cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decoupled temperature and strain measurements using fiber Bragg grating sensors

Temperature and strain sensing of critical aircraft engine components is a critical health and prognostics tool for future engine programs. Real-time feedback of key temperature and strain measurements can be used to provide better estimates to ground crews of engine component life, thus minimizing engine downtime and maximizing the effectiveness of planned inspections. One method for monitoring distributed stress and temperature throughout an engine is through the use of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors. With just a single sensor line, both temperature and strain can be monitored simultaneously and in a distributed fashion. Unfortunately, FBG sensors bonded to a host structure are susceptible to both thermal strains and mechanically-loaded strains simultaneously, and without intelligent sensor design, the two signals are indistinguishable from each other. In the present work, a sensing array design is proposed and demonstrated to provide a means for separating thermal and mechanically-loaded strain signals by using two FBG sensors in close proximity to each other. Experimental results are provided using a structural beam element to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach for decoupling the temperature and strain effect from fiber Bragg grating sensors.
An Extracytoplasmic Function Sigma Factor-Mediated Cell Surface Signaling System in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 Regulates Gene Expression in Response to Heterologous Siderophores

ABSTRACT The diversity of regulatory systems encoded by bacteria provides an indication of the variety of stresses and interactions that these organisms encounter in nature. We have been investigating how the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 responds to iron limitation and have focused on the iron starvation (IS) sigma factors to identify regulon members and to explore the mechanistic details of genetic control for this class of regulators. In the study described in this report, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation paired with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq) to screen the genome for locations associated with binding of the P. syringae IS sigma factor PSPTO_1203. We used multiple methods to demonstrate differential regulation of two genes identified in the ChIP-Seq screen and characterize the promoter elements that facilitate PSPTO_1203-dependent regulation. The genes regulated by PSPTO_1203 encode a TonB-dependent transducer (PSPTO_1206) and a cytoplasmic membrane protein (PSPTO_2145), which is located in the P. syringae pyoverdine cluster. Additionally, we identified siderophores that induce the activity of PSPTO_1203 and used this information to investigate the functional components of the signal transduction cascade.
Elucidating the neurotoxic effects of MDMA and its analogs.

Abstract Aims There is a rapid increase in the use of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its structural congeners/analogs globally. MDMA and MDMA-analogs have been synthesized illegally in furtive dwellings and are abused due to its addictive potential. Furthermore, MDMA and MDMA-analogs have shown to have induced several adverse effects. Hence, understanding the mechanisms mediating this neurotoxic insult of MDMA-analogs is of immense importance for the public health in the world. Main methods We synthesized and investigated the neurotoxic effects of MDMA and its analogs [4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 2, 6-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA), and N-ethyl-3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDEA)]. The stimulatory or the dopaminergic agonist effects of MDMA and MDMA-analogs were elucidated using the established 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned animal model. Additionally, we also investigated the neurotoxic mechanisms of MDMA and MDMA-analogs on mitochondrial complex-I activity and reactive oxygen species generation. Key findings MDMA and MDMA-analogs exhibited stimulatory activity as compared to amphetamines and also induced several behavioral changes in the rodents. MDMA and MDMA-analogs enhanced the reactive oxygen generation and inhibited mitochondrial complex-I activity which can lead to neurodegeneration. Hence the mechanism of neurotoxicity, MDMA and MDMA-analogs can enhance the release of monoamines, alter the monoaminergic neurotransmission, and augment oxidative stress and mitochondrial abnormalities leading to neurotoxicity. Significance Thus, our study will help in developing effective pharmacological and therapeutic approaches for the treatment of MDMA and MDMA-analog abuse.
Creation of rabbit bone and soft tissue tumor using cultured VX2 cells

Abstract Background To create rabbit VX2 bone tumors, it is surgically less demanding to implant VX2 cell suspensions than minced tumor fragments. A VX2 cell line that can be expanded using standard cell culture techniques might provide an unlimited supply of cells needed to create these bone tumors. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to establish a VX2 cell line and verify its tumorigenicity in an athymic mouse and rabbit animal model. Materials and methods Minced VX2 tumor fragments were allowed to grow as a monolayer in 10 mL Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium/nutrient mixture F-12 (1:1) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum and passaged multiple times. The tumorigenecity of the cultured VX2 cells were tested in athymic mice (intradermal tumor development) and in New Zealand white rabbits (bone and soft tissue tumor model). Results The VX2 cells proliferated rapidly in tissue culture flasks containing Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium/nutrient mixture F-12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. After reaching confluence, the VX2 cells can only be subcultured when plated at a greater density (e.g., at a dilution of 1:1). All 6 athymic mice developed tumors within 15 d of VX2 cell suspension implantation. In the rabbits, the VX2 cells were able to produce tumors in muscle tissue and in the distal femurs but not in the proximal tibia. Conclusions VX2 cell lines can be successfully created from VX2 tumor fragments and passaged multiple times. In contrast to previous reports, the VX2 cells grown in vitro are capable of maintaining their tumorigenecity. However, successful tumor growth might depend on the initial number of cells implanted and the use of extracellular matrices for tumor proliferation.
Instroville: Hits and Rarities from the Golden Age of Pop Instrumentals; Coolsville: Hits and Rarities from the Golden Age of Pop Instrumentals; Shazam! 50 Guitar Bustin' Instrumentals; Raunchy! The Rise of Instrumental Rock; Raunchy! Volume Two: Rockin' in the Sixties

It was not uncommon for recordings with no lyrics to become pop hits in the US during the six decades between World War I and the end of the Vietnam conflict. The '20s, '30s, and '40s were dominate...
Design and demonstration of policy-based management in a multi-hop ad hoc network

Quality of service (QoS) provisioning and management in ad hoc networks remains a challenging task. Policy-Based Network Management (PBNM) is one approach for QoS provisioning and management that h ...
GENERALIZED VORTEX METHODS FOR FREE-SURFACE FLOWS

Publisher Summary The unsteady motion of a sharp interface in the irrotational flow of an incompressible, inviscid fluid is about the simplest mathematical model of the motion of a transitional layer between two continuous fluid media. Even such a model provides challenging problems to the mathematician and computer among others. The difficulties arise from the non-linear nature of the equations; the interior flow affects the free surface motion, which affects the interior flow. This type of non-linearity makes the analysis difficult but provides the richness of phenomena observed in free surface flow. In general, numerical techniques must be used to compute free surface motion. There are several different methods that might be adopted. Boundary integral techniques are among the most useful because they are naturally adaptive in the sense that only information at the surface is used in the calculations. Their apparent disadvantages are twofold. They are presently limited to those cases where the interior flow is creeping or incompressible, irrotational, and inviscid; and they require solutions to integral equations that can be expensive to compute.
Thermodynamic and structural properties of methanol–water solutions using nonadditive interaction models

We study bulk structural and thermodynamic properties of methanol-water solutions via molecular dynamics simulations using novel interaction potentials based on the charge equilibration (fluctuating charge) formalism to explicitly account for molecular polarization at the atomic level. The study uses the TIP4P-FQ potential for water-water interactions, and the CHARMM-based (Chemistry at HARvard Molecular Mechanics) fluctuating charge potential for methanol-methanol and methanol-water interactions. In terms of bulk solution properties, we discuss liquid densities, enthalpies of mixing, dielectric constants, self-diffusion constants, as well as structural properties related to local hydrogen bonding structure as manifested in radial distribution functions and cluster analysis. We further explore the electronic response of water and methanol in the differing local environments established by the interaction of each species predominantly with molecules of the other species. The current force field for the alcohol-water interaction performs reasonably well for most properties, with the greatest deviation from experiment observed for the excess mixing enthalpies, which are predicted to be too favorable. This is qualitatively consistent with the overestimation of the methanol-water gas-phase interaction energy for the lowest-energy conformer (methanol as proton donor). Hydration free energies for methanol in TIP4P-FQ water are predicted to be −5.6±0.2 kcal/mole, in respectable agreement with the experimental value of −5.1 kcal/mole. With respect to solution micro-structure, the present cluster analysis suggests that the micro-scale environment for concentrations where select thermodynamic quantities reach extremal values is described by a bi-percolating network structure.
Fungal urinary tract infections in the elderly: treatment guidelines.

The finding of fungal growth in the urine (funguria) of elderly patients is becoming increasingly common. It has been reported in both acute and chronic care settings. Risk factors for the development of funguria include the use of broad spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids and indwelling bladder catheters, as well as diabetes mellitus, urological abnormalities and haematological malignancies.
Complications After Fasciotomy Revision and Delayed Compartment Release in Combat Patients

Background:Incomplete or delayed fasciotomies are associated with muscle necrosis and death in civilian trauma. Combat explosions severely damage tissue and distort normal anatomy making fasciotomies challenging. Rapid air evacuation may delay treatment of patients with evolving extremity compartmen
Ribosomal DNA methylation in patients with endometrial carcinoma: an independent prognostic marker.

BACKGROUND Surgery is curative for the majority of patients with endometrial carcinoma: Consequently, the use of adjuvant therapy has been controversial. More effective methods to identify patients who are at risk for recurrence and who would benefit from adjuvant therapy are needed. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) methylation in patients with endometrial carcinoma. METHODS rDNA methylation was assessed in 215 endometrial tumors by Southern blot analysis of HpaII-digested DNA using a probe corresponding to the 5.8 and 28S ribosomal subunits. Tumor rDNA methylation status was correlated with patient outcome. RESULTS The majority of tumors demonstrated high levels of rDNA methylation (rDNA-high; 74%). Both disease free survival and overall survival were significantly worse for patients with low-level rDNA methylation (rDNA-low; P < 0.0001). African-American patients were more likely to have rDNA-low tumors than Caucasian patients (P = 0.002). Among the subpopulation of patients with endometrial carcinoma for whom the use of adjuvant therapy is most controversial (148 women with Stage I–II endometrioid tumors), survival was significantly worse for the patients with rDNA-low tumors (P < 0.0001); and, using multivariate analyses, tumor rDNA level was the only significant prognostic factor for both disease free survival and overall survival (hazard ratios, 11.0 and 26.3, respectively; P < 0.01 for both). CONCLUSIONS rDNA methylation is an independent prognostic indicator for patients with endometrial carcinoma that may serve to identify women with early-stage disease at who are at high risk for recurrence. Racial differences in DNA methylation may explain the historically observed disparity in survival between African-American patients and Caucasian patients. Cancer 2002;94:2941–52. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10559
Choline acetyltransferase: Further studies on the reverse reaction

In order to further characterize the reaction mechanism of brain ChAc in its purified form, we have investigated the reverse reaction of ChAc in terms of pH optimum, salt effects, and substrate kinetics using a radiochemical assay. We directly measured the reaction product acetylcoenzyme A which was separated from the substrate ACh by a cation exchange column. Dowex 50W-X8 (Na+ form). The reverse reaction of ChAc was linear with incubation time up to 40 minutes, and with enzyme protein concentration up to 5 micrograms. It had a pH optimum at 7.0. At 0.22 M the monovalent chloride and bromide salts activated the reverse ChAc activity by 23-47% but the fluoride and iodide salts inhibited the reverse enzyme activity by 10-30%. Kinetic studies in the absence of salt showed that KACh was 0.62 +/- 0.06 mM, KCoA . SH was 12.68 +/- 1.21 microM, and Vmax was 11.6 +/- 1.0 nmol AcCoA/mg protein/min. These data are in disagreement with the values reported on partially purified ChAc from bovine brain by Glover and Potter (1971) and Hersh (1980). This indicates that further investigations are necessary to clarify or resolve these differences.
Fate of pathogens in thermophilic aerobic sludge digestion

Abstract The effect of autoheated aerobic thermophilic digestion on the pathogen content of sewage sludges was studied and compared to that of conventional mesophilic anaerobic digestion. Both systems were full scale, continuously-fed facilities operated in parallel and utilized a feed sludge of thickened primary and waste-activated sludge. The relative populations of viruses, Salmonella sp., total and fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci and parasites found before and after digestion were compared. The full scale mesophilic anaerobic digesters were operated at relatively constant conditions, i.e. digester temperature constant at 35°C, and loading rates constant, etc., while the full scale autoheated aerobic digester was operated under a wide range of loading conditions. At all of the conditions studied, the autoheated digester temperature exceeded 45 C. Virus and Salmonella sp. concentrations in the effluent from the aerobic unit were below detectable limits in 10 of 11 samples and 6 of 6 samples, respectively, whereas the anaerobic digester effluent contained detectable numbers of viruses and Salmonella sp. Bacterial indicator counts and parasite concentrations were less in the autoheated digester effluent than in the effluent from the anaerobic digester. It was concluded that the simple autoheated aerobic digestion process could be used to produce a virtually pathogen-free sludge at a cost comparable to that of conventional, mesophilic anaerobic digestion.
Employer Liability for Negligence In Post‐Hiring Employment Decisions

Employers are now being sued for the crimes of their employees. These lawsuits are usually based on a claim of employer negligence for having hired a dangerous employee. However, similar lawsuits are also being brought over employer failings in post‐hiring decisions of supervision, retention, training and assignment. This paper examines an employer’s potential liability from post‐hiring decisions and offers measures for reducing that liability threat.
Nonsingular Semiperfect CS-Rings

In this paper the structure of right nonsingular semiperfect right CS-rings has been considered. Under certain conditions these rings are shown to be direct sums of triangular blocked matrix rings over Ore domains. As a by-product it follows that then × nmatrix ring over a local domainD,n > 1, is a right CS-ring if and only ifDis a right and left valuation domain.
Furnace truck with channeled base

Channeled furnace truck linings have been devised and industrially tested; they greatly reduce the vertical temperature drop in the furnace channel and improve the annealing quality of the refractories.
Recruitment order, contractile characteristics, and firing patterns of motor units in the temporalis muscle of monkeys.

Abstract Action potentials of single motor units were recorded in the temporalis muscle of rhesus monkeys trained to hold static forces on a bite bar. The average relationship between mandibular force and motor unit firing rate was determined for many motor units using a computer program, and from this relationship the threshold force at which a motor unit began to fire was determined. Several aspects of motor unit firing rate were examined in relation to recruitment threshold. Computer averaging was used to determine twitch tension and twitch contraction times for many motor units. Motor units recruited at low forces had longer contraction times and produced smaller twitch tensions than higher-threshold motor units. Motor units with small action potentials were nearly always recruited at lower force levels than those with larger action potentials. These results indicate that the motor units of the monkey temporalis muscle were recruited in an orderly fashion, which is in accord with the predictions of the “size principle”.
Solute Modulation of Conformational Equilibria in Intrinsic Membrane Proteins: Apparent “Cooperativity” without Binding

The activity of many membrane proteins depends on a conformational transition that is often strongly influenced by small membrane-soluble solutes. This allosteric modulation may be direct, involving binding to the protein at localized sites of varying specificity, or may be indirect, resulting from altered membrane properties. In the present paper, a general expression for solute-protein titration curves is predicted, using an indirect mechanism that couples solute-induced changes in the lateral pressure profile of the bilayer to a shift in protein conformational equilibrium. When the common practice of fitting dose-response data to the Hill equation is applied to these curves, the fits are found to be reasonably good, with large Hill coefficients. Because this would commonly be interpreted as evidence of the existence of multiple sites with strong positive cooperativity, it is argued that caution must therefore be exercised in the interpretation of titration data in the absence of direct evidence of the existence of binding sites. The form of the titration curve predicted from this lateral pressure mechanism is shown to be quite general for indirect mechanisms. It is also shown that this form is the same as would be obtained from classical models of binding cooperativity, such as that of Monod, Wyman, and Changeux, in the limit of an infinite number of sites with vanishingly small site affinity.
3332 UPPER ENDOSCOPY IN CHILDREN WITHOUT SEDATION.

Introduction. In children, upper endoscopy is most often performed with either conscious sedation or general anesthesia; debate persists regarding which is the preferred method. In our experience, some children want to forego sedation because of concerns of prolonged sedative effects and their desire to participate in activities later in the day.We report on the results of our experience with unsedated upper endoscopy in children. Prior to and immediately following upper endoscopy, children rated their level of anxiety (linear scale, max score = 10) and degree of pain (face scale, max score = 5). All procedures were timed. All patients received topical pharyngeal anesthesia. Patients electing sedation received a combination of meperidine and midazolam, titrated to effect. Results are expressed as mean ± SE. Endoscopy was performed with sedation (Sed) in 9 patients and without sedation ( f Sed) in 6 patients. Patients were of similar age (11.4 ± 1.1 and 12.7 ± 2.4 yrs for Sed and f Sed, respectively). Endoscopy was successfully completed in all Sed patients. Endoscopy failed in 1 of 6 f Sed patients. There was no difference between Sed and f Sed in the pre-endoscopy scores for anxiety (4.52 ± 1.28 vs 2.95 ± 1.6, respectively) and pain (1.69 ± 0.54 vs 2.33 ± 0.66, respectively). In Sed patients a decrease was seen in mean post-endoscopy score, compared to pre-endoscopy score for anxiety (0.84 ± 0.34, p
Intention and authenticity in the facial expression of pain

Williams and the many studies she considers appear to assume that voluntary amplification in facial expression of pain implies dissimulation. In fact, the behavioral ecology model of pain expression is consistent with amplification when subjects in pain are in the presence of others disposed to render aid, and that amplification may well be voluntary.
A cryomicroscope for the study of freezing and thawing processes in biological cells

Abstract A cryomicroscope capable of effecting controlled freezing and thawing in biological cell suspensions has been developed. A dual capability for both heating and cooling is employed in conjunction with an analog control system to provide for precise regulation of the specimen temperature between 77 °K and 310 °K at time rates of temperature change between zero and several thousand degrees centigrade per minute. The microscope can be fitted with a high speed motion picture to record the dynamics of the freezing and thawing processes in slow motion. A miniature freezing and thawing system adapted to the stage of a light microscope enables a broad spectrum of cooling and warming rates to be achieved by cooling the specimen at a constant rate with a steady flow of refrigerant fluid through the system and by simultaneously dissipating electrical energy at a variable rate in a resistance heater immersed in the fluid stream and in thermal communication with the specimen. The control system is of the analog type in which a signal generator, inverter, and integrator are used to generate a voltage representative of the desired linear temperature profile, be it for cooling or warming. This profile is continuously compared in a summing unit with the amplified output of a thermocouple monitoring the specimen temperature. The output from the summing unit, which is proportional to the difference between the generated reference temperature and the specimen temperature, is amplified in a power amplifier having the resistance heater as its load. Energy is dissipated in the heater only when the specimen temperature is lower than the reference temperature. The maximal temperature for warming processes is set by a limiting diode in the integrator, whereas the minimal temperature for cooling processes is determined by the refrigerant temperature.
The fall of single liquid drops through water

The steady motion of single drops of ten organic liquids falling through a stationary water field is discussed. A correlation is presented for nine systems with the exception of the aniline-water system, in the form of a single curve relating the drag coefficient, Weber number, Reynolds number, and a physical property group. The curve can be used directly to predict the terminal velocity, drag coefficient, Reynolds number, and Weber number for any given equivalent drop size. A break point in the curve serves to predict the peak velocity and its related quantities. The critical drop size is predicted from the pertinent physical properties alone. All these estimations were accurate within 10% for the systems used. The interfacial tensions ranged from 24 to 45 dynes/cm. and the drop densities from 1.100 to 2.947g./ml., the latter resulting in a twentyfold range of density differences. The drop viscosities had no apparent effect.
Macroarray Detection of Eleven Potato-Infecting Viruses and Potato spindle tuber viroid

A macroarray was developed for the detection of 11 potato viruses and Potato spindle tuber viroid. The 11 viruses detected included those commonly found or tested for in North American potato seed certification programs: Alfalfa mosaic virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, Potato mop top virus, Potato leafroll virus, Potato latent virus, Potato virus A, Potato virus M, Potato virus S, Potato virus X, Potato virus Y, and Tobacco rattle virus. These viruses were detected using oligonucleotide 70-mer probes and labeled targets prepared by a random primed amplification procedure. Potato plants analyzed included those infected with 12 reference virus stocks and 36 field isolates. Results from the macroarray were entirely consistent with those obtained using a standard serological assay (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Four isolates of Potato spindle tuber viroid, in mixed infection with one or more viruses, also were detected in the array, although strong hybridization signals required amplification with viroid-specific primers in combination with anchored-random primers. In individual plants, up to four viruses, or a viroid plus two viruses, were detected, with no apparent competition or inhibition. Macroarrays are a cost-effective approach to the simultaneous diagnostic detection of multiple pathogens from infected plants.
Climate change impacts on the Beaufort shelf landfast ice

Abstract We use a one-dimensional thermodynamic sea ice model and modified meteorological data from the Tuktoyaktuk station to simulate the thickness and duration of the landfast ice under possible climate change scenarios. An increase of 4 °C in surface air temperature and 100% in snow accumulation rate results in a 39-cm reduction in yearly maximum ice thickness and a 21-day reduction in ice duration. However, owing to large natural variability, even such a large (22%) change would require roughly 8 years to observe and confirm. Standard errors of ±17 cm for maximum ice thickness and ±9 days for ice duration were estimated by comparing the ice thickness simulated using meteorological forcing from 3 coastal stations. With respect to interannual variation in maximum ice thickness, only 2 of 6 pairs of coastal stations had correlation coefficients significant at the 95% confidence level. Low correlations are a consequence of varying snow accumulation amongst stations. This result emphasizes the urgent need for marine-based observations of solid precipitation for understanding change in the thickness of landfast sea ice.
Endophthalmitis caused by moraxella species

Abstract PURPOSE: To report the incidence, clinical presentation, antibiotic sensitivities, and treatment outcomes for endophthalmitis caused by Moraxella species. METHODS: Consecutive interventional case series. Medical records were reviewed of all patients treated at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between 1991 and 2000 for endophthalmitis caused by Moraxella species. RESULTS: Moraxella species were recovered from 9 patients (10 eyes), or 1.3% (10 of 757) of all culture-proven bacterial endophthalmitis cases; Moraxella catarrhalis was recovered from 7 eyes and Moraxella osloensis from 3. Endophthalmitis was delayed-onset (5 months to 10 years postoperatively) and bleb-associated in 9 eyes and trauma-related in 1. All isolates were sensitive to ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and the aminoglycosides, and they were resistant to vancomycin; resistance to ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulfa was 11%. Although presenting vision was hand motion or worse in 7 of 10 eyes, all but 3 regained baseline visual acuity (including two eyes in which the post-treatment course was complicated by retinal detachment and one eye with coexistent traumatic injuries). CONCLUSION: Endophthalmitis caused by Moraxella species is usually delayed-onset and bleb-associated. Although patients usually present with a profound decrease in vision, the organisms are sensitive to most antibiotics and, unlike most series of delayed-onset bleb-associated endophthalmitis, visual outcomes are generally good unless coexistent ocular morbidities exist.
Impaired inhibitory control of behavior in chronic cocaine users

This study examined the ability to inhibit and execute behavioral responses in adult cocaine users and in an aged-matched sample with no history of cocaine use. Subjects (n=22) were identified as cocaine users by testing positive for the presence of cocaine or benzoylecgonine in urine-analysis and by self-reported cocaine use. Control subjects (n=22) tested negative in urine-analysis and reported no past cocaine use. Response inhibition and response execution were measured by a stop-signal paradigm using a choice reaction time task that engaged subjects in responding to go-signals when stop-signals occasionally informed them to inhibit the response. Cocaine users displayed significantly poorer ability to inhibit their behavioral responses than did controls. Specifically, cocaine users required more time to inhibit responses to stop-signals and displayed a lower probability of inhibiting their responses. Cocaine users did not differ from controls in their ability to execute responses as measured by their speed and accuracy of responses to go-signals. These findings are important because they identify a specific deficit involving behavioral inhibition that could contribute to cocaine abuse, and explain its association with other disorders of self-regulation, such as ADHD.
Core to valence transitions in methane

Abstract We have identified and characterized 1a 1 core electron transitions to states involving the anti-bonding 2t 2 σ * virtual orbital in methane. The 1t 2 autoionization branching ratio indicates that the excitations lie at the same energies as the Rydberg resonances observed in total absorption. The corresponding 1t 2 angular distribution parameter reflects coupling of electron and nuclear coordinates. Changes in the 1t 2 kinetic energy distribution are explained by nuclear motion during the core-hole lifetime due to repulsive potential energy surfaces. The data indicate that 1a 1 core-excited states involving the valence 2t 2 σ * molecular orbital are split by the Jahn–Teller effect into bands which are much broader than any Rydberg features. These results illustrate the value of valence emission as a probe of resonant molecular core-excited states.
A survey of the state of the art of cam system dynamics

Abstract The primary aim of this paper is to review the development and the status of the kinematics and dynamics of cam-and-follower systems. Significant information in the field, scattered over various sources, is examined and brought into a coherent framework of the author's own view of the subject. The areas where fruitful work may be done are indicated.
Prediction of DNA-binding residues from protein sequence information using random forests

Protein-DNA interactions are involved in many biological processes essential for cellular function. To understand the molecular mechanism of protein-DNA recognition, it is necessary to identify the DNA-binding residues in DNA-binding proteins. However, structural data are available for only a few hundreds of protein-DNA complexes. With the rapid accumulation of sequence data, it becomes an important but challenging task to accurately predict DNA-binding residues directly from amino acid sequence data. A new machine learning approach has been developed in this study for predicting DNA-binding residues from amino acid sequence data. The approach used both the labelled data instances collected from the available structures of protein-DNA complexes and the abundant unlabeled data found in protein sequence databases. The evolutionary information contained in the unlabeled sequence data was represented as position-specific scoring matrices (PSSMs) and several new descriptors. The sequence-derived features were then used to train random forests (RFs), which could handle a large number of input variables and avoid model overfitting. The use of evolutionary information was found to significantly improve classifier performance. The RF classifier was further evaluated using a separate test dataset, and the predicted DNA-binding residues were examined in the context of three-dimensional structures. The results suggest that the RF-based approach gives rise to more accurate prediction of DNA-binding residues than previous studies. A new web server called BindN-RF http://bioinfo.ggc.org/bindn-rf/ has thus been developed to make the RF classifier accessible to the biological research community.
ON THE TRANSIENT BEHAVIOR OF ASAI'S MODEL OF MOIST CONVECTION

Abstract The transient behavior of the simple model of moist convection devised by Asai is studied. It is shown that the initial behavior of convective disturbances depends strongly upon the geometry of the disturbance, its initial buoyancy, and dissipative mechanisms. Final approach to a steady convective cell is dependent upon the relative importance of entrainment of heat and momentum. These conclusions derived mainly from linear analysis are substantiated by a series of numerical experiments exhibiting the full nonlinear behavior of the system from formative stages to the final steady-state cell.
The role of infectious agents in the spondylarthropathies.

The clinical similarities of the spondylarthropathies and their frequent association with both HLA B27 and microbial infections suggest common pathogenetic mechanisms. The latter may include deposition of immune complexes containing bacterial antigens, or cross-reactivity of such antigens with host target tissue or responding cell antigens. Enteric bacteria, chlamydia and mycoplasma are all candidate etiologic agents, but proof is difficult because they are often found as normal flora, although only genetically susceptible individuals may acquire disease, and many patients have been treated with antibiotics before they can be studied. Nonetheless, a role for endogenous bacteria in reactive arthritis at least seems certain, and should stimulate further investigation into similar pathogenetic mechanisms in other chronic arthritides.
Everyday routines: A window into the cultural organization of family child care

Eco(logical)-cultural Theory suggests that a daily routine results from individuals adapting cultural ideas to the constraints of a local context or ecology. Using Ecocultural Theory, this research examined family child care providers’ descriptions of daily activities and overall approach to understand cultural models. The results highlighted a predominant cultural model reflecting ideas of “natural” child development facilitated by a structured daily routine. However, an alternative model emphasizing flexibility, intimacy, and relationships was also present. The results suggest that we need to better understand the conditions under which certain models become widely appropriated and enacted.
Hospice in Assisted Living: Promoting Good Quality Care at End of Life

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe good quality care at the end of life (EOL) for hospice-enrolled residents in assisted living facilities (ALFs). Design and Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used to obtain detailed descriptions of EOL care provided by ALF medication aides, caregivers, nurses, and hospice nurses in urban and rural settings. A semistructured interview guide facilitated interviews where 38 participants described specific examples of care that “went well.” Results: Findings indicated that the quality and nature of resident–staff and assisted living–hospice staff relationships are critical in promoting good care at EOL for ALF residents on hospice. Length of the resident's stay in the facility and how well staff knew the resident were associated with the quality of the resident–staff relationship. Respectful collaboration, clear communication, use of complementary knowledge and skills of staff, and shared expectations about the care were associated with positive staff relationships. Also important was ALF administrator support for residents’ dying in place with hospice services. Implications: ALFs choosing to support residents dying in their facility will benefit from developing systems of care that promote resident–staff relationships and optimize communication and collaboration among ALF care providers and with hospice staff. Hospice programs should design their services to support ALF staff as well as patients and families. Now needed are development and testing of models of care by hospice and ALF to support the care needs of ALF residents at EOL.
Motor Vehicle Crashes and Land Use: Empirical Analysis from Hawaii

At first glance, the relationship between crashes and land use appears obvious. Various types of land uses tend to generate and attract different types of trips, and trip-making behavior affects the nature and volume of traffic. As the use of land intensifies, it does not seem unreasonable to expect that the potential exposure to crashes would also increase. Yet upon closer inspection, it is evident that crashes are more a function of the characteristics of drivers and travelers than the underlying uses of land. Using comprehensive police crash data linked to a land use database, the relationships between land use and automobile crashes in Hawaii are investigated. Recent developments in geographic information system technology and the availability of spatial databases provide a rich source of information with which to investigate the relationships between crashes and the environments in which they occur. Although the patterns in terms of crashes and the underlying use of land are difficult to describe, the implications of these findings for planners, developers, and those interested in traffic safety are apparent.
Watershed Regressions for Pesticides (WARP) Models for Predicting Stream Concentrations of Multiple Pesticides

Watershed Regressions for Pesticides for multiple pesticides (WARP-MP) are statistical models developed to predict concentration statistics for a wide range of pesticides in unmonitored streams. The WARP-MP models use the national atrazine WARP models in conjunction with an adjustment factor for each additional pesticide. The WARP-MP models perform best for pesticides with application timing and methods similar to those used with atrazine. For other pesticides, WARP-MP models tend to overpredict concentration statistics for the model development sites. For WARP and WARP-MP, the less-than-ideal sampling frequency for the model development sites leads to underestimation of the shorter-duration concentration; hence, the WARP models tend to underpredict 4- and 21-d maximum moving-average concentrations, with median errors ranging from 9 to 38% As a result of this sampling bias, pesticides that performed well with the model development sites are expected to have predictions that are biased low for these shorter-duration concentration statistics. The overprediction by WARP-MP apparent for some of the pesticides is variably offset by underestimation of the model development concentration statistics. Of the 112 pesticides used in the WARP-MP application to stream segments nationwide, 25 were predicted to have concentration statistics with a 50% or greater probability of exceeding one or more aquatic life benchmarks in one or more stream segments. Geographically, many of the modeled streams in the Corn Belt Region were predicted to have one or more pesticides that exceeded an aquatic life benchmark during 2009, indicating the potential vulnerability of streams in this region.
Life-Cycle Cost Analysis of Highway intersection Safety Hardware Improvements

A methodology is proposed for project-level life-cycle cost analysis of highway intersection safety hardware improvements. It incorporates a disaggregated risk-based approach for computing the safety index that could be used to assess intersection vehicle crash risks affected by the conditions of intersection safety hardware such as signs, signals, lighting, pavement markings, and guardrails. With safety indices estimated before and after implementation of an intersection safety hardware project, the annual potential for safety improvements (PSI) could be computed using the concept of consumer surplus. The annual PSI is further converted into dollar values and extrapolated to the overall intersection safety hardware service life cycle, defined as the useful service life of longest-lasting intersection safety hardware, to determine the maximum project-level life-cycle benefits of intersection safety hardware improvements. A computational study is conducted for methodology application and validation using 5-year data on 226 intersections in Ozaukee County, Wis. The proposed methodology could be adopted by state and large-scale local transportation agencies for intersection safety hardware project evaluation and investment decision making.
Linear Regression Analysis for Multivariate Failure Time Observations

Abstract In this article we consider the case that each patient in a longitudinal study may experience two or more distinct failures. The corresponding failure times, which are possible censored, are recorded for each patient. The logarithm of each marginal failure time is assumed to be linearly related to its covariates; however, the distributional form of the error term in the model does not have to be specified in the analysis. Furthermore, no specific structure of dependence among the distinct failure times on each subject has to be imposed. Various linear regression methods for analyzing multivariate failure time observations are proposed. Our procedures do not involve the unstable nonparametric hazard function estimation. Extensive numerical studies are conducted to evaluate the new proposals. Recommendations are also made for their practical usage.
Amphibian pronephric duct morphogenesis: segregation, cell rearrangement and directed migration of the Ambystoma duct rudiment.

The axolotl pronephric duct rudiment is readily accessible to both SEM observation and surgical manipulation. The rudiment segregates from the dorsal part of the lateral mesoderm and then extends caudally along the ventrolateral border of the segmenting somites, eventually contacting the cloacal wall. The marked thinning of the rudiment which accompanies this migration is paralleled by a corresponding reduction in cell number across the duct's diameter and by caudad translocation and elongation of vital dye marks applied to the duct mesoderm. Duct extension thus involves appreciable cell rearrangement. The morphology of duct mesoderm and its substratum (somite and lateral mesoderm) suggests that active locomotion of cells near its tip marshals the duct's caudad elongation. Filopodia and small focal areas of intercellular contact may mediate the adhesions between duct cells which must be broken and reformed as the cells rearrange.
The Olympic Dilemma: Applying the Contact Theory and Beyond

This paper analyzes the Olympic dilemma from the perspective of social psychology. Specifically, the contact theory is applied to the interaction of organizers, athletes, and spectators at the Olympic Games. The literature investigating the relationship between interaction and the development of positive feelings among participants is reviewed and, where possible, hypotheses based upon the contact theory are developed. Finally, changes are suggested in the Olympic format which would increase the opportunities for positive outcomes from interaction.
A rapidly deployable virtual presence extended defense system

We have developed algorithms for a virtual presence and extended defense (VPED) system that automatically learns the detection map of a deployed sensor field without a-priori knowledge of the local terrain. The VPED system is a network of sensor pods, with each pod containing acoustic and seismic sensors. Each pod has a limited detection range, but a network of pods can form a virtual perimeter. The site's geography and soil conditions can affect the detection performance of the pods. Thus a network in the field may not have the same performance as a network designed in the lab. To solve this problem we automatically estimate a network's detection performance as it is being constructed. We demonstrate results using simulated and real data.
Communication enhanced navigation strategies for teams of mobile agents

In multi-agent systems engaged in cooperative activities there is an apparent trade-off between the complexity of the individual agents, their sensing capabilities and communication required for accomplishment of particular tasks. One of the main computationally intensive components which affects the complexity of the overall system is the acquisition and maintenance of the environment model where the agents reside. In this paper, in the context of foraging and coordinated traversal task, we will examine control strategies that in the absence of the global model of the environment can substantially improve the performance of the team using additional sensing and communication capabilities. In one case the coordinated strategy is motivated by an ant trail following behavior while in another case the line of sight information is used to constrain the movement of individual agents guaranteeing shorter total traversal times.
Pioneer transcription factors in cell reprogramming

A subset of eukaryotic transcription factors possesses the remarkable ability to reprogram one type of cell into another. The transcription factors that reprogram cell fate are invariably those that are crucial for the initial cell programming in embryonic development. To elicit cell programming or reprogramming, transcription factors must be able to engage genes that are developmentally silenced and inappropriate for expression in the original cell. Developmentally silenced genes are typically embedded in "closed" chromatin that is covered by nucleosomes and not hypersensitive to nuclease probes such as DNase I. Biochemical and genomic studies have shown that transcription factors with the highest reprogramming activity often have the special ability to engage their target sites on nucleosomal DNA, thus behaving as "pioneer factors" to initiate events in closed chromatin. Other reprogramming factors appear dependent on pioneer factors for engaging nucleosomes and closed chromatin. However, certain genomic domains in which nucleosomes are occluded by higher-order chromatin structures, such as in heterochromatin, are resistant to pioneer factor binding. Understanding the means by which pioneer factors can engage closed chromatin and how heterochromatin can prevent such binding promises to advance our ability to reprogram cell fates at will and is the topic of this review.
Microphytobenthos in Shallow Arctic Lakes: Fine-Scale Depth Distribution of Chlorophyll a, Radiocarbon Assimilation, Irradiance, and Dissolved O2

Abstract We compared in three shallow Alaskan Arctic lakes physical properties of bulk sediment and the fine-scale (1 mm increments to 20 mm sediment depth) vertical distribution of dissolved O2, scalar irradiance, chlorophyll a, and radiocarbon assimilation by microphytobenthos to better understand the structural and functional significance of this community. Sediments showed water contents of 86–98%, and dry bulk densities of 0.012–0.146 g cm-3, depending on depth. Chlorophyll a displayed no clear vertical pattern, suggesting mixing of surface layers and showed lakewise averages of 5.1–23.7 µg cm-3. Sediments were oxic to 1.5–5.5 mm and showed attenuation coefficients of 1.17–2.07 mm-1 for photon scalar irradiance. Photosynthetic activity was localized near the sediment surface, as 57–81% of H14CO3- added to intact cores was recovered in the 0–2 mm zone. Only 26–44% of the chlorophyll a in vertical profiles was sited in the euphoric zone, but microphytobenthos in underlying, aphotic sediments immediatel...