Extended Hyperbolic Model for Sand-to-Concrete Interfaces

A relatively simple, four-parameter extended hyperbolic model for interfaces was developed for use in soil-structure interaction analyses. The model accommodates arbitrary stress path directions and includes three important elements: (1) development of a yield surface during interface shear; (2) a formulation for yield-inducing shear stiffness that is applicable to any stress path orientation; and (3) a formulation for unloading-reloading shear stiffness. The model was evaluated against the results of shear tests performed at the interface between three different types of sand and a concrete surface under a variety of stress paths. Comparisons between measured and calculated interface response indicate that the model provides accurate estimates of the response of sand-to-concrete interfaces.     

A Multisite Comparison of Actuarial Risk Instruments for Sex Offenders.

Four actuarial instruments for the prediction of violent and sexual reoffending (the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide [VRAG], Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide [SORAG], Rapid Risk Assessment for Sex Offender Recidivism [RRASOR], and Static-99) were evaluated in 4 samples of sex offenders (N = 396). Although all 4 instruments predicted violent (including sexual) recidivism and recidivism known to be sexually motivated, areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were consistently higher for the VRAG and the SORAG. The instruments performed better when there were fewer missing items and follow-up time was fixed, with an ROC area up to .84 for the VRAG, for example, under such favorable conditions. Predictive accuracy was higher for child molesters than for rapists, especially for the Static-99 and the RRASOR. Consistent with past research, survival analyses revealed that those offenders high in both psychopathy and sexual deviance were an especially high-risk group. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Design of wind-driven generator made up of dynamos assembling

The prototype for the wind turbine rotor of low technicality described (Renewab. Energy, 24 (2001) 275), is capable of driving various mechanical systems requiring limited power. We examine a device of low technicality, capable of satisfying the modest electrical needs in households. It comprises a generator made up of an assembling of bicycle dynamos.     

Oil yield and compressibility modeling during microscale expression: Criteria for linseed breeding

Seven linseed varieties were harvested at seven times before complete maturity. Microscale oilseed expressions were subsequently carried out on it. A pressure of 10 MPa was applied for 1 h under uniaxial stress. The results were characterized in terms of oil, water and mucilage content, harvest date and oil yield. The piston displacement versus time (creep curves) was described by a four‐Kelvin‐Voigt elements viscoelastic model. Parameters were derived from the model, such as the mechanical properties of seeds (compressibility moduli), showing that the viscoelastic model fits well the experimental data (R² ≈ 0.999). The modeling parameters were combined with some biochemical data in order to predict the kinetics of oil extraction.     

The myopic intraocular lens in a phakic eye. Initial experience

The very first experiences with implantation of 3 phakic anterior chamber lenses for high myopia correction are presented. After average 4 month follow up good stability and transparation of concave lenses type ZB5M were observed with accurately achieved correction postoperatively.     

The MUC2 gene product: a human intestinal mucin

Sera from 82 cases of leptospirosis (confirmed by micro-agglutination tests or IFAT) and 108 patients with other diseases were investigated using the microcapsule agglutination test (MCAT) for leptospirosis. The overall sensitivity (90.2%), specificity (96.3%), positive predictive value (94.9%), negative predictive value (92.9%), and accuracy of the MCAT (93.7%) were encouraging. MCAT is simple, can be performed by unskilled personnel with minimum laboratory facilities, and produces results in 3 h. MCAT would be a reliable serodiagnostic test for rapidly screening individuals for leptospirosis, in various geographical areas of Thailand.     

Gelatinases in drug-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis

BACKGROUND: The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) MMP2 and MMP9 play a significant role in epidermal detachment, inflammation and re-epithelialization. We have evaluated their activity in toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). DESIGN: The level and pattern of activity of MMP2 and MMP9 were investigated by measuring the degradation of 3H-labelled gelatin and by zymography in blister fluid from six TEN patients and compared the results with three other blistering conditions: bullous pemphigoid (n = 6), second-degree burn (n = 13) or suction blister (n = 3). RESULTS: A higher amount of MMP2 was found in TEN blister fluid with the constant presence of a significantly larger proportion of the activated forms of MMP2, a particular feature of TEN, than the other blistering diseases studied. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the potential role of MMP2 in the specific inflammatory reaction and reparation process in TEN skin.     

Cellular neural networks with non-linear and delay-type template elements and non-uniform grids

The cellular neural network (CNN) paradigm is a powerful framework for analogue non-linear processing arrays placed on a regular grid. In this paper we extend the current repertoire of CNN cloning template elements (atoms) by introducing additional non-linear and delay-type characteristics. In addition, architectures with non-uniform processors and neighbourhoods (grid sizes) are introduced. With this generalization, several well-known and powerful analogue array-computing structures can be interpreted as special cases of the CNN. Moreover, we show that the CNN with these generalized cloning templates has a general programmable circuit structure (a prototype machine) with analogue macros and algorithms. the relations with the cellular automaton (CA) and the systolic array (SA) are analysed. Finally, some robust stability results and the state space structure of the dynamics are presented.     

Limited expansion of the (CAG)n repeat of the Huntington gene: a premutation (?)

Pantoprazole is a specific inhibitor of the H+/K(+)-ATPase of the gastric parietal cell. The dose-dependency of a range of pantoprazole pharmacokinetic characteristics was studied. Twelve healthy male subjects were given 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg pantoprazole intravenously according to a randomized, single blind, 4-period change-over scheme. The area under the concentration vs time curve (AUC) and the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) showed a linear increase in line with the dose. Apparent volume of distribution (Vd area), clearance (Cl) and terminal half-life (t1/2) were independent of the dose. The dose-independent elimination of pantoprazole was attributed to the lack of interaction of the drug with cytochrome P450. In clinical practice, a good predictable response, as well as a low potential for interaction with other drugs might be expected.