cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From local features to global perception – A perspective of Gestalt psychology from Markov random field theory

Abstract In this paper, we present a mathematical theory for the Gestalt psychology from the perspective of a Markov random field (MRF) theory. We demonstrate how global perception of textures and shapes are sufficiently characterized by the propagation of local features. Unlike traditional MRF theory that studies the interactions within small cliques, the structures of the random fields studied in this paper are the biologically relevant local features, such as Gabor filters at various frequencies and orientations, and Gestalt rules grouping local edge fragments. Our MRF models are learnt from the statistics in natural textures and shapes. We demonstrate three experiments in this paper: the modeling and computation of texture, shape, and medial axis in the random fields.
High voltage LIB cathodes enabled by salt-reinforced liquid electrolytes

We report on electrochemical properties of Li/Li1.2Ni0.15Co0.1Mn0.55O2 secondary batteries in electrolytes designed to stabilize electrodeposition of lithium. Ethylene carbonate (EC): dimethyl carbonate (DMC) containing a LiPF6/LiF salt blend stabilizes lithium electrodeposition and enables Li/Li1.2Ni0.15Co0.1Mn0.55O2 batteries with a high discharge capacity of 270 mAh·g− 1 at 0.05 mA cm− 2. Cells containing the LiF-reinforced electrolytes also exhibit excellent capacity retention over 500 cycles with Columbic efficiencies approaching 100%. Post-mortem SEM analysis of the lithium anode shows more compact deposition in the presence of the LiF salt additive, while XPS depth profile analysis of cathodes show a more uniform distribution of Mn over the first 180 nm from the electrode/electrolyte interface. The results imply that LiF reinforced electrolytes simultaneously facilitate stable lithium electrodeposition and reduce Mn dissolution.
Targeted site-specific cleavage of HIV-1 viral Rev responsive element by copper aminoglycosides

Site-specific cleavage of the HIV-1 viral Rev responsive element by copper aminoglycosides is reported under physiological conditions. This bubble and stem-loop RNA structure is efficiently targeted at micromolar concentrations of complex. The specificity of cleavage of structured viral RNA relative to a non-cognate tRNAPhe of well-defined secondary and tertiary structure is demonstrated. Cleavage products from simpler substrates [diribonucleotide (ApA) and 2',3'-cyclic monophosphate ester (cAMP)] were analyzed by 31P NMR and demonstrate a hydrolytic mechanism in the absence of external redox agents. These results demonstrate copper aminoglycosides to be highly efficient chemical nucleases with a targeting capability for viral RNA and suggest a novel methodology to counter RNA viruses.
BEHAVIOR GENETICS OF NEST GLEANING IN HONEY BEES. IV. RESPONSES OF F1 AND BACKCROSS GENERATIONS TO DISEASE-KILLED BROOD

animal kingdom lives a more or less soli? tary existence (except for a minimal amount of social life involved in mating activity and reproduction), whereas the honey bee lives in colonies of up to 60,000 individuals. Honey-bee colonies are much more than aggregations, flocks, or herds, for the individuals within one are so dependent upon one another that no individual, nor even a group of a few hundred individuals, can survive and perpetuate the species in nature.
Visualization of PLP-bound intermediates in hemeless variants of human cystathionine β-synthase: evidence that lysine 119 is a general base

Cystathionine beta-synthase catalyzes the condensation of serine and homocysteine to give cystathionine in a pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent reaction. The human enzyme contains a single heme per monomer that is bound in an N-terminal 69 amino acid extension that is missing from the otherwise highly homologous yeast enzyme. The heme dominates the UV-visible spectrum and obscures kinetic characterization of the PLP-bound reaction intermediates. In this study, we have engineered a hemeless mutant of human cystathionine beta-synthase by deletion of the N-terminal 69 amino acids. The resulting variant displays approximately 40% of the activity seen with the wild type enzyme, binds stoichiometric amounts of PLP, and permits spectral characterization of PLP-based intermediates. The enzyme as isolated exhibits an absorption maximum at 412nm corresponding to a protonated internal aldimine. Addition of serine shifts the lambdamax to 420nm (assigned as the external aldimine) with a broad shoulder between 450 and 500nm (assigned as the aminoacrylate intermediate). Addition of the product, cystathionine, also leads to formation of an external aldimine (420nm). Homocysteine elicits a red shift (and a decrease in absorption) in the spectrum from 412 to 424nm and an increase in absorption at 330nm, presumably due to formation of a dead-end complex. Mutation of K119, the residue that forms the Schiff base, to alanine results in a approximately 10(3)-fold decrease in activity, which increases approximately 2-fold in the presence of an exogenous base, ethylamine. Spectral shifts (412 --> 420nm) consistent with the formation of external aldimines are observed in the presence of serine or cystathionine, but an aminoacrylate intermediate is not formed at detectable levels. These results are consistent with an additional role for K119 as a general base in the reaction catalyzed by human cystathionine beta-synthase.
Efficient parallel computation of unstructured finite element reacting flow solutions

Abstract A parallel unstructured finite element (FE) reacting flow solver designed for message passing MIMD computers is described. This implementation employs automated partitioning algorithms for load balancing unstructured grids, a distributed sparse matrix representation of the global FE equations, and parallel Krylov subspace iterative solvers. In this paper, a number of issues related to the efficient implementation of parallel unstructured mesh applications are presented. These issues include the differences between structured and unstructured mesh parallel applications, major communication kernels for unstructured Krylov iterative solvers, automatic mesh partitioning algorithms, and the influence of mesh partitioning metrics and single-node CPU performance on parallel performance. Results are presented for example FE heat transfer, fluid flow and full reacting flow applications on a 1024 processor nCUBE 2 hypercube and a 1904 processor Intel Paragon. Results indicate that very high computational rates and high scaled efficiencies can be achieved for large problems despite the use of sparse matrix data structures and the required unstructured data communication.
Comparison of volatile generation in serine/threonine/glutamine-ribose/glucose/fructose model systems

Thermal generation of volatiles in nine model reactions was studied and compared. Each of the model systems contained one amino acid and one monosaccharide. The amino acid was serine, threonine, or glutamine, and the monosaccharide was ribose, glucose, or fructose. More unsubstituted pyrazine was generated in serine-sugar systems than threonine-sugar systems. The formation of several furfuryl-substituted pyrazines and pyrroles was observed in some of the studied systems. Total pyrazines were generated more in glutamine-containing systems than in serine- and threonine-containing systems, and the reverse was true for generation of furfuryl-substituted compounds. Acetylpyrazine was generated in serine/threonine/glutamine-glucose and serine/glutamine-fructose systems.
Measurement accuracies in band-limited extrapolation

The problem of numerical instability associated with extrapolation algorithms is addressed. An attempt is made to estimate the bounds for the acceptable errors and to place a ceiling on the measurement accuracy and computational accuracy needed for the extrapolation. It is shown that in band limited (or visible angle limited) extrapolation the larger effective aperture L' that can be realized from a finite aperture L by over sampling is a function of the accuracy of measurements. It is shown that for sampling in the interval L/b absolute value of xL, b1 the signal must be known within an error e sub N given by e sub N squared approximately = 1/4(2kL') cubed (e/8b L/L')(2kL') where L is the physical aperture, L' is the extrapolated aperture, and k = 2pi lambda.
What Statistical Significance Testing Is, and What It Is Not

AbstractA test of statistical significance addresses the question, How likely is a result, assuming the null hypotheses to be true. Randomness, a central assumption underlying commonly used tests of statistical significance, is rarely attained, and the effects of its absence rarely acknowledged. Statistical significance does not speak to the probability that the null hypothesis or an alternative hypothesis is true or false, to the probability that a result would be replicated, or to treatment effects, nor is it a valid indicator of the magnitude or the importance of a result. The persistence of statistical significance testing is due to many subtle factors. Journal editors are not to blame, but as publishing gatekeepers they could diminish its dysfunctional use.
An Order-of-Magnitude Estimate of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Resources

Worldwide power resources that could be extracted from the steady-state operation of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plants are estimated using a simple model. This order-of-magnitude analysis indicates that about 3 × 10 9 kW (3 TW) may be available, at most. This value is much smaller than estimates currently suggested in the technical literature. It reflects the scale of the perturbation caused by massive OTEC seawater flow rates on the thermal structure of the ocean. Not surprisingly, maximum OTEC power nearly corresponds to deep cold seawater flow rates of the order of the average abyssal upwelling representative of the global thermohaline circulation.
Some improvements to the flux-type a posteriori error estimators

Abstract This paper presents explicit equilibrated fluxes for the local pure-Neumann problems used by the a posteriori error estimator in Ainsworth and Oden [M. Ainsworth, J.T. Oden, A procedure for a posteriori error estimation for h – p finite element methods, Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg. 101 (1992) 73–96]. We modify the target function for minimization to obtain new equilibrated fluxes in a weighted form. We investigate the performance of the new equilibrated fluxes in two-dimensional spectral/ hp element approximations of an elliptic equation using conforming triangle elements. The new fluxes appear more robust and lead to substantial computational savings compared to the original numerical procedure in Ainsworth and Oden [Ainsworth and Oden et al., 1992].
Integrating Dynamic and Geometry Model Components through Ontology-Based Inference

Modeling techniques tend to be found in isolated communities: geometry models in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer graphics, dynamic models in computer simulation, and information models in information technology. When models are included within the same digital environment, the ways of connecting them together seamlessly and visually are not well known even though elements from each model have many commonalities. A model is required to be able to connect models together in the interface; however, creating such models is time-consuming. This article addresses this deficiency by studying specific ways in which models can be interconnected within the same 3D space through effective ontology construction and human interaction techniques. The authors have developed a method for automatically constructing a human-computer interface model (i.e., which is termed an interaction model) from an ontology for an example physical environment. The work to date has resulted in an environment based on a 3D modeling and animation package, permitting users to explore dynamic model structure through interactions with geometric scene structure.
The effect of heat on radiation damage in large NaI crystals

Abstract A project is described in which sixty large, heavily radiation-damaged NaI crystals have been subjected to temperatures of up to 300°C. It is shown that the treatment restores the uniformity of response of the crystals.
Solving algebraic equations in terms of A -hypergeometric series

Abstract The roots of the general equation of degree n satisfy an A -hypergeometric system of differential equations in the sense of Gel'fand, Kapranov and Zelevinsky. We construct the n distinct A -hypergeometric series solutions for each of the 2n−1 triangulations of the Newton segment. This works over any field whose characteristic is relatively prime to the lengths of the segments in the triangulation.
Radioimmunoassay of rat parathyroid hormone in serum and tissue extracts

A sensitive radioimmunoassay, which will detect as little as 0.5 pg of purified bovine parathyroid hormone (PTH), has been developed to assay PTH in rat serum and rat parathyroid gland (PTG) extracts. Highly purified bovine PTH was used as standard and tracer. The antiserum was developed against partially purified bovine PTH in a chicken. The bound to free ratio (B/F) curves for varying concentrations of rat serum and PTG extracts were superimposable on B/F curves of the standard highly purified bovine PTH, indicating indistinguishable immunologic identities of these hormones as detected by this antiserum. PTH was detectable in all normal intact rats,but in no parathyroidectomized rats. Rats maintained on a low calcium (Ca) diet had serum PTH concentrations more than 3-fold those of rats fed a normal Ca diet. Nephrectomized rats had serum PTH concentrations almost 4-fold that of control rats, and parathyroid tissue PTH concentrations greater than 4-fold that of control rats. After an im injection of EDTA ...
Sequence variation in the promoter region of the cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 gene and asthma and atopy

Abstract Background: Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are members of the superfamily of G protein–coupled, 7 transmembrane– spanning proteins. They are important in the development of airway hyperresponsiveness. In the lung the M 3 receptor, encoded by the cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 gene, is present in airway smooth muscle and mediates smooth muscle contraction. Objective: We considered the cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 gene as a possible candidate gene for bronchial asthma and initiated studies to identify polymorphisms in the promoter region. Method: We identified 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (−708A/G, −627G/C, −513C/A, and −492C/T) and 2 short tandem repeat polymorphisms, a tetranucleotide (CTTT) 12-20 and a dinucleotide (GT) 6-19 repeat. Results: None of the identified single nucleotide polymorphisms were significantly more frequent in asthmatic patients (n = 76) compared with in healthy control subjects (n = 81). Furthermore, there was no evidence for nonrandom transmission of short tandem repeat polymorphism haplotypes to individuals with asthma or bronchial hyperresponsiveness ( P > .50) in a large Hutterite pedigree. However, there was significant nonrandom transmission of haplotypes to individuals with skin test reactivity to cockroach allergens (global transmission disequilibrium test: χ 2 = 38.55, P = .013). Conclusions: These results suggest a possible role for this gene in atopic disorders. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;111:527-32.)
Evaluation of a Three-Dimensional Micromixer in a Surface-Based Biosensor†

The performance of many biosensors is limited by the rate at which a soluble analyte solution is transported to a complementary receptor immobilized on the sensor transducer. In these cases, transport limitations due to the lack of sample mixing in the sensor can impede analyte transport to the immobilized receptors and thereby reduce the sensor performance. In this study, we apply methods that have been successfully used to mix bulk fluid streams in a microfluidic device, to stir the analyte solution as it passes over receptors bound to the surface of an optical biosensor. A three-dimensional serpentine microchannel, which has been shown to provide chaotic mixing in the sample flow, was interfaced with a surface plasmon resonance biosensor. The binding kinetics of soluble rabbit IgG to protein A, immobilized on one of the microchannel walls, was measured both in the serpentine device and in a straight channel. A comparison of the initial rates of analyte detection in these two devices shows that the mixi...
Lymphocyte depletion by continuous flow cell centrifugation in rheumatoid arthritis

Four patients with active, severe rheumatoid arthritis were subjected to the removal of circulating lymphocytes (lymphapheresis) for a 6-week period by use of a continuous flow cell centrifuge. Repetitive venous access was gained through forearm arteriovenous fistulae. In all patients the Ritchie-Camp articular index declined rapidly in the first week and more slowly thereafter for a total mean drop of 61% below the initial value. The index continued to decline after lymphapheresis but exacerbation of disease activity developed at an average of 19 weeks. No significant untoward effects of the procedure were observed; occasional transfusions were required to compensate for the small, unavoidable erythrocyte loss.
Sudden scrutiny of hospital billing and collections: Managing the oppositional crisis

With the recent scrutiny of hospital pricing and collections and hospital billing problems, it is imperative that development officers retain the public trust. What effective tactics and lessons can be learned from outside the hospital industry?
Modeling and characterization of adaptive microlenses: device simulation

We here report on the modeling and characterization of adaptive microlenses. We first address device simulation with the theoretical treatment of its characterization. A follow-up paper addresses the experimental results of the focal length measurements using a simple Z-scan method. In addition, the sources of error and ways to overcome them are discussed. Previously, an adjustable electro-optic microlens with concentric electrodes was presented. The electrostatic potential was found by numerically solving Laplace's equation where the surface charge method was incorporated. The refractive index distribution within the lens aperture and the effective light path modulation was found by integration over the entire substrate thickness. We have used finite element analysis to characterize the electrostatic field distribution within the lens aperture. Unlike the previous theoretical treatment, we implement the beam propagation method to calculate the total phase delay. This will allow for accurately modeling the phase based on the optical field profile, medium inhomogeneties, and scattering and depolarization effects. Furthermore, we represent the theoretical basis for characterizing such types of lenses, and microlenses in general. In this method, we implement Fresnel diffraction and a simple Z-scan method. This technique allows for finding the lens focal length, and its sign, and study aberration effects as well.
A Characteristic Indicating the Mating Status of Male Fall Armyworm Moths

Virgin male fall armyworms, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), show a light brown to black pigment near the twisted portion of the ductus ejaculatorius simplex. This pigment is incorporated into and transferred with the spermatophore during mating. Thereafter the ductus ejaculatorius simplex is transparent to yellow, an indication of the mating status of the male.
Neuropsychological test patterns in men for Alzheimer's and multi-infarct dementia

This paper examined three patterns of test performance on the Halstead Reitan Battery (HRB) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R), including Fuld's formula, that differentiated Alzheimer's Disease (AD) from cerebrovascular disease, especially Multi-Infarct Dementia (MID). Study 1 and 2 utilized 12 AD subjects and 13 subjects who had transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). All of the subjects in this study were male. The severity of impairment was equated. A WAIS-R deterioration pattern was found for the AD subjects, from which a formula was derived that correctly identified 84% of the subjects. The Fuld formula identified 76%. In regard to the HRB, Motor tests especially were less impaired for AD subjects and the HRB formulas correctly identified about 92% of the subjects. A third study, using an entirely new sample, applied these formulas to 11 AD and 28 MID subjects. The same rate of separation for the HRB formulas was found. Neither the WAIS formula, with the original cutting points, nor did the Fuld formula quite reach significance.
Expression of a Micro-protein *

The smallest known open reading frame encodes the ribosomal protein L41, which in yeast is composed of only 24 amino acids, 17 of which are arginine or lysine. Because of the unique problems that might attend the translation of such a short open reading frame, we have investigated the properties and the translation of the mRNAs encoding L41. In Saccharomyces cerevisiaeL41 is encoded by two linked genes, RPL41A andRPL41B. These genes give rise to mRNAs that have short 5′ leaders of 18 and 22 nucleotides and rather long 3′ leaders of 203 and 210 nucleotides not including their poly(A) tails. The mRNAs are translated exclusively on monosomes, suggesting that ribosomes do not remain attached to the mRNA after termination of translation. Calculations based on the abundance of ribosomes and of L41 mRNA indicate that the entire translation event, from initiation through termination, must occur in ∼2 s. Termination of translation after only 25 codons does not subject the mRNAs encoding L41 to nonsense-mediated decay. Surprisingly, despite the L41 ribosomal protein being conserved from the archaea through the mammalia, S. cerevisiae can grow relatively normally after deletion of bothRPL41A and RPL41B.
Speech and Language Skills of Parents of Children With Speech Sound Disorders

Purpose This study compared parents with histories of speech sound disorders (SSD) to parents without known histories on measures of speech sound production, phonological processing, language, read...
Designing effective hybrid toxins.

A study of a well-designed androgen-mustard conjugate provides evidence supporting a novel mechanism for its selective toxicity in androgen-receptor-positive cancer cells [1]. This represents a solid step forward on the path toward effective hybrid toxins for targeted cancer therapy.
Applications of satellite remote sensing in numerical weather and climate prediction

Abstract The year 2000 marks the 40 th anniversary of the launch of the first weather satellite. The images of cloud systems from the early satellites enabled forecasters to locate and monitor the movements of storms. Today's satellites provide a wealth of quantitative information about the constantly changing state of the Earth's atmosphere, ocean, and land surface. Significant strides are being made by operational centers around the world to effectively use these remotely-sensed observations in forecast models. The satellite measurements are used to initialize, provide boundary conditions for, and verify predictions of models. As an example of the state of the art, this paper reviews how satellite observations are used in the numerical weather and climate prediction models of the U.S. National Weather Service. The National Weather Service, National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) develops regional and global weather prediction models, coupled ocean-atmosphere models for seasonal to interannual climate predictions, and a coastal ocean forecast model. A three dimensional variational data assimilation system is used to specify the initial conditions for the forecast models. Data from the following satellite instruments are currently used in one or more of these models: High Resolution Infrared Sounder (HIRS), Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU), Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A), Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) sounder, GOES, METEOSAT, and Geostationary Meteorology Satellite (GMS) imagers, Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I), ESA Remote-sensing Satellite-2 (ERS-2) scatterometer, Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet Spectrometer/2 (SBUV/2), and Oceanic Topography Experiment (TOPEX) and ERS-2 altimeters.
Eliminating error in satellite observations of surface elevation

From 2003 to 2009, NASA's Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) captured detailed elevation measurements of the Earth's surface. Unfortunately, as with all instruments, ICESat's observations experienced sensor drift throughout its lifetime, a changing bias that introduced error into the satellite's observations. Correcting for such creeping biases is difficult but crucial for maximizing the value of the observational record.
Climate change mitigation and sustainable development through carbon sequestration: experiences in Latin America

This article discusses the links between sustainable development and carbon sequestration as a climate change mitigation (CCM) strategy with a focus on Latin America, which has hosted the majority of sequestration activities to date. The global potential for CCM through a combination of sequestration and reduced deforestation is projected to be roughly 60-80 billion tonnes of carbon (GtC) by mid-century, with a large fraction of that potential lying in Latin America. Such activities can, in theory, contribute to sustainable development by contributing to rural livelihoods, providing fuel and timber, and enhancing biodiversity and other environmental services. However, due to political-economic constraints and the nature of the carbon market itself only a small fraction of this technical potential is likely to be reached. Moreover, the degree to which carbon sequestration and forest conservation activities contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes is not clear. To date, carbon sequestration and forest conservation projects in Latin America have had mixed results. Some of these experiences are reviewed and alternative policy options are discussed.
Inferences about the between-study variance in meta-analysis with normally distributed outcomes.

This paper presents a new approach for confidence interval estimation of the between-study variance in meta-analysis with normally distributed responses based on the concepts of generalized variables. Simulation study shows that the coverage probabilities of the proposed confidence intervals are generally satisfactory. Moreover, the proposed approach can easily provide P -values for hypothesis testing. For meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials or epidemiological studies, within which the responses are normally distributed, the proposed approach is an ideal candidate for making inference about the between-study variance. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Wheel Dynamics Fundamentals for Agile Tire Slippage Modeling and Control

One of the technical problems in wheel dynamics is to establish and control the relationship between the tire kinematic and force characteristics related to tire slippage and thus to tire-soil power losses and wheel mobility estimation. This problem has been attracting a lot attention from the research community for decades. The electronization of modern vehicles can enhance their performance in complex and severe vehicle-road/terrain environments by implementing agile control decision within the scale of milliseconds. Thus, agility requires new approaches when considering and analyzing the tire slippage process.This paper presents an analysis of the tire slippage process in stochastic terrain conditions for the purpose of agile tire slip modeling, estimation and control. Based on the introduced relations between the rolling radii of the tire, circumferential wheel force/wheel torque, wheel kinematic parameters and tire slippage, a set of agile tire-terrain characteristics is offered in the paper. The proposed characteristics take in consideration the rate of change of the listed parameters and thus allow a user to estimate the agile dynamics of the tire slip and evidence the closeness to the peak friction coefficient and hence estimate potential mobility loss. The characteristics establish relationships between the stochastic peak friction coefficient, rolling resistance coefficient, and wheel kinematic/force parameters. The characteristics are illustrated by computer simulation results in several terrain conditions.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
A Forest of Contradictions: Producing the Landscapes of the Scottish Highlands

While total global forest cover is decreasing, in many parts of the world forests are on the rebound. Uncritical examinations of this phenomenon credit the benign diffusion of capitalist development for this “forest transition.” More critical readings of this question—including green Marxian and poststructuralist approaches—might conclude something very different, however. In this paper, we explore the question of expanding forest cover, using the case of the Scottish Highlands, where forestland has tripled since the 1920s, in an attempt to critically explain regional land-cover change. Drawing upon historical sources and Scottish Executive and Forestry Commission data, we examine the specific environments currently forming in the Highlands under conditions of economic change. We conclude that two divergent forestry practices and ecologies have been formed in the wake of economic restructuring: those geared towards industrial production and those targeted at consumption through ecotourism. We conclude, therefore, that capitalism’s spatial fix to declining industrial power in the region is an inherently ecological one that takes the form of “schizophrenic forestry,” in which forest expansion leads to the rise of degraded monocultures alongside “pristine” sites of conservation.
Propranolol prevents epinephrine from limiting insulin-stimulated muscle glucose uptake during contraction.

β-Blockade results in rapid glucose clearance and premature fatigue during exercise. To investigate the cause of this increased glucose clearance, we studied the acute effects of propranolol on ins...
On the virtual crack extension method for calculation of the rates of energy release rate

Abstract This paper generalizes the analytical virtual crack extension method presented by Lin and Abel by providing the higher order derivatives of energy release rate due to crack extension for multiply cracked bodies. It provides derivations and verifications of the following: extension to the general case of multiple crack systems, extension to the axisymmetric case, inclusion of crack-face and thermal loading, and evaluation of the second derivative of energy release rate. The salient feature of this method is that the energy release rate and its higher order derivatives for multiple crack systems are computed in a single analysis. It is shown that the number of rings of elements surrounding the crack tip that are involved in the mesh perturbation due to the virtual crack extension has an effect on the solution accuracy. Maximum errors for the mesh density used in the examples are about 0.2% for energy release rate, 2–3% for its first derivative, and 5–10% for its second derivative.
Cumulative Health Risk Assessment: Finding New Ideas and Escaping from the Old Ones

Cumulative risk assessment (CRA) is an emergent tool for organizing and analyzing scientific information to examine, characterize, and possibly quantify adverse health outcomes from combined effects of exposure to diverse environmental factors, including both chemical and nonchemical stressors. This article examines the implementation of effects-based CRA, which emphasizes evaluating health risks in a defined community or population, as opposed to stressor-based approaches, which focus on determining health risks for a defined set of stressors. It discusses the concept of vulnerability-based CRA as a potentially useful alternative, reviews the conceptual constructs that underpin CRA, surveys the diversity of methods available for putting effects-based principles into practice, identifies impediments hindering practical applications, and examines ways to make effects-based CRA more feasible.
Telling the Truth (Up to a Point): Radio Communication Among Maine Lobstermen

This paper tests several predictions about radio communications among Maine lobstermen. Previous studies have predicted extreme secrecy and deceit in this fishery because of the high economic costs of sharing information on the location of lobsters. The predictions of this paper, however, are based on both the economic costs of sharing information and the social costs of secrecy or deceit. Since both of these costs are high in the study area, only a moderate amount of secrecy, and even less deceit, was predicted. It was also predicted that secrecy would increase during times of good fishing when sharing information would be most costly, but only in a way not likely to damage social relationships. That is, communication about catch size would continue, but in a less specific form. Codings of 442 communications over an eleven-week period supported these predictions, suggesting that the value of social relationships among fishermen is an important variable in studies of information sharing.
Coding and transmission of information by neural ensembles

The brain processes information about sensory stimuli and motor intentions using a massive ensemble of neurons arrayed in parallel. Individual neurons receive convergent inputs from thousands of other neurons, leading to the possibility that patterns of spikes across the input neurons might be crucial components of the neural code. Recently, advances in multielectrode recording techniques have allowed several laboratories to investigate the nature of the interactions between neurons, and their potential role in information coding. Several recent studies have found that the amount of information coded by correlated activity about sensory and motor variables is small, casting doubt on the hypothesis that correlations between pairs of neurons are important for information coding. However, other studies have documented the appearance of coherent oscillations, during particular task epochs and conditions that require selective processing of sensory information, supporting the hypothesis that coherent oscillations between neurons might reflect the dynamic flow of information in the brain.
Angiographic and long-term outcomes of "rescue" stenting versus PTCA in failed thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), when performed early after clinically failed thrombolysis, improves acute infarct-artery patency in up to 90% of cases. Limited data are available regarding the role of rescue stenting in this setting. From January 1995 to December 1999, the authors studied all consecutive patients treated with rescue PTCA or rescue stenting within 12 hours of onset of chest pain and clinically failed thrombolytic therapy at their institution. Baseline demographic characteristics, infarct-related artery location, lesion class, left ventricular function, and incidence of multivessel disease were similar between groups (23 patients in each group). Preprocedural TIMI flow 0 was more common in PTCA patients (p=0.025). Quantitative coronary analysis revealed similar incidence of calcification, thrombus burden, minimal lumen diameter (MLD), and lesion length between groups. Post-procedural TIMI 3 flow was more common in stent patients; however, this was not statistically significant (p=0.18). Greater final MLD (p<0.001), less residual stenosis (p<0.001), and a trend toward larger reference vessel diameter (p=0.13) were observed in favor of stent patients. At 6-month follow-up, there was no difference in the incidence of death, myocardial infarction, or readmission for unstable angina between groups. More stent patients (60% vs 27%, p=0.06) were angina free as compared to PTCA patients. Despite similar in-hospital clinical outcomes, the study suggests better angiographic results and 6-month morbidity with rescue stenting.
The Yin and Yang of Alloreactivity: Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease and Leukemia Relapse

Chronic graft-versus-host disease is a frequent complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and plays an important role in posttransplant morbidity and mortality, yet is correlated with the graft-versus-tumor effect in some studies. New approaches to separate the graft-versus-tumor from the graft-versus-host effect are urgently needed. Clin Cancer Res; 21(9); 1981–3. ©2015 AACR . See related article by Boyiadzis et al., p. 2020
Initial experience of inferior limited macular translocation for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization resulting from causes other than age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract PURPOSE: To report our initial experience of inferior limited macular translocation in patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization resulting from causes other than age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 23 eyes of 22 patients with choroidal neovascularization involving the foveal center secondary to pathologic myopia (11 eyes), ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (four eyes), angioid streaks (four eyes), idiopathic neovascularization (three eyes), and multifocal choroiditis (one eye), in which the fovea was moved inferiorly by means of limited macular translocation surgery. The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/150, and in five of 23 eyes (21.7%) the visual acuity was 20/80 or better. The major outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, postoperative foveal displacement, and complications related to the surgery. RESULTS: The mean postoperative follow-up was 10.82 months (range, 6 to 18 months). Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved by 2 or more Snellen lines of visual acuity in 11 of 23 eyes (47.82%), remained within 1 line in seven of 23 eyes (30.43%), and worsened 2 or more lines of vision in five of 23 eyes (21.74%). The mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/100, and in 12 of the 23 eyes (52.17%) the visual acuity achieved was 20/80 or better. Retinal detachment was the most frequent complication and occurred in six eyes (26%). CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience with limited macular translocation shows that this treatment modality offers the potential to improve visual function in some eyes with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to myopia, ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, angioid streaks, idiopathic neovascularization, and multifocal choroiditis. Although longer and more complete follow-up is needed, the results of this initial series warrant further studies to define the precise role of macular translocation in the management of these conditions.
Altered signaling surrounding the C-lobe of cardiac troponin C in myofilaments containing an α-tropomyosin mutation linked to familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract A region of interaction between the near N-terminal of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and the C-lobe of troponin C (cTnC), where troponin T (cTnT) binds, appears to be critical in regulation of myofilament Ca 2+ -activation. We probed whether functional consequences of modulation of this interface influence the function of tropomyosin (Tm) in thin filament activation. We modified the C-lobe of cTnC directly by addition of the Ca 2+ -sensitizer, EMD 57033, and indirectly by replacing native cTnI with cTnI-containing Glu residues at Ser-43 and Ser-45 (cTnI-S43E/S45E) in myofilaments from hearts of non-transgenic (NTG) and transgenic (TG) mice expressing a point mutation on α-Tm (E180G) linked to familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Introduction of cTnI-S43E/S45E induced a significantly greater reduction in tension in TG myofilaments compared to NTG controls. Furthermore, the effect of EMD 57033 to restore Ca 2+ -sensitivity was higher in TG compared to NTG fiber bundles containing cTnI-S43E/S45E and compared to TG or NTG fiber bundles containing native TnI. Our results indicate that alterations in regions of interaction among the N-terminal of cTnI, the C-lobe of cTnC, and the C-terminus of cTnT are important in the regulation of myofilament activity. Although levels of phosphorylation at protein kinase C-dependent sites were the same in TG and NTG myofilaments, our data indicate that the effects of phosphorylation were more depressive in TG hearts.
Evidence-Based Ethical Problem Solving (EBEPS)

Although there is usually agreement about the ethical principles that should govern human research, there may be little agreement on how those principles should be interpreted into research procedures in some instances. Empirical research on ethical issues can often elucidate ways to improve on existing research practices and resolve debates with one's institutional review board.
Consequences of the Pauli principle applied to a quark model analysis of light hypernuclei

Abstract The binding energy of Λ 5 He is shown to be significantly affected by the quark structure of the Λ and the Pauli principle. Possible experimental consequences for the other hypernuclei are discussed.
Development of thick orientation patterned GaP for frequency conversion in the Mid IR and THz region

Hydride vapor phase epitaxial growth of thick GaP was performed on plain substrates and on half-patterned templates in order to determine the favorable pattern orientations and the optimal growth conditions for thick device quality orientation patterned GaP. Initial optical characterization and testing of frequency conversion in the grown OPGaP are in progress.
Experimental stress analysis of dental restorations. Part VII. Structural design and stress analysis of fixed partial dentures

lh e principles of engineering design should be used in the structural design of fixed partial dentures as well as the biologic, esthetic, and mechanical restrictions of the oral cavity.’ The conventional structural design is primarily concerned with the analysis of given structures, using the conventional equations of strength of materials.2z 3 Bending moments in models representing fixed partial dentures were studied,’ and it was found that bending moments of semi-fixed partial dentures were higher than those estimated for fixed partial dentures attached at both ends. Load carrying capacities of dental beams were theoretically determined by Brumfield”g 6 who asserted that the most important factor was depth. The relationship of design to restorative materials was generally discussed in several papers.‘-g The first report concerning the measurement of stresses in fixed partial dentures using a brittle coating technique was published in 1965. lo Strain gages were also used to study the stress distribution on gold and chromium alloy bridges.ll
Path dependent network advantage

We analyze network volatility as something akin to the hum of a running engine. People active in a network produce vibration and wiggle where the connections and the network structure around these people changes frequently. We want to know how that vibration and wiggle affects their network advantage. We distinguish four dimensions to network volatility (churn, variation, trend, and reversals), measure them with panel data on a population of bankers, then add them to analysis predicting compensation from status and structural-hole measures of network advantage. We find that volatility does not affect performance directly. It creates a slope adjustment that enhances the returns to network advantage. We identify two stability traps that destroy advantage, but the key is not to avoid the traps so much as to avoid them in a particular way. The volatility that enhances is reversal: a pattern in which network advantage is lost then regained, producing oscillations in network metrics, as would be produced by a behavioral pattern of serial closure over time. Bankers who go through reversals enjoy significantly higher returns to their network advantage. In the absence of reversals, in fact, there are no returns to network advantage. We infer a "serial closure" hypothesis in which reversals are the result of bankers engaging and disengaging closed networks. Networks built through serial closure provide advantage well beyond the level expected from structure alone. We present evidence consistent with the hypothesis, but testing remains for future research. What we can say here is that the way a network develops has substantial implications for the advantage it provides.
Electronic excitation of carbon monoxide by low-energy electron impact.

Studies of the cross sections for electron-impact excitation of the valence states of carbon monoxide, i.e., the a $^{3}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}$, $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}$, a' $^{3}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$, $^{3}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, d $^{3}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$, I $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, and D $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$ states, have been carried out using the Schwinger multichannel variational method. Both differential and integral cross sections are obtained and compared with available experimental data. Reasonable agreement between the present results and experiment is seen for most of the states, and some differences are discussed. Estimates of the total cross section for electronic excitation of CO by low-energy electrons are provided.
Normal Flux through ATP-Citrate Lyase or Fatty Acid Synthase Is Not Required for Glucose-stimulated Insulin Secretion

It has been proposed that de novo synthesis of long-chain acyl-CoA (LC-CoA) is a signal for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Key enzymes involved in synthesis of fatty acids from glucose include ATP-citrate lyase (CL) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). An inhibitor of CL, hydroxycitrate (HC), has been reported to inhibit insulin secretion in some laboratories but not in others. Here we show that high concentrations of NaCl created during preparation of HC by standard methods explain the inhibition of GSIS, and that removal of the excess NaCl prevents the effect. To further investigate the role of CL, two small interfering RNA adenoviruses (Ad-siCL2 and Ad-siCL3) were generated. Ad-siCL3 reduced CL mRNA levels by 92 +/- 6% and CL protein levels by 75 +/- 4% but did not affect GSIS in 832/13 cells compared with cells treated with a control adenovirus (Ad-siControl). Similar results were obtained with Ad-siCL2. Ad-siCL3-treated cells also exhibited a 52 +/- 7% reduction in cytosolic oxaloacetate, an 83 +/- 4% reduction in malonyl-CoA levels, and inhibition of [U-(14)C]glucose incorporation into lipid by 43 +/- 4%, all expected metabolic out-comes of CL suppression. Similarly, treatment of 832/13 cells with a recombinant adenovirus specific to FAS (Ad-siFAS) reduced FAS mRNA levels by 81 +/- 2% in 832/13 cells, resulting in a 59 +/- 4% decrease in [U-(14)C]glucose incorporation into lipid, without affecting GSIS. Finally, treatment of primary rat islets with Ad-siCL3 or Ad-siFAS reduced CL and FAS mRNA levels by 65 +/- 4% and 52 +/- 3%, respectively, but had no effect on GSIS relative to Ad-siControl-treated islets. These findings demonstrate that a normal rate of flux of glucose carbons through CL and FAS is not required for GSIS in insulinoma cell lines or rat islets.