cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Invariant and Consistent Redundancy by Large Admissible Perturbations

Abstract Structural perturbation theory has been developed over the past 16 years to relate two structural states modeled by the same Finite Element (FE) model but described by different values of the design variables. Relating an intact/damaged (initial) structure to a limit state structure produces the reserve/residual redundancy. Invariant and consistent redundancy, redundancy functions, and injective mappings are defined and related to the design variables. General perturbation equations are derived to relate the two states and produce failure surface equations. Individual and joint failure points are identified and redundancy is computed without linearization of failure surfaces, enumeration of failure paths, trial and error, or repeated FE Analyses (FEAs). This is achieved by large admissible perturbations using a prediction-correction algorithm and postprocessing FEA results of the initial structure only. The latter may differ from the limit state structure in stiffness, mass, geometry, or response by as much as 100–300% depending on the size of the FE model. Structural perturbation theory treats discrete and continuous structures as the FE method does; modeling of the structure as a simplified system of components is not needed. To introduce this new approach to redundancy, modal dynamic and static deflection failure criteria are used in the elastic range. Numerical applications on a beam, a small, and a large offshore tower are used to test the method. Future developments and impact to design are discussed as the new methodology introduces an alternative to systems reliability and stochastic FE.
Adaptive Control of a Nonlinear Fuel Cell-Gas Turbine Balance of Plant Simulation Facility

A 300kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Gas Turbine (SOFC-GT) power plant simulator is evaluated with the use of a Model Reference Adaptive Control scheme, implemented for a set of nonlinear empirical Transfer Functions. The SOFC-GT simulator allows testing of various fuel cell models under a Hardware-in-the-Loop configuration that incorporates a 120kW Auxiliary Power Unit, and Balance-of-Plant components in hardware, and a fuel cell model in software. The adaptation technique is beneficial to plants having a wide range of operation, and strong coupling interaction. The practical implementation of the adaptive methodology is presented through simulation in the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment.© 2014 ASME
Graph hopping: learning through physical interaction quantification

The proposed demo is influenced by principles of embodied interaction design for supporting mathematics learning. In brief, student participants are literally tasked with jumping up and down in playful competition with one another, while a graphic representation dynamically grows and enumerates their physical activity. The intent is to create a "bodily-syntonic" experience that helps students draw a direct correlation between the frequency of their jumps and the magnitudes represented on the bar graph. In this manner a routine lesson is transformed into an opportunity for promoting both mathematics learning and physical exercise. The proposed installation will allow conference attendees to interact with various iterations of the original design and to explore how design choices affect user's experience and learning.
The Nonenvironmental Basis for Rising Mortality From Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is one of the more prevalent neuro-degenerative disorders. Over the past two decades, mortality attributed to Parkinson's disease in industrialized nations has risen significantly (Fig 1). 1,2 This recent increase in mortality has occurred on a background of overall Parkinson's disease mortality rates that had been stable for decades 3-5 and following the introduction of levodopa therapy, a treatment that has significantly enhanced survival. 6 This evolving mortality pattern in Parkinson's disease has been attributed to better case ascertainment and environmental toxins that may have assumed an increased role in the etiopathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. 1,2 The purpose of this communication is to demonstrate a theoretical model of human aging and mortality that is remarkably consistent with available Parkinson's disease mortality data. This model suggests that neither environmental influences nor changing diagnostic practices are responsible for the rise in overall Parkinson's disease mortality. BACKGROUND In 1825, Gompertz 7
Seasonal Food Habits of a Desert Termite, Gnathamitermes tubiformans , in West Texas

The diet of Gnathamitermes tubiformans (Buckley) consisted primarily of 3 grass species, Aristida longiseta Steud., red three-awn; Buchloe dactyloides (Null.) Englm., bulfalograss; and Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Griffiths, blue grama. Feeding activity was lowest in the spring and highest in the fall. Over the season red three-awn, buffalograss and blue grama comprised ca. 46, 26, and 24% of the diet, respectively, and were consumed at rates of ca. 27.1, 15.4, and 14.1 g/m2/yr, respectively. Red three-awn was abundant throughout the season and increased in dietary importance through mid- and late summer. Bulfalograss became increasingly abundant during late spring and summer and was utilized most heavily during May, July, and Aug. Blue grama contributed most heavily to the termite diet during spring and early summer and its importance increased slightly again in the fall. It was preferred or highly preferred during most of the season. Living plants were the major dietary component during spring and early summer and standing dead plants were the major dietary component during late summer and fall. Grass litter remained a relatively constant dietary component throughout the season.
Rigid and Sterically Regular Chiral 1,1′-Binaphthyl Polymers in Asymmetric Catalysis

The preparation of easily reusable and highly enantioselective polymeric catalysts is described. This involves the use of a rigid and sterically regular polymer backbone (illustrated here). This strategy can be further extended to construct polymeric chiral catalysts that are capable of multiple asymmetric catalytic reactions by incorporating different catalytic species in a polymer.
Determination of cyanuric acid residues in catfish, trout, tilapia, salmon and shrimp by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

In May 2007, investigators discovered that waste material from the pet food manufacturing process contaminated with melamine (MEL) and/or cyanuric acid (CYA) had been added to hog and chicken feeds. At this time, investigators also learned that adulterated wheat gluten had been used in the manufacture of aquaculture feeds. Concern that the contaminated feed had been used in aquaculture and could enter the human food supply prompted the development of a method for the determination of CYA residues in the edible tissues of fish and shrimp. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed as a sensitive technique for the analysis of CYA in catfish, tilapia, salmon, trout and shrimp tissue. CYA was extracted from ground fish or shrimp with an acetic acid solution, defatted with hexane, and isolated with a graphitic carbon black solid-phase extraction column. Residues were separated from matrix components using a porous graphitic carbon LC column, and then analyzed with electrospray ionization in negative ion mode on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Selective reaction monitoring was performed on the [M-H](-)m/z 128 ion resulting in the product ions m/z 85 and 42. Recoveries from catfish, tilapia and trout fortified with 10-100 microgkg(-1) of CYA averaged 67% with a relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) of 18% (n=107). The average method detection limit (MDL) for catfish, tilapia and trout is 3.5 microgkg(-1). An internal standard, (13)C(3)-labeled CYA, was used in the salmon and shrimp extractions. Average recovery of CYA from salmon was 91% (R.S.D.=15%, n=18) with an MDL of 7.4 microgkg(-1). Average recovery of CYA from shrimp was 85% (R.S.D.=10%, n=13) with an MDL of 3.5 microgkg(-1).
Airborne density of ferric oxide aggregate microspheres.

The density of ferric oxide particles produced by a spinning disc generator was measured with a Timbrell aerosol spectrometer, a Millikan oil drop apparatus, and a Thomas gravity settling tube. Using the Timbrell and Millikan equipment, the density was found to be 2.56 gm/cm3.
Diallel Analysis of Diverse Maize Germplasm Lines for Agronomic Characteristics

Diverse, novel maize ( Zea mays L.) germplasm from the Genetic Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project and aflatoxin-resistant and aflatoxin- susceptible maize lines were used as parents to produce a diallel cross. This manuscript docu - ments the agronomic performance of the prog - eny of the diallel cross. Nine GEM germplasm lines and six known resistant and susceptible lines were selected as parents of a diallel cross that was evaluated over 2 yr at Mississippi State, MS, and 1 yr at College Station, TX. Mp317, Mp494, NEI9008, and GEMN-0130 had positive and significant GCA effects for yield in at least two of the three environments. This is especially useful because prior research suggested that both Mp494 and GEMN-0130 also reduce afla - toxin accumulation. of the GEM lines evaluated, NEI9008 was the best source for enhanced yield with significant and positive GCA values across all three environments. Mp313E ´ GEMN-0157 yielded well across all environments with an addi - tional benefit of relatively low aflatoxin accumula - tion in the Mississippi environments. Because the GEM lines evaluated in this diallel cross have a distinctly different genetic background than the aflatoxin-resistant Mississippi inbreds, NEI9008 and GEMN-0130 (improved yield), GEMS-0002 and GEMS-0074 (earlier maturity by 3 to 4 d), CUBA117, GEMS-0030, GEMN-0071, GEMS- 0100 (reduced plant height 0.1 to 0.2 m), GEMN- 0157, NEI9008, GEMS-0002, and GEMS-0074 (reduced height by 0.3 to 0.4 m) should be useful sources of alleles for pyramiding improved yield, earlier maturity, and shorter plant heights into improved breeding lines.
Computational modeling of epidermal cell fate determination systems.

Cell fate decisions are of primary importance for plant development. Their simple ‘either-or’ outcome and dynamic nature has attracted the attention of computational modelers. Recent efforts have focused on modeling the determination of several epidermal cell types in the root and shoot of Arabidopsis where many molecular components have been defined. Results of integrated modeling and molecular biology experimentation in these systems have highlighted the importance of competitive positive and negative factors and interconnected feedback loops in generating flexible yet robust mechanisms for establishing distinct gene expression programs in neighboring cells. These models have proven useful in judging hypotheses and guiding future research.
Evolutionary computation of a deterministic switching regressions estimator

A deterministic switching regressions estimator is evaluated using an evolutionary method based on genetic algorithms. Distinctive aspects of the method include (1) a combination of simple and random chromosomal crossover and (2) extension of the principle of natural selection to internal parameterization. The evolutionary computation duplicates, significantly faster, the results of an existing enumerative method in samples small enough to permit enumeration. It also provides the ability to calculate the estimator in much larger sample sizes than is possible with the enumerative approach. An example problem from the United States gasoline market is given.
Constant and variable amplitude limit cycles in dual-spin spacecraft.

The behavior of dual-spin spacecraft whose primary sections contain nonlinear flexible elements is examined. Attention is focused on elements characterized by nonlinear conservative restoring forces and capable of sustaining oscillations at more than one amplitude for a given periodic forcing function. Such behavior is associated with the "jump phenomenon" in mechanics. It is shown that this feature can result in steady-state coning motions describable as constant or variable amplitude limit cycles. Analysis based on approximate "energy" sink methods is used to identify systems for which this behavior can occur, and digital computer integration of nonlinear equations is used to verify and evaluate the predictions of this analysis. This comparison indicates that the predicted phenomena do occur, and the approximate methods represent a valuable means of understanding the general character of the motion of these systems. Certain features of the transient behavior during jumping, however, are not detected by the approximate methods.
Allosteric regulation of estrogen receptor structure, function, and coactivator recruitment by different estrogen response elements.

Hormone-activated ERs (ERα and ERβ) bind with high affinity to specific DNA sequences, estrogen response elements (EREs), located within the regulatory regions of target genes. Once considered to function solely as receptor tethers, there is an increasing amount of recent evidence to suggest that the sequence of the ERE can influence receptor activity. In this study, we have performed a systematic analysis of the role of different EREs in ER pharmacology. Specifically, by measuring ER activity on the vitellogenin A2, complement 3 gene, pS2, and lactoferrin EREs, we demonstrate that the activities of E2 and xenoestrogen ligands through ERα and ERβ are significantly influenced by the nature of the response element. Using a series of ERα and ERβ interacting peptides that contain the coactivator-binding motif LXXLL, we show that the type of ERE with which the receptor associates regulates the structure of the coactivator pocket on ER. Furthermore, using a novel ELISA developed to measure ER-coactivator intera...
Integration of artificial intelLigence and simulation in a comprehensive decisioN-support system

In the increasingly complex world of modern management deci sion making, the availability of sophisticated, but at the same time user-friendly, decision-support systems has become crucial. Business simulation and corporate models are already widely used as management planning tools and relatively user-friendly software is commercially available. However, one area that has been neglected is the interpretation of the highly complex sim ulation results, which often can only be done by experts. How ever, an expert system can be used to analyze the simulation results, draw inferences and issue recommendations, making the advantages of simulation fully available to non-expert users.
Stimulus-response curves of the lung inflation cardio-depressor reflex

Abstract In order to determine the relationship between extent of lung expansion and reflex depression of cardiovascular function in dogs, we used a preparation in which the left lung, isolated in situ , was subjected to a series of inflations ranging between 5 and 55 cm H 2 ) (60 and 800 ml) before and following left cervical vagotomy. The threshold level of left lung inflation that would cause bradycardia and hypertension was 15 cm H 2 O transpulmonary pressure (63 ml) when the preceding level of inflation pressure was lower, and 10 cm H 2 O (102 ml) when the preceding level was higher. Increasing inflation pressure and volume above threshold produced a graded fall in heart rate and blood pressure until maximym expansion was reached at 40 cm H 2 O (778 ml). Maximum expansion caused a transient 45% fall in heart rate and 30% fall in blood pressure. Division of the ipsilateral (left) cervocal vagosympathetic trunk eliminated these response to unilateral lung inflation confirming the predominant, if not exclusive, afferent pathway. These data suggest that the lungs, as a function of the degree of expansion, impart a control over the neural regulation of the cardiovascular system.
A two meter curved-crystal spectrometer with improved efficiency for use at lampf

Abstract A high resolution, 2 m radius, curved-crystal gamma-ray spectrometer has been constructed to be used at the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility. An increase in luminosity is achieved with a long, adjustable, curved, resolving slit system. The curved slit eliminates the error due to vertical divergence. A segmented high purity germanium detector is used. The curved crysta pivot, sine mechanism, and slit assembly are mounted on a prestressed concrete seismic mass pneumatically isolated from the floor. Data is presented on the operation, resolution, and efficiency of the spectrometer.
Possible origins of resistive tails and critical currents in high-temperature superconductors in a magnetic field

The universal lack of a Lorentz-force dependence on dissipation for fields parallel to the ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ planes of the highly anisotropic high-temperature superconductor ${\mathrm{Tl}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CaCu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{\mathit{x}}$ questions whether flux motion is the cause of this dissipation. We report measurements over a wide range of current densities, in the broadened resistive transitions, current-voltage characteristics I(V), and critical current densities ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{c}}$. We rule out the suggestion that this effect is caused by vortices in the ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ planes, due to a small misalignment of fields parallel to these planes: That model requires a significantly larger field component perpendicular to the planes than is reasonable, based on the measured alignment of the samples and crystal axes. Instead, we consider a Josephson-coupling model that is consistent with the broadened resistive transitions and the lack of Lorentz-force dependence. A detailed comparison of the predictions of these models is made: The Josephson-coupling model is consistent with the temperature dependences of the activation energy U and ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{c}}$, and is better matched to the weak-field dependence of ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{c}}$; while the flux-creep model fits the experimental result for U, but it predicts a much stronger temperature and field dependence of ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{c}}$ than is found. Possible origins of Josephson junctions in high-quality films and single crystals are discussed. For the data with the field parallel to the c axis, a conventional flux-flow explanation is also quite reasonable.
Complex formation of trimethylaluminum and trimethylgallium with ammonia: evidence for a hydrogen-bonded adduct.

We have investigated the formation of gas-phase adducts of trimethylaluminum and trimethylgallium with ammonia using room-temperature Fourier transform infrared experiments and density functional theory calculations. Our results indicate for the first time that, at higher partial pressures, a product distinct from the well-known (CH3)3M:NH3 adduct grows in for both M = Al and M = Ga. Comparison of the experimental and calculated IR spectra, along with calculations of the energetics, indicates that this second product is the result of hydrogen bonding of a second NH3 molecule to the (CH3)3M:NH3 adduct and can be written as (CH3)3M:NH3···NH3. The binding energy of this hydrogen-bonded adduct is calculated to be 26.8 kcal/mol for M = Al and 18.4 kcal/mol for M = Ga and is lower in energy (more stable) relative to the 1:1 (CH3)3M:NH3 adduct by 7.2 kcal/mol for M = Al and 6.6 kcal/mol for M = Ga. In contrast, an alternative complex involving the formation of two separate M−N donor−acceptor bonds, which is writ...
Congeneric Modeling of Reliability Using Censored Variables

This paper explores the use of Joreskog's (1970) congeneric modeling approach to reliability using cen sored quantitative variables, and discusses the com pound problem of non-normality and attenuation that occurs when estimating censored continuous variables. Two monte carlo studies were conducted. The first study demonstrated the inappropriateness of using nor mal theory generalized least-squares (NTGLS) for esti mating reliability on censored variables. The second study compared three different estimation procedures —NTGLS, asymptotically distribution free (ADF) esti mators, and latent TOBIT estimators—as to their effi ciency in estimating individual and composite reliabil ity on censored variables. Results from the studies indicate that problems of non-normality and attenua tion must be addressed before accurate reliability esti mates may be obtained. Index terms: censored vari ables, congeneric model, covariance modeling, monte carlo study, reliability, TOBIT correlations.
Surface Plasmon Enhancement at a Liquid-Metal-Liquid Interface

Herein, we report the first experimental demonstration of surface plasmon enhancement at a liquid–metal–liquid interface using a pseudo-Kretschmann geometry. Pumping gold nanoparticle clusters at the interface of a p-xylene–water mixture, we were able to measure a fluorescence enhancement of three orders of magnitude in Rose Bengal at an excitation wavelength of 532 nm. The observed increase is due to the local electric field enhancement and the reduction of the fluorescence lifetime of dye molecules in the close vicinity of the metal surface. Theoretical modeling using the T-matrix method of the electric field intensity enhancement of emulated surfaces supports the experimental results. This new approach will open a new road for the study of dynamic systems using plasmonics.
Advertising fee in business-format franchising

Most franchisors charge an advertising fee in addition to the better known royalty and franchise fee. We study the role of the advertising fee in improving channel coordination. We begin our analysis with a simple case of one franchisor dealing with two identical franchisees and find that the advertising fee allows the franchisor to commit to a specific level of advertising spending at the time of contract acceptance. We also find that the lump-sum advertising fee is better than the sales-based advertising fee. These results are intriguing because most franchisors use the sales-based advertising fee. We show that when franchisees' markets differ in how advertising affects sales, the franchisor may prefer the sales-based advertising fee. There are two reasons for the higher profitability of the sales-based advertising fee. First, the sales-based advertising fee conditions the franchisor's advertising decision on the franchisees' price and service decisions, and induces them to make better price and service decisions. The second reason is that with heterogeneous franchisees, using the sales-based advertising fee does not increase the total sales-based component in the fee structure. These results also hold when the franchisor pledges to contribute a matching fraction of the advertising fee to the advertising fund.
Attojoule optoelectronics - Why and how

Optical interconnect requirements have driven optoelectronic device energies into the low femtojoule range. With integrated optical and electronic nanostructures, we could continue deeply into the attojoule range, with significant potential impact for systems.
An investigation of high operating temperatures in mechanical vapor-compression desalination.

Abstract It is common practice to operate mechanical vapor-compression (MVC) seawater desalination systems at temperatures lower than 80°C. This study presents the detail engineering and economics of a MVC system operating at 172°C. The literature indicates that high overall heat transfer coefficients for the evaporator are possible at high temperatures with dropwise condensation on the steam side and pool boiling on the liquid side. Employing high operating temperature delivers the following advantages: (1) low compression work, (2) small latent heat transfer area, and (3) small compressor. These advantages potentially reduce operating costs and capital investment. The disadvantages follow: (1) pretreatment required to prevent fouling of heat exchangers, (2) careful selection of materials to prevent corrosion, and (3) larger sensible heat transfer area is required. A desalination plant is designed herein to produce 37,854 m 3 /d (10 mil gal/day), which is financed with a 5%, 30-y municipal bond. To maximize energy efficiency, combined-cycle cogeneration is employed. For the US ($5.00/GJ energy), the product water selling price is estimated to be $0.49/m 3 ($1.86/thous gal). For the Middle East ($0.50/GJ energy) the product water selling price is estimated to be $0.38/m 3 ($1.44/thous gal). These are attractive prices relative to competing technologies.
Corrosion Resistance of Pure Alumina as a Glass Refractory

Small corrosion test samples were cut from nonporous, single-crystal, gem-and-bearing-type sapphire boules. These, along with similar samples of “Corhart ZAC”* refractory, were placed in contact with a common lime glass for various lengths of time at temperatures between 1400° and 1550°C. The results of metal-line cut measurements show that, at a given temperature, the corrosion resistance of a pure, nonporous single crystal of alumina is less than that for a commercially available refractory composition.
Safety and immunogenicity of six acellular pertussis vaccines and one whole-cell pertussis vaccine given as a fifth dose in four- to six-year-old children.

Objective. To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of 6 different acellular pertussis vaccines combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (DTaP) and with 1 licensed whole-cell pertussis vaccine (DTwP) as a fifth dose in children who had previously received the same DTaP, a different DTaP, or DTwP as primary and fourth-dose vaccinations. Methods. Healthy 4- to 6-year-old children were enrolled at 5 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Vaccine Treatment and Evaluation Units to receive a fifth dose of a DTaP or DTwP vaccine. All had been randomly assigned to receive 3 primary doses of DTaP or DTwP at 2, 4, and 6 months and a fourth-dose booster at 15 to 20 months of age as part of earlier National Institutes of Health multicenter acellular pertussis vaccine trials. Parents recorded the occurrence and magnitude of fever, irritability, and injection site redness, swelling, and pain for 3 days after vaccination. Sera obtained before and 1 month after the booster vaccination were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibody to pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, fimbriae, pertactin, and diphtheria and tetanus toxoid. Safety and/or immunogenicity data are reported for 317 children who received DTaP and 10 children who received DTwP. Results. Fever and moderate or severe irritability were uncommon following the fifth dose of DTaP vaccine and were generally less frequent than following the fourth dose. However, for the DTaP vaccine groups, redness, swelling, and pain increased in prevalence compared with the fourth dose. The time course and frequency of reactions following DTaP vaccination were generally similar in children who received the same DTaP, a different DTaP, or DTwP for previous doses in the 5- dose series. No significant differences among the DTaP vaccines were detected in the occurrence of reactions, but the statistical power to detect differences was limited by sample size. Significant increases in antibodies directed against the included antigens were observed for all DTaP vaccines in paired pre- and post-fifth dose sera. Post-fifth dose antibody concentrations differed significantly among the DTaP vaccines. Some children in the study showed an antibody response to an antigen not reported to be in the DTaP vaccine. Conclusion. All the studied DTaP vaccines performed similarly with regard to reactions, whether given as a fifth sequential dose of the same vaccine, a mix of different DTaP vaccines in the 5-dose sequence, or after 3 DTwP and 1 DTaP vaccinations. Large injection site reactions occurred more frequently after the fifth dose of DTaP than after the previous 4 doses. A fifth dose of all DTaP vaccines induced an antibody response to those antigens contained in the vaccine. No DTaP was consistently most or least reactogenic or immunogenic.
Gestural, Signed and Spoken Modalities in Early Language Development: The Role of Linguistic Input.

The aim of the present study was to examine potential effects of early exposure to sign language on the use of communicative gestures by a bilingual hearing child of deaf parents. Data collected monthly during the first two years were analyzed in order to identify types and tokens of communicative gestures, words, and signs and the ways in which they were combined. These data are compared with those obtained from 12 monolingual hearing children observed at 16 and 20 months of age who were exposed only to spoken language. Findings suggest that while exposure to sign language does not seem to provide the bilingual child with an advantage in the rate of early linguistic development, it does appear to influence the extent to which he communicated in the manual modality and made use of its representational and combinatorial potential.
Affinity Modulation of Platelet Integrin αIIbβ3 by β3-Endonexin, a Selective Binding Partner of the β3 Integrin Cytoplasmic Tail

Platelet agonists increase the affinity state of integrin αIIbβ3, a prerequisite for fibrinogen binding and platelet aggregation. This process may be triggered by a regulatory molecule(s) that binds to the integrin cytoplasmic tails, causing a structural change in the receptor. β3-Endonexin is a novel 111–amino acid protein that binds selectively to the β3 tail. Since β3-endonexin is present in platelets, we asked whether it can affect αIIbβ3 function. When β3-endonexin was fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) and transfected into CHO cells, it was found in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus and could be detected on Western blots of cell lysates. PAC1, a fibrinogen-mimetic mAb, was used to monitor αIIbβ3 affinity state in transfected cells by flow cytometry. Cells transfected with GFP and αIIbβ3 bound little or no PAC1. However, those transfected with GFP/β3-endonexin and αIIbβ3 bound PAC1 specifically in an energy-dependent fashion, and they underwent fibrinogen-dependent aggregation. GFP/β3-endonexin did not affect levels of surface expression of αIIbβ3 nor did it modulate the affinity of an αIIbβ3 mutant that is defective in binding to β3-endonexin. Affinity modulation of αIIbβ3 by GFP/β3-endonexin was inhibited by coexpression of either a monomeric β3 cytoplasmic tail chimera or an activated form of H-Ras. These results demonstrate that β3-endonexin can modulate the affinity state of αIIbβ3 in a manner that is structurally specific and subject to metabolic regulation. By analogy, the adhesive function of platelets may be regulated by such protein–protein interactions at the level of the cytoplasmic tails of αIIbβ3.
Nisin independent induction of the nisA promoter in Lactococcus lactis during growth in lactose or galactose.

Nisin biosynthesis is autoregulated extracellularly by the mature and modified peptide. To investigate other regulatory effects on nisin biosynthesis, a transcription fusion of the nisA promoter from Lactococcus lactis ATCC 11454 to the promoterless lacZ gene from Streptococcus thermophilus was constructed. This fusion construct, pDOC99, expressed β-galactosidase in L. lactis ATCC 11454 growing in M17 medium containing glucose (M17G). Consistent with the known model for transcription of nisA, pDOC99 did not express β-galactosidase in the non-nisin producer, L. lactis LM0230 grown in M17G, unless the nisRK genes (cloned in pDOC23) were included in trans and nisin was added to the medium. Growth of this strain in M17 containing lactose or galactose, resulted in nisA transcription, even in the absence of exogenous nisin. This expression was independent of pDOC23. Furthermore, nisA transcription in L. lactis LM0230(pDOC99) grown in M17G could be induced by the addition of exogenous galactose, with maximum induction occurring at concentrations >5 mM.
A Fast Converging Adaptive Pre-Distorter for Multi-Carrier Transmitters

Digital pre-distortion is a powerful technique for combating nonlinearity in power amplifiers. Nonlinear response identification of the amplifier is one of the primary objectives in all pre-distortion schemes. If the estimation performance of the adaptive algorithm is not fast and accurate enough, the system will not be able to satisfy the stringent timing and spectral requirements of modern standards. This problem is exacerbated in modern communication systems which are rapidly converging towards a multi-carrier scheme. In such schemes, due to high peak to average power ratios, the convergence of pre-distorters worsens significantly. This paper highlights the problem of slow convergence in multi-carrier systems, and proposes a novel solution, which consists of implementing a twin feedback loop, one including the power amplifier and the other including the pre-distortion system itself. The goal is to leverage the learning curve of the pre-distorter itself and build on what is already known from the partially converged characteristics. Simulations with standard multi-carrier schemes indicate that such a method can deliver vastly improved performance over conventional systems.
Factors correlating with improved A1C in children using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial demonstrated that tight metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes reduces the risk of microvascular complications (1). Subsequently, the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) to achieve strict metabolic control increased exponentially. The advantages of CSII over multiple daily injections include increased lifestyle flexibility, variable basal infusion rates with boluses given before meals, and only one injection for insulin administration every few days (2). CSII in children lowers A1C and decreases hypoglycemia (3,4). The American Diabetes Association recommended A1C treatment goals for pediatric patients of 7.5–8.5% for those aged <6 years, ≤8% for those aged 6–12 years, <7.5% for those aged 13–19 years, and <7% for those aged 19–22 years (5), but few children and adolescents reach these goals. The reason for this remains unclear. We conducted this study to determine the percentage of children using CSII who reached their A1C goal and to identify differences between children who met their goal and those who did not. Medical records of all patients (aged 2–22 years, n = 236) with type 1 diabetes for ≥1 year using CSII for ≥6 months who were followed at the University of Wisconsin pediatric diabetes clinic were reviewed. Data from the time of initiation of CSII were analyzed. Age, duration of diabetes, …
Texture Development and Microstructure Evolution in Liquid‐Phase‐Sintered α‐Alumina Ceramics Prepared by Templated Grain Growth

Texture development in alumina that contains calcia and silica and has been templated with platelet-shaped α-Al 2 O 3 particles has been evaluated. The texture fraction is shown to be related directly to template growth. Texture quality is controlled by the template concentration, decreasing at template concentrations of >10%, as a result of template-template interactions during tape casting. Almost fully textured alumina has been obtained at template concentrations of ≥20%. The growth of template grains is much more rapid in the radial direction and is shown to be inversely related to the thickness of the grain-boundary liquid. The activation energy for growth (376 kJ/mol) and the inverse relation with the grain-boundary thickness indicate that template growth in the radial direction is controlled by Al 3+ diffusion.
Binary Numbers and Digital Electronics

The subject of the previous six chapters can be classified as “analog electronics.” The emphasis was on analog voltages that were obtained from sensors and transducers, on analog voltages that adjust the position of actuators and circuits that modify these voltages. Generally these voltages could vary continuously between −15 and +15 V.
Symbols or icons in gay-themed ads: How to target gay audience

This study examines the characteristics of gay-themed ads, focusing on culturally meaningful symbols or iconographies, in gay magazines (specifically Out and Curve). In recent years, advertising scholars and practitioners have grown more interested in how gay-themed ads influence gay consumers and nongay consumers. In gay-themed ads, advertisers employ culturally meaningful symbols or iconographies as part of an effort to not alienate nongay consumers. Gay-themed advertising, however, has yet to be deeply analyzed in terms of creativity or consumer reactions. We go on to clarify the findings' implications, discuss some concerns raised over gay-themed ads, and suggest directions for future research.
Ecological Theory and Methods for Research in Special Education

The need for naturalistic research in special education is well-documented. The author discusses the substantive and methodological contributions which several disciplines can make to naturalistic research, and raises definitional issues. Historical roots and the current status of naturalistic research are discussed. Ecological theory, specifically behavior-setting theory, is described, as well as its implications for research. An ecological method called the chronolog is outlined, and selected studies using ecological methods are described in terms of their implications for special education research.
Cell Adhesion Promotes Ebola Virus Envelope Glycoprotein-Mediated Binding and Infection

Ebola virus infects a wide variety of adherent cell types, while nonadherent cells are found to be refractory. To explore this correlation, we compared the ability of pairs of related adherent and nonadherent cells to bind a recombinant Ebola virus receptor binding domain (EboV RBD) and to be infected with Ebola virus glycoprotein (GP)-pseudotyped particles. Both human 293F and THP-1 cells can be propagated as adherent or nonadherent cultures, and in both cases adherent cells were found to be significantly more susceptible to both EboV RBD binding and GP-pseudotyped virus infection than their nonadherent counterparts. Furthermore, with 293F cells the acquisition of EboV RBD binding paralleled cell spreading and did not require new mRNA or protein synthesis.
Use of the Ureteral Access Sheath During Ureteroscopy in Children

Purpose: The use of ureteral access sheaths during ureteroscopy is common but there are sparse data on the safety and outcomes of ureteral access sheath use in children. We compared the outcomes of ureteroscopy with vs without a ureteral access sheath in children.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all ureteroscopy procedures for urolithiasis in patients younger than 21 years at our hospital from 1999 to 2009. The primary outcome was intraoperative complications. Secondary outcomes were postoperative hydronephrosis, emergency room visit/hospital readmission within 90 days, stone-free status and need for re-treatment. We analyzed associations of a ureteral access sheath with outcomes.Results: A total of 34 boys and 62 girls with a mean age of 13 years underwent ureteroscopy. A ureteral access sheath was used in 40 of the 96 patients (42%). The mean stone burden was 9.6 mm. Median followup was 11 months (range 0.2 to 110). Intraoperative complication occurred in 7 cases, including perforation...
Biomechanical and perceptual constraints on the bandwidth requirements of sign language

Access to telecommunication systems by deaf users of sign language can be greatly enhanced with the incorporation of video conferencing in addition to text-based adaptations. However, the communication channel bandwidth is often challenged by the spatial requirements to represent the image in each frame and temporal demands to preserve the movement trajectory with a sufficiently high frame rate. Effective systems must balance the portion of a limited channel bandwidth devoted to the quality of the individual frames and the frame rate in order to meet their intended needs. Conventional video conferencing technology generally addresses the limitations of channel capacity by drastically reducing the frame rate, while preserving image quality. This produces a jerky image that disturbs the trajectories of the hands and arms, which are essential in sign language. In contrast, a sign language communication system must provide a frame rate that is capable of representing the kinematic bandwidth of human movement. Prototype sign language communication systems often attempt to maintain a high frame rate by reducing the quality of the image with lossy spatial compression. Unfortunately, this still requires a combined spatial and temporal data rate, which exceeds the limited channel of residential and wireless telephony. While spatial compression techniques have been effective in reducing the data, there has been no comparable compression of sign language in the temporal domain. Even modest reductions in the frame rate introduce perceptually disturbing flicker that decreases intelligibility. This paper introduces a method through which temporal compression on the order of 5 : 1 can be achieved. This is accomplished by decoupling the biomechanical or kinematic bandwidth necessary to represent continuous movements in sign language from the perceptually determined critical flicker frequency.
WFSBP Guidelines on Brain Stimulation Treatments in Psychiatry

Chittaranjan Andrade (India), Andreas Conca (Austria), Delcir da Costa (Brazil), Gerhard Eschweiler (Germany), Max Fink (USA), Paul Fitzgerald (Australia), Loes Gabriels (Belgium), Christian Geretsegger (Austria), Benjamin Greenberg (USA), Paul Holtzheimer (USA), Mindaugas Jasulaitis (Lithuania), Andy Krystal (USA), Yechiel Levkovitz (Israel), Daniel Lijtenstein (Uruguay), Sarah H. Lisanby (USA), Philip Mitchell (Australia), Nobutaka Motohashi (Japan), Angela Naderi-Heiden (Austria), Jose Otegui (Uruguay), Harold Sackeim (USA), E. Tsukarzi (Russia), Ioannis Zervas (Greece).
The Development of an Autonomous Underwater Powered Glider for Deep-Sea Biological, Chemical and Physical Oceanography

A new generation of autonomous underwater gliders is currently being developed for the fields of marine biology, physical oceanography, and marine environmental studies, assessment and management at the Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne Florida, USA. The end-product of the project will be an autonomous powered glider that collects video, acoustic, and physical data, simultaneously obtains water samples for chemical analysis through mass-spectrum analysis, and is able to gather biological specimens to improve and automate inspection and sampling of the marine environment. The powered glider will be programmed for surveying and analyzing specific phenomenons. During the project several scientific surveys will be performed to test the abilities of the new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). For example, the assessment of marine invertebrate larvae and zooplankton (e.g. Krill - Euphausia superba) will be investigated from samples that are collected or photographed. All operations will be completely autonomous with the exception of the high level communication between the AUV and the support vessel. The AUV will contain a specially developed modular measurement unit containing various sensors to determine conductivity, temperature, depth, turbidity, and other sensors to detect various chemicals such as chlorophyll.
IMPACT OF GENERALIST PREDATORS ON A BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT, CHRYSOPERLA CARNEA: DIRECT OBSERVATIONS

Generalist predators in terrestrial arthropod communities have traditionally been viewed as predators whose dynamics are less tightly coupled to any particular prey species, but whose ecological roles are in other respects analogous to those of specialist predators. Biological-control theory for predator–prey interactions has been based upon a model of communities composed of three discrete trophic levels—plants, herbivores, and predators—in which biological control agents are top consumers and in which different species of predators interact only through competition for shared prey. Experiments employing single-plant field enclosures have suggested, however, that some generalist predators in the cotton agroecosystem function as higher-order predators, releasing populations of an herbivore, the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii, from control by another predator, the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea. Here we demonstrate through focal observations of neonate C. carnea foraging freely in the field that the high levels ...
Mode of Phospholipid Binding to the Membrane Active Plant Toxin Phoratoxin-A

Phoratoxin-A, a mistletoe toxin, is a member of a family of small (5000 kD MW) plant toxins. One inactive member of this family, crambin, has had its crystal structure determined at atomic resolution (0.83A, Teeter, et al, 1993). This chapter will focus mostly on the toxins, especially phoratoxin- A. These proteins are active both in membrane lysis (Bohlmann, H. and Apel, K., 1991) as well as on the intracellular level (Carrasco, L., et al,. 1991). They cause membrane leakage and cell lysis perhaps by interacting directly with phospholipids, although bacteriostatic activity was also shown. The bacteriostatic activity can be related to intracellular targets, such as calmodulin for which binding and a reasonable atomic model has been demonstrated (Rao, U., et al, 1992).
Determinants of segment disclosure deficiencies and the effect of the SEC comment letter process

Abstract Segment reporting is one of the most common areas discussed in the SEC comment letters. Using a sample of hand-collected SEC comment letters, and companies’ response letters related to recent segment disclosure, this paper investigates determinants of segment disclosure deficiencies and the subsequent consequences after companies revised these deficiencies. The results show that segment disclosure deficiencies are positively associated with proxies for proprietary costs. Further analyses find that disclosure deficiencies related to aggregation of segments are more likely to be intentional, while other deficiencies are more likely due to business complexity. This paper also provides evidence on the effectiveness of the SEC comment letter process. Companies that revised the number of segments after receipt of SEC comment letters experienced decreased analysts’ forecast errors, reduced forecast optimistic bias and smaller forecast dispersions.
The team approach to managing dental implant complications: strategies for treating peri-implantitis.

Abstract Practitioners who are knowledgeable about the risk factors identified by the Consensus Report of the Sixth European Workshop on Periodontology and who are trained in techniques to eliminate or reduce them may be able to significantly improve long-term implant outcomes. A careful review of the literature suggests that this will include treatment planning, restoring a patient to periodontal heath before initiating care, appropriate implant selection, complete cement removal, and diligent recordkeeping that will track changes and enable early intervention should complications arise. In the case of the biologic complication of peri-implantitis, recent reports suggest that regenerative care may restore implants back to health.
Migraine and Hormones

This article discusses the role that hormones play in adolescent girls and young women with headaches, which are very common in adolescent girls, in particular, migraine. In many cases, migraine onset may occur shortly around the time of menarche, prevalence of recurrent migraine in this population approaches 15%, and typically the symptoms continue through adulthood. Hormonal changes associated with puberty and the menstrual cycle may significantly influence migraine in young women. This article reviews the following topics: management of menstrually related headaches, changes in ovarian hormones and their relationship to migraine, and oral contraceptives and pregnancy effects on migraine.
EFFECT OF VARIATIONS IN SODIUM INTAKE ON CALCIUM EXCRETION IN NORMAL HUMANS.

SummaryThe effect of variations in excretion of sodium on calcium excretion and clearance has been studied in 6 normal humans. The excretion of sodium was altered by varying the salt content of the diet. A direct relationship between calcium excretion and clearance and the simultaneous sodium excretion was demonstrated. These studies emphasize the importance of measuring sodium excretion in any investigation of the regulation of calcium excretion.