cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large scale simulation of NiTi helical spring actuators under repeated thermomechanical cycles

As typically utilized in applications, a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator operates under a large number of thermomechanical cycles, hence the importance of accounting for the cyclic behavior characteristics in modeling and numerical simulation of these actuators. To this end, the present work is focused on the characterization of the cyclic, evolutionary behavior of binary 55NiTi using a newly developed, multi-axial, material-modeling framework and its finite element analysis (FEA) implementation for use in the simulations of SMA actuators. In particular, two different geometric configurations of four- and two-coil helical springs subjected to axial end-forces are investigated under the effect of a large number of thermal cycles leading to the saturated deformation state of the coils. In addition, two different boundary conditions were examined, corresponding to: (a) the loading end cross section assumed to be free-to-twist, and (b) the loading end cross section assumed to be restrained against twist rotation. The study has led to the following five important conclusions: (i) the states of stresses and strains in the coils exhibited marked spatial non-homogeneities, both along the length as well as the cross section of the wires; (ii) the cyclic deformation response of the coils exhibits a similar evolutionary character to that of the 55NiTi material when tested under simple isobaric tensile stress conditions; (iii) the end boundary conditions affect the evolution of the deformation response; (iv) the magnitudes of the evolving nonlinear deformation states (i.e., axial displacements on the martensite and austenite sides, as well as the actuation displacement) were found to be proportional to the number of coils in an essentially linear manner, and (v) the change in coil diameter, while maintaining the pitch height, wire diameter and the number of coils fixed, has a significant effect on the response of the helical spring, both with regard to the resulting stress state and the evolutionary axial displacement behavior during the thermal cycles.
Intragenomic heterogeneity in the 16S rRNA genes of Flavobacterium columnare and standard protocol for genomovar assignment

Genetic variability in 16S rRNA gene sequences has been demonstrated among isolates of Flavobacterium columnare, and a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay is available for genetic typing of this important fish pathogen. Interpretation of restriction patterns can be difficult due to the lack of a formal description of the expected number and sizes of DNA fragments generated for each of the described genomovars. In this study, partial 16S rRNA gene sequences (ca. 1250-bp fragment) from isolates representing each described genomovar and isolates generating unique restriction patterns were cloned and sequenced. The results demonstrated that some isolates contained up to three different 16S rRNA genes whose sequences generate different RFLP patterns due to intragenomic heterogeneity within HaeIII restriction sites. The occurrence of HaeIII restriction sites within the portion of the 16S rRNA gene used for typing the F. columnare isolates and intragenomic heterogeneity within these sites explained the restriction patterns observed following RFLP analyses. This research provides a standard protocol for typing isolates of F. columnare by RFLP and a formal description of the expected restriction patterns for the previously described genomovars I, II, II-B and III. Additionally, we describe a new genomovar, I/II.
Establishing UGV power requirements based on mission profiles

The propulsion systems employed on unmanned ground vehicle platforms in Future Force Units of Action will likely involve electric or hybrid-electric drive. Power storage systems for these platforms will therefore be driven largely by expected power depletion rates. Resistances that propulsion systems must overcome during maneuvers will be a major factor affecting power depletion rates, and the resistance forces will vary drastically depending on the mission. Therefore, realistic mission-related considerations need to be applied when defining power storage requirements. The US Army has developed numerous models and simulations that use terra-mechanics algorithms to predict maneuver capability for ground vehicles as limited by terrain and environmental factors, and the algorithms employed for predicting maneuver capability in most of these models and simulations are founded on the terra-mechanics algorithms contained in the NATO Reference Mobility Model. The NATO Reference Mobility Model uses physics-based force balancing algorithms with terra-mechanics relationships that were empirically derived from decades of vehicle-terrain interaction research, and it also incorporates proven methodologies for assessing mission effectiveness in terms of maneuver capabilities. The terra-mechanics algorithms and methodologies for assessing mission effectiveness that are implemented in this model and in other related software tools, such as those used for route analysis, can be used to generate realistic mission-related resistance profiles for defining power storage requirements.
Wild-Type Sodium Channels and ‘Atypical' Brugada Syndrome Mutants Interact through C-Terminal Region

Introduction: Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited cardiac disorder that can be caused by mutations in the cardiac sodium channel gene resulting in a reduction of sodium currents. However, several ‘atypical’ sodium channel mutations identified in patients show miminal biophysical defects questioning how such mutants may produce a BrS phenotype. We have previously demonstrated that when “atypical” BrS mutants were co-expressed with wild-type channels (WT) mimicking the heterozygous patient genotype, this lead to a dramatic reduction in sodium currents thereby explaining the disease phenotype. Here we hypothesized that a direct interaction between atypical BrS mutants and WT is mediated via the calmodulin-binding IQ domain of the channel protein. Methods: ‘Atypical’ BrS mutations with minimal biophysical defects were co-expressed with either WT or WT channels containing a mutated calmodulin binding IQ motif (IQ/AA) in HEK293 cells. BrS mutations from all intracellular loops were studied. Biophysical properties of mutants were investigated by patch clamp. Co-immunoprecipitation and cell surface biotinylation were performed to assess interaction and channel location. Results: BrS mutants co-expressed with IQ/AA had current amplitudes restored to control levels. This abrogated any loss-of-current phenotype we observed when the “atypical” mutants were co-expressed with WT. Cell surface biotinylation showed a significant reduction of both WT and mutant channels at the plasma membrane on co-expression, while surface expression was restored for both channels when mutants were co-expressed with the IQ/AA construct. Importantly, while co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated interactions between WT and “atypical” mutant channels, IQ/AA failed to interact with atypical BrS mutants. Conclusions: Our data suggest that ‘atypical’ BrS mutations suppress both mutant and WT channels expression at the cell surface via interactions mediated by the calmodulin-binding (IQ) domain of the cardiac sodium channel.
Swelling of a cluster phase in Langmuir monolayers containing semi-fluorinated phosphonic acids

Langmuir monolayers of semi-fluorinated nonadecylphosphonic acid (F8H11PO3), hexadecylphosphonic acid (H16PO3), and their mixtures were investigated by Brewster angle microscopy (BAM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and surface-pressure measurements. Nanometre-scale two-dimensional clusters were observed by AFM in a spread monolayer of pure F8H11PO3 transferred to mica. Two different organized arrangements of clusters were observed. AFM and BAM observations showed that the mixture exhibits a solid phase over a large range of mole fraction and surface pressure, sometimes in coexistence with clusters. With increasing mole fraction of H16PO3, the lateral shape of these clusters remains the same while their organization and their height change.
Transesophageal echocardiographic guidance for surgical repair of aortic insufficiency in congenital heart disease.

A total of 14 patients with congenital heart disease underwent aortic valve repair, with transesophageal echocardiograms performed to determine severity, mechanism, and direction of aortic insufficiency (AI) jet to tailor the surgical approach. Patient age was 13 ± 10 years, and accompanying diagnoses were: truncus arteriosus, subaortic stenosis, ventricular septal defect, and tetralogy of Fallot. Repeat transesophageal echocardiography was performed after each cardiopulmonary bypass run to determine residual AI and mechanism. Aortic valve leaflet number ranged from 2 to 4. AI was graded 2 to 4+, and postoperatively 0 to 2+. Primary mechanisms were: cusp prolapse (7), leaflet holes (4), restricted leaflet motion (2), and annular dilation (3). Patients required 1 to 3 cardiopulmonary bypass runs until primary AI mechanism was abolished. In all, 12 of 14 patients were free from death or repeated surgery at 2 years. Surgical repair of congenital AI may be aided by transesophageal echocardiographic guidance, with repeat short cardiopulmonary bypass as needed. Long-term studies are needed to determine durability of repair.
Tycho's Talisman: Astrological Magic in the Design of Uraniborg

Renaissance Vitruvianism provides a broad context in which to situate the architecture of Tycho Brahe's Uraniborg, but fails to account for the motivation behind Tycho's design, for how Tycho knew Vitruvian design principles, and for any of Uraniborg's specific features. Identifying Uraniborg as a Palladian design fares even worse. Some of Uraniborg's features can, however, be understood in terms of talismanic ideas such as those circulating in sources such as Agrippa's De occulta philosophia (which Tycho possessed) and Dee's Propaedeumata aphoristica. Of the several kinds of talisman possible, those of interest were intended to manipulate astral influences by mathematical resonance. Regardless of whether Tycho believed in talismanic efficacy, his early meteorological convictions make talismanic motifs a plausible inspiration for Uraniborg's design.
1028-65 The Clinical Significance of High Pain Tolerance in Individuals with Coronary Artery Disease

Although previous studies have shown that patients with silent myocardial ischemia tend to be less sensitive to somatic pain than individuals with symptomatic coronary disease, the clinical relevance of this association has not been examined prospectively. The tourniquet test. a previously validated indicator of somatic pain tolerance. was performed on 280 patients 2.7 ± 1.4 months following an acute index coronary event – either myocardial infarction (MI, n = 192) or unstable angina (n = 88). Patients were then followed for a mean of 2 years. The relationship between pain tolerance (PT) and several clinical and ischemic test variables (including stress thallium scintigraphy–STS) was examined. Variable High PT LowPT Multivariate (n = 121) (n = 159) P value Age (years) 57 ± 10 61 ± 9 0.005 Female (%) 14 19 NS Diabetes (%) 19 21 NS Prior MI(%) 39 41 NS Prior Angina (%) 45 61 0.01 Ischemia on STS (%) 45 34 0.03 Recurrent MI or Death (%) 9 6 NS Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with high PT were more likely to be younger (odds ratio (OR) = 1.5), to have no history of angina prior to the index event (OR = 2.0), and to have ischemia on STS lOR = 1.8) than low PT, patients. There was no difference in cardiac event rates (death or nonfatal MI) between the low and high PT groups. Conclusion Patients with a high PT appear to have an impaired anginal warning system. The high PT patients had less angina prior to the index coronary event. but more inducible ischemia after the coronary event.
Gingival recession defects and guided tissue regeneration: a review.

The last decade has seen an increasing number of clinical reports on guided tissue regeneration (GTR) for reconstruction of gingival recession defects. This article reviews the value of GTR in the management of gingival recession defects based on records from such reports. Studies and case-series using nonresorbable and bioresorbable membranes, studies comparing GTR to the subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) procedure, and histologic reports of healing following GTR, published in the English language from 1985 to 2000, were identified using a Medline search and were included in the data-base for this review. The following pre- and post-treatment data were collated and evaluated for each of the reports: gingival recession depth, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and width of the keratinized gingiva. In perspective of the limitations of the studies reviewed, it has been shown that GTR may be used for reconstruction of gingival recession defects. Importantly, it has not been shown that GTR provides an added clinical benefit for the patient treatment planned for reconstruction of gingival recession defects, i.e. GTR does not appear to offer a significant advantage over mucogingival procedures such as the connective tissue graft or the advanced flap procedure. It is imperative to recognize inherent technical difficulties associated with GTR including primary wound closure and secondary membrane exposure; membrane exposures being negatively correlated to desired clinical outcomes. Also, membrane exposures appear consistently more common in smokers than in non-smokers. It is also imperative to recognize shortcomings and adverse effects including space maintenance and unacceptable foreign body reactions associated with some bioresorbable GTR technologies.
Preventive discussions with health care providers: exploring differences by race/ethnicity and place

The goal of the current investigation was to explore differences in discussions of health topics with health care providers by race/ethnicity and place to identify who is receiving this preventive care and where it is being received in a low-income urban area in which people are at increased risk of chronic disease. 1,147 adults responded to a health survey in New Haven, Connecticut. Black and Latino participants reported that their health care providers discussed more topics with them than White participants reported. Participants who received care at community health centers and hospital primary care centers discussed more topics than participants who received care at hospital emergency departments and private doctors' offices. Findings suggest that community health centers are important sources of preventive care in low-income urban settings, thereby supporting the goals of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the community health center model of care delivery.
Probing local dynamics of the photosynthetic bacterial reaction center with a cysteine specific spin label

A multifrequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) approach was used to probe the dynamic structure of the bacterial photosynthetic reaction center (RC) protein. We have demonstrated that the cysteine specific nitroxide spin label MTSL can be covalently bound to a surface cysteine residue of Rhodobacter sphaeroides RC protein. We suggest that the MTSL nitroxide is bound to an accessible cysteine residue, H156, which is located on the surface of the protein on the H-subunit. Analysis of the multifrequency EPR spectra of the spin-labeled RC proteins suggests the restricted character of the protein dynamics. These dynamics can be described as fast libration in a cone with a correlation time faster than 10-9 s. Several dynamically nonequivalent sites were observed in the EPR spectra, which may reflect distinct conformational substates of local protein structure. This work provides a foundation for future studies with the goal of correlating protein motions with photosynthetic charge-transfer reactions.
Cytotoxicity of ethanolic extracts of Artemisia annua to Molt-4 human leukemia cells.

Although dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and other ar- temisinin derivatives have selective toxicity to- wards cancer cells, Artemisia annua (A. annua )e x- tracts containing artemisinin have not been eval- uated for their anticancer potential. Our main goal was to assess the anticancer effect of etha- nolic leaf extracts of A. annua from Brazilian and Chinese origins (with DHA as a comparison) on normal and cancer cells. Leukocytes and leukemia (Molt-4) cells were counted at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hr after treatment with extracts having artemisinin concentrations of 0, 3.48, 6.96, and 13.92µg/mL. Also, we assessed the antioxidant capacity of these extracts using the oxygen radical absorb- ance capacity (ORAC) test. Both extracts had high antioxidant capacity and toxicity towards Molt-4 cells. DHA was significantly more potent (p< 0.05) in killing Molt-4 cells than Brazilian ex- tract at 48 and 72hr and Chinese extract at 72hr. In Molt-4 cells, LD50 values for Brazilian and Chi- nese extracts were comparable at all time points and not significantly different from DHA at 24hr. In leukocytes, DHA, Chinese extract, and Brazilian extract had LD50 values of 760.42, 13.79, and 28.23 µg/mL of artemisinin, respectively, indicat- ing a better safety index for the Brazilian extract compared to that of the Chinese extract at 24 hr. However, at 48 and 72 hr, the toxicity in leuko- cytes for any of the treatment groups was not sig- nificantly different. These experiments suggest that these extracts may have potential application in cancer treatment. " Artemisia annua l " Asteraceae l " ethanolic extracts l " antioxidant l " flavonoids l " synergism l " leukemia l " MOLT‑4
Effect of father's education on child's cognitive ability.

Abstract In studying the effect of father's education on child's cognitive ability, we find that some models of analysis yield a negative effect, which does not seem plausible according to our current understanding of the nature of the two variables. Two new models are proposed to take account of the biological relationships between parents and children. The analyses based on these new models show a positive effect of father's education on child's IQ scores. While the results of the proposed models become more plausible, it cannot be claimed as “correct,” because there is no conclusive and permanent “proof in empirical sciences.
Naturalism, the Autonomy of Reason, and Pictures

Abstract Sellars was committed to the irreducibility of the semantic, the intentional, and the normative. Nevertheless, he was also committed to naturalism, which is prima facie at odds with his other theses. This paper argues that Sellars maintained his naturalism by being linguistically pluralistic but ontologically monistic. There are irreducibly distinct forms of discourse, because there is an array of distinguishable functions that language and thought perform, but we are not ontologically committed to the array of apparently non‐natural entities or relations mentioned in the metalanguage. However, there is an underlying relation between language and world presupposed by all empirically meaningful language. In his early work Sellars sought to describe this relation in linguistic terms as a form of ‘pure description’, but inadequacies in that notion drove him towards the naturalistic relation between language and world that he came to call ‘picturing’.
Extreme 54Cr-rich nano-oxides in the CI chondrite Orgueil -Implication for a late supernova injection into the Solar System

Abstract Systematic variations in 54Cr/52Cr ratios between meteorite classes ( Trinquier et al., 2007 , Qin et al., 2010a ) point to large scale spatial and/or temporal isotopic heterogeneity in the solar protoplanetary disk. Two explanations for these variations have been proposed, with important implications for the formation of the Solar System: heterogeneous seeding of the disk with dust from a supernova, or energetic-particle irradiation of dust in the disk. The key to differentiating between them is identification of the carrier(s) of the 54Cr anomalies. Here we report the results of our recent NanoSIMS imaging search for the 54Cr-rich carrier in the acid-resistant residue of the CI chondrite Orgueil. A total of 10 regions with extreme 54Cr-excesses (δ54Cr values up to 1500‰) were found. Comparison between SEM, Auger and NanoSIMS analyses showed that these 54Cr-rich regions are associated with one or more sub-micron (typically less than 200 nm) Cr oxide grains, most likely spinels. Because the size of the NanoSIMS primary O− ion beam is larger than the typical grain size on the sample mount, the measured anomalies are lower limits, and we estimate that the actual 54Cr enrichments in three grains are at least 11 times Solar and in one of these may be as high as 50 times Solar. Such compositions strongly favor a Type II supernova origin. The variability in bulk 54Cr/52Cr between meteorite classes argues for a heterogeneous distribution of the 54Cr carrier in the solar protoplanetary disk following a late supernova injection event. Such a scenario is also supported by the O-isotopic distribution and variable abundances in different planetary materials of other presolar oxide and silicate grains from supernovae.
Disease and Development in Historical Perspective

Health conditions and disease environments are important for economic outcomes. This paper argues that the main impact of disease environments on the economic development of nations is not due to the direct effect of health conditions on income, but rather because of their indirect effect via institutions. Health does affect income directly, but this can explain only a small fraction of today's differences in per capita income. In contrast, when previously isolated populations came into contact during the period of European colonial expansion, differences in disease environments had a major impact on the path of institutional development and consequently first-order consequences for economic growth. (JEL: I12, O12)
Synthesis and structural analysis of some trinitromethanide salts

Abstract Two trinitromethanide (TNM) salts containing weakly coordinating cations (tetrabutylammonium and cesium) were synthesized via incomplete nitration of acetic anhydride followed by cation exchange with tetrabutylammonium bromide and cesium fluoride. Their structural characteristics were determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography [J.C. Bryan, M.N. Burnett, A.A. Gakh, Acta Crystallogr., Sect. C (Cr. Str. Comm.) 54 (1998) 1229] followed by comparative analysis with the literature data. In all cases, the TNM anion was found to be a non-planar system. The sum of dihedral angles between the central (C–N3) plane of the anion and the planes of the individual nitro groups varies from 60 to 100°. C–N and N–O interatomic distances in TNM anion can be correlated with the dihedral angles of the corresponding nitro groups. The 13C and 14N NMR spectra of the TNM anion are very simple (broad singlets), an indication of the equivalence (on the NMR time scale) of the nitro groups in solution. The distribution ratio between organic phase (tributyl phosphate) and water is 5000 times higher for Cs+C(NO2)3− compared to Cs+NO3−, presumably due to size and/or charge delocalization differences between nitrate and TNM anions.
Maintaining Integrity in Complex Shape Definitions

A method is discussed for combining flexibility in defining 3-dimensional geometric shape with system maintained integrity. Such capabilities allow the user to concentrate on local considerations in modifying design databases in an interactive environment.The System discussed in this paper attempts to accommodate the mixed use of three classes of shapes occuring in design: linear, flat and solid ones.
When the kingmaker stays home: Revisiting the ideological bias on turnout

After reviewing the theoretical underpinnings behind the ‘conventional wisdom’ that voters on the left abstain more, this article critically assesses the traditional approach of the so-called ideol...
Ethics in Public Relations Clothing

Bowen, S. A., Rawlins, B., & Martin, T. (2010). An overview of the public relations function. New York, NY: Business Expert Press. 186 pp., $25.00 (Pbk). It is not surprising that ethicists and mor...
Vulnerability to psychosis associated with hallucinogen use

Ninety-five patients hospitalized for acute psychosis were reviewed with respect to hallucinogen use and family history of mental illness. Sixty-three percent of admissions had used hallucinogens to some degree within 3 years of the index admission. Drug users were predominantly male, although no age or diagnostic differences with the nondrug group were found. The incidence of hospitalized first degree relatives was approximately 30% and equal for both drug and nondrug groups. Male drug users and female nondrug users were more likely to have had first degree relatives hospitalized. For male psychotics only, lower degrees of drug use were associated with a greater number of hospitalized first degree relatives. For female psychotics only, drug use was positively associated with full scale IQ. The findings suggest sex differences in vulnerability to psychoses associated with hallucinogen use.
Preparation and Analysis of the Common Urinary Forms of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Abstract Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone of pregnancy and forms the basis of all pregnancy tests as well as diagnostic assays for a variety of pathological states including certain types of cancers and some diseases of pregnancy and genetic abnormalities. In recent years, the discovery of the diagnostic utility of measurement of the free subunits and fragments of the hormone, especially in urine, has proven of special use for diagnosis of very early pregnancy loss, an important phenomenon related to infertility, as well as part of screening programs for Down Syndrome and gynecological cancers. This article summarizes existing and new methods for the preparation of hCG, its subunits, and the β core fragment from urinary sources. The methods for proper analyses of these materials are also described to enable investigators to prepare and analyze these materials in various quantities in their own laboratories.
Toward long-term and accurate augmented-reality for monocular endoscopic videos

By overlaying preoperative radiological 3-D models onto the intraoperative laparoscopic video, augmented-reality (AR) displays promise to increase surgeons' visual awareness of high-risk surgical targets (e.g., the location of a tumor). Existing AR surgical systems lack in robustness and accuracy because of the many challenges in endoscopic imagery, such as frequent changes in illumination, rapid camera motions, prolonged organ occlusions, and tissue deformations. The frequent occurrence of these events can cause the loss of image (anchor) points, and thus, the loss of the AR display after a few frames. In this paper, we present the design of a new AR system that represents a first step toward long term and accurate augmented surgical display for monocular (calibrated and uncalibrated) endoscopic videos. Our system uses correspondence-search methods, and a new weighted sliding-window registration approach, to automatically and accurately recover the overlay by predicting the image locations of a high number of anchor points that were lost after a sudden image change. The effectiveness of the proposed system in maintaining a long term (over 2 min) and accurate (less than 1 mm) augmentation has been documented over a set of real partial-nephrectomy laparascopic videos.
Local History Maps in Full Text Resources

In serving patron needs, it is the most detailed maps that pose the greatest challenge to find. Map librarians have strategies for locating detailed maps in their own paper collections and other nearby collections, but are increasingly utilizing major map-intensive Web sites and Web services. Major sites such as the Library of Congress American Memory Project, David Rumsey, Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps and many others bring major map collections to the Internet with interactive functionality appropriate for detailed graphical items. This article is meant to draw attention to an overlooked source of large-scale mapping—book-centered, full-text databases. Six of these resources will be examined for their map content, findability, and legibility.
Neuropsychological performance in HIV‐1‐infected homosexual men The Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS)*

We administered a battery of standardized neuropsychological measures to assess cognitive functions in a group of 769 HIV-1 seronegative, 727 asymptomatic HIV-1 seropositive (CDC Groups 2 and 3), and 84 symptomatic HIV-1 seropositive (CDC Group 4) homosexual/bisexual men enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Measures included tests of attention, memory, and psychomotor speed. Comparison of group means revealed significant differences in performance between HIV-1 seronegative and symptomatic HIV-1 seropositive subjects on measures of memory and on measures with strong motor and psychomotor timed components. These findings support the sensitivity of these neuropsychological instruments for detecting cognitive changes that may be related to HIV-1, and are consistent with other reports of neuropsychological abnormalities in symptomatic HIV-1-infected individuals. Asymptomatic seropositive men, on the other hand, did not differ significantly from seronegative subjects on any of the neuropsychological measures. Only 5.5% of the asymptomatic HIV-1 seropositive men showed abnormal performance on individual tests. This proportion did not differ significantly from that of seronegative controls. Further, among asymptomatic seropositive subjects, we found no statistically significant differences as a function of duration of HIV infection or level of immune system functioning. Thus, results from this study support the hypothesis that the frequency of neuropsychological abnormalities in asymptomatic HIV-1-infected homosexual men is low, and not statistically different from that of seronegative controls.
Implicit GSPN reachability set generation using decision diagrams

Implicit techniques for representing and generating the reachability set of a high-level model have become quite efficient. However, such techniques are usually restricted to models whose events have equal priority. Models containing events with differing classes of priority or complex priority structure, in particular models with immediate events, have thus been required to use less-efficient explicit reachability set generation techniques. In this paper, we present an efficient implicit technique, based on multi-valued decision diagram (MDD) representations for sets of states and matrix diagram representations for next-state functions, that can handle models with complex priority structure. We adapt an efficient Kronecker-based reachability set generation algorithm to work with matrix diagrams. If the model contains immediate events, the vanishing states can be eliminated either during generation, by manipulating the matrix diagram, or after generation, by manipulating the MDD. We apply both techniques to several models and give detailed experimental results.
Complete regression of an intramural hematoma of the aorta after distal reperfusion.

A 58-year-old man with hypertension, severe abdominal pain, and pulseless extremities was diagnosed with an isolated abdominal intramural hematoma (IMH). The IMH extended from the distal descending thoracic aorta to just proximal to the renal arteries. β-Blockade treatment resolved the abdominal pain but induced progressive oliguria; decreasing β-blockade treatment increased urine output but caused return of abdominal pain. An axillobifemoral bypass allowed distal perfusion and retrograde visceral artery perfusion while maintaining normal blood pressure. The abdominal pain resolved, urine output increased, and the patient was discharged on day 7. Six months later the patient required an emergent thrombectomy of the axillobifemoral graft and normal antegrade aortic flow was found. A computed tomography scan showed resolution of the IMH.
Simultaneous High-Speed Two-Color Thermometry and Laser-Induced Incandescence Soot Measurement in a Small-Bore Optical Engine Fueled With JP-8

In-cylinder soot measurements obtained with a high-speed two-color method are compared to those simultaneously determined by the laser-induced incandescence (LII) technique in a single-cylinder, optically-accessible diesel engine fueled with JP-8. A double injection strategy was chosen to reduce pressure rise rates during operation at light load (2 bar IMEP) conditions. Injection timing was optimized for peak efficiency, at which point sufficient soot was produced to provide ample signal for both optical diagnostic techniques. Application of the two-color method to a highspeed CMOS camera allows the crank-angle-resolved observation of soot temperature and soot optical depth (KL) evolution, while LII provides soot volume fraction distribution at a known axial location in the cylinder independent of combustion gas temperature. Comparison of soot KL and LII signal at various stages of combustion shows high spatiallyaveraged correlation of the two signals near TDC. The degree of correlation decreases as the piston bowl descends and the line-of-sight soot KL value increasingly includes soot volumes not in the path of the laser sheet, the location of which is fixed 6.5 mm below the fire deck. The correlation between the two parameters again increases during the late cycle, indicating that in the later phases of combustion soot occurs in the squish zone above the piston bowl. Spatial cross-correlation of the two signals is weak, but increases in the highly luminous period immediately following heat release and illustrating a high degree of soot stratification. Soot KL and temperature evolution over a cycle are presented, which show no indication of being affected by the LII laser fluence.
On the smell of Composition C-4

In efforts to locate hidden explosives, humans have had few allies as valuable as the explosives-detecting canine. The unrivaled sensitivity and selectivity of the canine nose have combined to make these animals an attractive choice for law enforcement, military, and private security applications. Although the efficacy of trained detector dogs is well-established, the question of which chemical compounds are responsible for causing a dog to recognize a particular odor and alert to it remains a subject of debate for several explosive formulations--including, perhaps most notably, Composition C-4. Previous studies have indicated that cyclohexanone, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol are the chemicals that may cause canines to alert to C-4. This has led to the suggestion that these substances could be used as a substitute for genuine C-4 in the training, testing, and maintenance of explosives-detecting canines. In this paper, we present an alternative view. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with solid phase microextraction as a pre-concentration technique, we have discovered that 2-ethyl-1-hexanol off-gasses not only from C-4, but also from benign sources, such as the common plasticizers bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate; as well as several plasticized items common to our everyday world, including PVC tile, PVC pipe, electrical tape, and credit cards. This observation may potentially discourage the use of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol for training purposes. We also present the results of our own canine field trials focused on the detection of C-4. Through the use of contingency tables and statistical testing, we demonstrate the failure of trained law enforcement dogs in our study to respond in any significant way to these potential odor compounds.
New weapons in the war on worms: Identification of putative mechanisms of immune-mediated expulsion of gastrointestinal nematodes

Parasitic nematode infections of humans and livestock continue to impose a significant public health and economic burden worldwide. Murine models of intestinal nematode infection have proved to be relevant and tractable systems to define the cellular and molecular basis of how the host immune system regulates resistance and susceptibility to infection. While susceptibility to chronic infection is propagated by T helper cell type 1 cytokine responses (characterised by production of IL-12, IL-18 and interferon-γ), immunity to intestinal-dwelling adult nematode worms is critically dependent on a type 2 cytokine response (controlled by CD4+T helper type 2 cells that secrete the cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13). However, the immune effector mechanisms elicited by type 2 cytokines in the gut microenvironment that precipitate worm expulsion have remained elusive. This review focuses on new studies that implicate host intestinal epithelial cells as one of the dominant immune effector cells against this group of pathogens. Specifically, three recently identified type 2 cytokine-dependent pathways that could offer insights into the mechanisms of expulsion of parasitic nematodes will be discussed: (i) the intelectins, a new family of galactose-binding lectins implicated in innate immunity, (ii) the resistin-like molecules, a family of small cysteine-rich proteins expressed by multiple cell types, and (iii) cytokine regulation of intestinal epithelial cell turnover. Identifying how the mammalian immune response fights gastrointestinal nematode infections is providing new insights into host protective immunity. Harnessing these discoveries, coupled with identifying what the targets of these responses are within parasitic nematodes, offers promise in the design of a new generation of anti-parasitic drugs and vaccines.
Millimeter-wave communications for atmospheric reentry vehicles

Radio wave attenuation for space vehicles during atmospheric re-entry is discussed. Attenuation as a function of frequency and altitude are shown. Attractive millimeterwave regions are discussed. An equation for attenuation during re-entry is listed.
The effect of cell density, conditioned medium and cytosine arabinoside on myogenesis in primary and secondary cultures.

Abstract Fusion in myogenic cultures is followed by direct microscopic observation and by monitoring the accumulation of creatine phosphokinase (CPK). CPK levels are useful when dealing with cultures in early stages of fusion and in high density cultures, for under these circumstances reliable estimates effusion are impossible to obtain microscopically. The proposition tested is that ( i ) cell density; ( ii ) conditioned medium and ( iii ) cytosine arabinoside can induce precocious fusion in a population of myogenic cells. We find we cannot induce precocious fusion by varying the above exogenous conditions in cells which are not endogenously programmed to fuse. Our data are consistent with the observation that there are two major subpopulations of myogenic cells which, in terms of cell division and fusion, are restricted in their options. There are the replicating presumptive myoblasts which cannot fuse, and the post-mitotic myoblasts which are the only cells in the myogenic lineage that can fuse. These two types of myogenic cells constitute the penultimate and ultimate compartments of the myogenic lineage.
Assuring Nursing's Voice in the Electronic Health Record

Language is essential as a mode of communication to preserve and transmit knowledge and culture. The distinct language of a profession gives meaning to terms and expressions as well as knowledge of needs and appropriate responses in a given situations. Since Nightingale's direction to record observations, nurses have built their language to record purposes, experiences and meaning of their practice. Today, the nursing voice is missing in reporting software; it is difficult to record the caring essence of nursing within electronic health records. There is a need for research and development of software to communicate nursing that takes place during nurse-client and nurse-community health encounters. A team of university professors and graduate students in nursing and computer science has joined to generate nursing practice research data for use in creating and testing nursing language software. Data reflect the complexity of caring in nursing grounded in a distinctive community nursing practice model. The software is intended to complement other electronic health records, assuring the voice of nursing in reporting health care. This paper emphasizes identification of the problem and literature review. The work of the research team, the research approaches and initial results are included.
The mechanical properties of high-strength steel weldments

In order to develop good mechanical properties in highstrength weldments, selection of a welding process, weld consumables, and postweld heat treatment compatible with the intended service is of major importance. This paper illustrates how these selections can influence the properties of the weld metal, heataffected zone and base metal for six highstrength pressure vessel steels. In each case, the balance of strength and toughness achieved is indicated and the effect of process variables reported. The steels studied include those intended for high- and lowtemperature services, as well as those intended for general purpose applications.
Robust Design of Families of Products With Production Modeling and Evaluation

The effectiveness of manufacturing enterprises that compete with product families can be leveraged through an appropriate standardization of components. In this paper we examine how a robust standardization of components can be implemented in the early stages of design with an explicit evaluation of the production system. The approach is based on (1) a mathematical formulation of design decisions using the Compromise Decision Support Problem (DSP), which includes robustness considerations, and (2) modeling production systems as networks of response surfaces. This modeling method facilitates evaluation of the impact of product design changes on the performance of the production system, thus enabling concurrent product-process design exploration. We demonstrate the approach with a case study, namely, the design of an absorber-evaporator module for a family of absorption chillers.
A 32/24 bit digital audio signal processor

A digital signal processor of novel architecture developed for high-performance audio applications and realizing a new level of parallelism and dynamic range is presented. The chip, featuring 32-b*24-b multiplier/accumulator and 80-ns cycle time, is fabricated using 1.2- mu m CMOS double-level metal technology. The performance of audio signal processing is efficiently increased by parallel operation of (calculations and data transfers) and by the configuration of the arithmetic logic unit and the MAC (multiplier and accumulator). The MAC gives sufficient dynamic range for high-precision audio signal processing. Two 24*256 words of data RAMs enable users to execute over 500 taps of FIR (finite impulse response) filtering with one processor. The cascade configuration of the processors enables users to execute very long taps of FIR filtering. >
The Scintillation Efficiency of Benzene

Abstract The scintillation efficiency of a benzene + p-terphenyl solution, extrapolated to unit energy transfer efficiency, has been determined to be 0.042 (or equivalently 0.0116 ± .004 photon/ev). This corresponds to a G value for production of 1B2u benzene of 1.55 ± .05. It is suggested that the difference between this value and that for other alkyl benzene liquids (1.9–2.5) and for anthracene crystal (2.20) is related to the efficiency with which upper states of these substances make internal conversion to the emitting or transferring state.
Is There a Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Depression Among Lesbians

The author uses her study of lesbian mothers raising sons to question whether there is a connection between childhood abuse and disruptive psychological issues such as depression in adult lesbians....
Implantable probe systems for cortical neuroprostheses

Summary form only given. Next-generation neuroprostheses are likely to involve monitoring or stimulating selective regions of the brain to restore neurological function or treat disease. An enabling technology for these devices is a microscale implantable neural probe system that provides a reliable interface with the brain at the cellular level for long periods of time. We have developed a silicon-based probe technology that has proven to be effective for recording neural activity from neuronal populations for sustained time periods. This technology is currently being extended to include a combined chemical interface for drug delivery, advanced coatings for improved biocompatibility, and integrated electronics for wireless communication to the outside world.
Differential Effects of Myocilin and Optineurin, Two Glaucoma Genes, on Neurite Outgrowth

Myocilin and optineurin are two genes linked to glaucoma, a major blinding disease characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. To investigate the effects of force-expressed wild-type and mutant myocilin and optineurin on neurite outgrowth in neuronal cells, we transiently transfected cells with pEGFP-N1 (mock control) as well as myocilin and optineurin plasmids including pMYOCWT-EGFP, pMYOCP370L-EGFP, pMYOC1-367-EGFP, pOPTNWT-EGFP, and pOPTNE50K-EGFP. PC12 cells transfected with pEGFP-N1 produced, as anticipated, long and extensive neuritis on nerve growth factor induction. The neurite length in those cells transfected with myocilin constructs was shortened and the number of neurites was also reduced. A similar inhibitory effect on neurite outgrowth was also elicited by myocilin transfection in RGC5 cells. In contrast, neither transfection of the optineurin constructs pOPTNWT-EGFP and pOPTNE50K-EGFP nor the myocilin and optineurin small-interfering RNA treatments induced significant alterations in neurite outgrowth. Transfection with the wild-type optineurin construct, but not with that of the wild-type myocilin, increased the apoptotic activity in cells. These results demonstrated that the two glaucoma genes, myocilin and optineurin, exhibited differential effects on neurite outgrowth. They may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative glaucoma via distinct mechanisms.
Interferon-Regulated Pathways That Control Hepatitis B Virus Replication in Transgenic Mice

We previously showed that the intrahepatic induction of cytokines such as alpha/beta interferon (IFN-alpha/beta) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) inhibits hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication noncytopathically in the livers of transgenic mice. The intracellular pathway(s) responsible for this effect is still poorly understood. To identify interferon (IFN)-inducible intracellular genes that could play a role in our system, we crossed HBV transgenic mice with mice deficient in IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1), the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), or RNase L (RNase L) (IRF-1(-/-), PKR(-/-), or RNase L(-/-) mice, respectively), three well-characterized IFN-inducible genes that mediate antiviral activity. We showed that unmanipulated IRF-1(-/-) or PKR(-/-) transgenic mice replicate HBV in the liver at slightly higher levels than the respective controls, suggesting that both IRF-1 and PKR individually appear to mediate signals that modulate HBV replication under basal conditions. These same animals were responsive to the antiviral effects of the IFN-alpha/beta inducer poly(I-C) or recombinant murine IFN-gamma, suggesting that under these conditions, either the IRF-1 or the PKR genes can mediate the antiviral activity of the IFNs or other IFN-inducible genes mediate the antiviral effects. Finally, RNase L(-/-) transgenic mice were undistinguishable from controls under basal conditions and after poly(I-C) or IFN-gamma administration, suggesting that RNase L does not modulate HBV replication in this model.