on an inorganic nitrate derivative using automated, continuous-flow elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA/IRMS). Nitrate is extracted and concentrated based on a recently published ion-exchange resin method. Freeze-dried AgNO3 (0.5–1.5 mg) is packed in silver-foil cups and combusted within the reactor of an NC2500 elemental analyzer (CE Instruments, Milan, Italy) using its existing reaction scheme for nitrogen and carbon analysis. δ15N is determined using a Finnigan MAT DELTAplus isotope ratio mass spectrometer (Bremen, Germany). Results are drift-corrected to a AgNO3 working standard that has been calibrated against known AgNO3. Despite high concentrations of carbonate, the precision for all runs is better than 0.10‰. The combination of this extraction procedure with commercially available δ15N analysis instrumentation offers a precise on-line alternative to existing methods, with considerable reduction in labor and analysis time. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Family Structure, Family Processes, Economic Factors, and Delinquency: Similarities and Differences by Race and Ethnicity

Using data from the Add Health Study, the authors examined relationships among family structure, family processes, and economic factors with delinquency and to what extent similarities and differences may exist for Whites, African Americans, and Hispanics. Results from negative binomial regression analyses indicated that, in general, of the family processes, maternal attachment was consistently found to be an important predictor of nonserious and serious delinquency irrespective of family structure, economic factors, and race and ethnicity. The results are discussed within the context of Hirschi's original interpretation of social control theory, and future directions for research are suggested.
Distributed connectivity preservation of a team of single integrator agents subject to measurement error

This paper deals with the connectivity preservation of multi-agent systems with state-dependent error in distance measurement. It is assumed that upper bounds on the measurement error and also its rate of change as a function of distance are available. A general class of distributed control strategies is then proposed for the distance-dependent connectivity preservation of the agents in the network. It is shown that if two neighboring agents are initially located at a distance closer than the required connectivity range, they are guaranteed to remain in the connectivity range at all times. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategies in consensus and containment problems is demonstrated by simulation.
An offline mobile nutrition monitoring intervention for varying-literacy patients receiving hemodialysis: a pilot study examining usage and usability.

Objective Design and evaluation of the dietary intake monitoring application (DIMA) to assist varying-literacy patients receiving hemodialysis to adhere to their prescribed dietary regimen. Methods An iterative, user-centered design process informed by Bandura's social cognitive theory was employed to design DIMA—a mobile application that utilizes touch-screen, visual interfaces; barcode scanning; and voice recording to assist varying-literacy patients receiving hemodialysis to self-monitor their diet. A pilot field study was conducted where 18 patients receiving hemodialysis were recruited face-to-face from two dialysis facilities to use DIMA for 6 weeks. Subjects recorded their dietary intake using DIMA and met with research assistants three times each week. All interactions with DIMA were logged. Subjects' interdialytic weight gain was recorded throughout the study. At the end of the study, two face-to-face questionnaires were administered to assess usability and context of use. Results Subjects were able to use DIMA successfully—12 subjects used DIMA as much or more at the end of the study as they did at the beginning and reported that DIMA helped them change their diet. Subjects had difficulty using the barcode scanner. Viewing past meals was the most used of the reflection mechanisms in DIMA. Conclusion Results suggest that while many design features were useful, some could be improved. In particular, future versions of DIMA will be on a smartphone using a camera for barcode scanning, integrate feedback and past meal reflection into the normal flow of the application, and support visual cues when selecting food items.
Magnetic Force Microscopy of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles

The use of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) to detect probe-sample interactions from superparamagnetic nanoparticles in vitro in ambient atmospheric conditions is reported here. By using both magnetic and nonmagnetic probes in dynamic lift-mode imaging and by controlling the direction and magnitude of the external magnetic field applied to the samples, it is possible to detect and identify the presence of superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The experimental results shown here are in agreement with the estimated sensitivity of the MFM technique. The potential and challenges for localizing nanoscale magnetic domains in biological samples is discussed.
Implants of noninvasive papillary urothelial carcinoma in peritoneum and ileocolonic neobladder: support for "seed and soil" hypothesis of bladder recurrence.

Abstract Objectives To explore the underlying mechanism of tumor regrowth in cases of noninvasive urothelial carcinoma that recur in unusual anatomic locations. Methods The pathology files of our institution and the consult service of one of us were searched for cases of noninvasive nonmetastatic urothelial carcinoma with involvement of unusual anatomic sites. Cases in which the mode of spread included direct spread to the adjacent tissue and lymphovascular metastases were excluded. Medical history, including presenting symptoms, and follow-up data were obtained. Results Two cases of noninvasive urothelial carcinoma were identified. One had presented as an implant in the peritoneal investment of the bladder dome and the other as multiple implants growing on the benign surface of the colonic mucosa of an orthotopic neobladder distant from the anastomosis site. Both cases had initially presented as noninvasive papillary urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis. Although the urinary bladder was free of neoplastic changes at nephroureterectomy, both patients also developed several papillary tumors within the bladder shortly after the removal of the kidney. Conclusions After clinicopathologic correlation, the mode of tumor spread in these cases was best explained by the “seeding/implantation” theory. The urothelial tumor cells in each of these cases demonstrated the ability to implant themselves not only in the urothelium of the bladder but also in the colonic mucosa of a constructed neobladder and on the peritoneal surface.