cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergence of the solution for a domain decomposed, heterogeneously modeled flow past a concave profile problem

The free streamline problem investigated is that of fluid flow past a symmetric truncated concave-shaped profile between walls. An open wake or cavity is formed behind the profile. Conformal mapping techniques are used to solve this problem. The problem formulated in the hodograph plane is decomposed into two nonoverlapping domains. Heterogeneous modeling is then used to describe the problems, i.e., a different governing differential equation in each domain. In one of these domains, a Baiocchi-type transformation is used to obtain a fixed domain formulation for the part of the transformed problem containing an unknown boundary. In the other domain, the Baiocchi-type transformation is extended across the boundary between the two domains, thus yielding a different problem formulation. This also assures that the dependent variables and their normal derivatives are continuous along this common boundary. The numerical solution scheme, a successive over-relaxation approach, is applied over the whole problem domain with the use of a projection-operation over only the fixed domain formulated part. Numerical results are obtained for the case of a truncated circular profile. These results are found to be in good agreement with another published result. The existence and uniqueness of the solution to the problem as a variational inequality is shown, and the convergence of the numerical solution using a domain decomposition method scheme is demonstrated by assuming some convergence property on the common interface of the two subdomains. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Numeer Methods Partial Differential Eq 16: 459–479, 2000
Mechanical properties of palladium and palladium hydride

Interest in the mechanical properties of the Pd-H system stems from its role as a model metal hydride as well as from its potential practical utility. The attractiveness of palladium hydride can be attributed, in part, to the high hydrogen mobility in Pd and the relative lack of absorption barriers such as stable surface oxides. However, despite extensive attention to the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of the system, little has been reported on the mechanical properties of the hydride. The lack of mechanical property data for the hydride can be understood given the thermodynamics of the system. PdH is a weakly exothermic hydride and consequently, it requires a hydrogen overpressure to maintain the stability of the hydride phase. The importance of mechanical property measurements is made clear by considering how Pd responds to the solid solution ({alpha}) {yields} hydride ({beta}) phase transformation at low temperatures. This paper shows that near room temperature, the Pd-H system has a miscibility gap within which both phases co-exist. Thus the transformation can occur across a constant pressure plateau and the two-phase field can exist over a large range of hydrogen concentration from 0.03 to {approx}0.60. Both the {alpha}- and {beta}-phase are f.c.c. structures. However,more » the formation of the {beta}-phase results in {approx}10% volume expansion. This volume expansion causes the severe deformation of the host metal, which can be manifested in the change in shape of Pd foils after hydriding. Such observations promote the need to quantify the mechanical behavior of the system in order to understand the role of deformation in the formation of the hydride.« less
A PERCEPTIVE REFERENCE FRAME FOR COOPERATIVE AND RECONFIGURABLE MULTI-ROBOT SYSTEMS

Abstract This paper presents an analysis and design method for human/robot integrated systems, especially for the cooperative sensing and operation of human and robot formations in human centered environments. The key for the human/robot formation integrated system is to create a common motion reference that can be understood by both human and the robots in the formation. The perceptive reference frame is introduced and the characteristics of perceptive frame are compared with time based reference frame. The applications of perceptive reference frame to multi-agents coordination in a human/mobile manipulators coordination are then discussed. Simulations and experiments have been used to verify the theoretical results.
Depression: What We can Learn from Postmortem Studies

The existence of depression has been recognized for decades, but its precise neurobiological basis remains unknown. Whereas neuroimaging studies unravel the gross morphological localization of dysfunctional brain regions in depression, postmortem studies provide further insights into the cellular and neurochemical substrates of depression. Recent cell-counting studies have established that major depressive disorder and bipolar illness are characterized by alterations in the density and size of neuronal and glial cells in fronto-limbic brain regions. It remains to be fully elucidated to what extent these findings represent neurodevelopmental abnormalities or disease progression and whether the cellular changes observed in depression can be reversed by antidepressant and mood-stabilizing medications. Efforts to unravel specific groups of genes that are compromised in depression have recently been undertaken by investigators in the postmortem research field. Future studies will determine whether these genes may be novel targets of therapeutic medications.
An analytic study of tensile and puncture test behavior as a function of large-strain properties

The mechanics of “cold-drawing” in ductile thermoplastics are examined analytically. The fundamental postyield, strain hardening behavior of these thermoplastics as defined by a true stress versus true (natural) strain relationship is related to macroscopic, large deformation behavior in unidirectional tension tests arid axisymmetric puncture tests. The phenomena of load-drop after yield and propagating necks are examined with respect to tension tests and are related to draw strain and large deformation strain hardening modulus. In addition, these same fundamental material properties are also shown to have a significant effect upon the energy absorption capability of thermoplastics as measured by puncture tests.
General principles to enhance practice patterns in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Aim: To develop general rules on how to pursue a therapeutic goal of interventional endoscopy without getting lost in abundant details. Methods: The influences of various medical interventions on the survival of a patient with gastrointestinal haemorrhage are modelled by an influence diagram. Survival is the focal point of multiple influences affecting its overall strength. Any downstream influence can represent the focal point of other preceding upstream influences. The mathematics underlying the influence diagram are similar to those of a decision tree with some notable exceptions. Its formalism allows one to consider inhibitory and additive influences and to include in the same analysis non-commensurable qualities, such as correct diagnosis, haemostasis or survival. Results: The analysis reveals five general rules. First, the large number of factors involved in successful endoscopy render the influence of each individual factor less important. Second, a single factor that exerts its influence on many subsequent factors tends to be associated with an overall greater relevance. Third, remote influences are of lesser relevance than those directly linked to the final outcome. Fourth, factors multiplied by several consecutive probabilities lose their influence. Fifth, endoscopists need to assess the relevance of individual factors with respect to the immediate goals of endoscopy, as well as the general goals of patient well-being. Conclusions: The influence model of endoscopic haemostasis reveals several general principles that can be utilized as tools in endoscopy training.
Matrix Representations of Sturm–Liouville Problems with Finite Spectrum

We identify a class of Sturm–Liouville equations such that any Sturm–Liouville (SL) problem consisting of such an equation and an arbitrary separated or coupled real self-adjoint boundary condition has a representation as an equivalent finite dimensional matrix eigenvalue problem. Conversely, given any matrix eigenvalue problem of certain type and an arbitrary separated or coupled real self-adjoint (SL) boundary condition, we construct a class of Sturm–Liouville problems with the specified boundary condition, each of which is equivalent to the given matrix eigenvalue problem.
On the Stability of Shift Variant Discrete Systems

Abstract Several new conditions for the asymptotic convergence of the solutions of shift variant discrete systems are established. Some properties of periodic systems and the bounded- input-bounded-output stability of shift variant systems are also proven.
MEMS tunable THz filters for sensing

We propose a tunable THz filter using frequency selective surfaces (FSS) integrated with MEMS switches for terahertz (THz) sensing. These types of filter windows are placed in front of THz sensors to increase signal-to-noise ratio and reduce sensor sensitivity with mid IR and visible light bands. The FSS filter is simulated using Pyrex glass dielectric layer as substrate and employs double square loop slots. Simulations show excellent transmittance. According to different position of MEMS switches (up and down), the peak frequency is varied over 0-0.56 THz.
Down-regulation of Yes Associated Protein 1 expression reduces cell proliferation and clonogenicity of pancreatic cancer cells.

Background The Hippo pathway regulates organ size by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting cell apoptosis upon its activation. The Yes Associated Protein 1 (YAP1) is a nuclear effector of the Hippo pathway that promotes cell growth as a transcription co-activator. In human cancer, the YAP1 gene was reported as amplified and over-expressed in several tumor types. Methods Immunohistochemical staining of YAP1 protein was used to assess the expression of YAP1 in pancreatic tumor tissues. siRNA oligonucleotides were used to knockdown the expression of YAP1 and their effects on pancreatic cancer cells were investigated using cell proliferation, apoptosis, and anchorage-independent growth assays. The Wilcoxon signed-rank, Pearson correlation coefficient, Kendall's Tau, Spearman's Rho, and an independent two-sample t (two-tailed) test were used to determine the statistical significance of the data. Results Immunohistochemistry studies in pancreatic tumor tissues revealed YAP1 staining intensities were moderate to strong in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the tumor cells, whereas the adjacent normal epithelial showed negative to weak staining. In cultured cells, YAP1 expression and localization was modulated by cell density. YAP1 total protein expression increased in the nuclear fractions in BxPC-3 and PANC-1, while it declined in HPDE6 as cell density increased. Additionally, treatment of pancreatic cancer cell lines, BxPC-3 and PANC-1, with YAP1-targeting siRNA oligonucleotides significantly reduced their proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, treatment with YAP1 siRNA oligonucleotides diminished the anchorage-independent growth on soft agar of pancreatic cancer cells, suggesting a role of YAP1 in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis. Conclusions YAP1 is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and potentially plays an important role in the clonogenicity and growth of pancreatic cancer cells.
Purinergic receptors activating rapid intracellular Ca2+ increases in microglia

We provide both molecular and pharmacological evidence that the metabotropic, purinergic, P2Y6, P2Y12 and P2Y13 receptors and the ionotropic P2X4 receptor contribute strongly to the rapid calcium response caused by ATP and its analogues in mouse microglia. Real-time PCR demonstrates that the most prevalent P2 receptor in microglia is P2Y6 followed, in order, by P2X4, P2Y12, and P2X7 = P2Y13. Only very small quantities of mRNA for P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, P2Y14, P2X3 and P2X5 were found. Dose-response curves of the rapid calcium response gave a potency order of: 2MeSADP>ADP=UDP=IDP=UTP>ATP>BzATP, whereas A2P4 had little effect. Pertussis toxin partially blocked responses to 2MeSADP, ADP and UDP. The P2X4 antagonist suramin, but not PPADS, significantly blocked responses to ATP. These data indicate that P2Y6, P2Y12, P2Y13 and P2X receptors mediate much of the rapid calcium responses and shape changes in microglia to low concentrations of ATP, presumably at least partly because ATP is rapidly hydrolyzed to ADP. Expression of P2Y6, P2Y12 and P2Y13 receptors appears to be largely glial in the brain, so that peripheral immune cells and CNS microglia share these receptors. Thus, purinergic, metabotropic, P2Y6, P2Y12, P2Y13 and P2X4 receptors might share a role in the activation and recruitment of microglia in the brain and spinal cord by widely varying stimuli that cause the release of ATP, including infection, injury and degeneration in the CNS, and peripheral tissue injury and inflammation which is signaled via nerve signaling to the spinal cord.
Recent advances in anticoagulant therapy for acute coronary syndromes.

Abstract Background Despite major advances in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), ischemic heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the industrialized world. Although unfractionated heparin (UFH) has been the anticoagulant of choice in ACS treatments, both low-molecular-weight heparins and direct thrombin inhibitors are at least as effective as UFH in comparative clinical trials. UFH has been linked to a discontinuation rebound in thrombin generation, which is associated with greater ischemic end points than those with the direct thrombin inhibitor hirudin. Furthermore, UFH can increase platelet activation in ACS. Methods This review summarizes the investigation of new molecular approaches to further improve clinical outcomes in ACS. Results The more recently developed synthetic pentasaccharide Org31540/SR90107A provides potent antithrombotic activity through selective inhibition of Factor Xa by high-affinity binding to antithrombin III. Unlike UFH, the pentasaccharide does not bind platelet factor 4 and is not associated with platelet activation. New approaches to coronary thrombosis prevention/treatment that involve inhibition higher up the extrinsic coagulation pathway have been suggested. In view of its undesirable features, UFH may become obsolete with the advent of newer antithrombotic agents. Conclusions Applications for the pentasaccharide and other new anticoagulants await results from definitive, large-scale trials. (Am Heart J 2001;142:S22-9.)
R -Functions in mathematical simulation of physical fields in lattices of fuel elements

Using the method of R -functions, we state and solve the problem of an electromagnetic flowmeter for models of assemblies of fuel elements with various cross sections as well as the hydrodynamics problem for regular square and triangular lattices of fuel elements.
Review of Brain Abscesses

A brain abscess is a focus of infected brain parenchyma. Most brain abscesses result from infection, trauma, or surgery. Although some abscesses cause localizing neurological signs or symptoms, most present with nonspecific symptoms such as headache, fever, lethargy, and malaise. Because the presentation is often nonspecific, a high index of suspicion is crucial to early detection and diagnosis. Although computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are highly sensitive detectors of brain abscess, they are less specific. Except in cases with accessible systemic infection, brain biopsy, or resection is often needed to confirm the diagnosis and to obtain tissue for culture. Patient outcome is usually favorable with early detection and aggressive treatment. Abscess rupture, particularly into the cerebral ventricles, often has dire neurological consequences that may prove fatal.
SHMEM+: A multilevel-PGAS programming model for reconfigurable supercomputing

Reconfigurable Computing (RC) systems based on FPGAs are becoming an increasingly attractive solution to building parallel systems of the future. Applications targeting such systems have demonstrated superior performance and reduced energy consumption versus their traditional counterparts based on microprocessors. However, most of such work has been limited to small system sizes. Unlike traditional HPC systems, lack of integrated, system-wide, parallel-programming models and languages presents a significant design challenge for creating applications targeting scalable, reconfigurable HPC systems. In this article, we extend the traditional Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) model to provide a multilevel integration of memory, which simplifies development of parallel applications for such systems and improves developer productivity. The new multilevel-PGAS programming model captures the unique characteristics of reconfigurable HPC systems, such as the existence of multiple levels of memory hierarchy and heterogeneous computation resources. Based on this model, we extend and adapt the SHMEM communication library to become what we call SHMEM+, the first known SHMEM library enabling coordination between FPGAs and CPUs in a reconfigurable, heterogeneous HPC system. Applications designed with SHMEM+ yield improved developer productivity compared to current methods of multidevice RC design and exhibit a high degree of portability. In addition, our design of SHMEM+ library itself is portable and provides peak communication bandwidth comparable to vendor-proprietary versions of SHMEM. Application case studies are presented to illustrate the advantages of SHMEM+.
A simple three-dimensional magnetic field interpolation technique

Abstract A simple technique based on the least-squares method for interpolating a magnetic field in three-dimensions is discussed. The technique has been used successfully in a Monte Carlo model for a neutron-proton elastic scattering experiment performed at the Los Alamos meson physics facility. Results from this model are given as an example. Some of the methods should be useful in other applications in which it is necessary to generate a smooth function that is constrained to pass through a set of measured points.
Paired box gene 8, HBME-1, and cytokeratin 19 expression in preoperative fine-needle aspiration of papillary thyroid carcinoma: diagnostic utility.

BACKGROUND: Paired box gene 8 (PAX8), a member of the thyroid-specific transcription factors, has recently been investigated as a useful marker of thyroid epithelial neoplasms. To the authors' knowledge, its utility in the immunohistochemistry of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has not been well studied to date. The goal of the current study was to compare the immunohistochemical expression of PAX8 with HBME-1 and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) expression on cell block preparations of PTC and benign thyroid nodules (BTN). METHODS: Thirty-two cases of PTC and 20 cases of BTN diagnosed on fine-needle aspiration were included. The cell blocks were immunohistochemically stained for PAX8, HBME-1, and CK19. RESULTS: PAX8 demonstrated nuclear positivity in >90% of cases with PTC (31 of 32 cases; 96.9%) and BTN (20 of 20 cases; 100%), with a high sensitivity (0.97), but low specificity (0). HBME-1 and CK19 were found to have high sensitivity (0.78 and 0.75, respectively) and specificity (0.95 for both) for PTC. Statistically significant differences in staining intensity and distribution were noted for the PAX8 antibody (negative [1 of 32 cases] to weakly positive [20 of 32 cases] in 65.6% of PAX8-positive PTCs, and intermediate to strong in 100% of BTNs). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to PAX8, HBME-1 and CK19 were found to have a high degree of both sensitivity and specificity for PTC. The results of the current study demonstrate that strong PAX8 staining appears to be typical of BTNs, whereas negative to weakly positive staining is noted in PTC. PAX8, HMBE-1 and CK19 may all play a role, particularly as a panel; however, the interpretation of PAX8 should consider the intensity and distribution of staining. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Emotional and Behavioral Effects of Participating in an Online Study of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: An Experimental Analysis

In this study, we experimentally assessed whether participating in online research about nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) may produce iatrogenic effects. A sample of 847 college students was randomly...
Organization and differential activation of a gene family encoding the plant defense enzyme chalcone synthase in Phaseolus vulgaris.

Chalcone synthase (CHS) catalyzes the first and key regulatory step in the branch pathway of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis specific for synthesis of ubiquitous flavonoid pigments and UV protectants. In bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and other members of the Leguminoseae, chalcone synthase is also involved in the synthesis of the isoflavonoid-derived phytoalexin antibiotics characteristic of this family. We have demonstrated that the haploid genome of bean contains a family of about six to eight CHS genes, some of which are tightly clustered. Treatment of bean cells with fungal elicitor activates several of these genes leading to the accumulation of at least five and probably as many as nine distinct CHS transcripts encoding a set of CHS isopolypeptides of Mr 42–43 kDa but with differing pI in the range pH 6–7. In elicited cells specific transcripts and encoded polypeptides are differentially induced with respect to both the extent and kinetics of accumulation. Wounding or infection of hypocotyl tissue also activates several CHS genes with marked differences in the pattern of accumulation of specific transcripts and encoded polypeptides in wounded compared to infected tissue or elicited cells, indicating operation of more than one cue for defense gene activation. Illumination induces accumulation of a different set of CHS transcripts including only one of the set hitherto demonstrated to be induced by biological stress. The organization and differential regulation of the CHS gene family in bean are discussed in relation to the functions of this enzyme in adaptative and protective responses to diverse enviromental stresses.
Model Predictive Control of Integrated Hybrid Electric Powertrains Coupled With Aftertreatment Systems

For hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), especially for diesel-electric hybrid vehicles, the low exhaust gas temperature induced by the hybridization and fuel economy optimization will bring significant impact on the performance of the exhaust gas aftertreatment systems, and may consequently lead to violation of the tailpipe emission constraints. To investigate the influence of diesel powertrain hybridization on the aftertreatment system and tailpipe emissions, an integrated HEV model is established by incorporating the thermodynamics models of the aftertreatment systems. This comprehensive model is able to predict engine-out nitrogen oxides (NOx) concentration, exhaust gas temperature, and to describe the temperature dynamics in the aftertreatment systems. A static map of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system temperature-dependent de-NOx efficiency is utilized, so that the tailpipe NOx can be predicted. To investigate the tradeoff between fuel consumption and emissions for diesel HEV with aftertreatment systems, a preliminary study is carried out on optimally balancing both aspects via a model predictive control scheme. This controller is designed with an explicit consideration of HEV tailpipe NOx emission constraint. The simulation results show that the HEV tailpipe NOx emissions can be regulated by slightly sacrificing the fuel economy.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Phylogenetic relationships of the dwarf boas and a comparison of Bayesian and bootstrap measures of phylogenetic support.

Four New World genera of dwarf boas (Exiliboa, Trachyboa, Tropidophis, and Ungaliophis) have been placed by many systematists in a single group (traditionally called Tropidophiidae). However, the monophyly of this group has been questioned in several studies. Moreover, the overall relationships among basal snake lineages, including the placement of the dwarf boas, are poorly understood. We obtained mtDNA sequence data for 12S, 16S, and intervening tRNA-val genes from 23 species of snakes representing most major snake lineages, including all four genera of New World dwarf boas. We then examined the phylogenetic position of these species by estimating the phylogeny of the basal snakes. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that New World dwarf boas are not monophyletic. Instead, we find Exiliboa and Ungaliophis to be most closely related to sand boas (Erycinae), boas (Boinae), and advanced snakes (Caenophidea), whereas Tropidophis and Trachyboa form an independent clade that separated relatively early in snake radiation. Our estimate of snake phylogeny differs significantly in other ways from some previous estimates of snake phylogeny. For instance, pythons do not cluster with boas and sand boas, but instead show a strong relationship with Loxocemus and Xenopeltis. Additionally, uropeltids cluster strongly with Cylindrophis, and together are embedded in what has previously been considered the macrostomatan radiation. These relationships are supported by both bootstrapping (parametric and nonparametric approaches) and Bayesian analysis, although Bayesian support values are consistently higher than those obtained from nonparametric bootstrapping. Simulations show that Bayesian support values represent much better estimates of phylogenetic accuracy than do nonparametric bootstrap support values, at least under the conditions of our study.
Step-density-wave phase of crystalline interfaces.

The combined effect of striction and crystallinity can produce a state for vicinal crystalline interfaces, which we call the step-density-wave (StDW) phase due to its resemblance to the charge-density-wave phase of one-dimensional conductors. This phase arises due to a spontaneous periodic distortion of the surface commensurate with the steps, which creates a potential that localizes them. In many cases of interest the energy gain of step localization is greater than the energy cost of the elastic distortion, thus favoring the StDW phase. There is true long-range translational order of the step positions relative to the surface distortion, which makes the StDW phase similar to traditional smooth interfaces. The surface distortion and associated step waves are not fixed rigidly in space, however, but only relative to each other. Therefore, in the absence of pinning by impurities, the combined system of steps with associated surface elastic distortion can move freely in response to an external force (for example, under crystal growth conditions) so that in this respect it resembles a rough interface. In this paper we demonstrate the existence of the StDW phase and study the phase transitions between the rough phase of wandering steps and the StDW phase. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
High-temperature diffraction study of LnCoO3 perovskites: A high-order electronic phase transition

Abstract A powder X-ray diffraction study of selected orthorhombic LnCoO 3 (Ln = Nd, Gd, Dy, and Ho) perovskites has been performed between 300 and 1098 K. The room-temperature result shows that polyhedral distortion increases with decreasing Ln ionic radius. The distortions for both the Co octahedra and Ln dodecahedra increase from NdCoO 3 to HoCoO 3 , and the average Co-O bond length remains unchanged. Although there are no symmetry-related structural changes up to 1098 K, it was observed that, with increasing temperature, the polyhedral distortion first decreases up to T 1 , (for Nd T 1 ⩽ 300 K, which increases gradually with Ln atomic number, and for Ho T 1 = 730 K), and then increases to T 2 ( T 2 = 730 K for Nd and ⩾ 1100 K for Ho), after which the distortion decreases again. This change in distortion is also accompanied by a large unit cell volume increase. These observations are attributed to a high-order cobalt electronic phase transition, in which the localized cobalt 3 d electrons in t 2 g and e g orbitals gradually transform within the temperature range between T 1 and T 2 to an itinerant state forming the π ∗5 σ ∗1 3 d electron band with σ ∗ half-filled.
Electrophysiologic monitoring of the effects of soluble virulence factors produced by Escherichia coli infection in urine

Abstract Objectives The presence of soluble virulence factors in urine infected by Escherichia coli has been postulated by recent studies in a rabbit bladder model. These substances may enhance bacterial adherence by damaging the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer that: normally blocks both bacterial adherence and diffusion of solutes to the level of the epithelial membrane. We evaluated the effects of E. coli -infected urine on New Zealand white rabbit bladder mucosal permeability by measuring conductance ( g ) and current ( l ) and then calculating resistance ( R ) using the formula R = I ÷ g . Methods Forty-five rabbit bladders were prepared and mounted in Ussing chambers. The group was divided equally into three smaller cohorts (n = 15). The first cohort (NL) was exposed to uninfected sterile-filtered urine, the second cohort (PS) was a positive control exposed to uninfected sterile-filtered urine containing protamine sulfate, and the final cohort (INFX) was exposed to supernatants of E. coli -infected (more than 10 7 colony-forming units) sterile-filtered urine. The average time of exposure was 160 minutes, and the previously mentioned electrophysiologic parameters were measured and recorded. Results The results of the PS group showed statistically significant differences in conductance, current, and resistance compared with the NL group. The decline in resistance accompanied by elevation in both current and conductance was an indirect indication that the GAG layer was functionally disturbed with a secondary increase in mucosal permeability. In a similar fashion, the INFX group also showed a statistically significant rise in conductance as well as a decline in resistance. Conclusions These data support the concept that E. coli -infected urine contains soluble factors that can damage the GAG layer. Although these substances appear to be less potent than quaternary or polyamines such as protamine sulfate, their mechanism of action appears similar and may enhance bacterial virulence.
Relationship of lower limb height to sitting height in black populations of Africa and the United States.

This article examines a recently reported generalization. Materials from more than a score of investigations are drawn upon. These materials show there is not a substantial research base for the claim that interbreeding in the United States between black people of African ancestry and white people of European ancestry has resulted in increased lower limb height relative to sitting height.
What are critical outcome measures for patients receiving pituitary replacement following brain injury

There are scant prospective studies defining improvements in critical outcome measures with hormone replacement in hypopituitarism secondary to brain injury. We review the tests of cognition and physical function and summarize their use for subjects that are deficient in anterior hormone production during anterior pituitary hormone replacement in brain injury and propose these as the minimal tests that are feasible for a physician to perform in a clinical setting. We summarize the studies conducted to assess outcome measures after brain injury and also report preliminary findings for improvements in cognition and physical function in subjects with brain injury and GH deficiency.
25 years of experience in operating thermal desalination plants

Abstract Thermal desalination plants have been operating in Libya since 1975. Over this period, the total installed capacity has grown to more than 330,000m3/d. Of this, more than 300,000m3/d are produced by multi-stage flash (MSF) and the rest by multi-effect distillation (MED). This paper described a complete survey of all installed thermal desalination plants which are operated by The General Electric Company of Libya (GECOL) from 1975 to 2000, and also describes the problems encountered in the past and adapted solutions for some of these problems.
Multifrequency VSAR imaging of moving targets

Friedlander and Porat recently presented velocity SAR (VSAR) imaging of moving targets. In this correspondence, the VSAR is generalized to multi-frequency VSAR (MFVSAR). The MFVSAR can image both slowly and fast moving targets. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the theory.
Activity, yield patterns, and coking behavior of Pt and PtRe catalysts during dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane. I: In the absence of sulfur

Abstract Starting with freshly reduced catalysts in a flow reactor, conversion of methylcyclohexane decreased less rapidly during a 20-h period while selectivity and yield of aromatics increased more rapidly with PtRe Al 2 O 3 than with Pt Al 2 O 3 . During this initial 20-h period, coke deposition was retarded on the PtRe as compared to the Pt catalysts. When the coked catalysts were then exposed to pure flowing hydrogen at reaction temperatures, the coke was partially removed from both types of catalyst. When, after such hydrogen treatment, the catalysts were again exposed to MCH feed, the different catalysts behaved quite differently. Immediately after the hydrogen treatment the selectivity and yield for aromatic products was lower for the PtRe and higher with the Pt catalyst. After shifting from pure H2 to the hydrocarbon feed, however, the PtRe catalyst began to gain aromatic selectivity whereas the Pt catalyst began to lose such selectivity. Several hours after changing from pure H2 to HC the selectivity of the PtRe catalyst had again become significantly greater than that of the Pt catalyst, although the situation was the converse just after the change. Treatment with pure hydrogen also increased hydrogenolysis to C6-products in the case of PtRe but decreased this cracking in the case of Pt. As exposure to hydrocarbon continued, however, the effect of the pure hydrogen treatment was lost as the cracking increased with Pt but decreased with the PtRe catalysts. These results are interpreted in terms of a carbonaceous overlayer which does not retard the dehydroaromatization reaction in its early stages but becomes site blocking in later stages. Early deposition may be primarily at kinks at the edges of exposed crystal planes with later deposition on terraces. The catalytic action of Re may preserve only certain sites free of deactivating deposits during exposure to HC + H2, and may catalyze removal of such deposits from certain sites during treatment in pure H2. In pure H2, cracking sites seem to respond more to hydrogenative reaction when Re is present but this trend seems to reverse when MCH is also present.
Nanometer to micron scale mechanics of [100] silicon nanowires using atomistic simulations at accelerated time steps

Atomistic simulations have a unique capability to reveal the material deformation mechanisms and the corresponding deformation-based constitutive behavior. However, atomistic simulations are limited by the accessible length and time scales. In the present work an equivalent crystal lattice method is used to perform mechanical deformation atomistic simulations of nanometer to micrometer sized silicon (Si) nanowires at accelerated time steps. The equivalent crystal lattice method's validity is verified by comparing the method's results with the results of classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at MD strain rates. The simulations predict that when the nanowire cross-sectional size exceeds 50 nm, the dependence of the nanowire Young's moduli values on the changes in nanowire cross-sectional size is considerably reduced. Analyses show a transition in nanowire failure mechanism from being ductile to being brittle with increase in the nanowire cross-sectional size. Examinations of the surface effect reveal that below a critical surface to volume ratio value of 0.05 nm−1, the peak nanowire strength is independent of further reduction in the surface to volume ratio value. This finding places a size limit on the surface effect observed in Si nanowires.
Creating the U.S. Dollar Currency Union, 1748-1811: A Quest for Monetary Stability or a Usurpation of State Sovereignty for Personal Gain?

The desirability of politically creating currency unions among otherwise sovereign states is an ongoing debate. A key backdrop in this debate is the supposed empirical success of the U.S. dollar currency union. The fact that otherwise sovereign states within the United States are not constitutionally allowed to issue their own currency, thus creating a single currency for the whole United States—the U.S. dollar— is the archetype that underlies many policy choices and recommendations, such as the creation of the European currency union and the condemnation of the separate currencies issued by individual states within Argentina during their recent crisis. The benefits of the U.S. currency union and, by analogy, the benefits of other politically manufactured currency unions are assumed to be obvious, namely a reduction in monetary instability and exchange rate transaction costs within the union thereby stimulating long-run economic growth. These alleged benefits for the United States, however, are not derived from market evidence, but from simple theoretical assertions and from a literature that takes as fact the rhetoric of the winning side at the U.S. Constitutional Convention. Independent of theory and rhetoric, little is known about how and why the U.S. currency union was created, or about whether it improved macro performance. These deficiencies are addressed here. Prices indices, exchange rates, and market-generated transaction data from 1748 through 1811 are used to determine when the market moved from state currencies to the U.S. dollar and to assess the nonwartime performance of prices, exchange rates, and purchasing power parity before versus after this transition. This evidence suggests that the U.S. currency union had more to do with usurpation of state sovereignty by rent-seeking bankers than with solutions to monetary instability and transactions costs.
Common genetic and environmental effects on lipid phenotypes: The HERITAGE Family Study

Objective: Despite the well known genetic component influencing plasma lipid-lipoprotein levels and the observed correlations among these traits, little is known about pleiotropic h
An improved method for photographing fluorescent human chromosomes

SUMMARY In the photography of sequentially QFQ and RFA banded chromosomes, the fading problem can be solved by reducing exposure time. This can be accomplished by choosing the right light source, filter combinations, type of film and developer. Three different systems were employed to record the exposure time during photography. A ‘Vertical Illuminator III RS’ with a 50 w/AC mercury burner equipped with 400–490, BG 12–BG 38 excitation filters and 510 barrier filter was found to be the most efficient and satisfactory. QFQ banded chromosomes can be photographed within 3–5 s and RFA banded chromosomes within 10–15 s with this system.
Repair of double-strand breaks in a temperature conditional radiation-sensitive mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract Neutral sucrose-gradient profiles of rad54-3 cells illustrate that diploid rad54-3 cells are unable to repair double-strand breaks at the restrictive temperature, 36°, but are capable of repair at the permissive temperature, 23°. Rad54-3 strains are temperature conditional for double-strand repair.
An interactive model of informal adult care and employment

This study examines a multifactorial model of caregiving strain and accommodations, utilizing a sample of 1,146 employed caregivers. Based on a theoretically derived resource and demand model of caregiving outcomes, stepwise multiple regression equations were utilized to assess the contribution of selected caregiver background characteristics, family and work demands, and resources. Demanding aspects of caregiving and work responsibilities were found to contribute the most to caregiving strain and to work and family accommodations. Caregiver health status, job control and co-worker support also contributed significantly to the regression models. These findings underscore that demands at home and at work both contribute to work–family strain, suggesting that interventions are not apt to be effective in reducing the stress on employed caregivers unless they directly reduce the growing time pressures and energy demands experienced by today's workers and family members. Cette etude analyse le degre de surmena...
Nonlinear analysis of the dynamics of articulated composite rotor blades

The general nonlinear intrinsic equations of motion of an elastic composite beam are solved in order to obtain the elasto-dynamic response of a rotating articulated blade. The solution utilizes the linear Variational-Asymptotic Method (VAM) cross-sectional analysis, together with an improved damped nonlinear model for the rigid-body motion analysis of helicopter blades in coupled flap and lead-lag motions. The explicit (direct) integration algorithm implements the perturbation method in order to solve the transient form of the nonlinear intrinsic differential equations of motion and obtain the elasto-dynamic behavior of an accelerating composite blade. The specific problem considered is an accelerating articulated helicopter blade of which its motion is analyzed since it starts rotating from rest until it reaches the steady-state condition. It is observed that the steady-state solution obtained by this method compares very well with other available solutions. The resulting simulation code is a powerful tool for analyzing the nonlinear response of composite rotor blades; and for serving the ultimate aim of efficient noise and vibration control in helicopters.
Do yellow-bellied marmots respond to predator vocalizations?

We conducted four experiments to determine whether yellow-bellied marmots, Marmota flaviventris, discriminate among predator vocalizations, and if so, whether the recognition mechanism is learned or experience-independent. First, we broadcast to marmots the social sounds of coyotes, Canis latrans, wolves, Canis lupus, and golden eagles, Aquila chrysaetos, as well as conspecific alarm calls. Coyotes and eagles are extant predators at our study site, while wolves have been absent since the mid-1930s. In three follow-up experiments, we reversed the eagle call and presented marmots with forward and reverse calls to control for response to general properties of call structure rather than those specifically associated with eagles, we tested for novelty by comparing responses to familiar and unfamiliar birds, and we tested for the duration of predator sounds by comparing a wolf howl (that was much longer than the coyote in the first experiment) with a long coyote howl of equal duration to the original wolf. Marmots suppressed foraging and increased looking most after presentation of the conspecific alarm call and least after that of the coyote in the first experiment, with moderate responses to wolf and eagle calls. Marmots responded more to the forward eagle call than the reverse call, a finding consistent with a recognition template. Marmots did not differentiate vocalizations from the novel and familiar birds, suggesting that novelty itself did not explain our results. Furthermore, marmots did not differentiate between a wolf howl and a coyote howl of equal duration, suggesting that the duration of the vocalizations played a role in the marmots’ response. Our results show that marmots may respond to predators based solely on acoustic stimuli. The response to currently novel wolf calls suggests that they have an experience-independent ability to identify certain predators acoustically. Marmots’ response to predator vocalizations is not unexpected because 25 of 30 species in which acoustic predator discrimination has been studied have a demonstrated ability to respond selectively to cues from their predators.
Investigating the Anomalous Solvation Free Energies of Amines with a Polarizable Potential

Contrary to simple expectations about increasing hydrophobicity, successive methylation of ammonia (NH3) does not yield a monotonic increase in the observed solvation free energies; in fact, NH2CH3 is found to be more soluble than NH3. Previous free energy calculations have not reproduced the trend in experimental values. Here, we perform the perturbations NH3 → NH2CH3 and NH3 → N(CH3)3 with explicitly polarizable water and solute. Although the increases in solvation energy with methyl substitution are smaller than with a pairwise-additive model, the methylamines are still calculated to be hydrophobic compared to ammonia. The computed relative solvation energies and solute dipole moments, however, agree remarkably well with previous results obtained with a different implementation of polarizability.
SELF-ACTUALIZATION AND MORAL JUDGMENT

The present study investigates Simpson's ( 1976) suggestion that selfactualization and principled moral judgment are positively associated. Shostrom (1964) developed a measure of mental health in the framework of self-actualization theory, the Personal Orientation Inventory. One of the scales measures Inner-directedness, the extent to which a person is guided by internalized principles and motivations as opposed to being influenced by authority figures or other external forces. According to Kohlberg ( 1976), principled moral judgment requires a critical, impartial evaluation of the rules and conventions of one's culture. Since inner-directed people should bemore likely to engage in such questioning than other-directed people, Inner-directedness should correlate with the preference for principled moral judgment. The other measure of self-actualization is Time Competence. Time competent people are oriented toward the reality of the present and bring past experiences and future expectations into a - meaningful continuity. Time incompetent people live in the past with guilts and resentments or in the future with idealized plans and fears. If, as Simpson (1976) claims, emotional growth is a necessary condition for moral growth, Time Competence should correlate with the preference for principled moral judgment. * Fifty high school students (25 of each sex) took both the Personal Orientation Inventory and Rest's (1975) Defining Issues Test. The latter yields a "P score," which indicates the relative importance attributed to principled moral considerations. Inner-directedness and Time Competence both correlated significantly with P score (r48 = .24, p < .05, one-tailed tests) .2 These rs each accounted for only 5% of the common variance, so the results provide only weak support for Simpson's (1976) claim that emotional development is positively associated with moral judgment. REFERENCES KOHLBERG, L. Moral stages and moralization. In T. Likona (Ed.), Mwal development and behavh~. Ncw York: Holt. Rinehart & Winston, 1976. Pp. 31-53. REST, J. R. Longitudinal study of the Defining Issues Test of moral judgment. Develop
Controversies Involving Gender and Intimate Partner Violence in the United States

This paper summarizes five challenging ongoing controversies involving gender and U. S. intimate partner violence (IPV) (i.e., gender symmetry of perpetration; utility of typologies; understanding bi-directionally violent couples; violence motivations and self-defense, and treatment effectiveness). Reviewed evidence support three central theses that: 1) there are subtypes of IPV; 2) women are as involved as men with some but not all subtypes of IPV, and 3) recognition of these gender-related challenges will improve policy, treatment, and working models of IPV. Within this paper, a dyadic culture-family-attachment-skill deficit model of IPV is conceptualized and three types of bi-directionally violent couples are named and described (dyadic dominance, dyadic dysregulation, and dyadic couple violence). Practice and policy implications of these advances are articulated.