cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxins of Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli stimulate adenyl cyclase in rat fat cells.

RAT epididymal fat cells respond to enterotoxins of Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli with increased membrane adenyl cyclase activity and glycerol release1–3. Cholera toxin increases adenyl cyclase activity in many other tissues and cells, including intestine, leukocytes, immunocytes, platelets and liver4–6. Here we report studies on the response of fat cells to these bacterial toxins and their effect on membrane adenyl cyclase activation by adrenaline.
A Method for Optimal Step Adjustment for a Class of Linear Quadratic Optimal Control Problems

In this paper, a new method for the computation of the optimal step in gradient algorithms for a class of linear quadratic optimal control problems is presented. This method, namely the Single Shot Method, improves the convergence of the gradient algorithms and is optimal, i.e., it outperforms any other step searching scheme in the above class of problems
Use of ultraviolet cues in female mate preference in the sailfin molly, Poecilia latipinna

Photopigments that allow for ultraviolet (UV) vision occur in numerous fish species. In several species that also reflect short wavelengths, there is an indication that UV cues are important in forms of social signaling including mate choice. The sailfin molly, Poecilia latipinna, is closely related to species that use UV-reflective structures in mate selection, but it is unknown whether P. latipinna possess UV-reflective structures and whether the perceived presence or absence of these structures influences mating decisions. We detected prominent UV features on males and fewer, smaller reflective areas on females and then tested the role of these markings in mate preference. We focused on female preference, as male ornamentation and signals in the visible spectrum are known to influence female mating decisions. Using a two-choice paradigm, we exposed sexually receptive females to males whose visual appearance was manipulated by filters that either transmitted the full spectrum or blocked UV wavelengths. Female mollies significantly preferred males viewed under full spectrum, whereas male controls had no preference for females in UV-present or UV-absent light environments. While the ubiquity of these markings across both sexes may suggest additional roles for UV communication (i.e., shoaling), our results suggest that female P. latipinna take into account information transmitted in the UV markings when making visual mate choice decisions.
The uniformization of certain algebraic hypergeometric functions

Abstract The hypergeometric functions F n − 1 n are higher transcendental functions, but for certain parameter values they become algebraic, because the monodromy of the defining hypergeometric differential equation becomes finite. It is shown that many algebraic F n − 1 n ʼs, for which the finite monodromy is irreducible but imprimitive, can be represented as combinations of certain explicitly algebraic functions of a single variable; namely, the roots of trinomials. This generalizes a result of Birkeland, and is derived as a corollary of a family of binomial coefficient identities that is of independent interest. Any tuple of roots of a trinomial traces out a projective algebraic curve, and it is also determined when this so-called Schwarz curve is of genus zero and can be rationally parametrized. Any such parametrization yields a hypergeometric identity that explicitly uniformizes a family of algebraic F n − 1 n ʼs. Many examples of such uniformizations are worked out explicitly. Even when the governing Schwarz curve is of positive genus, it is shown how it is sometimes possible to construct explicit single-valued or multivalued parametrizations of individual algebraic F n − 1 n ʼs, by parametrizing a quotiented Schwarz curve. The parametrization requires computations in rings of symmetric polynomials.
Is Justice the Same for Everyone? Examining Fairness Items Using Multiple-group Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine whether fairness assessed in a widely used multisource instrument written by practitioners possessed a similar factor structure as fairness measured in academic literature, and whether different groups based on their relationship to the ratee (e.g., peers, subordinates, supervisors) perceived a similar structure to the construct.
Lipid composition of the membrane released after an in vitro acrosome reaction of epididymal boar sperm

Prior to fertilization, mammalian sperm must undergo the acrosome reaction, which involves modifications of the plasma and outer acrosomal membranes followed by vesiculation and release of the membranes. The membrane fraction that was released from caudal boar sperm undergoing an in vitro acrosome-like reaction was isolated and characterized with respect to density, marker enzymes and lipid composition. This membrane had a lower phospholipid/protein ratio (mg/mg) than the sperm plasma membrane, whereas both membranes had similar molar sterol/phospholipid ratios. The major phospholipid was sphingomyelin, followed by phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, whereas in the plasma membrane the order was reversed; the two major phosphoglycerides contained alkylacyl and alkenylacyl species in addition to the diacyl species. The released membrane also contained lower amounts of cholesterol sulfate and unsaturated fatty acids than the plasma membranes. These results, in combination with our studies on the changes of the sperm membranes during maturation and acrosome reaction, will allow a better understanding of the mechanism of the sperm acrosome reaction.
A functional RNAi screen for regulators of receptor tyrosine kinase and ERK signalling

Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signalling through extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) has pivotal roles during metazoan development, underlying processes as diverse as fate determination, differentiation, proliferation, survival, migration and growth. Abnormal RTK/ERK signalling has been extensively documented to contribute to developmental disorders and disease, most notably in oncogenic transformation by mutant RTKs or downstream pathway components such as Ras and Raf. Although the core RTK/ERK signalling cassette has been characterized by decades of research using mammalian cell culture and forward genetic screens in model organisms, signal propagation through this pathway is probably regulated by a larger network of moderate, context-specific proteins. The genes encoding these proteins may not have been discovered through traditional screens owing, in particular, to the requirement for visible phenotypes. To obtain a global view of RTK/ERK signalling, we performed an unbiased, RNA interference (RNAi), genome-wide, high-throughput screen in Drosophila cells using a novel, quantitative, cellular assay monitoring ERK activation. Here we show that ERK pathway output integrates a wide array of conserved cellular processes. Further analysis of selected components-in multiple cell types with different RTK ligands and oncogenic stimuli-validates and classifies 331 pathway regulators. The relevance of these genes is highlighted by our isolation of a Ste20-like kinase and a PPM-family phosphatase that seem to regulate RTK/ERK signalling in vivo and in mammalian cells. Novel regulators that modulate specific pathway outputs may be selective targets for drug discovery.
Possible relationship of the hepatic microsomal ATP-dependent calcium pump to sex differences in triacylglycerol synthesis☆

Abstract Microsomes were isolated from livers of fed male and female rats and the rates of incorporation of sn-[14C]-glycerol-3-phosphate into phosphatidate, diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol by the microsomes were measured. Simultaneously, microsomal ATP-dependent uptake of calcium was evaluated and correlated with synthesis of phosphatidate from sn-glycerol-3-phosphate. The rate of glycerolipid synthesis by hepatic microsomes from female rats was greater than that of microsomes from male rats. By contrast, the active accumulation of calcium and subsequent inhibition of synthesis of phosphatidate from glycerol-3-phosphate was lower in microsomes from livers of female rats than from male animals. This reciprocal relationship between uptake of calcium and incorporation of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate into phosphatidate as reported earlier (Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 78 , 1053–1059 (1977)) may, in part, be responsible for the differences in the rates of hepatic triacylglycerol synthesis between livers from male and female rats.
Mechanism of Transcription Initiation at an Activator-Dependent Promoter Defined by Single-Molecule Observation

Summary Understanding the pathway and kinetic mechanisms of transcription initiation is essential for quantitative understanding of gene regulation, but initiation is a multistep process, the features of which can be obscured in bulk analysis. We used a multiwavelength single-molecule fluorescence colocalization approach, CoSMoS, to define the initiation pathway at an activator-dependent bacterial σ 54 promoter that recapitulates characteristic features of eukaryotic promoters activated by enhancer binding proteins. The experiments kinetically characterize all major steps of the initiation process, revealing heretofore unknown features, including reversible formation of two closed complexes with greatly differing stabilities, multiple attempts for each successful formation of an open complex, and efficient release of σ 54 from the polymerase core at the start of transcript synthesis. Open complexes are committed to transcription, suggesting that regulation likely targets earlier steps in the mechanism. CoSMoS is a powerful, generally applicable method to elucidate the mechanisms of transcription and other multistep biochemical processes.
A study of the effects of nickel chloride and calcium chloride on hydration of portland cement

Portland cement samples containing amounts of CaCl2 and NiCl2 ranging from approximately 1% to 20% by weight have been examined by 29Si and 27Al solid-state MAS NMR as a function of time, and some of the mature pastes have been characterized by X-ray diffraction. Changes in physical properties that had been previously observed as a function of amounts of salt added are clearly traceable to differences in the silicate matrices. Low concentrations of both salts promote Q1 formation, but high concentrations result in formation of much more Q2 at the expense of Q1. Both salts accelerate both aluminate and silicate hydration, and the effects appear to be almost entirely due to chloride. Minor variations in hydration rates at high Ni concentrations may be the result of nickel salt precipitation.
A new presenilin Alzheimer's disease case confirms the helical alignment of pathogenic mutations in transmembrane domain 5

In a case of familial early onset Alzheimer's disease, a mutation was detected in exon 7 of the presenilin 1 gene at codon 226 with a resultant amino acid change from leucine (CTC) to arginine (CGC) (L226R). This is a novel finding, yet is consistent with the previously reported mutations at codons 222, 229, 233 and 237 in transmembrane domain 5 which show a helical alignment of mutations in this domain. We conclude that the cause of Alzheimer's disease in this patient is an authentic PS1 gene abnormality responsible for the patient's early onset Alzheimer's disease.
QCD PHENOMENOLOGY OF THE LARGE P(T) PROCESSES

In the early experiments at the ISR it was found that the transverse momentum spectrum of produced pions followed a steep exponential fall-off at low values of pT. Such behaviour was expected from the extrapolation of the low energy data. It came therefore as a surprise that in three independent experiments1–3 the invariant cross section distribution of charged pions was observed to deviate strongly from the a −6pT dependence at large pT. This discovery coincided with the advent of the quarkparton model4,5 in which hard scattering of point-like partons was expected to produce events with large pT secondaries, and it raised hopes that in such processes one had started to probe the structure of hadronic reactions at very short distances. The fast paced activities which followed during the next few years produced a vast amount of data supporting the qualitative features of the parton picture. The quantitative description of the data required, however, sophisticated extensions of the parton model, e.g., quark fusion model, Constituent Interchange Model (CIM), etc. For the discussion of these models and the summary of the earlier data the reader is referred to other review.6–8 Today the Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) provides a framework for the possible high accuracy calculations of the large pT processes. The QCD phenomenology is somewhat more complicated here than in the case of deep inelastic lepton scattering or the Drell-Yan mechanism; nevertheless, it appears to be quite successful.
Partial purification and characterization of peptide hydrolases from germinated wheat

Abstract Peptide hydrolases from germinated wheat were purified by methods developed previously for barley peptide hydrolases. Comparisons of the wheat enzymes for their thermal stability, pH optima, stability at various pH values, kinetic constants, and effects of metal ions revealed that wheat possesses a neutral peptide hydrolase with properties very similar to those of barley hydrolase B. After considerable purification the acidic peptide hydrolase fraction of wheat appeared to contain two peptide hydrolases, one that was similar to barley peptide hydrolase A and a second which was more resistant to low pH and thermal denaturation.
On the reconstruction of the covariance of stationary Gaussian processes observed through zero-memory nonlinearities--Part II (Corresp.)

The problem of reconstructing the normalized covariance function R(t) of a zero-mean stationary Gaussian process observed through a zero-memory nonlinearity f(x) is considered, when the nonlinearity and the correlation function or the second-order distribution of the output process are known. Three kinds of results are established. (i) Arbitrary covariances can be reconstructed for certain nonlinearities, including monotonic f , appropriate interval windows, and certain quite general f . (ii) Certain covariances can be reconstructed for arbitrary nonlinearities: included here are positive covariances (\geq 0) , covariances with rational spectral densities, and bandlimited covariances. (iii) Certain covariances, satisfying rather weak conditions, that can easily be checked in terms of the output correlation function, can be reconstructed for certain nonlinearities that include symmetric as well as nonsymmetric f .
Prostacyclin (PGI2) mediates hypoxic relaxation of bovine coronary arterial strips.

Abstract Bovine coronary arterial strips (BCA) exhibiting spontaneous tone, relax in response to a decrease in the PO 2 of the batching medium. Experiments were performed to determine if prostaglandins (PGs) mediate the oxygen-induced changes in tension. BCA were equilibrated in Krebs-bicarbonate solution at 37 °C gassed with 95% O 2 , 5% CO 2 and tension was measured isometrically. When the PO 2 of the bathing medium was decreased, BCA exhibited reversible reductions in tension. Switching from 95% O 2 , 5% CO 2 to 95% N 2 , 5% CO 2 (anoxia) elicited an initial relaxation followed by a contraction. In contrast, a change to 5% O 2 , 5% CO 2 , 90% N 2 (hypoxia) was followed by a sustained relaxation. Re-introduction of O 2 to anoxic strips produced a biphasic response: relaxation followed by contraction. Indomethacin or eicosatetraynoic acid (EYA) increased tone and inhibited the relaxation produced by anoxia or hypoxia. Indomethacin or EYA did not inhibit the relaxation of anoxic strips during re-introduction of O 2 , but did inhibit the contraction partially. Relaxation of arterial strips to arachidonic acid (AA) was similar to relaxation to prostacyclin (PGI 2 ). Anoxia limited the relaxation to AA but not to PGI 2 . We conclude that PG synthesis contributes to the basal tone and the hypoxia-induced relaxation of CBA. In addition, hypoxia, unless severe, does not prevent the conversion of AA to PGI 1 .
Curvature effects on shallow shell vibrations

Curvature effects on shallow shell free vibration frequencies, solving linear eigenvalue problem
The mechanistic prediction of transient fission-gas release from LWR fuel☆☆☆

Abstract The steady-state and transient gas release and swelling subroutine (GRASS-SST) is a mechanistic computer code for the prediction of fission-gas behavior in UO 2 -base fuels. GRASS-SST treats fission-gas release and fuel swelling on an equal basis and simultaneously treats all major mechanisms that influence fission-gas behavior. The GRASS-SST transient analysis has evolved through comparisons of code predictions with the fission-gas release and physical phenomena that occur during reactor operation and transient direct-electrical heating (DEH) testing of irradiated light-water reactor fuel. The GRASS-SST steady-state analysis has undergone verification for end-of-life fission-gas release and intragranular bubble-size distributions. The results of GRASS-SST predictions for transient fission-gas release during DEH tests are in good agreement with experimental data. Comparisons of GRASS-SST predictions of gas release and bubble-size distributions with the results of DEH transient tests indicate that (1) coalescing bubbles do not have sufficient time to grow to equilibrium size during most transient conditions, (2) mobilities of fission-gas bubbles in UO 2 are enhanced during nonequilibrium conditions if the excess pressure in the bubble is sufficient to generate an equivalent stress greater or equal to the yield stress of the surrounding matrix, and (3) channel formation on grain surfaces and coalescence of the channels with each other and with the tunnels of gas along the grain edges can contribute to grain-boundary separation and/or the rapid, long-range interconnection of porosity. The phenomena of grain-boundary separation and/or long-range interconnection of porosity provides an important release mechanism for fission gas that has moved out of the grains of irradiated fuel.
A survey of polar and nonpolar skin lipids from lizards by thin-layer chromatography

Abstract 1. 1. The shed skins of 23 species of lizards (12 families) soaked in chloroform:methanol solutions gave extracts ranging from 1.4 to 10.8% of their weight. 2. 2. The polar and nonpolar lipid fractions were separated by silicic acid and subjected to thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with known lipid standards to allow tentative identification of the skin constituents. 3. 3. All lizards contain TLC bands consistent with sterols, free fatty acids, and sterol esters. 4. 4. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were present in the polar lipid fraction of most species, but the bulk of the polar lipids consisted of compounds less polar than phosphatidylethanolamine.
Several Results on the Design of Queueing Systems

Given that the total service effort in a multiple-server environment is fixed, it is generally known that the single-server system yields the minimum time a customer spends in the system. However, in many manufacturing as well as service applications the waiting time in the queue is more significant than total time in the system. We consider several such queueing design problems and show that the results for minimizing the waiting time in the queue are markedly different from those for minimizing total time in the system.
The use of multiple indicators to estimate crime trends in American cities

Although the description of crime trends is one of the most basic goals of criminological research, this task of obvious importance has proved to be extremely problematic due to the incompatible definitions and associated measurement errors contained in the most widely available datasets, such as the Uniform Crime Reports and the National Crime Survey. Although recent research has attempted to overcome these problems by incorporating the UCR and NCS estimates into a single multiple-indicator model, this does not resolve the problem for local agencies for which only a single estimate (i.e., the UCR) is generally available. This note argues that the relatively recent availability of calls-for-service data in many jurisdictions provides an opportunity for a multiple-indicator estimation of these trends at the local level. The approach is illustrated with data collected over a 22-month period in Oklahoma City.
Fostering a culture of responsible lab conduct.

There is much debate and research devoted to determining the best practice for teaching responsible conduct of research (RCR) to trainees as federally required (1, 2). The majority of institutional programs require trainees (i.e., graduate students and postdoctoral fellows) to attend instruction isolated from the laboratory. However, laboratory behavior is our field's “hidden curriculum,” and the principal investigator and senior laboratory staff represent the professional role models that trainees see on a daily basis, whether good or bad (3). At Wake Forest, over the past 3 years, we have implemented a program of 15-minute discussions that takes place after our weekly journal club. This amounts to about 11 to 12 hours of training per year. Each laboratory member takes a turn selecting a topic, many of which are also being discussed among scientists, policy-makers, and taxpayers. All laboratory personnel attend, and discussions include a variety of viewpoints as well as discourse on the policies for best practices within the laboratory. We believe that by moving the ethical discussion into the laboratory environment and empowering individual scientists at all seniority levels to actively participate in expanding their own awareness of RCR issues facing research and science policy, we can change the culture of the laboratory itself for the better.
Developmental changes in presynaptic calcium channels coupled to glutamate release in cultured rat hippocampal neurons

Excitatory synaptic transmission in the hippocampus involves the participation of at least two types of presynaptic Ca2+ channels, N- type channels sensitive to omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CTx GVIA) and Q- type channels sensitive to omega-agatoxin IVA (omega-Aga IVA). Hippocampal pyramidal neurons in cell culture were used to examine the participation of these two classes of channels at different stages of synapse development. Specific Ca2+ channel toxins were used to block presynaptic Ca2+ channels while whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were used to record evoked EPSCs in postsynaptic neurons. At immature synapses (cells in culture for 10–15 d), omega-CTx GVIA (1–5 microM) blocked transmission by more than 80% while omega-Aga IVA (1 microM) was less effective. In older cultures, however, omega-Aga IVA (1 microM) was more effective than omega-CTx GVIA (1–5 microM) in blocking synaptic transmission. The pharmacological properties of the omega-Aga IVA sensitive component of synaptic transmission were examined in more detail using omega-Aga IVA and omega-conotoxin MVIIC (omega-CTx MVIIC). The properties of this component of transmitter release indicated that a Q-type Ca2+ channel was involved in presynaptic Ca2+ entry. The results suggest that different classes of presynaptic Ca2+ channels begin to participate in transmitter release at different times during synapse development and maturation.
Synthesis and characterization of CrN/Mo2N multilayers and phases of Molybdenum nitride

Abstract CrNx, MoNx, CrOx, MoOx and CrN/Mo 2 N multilayer films were deposited by reactive sputtering. Characterization of the coatings was carried out using XRD, XPS, optical profilometer, and nano-indentation. The oxidation of the thin films was studied as a function of annealing temperature. Tribological characterization of the Cr 2 O 3 and the Mo-oxides was carried out as a function of annealing temperature. The low friction behavior of MoOx and MoNx was demonstrated. The deposition of CrNx and MoNx was also characterized and multilayer deposition of CrN and Mo 2 N was carried out. The hardness of Mo 2 N and CrN and the multilayers were shown to lie in the 20–30 GPa hardness regime. The multilayers are stable up to 500 °C in air and up to 1000 °C in argon. Initial friction testing on the multilayer coatings showed an activated self-lubricating mechanism.
Scattering of GPS signals from the ocean with wind remote sensing application

A theoretical model that describes the power of a scattered Global Positioning System (GPS) signal as a function of geometrical and environmental parameters has been developed. This model is based on a bistatic radar equation derived using the geometric optics limit of the Kirchhoff approximation. The waveform (i.e., the time-delayed power obtained in the delay-mapping technique) depends on a wave-slope probability density function, which in turn depends on wind. Waveforms obtained for aircraft altitudes and velocities indicate that altitudes within the interval 5-15 km are the best for inferring wind speed. In some regimes, an analytical solution for the bistatic radar equation is possible. This solution allows converting trailing edges of waveforms into a set of straight lines, which could be convenient for wind retrieval. A transition to satellite altitudes, together with satellite velocities, makes the peak power reduction and the Doppler spreading effect a significant problem for wind retrieval based on the delay-mapping technique. At the same time, different time delays and different Doppler shifts of the scattered GPS signal could form relatively small spatial cells on sea surface, suggesting mapping of the wave-slope probability distribution in a synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) fashion. This may allow more accurate measurements of wind velocity and wind direction.
An asynchronous GALS interface with applications

A low-latency asynchronous interface for use in globally-asynchronous locally-synchronous (GALS) integrated circuits is presented. The interface is compact and does not alter the local clocks of the interfaced local clock domains in any way (unlike many existing GALS interfaces). Two applications of the interface to GALS systems are shown. The first is a single-chip shared-memory multiprocessor for generic supercomputing use. The second is an application-specific coprocessor for hardware acceleration of the Smith-Waterman algorithm. This is a bioinformatics algorithm used for sequence alignment (similarity searching) between DNA or amino acid (protein) sequences and sequence databases such as the recently completed human genome database.
Maximum cross correlation automatic satellite image navigation and attitude corrections for open-ocean image navigation

To enable "automated" image navigation (without human intervention) a base image is defined, and the maximum cross correlation (MCC) method is used to automatically compute the satellite attitude parameters required to geometrically correct images to this base image. Several levels of filters insure that contamination from cloudy pixels is minimized. The MCC method produces displacement vectors, which are translated into satellite attitude corrections to be added to the orbital image navigation corrections. The auto attitude corrections are shown to be more accurate than the traditional linear translation methods. A further application of the attitude corrections is demonstrated whereby attitude corrections computed over land can be carried forward in the satellite's orbit to accurately navigate imagery over the open ocean where no map reference points are available. Tested for two land sites well separated in a single orbit this method is shown to be as accurate as when applied to an individual image.
Management of retained lens fragments after cataract surgery with and without pars plana vitrectomy

Purpose To compare the clinical course of patients with retained lens particles after phacoemulsification who had early or late pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and removal of retained lens fragments or who were managed medically. Settings Private practice and University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Methods This retrospective review comprised patients who had cataract fragments dislocated into the vitreous during attempted cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation over an 8-year period. Patients were divided into 3 groups. The early surgery group was treated with PPV and removal of lens fragments within 1 week of cataract surgery. The late surgery group had PPV more than 2 weeks after cataract surgery. The medical therapy group was managed with topical and systemic medications alone. The visual acuity, degree of corneal edema, inflammation, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured. Postoperative follow-up was at 7, 14, and 30 days and 1 year. Results The study evaluated 42 patients (12 early surgery, 15 late surgery, and 15 medical therapy). Demographic characteristics, visual acuity, and mean IOP values at presentation were similar between the 3 groups. Visual acuity was not statistically significantly different between groups at 30 days and 1 year. There was no statistically significant difference in IOP between groups throughout the study period. Conclusions Retained lens fragments were managed conservatively with good visual results. Vitrectomy was effective in patients with retained lens fragments not responding to topical and oral medication. Results indicate that surgery can be successfully delayed in certain patients.
A Quantitative Analysis of Power Consumption for Location-Aware Applications on Smart Phones

The industry is producing new wireless mobile devices, such as smart phones, at an ever increasing pace. In terms of processors and memory, these devices are as powerful as the PCs were one decade ago. Therefore, they are perfectly suitable to become the first real-life platforms for ubiquitous computing. For instance, they can be programmed to run location-aware applications that provide people with real-time information relevant to their current places. Deploying such applications in our daily life, however, requires a good understanding of their power requirements in order to ensure that mobile devices can indeed support them. This paper presents a quantitative analysis of power consumption for location-aware applications in our SmartCampus project, which builds a large scale test-bed for mobile social computing. Based on this analysis, we conclude that carefully designed applications can run for up to six hours, while updating the user location frequently enough to support real-time location-aware communication.
Performance of LPV gain-scheduled systems

The design of nonlinear gain-scheduled controllers using linear parameter varying (LPV) systems methodology has seen a lot of development. It is known that when the LPV plant model is obtained using linearization, extra care must be taken when implementing the gain-scheduled controller from the designed LPV controller in order to guarantee stability. In this paper, we motivate and investigate guaranteed performance bounds for the nonlinear closed loop system obtained via linearization LPV gain-scheduling methods.
Toward featureless visual navigation: Simultaneous localization and planar surface extraction using motion vectors in video streams

Unlike the traditional feature-based methods, we propose using motion vectors (MVs) from video streams as inputs for visual navigation. Although MVs are very noisy and with low spatial resolution, MVs do possess high temporal resolution which means it is possible to merge MVs from different frames to improve signal quality. Homography filtering and MV thresholding are proposed to further improve MV quality so that we can establish plane observations from MVs. We propose an extended Kalman filter (EKF) based approach to simultaneously track robot motion and planes. We formally model error propagation of MVs and derive variance of the merged MVs, which provide the necessary observation error model for the EKF. We have implemented the proposed method and tested it in physical experiments. Results show that the system is capable of performing robot localization and plane mapping with a relative trajectory error of less than 5.1%.
Confidence interval estimation using linear combinations of overlapping variance estimators

We develop new confidence-interval estimators for the mean and variance parameter of a steady-state simulation output process. These confidence intervals are based on optimal linear combinations of overlapping estimators for the variance parameter. We present analytical and simulation-based results exemplifying the potential of this technique for improvements in accuracy for confidence intervals.
Outdoor Propagation Channel Modeling in Foliage Environment

Foliage is a rich scattering environment that is slowly time varying. Most previous investigations in foliage models center on the statistical modeling of clutters and targets. Ideally, it would be desirable to characterize the nature of the propagation channel in foliage; however, it has not been investigated in detail up until now. This paper studies the problem of nonline-of-sight (NLOS) channel modeling based on extensive data collected using both narrowband and ultrawideband (UWB) radars. The modeling adopts the CLEAN algorithm, in which the channel-impulse response (CIR) is accomplished. It is observed that the multipath contributions arriving at the receiver are grouped into clusters. The arrival of clusters can be modeled as a Poisson process, whereas within each cluster, subsequent multipath contributions or rays also arrive according to a Poisson process. However, the arrival rate is quite different, along with the carrier frequency. It is also proposed that the amplitude of multipath channels can more accurately be characterized by a log-logistic distribution (LLD) other than commonly used clutter models such as the log-normal, the Weibull, or the Rayleigh fading model. The proposed foliage channel model is extendable to other outdoor environments. This is a great advantage for the specification and development of future wireless systems.
Study of High Frequency Model of Permanent Magnet Motor

High frequency model of permanent magnet synchronous motor is developed considering all the turns in the winding. Finite element analysis is used for accurate determination of winding parameters such as resistance, inductance and capacitance at high frequency of operation. From these calculated parameters lumped model is built for high frequency winding branch. Matrix reduction technique is applied to reduce the order of model. This lumped parameter model for high frequency branch is connected in parallel with low frequency phase variable model to form high frequency phase variable motor model. This model is then used in the simulation of integrated motor drive consisting of inverter, cable and motor to predict the overvoltage phenomena at the terminal of motor and internal voltage transient response. Also this model is used in speed control application to show its performance behavior
On-line simulation of building energy processes: need and research requirements

Most building energy simulation software offers significant building energy performance capabilities; however, its use is limited to design phase only. There is significant benefit to have these energy simulation models available during operation phase for detection and diagnostics. Since simulation models and real building states are not coupled, the models are initialized in an empty state or run through a warm-up period (i.e., off-line simulation). This paper develops the need and research requirements for on-line simulation of building energy processes where current state variables obtained from sensors and meters in buildings are used to initialize the model. Based on the simulation results, a new corrective decision is made and implemented in the real process. This paper argues that on-line simulation can provide decision makers with reliable energy models to test different technical and behavioral interventions, and improve predictions of building performance, compared to the results obtained with existing off-line models.
A study of low level jet characteristics using a sodar-RASS profiling system

The development and characteristics of low level jets (LLJs) over the western site of a knife edge mountain in the Greater Athens area, Greece, is presented. The data were collected for a five-month period, with a commercial sodar-RASS profiling system that was placed at the foot of Mount Hymettus (1026 m) which is located on the north-south axis of the eastern side of the city of Athens. The LLJ cases were classified into three main categories according to the possible forcing mechanism. The classification was based on the background flow, the diurnal course of solar radiation and cloudiness and the atmospheric stability. In order to reveal the mechanism that is responsible for the LLJ occurrences, the non-Coriolis forcing at LLJ heights has been calculated. A simple arithmetic model was applied and the results were compared with experimental findings.
An Efficient Network Model for Determining the Effective Thermal Conductivity of Particulate Thermal Interface Materials

Particulate composites are commonly used in microelectronics applications. One example of such materials is thermal interface materials (TIMs) that are used to reduce the contact resistance between the chip and the heat sink. The existing analytical descriptions of thermal transport in particulate systems do not accurately account for the effect of interparticle interactions, especially in the intermediate volume fractions of 30%-80%. Another crucial drawback in the existing analytical as well as the network models is the inability to model size distributions (typically bimodal) of the filler material particles that are obtained as a result of the material manufacturing process. While full-field simulations (using, for instance, the finite element method) are possible for such systems, they are computationally expensive. In the present paper, we develop an efficient network model that captures the physics of interparticle interactions and allows for random size distributions. Twenty random microstructural arrangements each of Alumina as well as Silver particles in Silicone and Epoxy matrices were generated using an algorithm implemented using a Java language code. The microstructures were evaluated through both full-field simulations as well as the network model. The full-field simulations were carried out using a novel meshless analysis technique developed in the author's (GS) research [26]. In all cases, it is shown that the random network models are accurate to within 5% of the full field simulations. The random network model simulations were efficient since they required two orders of magnitude smaller computation time to complete in comparison to the full field simulation.
Habitual coffee consumption and risk of hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective observational studies

Background: In 2 meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, increased coffee intake was associated with slightly higher blood pressure. However, these trials were short in duration (,85 d). Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses of long-term prospective studies that examined the association of habitual coffee consumption with risk of hypertension. Design: We searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Agricola, and Cochrane Library) through August 2009 with the use of a standardized protocol. Eligible studies were prospective cohort trials that examined the association of coffee consumption with incident hypertension or blood pressure. Results: From 6 prospective cohort studies, a total of 172,567 participants and 37,135 incident hypertension cases were included. Mean follow-up ranged from 6.4 to 33.0 y. Compared with the lowest consumption [,1 cup (’237 mL)/d], the pooled relative risks (RRs) for hypertension were 1.09 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.18) for the next higher category (1–3 cups/d), 1.07 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.20) for the second highest category (3–5 cups/d), and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.21) for the highest category (.5 cups/d). A dose-response metaanalysis showed an inverse “J-shaped” curve (P for quadratic term , 0.001) with hypertension risk increasing up to 3 cups/d (RR for comparison of 3 with 0 cups/d: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.20) and decreasing with higher intakes (RR for comparison of 6 with 0 cups/d: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.10). Conclusion: The results suggest that habitual coffee consumption of .3 cups/d was not associated with an increased risk of hypertension compared with ,1 cup/d; however, a slightly elevated risk appeared to be associated with light-to-moderate consumption of 1 to 3 cups/d. Am J Clin Nutr doi: 10.3945/ajcn.110.004044.
A frequency-drift estimator and its removal from modified Allan variance

A drift-rate estimator constructed from four values of the cumulative sum of clock residuals is shown to have good error performance in the presence of the five standard power-law noises. A comparison table of several drift estimators is given. The bias and variance (or equivalent degrees of freedom) of a modified Allan variance estimator incorporating drift, removal is calculated.
Baby talk: an interview with Matthew Clarke

In 2013, Canadian filmmaker Matthew Clarke launched Convos with My 2-Year-Old, a web series that recreates conversations between Clarke; his wife, Leila Harrison; and their young daughter, Coco. The spin: Coco is portrayed by a full-grown man (David Milchard), complete with a five o'clock shadow. It represents one of the finest examples of growing body of web comedy about parenting and family life, which also includes ‘mommy blogs,’ BatDad Vines, and the Twitter account-turned-sitcom, Shit My Dad Says (now inactive). The initial episode has been viewed over 11 million times on YouTube, and the series now attracts over 750,000 subscribers. As Coco has aged, the show has changed its title, and, as of July 2015, Convos is in its sixth season. Clarke kindly agreed to this interview in August 2014.
The Changing Landscape of In-Home Child Welfare Services

In-home child welfare services represent a broad range of approaches to supporting and strengthening families to achieve the key outcomes of family and child well-being, permanency, and safety. Exi...
Macroprudential Policy and Labor Market Dynamics in Latin America

This paper builds a small open economy business cycle model with labor and financial market frictions that incorporates frictional, endogenous self-employment entry and a link between formal credit markets, informal credit, and the labor market. The paper then shows that the model is consistent with the cyclical behavior of both labor and credit markets in Latin American economies and analyzes the aggregate consequences of cyclical macroprudential policy for labor market and aggregate dynamics. It is found that a policy that reduces credit fluctuations successfully reduces consumption, investment, and output volatility, but generates substantially higher unemployment fluctuations in response to productivity shocks. Moreover, the policy increases the volatility of all these variables in response to net worth shocks. The link between formal credit markets, input credit between firms, and self-employment plays a key role in explaining the adverse impact of macroprudential policy on unemployment dynamics. The findings point to potential gains from policy complementarities between macroprudential regulation and active labor market interventions over the business cycle.
Effect of tube processing methods on the texture and grain boundary characteristics of 14YWT nanostructured ferritic alloys

Abstract Texture and microstructure of tubes and plates fabricated from a nanostructured ferritic alloy (14YWT), produced either by spray forming followed by hydrostatic extrusion (Process I) or hot extrusion and cross-rolling a plate followed by hydrostatic tube extrusion (Process II) have been characterized in terms of their effects on texture and grain boundary character. Hydrostatic extrusion results in a combination of plane strain and shear deformations which generate low intensity α- and γ-fiber components of {001} and {111} together with a weak ζ-fiber component of {011} and {011} . In contrast, multi-step plane strain deformation by hot extrusion and cross-rolling of the plate leads to a strong texture component of {001} together with a weaker {111} component. Although the total strains are similar, shear dominated deformation leads to much lower texture indexes compared to plane strain deformations. Further, the texture intensity decreases after hydrostatic extrusion of the alloy plate formed by plane strain deformation, due to a lower number of activated slip systems during shear dominated deformation. Notably, hot extruded and cross-rolled plate subjected to plane strain deformation to ~50% engineering strain creates only a modest population of low angle grain boundaries, compared to the much larger population observed following the combination of plane strain and shear deformation of ~44% engineering strain resulting from subsequent hydrostatic extrusion.
The impact of unreliable information on the management of software projects: a dynamic decision perspective

The task of managing software projects is universally plagued by cost and schedule overruns. A fundamental problem in software projects is the presence of unreliable information. In initial information as well as in subsequent status reports. The authors report an experiment that investigates decision making in software projects as exemplars of complex, dynamic environments reactive to the actions of the decision maker. The experiment shows that in coping with unreliable information in such environments, decision makers are susceptible to self-fulfilling prophesies created by the environment, and are prone to demonstrate conservatism. A process tracing extension of the experiment shows that subjects demonstrate a low capacity for handling complexity. The implications of the results for managing software projects and for research in dynamic decision making are discussed.
Partial stereochemical assignment of quartromicins A3 and D3.

A partial stereochemical assignment of quartromicins A3 (R = α-d-galactosyl) and D3 (R = H, M+ = Na+, K+, Ca+) is presented.
150 REGULATION OF SREBP-1 EXPRESSION IN SKELETAL MUSCLE OF ZUCKER DIABETIC RATS BY FENOFIBRATE AND ROSIGLITAZONE.

Purpose Intramyocellular triglyceride (IMTG) content is known to be increased in states of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but the mechanism remains unclear. SREBP-1 is a transcription factor that regulates lipid synthesis, and because it is up-regulated by insulin, could mechanistically link insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia with increased IMTG. Furthermore, medications used to treat T2DM or dyslipidemia may affect SREBP-1 and subsequently IMTG. Methods In this study, we examined the effects of fenofibrate (FF) and rosiglitazone (Rosi) on SREBP-1 expression in skeletal muscle of 24 Zucker diabetic fatty rats (ZDF, an animal model of T2DM) and 6 age-matched controls. ZDF animals were treated with chow mixed with FF, Rosi, both drugs combined, or standard chow for approximately 25 weeks (6 in each group). Skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius) SREBP-1 expression was assessed by either RT-PCR (mRNA levels) or Western blotting (protein levels). Results Control animals weighed significantly less than untreated ZDF (394 ± 3g vs 431 ± 5 g, p = .01). Weights were higher after treatment with Rosi (796 ± 5 g, p Conclusion Skeletal muscle SREBP-1 is higher in the hyperglycemic ZDF and is reduced by treatment with FF. Rosi, despite improvement in glycemia, failed to affect SREBP-1 expression.