cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of two massive planets on inclined orbits

Abstract The significant orbital eccentricities of most giant extrasolar planets may have their origin in the gravitational dynamics of initially unstable multiple planet systems. In this work, we explore the dynamics of two close planets on inclined orbits through both analytical techniques and extensive numerical scattering experiments. We derive a criterion for two equal mass planets on circular inclined orbits to achieve Hill stability, and conclude that significant radial migration and eccentricity pumping of both planets occurs predominantly by 2:1 and 5:3 mean motion resonant interactions. Using Laplace–Lagrange secular theory, we obtain analytical secular solutions for the orbital inclinations and longitudes of ascending nodes, and use those solutions to distinguish between the secular and resonant dynamics which arise in numerical simulations. We also illustrate how encounter maps, typically used to trace the motion of massless particles, may be modified to reproduce the gross instability seen by the numerical integrations. Such a correlation suggests promising future use of such maps to model the dynamics of more coplanar massive planet systems.
Involvement of the lipid and protein components of (Na+ + K+)-adenosine triphosphatase in the inhibitory action of alcohol

Abstract The relative involvement of the lipid and protein moieties of (Na + + K + )-activated adenosine triphosphatase in the inhibitory action of alcohol on this enzyme was investigated, using an enzyme preparation derived from the cerebral cortex of mice. Two classes of lipids are envisioned to be associated with this enzyme. One is essential for the activity of the enzyme, while the other is not. Purification or treatment with the nonionic detergent Lubrol WX increased the ATPase sensitivity to ethanol, possibly as a result of the removal of hindering lipids and contaminating proteins from the enzyme. Delipidization with deoxycholate removed both the essential and bulk lipids, and drastically reduced the activity of the enzyme. This could be subsequently reactivated with phosphatidyl serine (PS). The ethanol sensitivity of the reactivated ATPase varied with the ratio of PS to protein, and is most sensitive at 12.5μmoles PS Pi/mg when it is half-reactivated. Increasing the PS concentration cannot completely reverse the inhibition of ethanol on the reactivation. These data suggest that ethanol inhibits (Na + + K + )-ATPase activity by interacting with its protein moiety. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the enzyme to ethanol is probably related to its conformation, which, in turn, is affected by its essential lipid.
Electro-oxidation of hydrogen on MoW carbide alloy catalysts in acid electrolyte

Abstract The rates of anodic oxidation of H2 in acid electrolyte on WC and on the isostructural ternary alloy Mo1 - xWxC, with Mo occupying 70–80% of the metal sites, have been compared experimentally. The ternary catalyzes the reaction as effectively as WC, by the same mechanism, and is equally tolerant of CO entrained in the H2 feed. Evidence is presented which indicates that proton discharge is rate limiting on these carbides, and that their performance is limited by scarcity of active sites and hence open to improvement by appropriate preparative technique.
Physical Properties and Oil Absorption of Whey‐Protein‐Coated Paper

Whey-protein-isolate coating on paper produced a smooth surface, which was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Increasing coating weight decreased the breaking stress and the Young's modulus. However, the maximum breaking strain was not affected by coating weight. Tearing strength was not changed by WPI coating. The coated paper was slightly darkened with a small reduction of L value, but the a and b values were not changed significantly. WPI coating made the coated paper slightly shiny with increased gloss. Thus, with the exception of about 12% reduction in breaking stress for 10 g/m 2 coated paper, WPI coating did not change the mechanical and optical properties of the paper markedly. WPI coating significantly reduced the rate of oil contact angle decrease on paper associated with oil absorption by paper. Therefore, WPI coating improves packaging material performance of paper by increasing oil resistance without significant change of optical and mechanical properties.
A Functional Probe of Ligand Binding and Agonist Efficacy in Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors

Members of the ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) family (NMDA, AMPA, and kainate receptors) are allosteric ligand-gated ion channels that mediate synaptic plasticity in the mammalian nervous system. Crystal structures of the two-lobed binding domains of these receptors suggest that ligand binding causes the lobes to move toward one another like a clamshell closing. It has also been proposed that the degree of closure is proportional to the degree of receptor activation. Using nonsense suppression methodology to incorporate unnatural amino acids, we have created a functional probe of ligand binding and the subsequent clamshell closure. By altering the electronic (e.g., converting glutamate to nitrohomoalanine) and steric (e.g., converting tyrosine to homotyrosine) properties of binding site residues of the NMDA and AMPA receptors, we have been able to define the requirements for both full and partial agonist binding and to confirm that agonist efficacy is related to the degree of clamshell closure.
Biocultural Interaction and the Mechanism of Mosaic Evolution in the Emergence of “Modern” Morphology

“Modern” human form results from reduction in both craniofacial and postcranial Middle Pleistocene levels of robustness. In a classic manifestation of mosaic evolution, these reductions began at different times and proceeded at different rates in different places. They were produced by mutations acting alone when particular cultural developments eased the forces of selection. The separate regional appearances of obligatory cooking and projectile use late in the Middle Pleistocene produced separate and predictable manifestations of morphological reduction. There is no common “modern” configuration, and no single geographic locale was responsible for the various aspects of reduction that contribute to “modern” morphology.
The role of experience in the information search process of an early career information worker: perceptions of uncertainty, complexity, construction, and sources

Information workers center on seeking, gathering, and interpreting information in order to provide value-added information as a basis for making decisions and judgments critical to the function of an enterprise. This longitudinal case study investigates changes in perceptions of the information search process of an early career information worker as he becomes more experienced and proficient at his work. Building on Kuhlthau's earlier research, comparisons of the user's perceptions of uncertainty, complexity, construction, and sources in information tasks were made over a 5-year period. This is a case study, but it provides insight into issues raised in prior quantitative studies of securities analysts.
Balancing risk in pursuit of the familiar: a research phenomenon.

From theWest Virginia University School of Nursing, WV; Full time faculty at Penn State New Kensington, New Kensington, PA. Corresponding Author: Deborah M. Strickland, MSN, RN, Doctoral Student, West Virginia University School of Nursing, WV. E–mail address: dstrickland4@gmail.com © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 0883-9417/1801-0005$34.00/0 doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2012.02.001 IN THE SCIENCE of nursing, the discipline is developed by identifying research phenomena based in practice. Immersion in practice enables discovery. In the discovery process of building structures for research defined by Liehr and Smith (2008), the phenomenon of balancing risk in pursuit of the familiar was developed. The phenomenon is observed in nurses' daily work as patients' express their goal to return to their own home and to familiar and everyday patterns. This pursuit is expressed in a variety of situations, such as nursing care of elderly persons, children in foster care, and those who attempt to return to their home after inpatient or transitional stays. Regardless of population, mental health is implicit in the phenomenon of balancing risk in pursuit of the familiar. The purpose of this column was to present a beginning scholar's journey to uncover a phenomenon for research. The phenomenon was developed using the systematic 10-phase process described by Liehr and Smith (2008). The 10 phases are as follows: (1) write a meaningful practice story; (2) name the central phenomenon in the practice story; (3) identify a theoretical lens for viewing the phenomenon; (4) link the phenomenon to existing literature; (5) gather a story from someone who has lived the phenomenon; (6) reconstruct the shared story and create a mini saga that captures the essence of the story; (7) identify the core qualities of the phenomenon; (8) use the core qualities to create a definition; (9) create a model of the phenomenon; and (10) write a mini synthesis that integrates the phenomenon with a population to suggest a research direction. Phase 1 began with a practice story of an elderly woman with multiple complex needs who fought with all her might to return home after a hospital stay in spite of objections from family, nursing, and medical staff who called out the risk of going home.
Kin competition and the evolution of cooperation

Kin and multilevel selection theories predict that genetic structure is required for the evolution of cooperation. However, local competition among relatives can limit cooperative benefits, antagonizing the evolution of cooperation. We show that several ecological factors determine the extent to which kin competition constrains cooperative benefits. In addition, we argue that cooperative acts that expand local carrying capacity are less constrained by kin competition than other cooperative traits, and are therefore more likely to evolve. These arguments are particularly relevant to microbial cooperation, which often involves the production of public goods that promote population expansion. The challenge now is to understand how an organism's ecology influences how much cooperative groups contribute to future generations and thereby the evolution of cooperation.
Finite Sets as Complements of Finite Unions of Convex Sets

Suppose S⊆ℝd is a set of (finite) cardinality n, whose complement can be written as the union of k convex sets. It is perhaps intuitively appealing that when n is large k must also be large. This is true, as is shown here. First the case in which the convex sets must also be open is considered, and in this case a family of examples yields an upper bound, while a simple application of a theorem of Bjorner and Kalai yields a lower bound. Much cruder estimates are then obtained when the openness restriction is dropped. For a given set S the problem of determining the smallest number of convex sets whose union is ℝd ∖S is shown to be equivalent to the problem of finding the chromatic number of a certain (infinite) hypergraph ℋS . We consider the graph $\mathcal {G}_{S}$whose edges are the 2-element edges of ℋS , and we show that, when d=2, for any sufficiently large set S, the chromatic number of $\mathcal{G}_{S}$will be large, even though there exist arbitrarily large finite sets S for which $\mathcal{G}_{S}$does not contain large cliques.
Androgen induction of DNA synthesis in the rat penis.

Abstract Objectives. The androgen sensitivity of the mammalian penis has long been appreciated. However, the precise biochemical and structural sequelae of alterations in testosterone, and the mechanisms thereof, remain to be elucidated. Recently, the androgen dependence of rat penile erectile tissue was further clarified at our institution, where the induction of apoptosis was demonstrated in response to castration. In continuity, we report the results of a follow-up study of the regenerative capacity of the regressed, castrated rat penile erectile tissue when testosterone is replenished. Methods. Three groups of rats were used: normal control rats, castrated without testosterone replenishment, and castrated with subsequent testosterone replenishment. In the third group, castrated rats were given testosterone and killed at 24-hour intervals over 4 days. Specimens of the penis, small bowel, and prostate were obtained from all animal groups. Immunohistochemical identification of intraperitoneally administered 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine, a thymidine analogue, was performed to detect new DNA synthesis. The incorporation of this molecule into high molecular weight nuclear DNA served as a measure of DNA synthesis and, hence, cellular proliferation. Results. Testosterone-replenished castrated rat penile stromal cells, both cavernosal and spongiosal, showed more enhanced proliferative activity than those of both castrated unreplenished and uncastrated control rats. Trichrome staining permitted the differentiation of responsive cell subsets. Various cell types were found to respond to replenished testosterone, including myocytes, fibrocytes, endothelial cells, and Schwann cells. Pronounced DNA synthesis occurred as early as 48 hours after the replenishment of testosterone. For purposes of technique validation, sections of small bowel were examined, in which glandular crypt cells would be expected to show rapid turnover. The nuclei of these bowel sections stained in all animal groups throughout the experiment, thus validating the staining technique. The technique of castration and testosterone replenishment was validated by confirming the known response of rat ventral prostate to androgen withdrawal and replenishment. Conclusions. Our findings provide evidence that testosterone induces cellular proliferation and new DNA synthesis in the penile erectile tissue of castrated rats. This response to testosterone is not limited to one cell type, but rather is multicellular.
A Compatible Stereophonic System for the AM Broadcast Band

Stereophonic broadcasting presents a variety of problems, including compatibility, out-of-band radiation, stereo performance, distortion, signal-to-noise, receiver tuning, and receiver cost. Possible system solutions can be classified as either ``multiplicative'' or ``additive,'' depending upon whether the quadrature sidebands representative of the stereo information (L-R) are modulated by the envelope information (L+R), or are essentially independent of the envelope information, respectively. The preferred AM-FM system uses a pre-emphasized (L-R) signal to frequency modulate the carrier which is then amplitude modulated with (L+R). Stereophonic field test transmissions over Radio Station WNBC have demonstrated compatibility with existing monophonic receivers and excellent reception on stereophonic receivers of simple design.
Effect of glucose on aspartate and glutamate synthesis by human diploid fibroblasts

The quantity of aspartate, but not of glutamate, synthesized by human diploid fibroblasts (HDF) was inversely proportional to the glucose concentration. Forty hours after confluent cells were refed with media containing 1.5 mM or 55 microM glucose, the aspartate concentration was 8 microM in medium high in glucose and 28 microM in medium low in glucose; glutamate was 350 microM at both glucose levels. The label incorporation from [U-14C] glutamine (0.8 C/ml) into aspartate after 40 hours in 1.5 mM glucose medium was less then 1000 DPM/ml and into glutamate 540,000 DPM/ml. The respective label incorporation into aspartate in 55 microM glucose medium was 118,000 DPM/ml and into glutamate 450,000 DPM/ml. In media with 1.5 mM glucose, label incorporation into both aspartate and glutamate was observed from [6-14C] glucose, [3-14C] pyruvate, and [1-14C] pyruvate. Since [1-14C] pyruvate labeled aspartate in 1.5 mM glucose medium, whereas [U-14C] glutamine did not, the observations support a cystolic pathway of aspartate synthesis from glycolytic intermediates in the presence of glucose. However, when the glucose concentration is decreased, glutamine appears to be the primary carbon source for aspartate synthesis. Therefore, both the quantity and the pathway of aspartate synthesis in HDF are functions of the glucose concentration. It is postulated that increased accumulation of aspartate in the media of HDF at confluency may be explained by decreased availability of acetyl CoA or of NADH.
ANTIGENICITY OF CASEIN PHOSPHOPEPTIDES PREPARED WITH IMMOBILIZED GLUTAMIC ACID-SPECIFIC ENDOPEPTIDASE OR TRYPSIN

Abstract The antigencity of phosphopeptides derived from the hydrolysis of α s - or β-casein with trypsin or glutamic acid-specific endopeptidase (GSE) was studied using a rat model system. Relative levels of specific IgG and IgE made in response to intraperitoneal sensitization to tryptic or GSE hydrolysates of α s - or β-casein or derivatives were determined using indirect and amplified indirect ELISA, respectively. Serum was tested for antibodies to whole, α s - or β-casein. More reactive IgG against whole and α s -casein than β-casein was expressed. Hydrolysis of α s - or β-casein with either trypsin or GSE did not reduce antigenicity relative to intact protein, but tryptic α s -casein phosphopeptides were significantly less antigenic than intact α s -casein and its hydrolysates. The antigenicity of tryptic hydrolysis was less than that of GSE hydrolysis. These results suggest that tryptic phosphopeptides could be used as a food ingredient with hypoallergenicity.
Recruitment of Histone Deacetylase 4 to the N-Terminal Region of Estrogen Receptor α

Transcriptional activation of estrogen receptor (ER) is regulated by the ligand-dependent activation function 2 and the constitutively active N-terminal activation function 1. To identify ER N-terminal-specific coregulators, we screened a breast cDNA library by T7 phage display and isolated histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4). HDAC4 interacts with the ER N terminus both in vitro and in vivo. Presence of the ER DNA binding domain and hinge region reduce HDAC4 recruitment whereas full-length ER enhances recruitment. HDAC4 interaction is selective for the ER and not ER N terminus and occurs in the nucleus. We demonstrate in vivo that HDAC4 is recruited by the N terminus to the promoter of an endogenous estrogen responsive gene. HDAC4 suppresses transcriptional activation of ER by estrogen and selective ER modulators (SERMs) such as tamoxifen in a cell type-dependent manner. Consistently, silencing of HDAC4 promotes the agonist effect of SERMs (tamoxifen and raloxifene) in a cell typespecific manner. These findings indicate a role for HDAC4 in regulating ER activity as a novel Nterminal coregulator and uncover a mechanism by which certain cell types regulate SERM behavior. (Molecular Endocrinology 19: 2930–2942, 2005)
Securing varieties of file systems

In this paper, I describe the different ways to security different storage media. Important is not just the security of data in frequent use, but also data that is no longer needed. Regardless of media or system, information security should always be applied in layers so that any one system won't be compromised when falling into the wrong hands.
PSD-95 is associated with the postsynaptic density and not with the presynaptic membrane at forebrain synapses

PSD-95, a prominent protein component of the postsynaptic density (PSD) fraction from rat forebrain, has been localized by light microscopy to dendrites of hippocampal neurons (Cho et al., 1992) and to the presynaptic plexus of cerebellar basket cells (Kistner et al., 1993). Here we extend these studies to show that an affinity-purified antibody to PSD-95 labels the dendrites of most neurons in the forebrain and of a subset of neurons in the cerebellum. To confirm that PSD-95 is associated with the PSD at forebrain synapses and to clarify whether it is also associated with the presynaptic membrane, we employed immunogold electron microscopy of forebrain synaptosomes. Gold-labeled antibodies to PSD-95 labeled postsynaptic densities in both intact and lysed forebrain synaptosomes but did not label presynaptic terminals or the presynaptic membrane. The asymmetric distribution of PSD-95 at synapses contrasts with that of its homologs, disks-large and ZO-1, which are arranged symmetrically at septate and tight junctions, respectively.
Knowledge Growth in an Artificial Animal

This paper describes work using an artificial, behaving, animal model (termed an “ani-mat”) to study intelligence at a primitive level. The motivation for our somewhat unusual approach is the view that the essence of intelligence is exhibited by animals surviving in real environments. Therefore, insight into intelligence should be obtainable from simulated animals and environments, even simple ones, provided the simulations suitably reflect the animal’s survival problems. The starting point for the research is an explicit definition of intelligence which guides model construction. In experiments, a particular animat is placed in an environment and evaluated as to its rates of improvement in performance and perceptual generalization. Learning is central, because we wish to provide the animat with adaptive mechanisms which yield rapid and solid improvement but themselves contain minimal a priori information.
Accurate Construction of Consensus Genetic Maps via Integer Linear Programming

We study the problem of merging genetic maps, when the individual genetic maps are given as directed acyclic graphs. The computational problem is to build a consensus map, which is a directed graph that includes and is consistent with all (or, the vast majority of) the markers in the input maps. However, when markers in the individual maps have ordering conflicts, the resulting consensus map will contain cycles. Here, we formulate the problem of resolving cycles in the context of a parsimonious paradigm that takes into account two types of errors that may be present in the input maps, namely, local reshuffles and global displacements. The resulting combinatorial optimization problem is, in turn, expressed as an integer linear program. A fast approximation algorithm is proposed, and an additional speedup heuristic is developed. Our algorithms were implemented in a software tool named MergeMap which is freely available for academic use. An extensive set of experiments shows that MergeMap consistently outperforms JoinMap, which is the most popular tool currently available for this task, both in terms of accuracy and running time. MergeMap is available for download at http://www.cs.ucr.edu/~yonghui/mgmap.html.
A new class of distributed optimization algorithms: application to regression of distributed data

In a distributed optimization problem, the complete problem information is not available at a single location but is rather distributed among different agents in a multi-agent system. In the problems studied in the literature, each agent has an objective function and the network goal is to minimize the sum of the agents’ objective functions over a constraint set that is globally known. In this paper, we study a generalization of the above distributed optimization problem. In particular, the network objective is to minimize a function of the sum of the individual objective functions over the constraint set. The ‘outer’ function and the constraint set are known to all the agents. We discuss an algorithm and prove its convergence, and then discuss extensions to more general and complex distributed optimization problems. We provide a motivation for our algorithms through the example of distributed regression of distributed data.
Estimating Detection Limits in Ultratrace Analysis. Part I: The Variability of Estimated Detection Limits

The limit of detection (LOD) of a trace analytical method is often used as a gauge of the sensitivity of the method. Improvements and comparisons of similar methods usually involve comparisons of the LODs. However, the calculated LOD value is sensitive to a number of factors such as the method of calculation used, the choice of calibration standards, and the number background (blank) measurements. In this paper, the calculated LOD of a particular analytical method is viewed as an estimate of the true, unknown LOD. Factors which affect the variability of the estimate are investigated. Knowledge of the variability of the estimated LOD can help when analytical methods are being compared on the basis of LOD values. In addition, by knowing which experimental factors contribute to the uncertainty in the calculated LOD, it is possible to determine the analytical protocol which estimates the true LOD most efficiently with no loss in precision.
An integer decomposition algorithm for solving a two-stage facility location problem with second-stage activation costs

We study a stochastic scenario-based facility location problem arising in situations when facilities must first be located, then activated in a particular scenario before they can be used to satisfy scenario demands. Unlike typical facility location problems, fixed charges arise in the initial location of the facilities, and then in the activation of located facilities. The first-stage variables in our problem are the traditional binary facility-location variables, whereas the second-stage variables involve a mix of binary facility-activation variables and continuous flow variables. Benders decomposition is not applicable for these problems due to the presence of the second-stage integer activation variables. Instead, we derive cutting planes tailored to the problem under investigation from recourse solution data. These cutting planes are derived by solving a series of specialized shortest path problems based on a modified residual graph from the recourse solution, and are tighter than the general cuts established by Laporte and Louveaux for two-stage binary programming problems. We demonstrate the computational efficacy of our approach on a variety of randomly generated test problems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
A Spatial-Feature-Enhanced MMI Algorithm for Multimodal Airborne Image Registration

Maximization of mutual information (MI) (MMI) has a wide application in multimodal image registration. The conventional MMI algorithm is based on the statistics derived from image sampling and does not use spatial features. In this paper, we proposed an improved MMI registration algorithm that combines the spatial information through a feature-based selection mechanism. A Harris corner filter is chosen to classify the pixels. The classification results are used to focus sample selection, joint entropy estimation, and weighted MI information calculation. Although features play an important role, conventional feature matching is not used, which removes an important challenge to the use of feature-based information. The advantages of the proposed algorithm are improved robustness by incorporation of spatial features and significant reduction in computing time for registration. Experiments with challenging synthetic images and multimodal airborne infrared images are provided to demonstrate the improvement.
Body politicking and the phenomenon of ‘passing’

The author takes a transdisciplinary approach to the study of body politics. She careens through topics of feminism, religion, social capital, stigma, heteronormativity, whiteness, colorblind racism in her discussion of access and acceptance granted or denied. This access and acceptance are based upon how the female bodies of two women are perceived differently in the same setting, although neither woman is part of mainstream society. Using a journey with a colleague to juxtapose visible otherness from hidden otherness, the author discusses the phenomenon of ‘‘passing.’’
Political and Mathematical Perspectives on Educational Equity

A selective review of the literature on equal educational opportunity supports an argument for explicit use of normative models in research. The argument has two parts. First, we show that confusion over the Coleman Report (1966) was due to a mismatch between the implied reform objective and the statistical approach. The objective was to reduce black/white differences in educational achievement, but the statistics explained individual differences in achievement. Second, we partly develop and apply a normative dynamic model of the objectives of school integration over time. Normative dynamic models could be used in conjunction with behavioral data to operationalize theoretical concepts such as accountability, symbolic politics and non-decisions.
A Neural Network for Real-Time Retrievals of PWV and LWP From Arctic Millimeter-Wave Ground-Based Observations

This paper presents a new neural network (NN) algorithm for real-time retrievals of low amounts of precipitable water vapor (PWV) and integrated liquid water from millimeter-wave ground-based observations. Measurements are collected by the 183.3-GHz G-band vapor radiometer (GVR) operating at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program Climate Research Facility, Barrow, AK. The NN provides the means to explore the nonlinear regime of the measurements and investigate the physical boundaries of the operability of the instrument. A methodology to compute individual error bars associated with the NN output is developed, and a detailed error analysis of the network output is provided. Through the error analysis, it is possible to isolate several components contributing to the overall retrieval errors and to analyze the dependence of the errors on the inputs. The network outputs and associated errors are then compared with results from a physical retrieval and with the ARM two-channel microwave radiometer (MWR) statistical retrieval. When the NN is trained with a seasonal training data set, the retrievals of water vapor yield results that are comparable to those obtained from a traditional physical retrieval, with a retrieval error percentage of ~5% when the PWV is between 2 and 10 mm, but with the advantages that the NN algorithm does not require vertical profiles of temperature and humidity as input and is significantly faster computationally. Liquid water path (LWP) retrievals from the NN have a significantly improved clear-sky bias (mean of ~2.4 g/m2) and a retrieval error varying from 1 to about 10 g/m2 when the PWV amount is between 1 and 10 mm. As an independent validation of the LWP retrieval, the longwave downwelling surface flux was computed and compared with observations. The comparison shows a significant improvement with respect to the MWR statistical retrievals, particularly for LWP amounts of less than 60 g/m2. This paper shows that the GVR alone can provide overall improved PWV and LWP retrievals when the PWV amount is less than 10 mm, and, when combined with the MWR, can provide improved retrievals over the whole water-vapor range.
A knowledge-based system for preventive maintenance

This paper presents the development of a knowledge-based system for the evaluation of industrial equipment in terms of preventive maintenance criticality. A deterministic rating methodology based on the principles of reliability centered maintenance constitutes the logic of the analytical model of the system. The final output generated by the expert system consists of a listing of the pieces of equipment that should receive special consideration for maintenance purposes, along with a description of the possible failure modes arranged by machine component. The system was developed and delivered on an IBM-compatible personal computer through an object-oriented computer shell.
Model-based intrustion detection for the smart grid (MINDS)

Current concerns for the cyber security of the smart grid require the development of novel attack detection tools. Intrusion detection systems have proven to be a critical component of traditional IT architectures, however, current techniques do not adequately meet the stringent requirements of the electric grid. This research introduces a model-based intrusion detection system specifically targeting the operations of smart grid environments, especially substation automation systems. This approach focuses on the IEC 61850 protocol and leverages the deterministic data flows to accurately identify communication patterns. These data flows are then represented with a Petri-net model which is used to identify malicious spacial and temporal anomalies. Finally, this research proposes system level analysis of detected substation attacks to help identify potential coordinated attacks.
A voltammetric investigation of TCNQ-containing bilayer lipid membranes

Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is a useful tool for investigating electrochemical redox reactions. A number of bilayer lipid membranes containing TCNQ (7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) have been studied by the CV technique. The results indicate electron movement across the lipid bilayer and redox reactions at the membrane/solution interfaces.
Evaluation of piezocomposites for ultrasonic transducer applications influence of the unit cell dimensions and the properties of constituents on the performance of 2-2 piezocomposites

A theoretical model on piezoceramic polymer composites with laminar periodic structure is presented. A salient feature of this model is that it can treat explicitly how the unit cell dimensions and other material properties influence the performance of an ultrasonic transducer made of 2-2 piezocomposites. The model predicts that there exist a series of modes associated with the periodic structure of a composite, which is beyond the stop-band edge resonance prediction. One of the main concerns in designing a composite transducer is how the surface vibration profile changes with frequency and how this is influenced by the aspect ratio of the ceramic plate. It was predicted that as long as the thickness resonance is below the first lateral mode frequency, there is always a frequency f/sub 1/ which is near the thickness resonance and at which the polymer and ceramic vibrate in unison. The effect of aspect ratio is to change the position of f/sub 1/ with respect to the thickness resonance frequency and the bandwidth in which polymer and ceramic have nearly the same vibration amplitude and phase. It is also predicted that, when operated in a fluid medium such as water, there will be a resonance mode which has a frequency determined by the velocity of the fluid medium and the unit cell length d and is associated with the oscillation of the fluid. The behavior of a composite plate as an acoustic transmitter and receiver and the influence of the aspect ratio of the ceramic plate on them are also investigated.
Microwave backscatter modeling of erg surfaces in the Sahara desert

The Sahara desert includes large expanses of sand dunes called ergs. These dunes are formed and constantly reshaped by prevailing winds. Previous study shows that Saharan ergs exhibit significant radar backscatter (/spl sigma//spl deg/) modulation with azimuth angle (f). We use /spl sigma//spl deg/ measurements observed at various incidence angles and f from the NASA Scatterometer (NSCAT), the SeaWinds scatterometer, the ERS scatterometer (ESCAT), and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission's Precipitation Radar to model the /spl sigma//spl deg/ response from sand dunes. Observations reveal a characteristic relationship between the backscatter modulation and the dune type, i.e., the number and orientation of the dune slopes. Sand dunes are modeled as a composite of tilted rough facets, which are characterized by a probability distribution of tilt with a mean value, and small ripples on the facet surface. The small ripples are modeled as cosinusoidal surface waves that contribute to the return signal at Bragg angles only. Longitudinal and transverse dunes are modeled with rough facets having Gaussian tilt distributions. The model results in a /spl sigma//spl deg/ response similar to NSCAT and ESCAT observations over areas of known dune types in the Sahara. The response is high at look angles equal to the mean tilts of the rough facets and is lower elsewhere. This analysis provides a unique insight into scattering by large-scale sand bedforms.
Role of Intrathecal Rituximab and Trastuzumab in the Management of Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis

Objective:To review evidence for the use of intrathecal rituximab and trastuzumab in the management of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.Data Sources:A search of MEDLINE (1966–July 2010) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–July 2010) was performed using search terms intrathecal, trastuzumab, rituximab, and monoclonal antibody. Additionally, American Society of Clinical Oncology, San Antonio Breast Conference, American Association for Cancer Research, and American Society of Hematology meeting abstracts were searched.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Publications were reviewed for inclusion. Those reporting use of rituximab and trastuzumab intrathecally are reviewed and include 1 Phase 1 trial, 2 small prospective studies, 1 case series, and 15 case reports.Data Synthesis:The treatment of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is challenging due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier. Numerous systemically administered therapies do not readily penetrate into the site of leptomeningeal disease and hav...
Generating cells of the gastrointestinal system: current approaches and applications for the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, are defined by their abilities to self-renew and to differentiate into any cell type of the human body. Due to these unique properties, hPSCs represent a potentially unlimited source of cells/tissues for cell replacement therapies. Use of these cells may also revolutionize the way drugs are discovered, designed, and tested. Furthermore, the study of how cells differentiate can also change our understanding of complex human biology and disease. For these reasons, scientists have dedicated significant time and effort to generate specific cell types from hPSCs with therapeutic potential, including cells derived from the definitive endoderm germ layer such as liver cells (hepatocytes) and pancreatic β cells. In this review, we will focus broadly on the most advanced differentiation strategies currently employed to differentiate hPSCs to endodermal lineages such as the liver, pancreas, and intestine as well as the principles of developmental biology around which these protocols were designed. This will be followed by a brief discussion of the vast potential of these systems as suitable in vitro models for human embryonic development and disease.
Optimism, Coping, and Posttraumatic Stress Severity in Women in the Childbearing Year.

PTSD symptoms in pregnancy may cause adverse effects on both mother and infant child. Identifying and addressing PTSD in pregnancy may help to alleviate the impact of PTSD on pregnancy. Optimism has been examined as a protective factor in the development of PTSD; however no study to date has looked at the relationship between optimism and PTSD in pregnant women. The current study examined the role of optimism on PTSD symptom severity, coping and somatization among women in the childbearing year. We examined data from 1581 completed interviews with nulliparous, pregnant women from the first wave telephone interview conducted as part of a longitudinal outcomes study, “Psychobiology of PTSD & Adverse Outcomes of Childbearing” (NIH NR008767; common name “the STACY project”). Four trauma exposure group cohorts (PTSD-positive, trauma-positive, non-exposed, and partial PTSD) were differentiated and two coping variables (active and avoidant) were examined. The relationships between demographics, trauma exposure groups, optimism and PTSD were examined. In addition, we examined the impact of these factors on coping and somatization. In general, the PTSD-positive group reported significantly less optimism than the trauma-positive and non-exposed groups. SES and number of reported traumas contributed to PTSD severity, as well as optimism. For those women reporting more optimism, they reported more use of active coping, less engagement in avoidant coping, and less somatization.
On Limits of Performance of Dna Microarrays

DNA microarray technology relies on the hybridization process which is stochastic in nature. Probabilistic cross-hybridization of non-specific targets, as well as the shot-noise originating from specific targets binding, are among the many obstacles for achieving high accuracy in DNA microarray analysis. In this paper, we use statistical model of hybridization and cross-hybridization processes to derive a lower bound (viz., the Cramer-Rao bound) on the minimum mean-square error of the target concentrations estimation. A preliminary study of the Cramer-Rao bound for estimating the target concentrations suggests that, in some regimes, cross-hybridization may, in fact, be beneficial - a result with potential ramifications for probe design, which is currently focused on minimizing cross-hybridization
Mammalian Selenoprotein in Which Selenocysteine (Sec) Incorporation Is Supported by a New Form of Sec Insertion Sequence Element

Selenocysteine (Sec), the 21st amino acid in protein, is encoded by UGA. The Sec insertion sequence (SECIS) element, which is the stem-loop structure present in 3" untranslated regions (UTRs) of eukaryotic selenoprotein-encoding genes, is essential for recognition of UGA as a codon for Sec rather than as a stop signal. We now report the identification of a new eukaryotic selenoprotein, designated selenoprotein M (SelM). The 3-kb human SelM-encoding gene has five exons and is located on chromosome 22 but has not been correctly identified by either Celera or the public Human Genome Project. We characterized human and mouse SelM cDNA sequences and expressed the selenoprotein in various mammalian cell lines. The 3" UTR of the human, mouse, and rat SelM-encoding genes lacks a canonical SECIS element. Instead, Sec is incorporated in response to a conserved mRNA structure, in which cytidines are present in place of the adenosines previously considered invariant. Substitution of adenosines for cytidines did not alter Sec incorporation; however, other mutant structures did not support selenoprotein synthesis, demonstrating that this new form of SECIS element is functional. SelM is expressed in a variety of tissues, with increased levels in the brain. It is localized to the perinuclear structures, and its N-terminal signal peptide is necessary for protein translocation.
Understanding the dynamics of JavaScript

We report on preliminary results on understanding the nature of JavaScript programs. Our investigation is motivated by the goal of developing a type system for JavaScript programs. As a prelude, we decide to gain a better understanding of the dynamic behaviour of JavaScript programs. In particular we are interested in understanding how dynamic JavaScript programs are in the real world.
Disruption of CXCR2-mediated MDSC tumor trafficking enhances anti-PD1 efficacy

Suppression of the host’s immune system plays a major role in cancer progression. Tumor signaling of programmed death 1 (PD1) on T cells and expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are major mechanisms of tumor immune escape. We sought to target these pathways in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. Murine RMS showed high surface expression of PD-L1, and anti-PD1 prevented tumor growth if initiated early after tumor inoculation; however, delayed anti-PD1 had limited benefit. RMS induced robust expansion of CXCR2+CD11b+Ly6Ghi MDSCs, and CXCR2 deficiency prevented CD11b+Ly6Ghi MDSC trafficking to the tumor. When tumor trafficking of MDSCs was inhibited by CXCR2 deficiency, or after anti-CXCR2 monoclonal antibody therapy, delayed anti-PD1 treatment induced significant antitumor effects. Thus, CXCR2+CD11b+Ly6Ghi MDSCs mediate local immunosuppression, which limits the efficacy of checkpoint blockade in murine RMS. Human pediatric sarcomas also produce CXCR2 ligands, including CXCL8. Patients with metastatic pediatric sarcomas display elevated serum CXCR2 ligands, and elevated CXCL8 is associated with diminished survival in this population. We conclude that accumulation of MDSCs in the tumor bed limits the efficacy of checkpoint blockade in cancer. We also identify CXCR2 as a novel target for modulating tumor immune escape and present evidence that CXCR2+CD11b+Ly6Ghi MDSCs are an important suppressive myeloid subset in pediatric sarcomas. These findings present a translatable strategy to improve the efficacy of checkpoint blockade by preventing trafficking of MDSCs to the tumor site.
Developmental change in isoproterenol-mediated relaxation of pulmonary veins of fetal and newborn lambs

β-Adrenergic agonists are important regulators of perinatal pulmonary circulation. They cause vasodilation primarily via the adenyl cyclase-adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) pathway. We e...
Maternal exposure to ambient PM2.5 and term low birthweight in the State of Georgia

A growing body of evidence suggests that ambient air pollution could be associated with low birthweight (LBW). In this study, we examined pregnancy exposure to ambient PM2.5 and the risk of LBW in ...
Probing the primary event in the photocycle of photoactive yellow protein using photochemical hole-burning technique.

Abstract Photochemical hole-burning spectroscopy was used to study the excited-state electronic structure of the 4-hydroxycinnamyl chromophore in photoactive yellow protein (PYP). This system is known to undergo a trans-to-cis isomerization process on a femtosecond-to-picosecond time scale, similar to membrane-bound rhodopsins, and is characterized by a broad featureless absorbance at 446 nm. Resolved vibronic structure was observed for the hole-burned spectra obtained when PYP in phosphate buffer at pH 7 was frozen at low temperature and irradiated with narrow bandwidth laser light at 431 nm. The approximate homogeneous width of 752 cm−1 could be calculated from the deconvolution of the hole-burned spectra leading to an estimated dephasing time of ∼14 fs for the PYP excited-state structure. The resolved vibronic structure also enabled us to obtain an estimated change in the C=C stretching frequency, from 1663 cm−1 in the ground state to ∼1429 cm−1 upon photoexcitation. The results obtained allowed us to ...
Tensile, creep and fatigue behaviours of short fibre reinforced polymer composites at elevated temperatures: a literature survey

Polymer composites are suitable alternatives to metals in some applications as they are cost effective, lightweight and corrosion resistant. Short fibre reinforced polymer composites (SFRPCs) are typically subjected to complex loadings in applications, including static, cyclic, thermal and their combinations. These applications may also involve harsh environmental conditions such as elevated temperature and moisture which can dramatically affect mechanical properties. In this paper, a broad survey of the literature on mechanical behaviour of SFRPCs at elevated temperatures is presented. The mechanical behaviours included consist of tensile, creep, isothermal fatigue, thermo-mechanical fatigue and creep-fatigue interaction. Environmental effects such as moisture and ageing at elevated temperatures are also included. The studies reviewed include experimental works, modelling works and failure mechanisms studies. A critical assessment of the information from the literature presented for each type of behaviour is also provided.
User Attitude Towards Instant Messaging: The Effect of Espoused National Cultural Values on Awareness and Privacy

AbstractThis paper investigates how user perceptions of privacy and awareness mediate the relationship between espoused national cultural values and attitude towards using Instant Messaging (IM). We present a conceptual model to explain the relationships between (1) espoused national cultural values and user perceptions of privacy and (2) espoused national cultural values and user perceptions of awareness, and (3) how these user perceptions affect attitude towards using IM. Hypotheses were tested using an online survey instrument and data analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling. We found that users' attitude towards using IM was positively affected by their perceptions of personal privacy and awareness, which were in turn positively impacted by the espoused cultural value dimensions of uncertainty avoidance.