cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a point spread function method to analyze flash radiography images: Image enhancement, movie generation, and projection detangling.

This work investigates how one can postprocess a series of flash-generated X-ray radiographs with known point spread functions and collection geometries to produce radiographs with enhanced image quality and/or to approximate a multiframe X-ray movie by spatially correlating temporally sequenced images. To produce images with enhanced quality, one collects multiple individual projections, simultaneously, and then uses the known point spread function and acquisition geometry to correlate and integrate the numerous projections as if they were acquired from approximately the same perspective. If using sources of similar spectral characteristics, the outcome correlates with that which would be produced from a multiflash integration, where one benefits from an increase in flux of X-ray photons. If using sources of different spectral characteristics, a composite radiograph can be produced where the unique source spectrum can be matched to known material absorption cross-sections to accentuate radiographic features within the target material. To produce multiframe movies, similar mathematics are applied to images collected throughout a timespan over which the object changes. The aforementioned processes’ mathematics and examples are demonstrated for the case in which the individual projections are completely separable on the detector with no overlap. Finally, a potential method is discussed for separation of images in the case where multiple radiograph projections are overlapped and entangled on the detector.
Single-cavity dual-wavelength all-fiber femtosecond laser for multimodal multiphoton microscopy

A single-cavity dual-wavelength all-fiber femtosecond laser is designed to generate 1030 nm wavelength for high resolution multiphoton imaging and 1700 nm wavelength for long penetration depth imaging. Considering two-photon and three-photon microscopy (2PM and 3PM), the proposed laser provides the single-photon wavelength equivalent to 343 nm, 515 nm, 566 nm and 850 nm, that can be employed to excite a wide variety of intrinsic fluorophores, dyes, and fluorescent proteins. Generating two excitation wavelengths from a single laser reduces the footprint and cost significantly compared to having two separate lasers. Furthermore, an all-reflective microscope is designed to eliminate the chromatic aberration while employing two excitation wavelengths. The compact all-fiber alignment-free laser design makes the overall size of the microscope appropriate for clinical applications.
Kidney Excretions: The Lyter Side of Urine

The evaluation of serum electrolytes is part of a basic laboratory workup for various conditions and clinical signs or symptoms. Urine testing can be a powerful tool to further delineate some conditions not clearly understood from history, physical exam and serum electrolytes evaluation alone. This chapter shows the clinician the physiology behind metabolic conditions commonly evaluated with urine electrolytes (hypokalemia, renal tubular acidosis, acute kidney injury) and how urine testing aids in evaluation (polyuria).
The Use of Auditory-Perceptual Training as a Research Method: A Summary Review

Summary Objective The purpose of this descriptive review was to document the current state of training to perform auditory-perceptual analysis as reported in the voice literature. Methods A review of the literature was performed. Results Thirty-six articles were included in the review. The theoretical basis of training, specific training methods employed, duration of training, stimuli used to train, vocal qualities trained, and the type of listeners used are reported. Conclusion There is wide variation to training procedures used in research including auditory-perceptual evaluation of voice quality. In order to begin to discover how to best train listeners for research and clinical settings, attention to the training methods used in research is necessary. Further, these training methods must be explicitly acknowledged and described to allow for adequate evaluation of research findings, comparison across studies, and to determine for which populations results might be applicable. The conceptual framework outlined in this study is a starting point to review voice quality research and to design future studies for which auditory-perceptual evaluation is taught to listeners.
Digital Image Processing Features of Smartwatch Photoplethysmography for Cardiac Arrhythmia Detection

The aim of our work is to design an algorithm to detect premature atrial contraction (PAC), premature ventricular contraction (PVC), and atrial fibrillation (AF) among normal sinus rhythm (NSR) using smartwatch photoplethysmographic (PPG) data. Novel image processing features and two machine learning methods are used to enhance the PAC/PVC detection results of the Poincare plot method. Compared with support vector machine (SVM) methods, the Random Forests (RF) method performs better. It yields a 10-fold cross validation (CV) averaged sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value (PPV), negative predicted value (NPV), and accuracy for PAC/PVC labels of 63%, 98%, 83%, 94%, and 93%, respectively, and a 10-fold CV averaged sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for AF subjects of 92%, 96%, 85%, 98%, and 95%, respectively. This is one of the first studies to derive image processing features from Poincare plots to further enhance the accuracy of PAC/PVC detection using PPG recordings from a smartwatch.
Improving rural disaster response preparedness.

BACKGROUND Disasters happen in all communities and negatively impact the health and safety of populations if not well managed. Rural health organizations face greater challenges when implementing emergency preparedness policies and need unique resources to help ensure the health of their communities. The purpose of this article is to describe the development and evaluation of an agricultural simulation scenario designed for rural health organizations. METHODS The agricultural disaster scenario was developed after determining the desired content domains. Forty students from nursing, medicine, public health, and social work participated in a functional simulation using the scenario. Outcomes were measured using a pre-post measurement with one cohort design. Data were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests. RESULTS Students reported a 30% increase in self-confidence, 38% increase in disaster competence, and 19% increase in interprofessional collaboration competence after the simulation. Statistically significant increases in student scores were noted on all surveys across professions. CONCLUSION The agricultural disaster simulation is a valid scenario to use for disaster preparation using emergency operations plans.
Tick abundance and life-stage segregation on the American black bear (Ursus americanus).

Tick abundance and diagnosed cases of tick-borne diseases have been increasing in the United States. American black bear (Ursus americanus) populations have also been increasing in the eastern United States. As a competent host of several species of ticks and a mammal capable of traveling long distances, the role of black bears as hosts for ticks requires further evaluation. Ectoparasite surveys were conducted on black bears in Pennsylvania to evaluate tick presence, abundance, spatial distribution, and association with Sarcoptes scabiei, the etiological agent of sarcoptic mange, on bears to better understand their role in tick ecology and to improve on-host surveillance techniques. Tick burden was evaluated using standard area sampling (10.16 × 10.16 cm squares) on pre-designated body regions on black bears from June 2018–December 2019. In total, 278 unique individual black bears were evaluated, with all ticks identified as Ixodes scapularis (n = 1976; 76.7% adults, 23.3% immatures). Tick presence differed by body region on bears, with the highest percentage of tick observations located on bear ears and muzzle. Ticks also partitioned on black bears by life-stage, with immature ticks primarily recorded on the lower extremities of bears and adult ticks primarily recorded on the front-quarters of bears. This includes the first known record of I. scapularis larvae parasitizing black bears, and observations of all three mobile life-stages concurrently parasitizing bears. Tick abundance was also statistically significant dependent on season, with the highest abundance of ticks recorded in spring and lowest abundance in fall. Adult ticks were less likely to be present on bears with mange. These data reveal the important role black bears may serve in tick ecology and dispersal as all three mobile life-stages of I. scapularis were found parasitizing a mammal capable of traveling far distances in a region with high numbers of Lyme disease cases.
Metals in Cells: X‐Ray Fluorescence Microscopy

X-ray fluorescence is one of the few tools that can be used to determine the concentration and localization of metals and nonmetals in cells. Depending on the element and the experimental conditions, X-ray fluorescence typically provides modest concentration sensitivity, in the micromolar range (i.e., high parts per billion sensitivity), and superb mass detection limits, as low as attomoles. Spatial resolution ranges from micrometers to tens of nanometers. In addition to basic quantification, X-ray fluorescence also offers the possibility of defining the chemical speciation of an element based on changes in its X-ray absorption near-edge structure. This article reviews the physical principles of X-ray fluorescence microscopy and summarizes its applications to biological samples, including a discussion of its strengths and weaknesses in comparison to other analytical methods. Keywords: X-ray fluorescence; synchrotron; XANES; microprobe; nanoprobe; PIXE; metallome
Photometry of Supernovae

Supernova light curves began to become available in the 1930’s. Figure 1 of this paper shows a collection of five of these early, best observed type I light curves. (The pioneering observations of Baade, Zwicky and Minkowski are reviewed, for example, in Zwicky (1965) or Pskovskii (1969)). The major result is that the well observed type I light curves that have been available to this date have encouraged the conclusion that all type I supernovae are extremely similar. It is well known, for example, that after maximum a type I declines rapidly for 2½ to 3 mag. Abruptly then a steady decline sets in which is at a rate of one magnitude per 50 to 70 days (Zwicky, 1965). The work of Minkowski (1939) showed that for several different supernovae the complex bands and features of the type I spectrum changed in a characteristic way with time and therefore could be related to light curve phase. A composite, standard type I light curve is shown in this conference by Rosino, Barbon and Ciatti.
Synthesis of substituted 3‐nitroso‐2,4‐pyridinediols for use as analytical reagents

The 5-bromo, 5-iodo, and 5-nitro derivatives of 6-methyl-3-nitroso-2,4-pyridinediol were synthesized and shown to produce colored complexes with a number of Group VIII metal ions. Also synthesized were the 1-pentyl and 1-octyl esters of 4,6-dihydroxy-5-nitrosopyridine-3-carboxylic acid. These compounds showed potential as solvent extraction reagents for certain Group VIII metals.
The Normative & Historical Cases for Proportional Deportation

Is citizenship status a legitimate basis for allocating rights in the United States? In immigration law the right to remain is significantly tied to citizenship status. Citizens have an absolutely secure right to remain in the United States regardless of their actions. Noncitizens’ right to remain is less secure because they can be deported if convicted of specific criminal offenses. This Article contends that citizenship is not a legitimate basis for allocating the right to remain. This Article offers a normative and historical argument for a right to remain for noncitizens. This right should be granted to members of the society — those with significant connections, commitment, and obligations to the State. Citizenship status is one proxy for identifying members, but it can be both under- and over-inclusive. Numerous green-card holders are committed to, have strong connections to, and undertake obligations to the United States. Deporting these individuals for crimes like perjury, receipt of stolen property, or failure to appear in court can be excessively harsh. It can mean depriving “a man and his family of all that makes life worth while [sic].” The right to remain for noncitizens is based on two principles — connection and proportionality. The jus nexi principle provides a basis for identifying members of the polity. Members have a heightened liberty interest in remaining in the United States. Deportation for minor criminal activity is an illegitimate deprivation of the liberty interest to remain in the United States because it is disproportionate. The first comprehensive crime-based deportation regime in the United States was rooted in both the jus nexi principle and proportionality. Reliance on these foundational norms has diminished and must be restored to achieve a more just deportation regime. In order to realize this goal the right to remain cannot depend on citizenship status.
Symmetric form of Bonnevie-Ullrich syndrome (syndrome of webbing of the neck, lymphangiectatic edema, shortness of stature, cubitus valgus and deformities of the toes).

Two cases of the syndrome of webbing of the neck, lymphangiectatic edema, shortness of stature, cubitus valgus and deformities of the toes (symmetric form of the Bonnevie-Ullrich syndrome) are presented. One patient also had elevated urinary gonadotropins and ovarian agenesis. The clinical findings of this syndrome and related conditions are described and the possible mechanisms of pathogenesis are reviewed. The relationship of the Bonnevie-Ullrich syndrome to other clinical syndromes is discussed.
Characterization of junctional and longitudinal sarcoplasmic reticulum from heart muscle.

Longitudinal tubules and junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) were prepared from heart muscle microsomes by Ca2+-phosphate loading followed by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The longitudinal SR had a high Ca2+ loading rate (0.93 +/- 0.08 mumol.mg-1.min) which was unchanged by addition of ruthenium red. Junctional SR had a low Ca2+ loading rate (0.16 +/- 0.02 mumol.mg-1.min) which was enhanced about 5-fold by ruthenium red. Junctional SR had feet structures observed by electron microscopy and a high molecular weight protein with Mr of 340,000, whereas longitudinal SR was essentially devoid of both. Thus, these subfractions have similar characteristics to longitudinal and junctional terminal cisternae of SR from fast twitch skeletal muscle. Ryanodine binding was localized to junctional cardiac SR as determined by [3H]ryanodine binding. Scatchard analysis of the binding data showed two types of binding (high affinity, Kd approximately 7.9 nM; low affinity, Kd approximately 1 microM), contrasting with skeletal junctional terminal cisternae where only one site with Kd of approximately 50 nM was observed. The ruthenium red enhancement of Ca2+ loading rate in junctional cardiac SR was blocked by pretreatment with low concentrations of ryanodine as reported for junctional terminal cisternae of skeletal muscle SR. The Ca2+ loading rate of junctional cardiac SR was enhanced by preincubation with high concentrations of ryanodine. The apparent inhibition constant (Ki approximately 7 nM) and stimulation constant (Km approximately 1.1 microM) for ryanodine on junctional SR corresponded to the Kd for high affinity binding (Kd approximately 7.9 nM) and low affinity binding (Kd approximately 1.1 microM), respectively. These results suggest that high affinity ryanodine binding locks the Ca2+ release channels in the open state and that low affinity binding closes the Ca2+ release channels of the junctional cardiac SR. The characteristics of the Ca2+ release channels of junctional cardiac SR appear to be similar to that of skeletal muscle SR, but the Ca2+ release channels of cardiac SR are more sensitive to ryanodine.
Low threshold 1.5 mu m quaternary quantum well lasers grown by MOCVD

Long-wavelength lasers containing quantum wells (QWs) with compressive strain in the range of 0-1.8% have been grown by atmospheric pressure MOCVD (metal-organic chemical vapor deposition). An ultralow threshold current density of 140 A/cm/sup 2/ at a cavity length of 3.5 mm and very low internal losses of 3.5/cm have been measured for single InGaAsP ( epsilon =1.8%) QW structures. Four QW structures employing quaternary QWs with 0.9% compressive strain exhibited a threshold current density of 324 A/cm/sup 2/ at a cavity length of 1.5 mm. Improvements in low-threshold operation with respect to devices containing strained InGaAs QWs are achieved due to the application of wider quaternary QWs than obtainable for InGaAs with a comparable value of strain. Strained QW lasers exhibited higher modal gain than lattice-matched QW lasers. Double QW structures with lattice-matched wells have operated with a threshold current density of 313 A/cm/sup 2/. >
Internationalization, Deregulation and the Extension of Higher Education in Korea: A Further Note

The Korean government implemented several educational policies to enhance internationalization of higher education such as deregulation of higher education, classroom instructions in English, and faculty publications in international refereed journals. However, the speed of globalization has been lagging behind (Green, 2015). Alternatively, this Note suggests the merit of off-shore campuses that educate students globally and upgrade higher education nationwide. Inviting off-shore campuses from overseas would be a cost- effective way to boost internationalization of domestic higher education.
Appendix B: Sequential MBP and UDFactorization

This chapter contains sections titled: Sequential MBP UD -Factorization Algorithm for MBP References
The Duration of Rental Housing Vacancies

Abstract This is an investigation into the probability distribution function for the duration of rental unit vacancies. Besides having drawn some past interest in its own right, the duration of vacancy is related to other durations in real estate and urban economics. The basic model estimated here is that of a gamma mixture, adjusted for length-, truncation- and survivorship-bias, of exponential distributions with hazard rate linear in dwelling characteristics. Among the results are these: duration is directly related to dwelling age, atypicality, the degree to which the neighborhood is "run down," and the number of rental units in the building. Thus, we offer new results and a better handling of unobservables.
Increased ascorbate radical formation and ascorbate depletion in plasma from women with preeclampsia: implications for oxidative stress.

Abstract There is evidence that oxidative stress accompanies preeclampsia and plasma ascorbate concentrations are reported to be decreased in the disorder. We tested the hypothesis that an ascorbate-oxidizing activity is increased in plasma from women with preeclampsia relative to normal pregnancy. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to determine (1) plasma functional reserves of ascorbate and total thiols, (2) temporal changes in ascorbate and thiol concentrations during incubation of whole blood in vitro, and (3) ascorbate radical signal kinetics in plasma after equalization of ascorbate concentrations. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure plasma α-tocopherol. Ascorbate concentrations were 50 % lower in preeclampsia relative to normal pregnancy plasma but thiols and α-tocopherol did not differ. The elapsed time prior to half-consumption of plasma ascorbate was decreased approximately three-fold during incubation of whole blood from preeclamptics. No concomitant decrease in thiols was evident. The initial ascorbate radical signal amplitude was greater in preeclampsia plasma and then, in contrast to normal pregnancy plasma, decreased progressively. The iron chelator, deferoxamine had no effect on plasma ascorbate radical formation. We conclude that an ascorbate-oxidizing activity is increased in preeclampsia plasma which might contribute to vascular dysfunction in the disorder.
Exciton localisation in InGaAsN and GaAsSbN observed by near-field magnetoluminescence and scanning optical microscopy (NSOM)

The authors present measurements of photoluminescence spectra and imaging of the sharp emission lines which result from the radiative recombination of excitons trapped in compositional fluctuations in dilute nitride epitaxial layers and quantum wells, using low-temperature near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM). Both weak and strong localisation (i.e. quantum-dot-like emission) are observed for samples of GaAsN and InGaAsN, with little difference depending on the presence or absence of In. Localisation energies are in the range 10–60 meV. Zeeman splitting and diamagnetic shifts are observed in the near-field magneto-photoluminescence, and from these effects the size (r=3–17 nm), composition fluctuations (Δy ∼0.5%) and density (100–1000 μm−3) of the compositional clusters are determined. Using two-dimensional NSOM images, the authors observe a strong lateral inhomogeniety for the GaAsN epilayers resulting from nitrogen clustering. A one-dimensional compositional modulation along the [110] direction is also observed for a GaAsSbN quantum well on the length scale of 100 nm. Transmission electron micrographs confirm the existence of these spatial nonuniformities. Time-resolved spectroscopy has also been carried out on one of the samples reported here (In0.08GaAsN0.03). Pump-and-probe photoluminescence experiments provide the following time constants: the exciton relaxation time to the ground states of the localisation regions is found to be ∼40–70 ps as the emission varies from high to low energy, and the time for depopulation of these localised states is 2–4 ns.
Relative Requirement and Source of Vitamin B12 for Turkeys and Chickens during the Later Stages of Growth

Abstract IT has been reported previously that an unknown dietary factor present in cow manure, in fish meal, and in smaller quantities in meat meal is required for growth of chickens (Rubin and Bird, 1946; Bird, Rubin, and Groschke, 1948) and of turkeys (Bird, Marsden, and Kellogg, 1948). Later it was shown that crystalline vitamin B12 produced an effect on growing chickens comparable to the effect of crude sources of the unknown factor (Ott, et al., 1948; Lillie, et al., 1948). Although the possible existence of other effective growth factors in the feedstuffs and crude concentrates previously studied cannot be excluded, and although crystalline vitamin B12 has not yet been tested with turkeys, it seems justifiable to ascribe the previously observed growth-stimulating effect of cow manure, fish meal, and meat meal to vitamin B12 potency. This term will therefore be substituted here for the term “unknown growth factor” used in previous . . .
Intravenous Catheter-Related Infections

Central intravenous catheters are universally accepted as essential components in the management of hospitalised patients. Central venous catheter infections are associated with increased morbidity and mortality and lead to excess hospitalisation and costs. The risk of acquiring central venous catheter-related bacteraemia has been estimated to be between 1 and 3% in patients with these devices. Once the catheter is inserted, host proteins, in particular fibrinogen and fibronectin, are rapidly deposited over its surface and actively promote bacterial attachment. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus remain the predominant pathogens. The semi-quantitative technique developed by Maki as well as blood cultures remain the gold standards for diagnosis.
Femtosecond dynamics of hydrogen‐bonding solvents. Formamide and N‐methylformamide in acetonitrile, DMF, and water

We have used optical‐heterodyne‐detected optical Kerr effect (OHD‐OKE) spectroscopy to measure the ultrafast dynamical profile of the amide series formamide (FA), N‐methylformamide (NMF), and N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF). We have studied the concentration dependence of binary solutions of FA and NMF using DMF, water, and acetonitrile as cosolvents. Our results show an underdamped librational motion with a period of about 100 cm−1 in both FA and NMF, which also occurs in the binary solutions. The significance of these results for ultrafast chemical reactions in solution is discussed.
Reasserting the Utility of Obsidian Hydration Dating: A Temperature-Dependent Empirical Approach to Practical Temporal Resolution with Archaeological Obsidians

In a recent paper in this journal, Anovitz et al. (1999) identify potentially serious flaws in the measurement and modelling of obsidian hydration for dating archaeological obsidians. This critique follows other recent papers highlighting potential problems with the method (e.g., Ridings, 1996; Stevenson, Mazer & Scheetz, 1998). Contrary to this latest critique, the current paper offers evidence for the apparent efficacy of a quadratic model for obsidian hydration dating of archaeological obsidians, using empirical results from archaeological projects throughout the western United States. It is posited that this model is sufficient, in part, due to limits of commonly used methods of hydration analysis, which also provide a cost-effective means for large-scale sampling. Given apparent support for quadratic modelling and, hence, the diffusion theory underlying it, an empirical approach to obsidian hydration rate formulation that incorporates field temperature data is explored. Although evaluation of the resulting rate formula for Casa Diablo obsidian is somewhat equivocal, the results are relatively robust when compared to other posited rates. As such, the approach appears to hold promise within the limits of temporal resolution necessary for many regional research strategies, while also serving as a potential check of laboratory-based strategies.
Electrical Properties Probe Measures Water/Ice Content of Martian Soils Using Impedance Spectroscopy

We are developing a simple apparatus to quickly determine the amount of water/ice using two probes that contact the regolith. Using impedance spectroscopy, we describe how conductivity measurements were used to determine the amount of water/ice in simulated martian soils. We measured silica sand samples containing 0.05% to 10% water doped with KC1 and MgSO4 between -65degC and 25degC. Results indicate that we are able to measure the water/ice content of coarse silica sand with > 0.05% water and > 0.5% ice. For a concentration, C*, of ions or defects, water/ice gravimetric content, thetas g, and equivalent conductivity, Lambda, the conductivity is sigma=2.5x10-7ldrLambdaldrC*ldrthetas g 1.8.
Organogels resulting from competing self-assembly units in the gelator: Structure, dynamics, and photophysical behavior of gels formed from cholesterol-stilbene and cholesterol-squaraine gelators

Organogels formed from novel organic gelators containing a cholesterol tethered to squaraine dyes or trans-stilbene derivatives have been studied from several different perspectives. The two types of molecules are active toward several organic liquids, gelling in some cases at w/w percentages as low as 0.1. While relatively robust, macroscopically “dry” gels are formed in several cases, studies with a variety of probes indicate that much of the solvent may exist in domains that are essentially liquid-like in terms of their microenvironment. The gels have been imaged by atomic force microscopy and conventional and fluorescence microscopy, monitoring both the gelator fluorescence in the case of the stilbene−cholesterol gels and, the fluorescence of solutes dissolved in the solvent. Remarkably, our findings show that several of the gels are composed of similarly appearing fibrous structures visible at the nano-, micro-, and macroscale.
Design and Development of a Free-Standing 4-DOF Infant Surgical Table

Retinopathy of prematurity is caused by abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of a premature infant. Current options for surgery tables used in laser treatment of this condition are limited. Full-size operating tables or table attachments are used but provide restricted patient manipulation and cause the surgeon to assume ergonomically undesirable positions. A stand-alone four-degree-of-freedom (4-DOF) infant surgical table was designed and is presented in this paper. The new table enables the surgeon to manipulate the patient while sitting in a comfortable position. The table platform can pitch left/right and fore/aft. The table platform can rotate 360° and translate vertically. Two linear actuators and a motor with ball screw provide the three degrees of freedom for table pitch and rotation through a spherical wrist-mechanism. A ball screw and motor achieve vertical movement of the table platform. The rigors of surgery and associated space constraints were accounted for in this design. The design consists of three subassemblies which can be disassembled for transport between operating theaters. A wide base is used to prevent the table from tipping. Biocompatible materials have been selected for all parts. Lastly, foot controls are used to keep the surgeon’s hands free.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Adverse reactions to aspirin and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Background Aspirin can provoke reactions ranging from respiratory to cutaneous in those susceptible individuals. There has been particular attention looking at the role of cyclo-oxygenase enzymes and 2 and their role in aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease.
An online actor/critic algorithm for event-triggered optimal control of continuous-time nonlinear systems

This paper proposes a novel optimal adaptive event-triggered control algorithm for nonlinear continuous-time systems. The goal is to reduce the controller updates, by sampling the state only when an event is triggered to maintain stability and optimality. The online algorithm is implemented based on an actor/critic neural network structure. The algorithm proposed exhibits dynamics with continuous evolutions described by ordinary differential equations and instantaneous jumps. A Lyapunov stability proof ensures that the closed-loop system is asymptotically stable.
Linkage of low-density lipoprotein size to the lipoprotein lipase gene in heterozygous lipoprotein lipase deficiency

Summary Small low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles are a genetically influenced coronary disease risk factor. Lipoprotein lipase (LpL) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the formation of LDL particles. The current study examined genetic linkage of LDL particle size to the LpL gene in five families with structural mutations in the LpL gene. LDL particle size was smaller among the heterozygous subjects, compared with controls. Among heterozygous subjects, 44% were classified as affected by LDL subclass phenotype B, compared with 8% of normal family members. Plasma triglyceride levels were significantly higher, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were lower, in heterozygous subjects, compared with normal subjects, after age and sex adjustment. A highly significant LOD score of 6.24 at θ=0 was obtained for linkage of LDL particle size to the LpL gene, after adjustment of LDL particle size for within-genotype variance resulting from triglyceride and HDL-C. Failure to adjust for this variance led to only a modest positive LOD score of 1.54 at θ=0. Classifying small LDL particles as a qualitative trait (LDL subclass phenotype B) provided only suggestive evidence for linkage to the LpL gene ( LOD =1.65 at θ=0). Thus, use of the quantitative trait adjusted for within-genotype variance, resulting from physiologic covariates, was crucial for detection of significant evidence of linkage in this study. These results indicate that heterozygous LpL deficiency may be one cause of small LDL particles and may provide a potential mechanism for the increase in coronary disease seen in heterozygous LpL deficiency. This study also demonstrates a successful strategy of genotypic specific adjustment of complex traits in mapping a quantitative trait locus.
Scheduling injection molding operations with multiple resource constraints and sequence dependent setup times and costs

This paper addresses a production scheduling problem in an injection molding facility. It appears to be the first attempt to schedule parallel machines for multiple items in presence of multiple capacitated resource constraints with sequence-dependent setup costs and times. The objective is to meet customer demands while minimizing the total inventory holding costs, backlogging costs and setup costs. We present a mathematical formulation of the problem. The computational complexity associated with the formulation makes it difficult for standard solvers address industrial-dimensioned problems in reasonable solution time. To overcome this, a two-phase workcenter-based decomposition scheme has been developed in this paper. The computational results for different problem sizes demonstrate that this scheme is able to solve industrial-dimensioned problems within reasonable time and accuracy.
Investigations of MX-1 Tridymite by 29Si MAS NMR- Modulated Structures and Structural Phase Transitions

MX-1 tridymite is one of the room-temperature polymorphs of SiO2 tridymite and has an underlying monoclinic structure (Cc) with incommensurate modulations along a* and c* (Hoffmann et al. 1983; Lons and Hoffmann 1987). With increasing temperature up to 500° C, MX-1 is reported to experience at least five structural phase transitions. However, its structures and the relationships to other tridymite polymorphs are unclear. We present here a 29Si MAS NMR study of the room-temperature incommensurate structure of MX-1 and its structural phase transitions up to 540° C. Our results suggest that at room temperature, all the Si sites in MX-1 tridymite are in positions with similiar ∠Si-O-Si of ∼150° and are consistent with the presence of two incommensurate modulations proposed by Hoffmann et al. (1983). Simulations of the spectra yield modulation amplitudes of 1.33 and 0.87 ppm, corresponding to 0.009 and 0.006 A for Si-Si. The maximum atomic displacements along a and b due to the modulations appear to be ∼0.01–0.02 A. The structural phase transitions of MX-1 are significantly different from those of MC tridymite below 220° C. Our high temperature results confirm that MX-1 tridymite transforms to the H5 phase at about 65° C. The most important transition occurs near 110° C, where the H5 phase transforms to a phase yielding a single, narrow NMR peak, indicating the disappearance of the superstructure and possibly the onset of the dynamic averaging. The NMR lineshapes of H5 are consistent with the metrically orthorhombic unit cell and commensurate superstructure of 2a, 2b and 10c proposed by Graetsch and Florke (1991). The phase present above 110° C is probably similar to the OC phase, but has a mean ∠Si-O-Si of ∼152.0° at 113° C, 152.9° at 185° C and 154.1° at 500° C. The transitions at ∼160 and 220° C for MX-1 are subtle and probably due to impurity MC. Analysis of the modulations in the OS phase of MC tridymite indicates that their amplitudes are of the order of 0.02 A, significantly less than the value 0.3 A proposed by Nukui et al. (1979).
Nonlinear dynamics of a magnetorheological-fluid-based active suspension system for a neonatal transport

A neonatal transport cart is used by hospitals to transport critical infants. The ride during ground transportation generates severe vibrations which have been found to adversely affect the infant's physiological symptoms. This work is the first attempt to design a vibration isolation system using magneto-rheological fluid damper-based suspension system for the neonatal transport cart. In this paper the effect of various system and control parameters on the two-degree-of-freedom model are numerically studied for parametric bifurcation stability behavior. It is shown that system can undergo loss of stability via Hopf bifurcation and exhibit limit cycle oscillations which is counter to the goal of the proposed suspension design.
Ferromagnetic resonance in (Ga,Mn)As

Abstract Dilute magnetic semiconductors exhibit unique magnetic and transport properties which arise from the coupling of carrier spins and local moments. We have studied the ferromagnetic resonance spectra in ferromagnetic Mn-doped GaAs (with Mn concentrations ∼4–6%), whose properties are strongly influenced by this coupling. The resonance fields were found to have an anomalous temperature dependence, which we attribute to the development of a “bottleneck” between the two types of spins. The gyromagnetic ratio of hole spins in this p-type ferromagnetic semiconductor was found to be negative, with g∼−0.5. At low temperatures, additional anisotropy appears, which we have attributed to the trapping of itinerant holes by the core spins.
Incidences of sexual contacts of children: Impacts of family characteristics and family structure from a national sample

Abstract Objective This study analyzes the prevalence of child sexual touching before puberty (age 11 or younger) and its connection to family structure during adolescence. Method Data were analyzed from the National Health and Social Life Survey, a stratified random probability survey of 3432 non-institutionalized respondents who were 18 to 59 years of age. Results A total of 566 respondents (16.5%) reported prepubertal sexual touching. The overall percentage differences between these “reported” respondents and the rest of the respondents by gender, race or socioeconomic status measures were not significant. The odds of being touched were 1.589 times higher when the child did not live with both parents at age 14 due to parental divorce, and 2.134 times higher due to institutionalization of one or both parents. Conclusions Policies should focus on supporting single mothers and parents who both work outside of the home to reduce the likelihood that children are left vulnerable and at risk of being sexually touched.
European Monetary Union: the dark sides of a major success

THE DARK SIDES OF A MAJOR SUCCESS This paper revisits the debates that have surrounded the launch of a unique experience: the adoption of a common currency among developed countries. A striking aspect of this history is that, pressed by what they correctly identified as a window of opportunity, policy-makers crafted this complex project in a short period of time, largely eschewing inputs from the academic profession. Academic research, in turn, developed its own views, which turned out to be critical of some ley orientations, yet it generally recognizes that, in the end, the launch of the euro has been a major success. Over time, many of the academic criticisms have been taken on board, but not yet fully. The monetary strategy has been slightly amended, but it remains the subject of disagreements between the European Central Bank and monetary economists. Events have confirmed that the Stability and Growth Pact was ill-designed; its reformulation goes some way to address some of the concerns but not all of them. Its ability to deliver fiscal discipline is in doubt. Another look at the experiment highlights the gap between the principles laid out by those who designed the monetary union and the pragmatism that has prevailed thereafter. The resulting tension between principles and actions sometimes obscures the fact that the Eurosystem has acted wisely so far. The widespread perception that monetary policy is not as transparent as it should be and suffers from a lack of adequate democratic accountability is not just annoying. The general public, including politicians, sometimes blames the Eurosystem for Europe's poor growth performance since the adoption of the euro. This is unfair and could dangerously undermine the monetary union if the Eurosystem were to become the scapegoat for the slow and incomplete reforms that are needed to revigorate the euro area's economies. — Charles Wyplosz
The effect of ionospheric reflected noise on the performance of an orbital-debris radar system

An orbital-debris radar system was designed to detect the presence of small objects in low Earth orbit by reflecting radio waves off the objects. The author provides a rigorous derivation of the ionospheric reflected noise power and provides an integration over the complete pulse period. Free electrons and ions contained in the ionosphere cause incoherent scatter of the radar signal. This ionospheric reflection tends to increase the noise at the terrestrial radar receiver. A parameter called the ionospheric scattering cross section per unit volume, which is a function of altitude, is useful for computing the power of the ionospheric reflection signal. The Doppler frequency speed of the ionospheric reflected signal is also a function of altitude. The ionospheric noise of a 9-GHz orbital-debris radar receiver is computed using these concepts. Annual and diurnal variations of the noise are included. >
Incomplete spinal cord injury: Neuronal mechanisms of motor recovery and hyperreflexia☆☆☆★

Abstract Objective: To understand neuronal mechanisms of motor recovery and hyperreflexia after incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), and their role in rehabilitation. Design: Reviewed and compared clinical, neurophysiologic, and neuropathologic data from human SCI patients with behavioral, neurophysiologic, and neuroanatomic data from animals to postulate underlying neuronal mechanisms. Outcome: A postulation that two neuronal mechanisms—receptor up-regulation and synapse growth—act sequentially, to explain the gradual appearance of motor recovery after incomplete SCI. These same mechanisms may also act in spinal reflex pathways to mediate hyperreflexia caudal to SCI. Results: After incomplete SCI, walking ability and hyperreflexia often develop. Initially, cord neurons are hyperpolarized and less excitable because of loss of normal descending facilitation; this is spinal shock. Then, gradually, voluntary movement recovers and hyperreflexia develops. Early (hours to days), these changes develop simultaneously, suggesting a common postsynaptic mechanism—likely, an increase in postsynaptic receptor excitability, possibly receptor up-regulation. Late (weeks to months), recovery and reflex changes occur at a slow rate, are no longer simultaneous, and are long-lasting, which suggests a presynaptic mechanism, such as local synapse growth in spared descending pathways and in reflex pathways. This presumed synapse growth is seemingly enhanced by active use of the growing pathway. Also, developing hyperreflexia appears to limit motor recovery. Conclusions: These observations suggest that rehabilitation for incomplete SCI should (1) increase activity in spared descending motor pathways, (2) initially use reflex facilitation or central nervous system stimulants to assist spared descending inputs in depolarizing cord neurons, and (3) later minimize reflex input, when spared descending inputs can depolarize cord neurons without reflex facilitation. Better understanding of neuronal mechanisms that underlie motor recovery after incomplete SCI promises better outcomes from rehabilitation.
Determination of methyleugenol in rodent plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography

A method has been developed and validated for the analysis of methyleugenol, a volatile flavoring agent, in rodent plasma at concentrations from 0.050 to 10.0 micrograms/ml. The method involves the addition of acetonitrile to the plasma, removal of the protein precipitate, and analysis of the supernatant by reversed-phase (C18) HPLC using an acetonitrile-water mixture with UV detection. The precision, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the method were assessed. The stability of methyleugenol in plasma, during freeze-thaw cycles, refrigerated at the extract stage, and during the analysis was evaluated. The recovery of methyleugenol from plasma was also determined. This method was found to be acceptable for plasma concentrations in toxicokinetic studies of methyleugenol in rodents. Over 400 samples from toxicokinetic studies have been successfully analyzed to date. Kinetic data from a preliminary single administration intravenous and oral study in rats is also presented.
The Receptor Tyrosine Kinase QEK5 mRNA Is Expressed in a Gradient within the Neural Retina and the Tectum

In the retinotectal system, positional information has long been postulated to take the form of molecular gradients within both the retina and the tectum. Recent reports have implicated Mek4, a member of the Eph (also named class V) family of tyrosine kinase receptors (RTKs), and two ligands, RAGS and ELF-1, in this process. Here, we report the cloning and distribution pattern of QEK5, another member of the Eph family of RTKs, isolated from a quail cDNA library. During retinal differentiation, QEK5 transcripts accumulate in a ventral to dorsal gradient within the retinal neuroepithelium, where its expression becomes restricted to the ganglion and bipolar cell layers. Within the tectum, QEK5 transcripts are detectable in a posterior to anterior gradient in the ventricular layer and newly formed superficial layers. The pattern of QEK5 expression in the retina and tectum is distinct from that of Mek4, suggesting that complex patterns of Eph RTKs and their ligands may play a role in cell–cell interactions involved in retinotectal projections and differentiation of the central nervous system.
PR36 WHAT I’VE LEARNT IN CRANIOFACIAL SURGERY

In a long career in the area of craniofacial surgery the author has learned many lessons, often the hard way. These will be discussed and some strategies presented to avoid problems which can be disastrous in craniofacial surgery such as massive haemorrhage, infection and airway obstructions. Protocols for safe practice will be discussed.
Fusion protein linkers: Property, design and functionality

As an indispensable component of recombinant fusion proteins, linkers have shown increasing importance in the construction of stable, bioactive fusion proteins. This review covers the current knowledge of fusion protein linkers and summarizes examples for their design and application. The general properties of linkers derived from naturally-occurring multi-domain proteins can be considered as the foundation in linker design. Empirical linkers designed by researchers are generally classified into 3 categories according to their structures: flexible linkers, rigid linkers, and in vivo cleavable linkers. Besides the basic role in linking the functional domains together (as in flexible and rigid linkers) or releasing the free functional domain in vivo (as in in vivo cleavable linkers), linkers may offer many other advantages for the production of fusion proteins, such as improving biological activity, increasing expression yield, and achieving desirable pharmacokinetic profiles.
Dehydro-aromatization of cyclohexene-carboxylic acids by sulfuric acid: critical route for bio-based terephthalic acid synthesis

A novel dehydro-aromatization reaction under mild reaction conditions was successfully developed using sulfuric acid as a cost-effective and efficient oxidant. This reaction simplified the synthesis of terephthalic acid (TA, an important aromatic monomer precursor) from biomass-derived isoprene and acrylic acid.