cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact mitigation of robotic system using variable stiffness joints

It is well known that human hands or arthropod grippers (claws) have variable compliance or stiffness in their joints due to their muscle articulation. Like human hands, the adaptability and efficiency of robot control technology can be improved by utilizing the intrinsic dynamics of passive elements, leading to a well balanced coupling between control and mechanical design. In this research, we address shock and vibration isolation schemes of robotic system by embedding a variable stiffness elastomer component (B-MRE) in each articulated joint. In the future research, the B-MRE will be integrated with an actual robotic joint (revolute or prismatic) to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed shock and vibration isolation schemes.
Airway Obstruction Owing to Tracheopathia Osteoplastica: Treatment by Linear Tracheoplasty

Background Tracheopathia osteoplastica is a rare disease that may involve the entire trachea and progress to critical airway obstruction. It is not dilatable and does not respond to laser therapy or bronchoscopic curettage. Stents usually cannot be inserted. Methods Lack of involvement of the membranous wall by the disease allows tracheal widening after complete linear tracheoplasty. Opening is preserved during healing by prolonged stenting with a T or T-Y silicone tube. Results Stent removal after firm healing produced long-term correction of stenosis in 3 of 4 patients, examined up to 12 years. Conclusions Severe, symptomatic tracheal obstruction by tracheopathia osteoplastica is definitively surgically correctible.
Experimental results for chronic left ventricular assist and total artificial heart development.

Summary: After more than 20 years of research on the artificial heart, it is now accepted that the pneumatically actuated total artificial heart can maintain near-normal physiology in experimental animals for several months. Such systems are clinically acceptable for short-term application (a few months) in patients waiting for a suitable heart transplant. However, realistically, a cardiac prosthesis that has the capability of being totally implantable for over 2 years must be available. Based on this premise, our group initiated the development of a mechanically actuated total artificial heart, capable of coupling with either a thermal or electrical actuation system. Since 1977, under the National Institutes of Health chronic left ventricular assist program, we have used two different pusher-plate pumps and electrical systems. Taking advantage of technology generated in these programs, we began developing a prosthesis to replace the total cardiac function. This paper is a summary of both the chronic left ventricular assist and total artificial heart development progress in this laboratory.
Intelligent Design and Theodicy

This paper explores a seldom discussed difficulty for traditional theists who wish to embrace the purported evidence employed in biochemical intelligent design arguments, and who also employ a commonly used element in their theodicies – namely, the claim that God would have reason to make a relatively orderly and self-sufficient world with stable and simple natural laws. I begin by introducing intelligent design arguments and the varieties of theodicy at issue, then I argue that there is at least a strong prima facie tension between these theodicies and the claim that God intelligently designed biochemical systems in humans and other organisms. Subsequently, I examine three strategies for resolving this tension, in increasing order of plausibility. At the end of the paper, I raise and briefly discuss some wider issues for theists enamoured with theodicy approaches that emphasize natural orderliness and the stability of laws of nature.
The emerging threat of untreatable gonococcal infection.

It is time to sound the alarm. During the past 3 years, the wily gonococcus has become less susceptible to our last line of antimi crobial defense, threatening our ability to cure gonorrhea and prevent severe sequelae.
Effects of pressure on deuterium isotope effects of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase using alternative substrates.

Abstract Hydrostatic pressure causes biphasic effects on the oxidation of alcohols by yeast alcohol dehydrogenase as expressed on the kinetic parameter V/K which measures substrate capture. Moderate pressure increases capture by activating hydride transfer, whose transition-state must therefore have a smaller volume than the free alcohol plus the capturing form of enzyme, with ΔV‡ = −30 mL mol−1 for isopropanol. A comparison of these effects with those on the oxidation of deutero-isopropanol generates a monophasic decrease in the intrinsic isotope effect; therefore, the volume of activation for the transition-state of deuteride transfer must be even more negative, by 7.6 mL mol−1. The pressure data extrapolate and factor the kinetic isotope effect into a semi-classical reactant-state component, with a null value of kH/kD = 1, and a transition-state component of QH/QD = 4, suggestive of hydrogen tunneling. Pressures above 1.5 kbar decrease capture by favoring a minor conformation of enzyme which binds nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) less tightly. This inactive conformation has a smaller volume than active E-NAD+, with a difference of 74 mL mol−1 and an equilibrium constant of 93 between them, at one atmosphere of pressure. These results are virtually identical to those obtained with benzyl alcohol [Cho and Northrop, Biochemistry 39 (2000) 2406] and give credence to this method of analysis. Moreover, qualitatively similar results with greater pressure sensitivity but less precision are obtained using ethanol as a substrate, only with pressure driving the value of the isotope effect to a value less than Dk = 1.03 directly, without extrapolation. The ethanol data verify the most surprising finding of these studies, namely that the entire kinetic isotope effect arises from a transition-state phenomenon.
Wage Bargains, Threshold Effects, and the Phillips Curve: A Reexamination

I. The wage equations, 332. — II. The steady state Phillips curve, 335, — III. The threshold price variable, 336. — IV. Conclusions, 338.
Stabilization of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 receptor in the human leukemia cell line, HL-60, with diisopropylfluorophosphate

We have investigated the reason for the lack of specific 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 binding activity in extracts of ATCC HL-60 cells. Although intact ATCC HL-60 cells specifically and saturably take up 1,25-dihydroxyl[ 3 H]vitamin D-3, whole cell extracts have little or no specific binding of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3. The absence of specific binding can now be explained by the action of a serine proteinase in these cells. When diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), a potent inhibitor of serine proteinase, is added to the buffer used for extraction, specific binding of 1,25-dihydroxy[ 3 H]vitamin D-3 in the extract is observed. The loss of specific binding could not be prevented by hydrolyzed DFP or other serine proteinase inhibitors, such as phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride, benzamidine and aprotinin. The proteolytic activity from ATCC cells also destroyed specific 1,25-dihydroxy[ 3 H]vitamin D-3 binding in high-salt extracts from pig intestinal nuclei or from another HL-60 cell line (LG HL-60 cells). However, the proteinase did not affect the levels of the specific binding in these preparations if the receptor was occupied with 1,25-dihydroxy[ 3 H]vitamin D-3 prior to exposure to the proteinase. The binding and sedimentation characteristics of the receptors from various sources were not changed by the presence of DFP. The K d of the receptor in ATCC HL-60 cells is 1.2 · 10 −10 M, which is identical to that in the LG HL-60 cells. The 1,25-dihydroxy[ 3 H]vitamin D-3 receptor complex from the ATCC cells sediments as a single 3.5 S component and elutes from DNA-Sephadex column in two peaks at 0.09 and 0.15 M KCl. The material eluting at 0.15 M KCl has the same DNA-binding activity as preparations from pig intestine or LG HL-60 cells. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that monoclonal antibodies to the pig receptor, IVG8C11, quantitatively precipitate the 1,25-dihydroxy[ 3 H]vitamin D-3-binding activity from ATCC HL-60 cells as well as that from LG HL-60 cells or pig intestinal nuclei. Therefore, the previous failure to demonstrate the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 receptor in ATCC HL-60 cells is because of the presence of a potent serine proteinase and not because of an abnormal or absent receptor.
Automated Design of Microprocessor-Based Controllers

This paper describes an approach to the automated programming of microprocessors for applications in logical control. A procedure is presented for describing control-tasks by state-diagrams. A minicomputer-resident crosscompiler entitled MRS (Microprocessor Realization of State-Diagrams) is discussed; MRS enables a designer with no knowledge of programming to translate a state-diagram into a machine-language microprocessor program. The preset version of MRS runs in 4K of core in the PDP-8 mini-computer and produces programs on paper tape for the Intel 4004 microprocessor.
Dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ spikes and Ca2+ currents in rabbit ciliary body epithelial cells.

Abstract Intracellular microelectrode and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were used to investigate a Ba2+-induced regenerative depolarization and its underlying Ba2+ current in the ciliary body epithelial cells of the rabbit eye. Exposure of these epithelial cells to 4-10 mmol l-1 Ba2+ depolarized the membrane potential and caused the generation of one or more spikes, before the membrane potential reached a steady-state level. The spikes, but not the slow phase of depolarization, could be blocked with Co2+ (2 mmol l-1), Gd3+ (25 μmoll-1), La3+ (20 μmol l-1 ), Cd2+ (10 μmol l-1), verapamil (30 μmol l-) and nifedipine (1 μmol l-1). Tetrodotoxin at 100 nmol l-1 had no effect. In the absence of Na+, but in the presence of external Ba2+, step depolarization of the membrane potential activated an inward current that could be blocked with Co2+ (2 mmol l-1), Cd2+ (10 μmol l-1) and nifedipine (1 mol l-1), but not with Ni2+ (50 μmol l-1) or ω-conotoxin (1-10 μmol). This inward current could be enhanced with the dihydropyridine agonist (±)BAY K 8644 (1 μmol l-1). The inactivation characteristics of the inward current (v1/2 = - 38·7 mV, k = 12·6 mV) is most like that seen in neurons. These findings indicate that the epithelial cells of the ciliary body possess dihydropyridine-sensitive, voltage-activated Ca2+ channels.
Isotope effect on the solvus of the V-H system

The solvus of the V-D system was determined by a resistometric technique. The solubility of deuterium is twice that determined for hydrogen in an earlier study. In the temperature range 210 to 380K, the solubility limit increases from about 0.6 to 27.4 at. pct D. Deuter-ium causes a smaller increment in the resistivity than hydrogen.
Development of pure culture biofilms of P. putida on solid supports

Pseudomonas putida biofilms were developed on and biofilm accumulation rate data were obtained for the following two classes of support materials: charged surfaces and noncharged hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. The effects of surface roughness and porosity on the rate of microbial attachment were also examined. Materials bearing a net positive or negative surface charge supported the greatest biofilm accumulation and the highest biofilm accumulation rate. Uncharged hydrophobic materials achieved the next greatest biofilm accumulation, averaging approximately 50% of the total biomass which was accumulated on the charged surface materials after 16 days. Uncharged hydrophilic materials supported very little biofilm development. In general, biofilm accumulation increased with decreasing surface roughness. The effect of pore size on biofilm accumulation was not conclusive. The biofilm accumulation kinetics showed an exponential accumulation rate for the charged surfaces and an approximately linear accumulation rate for the hydrophobic materials. This difference in accumulation kinetics is consistent with proposed differences in the physicochemical mechanism governing attachment to these two types of surface materials.
Nutritional and energetic consequences of sweetened drink consumption in 6- to 13-year-old children

Abstract Objective To study the effects of excessive sweetened drink consumption on daily energy balance and nutrient intake in a longitudinal study of children. Subjects and methods Daily dietary intakes of 30 children aged 6 to 13 years old were collected over 4 to 8 weeks. Weights and heights of children were measured at the beginning and end of the study in 21 children. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) (PROC MIXED in SAS) and multiple regression. Results Excessive sweetened drink consumption (>12 oz/day) displaced milk from children's diets (122-147 g/day less milk drank, P Conclusions Excessive sweetened drink consumption is associated with the displacement of milk from children's diets, higher daily energy intake, and greater weight gain. (J Pediatr 2003;142:604-10)
Late deformities following the transfer of the flexor carpi ulnaris to the extensor carpi radialis brevis in children with cerebral palsy.

Purpose The transfer of flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) to extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) (the Green transfer) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is a surgical option frequently used to address the typical wrist flexion deformity that is often present in these patients. We hypothesize that late deformities may occur when these transfers are performed in patients before skeletal maturity. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the frequency of these deformities and the factors that influence their development. Methods We performed 41 FCU to ECRB tendon transfers in children with CP at our institution between 1987 and 2005 and retrospectively reviewed them. A total of 24 patients with 25 transfers had a minimum 2-year follow-up and were included in the study population. We identified patients who developed a late deformity after tendon transfer. We analyzed medical records of these patients to identify factors associated with the development of a deformity. Results Of the 25 transfers, 12 developed a late deformity between 10 and 105 months postoperatively. The deformities that developed were extension deformities (8), supination deformities (one), and recurrent flexion deformities (3). Of the 12 patients with deformity, 9 required revision surgeries. Of these 12 patients, 9 who were less than 13 years of age at the time of transfer developed a late deformity, compared with 3 who were older than 13 years of age. Conclusions The FCU to ECRB tendon transfer remains a viable option to address the wrist flexion deformity seen in patients with CP. Care should be taken when performing this tendon transfer in patients less than 13 years of age because they may develop a postoperative deformity, commonly an extension deformity. We believe that these deformities develop when the patient enters a growth spurt and the transferred muscle-tendon unit does not lengthen at the same rate as the involved upper extremity. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
ATTACHMENT THEORY AND RESEARCH APPLIED TO THE CONCEPTUALIZATION AND TREATMENT OF PATHOLOGICAL NARCISSISM

This article focuses on the relevance of attachment theory and research in the conceptualization and treatment of pathological narcissism. It is proposed that the relational context of individual development and the interpersonal interpretative capacities that emerge as part of the attachment system may be salient factors in the etiology and treatment of narcissism. Included is an overview of research on attachment models and their correlation to adult psychopathology and to narcissistic personality disorders. It is suggested that internalization and maintenance of a “secure base” and improvement in self-reflective functioning informs and enriches the clinical treatment of adults with narcissistic features.
Finding the median distributively

We consider the problem of computing the median of a bag of 2n numbers by using communicating processes, each having some of the numbers in its local memory. The memories are assumed to be disjoint. For two processes an algorithm is given. Its time and space complexity is linear while the communication complexity is 2 log2 n. A lower bound of log2 n on the communication complexity is derived. Thus the algorithm is optimal up to a constant.
Clinical aspects of cutaneous leishmaniasis acquired in Texas

Five patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis are described. Four of these patients acquired leishmaniasis in Texas. Four cases represent acute cutaneous leishmaniasis, and one case probably represents chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis. The classification and treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis are reviewed. One patient in this report was successfully treated with topical antimony cream. Cutaneous leishmaniasis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of nonhealing ulcerated papules and nodules even in patients who do not have a foreign travel history.
Control of lipid metabolism in hepatomas: conversion of glutamate carbon to fatty acid carbon via citrate in several transplantable hepatomas.

Abstract 1. 1. As part of our studies of the defective dietary control of lipogenesis exhibited by all hepatomas so far examined, we have investigated the activity of the “backwards pathway” of the Krebs cycle (also known as the oxoglutarate shunt) in five transplantable hepatomas: 5123C, 7793, 7795 and 7800 in rats and BW7756 in mice. The technique used involved measurement of the conversion of [I-14C]acetate, [I-14C]-glutamate and [5-14C]glutamate to 14CO2 and 14C-labeled fatty acids by tissue slices. We also examined the effect of various diets, in particular high fat, on the activity of this pathway. 2. 2. The pathway is operative in all five tumors, and under our experimental conditions approximately the same amount of exogenous glutamate is metabolised by this route in the tumor as in normal or host liver. 3. 3. In neither normal nor tumorous tissue was the activity of this pathway greatly altered by diet. We believe that the supply of acetyl-CoA by this means is not critical in influencing the rate of lipogenesis in either tissue, and thus is not an important factor in explaining the defective dietary control of lipogenesis seen in these tumors.
Differences in beta-adrenoceptor binding in anterior and inferior myocardial wall microsomes of normal canine left ventricle

Myocardial β-adrenoceptor binding was investigated, with (−)3H dihydroalprenolol as radioligand, in microsomes derived from anterior (ALV) and inferior (ILV) myocardial wall sections of the canine left ventricle. Characterisation of specific binding sites revealed a hierarchy of myocardial β-adrenoceptor binding with greater binding occurring to the anterior than the inferior wall of the left ventricle, under identical experimental conditions. Equilibrium analysis by Scatchard plots suggested a significant (P < 0.01) difference in the number of receptors (Bmax ALV = 70 fmol·mg−1 protein vs Bmax ILV = 37 fmol·mg−1 protein) with no alteration in the binding affinity of the receptors (KDALV = 10.1 nmol·litre−1 vs KDILV = 6.7 nmol·litre−1). Such differences in the extent of binding of β-adrenoreceptors in cardiac muscle may be of physiological and pathological significance and may account for the heterogeneity of regional autonomic responses in the heart.
Gender, empowerment, and cultural preservation at Topu Honis Shelter Home, Timor-Leste

Women's empowerment, the ability of a woman to make her own decisions and shape her own life, is a common goal for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating under the gender and development framework. This article examines the way that one NGO, Topu Honis Shelter Home, in Oecussi, Timor-Leste, facilitates the empowerment of its young women members and challenges gender norms in a patriarchal society. In doing six months of participant observation research at Topu Honis and semi-structured interviews, I discerned four sources of empowerment, which are explored in this article: (1) gender equality, (2) education, (3) agency and confidence, and (4) cultural preservation. The primary finding of this research is the suggestion that cultural preservation can be an important resource for empowering women, even in a patriarchal society. At first glance, this may run counter to the dominant western notions of empowerment, but in the case of Topu Honis, key cultural practices are preserved while oppressive gen...
Residual analysis for parametric models fit to censored data

The focus of this paper is on residual analysis for the lognormal and extreme value or Weibull models, although the proposed methods can be applied to any parametric model. Residuals developed by Barlow and Prentice (1988) for the Cox proportional hazards model are extended to the parametric model setting. Three different residuals are proposed based on this approach with two residuals measuring the impact of survival time and one measuring the impact of the covariates included in the model. In addition, a residual derived from the deviations equality presented in Efron and Johnstone (1990) and the residual proposed by Joergensen (1984) for censored data models are discussed.
Improving Parallelism in Software Development Process

Software development process basically consists of phases, planned and executed in series: 1) feasibility study; 2) requirements; 3) design and 4) implementation, prior to production and maintenance. At the end of each phase, there may be an official management decision (go/not go) depending upon cost, time or other reasons. Within each phase or across-phases, parallelism or concurrency can be achieved if modularity and/or independence of functionality exist(s). We propose a different approach to software development process that allows an improved parallel planning and execution of development effort beyond modularity and functionality independence. The goal is to shorten development time while possibly cutting cost and maintaining the same intended quality of performance. An example development is sketched.
The effect of lysozyme on the electrophoretic mobility of certain cocci

Abstract Small but significant decreases in electrophoretic mobility of Sarcina lutea, Micrococcus lysodeikticus and Micrococcus albus occurred when the cells were subjected to the action of lysozyme. Heat-inactivated enzyme apparently combines with the cells causing a different type of change in the electrophoretic behavior of the cells. These findings are discussed in relation to the location of the substrate of lysozyme in the structure of the cell.
Extinction of rats’ barpressing in the presence of free food

In two experiments, hungry rats received four extinction sessions in the presence of free food. When the free food was removed for eight subsequent extinction sessions, the animals made significantly fewer responses than did control groups which received no intervening sessions. The results are contrary to those of Enkema et al (1972). From the results of additional groups of rats which received four intervening sessions of free food only, empty chamber, or time in home cage, it was concluded that the presence of free food caused the diminution in extinction responding.
One-trial backward excitatory fear conditioning in rats: Acquisition, retention, extinction, and spontaneous recovery

Water-deprived male albino rats received a single presentation of a 4-sec electric-grid-shock unconditioned stimulus followed by a 4-sec white-noise conditioned stimulus (a single backward conditioning trial.) Excitation conditioned to the noise was indexed in terms of the noise’s subsequent ability to suppress ongoing licking of a water tube. The main findings were: (1) Excitation was acquired and was retained over a 30-day retention interval; (2) although excitation was retained, it did not grow significantly stronger during the interval (there was no incubation effect); (3) excitation was extinguished by noise-alone trials; and (4) excitation showed more spontaneous recovery when extinction trials were separated by 29 days than when separated by only 1 day. Because these results are similar to those in the forward conditioning literature, they seem consistent with, but do not demand, the view that forward and backward excitatory conditioning involve similar learning processes. A current theory that embraces this view is opponent-process theory (Solomon & Corbit, 1974). We suggest that opponent-process theory can (1) account for existing backward conditioning data, (2) explain the phenomenon of incubation that has previously been described in the literature while simultaneously explaining its absence in the present study, and (3) integrate certain nonmonotonic acquisition phenomena that have appeared in both the forward and backward conditioning literatures.
The flexibility of various molecular swivels used to control the rigidity and tractability of aromatic heterocyclic polymers

Some aromatic heterocyclic polymers are rigid or rodlike and form liquid-crystalline phases which can be used to prepare films and fibers having unusual strength and thermal stability. They are, ho...
Mature clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats RNA (crRNA) length is measured by a ruler mechanism anchored at the precursor processing site

Precise RNA processing is fundamental to all small RNA-mediated interference pathways. In prokaryotes, clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) loci encode small CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) that protect against invasive genetic elements by antisense targeting. CRISPR loci are transcribed as a long precursor that is cleaved within repeat sequences by CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins. In many organisms, this primary processing generates crRNA intermediates that are subject to additional nucleolytic trimming to render mature crRNAs of specific lengths. The molecular mechanisms underlying this maturation event remain poorly understood. Here, we defined the genetic requirements for crRNA primary processing and maturation in Staphylococcus epidermidis. We show that changes in the position of the primary processing site result in extended or diminished maturation to generate mature crRNAs of constant length. These results indicate that crRNA maturation occurs by a ruler mechanism anchored at the primary processing site. We also show that maturation is mediated by specific cas genes distinct from those genes involved in primary processing, showing that this event is directed by CRISPR/Cas loci.
Scanning Probe Microscopy for the Characterization of Biomaterials and Biological Interactionsa

The scanning probe microscopies provide a unique view of biological and biomedical systems at a nanoscale appropriate to appreciate molecular events. The advent of these methods has brought the ability to acquire quantitative information at the molecular level. Given the proliferation of microscopes and associated methods, the probability for important discoveries is high. If tempered with an appreciation for the potential for artifacts, the SPMs may revolutionize our view of biological systems and biomaterials interactions with those systems.
Cooperative Goal Structure and Collaborative Learning

Teaching a thoroughgoing cooperative learning method as well as subject matter yielded both personal and academic gains.
A new light trapping TCO for nc-Si:H solar cells

Abstract A new transparent conducting light trapping structure with no free carrier absorption for solar cells is described. Indium oxide doped with molybdenum (IMO), prepared by the hollow cathode sputtering technique, exhibits high charge-carrier mobility up to 80 cm2/V s. No free-carrier absorption in the near infrared region has been found in the IMO. The superior long-wavelength transparency, however, is not sufficient for thin film Si solar cell applications. To obtain the highest possible short circuit current, the TCO needs to possess additional light trapping structure. Anisotropic etching of fiber texture oriented ZnO has been shown to result in an effective light trapping structure. Here we propose a bilayer structure that consists of light trapping-intrinsic ZnO and IMO (the ZnO/IMO bilayer). Both layers show low free-carrier absorption up to the wavelength of 1200 nm. We demonstrate the use of such a transparent conducting light trapping oxide (TCLO) in nanocrystalline (nc-Si:H) solar cells fabricated by a single chamber, batch-type PECVD process. Incorporation of such a transparent conducting light trapping bilayer can increase solar cell short-circuit current density (Jsc) by >30% compared to flat bilayers.
The stone that put the stars to flight

Absolute or Relative Motion? A Study from a Machian Point of View of the Discovery and the Structure of Dynamic Theories. Volume 1: The Discovery of Dynamics. By Julian B. Barbour. Cambridge University Press: 1989. Pp. 746. £60, $95.
Animation‐based construction schedule review

Three‐dimensional (3‐D) computer aided design (CAD) and its integration with project schedules (4‐D CAD) are promising technologies in design and construction. This paper represents a second study on the effectiveness of visualization on project planning. While the initial study investigated 2‐D, 3‐D and walk‐thru technologies’ impact on project schedule development, the subsequent study reported herein, focuses on the impact of 3‐D/4‐D visualization on project schedule review. Experimental results provide quantitative evidence of the advantages of 3‐D/4‐D representations for schedule review for construction projects.
Roots of modular units

Let p be a prime. We prove that if a modular unit has a pth root that is again a modular unit, then the level of that root is at most p times the level of the original unit.
Friction and wear of an electrically conductive polyester-carbon film

Abstract The friction and wear behavior of an electrically conductive polyester-carbon composite film was examined during dry reciprocating sliding against typical noble and base metal pins. While the frictional force was monitored continuously, the wear volume was determined at the conclusion of each test. The experimental results suggest that the carbon filler acted as an effective solid lubricant during tests against the noble metal pins. However, during tests against the base metal pins at relative humidities above about 40%, this lubricating mechanism was impaired, thus resulting in an increase in the friction and wear of the polyester-carbon composite. An adhesive wear mechanism is proposed to account for the observed behavior.
A high-order discontinuous Galerkin method for fluid–structure interaction with efficient implicit–explicit time stepping

Abstract We present a high-order accurate scheme for coupled fluid–structure interaction problems. The fluid is discretized using a discontinuous Galerkin method on unstructured tetrahedral meshes, and the structure uses a high-order volumetric continuous Galerkin finite element method. Standard radial basis functions are used for the mesh deformation. The time integration is performed using a partitioned approach based on implicit–explicit Runge–Kutta methods. The resulting scheme fully decouples the implicit solution procedures for the fluid and the solid parts, which we perform using two separate efficient parallel solvers. We demonstrate up to fifth order accuracy in time on a non-trivial test problem, on which we also show that additional subiterations are not required. We solve a benchmark problem of a cantilever beam in a shedding flow, and show good agreement with other results in the literature. Finally, we solve for the flow around a thin membrane at a high angle of attack in both 2D and 3D, and compare with the results obtained with a rigid plate.
Effect of stress state on wrinkle morphology

Wrinkles in thin films on soft substrates have been shown to self-organize into topological patterns, providing a possible route towards inexpensive generation of surface microstructure. However, the effect of the magnitude of applied stress in relation to the critical buckling stress, or overstress, on the observed patterns has until this point been neglected experimentally. In this paper, we investigate the effect of overstress using poly(dimethylsiloxane) which has been surface-oxidized with a UV-ozone oxidation technique. Using a swelling-based stress application technique, where the applied swelling stress in the thin film is controlled by changing the concentration of vapor-phase swelling agent (ethanol) in a sealed swelling chamber, we are able to impart swelling stresses below, at, and well above the critical stress. We observe a transition from hexagonally packed dimples at low overstress to ridge-based morphologies (herringbone and labyrinth) at high overstress. The observed dimple structures are remarkably widespread, and the hexagonal arrangement of these dimples is confirmed using Fourier analysis. Although analytical results predict that a square arrangement of dimples is preferred to hexagonal for flat wrinkling surfaces, hexagonal arrays are nonetheless unilaterally observed at low overstress. We attribute this observation to an inherent curvature that develops in the swelling film. The overstress is quantified by measuring the radius of curvature of swelling bilayer beams, both confirming the preferential swelling of the surface oxide layer by ethanol and quantifying the swelling extent. Effects of non-equibiaxial stress are investigated by inducing a compressive prestress prior to swelling, and “trapped” non-equilibrium morphologies are discussed briefly.
Sleep disorders in morbid obesity

The increasing prevalence of obesity has lead to an increase in the prevalence of sleep disordered breathing in the general population. The disproportionate structural characteristics of the pharyngeal airway and the diminished neural regulation of the pharyngeal dilating muscles during sleep predispose the obese patients to pharyngeal airway collapsibility. A subgroup of obese apneic patients is unable to compensate for the added load of obesity on the respiratory system, with resultant daytime hypercapnia. Weight loss using dietary modification and life style changes is the safest approach to reducing the severity of sleep apnea, but its efficacy is limited on the long run. Although it has inherent risks, bariatric surgery provides the most immediate result in alleviating sleep apnea. Obesity has been linked also to narcolepsy. The loss of neuropeptides co-localized in hypocretin neurons is suggested as the potential mechanism. Poor sleep quality, which leads to overall sleep loss and excessive daytime sleepiness has also become a frequent complaint in this population. Identifying abnormal nocturnal eating is critically important for patient care. Both sleep related eating disorder and night eating syndrome are treatable and represent potentially reversible forms of obesity.
RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF ULTRA‐HIGH TEMPERATURE STEAM INJECTED DAIRY PRODUCTS ON AGING1

Milk (0.5, 3.25, and 10.5% fat) was processed in an ultra-hightemperature steam injection system. Process time-temperature relationships included 138, 143, and 149°C for 20.3s; 143 and 149°C for 6.9 s; and 149°C for 3.4 s. Product from each run was stored at 4, 24, and 40°C Using four commercial viscometer assemblies the flow behavior constants of the power-law equation were determined for each treatment through 60 weeks of storage. Regression analysis of the calculated power law constants resulted in a graphical summary of the history of flow properties for each treatment. Age-thickening (gelation) was found to be associated with process residence time, storage temperature, storage time, and fat level. Process temperature was not a significant factor. The shorter the residence time the faster gelation occurred. The earlier a sample gelled the faster its rate of gelation. For a given residence time, gelation developed first in samples of low percent fat and progressed through higher fat contents. A gelation prediction nomograph based on fat level, residence time, and storage time is presented for a 24°C storage temperature.
Search Helper: Sancho Panza or Mephistopheles?

Search Helper was selected as a system for introducing the Carnegie‐Mellon University community to do‐it‐yourself database searching. Use of Search Helper was offered without charge to CMU students and faculty. User satisfaction and reaction to the service were monitored with a simple survey. Preliminary results of the survey are reported along with critical evaluations of the system's capabilities and performance. Search Helper proved extremely popular with library users. Specific suggestions for enhancing the effectiveness of this gateway software package focus upon the type of documentation and error messages available to users.
Chemically Distinct Ni Sites in the A-Cluster in Subunit β of the Acetyl-CoA Decarbonylase/Synthase Complex from Methanosarcina thermophila: Ni L-Edge Absorption and X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism Analyses

The 5-subunit-containing acetyl-CoA decarbonylase/synthase (ACDS) complex plays an important role in methanogenic Archaea that convert acetate to methane, by catalyzing the central reaction of acet...
A new technique for estimating the thickness of mare basalts in Imbrium Basin

[1] The total volume of extrusive volcanism on the Moon provides a basic thermal and geologic constraint, and accurate volume assessments are contingent upon constraining lava flow depths. Here, employing UV-VIS data from the Clementine mission, we estimate mare thickness values in the Imbrium Basin by analyzing ejecta from large (>10 km diameter) impact craters that penetrate (or failed to penetrate) through the mare. Mare thickness values are found to range from at least ∼2 km at the basin center to 1.5–2.0 km in the buried ring shelf annulus. This corresponds to a basalt volume of ∼1.3 × 106 km3, almost a factor of two greater than the volume estimated from partially filled craters alone. Our results indicate that thickness measurements from penetrating craters, combined with minimum estimates from partially filled and non-penetrating craters, provide a more complete picture of the spatial variation of basalt thickness values than could previously be obtained.
Reducing systemic toxicity in local tumor gene therapy using an alginate solution

To reduce dissemination of viral vectors and their gene products during and after local gene therapy, we mixed adenoviral vectors with an alginate solution and subsequently injected the mixture into mouse tumors. We found that the alginate solution significantly reduced the dissemination of adenoviral vectors for enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and IL-12 into the liver and the IL-12 concentration in the serum. On the other hand, the alginate solution had no effects on EGFP and IL-12 expressions in tumors as well as the growth of IL-12 vector treated tumors.
Inference of patient-specific pathway activities from multi-dimensional cancer genomics data using PARADIGM

Motivation: High-throughput data is providing a comprehensive view of the molecular changes in cancer tissues. New technologies allow for the simultaneous genome-wide assay of the state of genome copy number variation, gene expression, DNA methylation and epigenetics of tumor samples and cancer cell lines. Analyses of current data sets find that genetic alterations between patients can differ but often involve common pathways. It is therefore critical to identify relevant pathways involved in cancer progression and detect how they are altered in different patients. Results: We present a novel method for inferring patient-specific genetic activities incorporating curated pathway interactions among genes. A gene is modeled by a factor graph as a set of interconnected variables encoding the expression and known activity of a gene and its products, allowing the incorporation of many types of omic data as evidence. The method predicts the degree to which a pathway's activities (e.g. internal gene states, interactions or high-level ‘outputs’) are altered in the patient using probabilistic inference. Compared with a competing pathway activity inference approach called SPIA, our method identifies altered activities in cancer-related pathways with fewer false-positives in both a glioblastoma multiform (GBM) and a breast cancer dataset. PARADIGM identified consistent pathway-level activities for subsets of the GBM patients that are overlooked when genes are considered in isolation. Further, grouping GBM patients based on their significant pathway perturbations divides them into clinically-relevant subgroups having significantly different survival outcomes. These findings suggest that therapeutics might be chosen that target genes at critical points in the commonly perturbed pathway(s) of a group of patients. Availability:Source code available at http://sbenz.github.com/Paradigm Contact: jstuart@soe.ucsc.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Peak-to-mean power control and error correction for OFDM transmission using Golay sequences and Reed-Muller codes

A coding scheme for OFDM transmission is proposed, exploiting a previously unrecognised connection between pairs of Golay complementary sequences and second-order Reed-Muller codes. The scheme solves the notorious problem of power control in OFDM systems by maintaining a peak-to-mean envelope power ratio of at most 3 dB while allowing simple encoding and decoding at high code rates for binary, quaternary or higher-phase signalling together with good error correction.
Toll-like Receptor Ligands Energize Peptide Vaccines through Multiple Paths

The potential of vaccines for cancer therapy or prevention has yet to be realized. Recently, we showed that using an immunologic adjuvant composed of a Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand can increase the production of antitumor CTLs produced by a peptide vaccine in a mouse model of breast cancer. By increasing the cross talk between the innate and adaptive immune systems, TLR ligands can drive expansion and memory of CTLs that can destroy cancer cells.
Novices, Apprentices, and Mnemonists: Acquiring Expertise with the Phonetic Mnemonic

Three kinds of participants can be identified in research with the phonetic mnemonic—novices, apprentices, and mnemonists, and most research has involved novices. Two experiments investigated whether ordinary college students using the phonetic mnemonic could duplicate two feats of Luria's memorist identified as S: memorizing a 20-digit matrix in 40 seconds, and memorizing a 50-digit matrix in 3 minutes. Experiment 1 was a large-n study in which novices were provided with phonetic keywords along with the matrices; nearly half of the students successfully memorized each matrix with no errors in recall. Experiment 2 was a small-n study in which apprentices were not given the keywords with the matrices; three of the four students also successfully memorized each matrix with perfect recall. The results suggest that ordinary college students are capable of acquiring a level of skilled memory that rivals the abilities that appear to be innate or idiosyncratic in memorists and mnemonists, and that additional research with mnemonic apprentices might be beneficial. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Citizen science system assemblages: understanding the technologies that support crowdsourced science

We explore the nature of technologies to support citizen science, a method of inquiry that leverages the power of crowds to collect and analyze scientific data. We evaluate these technologies as system assemblages, collections of interrelated functionalities that support specific activities in pursuit of overall project goals. The notion of system assemblages helps us to explain how different citizen science platforms may be comprised of widely varying functionalities, yet still support relatively similar goals. Related concepts of build vs. buy and web satisfiers vs. web motivators are used to explore how different citizen science functionalities may lead to successful project outcomes. Four detailed case studies of current citizen science projects encompassing a cross-section of varying project sizes, resource levels, technologies, and approaches to inquiry help us to answer the following research questions: 1) What do typical system assemblages for citizen science look like? 2) What factors influence the composition of a system assemblage for citizen science? 3) What effect does the assemblage composition have on scientific goals, participant support, motivation, and satisfaction? and 4) What are the design implications for the system assemblage perspective on citizen science technologies?
A food regime genealogy.

Food regime analysis emerged to explain the strategic role of agriculture and food in the construction of the world capitalist economy. It identifies stable periods of capital accumulation associated with particular configurations of geopolitical power, conditioned by forms of agricultural production and consumption relations within and across national spaces. Contradictory relations within food regimes produce crisis, transformation, and transition to successor regimes. This ‘genealogy’ traces the development of food regime analysis in relation to historical and intellectual trends over the past two decades, arguing that food regime analysis underlines agriculture's foundational role in political economy/ecology.
Surgical Pearl: Removal of large oval lesions with a smaller round punch.

M any patients request the removal of common moles and other unwanted lesions with entirely benign clinical features for cosmetic reasons or because they are repeatedly traumatized by clothing, shaving, jewelry, or body movements. The goal is to efficiently remove such lesions while minimizing the chance for recurrence and scarring. A variety of methods for removal of such lesions are available and include: elliptical, round, and shave excisions; shave excision followed by electrodessication; cryotherapy combined with curetting or scissor excision; and punch excision. The standard punch excision technique uses disposable punches, which are available in 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 mm. Generally, a punch is chosen that is at least .2-mm larger than the maximum diameter of a mole or other benign lesion. Round excision of this type preserves normal tissue, but dog-ears may be produced when the wound is closed. In the case of keratinous cysts, pilar cysts, and lipomas, larger lesions can be removed through a small punch incision opening. We often encounter lesions that are larger in one diameter than the punch that would be chosen based on the narrower width of a lesion. In addition, an oval lesion measuring 6 3 11 mm might be considered too large to remove with the largest 8 mm—diameter punch. Using a modified punch excision technique, lesions with benign clinical appearance that exhibit these features are readily excised. Staff and physician time is preserved by avoiding a freehand wedge excision and the wound created has an oval shape that produces excellent cosmetic results.