Directed Explicit Model Checking with HSF-SPIN

We present the explicit state model checker HSF-SPIN which is based on the model checker SPIN and its Promela modeling language. HSF-SPIN incorporates directed search algorithms for checking safety and a large class of LTL-specified liveness properties. We start off from the A* algorithm and define heuristics to accelerate the search into the direction of a specified failure situation. Next we propose an improved nested depth-first search algorithm that exploits the structure of Promela Never-Claims. As a result of both improvements, counterexamples will be shorter and the explored part of the state space will be smaller than with classical approaches, allowing to analyze larger state spaces. We evaluate the impact of the new heuristics and algorithms on a set of protocol models, some of which are real-world industrial protocols

Notched graphite polymimide composites at room and notched graphite polymide composites at room and elevated temperatures

The fracture behavior in graphite/polyimide (Gr/PI) Celion 6000/PMR-15 composites was characterized. Emphasis was placed on the correlation between the observed failure modes and the deformation characteristics of center-notched Gr/Pl laminates. Crack tip damage growth, fracture strength and notch sensitivity, and the associated characterization methods were also examined. Special attention was given to nondestructive evaluation of internal damage and damage growth, techniques such as acoustic emission, X-ray radiography, and ultrasonic C-scan. Microstructural studies using scanning electron microscopy, photomicrography, and the pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance technique were employed as well. All experimental procedures and techniques are described and a summary of representative results for Gr/Pl laminates is given

Fibulin-2 is required for basement membrane integrity of mammary epithelium

Fibulin-2 (FBLN2) is a secreted extracellular matrix glycoprotein which has been associated with tissue development and remodelling. In the mouse mammary gland, FBLN2 can be detected during ductal morphogenesis in cap cells and myoepithelial cells at puberty and early pregnancy, respectively. In an attempt to assign its function, we knocked down Fbln2 in the mouse mammary epithelial cell line EpH4. FBLN2 reduction led to an increase in the size of spheroidal structures when compared to scrambled control shRNA-transduced cells plated on Matrigel matrix. This phenotype was associated with a disruption of the collagen IV sheath around the epithelial spheroids and downregulation of integrin β1, suggesting a role for FBLN2 in stabilizing the basement membrane (BM). In contrast to mice, in normal adult human breast tissue, FBLN2 was detected in ductal stroma, and in the interlobular stroma, but was not detectable within the lobular regions. In tissue sections of 65 breast cancers FBLN2 staining was lost around malignant cells with retained staining in the neighbouring histologically normal tissue margins. These results are consistent with a role of FBLN2 in mammary epithelial BM stability, and that its down-regulation in breast cancer is associated with loss of the BM and early invasion

Fibulin-2 is required for basement membrane integrity of mammary epithelium

Fibulin-2 (FBLN2) is a secreted extracellular matrix glycoprotein which has been associated with tissue development and remodelling. In the mouse mammary gland, FBLN2 can be detected during ductal morphogenesis in cap cells and myoepithelial cells at puberty and early pregnancy, respectively. In an attempt to assign its function, we knocked down Fbln2 in the mouse mammary epithelial cell line EpH4. FBLN2 reduction led to an increase in the size of spheroidal structures when compared to scrambled control shRNA-transduced cells plated on Matrigel matrix. This phenotype was associated with a disruption of the collagen IV sheath around the epithelial spheroids and downregulation of integrin β1, suggesting a role for FBLN2 in stabilizing the basement membrane (BM). In contrast to mice, in normal adult human breast tissue, FBLN2 was detected in ductal stroma, and in the interlobular stroma, but was not detectable within the lobular regions. In tissue sections of 65 breast cancers FBLN2 staining was lost around malignant cells with retained staining in the neighbouring histologically normal tissue margins. These results are consistent with a role of FBLN2 in mammary epithelial BM stability, and that its down-regulation in breast cancer is associated with loss of the BM and early invasion

Functional Properties of Soy Substrates Modified by the Use of Different Enzymatic Treatments

The authors are grateful to Ms. Darya Sabinina from the Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch RAS for running LC-MS experiments

Effect of Pre-tensioning Force on Behavior of Buckling Restrained Brace (BRB) Supported by Double Pre-tensioning System

The study explores the feasibility of a new all-steel buckling restrained brace (BRB) with the double pre-tensioning system as an alternative to conventional concentrically braced frames by using finite element method (ABAQUS program), And to verify modeling, use U-V1 specimen results and compare them with test results. The restraining element in an all-steel BRB is built from a rectangular plate with a double cross arm and cables, making it easy to fabricate, inspect, and replace after a severe earthquake. Numerical analyses were conducted on four groups: first group of specimens using dynamic loading to achieve the minimum thickness for stable hysteretic behavior and high efficiency for BRB, and three groups of specimens using monotonic loading to achieve the best pre-tensioning forces value in steel 37, 44 and 52 for greater efficient use of all steel BRB. The results showed a 66% improvement in bearing capacity, with the external restraining case thickness reduced to 20 mm, making it lightweight, economical, and easy to maintain. The specimens with a pre-tensioning force of 70 kN, 50 kN and 40 kN providing a 31%, 51% and 73.2 % for steel 37, 44 and 52 respectively over than the design specimen without pre-tensioning system

A morphological generator for the indexing of Arabic audio

This paper presents a novel Arabic morphological generator (AMG) for Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) which is designed and implemented using Prolog. The AMG is used to generate inflected forms of words used for the indexing of Arabic audio. These words are also the relevant terms in the Arab authority system (library information retrieval system) used in this study. The AMG generates inflected Arabic words from the root according to pre-specified morphological features that can be extended as needed. The Arabic word is represented as a feature structure which is handled through unification during the morphological generation process. The inflected forms can then be inserted automatically into a speech recognition grammar which is used to identify these words in an audio sequence or utterance

The Role of Nano-Technology in Sustainable Construction: A Case Study of Using Nano Granite Waste Particles in Cement Mortar

Better understanding of the properties of cement-based materials, one of the most widely used building materials, at the nano-scale is crucial to improve its functionality in the built environment. This paper presents areas of using nano-materials in improving the characteristics of cement-based materials as well as introducing a new role of nano-technology together with waste management in enhancing the concept of sustainable construction. A case study on the use of nano-granite waste particles as a replacement of cement and fine aggregate in mortar production is presented. The research concluded that replacing 5% cement and 10% sand with nano-granite waste in the mortar mix increased the compressive strength of the green mortar by 41% compared to that of the control mix (CM). SEM images reinforced this result as the green mortar mix showed maximum density and minimum micro cracks and number of pores. A comparative study between the green mortar and traditional mortar was carried out using sustainability indicators to examine the environmental, social and economic implications. The environmental and social attributes showed a saving of 10% in the field of resource consumption, whereas savings in energy consumption and CO2 emissions reached 5%. The economic field showed saving of 6.5% indicating promising results in enhancing the sustainable construction industry