cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Modular Shape-Adaptive Mechanism for Robust Robotic Grasping

Underactuated and adaptive robotic hands are known for their ability to achieve multiple contact points on arbitrarily shaped objects with relatively simple actuation, improving grasp stability. However, in some cases the sequence in which these contact points are initiated does not promote robust capture of the grasped object. This paper presents the design of a new type of underactuated grasper based on an asymmetric pantograph structure. The new grasper achieves robust enveloping capture of arbitrarily shaped objects (including non-convex shapes) while maintaining balanced forces at multiple contact points. The design is easily adjustable for differently sized objects.
Anomalous frequency and temperature-dependent scattering and Hund's coupling in the almost quantum critical heavy-fermion system CeFe 2 Ge 2

We present THz range optical conductivity data of a thin film of the near quantum critical heavy-fermion compound ${\mathrm{CeFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{2}$. Our complex conductivity measurements find a deviation from conventional Drude-like transport in a temperature range previously reported to exhibit unconventional behavior. We calculate the frequency-dependent effective mass and scattering rate using an extended Drude model analysis. We find the inelastic scattering rate can be described by a temperature-dependent power law ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{n(T)}$, where $n(T)$ approaches $\ensuremath{\sim}1.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$ at 1.5 K. This is compared to the $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\sim}{T}^{1.5}$ behavior claimed in dc resistivity data and the $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\sim}{T}^{2}$ expected from Fermi-liquid theory. In addition to a low-temperature mass renormalization, we find an anomalous mass renormalization that persists to high temperature. We attribute this to a Hund's coupling in the Fe states in a manner similar to that recently proposed in the ferropnictides. ${\mathrm{CeFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{2}$ appears to be a very interesting system where one may study the interplay between the usual $4f$ lattice Kondo effect and this Hund's enhanced Kondo effect in the $3d$ states.
Soils: Genesis and Geomorphology

Randall J. Schaetzl and Sharon Anderson. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2005. xiii and 817 pp., maps, diagrams, photos, refs, glossary, and index. $85.00 cloth (ISBN 0-521-81201-1). This is ...
Determinants of Competitive Antagonist Sensitivity on Neuronal Nicotinic Receptor β Subunits

We constructed a series of chimeric and mutant neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor beta subunits to map amino acid residues that determine sensitivity to competitive antagonists. The beta 2 and beta 4 subunits form pharmacologically distinct receptors when expressed in combination with the alpha 3 subunit in Xenopus oocytes. At equipotent acetylcholine concentrations, alpha 3 beta 2 is 56-fold more sensitive to blockage by dihydro-beta-erythroidine than is alpha 3 beta 4. The alpha 3 beta 2 combination is also sensitive to long-term blockade by neuronal bungarotoxin, whereas alpha 3 beta 4 is not. Pharmacological analysis of receptors formed by chimeric beta subunits reveals that amino acid residues that determine both dihydro-beta-erythroidine and neuronal bungarotoxin sensitivity are located within several sequence segments. The major determinant of sensitivity to both competitive antagonists is located between residues 54 and 63. A minor determinant of sensitivity to both antagonists lies between residues 1 and 54, whereas a minor determinant of NBT sensitivity lies between residues 74 and 80. Within region 54-63 of beta 2, mutant beta 2 subunits were used to identify threonine 59 as a residue critical in determining competitive antagonist sensitivity. Changing threonine 59 to lysine, as occurs in beta 4, causes a 9-fold decrease in dihydro-beta-erythroidine sensitivity and a 71-fold decrease in neuronal bungarotoxin sensitivity. Changing polar threonine 59 to negatively charged aspartate causes a 2.5-fold increase in neuronal bungarotoxin sensitivity and has no effect on dihydro-beta-erythroidine sensitivity.
Surveys: An Introduction

Surveys are a valuable research tool for studying the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of a study population. This article explores quantitative analyses of written questionnaires as instruments for survey research. Obtaining accurate and precise information from a survey requires minimizing the possibility of bias from inappropriate sampling or a flawed survey instrument, and this article describes strategies to minimize sampling bias by increasing response rates, comparing responders to nonresponders, and identifying the appropriate sampling population. It is crucial that the survey instrument be valid, meaning that it actually measures what the investigator intends it to measure. In developing a valid survey instrument, it can be useful to adapt survey instruments that were developed by other researchers and to conduct extensive pilot-testing of your survey instrument.
Carbon-11 and fluorine-18 chemistry devoted to molecular probes for imaging the brain with positron emission tomography.

Exploration of the living human brain in real-time and in a noninvasive way was for centuries only a dream, made, however, possible today with the remarkable development during the four last decades of powerful molecular imaging techniques, and especially positron emission tomography (PET). Molecular PET imaging relies, from a chemical point of view, on the use and preparation of a positron-emitting radiolabelled probe or radiotracer, notably compounds incorporating one of two short-lived radionuclides fluorine-18 (T1/2: 109.8 min) and carbon-11 (T1/2: 20.38 min). The growing availability and interest for the radiohalogen fluorine-18 in radiopharmaceutical chemistry undoubtedly results from its convenient half-life and the successful use in clinical oncology of 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([18F]FDG). The special interest of carbon-11 is not only that carbon is present in virtually all biomolecules and drugs allowing therefore for isotopic labelling of their chemical structures but also that a given molecule could be radiolabelled at different functions or sites, permitting to explore (or to take advantage of) in vivo metabolic pathways. PET chemistry includes production of these short-lived radioactive isotopes via nuclear transmutation reactions using a cyclotron, and is directed towards the development of rapid synthetic methods, at the trace level, for the introduction of these nuclides into a molecule, as well as the use of fast purification, analysis and formulation techniques. PET chemistry is the driving force in molecular PET imaging, and this special issue of the Journal of Labelled Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals, which is strongly chemistry and radiochemistry-oriented, aims at illustrating, be it in part only, the state-of-the-art arsenal of reactions currently available and its potential for the research and development of specific molecular probes labelled with the positron emitters carbon-11 and fluorine-18, with optimal imaging properties for PET exploration of the brain. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Worlds apart : modernity through the prism of the local

Worlds Apart is concerned with one of the new futures of anthropology, namely the advances in technologies which r eate an imagination of new global and local forms. It also analyses studies of the consumption of these forms and attempts to go beyond the assumptions that consumption either localises or fails to effect global forms and images. Several of the chapters are written by anthropologists who have specialised in material culture studies and who examine the new forms, especially television and mass commodities, as well as some new uses of older forms, such as the body. The book also considers the ways in which people are increasingly not the primary creators of these images but have become secondary consumers.
Immunoreactivity of subunits of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase Cross-reactivity of the α,α+ and β forms in different organs and species

The immunologic cross-reactivity of the α and α+ forms of the large subunit and the β subunit of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase from brain and kidney preparations was examined using rabbit antiserum prepared against the purified holo lamb kidney enzyme. As previously reported by Sweadner ((1979) J. Biol. Chem. 254, 6060–6067) phosphorylation of the large subunit of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in the presence of Na+, Mg2+, and [γ-32P]ATP revealed that dog and, very likely, rat brain contain two forms of the large subunit (designated α and α+) while dog, rat, and lamb kidney contain only one form (α). The cross-reactivity of the α and α+ forms in these preparations was investigated by resolving the subunits by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The separated polypeptides were transferred to unmodified nitrocellulose paper, and reacted with rabbit anti-lamb kidney serum, followed by detection of the antigen-antibody complex with 125I-labeled protein A and autoradiography. By this method, the α and α+ forms of rat and dog brain, as well as the α form found in kidney, were shown to cross-react. In addition, membranes from human cerebral cortex were shown to contain two immunoreactive bands corresponding to the α and α+ forms of dog brain. In contrast, the brain of the insect Manduca sexta contains only one immunoreactive polypeptide with a molecular weight intermediate to the α and α+ forms of dog brain. The β subunit from lamb, dog and rat kidney and from dog and rat brain cross-reacts with anti-lamb kidney (Na+ + K+)-ATPase serum. The mobility of the β subunit from dog and rat brain on SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels is greater than the mobility of the β subunit from lamb, rat or dog kidney.
THE RELATION OF PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES IN THE PNEUMONIC LUNG TO HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION. AN EXPLANATION OF RESOLUTION

Evidence is given of the presence in the cellular material obtained from the pneumonic lung of a proteolytic enzyme digesting coagulated blood serum at hydrogen ion concentrations of 7.3 to 6.7 and inactive at higher; i.e ., more acid concentrations. In addition, evidence is brought forward of the presence in the cellular material from the pneumonic lung of a proteolytic enzyme splitting peptone to amino-acid nitrogen. This enzyme is operative at hydrogen ion concentrations from 8.0 to 4.8, but most active at 6.3 or 5.2. These findings may be regarded as having a bearing on resolution in pneumonia. During the course of the disease a gradual increase in the hydrogen ion concentration of the exudate probably takes place. With the breaking down of cellular material an enzyme digesting protein (fibrin) in weakly alkaline and weakly acid media may be liberated. With a gradual increase in the hydrogen ion concentration of the pneumonic lung the action of this enzyme probably ceases. An enzyme capable of splitting peptone to amino-acid nitrogen is probably active during the proteolysis of the fibrin and further activated when the hydrogen ion concentration of the pneumonic lung is increased to within its range of optimum activity at a pH of 6.3 and 5.2. By this means it may be conceived that the exudate is dissolved and resolution takes place.
Communications Dashboard: Control Rooms, Take a Cue from Facebook, Chapter 1

Papers published via IEEE and AIAA conferences have presented an overview of how social media could benefit NASA working environments in general [1] and proposed three specific social applications to benefit space flight control operations [2]. One of them, Communications Dashboard, would help a real time flight controller keep up with both the “big picture” and significant details of operations via a cohesive interface similar to those of social networking services (SNS). Instead of recreational social features, “CommDash” would support functions like console logging, categorized and threaded text chat streams with enhanced accountability and graphics display features, high-level status displays driven by telemetry or other events, and an on-screen hailing function for requesting voice or text stream conversation. Moving certain voice conversations to text streams would reduce confusion and stress in two ways. Within text conversations, there would be far less repetition of content since text conversations have visual persistence and are reviewable instantly, e.g., there's no need to brief new participants to a discussion - they just read what's already there. Remaining voice traffic would stand out more clearly, and quieter voice loops means fewer “say again” calls and less distraction from visual and mental tasks, thus less stress. (Most flight controllers monitor 4 or 5 voice loops at once.) Links could be created from console log entries to chat selections so that underlying details are readily available yet unobtrusive. This would reduce the confusion that rises from having multiple and sometimes divergent copies of the same information due to cut/copy and paste operations, attachments, and asynchronous editing. This concept could apply to a plethora of real time control environments and to other settings with lots of information juggling. This paper explores the dashboard concept in further detail and chronicles the first phase of a NASA IT Labs (Information Technology) project that could lead to a working system.
Modeling Cost of Ultrasound Versus Nerve Stimulator Guidance for Nerve Blocks With Sensitivity Analysis

Background and Objectives: Ultrasound guidance for regional anesthesia has increased in popularity. However, the cost of ultrasound versus nerve stimulator guidance is controversial, as multiple and varying cost inputs are involved. Sensitivity analysis allows modeling of different scenarios and determination of the relative importance of each cost input for a given scenario. Methods: We modeled cost per patient of ultrasound versus nerve stimulator using single-factor sensitivity analysis for 4 different clinical scenarios designed to span the expected financial impact of ultrasound guidance. Results: The primary cost factors for ultrasound were revenue from billing for ultrasound (85% of variation in final cost), number of patients examined per ultrasound machine (10%), and block success rate (2.6%). In contrast, the most important input factors for nerve stimulator were the success rate of the nerve stimulator block (89%) and the amount of liability payout for failed airway due to rescue general anesthesia (9%). Depending on clinical scenario, ultrasound was either a profit or cost center. Conclusions: If revenue is generated, then ultrasound-guided blocks consistently become a profit center regardless of clinical scenario in our model. Without revenue, the clinical scenario dictates the cost of ultrasound. In an ambulatory setting, ultrasound is highly competitive with nerve stimulator and requires at least a 96% success rate with nerve stimulator before becoming more expensive. In a hospitalized scenario, ultrasound is consistently more expensive as the uniform use of general anesthesia and hospitalization negate any positive cost effects from greater efficiency with ultrasound.
The Ages and Abundances of a Large Sample of M87 Globular Clusters

A subset of 150 globular clusters (GCs) in M87 has been selected for abundance and age determinations from the 1997 sample of Cohen & Ryzhov. This has been done solely on the basis of the signal-to-noise ratios of the spectra. Indices that measure the strength of the strongest spectral features were determined for the M87 GCs and from new data for twelve galactic GCs. Combining the new and existing data for the galactic GCs and comparing the (U-R) colors and the line indices gave qualitative indications for the ages and abundances of the M87 GC system. Quantitative results, which confirm and extend the qualitative ones, were obtained by applying the Worthey models for the integrated light of stellar systems of a single age, calibrated by observations of galactic globular clusters, to deduce abundances and ages for the objects in our sample. We find that the M87 GCs span a wide range in metallicity, from very metal-poor to somewhat above solar metallicity. The mean [Fe/H] of -0.95 dex is higher than that of the galactic GC system, and there is a metal-rich tail that reaches to higher [Fe/H] than one finds among the galactic GCs. Excluding the very metal-rich tail, there is marginal evidence for a bimodal distribution over the single one at the 89% significance level. The two subpopulations in this model are located at -1.3 and -0.7 dex and contain 40% and 60% of the total, respectively. The dispersion in [Fe/H] for each of the model subpopulations is σ = 0.3 dex. The mean metallicity of the M87 GC system is about a factor of 4 lower than that of the M87 stellar halo at a fixed projected radius R. The metallicity inferred from the X-ray studies is similar to that of the M87 stellar halo, not to that of the M87 GC system. We infer the relative abundances of Na, Mg, and Fe in the M87 GCs from the strength of their spectral features. The behavior of these elements between the metal-rich and metal-poor M87 GCs is similar to that shown by the galactic GCs and by halo stars in the Galaxy. The pattern of chemical evolution in these disparate old stellar systems is, as far as we can tell, identical. Superposed on a very large dispersion in abundance at all R, there is a small but real radial gradient in the mean abundance of the M87 GCs with R, but no detectable change in the Hβ index with R. We obtain a median age for the M87 GC system of 13 Gyr, similar to that found for the galactic GCs. The dispersion about that value (σ = 2 Gyr) is small.
A concise review of computational studies of the carbon dioxide–epoxide copolymerization reactions

The production of polycarbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides is an important route by which CO2, a waste product with harmful environmental effects, is converted into useful products. Some of these polymers have been commercialized as binders, adhesives, and coatings; low molecular weight polycarbonate polyols are used to prepare polyurethanes and ABA triblock polymers. Of current interest is poly(glycerol carbonate) that may consume excess glycerol that is generated from biodiesel production. This review surveys the use of computational chemistry toward answering questions pertaining to the CO2–epoxide copolymerization. Emphasis is placed on the thermodynamics of polymer formation, and the kinetics of polymer growth and degradation.
Heavy metal rock music juvenile delinquency and satanic identification

(1990). Heavy metal rock music juvenile delinquency and satanic identification. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 67-76.
Comparison of atrial—his intervals in patients with and without dual atrioventricular nodal physiology and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the atrial—His intervals generated during programmed atrial stimulation in patients with and without dual atrioventricular nodal physiology and with and without inducible atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. Programmed atrial stimulation at a basic-drive cycle length of 500 to 600 msec was performed in 180 patients. The minimum atrial—His interval was defined as the atrial—His interval of the basic-drive beats. The maximum atrial—His interval was defined as the longest A2H2 interval. The criterion for dual atrioventricular nodal physiology was an increment of 50 msec in the A2H2 interval in association with a 10 msec decrement in the A1A2 interval. The minimum atrial—His interval was significantly shorter (106 ± 34 msec vs 116 ± 29 msec; p p p p
The effect of numbers of experts and common items on cutting score equivalents based on expert judgment

The effect of different numbers of experts and common items on the scaling of cutting scores derived by experts' judgments was investigated. Four test forms were created from each of two examinatio...
The Role of the Middleman in the Internal Distribution System of a Caribbean Peasant Economy

This paper seeks to provide evidence for the economic efficiency, under present conditions, of small-scale middlemen in Caribbean economies. By "small-scale middlemen" is meant here those persons who buy and resell mainly agricultural produce which they convey from rural areas to open town and city markets. While some work has been done on the internal marketing systems of Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru, Caribbean specialists have largely neglected the vigorous internal distribution systems which operate in such islands as Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados. This paper adds little in the way of comprehensive information, but may serve to underline the importance of internal marketing systems in the study of "underdeveloped" areas.
Tricritical Behavior in a Liquid-Crystal System

The isotropic-cholesteric and cholesteric-smectic-$A$ phase transitions in cholesteryl oleyl carbonate have been studied for pressures up to 7 kbar. The latter transition possesses a tricritical point at 2.66 kbar and 60.3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, where the behavior changes from first to second order.
Synthesis and Characterization of a [3-15N]-Labeled Cis-Syn Thymine Dimer-Containing DNA Duplex

Cis-syn thymine dimers are the major photoproducts of DNA and are the principal cause of mutations induced by sunlight. To better understand the nature of base pairing with cis-syn thymine dimers, we have synthesized a decamer oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) containing a cis-syn thymine dimer labeled at the N3 of both T's with 15N by two efficient routes from [3-15N]-thymidine phosphoramidite. In the postsynthetic irradiation route, an ODN containing an adjacent pair of [3-15N]-labeled T's was irradiated and the cis-syn dimer-containing ODN isolated by HPLC. In the mixed building block route, a mixture of cis-syn and trans-syn dimer-containing ODNs was synthesized from a mixture of [3-15N]-labeled thymine dimer phosphoramidites after which the cis-syn dimer-containing ODN was isolated by HPLC. The N3-nitrogen and imino proton signals of an 15N-labeled thymine dimer-containing decamer duplex were assigned by 2D 1H−15N heterocorrelated HSQC NMR spectroscopy, and the 15N−1H coupling constant was found to be 1.8 H...
Training Needs Assessment Data‐gathering Methods: : Part 4, On‐site Observations

The fourth in a series of four articles which explores training needs assessment (TNA) data‐gathering methods: survey questionnaires, individual interviews, focus groups, and on‐site observations. Originally presented in a condensed format in an article entitled “Training Needs Assessment: An ‘Open‐systems’ Application” and published in the Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 17 No. 1, this article presents the method of using on‐site observations as a means of gathering relevant training needs data. Emphasis is placed on using observations in both production as well as non‐production or administrative environments. Alternatively, presents and discusses the selection and use of subject matter experts (SMEs). Explores the advantages and disadvantages of using internal and external SMEs: stresses analysis of data and recommends that only individuals who are qualified, trained and/or experienced in observations should conduct them. Concludes that a more balanced approach for conducting on‐site observations is in using a combination of both internal as well as external SMEs.
Magnetic-field, pressure, and temperature scaling of the first-order valence transition in pure and doped YbInCu 4

We report measurements of the high-field (H{le}30 T) magnetoresistance R(H,T) of pure and doped YbInCu{sub 4}. A hysteretic transition is observed which we take to be the field-induced variant of the first-order valence transition observed at 42 K in YbInCu{sub 4} for H=0 T. Applied pressure suppresses the valence transition to lower temperature. By properly scaling the (H{sub v},T{sub v}) data extracted from the resistance measurements, we can collapse all of the pressure-dependent data, as well as that from doped variants of YbInCu{sub 4} at ambient pressure, onto a universal H-T phase diagram. This suggests that a single energy scale is associated with the valence transition. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Resonant behavior of conducting slotted rectangular shells

A parametric study of scattering from a slotted rectangular shell is presented. The E-field integral equation for the TM excitation is solved using the method of moments. Resonance spikes in the scattering width appear at frequencies that correspond to the resonant frequencies of the interior cavity. When the slot size increases, the resonance spikes shift down as well as broaden in frequency. A different set of modes is excited when the slot position changes. For a slot on the shadow region of the incident wave, the resonance spikes do not appear.
The electric picnic: synergistic requirements for exoelectrogenic microbial communities

Characterization of the various microbial populations present in exoelectrogenic biofilms provides insight into the processes required to convert complex organic matter in wastewater streams into electrical current in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). Analysis of the community profiles of exoelectrogenic microbial consortia in BESs fed different substrates gives a clearer picture of the different microbial populations present in these exoelectrogenic biofilms. Rapid utilization of fermentation end products by exoelectrogens (typically Geobacter species) relieves feedback inhibition for the fermentative consortia, allowing for rapid metabolism of organics. Identification of specific syntrophic processes and the communities characteristic of these anodic biofilms will be a valuable aid in improving the performance of BESs.
Dopamine modulates unitary conductance of single PL‐type calcium channels in Roccus chrysops retinal horizontal cells.

1. Dopamine modulation of the PL-type calcium channel of white bass retinal horizontal cells was studied in isolated, cultured neurons. Single-channel recordings were made of calcium channels in outside-out patches, under conditions which favoured the expression of calcium channel activity. 2. Analysis of single-channel properties revealed that dopamine potentiated the activity of the sustained calcium channel in three ways. First, it increased unitary conductance through individual channels. Under the influence of dopamine, single-channel conductance doubled. 3. Dopamine also increased the probability of channel opening and increased channel mean open time. The probability of opening increased 4-fold while mean open time doubled. 4. The mean closed time was also affected. The time between individual openings was not affected but the closed time between bursts of openings was shortened by over 50%. 5. The effects of dopamine were mediated via the activation of a D1-type receptor and the resulting activation of a cAMP-mediated second messenger system. 6. The combination of the effects of dopamine significantly increased the net calcium influx into the cell.
Characterization of antigen--enzyme conjugates: theoretical considerations for rate nephelometric assays of immunological reactivities.

Abstract A simple method has been developed to assay the immunological reactivity of antigen-enzyme conjugates by rate nephelometry. Unlike immunodiffusion or immunoelectrophoresis, the procedure is independent of molecular hydrodynamics and is based on precipitin rate curves obtained by light-scattering measurements. To our knowledge, no such methods have yet been described in the literature to characterize these conjugates. Theoretical considerations indicate that the scattering properties of the precipitin particles obey Raleigh-Debye conditions. Thus, the rate of increase in light scatter measured is directly proportional to an increasing number of scattering centers on large, growing precipitin particles. This independence of the rate of change in light scatter from the absolute size of the particles makes rate nephelometry an ideal technique to quantitate immunological reactivity. This paper deals with a special case of the fundamental rate law that reoates the rate of change of light scatter to the antibody-antigen reaction under Rayleigh-Debye conditions. In addition, data for two types of conjugates which illustrate the validity of the technique are presented.
An economic analysis of the hot dry rock geothermal energy resource

Abstract Still in its early stages of development, hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal technology may provide the means to tap the enormous stock of energy stored as heat in the earth's crust. By drilling a well deep into impermeable granite and creating a thin fracture over which water is passed and heated, geothermal power can be generated where natural water deposits do not occur. The first such well is in operation at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. The research in progress there should shed light on the many technical uncertainties surrounding the process. Given current assumptions on costs and physical characteristics of HDR reservoirs with thermal stress cracking, the potential economic feasibility of the process for generation of electric power is investigated. Preliminary results reported here indicate that under these optimistic physical assumptions, the resource may generate electricity at competitive prices at those sites where the geothermal gradient (the increase in temperature to depth) exceeds 30°C/km - a condition which characterizes much of the Western three-fourths of the U.S.
A model for sucrose transport in the maize scutellum

Abstract A model originally developed for transport of neutral substrates in bacterial systems was tested for its suitability for depicting sucrose transport across the plasmalemma of the maize scutellum cell. The model contains a sucrose—proton symporter, a negatively-charged free carrier and a neutral sucrose—proton—carrier complex. Sucrose transport is driven by the sucrose gradient and by a proton electrochemical gradient set up by a proton-translocating ATPase. The results of experiments on sucrose uptake in scutellum slices are in accord with predictions based on the model. Evidence was obtained for an electrogenic proton pump in the plasmalemma, for sucrose—proton symport and for a sucrose transport mechanism driven by both electrical potential and pH gradients. It was found that treatments (dinitrophenol, N -ethylmaleimide or HCl) causing a net proton influx into the slices also caused an efflux of sucrose. Interpretations of these results compatible with the model are given.
Redefining the Role of Family Therapy in Psychiatric Residency Education

In order to learn how psychiatry residents use family therapy training from residency in their clinical practices after graduation, the authors interviewed graduates from a large program in the metropolitan Northeast and a small program in the rural South. Graduates from both programs were using family therapy theory and skills to a greater extent than they had anticipated during residency. However, these skills were being used primarily to treat individual patients and to solve clinical and administrative problems in settings other than traditional couple and family therapies. Based on the findings, the authors suggest a restructuring of content and redefinition of role for family therapy training in psychiatry residencies.
Improvements in a fibre-optic skin-surface sensor

Abstract Outputs from a fibre-optic skin-surface sensor have been mathematically or statistically investigated for better extraction of information about the skin-surface conditions. Methods employed in this study include simple or multiple regression analysis, functional fitting (for extracting characteristic parameters) and principal-component analysis. The regression analysis using the sensor outputs and the skin water content has made it clear that a large applied force of the sensor is preferable and that a measurement time period of 6–7 s is required to obtain the maximum correlation. For reduction of the measurement time period, the use of multiple correlation has been found to be advantageous. Principal-component analysis using the sensor outputs has revealed that the first principal component has a much larger contribution ratio and corresponds to the degree of skin hydration. However, it is not clear what the second component means.
Sonic Anemometer as a Small Acoustic Tomography Array

The spatial resolution of a sonic anemometer is limited by the distance between its transducers, and for studies of small-scale turbulence and theories of turbulence, it is desirable to increase this spatial resolution. We here consider resolution improvements obtainable by treating the sonic anemometer as a small tomography array, with application of appropriate inverse algorithms for the reconstruction of temperature and velocity. A particular modification of the sonic anemometer is considered when the number of its transducers is doubled and the time-dependent stochastic inversion algorithm is used for reconstruction. Numerical simulations of the sonic anemometer and its suggested modification are implemented with the temperature and velocity fields modelled as discrete eddies moving through the sonic’s volume. The tomographic approach is shown to provide better reconstructions of the temperature and velocity fields, with spatial resolution increased by as much as a factor of ten. The spatial resolution depends on the inverse algorithm and also improves by increasing the number of transducers.
p-MAPK1/3 and DUSP6 Regulate Epididymal Cell Proliferation and Survival in a Region-Specific Manner in Mice

A fully developed, functional epididymis is important for male fertility. In particular, it is apparent that without the most proximal region, the initial segment (IS), infertility results. Therefore, it is important to understand the development and regulation of this crucial epididymal region. We have previously shown that many functions of the IS are regulated by luminal fluid factors/lumicrine factors from the testis. This study provides evidence that lumicrine factors activated the ERK pathway only in epithelial cells of the IS from Postnatal Day (P) 14 to P19 and sustained this activation into adulthood. The activated ERK pathway promoted cell proliferation and differentiation in the developing IS, although in the adult, its role was switched to maintain cell survival. To understand further the regulation of cell proliferation in the IS, we examined the role of DUSP6, an MAPK1/3 (ERK1/2) preferred phosphatase that is also regulated by lumicrine factors in the IS. Utilizing Dusp6−/− mice, our studies, surprisingly, revealed that Dusp6 was a major regulator of cell proliferation in the caput and corpus regions, whereas components of the ERK pathway, together with PTEN and SRC, were the major regulators of cell proliferation in the IS. We hypothesize that region-specific regulation of cell proliferation is caused by differences in the balance of activities between pro- and antiproliferation signaling pathway components for each epididymal region. An understanding of the mechanisms of cell proliferation may provide clues as to why the epididymis rarely succumbs to cancer.
Extreme scale computing: Challenges and opportunities

An extreme scale system is one that is one thousand times more capable than a current comparable system, with the same power and physical footprint. Intuitively, this means that the power consumption and physical footprint of a current departmental server should be enough to deliver petascale performance, and that a single, commodity chip should deliver terascale performance. In this panel, we will discuss the resulting challenges in energy/power efficiency, concurrency and locality, resiliency and programmability, and the research opportunities that may take us to extreme scale systems.
Nucleation and crystal growth of octacalcium phosphate on titanium oxide surfaces

The nucleation and growth of octacalcium phosphate (Ca4H(PO4)3·2.5H2O, OCP) on titanium oxide (TiO2) particles have been investigated using constant composition (CC) methods in aqueous solution at 37 °C. The solid phases during the reaction were examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The induction period, τ, preceding the initial crystal growth of OCP, varied markedly with the relative supersaturation, σ. The interfacial free energy, γ, estimated from initial growth rate data was 11.4 mJ m-2, while that calculated from the induction times was 13.8 mJ m-2. These values were of the same order of magnitude as that determined by a contact angle method involving thin layer techniques.
Hospital readmissions after liver surgery for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Background Hospital readmission rates after surgery are increasingly used as a measure of quality of care. Numerous efforts to decrease these rates have been established by care providers and insurance companies. There is sparse information available regarding readmission rates after liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods Data from hospital readmissions occurring within 30 days after liver resection and/or open ablation for mCRC between 2005 and 2010 were captured from the urgent care center (emergency room) database and were compared with data from the institutional database. Complications during the primary stay and those leading to readmission were analyzed and graded with an established scoring system. The time course of complications and their therapeutic management were analyzed as well. Results Of 746 patients who underwent surgery during this period, 277 (37%) developed medical or surgical complications within 30 days, and 97 (13%) required readmission after discharge. The most common causes for readmission were perihepatic or intra-abdominal collections (40%), wound issues (13%), and gastrointestinal issues (12%). Forty-four patients had complications grade 3 or higher during readmission, thus representing 34% of all major complications (grade 3 or higher). Seventy-four readmitted patients (27% of all patients with complications) had a complication of lesser grade during their primary stay. The median postoperative day of readmission was 15 (range, 6–30) with wide variation among complication types. Conclusion Readmission is common after liver resection and/or ablation for mCRC. One quarter of patients who develop complications postoperatively will have their most significant complication as an outpatient and require rehospitalization.
Tests of the betweenness property in experimental financial choice

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to test for violations of the betweenness property, a fundamental property of one class of generalized expected utility models, and to identify variables which may explain betweenness property violations in financial contexts. The results indicate that violations of betweenness are made frequently weakening support for choice models dependent upon the betweenness property. The results further suggest that betweenness violations are context related: Fewer violations are likely in higher risk markets and from subjects who make consistent choices and have lower risk preferences.
SOLIDIFICATION PROBLEMS BY THE BOUNDARY ELEMENT METHOD

Abstract This paper elaborates on the analysis and design of the solidification of pure metals. In the first part of this paper, a direct analysis is presented for the motion of the solid-liquid freezing interface and the time-dependent temperature field. An iterative implicit algorithm has been developed for this purpose using the boundary element method (BEM) with time dependent Green's functions and convolution integrals. Emphasis is placed on two-dimensional examples. The second part of this paper provides a methodology for the solution of an inverse design Stefan problem. A method for controlling the fluxes at the freezing front and its velocity is demonstrated. The BEM in conjunction with a sequential least squares technique are used to solve this ill-posed problem that has important technological applications. The accuracy of the method is illustrated through one-dimensional numerical examples.
A Symbolic Formulation of Dynamic Equations For a Manipulator With Rigid and Flexible Links

The objective of this article is to present an efficient proce dure for computer generation of the dynamic equations for a planar robot manipulator with arbitrarily assigned rigid or flexible links using any desired flexible mode shape functions. The dynamic equations for the serial link manipulator are derived using Lagrange's formulation and elastic deflection with the assumed-mode method. Fewer approximations are made than in other approaches, resulting in greater accuracy. A method to determine the centrifugal and Coriolis matrix is presented that yields an important structural property. The approach is systematic and allows a symbolic program to be written in Mathematica using a system of several groups and a constructed database. Four examples are illustrated to verify the dynamic equations. The stability of the zero dynamics is compared for different mode shape functions.
IL-8 as a urinary biomarker for the detection of bladder cancer

Current urine-based assays for bladder cancer (BCa) diagnosis lack accuracy, so the search for improved biomarkers continues. Through genomic and proteomic profiling of urine, we have identified a panel of biomarkers associated with the presence of BCa. In this study, we evaluated the utility of three of these biomarkers, interleukin 8 (IL-8), Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and Syndecan in the diagnosis of BCa through urinalysis. Voided urines from 127 subjects, cancer subjects (n = 64), non-cancer subjects (n = 63) were analyzed. The protein concentrations of IL-8, MMP-9, and Syndecan were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were also compared to a commercial ELISA-based BCa detection assay (BTA-Trak©) and urinary cytology. We used the area under the curve of a receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) to compare the performance of each biomarker. Urinary protein concentrations of IL-8, MMP-9 and BTA were significantly elevated in BCa subjects. Of the experimental markers compared to BTA-Trak©, IL-8 was the most prominent marker (AUC; 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.86). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that only IL-8 (OR; 1.51; 95% CI, 1.16-1.97, p = 0.002) was an independent factor for the detection of BCa. These results suggest that the measurement of IL-8 in voided urinary samples may have utility for urine-based detection of BCa. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger, prospective cohort.
Infinite primary saddle-node bifurcation in periodically forced systems

Abstract In many physical systems subject to periodic stimuli, it is observed that as the drive amplitude is increased, chaotic oscillations emanate from subharmonic orbits of period 2πn Ω where n is a positive integer, and Ω is the drive frequency. These subharmonic orbits appear as primary (or first) saddle-node bifurcations (PSNB) and do not necessarily stem from the creation of a topological horseshoe. Rather, they can be created from perturbations of periodic orbits of an nondriven conservative system. Here, it is shown for a model of a periodically driven laser how the PSNB come into existence. As a result of the existence of PSNB, as the damping parameter is varied, there exist isolated closed bifurcation curves consisting of saddle-node pairs.
HEDGING BEHAVIOR BY MULTINATIONAL FIRMS

This paper examines the impact of the presence of a forward exchange market on the financial and operational decisions of a multinational firm. The study concentrates especially on the effects of increased uncertainty and increased risk aversion on the part of the multinational firm. It is shown that the presence of the forward market allows the firm to respond to changes in uncertainty and risk aversion by adjusting its transactions in the forward market while leaving its production and sales decisions unchanged. The forward market, thus, promotes stability with respect to the operational as opposed to the financial variables; and it also makes it possible to adopt decentralized decision making.
Discriminating Textured Surfaces In Natural Imagery

Texture, or the arrangement of surface markings, is an important cue that can be used to identify objects in an image. More often than not, object recognition requires estimating the surface orientation of the constituent surfaces. If texture is used to recover the surface orientation, then separating the surfaces to form objects will require discriminating the textured surfaces when the markings have undergone an oblique projection. How-ever, many of the most widely used methods for discriminating textures are not applicable for discriminating textures distorted by oblique projection since they are all based on measurement of distances and angles. Prior work has focused on using the cross ratio of distances between four collinear points chosen appropriately. The results of the experiments with real textures indicate that although the cross ratio performed well, using other projective invariants should be investigated. Two ratios of distances between three points that are invariant under orthographic projection are considered. The two invariants are described first, followed by the results of using these invariants to discriminate natural textures.
Materialien für Sensorpolymere: Möglichkeiten kombinatorischen Designs

Gegenwartig wird intensiv nach Moglichkeit gesucht, die Selektivitat, Ansprechzeit und Empfindlichkeit bei chemischen oder biologischen Nachweisen in Gasen oder Flussigkeiten zu steigern. Ein besonderes Augenmerk liegt hierbei auf Materialien fur Sensorpolymere, die vielfaltig einsetzbar sind und sich fur Sensoren mit ganz unterschiedlicher Energiewandlung eignen, z. B. fur elektrische, mechanische, Strahlungs- und Warmeenergie. Die Vielfalt resultiert aus den zahlreichen Parametern solcher Materialien, die an spezifische Anforderungen angepasst werden konnen. Mit zunehmender struktureller und funktionaler Komplexitat polymerer Sensormaterialien wird es allerdings immer schwieriger, gewunschte Eigenschaften gezielt einzustellen. Zentrale Forschungsthemen betreffen Homo- und Copolymere, Formulierungen fur Sensormaterialien, gezielt strukturierte Materialien und molekulare Erkennung, wobei in allen Fallen kombinatorische Methoden und Hochdurchsatzverfahren zum Einsatz kommen. Wir analysieren hier den gegenwartigen Stand der Technik, berichten uber Entwicklungstrends bei Sensorpolymeren und zeigen verbliebene Wissenslucken auf.
Equality Constraints in Multiobjective Robust Design Optimization: Implications and Tradeoffs

In the present paper, we explore issues in handling equality constraints in multiobjective robust design optimization (RDO) problems. Satisfying an equality constraint exactly under uncertainty can be a challenging task. The challenge of handling equality constraints is compounded in multiobjective RDO problems. Modeling the tradeoffs between the mean of the performance and the variation of the performance for each design objective in a multiobjective RDO problem is a complex task by itself. Equality constraints add to this complexity because of the additional tradeoffs that are introduced between constraint satisfaction under uncertainty and multiobjective performance. Satisfying equality constraints at their mean values, an approach typically followed, could lead to undesirable results. In this paper, we study the implications of equality constraint satisfaction in a multiobjective RDO problem, and provide a new problem formulation approach to resolve the above discussed tradeoffs. We illustrate that the proposed formulation can be used as an effective multiobjective design space exploration tool, with emphasis on equality constraint satisfaction under uncertainty. We present numerical examples to illustrate our theoretical developments.Copyright © 2005 by ASME