cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seasat: results of the mission

The scientific results of the Seasat mission are reviewed, including altimeter, scatterometer, microwave radiometer, and imaging radar studies. The analyses of Seasat data showed that global calibrations of satellite observations are much more accurate than measurements made at points on the ocean. It is found that the accuracy of satellite measurements of a particular variable are improved if the variable is measured by different instruments on the same satellite. The results suggest that important oceanographic variables can be mapped from space with accuracies required by climatological and scientific studies.
Multiple objective policy analysis: A factor analysis and tradeoff approach applied to the agricultural sector of the Dominican Republic

Abstract The technique of factor analysis is applied to a situation in which result data from multiple objective policy analysis need to be reduced to a subset of information for policy makers. Use of factor analysis in this context is developed in some detail, and the process is applied to results of pricing policy simulations from a model of the agricultural sector of the Dominican Republic. It is concluded that factor analysis can be a useful first step for the analyst to determine the relationships among groups of variables. The technique also aids the process of data reduction to allow graphical presentation of tradeoffs.
Cost-effectiveness of Chemoprophylaxis After Occupational Exposure to HIV

Objectives: To assess the economic efficiency of recent US Public Health Service recommendations for chemoprophylaxis with a combination of antiretroviral drugs following high-risk occupational exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To provide a framework for evaluating the relative effectiveness and costs associated with candidate postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens. Methods: Standard techniques of cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis were used. The analysis compares the costs and consequences of a hypothetical, voluntary combination-drug PEP program consisting of counseling for all HIV-exposed health care workers, followed by chemoprophylaxis for those who elect it vs an alternative in which PEP is not offered. A societal perspective was adopted and a 5% discount rate was used. Hospital costs of recommended treatment regimens (zidovudine alone or in combination with lamivudine and indinavir) were used, following the dosing schedules recommended by the US Public Health Service. Estimates of lifetime treatment costs for HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome were obtained from the literature. Because the effectiveness of combination PEP has not been established, the effectiveness of zidovudine PEP was used in the base-case analyses. Main Outcome Measures: Net PEP program costs, number of HIV infections averted, cost per HIV infection averted, and cost-utility ratio (net cost per discounted quality-adjusted life-year saved) for zidovudine, lamivudine, and indinavir combination PEP. Lower bounds on the effectiveness required for combination regimens to be considered incrementally cost saving, relative to zidovudine PEP alone, were calculated. Multiple sensitivity and threshold analyses were performed to assess the impact of uncertainty in key parameters. Results: Under base-case assumptions, the net cost of a combination PEP program for a hypothetical cohort of 10 000 HIV-exposed health care workers is about $4.8 million. Nearly 18 HIV infections are prevented. The net cost per averted infection is just less than $400 000, which exceeds estimated lifetime HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome treatment costs. Although combination PEP is not cost saving, the cost-utility ratio (about $37 000 per quality-adjusted life-year in the base case) is within the range conventionally considered costeffective, provided that chemoprophylaxis is delivered in accordance with Public Health Service guidelines. Small incremental improvements in the effectiveness of PEP are associated with large overall societal savings. Conclusions: Under most reasonable assumptions, chemoprophylaxis with zidovudine, lamivudine, and indinavir following moderate- to high-risk occupational exposures is cost-effective for society. If combination PEP is minimally more effective than zidovudine PEP, then the added expense of including lamivudine and indinavir in the drug regimen is clearly justified. Arch Intern Med. 1997;157:1972-1980
Integrated behavioral treatment of comorbid OCD, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder: A case report

According to critics of empirically supported treatments, comorbidity represents a significant barrier to the implementation of such interventions in standard clinical practice. Advocates of empirically supported treatment have noted that comorbid disorders can be addressed concurrently. There is, however, little guidance in the literature regarding implementation of concurrently delivered protocols. The present case report describes the successful treatment of a 43-year-old woman diagnosed with comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder. Treatment utilized a concurrent approach that integrated exposure and response prevention for OCD, exposure therapy for PTSD, and components of dialectical behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder. Both 12-month formal and 18-month informal follow-up assessment indicated that improvement was maintained after termination. Results suggest that integrated delivery of empirically supported interventions can be utilized to successfully treat complex, comorbid cases.
Dissociation of changes in apparent myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity and twitch relaxation induced by adrenergic and cholinergic stimulation in isolated ferret cardiac muscle.

In isolated, aequorin-injected ferret cardiac muscle we measured the apparent myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity and its relationship to twitch relaxation time in the presence of autonomic perturbations. The Ca2+-tension relation was determined from the peak aequorin luminescence and peak twitch tension measured in muscles across a broad range of bathing [Ca2+] in the presence and absence of acetylcholine (ACh) (1 microM) or isoproterenol (ISN) (1 microM), or both drugs. ACh shifted the relationship of peak tension to (peak) aequorin light leftward, which suggests an increase in myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity, but it did not alter relaxation, which was measured as the time for peak tension to decay by 50% (t 1/2 R). ISN produced its previously documented effects, i.e., a rightward shift of the relationship of peak tension to peak aequorin light and a decrease in t1/2R. ACh abolished the ISN effect on the peak tension-aequorin light relationship but did not reverse the effect of ISN to decrease t1/2R. The effects of ACh and ISN of modulating the apparent myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in intact muscles, corroborate findings of previous studies in isolated myofibrillar preparations. However, these perturbations of myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in the intact muscle do not relate to twitch relaxation, measured as t1/2R, since (a) ACh affects the former but not the later and (b) the effect of ISN on the Ca2+-tension relationship is abolished by ACh, while the relaxant effect persists.
Trade-offs between hospital charges and patient outcomes.

ABSTRACT The increasing cost of health care has focused attention on the trade-offs between health care expenditures and patient outcomes. In this study, hospital charges were contrasted with the health Status at 1 year of follow-up of 549 patients admitted to a university hospital medical Service. The findings related to short-term outcomes were consistent with those of other investigators: large expenditures were associated with patients who died in the hospital, especially those whose death was unexpected. Both 1-year survival and hospital charges were found to corellate with physician estimates of illness severity and prognosis at the time of admission. Patients considered not ill with a favorable prognosis had a mortality rate at 1 year of 3%, comprised 7% of the cohort and generated 2% of total charges. In contrast, patients considered severely ill with an unfavorable prognosis had a mortality rate of 65%, comprised 19% of the cohort and generated 30% of total charges. Nevertheless, 46% of the survivors in this latter group were considered to be functional and only mildly ill at 1 year of follow-up. The imprecision of clinical judgments at the time of admission in predicting long-term outcome argues for aggressive management of acutely hospitalized patients when there is any doubt about their prognosis.
Recombinant human activated protein C, drotrecogin alfa (activated): a novel therapy for severe sepsis

Sepsis remains a major cause of death in hospitalized patients. Despite a massive research effort over the past 2 decades to identify innovative therapies for sepsis, current treatment strategies consist primarily of antiinfective agents and a variety of supportive measures. Activated protein C, an endogenous protein that inhibits thrombosis and inflammation while promoting fibrinolysis, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Recombinant human activated protein C, drotrecogin alfa (activated), when compared with placebo in a randomized, double-blind study of 1690 patients with severe sepsis (Recombinant Human Activated Protein C Worldwide Evaluation in Severe Sepsis [PROWESS] trial), decreased the relative risk of death at 28 days by 19.4% (95% confidence interval 6.6-30.5%, p=0.005), although there was a trend for more serious bleeding (3.5% vs 2.0%, p=0.06) with its use. Drotrecogin alfa is the first antisepsis drug found to have a mortality benefit. It should be administered only to patients with severe sepsis who meet the PROWESS study inclusion criteria and should be avoided when risk factors for bleeding are present. Ongoing research will help determine the cost-effectiveness of drotrecogin alfa, as well as its role in critically ill populations not studied in the PROWESS trial.
Synthesis and crystal structures of carbonyl derivatives of chloride–tetramethylene sulfoxide–ruthenium(III) complexes: [RuCl3(TMSO)2(CO)] and [H(TMSO)2] [RuCl4(TMSO)(CO)]

Abstract The synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and crystal structure of [RuCl3(TMSO)2(CO)] (1) and [H(TMSO)2][RuCl4(TMSO)(CO)] (2) are reported. These complexes are prepared by the reaction of the precursors [mer-RuCl3(TMSO)3] and [H(TMSO)][RuCl4(TMSO)2] with carbon monoxide in the presence or absence of TMSO at ambient temperature and pressure. Complexes 1 and 2 represents the first examples of Ru(III) compounds bearing both tetramethylene sulfoxide and carbon monoxide ligands on the metal. Substitution of one of the two trans-S-bonded TMSO from the anion accompanied addition of one molecule of TMSO on the cation. Coordination of CO induces an S-to-O linkage isomerization of the TMSO ligands. The crystal of 1 is a red–orange needle, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=26.446(2) A, b=8.8726(6) A, c=15.1093(8) A, β=107.427(4)°. The crystal of 2 is an orange needle, orthorhombic, space group Pnma, a=11.9820(9) A, b=14.1930(11) A, c=12.6500(15) A.
EVALUATION OF NEW RESECTOSCOPE LOOP FOR TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF BLADDER TUMORS

AbstractPurpose: We evaluate a new resectoscope loop for transurethral resection of bladder tumors.Materials and Methods: Of 251 transurethral resections in 226 patients 111 were done with a conventional loop and 140 with the Olympus prototype model A2186 resectoscope loop. The quality of specimens provided for histological analysis was compared.Results: Tissue orientation was preserved and cautery artifact was reduced with the new loop compared to the standard resectoscope loop.Conclusions: Compared to a conventional resectoscope loop, the new loop resulted in a better tumor resection and helped facilitate histological evaluation of the tissue specimens.
Cloning and expression of the gene encoding the soluble cytochrome b562 of Escherichia coli

The gene for the soluble cytochrome b562 from Escherichia coli B has been cloned on a SalI fragment. The analysis of the gene reveals the presence of a leader sequence in front of the sequence encoding the mature protein. Expression of cytochrome b562 using the lac-promoter produced the protein to a level of 3–5% of total protein. This over-production enables employment of a simple, high-yield purification protocol to obtain homogeneous cytochrome b562. Spectroscopic and N-terminal sequence analyses of the purified protein demonstrate that it is identical to the chromosomally expressed cytochrome b562 purified and characterized from E. coli B [Itagaki, E. & Hager, L. P. (1966) J. Biol. Chem. 241, 3687–3695]. It is demonstrated that the genomic sequence codes for a classic N-terminal signal sequence and that mature cytochrome b562 is translocated to the periplasmic space.
Design and implementation of precise position controller of active probe of atomic force microscopy for nanomanipulation

Efficiency and accuracy of AFM-based nanomanipulation are still major problems to be solved, due to the nonlinearities and uncertainties, such as drift, creep, hysteresis, etc. The deformation of cantilevers caused by manipulation force is also one of the most major factors of nonlinearities and uncertainties. It causes difficulties in precise control of the tip position and causes the tip to miss the position of the object. In order to solve this problem, the traditional approach is to use a rigid cantilever. However, this will significantly reduce the sensitivity of force sensing during manipulation, which is essential for achieving an efficient and reliable nanomanipulation. In this paper, a kind of active AFM probe has been used to solve this problem by directly controlling the cantilever’s flexibility or rigidity during manipulation. Based on Euller-Bernoulli Model, a kind of controller of the active probe employing Periodic-Output-Feedback (POF) law is implemented. The results of simulation and experiments have demonstrated that this theoretical model and POF controller are suitable for precise position control of nanomanipulation.
A client—server approach for distributed finite element analysis

Abstract The prevalence of local area networks has made the combined processing power of interconnected workstations a compelling alternative to mainframe computers for computer-intensive analyses. We describe a methodology for developing finite element algorithms that distributes workload over an arbitrary number of network-connected computers. The approach employs a client-server model in which conventional Unix processes execute concurrently on a number of workstations and exchange information by sending messages over an Ethernet. The simplicity and flexibility of the model sets it apart from other approaches for distributed programming. Our approach shows impressive overall speedup for finite element analysis, even for small problem sizes.
Perceptual and action equivalence to objects and photographs in children.

A comparison of the pantomimic responses given by 134 middle-class children of normal intelligence between the ages of 3 and 9 yr. to real objects and to pictures of them indicated that up to age 7 yr., photographs of objects were not equivalent to the objects they pictorially represented as directive stimuli for appropriate action. Although equivalence in perceptual recognition was present even in the youngest children, equivalence between object and picture in directing action was increasingly manifested over a period of years. These findings suggest that the processes underlying the discrimination of differences and the recognition of sameness are not necessarily identical with those which underlie the use of perceptual attributes for the direction of action. The findings are considered in relation to verbal and other features of mediation.
Structure of a binary complex of HhaI methyltransferase with S-adenosyl-L-methionine formed in the presence of a short non-specific DNA oligonucleotide

Abstract We have determined a structure for a complex formed between HhaI methyltransferase (M.HhaI) and S-adenosyl- l -methionine (AdoMet) in the presence of a non-specific short oligonucleotide. M.HhaI binds to the non-specific short oligonucleotides in solution. Although no DNA is incorporated in the crystal, AdoMet binds in a primed orientation, identical with that observed in the ternary complex of the enzyme, cognate DNA, and AdoMet or S-adenosyl- l -homocysteine (AdoHcy). This orientation differs from the previously observed unprimed orientation in the M.HhaI-AdoMet binary complex, where the S+-CH3 unit of AdoMet is protected by a favorable cation-π interaction with Trp41. The structure suggests that the presence of DNA can guide AdoMet into the primed orientation. These results shed new light on the proposed ordered mechanism of binding and explains the stable association between AdoMet and M.HhaI.
Protection from natural killer cell-mediated lysis by HLA-G expression on target cells

The outermost layer of the human placenta is devoid of classical class I human leukocyte antigens (HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C) and class II proteins (HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DP). Although this prevents recognition by maternal T lymphocytes, the lack of class I molecules leaves these cells susceptible to attack by natural killer (NK) cells. However, trophoblast cells directly in contact with the maternal tissues express the class I molecule HLA-G, which may be involved in protecting the trophoblast from recognition by NK cells. Here evidence is provided that expression of HLA-G is sufficient to protect otherwise susceptible target cells from lysis by activated NK1 and NK2 cell lines and clones that are specific for distinct groups of HLA-C alleles. The receptors on NK cells that recognize HLA-G are also identified.
Latent class subtyping of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbid conditions.

Abstract Objective Genetic studies of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) generally use discrete DSM-IV subtypes to define diagnostic status. To improve correspondence between phenotypic variance and putative susceptibility genes, multivariate classification methods such as latent class analysis (LCA) have been proposed. The aim of this study was to perform LCA in a sample of 1,010 individuals from a nationwide recruitment of unilineal nuclear families with at least one child with ADHD and another child either affected or clearly unaffected. Method LCA models containing one through 10 classes were fitted to data derived from all DSM-IV symptoms for ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder (CD), as well as seven items that screen for anxiety and depression from the National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality Vanderbilt Assessment Scale for Parents. Results We replicated six to eight statistically significantly distinct clusters, similar to those described in other cross-cultural studies, mostly stable when comorbidities are included. For all age groups, anxiety and depression are strongly related to Inattentive and Combined types. Externalizing symptoms, especially CD, are strongly associated with the Combined type of ADHD. Oppositional defiant disorder symptoms in young children are associated with either conduct disorder or anxiety-related symptoms. Conclusions Methods such as LCA allow inclusion of information about comorbidities to be quantitatively incorporated into genetic studies. LCA also permits incorporation of milder but still impairing phenotypes than are allowed using the DSM-IV. Such methods may be essential for analyses of large multicenter datasets and relevant for future clinical classifications. This population-based ADHD classification may help resolve the contradictory results presented in molecular genetic studies. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 2008; 47(7):797–807.
AC Power Generation with Transverse-Current Magnetohydrodynamic Conduction Machines

A 1-dimensional incompressible fluid model is used to show how two identical transverse-current MHD conduction generators, capable of self-excitation as dc generators, can be cross coupled magnetically to form a balanced 2-phase ac generator. The criterion for successful ac self-excitation is essentially the same as for successful dc self excitation; all reactive power is supplied by the generator magnetic-field energy storages, and the maximum operating frequency is limited by fluid conductivity and flow velocity. Conditions obtainable with seeded combustion gases yield frequencies too low for practical applications; however, conditions predicted for gases with nonequilibrium conductivity indicate the possibility of generating power at useful frequencies.
Nonadiabatic effects in the B, C, B′, and D states of H2

Abstract The Kolos-Wolniewicz potentials for the H2 B 1 Σ u + and C1Πu states were used together with the hypothesis of pure precession for the rotation-electronic interaction, to calculate the nonadiabatic energy levels of these states for J = 1 to 5. The complete coupling matrix was computed using accurate numerical vibrational wavefunctions. The calculated Λ-doubling of the v = 0 to 12 C vibrational levels generally agrees well with experimental values, and the nonadiabatic shifts in the B rotational constants qualitatively explain the difference between the theoretical and RKR potentials for this state. The interaction of the B′ 1 Σ u + and D1Πu states was also investigated, but only qualitatively since adiabatic potentials of sufficient accuracy do not exist for these states. The Λ-doubling of the Dv = 0 rotational levels agrees well with the experimental values. An appreciable “background” nonadiabatic shift in the B′ rotational constants was found. This shift, which is nearly 5 percent of Bv, is in addition to that of strong local two-level interactions and was not “deperturbed” in constructing the B′ RKR potential. The result is that the RKR turning points differ by about 0.04 au from the “true” adiabatic turning points. This conclusion is supported by a Hartree-Fock calculation of the B′ potential to the left of Re.
The Electoral Effectiveness of Party Organization: Norway, 1945–1977*

Latent Variable Partial Least Squares analysis has been used to model the impact of political party organization on stable and changing patterns of party vote in Norway from 1945 to 1977. For the Norwegian Labor Party, the elaboration of a strategy of organizational encapsulation is at least as important as the economic base for maintaining the stability of the party's electoral support; it also depresses support for the opposition parties. Short-run fluctuations around the long-run stability, however, are more influence by economic changes than party organizational strategies, with the exception of the divisive 1973 election, when party organization was important for maintaining the party vote. For the non-Labor parties, party organization is less important than economic variables.
Detection of gas-permeable fuel particles for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors

Abstract Fuel for High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGR) consists of uranium oxide-carbide and thoria microspheres coated with layers of pyrolytic carbon and silicon carbide. The pyrolytic carbon coatings must be gastight to perform properly during irradiation. Therefore, particles must be carefully characterized to determine the number of defective particles (i.e. bare kernels, and cracked or permeable coatings). Although techniques are available to determine the number of bare kernels or cracked coatings, no reliable technique has been available to measure coating permeability. This work describes a technique recently developed to determine whether coatings for a batch of particles are gaslight or permeable. Although most of this study was performed on Biso-coated particles, the technique applies equally well to Triso-coated particles. About 150 randomly selected Biso-particle batches were studied in this work. These batches were first subjected to an 18-hr chlorination at 1500°C, and the volatile thorium tetrachloride released through cracked or very permeable coatings was measured versus chlorination time. Chlorinated batches were also radiographed to detect any thorium that had migrated from the kernel into the coatings. From this work a technique was developed to determine coating permeability. This technique consists of an 18-hr chlorination of multiple samples without measurement of the heavy metal released. Each batch is then radiographed and the heavy metal diffusion within each particle is examined. From this examination one can determine if a particle batch is permeable, slightly permeable, or gastight.
The Natural Modes of Graphite/Epoxy Cantilever Plates and Shells

The natural frequencies and mode shapes of a number of Graphite/ Epoxy and Graphite/Epoxy-Aluminum plates and shells were experimen tally determined. The samples tested include 8 ply Graphite/Epoxy plates, cyclindrical shell sections, and Graphite/Epoxy-Aluminum hybrid plates of various laminates and aspect ratio. Fabrication and test procedures are described. Natural frequency and mode shape results are compared with those calculated by a finite element analysis. Agreement between calcu lated and observed mode shapes is excellent; while reasonable agreement is found for frequencies. Among the sources of this discrepancy in frequency results is the possibility of a difference between dynamic-flexural moduli and static in-plane moduli.
Measurements of halogenated organic compounds near the tropical tropopause

The amount of organic chlorine and bromine entering the stratosphere have a direct influence on the magnitude of chlorine and bromine catalyzed ozone losses. Twelve organic chlorine species and five organic bromine species were measured from 12 samples collected near the tropopause between 23.8 deg N and 25.3 deg N during AASE 2. The average mixing ratios of total organic chlorine and total organic bromine were 3.50 +/- 0.06 ppbv and 21.1 +/- 0.8 pptv, respectively. CH3Cl represented 15.1% of the total organic chlorine, with CFC 11 (CCl3F) and CFC 12 (CCl2F2) accounting for 22.6% and 28.2%, respectively, with the remaining 34.1% primarily from CCl4, CH3CCl3, and CFC 113 (CCl2FCClF2). CH3Br represented 54% of the total organic bromine. The 95% confidence intervals of the mixing ratios of all but four of the individual compounds were within the range observed in low and mid-latitude mid-troposphere samples. The four compounds with significantly lower mixing ratios at the tropopause were CHCl3, CH2Cl2, CH2Br2, and CH3CCl3. The lower mixing ratios may be due to entrainment of southern hemisphere air during vertical transport in the tropical region and/or to exchange of air across the tropopause between the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere.
Declining body condition of northern pintails wintering in the playa lakes region

Abstract Overwinter body condition (e.g., fat) provides an index to the health of northern pintail (Anas acuta) populations and may be a factor in the decline of the continental pintail population that has been previously overlooked or understated. We compared body condition between 1984–1985 and 2002–2003, and found that body condition of pintails arriving during early winter in the Playa Lakes Region (PLR) of Texas, USA, has declined by an average of 32%. Body fat levels declined at varying levels with juvenile males showing the largest decline of 41%, followed by adult females with 39%, juvenile females with 30%, and adult males with an overall 18% decline. Declines are likely related to declines in migration and wintering habitat quantity and quality within the PLR and potentially across the Central Flyway. We recommend further acquisition and management of playas to ensure that these valuable habitats remain available to provide critical habitats for migrating and wintering pintails and other waterfo...
Ricoeur's Metaphor and Narrative Theories as a Foundation for a Theory of Symbol

The Issues at Issue: (1) Heidegger declares metaphor to be a function of metaphysics.1 Ricoeur's tension theory of metaphor takes the understanding of metaphor beyond metaphysics. (2) Ricoeur's theory of metaphor is a theory of metaphorical statement not of naming. The classical, lexical theory of metaphor focuses on a primary meaning of each metaphor (grounding metaphor in what Aristotle calls pros hen equivocity).2 As such metaphor is merely ornamentation in language. What it names could more appropriately be accomplished in literal language. In contrast, metaphor is understood by Ricoeur to be a semantic event made possible by three kinds of tensions. (3) One may understand symbols to function with the same metaphorical ten? sions. In the case of symbols, however, these tensions function not at the level of the sentence but rather of the narrative. Metaphor and symbol both have an ' ontological priority ' over other elements of discourse and experience. They 'work' because of the event character of both understanding and experience. Understanding (made possible by the dialectic of belonging and distanciation according to Ricoeur) and experience (made possible by tem? porality, dynamis) have event as their condition of possibility. (4) Metaphor and symbol both have a 'temporal priority', as well, for they serve as the shock to think 'more'. This can occur, however, because they are part of a circularity that is non-metaphysical, that is, the circularity of the event character of the Being-of beings. Hence, just as metaphors are always 'larger' than the sentence, so are symbols always 'larger' than the narrative. Meta? phors and symbols generate the categorial order ('the proper' or Logos), the condition of possibility for the metaphor's semantic and the symbol's nar? rative tensions, which because of the metaphor internal to the statement and
Output feedback variable structure control for discrete-time linear systems with unmatched uncertainties

The problem of output feedback variable control of discrete-time linear systems with unmatched uncertainties is studied in this paper. The output feedback control doesnpsilat need state available and estimated state. First, the sliding surface is designed by using linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique when there exists the unmatched uncertainties. The sufficient condition for the existence of stable sliding surface is derived in terms of LMIS. Then the design of sliding mode control is presented according to the reachability condition. Finally, an illustrative example is presented to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Path analysis of variables affecting 36-month outcome in a population of multi-risk children

Abstract Path analysis was employed with data collected during a longitudinal neuro-behavioral follow-up study of multi-risk children. The relative impact of maternal medical history, drug abuse, and day-to-day functioning during pregnancy on the course of labor and delivery and on neonatal outcome was examined. The subsequent impact of each of these sets of variables on the child's developmental status at 36 months was then explored. An additional factor, which incorporated postnatal environmental and family functioning characteristics, was also included in the model. Maternal drug abuse had a significant effect on the course of labor and delivery, due in part to the impact of maternal drug abuse on family functioning. The results indicate that in this multi-risk population, environmental and psychosocial variables are important predictors of the child's developmental prospects.
Solutions to heavy ion induced avalanche burnout in power devices

A review of normal breakdown and current induced avalanche (CIA) breakdown mechanisms in silicon power transistors is presented. The applicability of the CIA model to heavy ion induced burnout is shown, and solutions to CIA in silicon power semiconductors are given. It is noted that solving the problem of CIA burnout in npn bipolar and n-channel DMOS devices is, at best, difficult. Several techniques of hardening these devices to the effects of heavy ion, dose-rate induced failure, and any other condition producing CIA are discussed. The most effective techniques are those that minimize the emitter current injection by reducing the emitter injection efficiency or making the parasitic bipolar more difficult to turn on. However, it is believed that the simplest solution to the problem is to use pnp bipolar and p-channel DMOS devices whenever possible. >
Leadership Choice and Party Performance: The Democratic Takeover of the 110 th Congress—Editor's Introduction

Having been out of power in the House since 1994 and in the Senate for 10 of those 12 years as well, congressional Democrats' takeover of Congress in the 2006 midterm elections was an important moment in American political history. Having won the House and, somewhat more unexpectedly, the Senate by a bare majority, the Democrats recaptured control of an entire branch of the federal government for the first time since Bill Clinton left the White House. Controlling the levers of power in the House and the Senate—the legislative schedule, committees and subcommittees, and, to the extent that party bonds hold, the majority of votes in committee and on the floor—Democrats were poised to influence, but of course not unilaterally control, policymaking in the 110 th Congress and the conduct of the last two years of the Bush administration through key congressional resources including funding and administrative oversight. I would like to thank all of the authors in the symposium for their willingness to participate and their excellent contributions. A special note of thanks also goes to Sean Kelly for his encouragement and advice on this project from first conception to final completion. Thanks also to Stephen Yoder and Rebecca Fowler at PS for their patience and guidance throughout.
Light scattering and form birefringence of parallel cylindrical arrays that represent cellular organelles of the retinal nerve fiber layer

The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) comprises bundles of unmyelinated axons that run across the surface of the retina. The cylindrical organelles of the RNFL (axonal membranes, microtubules, neurofilaments, and mitochondria) as seen by electron microscopy were modeled as parallel cylindrical arrays in order to gain insight into their optical properties. Arrays of thin fibrils were used to represent organelles that are thin relative to wavelength, and the model took into account interference effects that may arise from spatial order. Angular and spectral light-scattering functions were calculated for the backscattering hemisphere. Scattering was much larger from axonal membranes than from microtubules or neurofilaments. Spectra from 400 to 700 nm show that scattering increases at shorter wavelengths for both axonal membranes and microtubules. At 560 nm, scattering from mitochondria modeled as thick cylinders was approximately the same as that from microtubules but showed little wavelength dependence. The model reveals differences in backscattered polarization ratios that may permit experimental discrimination between microtubule and membrane mechanisms for the RNFL reflectance. Calculated backscattering exceeds measured values by at least 1 order of magnitude, but calculated form birefringence for microtubule arrays is approximately the same as measured birefringence.
The Alexandrinus Text of 4 Maccabees

This article examines textual variants in the text of 4 Maccabees as presented in Codex Alexandrinus. The speci“c variant trends from Alexandrinus discussed in this study relate to the portrayal of the abilities of the Torah and reason, the diminished rewards the martyrs receive, how the torturers and torture acts are described, how the martyrs' direct speech about these torture acts is presented, and the manner in which the mother of the martyrs is domesticated. Rather than providing an etiology for these variants by attributing them to scribal intentionality, this study seeks to show that the reader of Alexandrinus would be more likely to give assent to the author's thesis, namely, that pious reason is the supreme master of the passions because of the manner in which the martyrs and their tortures are depicted. Additionally, Alexandrinus provides its reader with a more vivid picture of the training the Torah provides and with a more domesticated representation of the martyrs' mother. This article is thu...
Noise in Junction Transistors

This paper gives a survey of the problem of shot noise and flicker noise in junction diodes and junction transistors. After a short introduction in Section I, the theory of shot effect is presented in Section II. First a simplified low-frequency theory is given and the close correspondence with earlier (heuristic) equivalent circuits is indicated. Then the theory is given in a more rigorous form, both from a collective point of view (Petritz, North, and van der Ziel) and from a corpuscular point of view (Uhlir, van der Ziel and Becking). Finally the conditions under which the theory holds are summed up and the possibility of deviations is discussed. Section III gives Fonger's theory of flicker noise in diodes and transistors and incorporates his discussion of base modulation effects into the equivalent noise circuit in a manner that differs somewhat from Fonger's original presentation. Section IV gives the experimental verification of the theory by Guggenbuehl and Strutt, Nielsen, Hanson and van der Ziel and others and also discusses some further experimental material. Finally, the problem of low-noise circuits, the choice of the operating point of the transistor, and the design criteria for low-noise transistors is discussed. Section V extends Fonger's theory of base modulation effects to shot effect and discusses possible consequences of this effect.
Cost-effectiveness Analysis: Problems And Promise For Evaluating Medical Technology

Although using limited financial resources in the most beneficial way is, in principle, a laudable goal, actually developing standards for measuring the cost-effectiveness of medical technologies and incorporating them into the coverage process is a much more difficult proposition. Important methodological difficulties include determining how to compare a technology to its leading alternative, defining costs, incorporating patient preferences, and defining health outcomes. In addition, more practical questions must be addressed. These questions include: who does the analysis? who makes the decisions? which technologies to evaluate? what resources are required? what is the political and legal environment? how much is a health outcome worth?
Oxidation of various simple steroids by the cholesterol oxidase system.

Abstract Eight simple C 24 steroids with C 14 in the 26 position were synthesized. These compounds, which differ from one another in the A-ring substituents, were used to study the substrate specificity of the rat liver cholesterol oxidase system. The rate of C 14 O 2 formation was taken as a measure of oxidation of the substrates. In both the cholestane and coprostane series, the oxidation rates fall in the ascending order: 3β-sterol, 3α-sterol, 3-ketone. Members of coprostane series are oxidized faster than the corresponding members of the cholestane series. There is an initial lag period in the oxidation of most of the substrates tested, during which little C 14 O 2 is formed. Only coprostan-3-one-26-C 14 and Δ 4 -cholesten-3-one-26-C 14 are oxidized without this initial lag period. Cholesterol-26-C 14 can be enzymically converted to a C 27 3-ketone which is neither Δ 4 - nor Δ 5 -cholestenone, but which appears to differ from them in the number and position of double bonds. A 3-ketone without a 5α-hydrogen is hypothesized as an intermediate in the degradation of the cholesterol side chain by the cholesterol oxidase system.
Self-Disclosure of HPV Infection to Sexual Partners

Disclosure decisions of persons with genital HPV infection were examined. The research questions focused on relationships among knowledge of transmission, beliefs about the obligation to disclose knowledge of HPV infection to sexual partners, factors that influence the disclosure decision, and evaluations of the decision. Participants were 92 persons diagnosed with HPV 6 months prior to data collection. Sixty-three women and 29 men whose average age was 23.1 years constituted the sample. A subset of 48 persons provided detailed information about their reasons for disclosing or not disclosing knowledge of HPV and subsequent evaluation of their behavior. Knowledge of HPV transmission was adequate; however, there was no relationship between transmission knowledge and disclosure beliefs. Participants tended to disclose the presence of HPV to partners at point of diagnosis, but not to new partners 6 months later. Both disclosers and nondisclosers felt positively about their decision. Possible changes in clinic...
Impact of lack of suppression of glucagon on glucose tolerance in humans

People with type 2 diabetes have defects in both α- and β-cell function. To determine whether lack of suppression of glucagon causes hyperglycemia when insulin secretion is impaired but not when in...
Evaluation of seaFAST, a Rapid Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization Test, for Detection of Helicobacter pylori and Resistance to Clarithromycin in Paraffin-Embedded Biopsy Sections

A commercially available rapid fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) test, (seaFAST H. pylori Combi-Kit; SeaPro Theranostics International, Lelystad, The Netherlands) was used to simultaneously detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori and determine clarithromycin susceptibility in paraffin-embedded biopsy sections. The FISH method was found to be 97% sensitive, 94% specific for the detection of H. pylori and comparable to agar dilution for the detection of resistance to clarithromycin.
Utilization of an ex vivo human placental perfusion model to predict potential fetal exposure to carboplatin during pregnancy.

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the fetal drug compartment concentrations when various concentrations of carboplatin cross the placental-trophoblastic barrier and the effect on the fetal kidneys. Study Design An ex vivo human placenta perfusion model was utilized. Term human placentae (n = 9) were collected immediately after delivery and then reperfused with plasma concentrations achieved with carboplatin an area under the curve of 5 (1000 ng/mL), 7.5 (5000 ng/mL), or 11 (11,000 ng/mL). Antipyrine was used as a reference compound. Samples were collected over 2 hours. Placental transfer was evaluated by computation of transport fraction and clearance index. Primary cells isolated by explant culture of 16-18 week old fetal organ tissues were incubated with carboplatin for up to 48 hours with untreated cell as controls. Immunohistochemical, flow cytometry analysis, and immunoblotting were applied for the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Results Mean transport fractions for carboplatin at low, middle, and high concentrations were 0.05 ± 0.02, 0.04 ± 0.01, and 0.10 ± 0.01, respectively, with clearance indexes of 0.22 ± 0.01, 0.14 ± 0.08, and 0.50 ± 0.07, respectively. The fetal peak concentrations of carboplatin achieved were 61 ± 39 ng/mL (low), 375 ± 248 ng/mL (middle), and 2081 ± 529 ng/mL (high). Fetal kidney cells exposed to carboplatin showed a concentration-dependent increased expression of apoptosis-inducing factor and p53 apoptosis proteins and a time-dependent increase in expression Bax apoptosis protein expression. Apoptosis was confirmed at the high concentration by flow cytometry. Conclusion Doses of carboplatin up to an area under the curve of 7.5 were not associated with significant placental transfer, fetal exposure, or fetal toxic effects. This suggests it might not be necessary to empirically reduce carboplatin doses in pregnant women.
Coping with the Conflict-of-Interest Pandemic by Listening to and Doubting Everyone, Including Yourself

In light of the widespread existence of financial and non-financial issues that contribute to the appearance or fact of conflict of interest, it is proposed that conflict of interest should generally be assumed, no matter the source of financial support or the expressed declarations of conflicts and even with respect to one’s own work. No new model is advanced for modification of peer-review processes or for elaboration of author declarations of interest. Researchers should be assessing the quality of published work as best they can and make their own decisions on the appropriate use of the work. While some apparent sources of conflict are likely more obvious and serious than others, even subtler biases can influence scientific reports. Ignoring peer-reviewed contributions because of conflict-of-interest concerns is discouraged. Listening skeptically to all sources, including yourself, is encouraged.
High performance VLSI architecture for data clustering targeted at computer vision

This paper presents a high performance architecture for the important task of unsupervised data clustering in computer vision applications. This architecture is suitable for VLSI implementation, as it exploits paradigms of massive connectivity like those inspired by neural networks, and parallelism and functionality integration that can be afforded by emerging nanometer semiconductor technologies. By utilizing a "global-systolic, local-hyper-connected" architectural approach, this architecture can be suitable for the processing of real time DVD quality video at the highest rate allowed by the MPEG-2 standard. This implies a performance improvement of 118 times or better than approaches using conventional compute platforms.
Skin conductance conditioning with dyshidrotic eczema patients

Thirty-three patients with dyshidrotic eczema were trained either to decrease or to increase the electrical conductivity of the skin. Skin conductance has been found to be related to epidermal water content as well as emotional variables, both of which have suggested links to eczema. Subjects trained to decrease skin conductance showed clinical improvement more often than the controls who were trained in the opposite direction. They also showed a significant decrease in measured conductance and anxiety. The controls showed increased anxiety and no significant changes in skin conductance level.
Moving and Stationary Dislocations in Poroelastic Solids and Applications to Aseismic Slip in the Earth’s Crust

Results for the pore pressure induced by a plane strain shear dislocation that starts from rest, moves a finite distance at constant speed and stops demonstrate that coupling between deformation and diffusion causes a complex response even though the spatial distribution of slip is simple. A summary of recent solutions for stationary, instantaneous plane strain shear and opening dislocations and steadily moving shear dislocations demonstrates that coupling between deformation and diffusion is significant for locations near the dislocation edge and for short times. In addition, the response depends strongly on whether the plane of the dislocation is permeable or impermeable. Applications of these solutions to interpret water well level changes caused by aseismic slip (creep) in the Earth’s crust are discussed.
Dynamics of Stress and Its Control

The chapters presented in this volume have offered some fifteen current perspectives on the nature of stress. They give evidence of the significant maturing that has occurred in stress study—and particularly stress theory—since the mid-1960s, when we reviewed the field in a somewhat similar manner (Appley & Trumbull, 1967). Despite some remaining points of contention, we believe that an increasing consensus has been developing among investigators about the factors that contribute to the dynamics of the stress process.