cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Control of Non-minimum Phase Modal Systems Using Residual Mode Filters: Part II

Many dynamic systems containing a large number of modes can benefit from adaptive control techniques, which are well suited to applications that have unknown parameters and poorly known operating conditions. In this paper, we focus on a direct adaptive control approach that has been extended to handle adaptive rejection of persistent disturbances. We extend this adaptive control theory to accommodate problematic modal subsystems of a plant that inhibit the adaptive controller by causing the open-loop plant to be non-minimum phase. We will modify the adaptive controller with a Residual Mode Filter (RMF) to compensate for problematic modal subsystems, thereby allowing the system to satisfy the requirements for the adaptive controller to have guaranteed convergence and bounded gains. This paper will be divided into two parts. Here in Part I we will review the basic adaptive control approach and introduce the primary ideas. In Part II, we will present the RMF methodology and complete the proofs of all our results. Also, we will apply the above theoretical results to a simple flexible structure example to illustrate the behavior with and without the residual mode filter.
Screening for Depression and Help-Seeking in Postpartum Women During Well-Baby Pediatric Visits: An Integrated Review

Abstract Purpose The purposes of this integrated review are to examine the literature on screening for depression and help-seeking behaviors by postpartum women during pediatric well-baby visits; to identify gaps in the literature relating to depression and help-seeking behaviors; and to discuss implications for practice and future research. Method An extensive search of primary source documents was conducted in Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Mental Measurements Yearbook, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and Women's Studies International using the key words postpartum, postpartum depression (PPD), help seeking, and pediatric setting or pediatrician. Thirty-five articles relevant to help seeking, PPD, and screening in the pediatric setting were included in this review. Research studies included both quantitative and qualitative articles. Results PPD affects 10% to 15% of all women after birth. Postpartum women generally do not seek help for depression. Untreated PPD has significant adverse affects on parenting, maternal bonding, and the infant's emotional and behavioral development. Interaction with the woman's obstetric provider ends shortly after the baby's birth. However, interactions with the pediatric office are initiated and continue throughout the infant's first two years of life. Discussion Early recognition of PPD and appropriate treatment are imperative for positive maternal-infant outcomes. A majority of women do not seek help for depression from any source. Because mothers have routine interactions with pediatric office staff during the first few years after giving birth, pediatric nurse practitioners and pediatricians have the perfect opportunity to screen and educate women regarding symptoms, treatment, and available resources for PPD.
Genetic analysis of steroid hormone action

Mutations eliminating the expected biological response of target cells to steroid hormones reinforce in vitro biochemical observations concerning the steps involved in steroid hormone action.
On the Lehmann discontinuity

The Lehmann discontinuity (∼200km) in the upper mantle is proposed to result from a change in the preferred orientation of olivine as a result of a change in deformation mechanism: in the shallow upper mantle, deformation is due to dislocation creep and results in an anisotropic structure, whereas in the deeper upper mantle, diffusion creep becomes dominant due to a smaller activation volume, resulting in an isotropic structure. For anisotropy due to dislocation-glide corresponding to a horizontal flow, the resultant anisotropy will yield VSH>VSV and VPH>vPV. Thus, for waves propagating nearly vertically (e.g., ScS waves), there will be discontinuous jumps in the S- and P-wave velocities at this discontinuity. In this model, the depth of the Lehmann discontinuity depends on the deformation conditions such as stress level, geotherm, water fugacity and grain-size, giving a natural explanation for its observed variation with tectonic setting.
Transcriptional Repression by a Conserved Intronic Sequence in the Nicotinic Receptor α3 Subunit Gene

The genes encoding the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha3, alpha5, and beta4 subunits are genomically clustered. These genes are co-expressed in a variety of cells in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Their gene products assemble in a number of stoichiometries to generate several nicotinic receptor subtypes that have distinct pharmacological and physiological properties. Signaling through these receptors is critical for a variety of fundamental biological processes. Despite their importance, the transcriptional mechanisms underlying their coordinated expression remain to be completely elucidated. By using a bioinformatics approach, we identified a highly conserved intronic sequence within the fifth intron of the alpha3 subunit gene. Reporter gene analysis demonstrated that this sequence, termed "alpha3 intron 5," inhibits the transcriptional activities of the alpha3 and beta4 subunit gene promoters. This repressive activity is position- and orientation-independent. Importantly, repression occurs in a cell type-specific manner, being present in cells that do not express the receptor genes or expresses them at very low levels. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrate that nuclear proteins specifically interact with alpha3 intron 5 at two distinct sites. We propose that this intronic repressor element is important for the restricted expression patterns of the nicotinic receptor alpha3 and beta4 subunit genes.
An Approximate Solution for Period-1 Motions in a Periodically Forced Van Der Pol Oscillator

In this paper the approximate analytical solutions of period-1 motion in the periodically forced van der Pol oscillator are obtained by the generalized harmonic balance (HB) method. Such an approximate solution of periodic motion is given by the Fourier series expression, and the convergence of such an expression is guaranteed by the Fourier series theory of periodic functions. The approximate solution is different from traditional, approximate solution because the number of total harmonic terms (N) is determined by the precision of harmonic amplitude quantity level, set by the investigator (e.g., AN≤ɛ and ɛ=10-8). The stability and bifurcation analysis of the period-1 solutions is completed through the eigenvalue analysis of the coefficient dynamical systems of the Fourier series expressions of periodic solutions, and numerical illustrations of period-1 motions are compared to verify the analytical solutions of periodic motions. The trajectories and analytical harmonic amplitude spectrum for stable and unstable periodic motions are presented. The harmonic amplitude spectrum shows the harmonic term effects on periodic motions, and one can directly know which harmonic terms contribute on periodic motions and the convergence of the Fourier series expression is clearly illustrated.
An experimental study of a turbulent wing-body junction and wake flow

Extensive measurements were conducted in an incompressible turbulent flow around the wing-body junction formed by a 3∶2 semi-elliptic nose/NACA 0020 tail section and a flat plate. Mean and fluctuating velocity measurements were performed adjacent to the wing and up to 11.56 chord lengths downstream. The appendage far wake region was subjected to an adverse pressure gradient. The authors' results show that the characteristic horseshoe vortex flow structure is elliptically shaped, with ∂ (W)/∂Y forming the primary component of the streamwise vorticity. The streamwise development of the flow distortions and vorticity distributions is highly dependent on the geometry-induced pressure gradients and resulting flow skewing directions. The primary goal of this research was to determine the effects of the approach boundary layer characteristics on the junction flow. To accomplish this goal, the authors' results were compared to several other junction flow data sets obtained using the same body shape. The trailing vortex leg flow structure was found to scale on T. A parameter known as the momentum deficit factor (MDF = (Re T)2 (θ/T)) was found to correlate the observed trends in mean flow distortion magnitudes and vorticity distribution. Changes in δ/T were seen to affect the distribution of u′, with lower ratios producing well defined local turbulence maxima. Increased thinning of the boundary layer near the appendage was also observed for small values of δ/T.
Identification of a Novel Protein, PDIP38, That Interacts with the p50 Subunit of DNA Polymerase δ and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen

The yeast two-hybrid screening method was used to identify novel proteins that associate with human DNA polymerase δ (pol δ). Two baits were used in this study. These were the large (p125) and small (p50) subunits of the core pol δ heterodimer. p50 was the only positive isolated with p125 as the bait. Two novel protein partners, named PDIP38 and PDIP46, were identified from the p50 screen. In this study, the interaction of PDIP38 with pol δ was further characterized. PDIP38 encodes a protein of 368 amino acids whose C terminus is conserved with the bacterial APAG protein and with the F box A protein. It was found that PDIP38 also interacts with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The ability of PDIP38 to interact with both the p50 subunit of pol δ and with PCNA was confirmed by pull-down assays using glutathioneS-transferase (GST)-PDIP38 fusion proteins. The PCNA-PDIP38 interaction was also demonstrated by PCNA overlay experiments. The association of PDIP38 with pol δ was shown to occur in calf thymus tissue and mammalian cell extracts by GST-PDIP38 pull-down and coimmunoprecipitation experiments. PDIP38 was associated with pol δ isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography. The association of PDIP38 with pol δ could also be demonstrated by native gel electrophoresis.
Regulation of estradiol and progesterone receptor concentrations in cat uteri following chronic progesterone administratioN

The purpose of this study was to determine the early effect of progesterone (P) on the estradiol (E2) and P receptor systems in cat uteri. Ovariectomized animals were treated with E2 for 7 days. Animals were then treated for up to 48 h with E2 and P, treated with P while being E2 withdrawn, or just E2 withdrawn. P treatment resulted in a significant decrease in P cytosol receptor (PcR) and a significant increase in P nuclear receptor (PnR) at all times included in this study when compared to levels measured in the E2-treated animal. E2 cytosol receptor (EcR) and E2 nuclear receptor (EnR) levels were significantly lower after 12 h of P treatment and remained so for the duration of this study. When EcR and EnR levels were compared after 48 h of P treatment in the presence or absence of E2, or after 48 h of E2 withdrawal, the loss of EnR following P treatment appeared to be independent of any changes in EcR levels or serum E2 levels, and only dependent on the presence of P. These results clearly illustrate that the chronic administration of P decreases the uterine concentration of its own receptor, and suggests that P decreases the E2 receptor system by a selective action within the nucleus which diminishes their ability to retain EnR.
Discourse Analysis: a Technique to Assist Conflict Management in Environmental Policy Development

In this article, the authors review reactions to recent events in irrigated regions in north-western New South Wales, as reported in the print media. Discourse analysis is applied to the media reports to identify differences in perception about irrigation-environment interactions. Our aim is to provide a simple introduction to the method of discourse analysis, followed by a brief discussion of how the results of that analysis might be applied to environmental dispute management. Critical analysis (using discourse analysis) of the language used by advocates of different arguments may provide a number of potential benefits to both public policy makers and industry organisations. The method could be used in the implicit mediatory environment of public policy development, the explicit mediatory environment of dispute management, and for industry public relations analysis.
Taylor Vortices Induced Instability and Turbulence in Journal Bearing Microscale Flow

This paper elaborates on the relationship between the onset and the development of the Taylor instability and their relationship to the phenomenon of what is accepted to be “turbulence” in the narrow gaps of concentric and eccentric cylinders. When do bearings function in the Taylor instability regime and when in the actual turbulent regime? To start answering this question, the viscous flow in the gap (0.01 in.) between two cylinders with eccentricities varying from 0.0 to 0.8 is investigated by using commercial software. The inner cylinder is rotating while the outer one is at rest. The fluid between the two cylinders is a silicone oil (ρ = 1048 kg/m 3 and μ = 0.099 kg/m-s). This research has found that Taylor vortices (cells) begin to form at certain but different “critical” speeds as a function of eccentricity. As the speed grows, the vortices become fully developed and evolve further into wavy patterns. Calculations show that critical speed itself increases monotonically with the increase in eccentri...
Predicting Use of Hearing Protection: A Preliminary Study

Abstract The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health targeted noise-induced hearing loss as one of the top 10 occupational hazards. Research has been directed toward reducing noise exposure rather than identifying the factors associated with workers' decision consistently to use hearing protection. The long-term goal of this program of research is to develop a causal model explaining workers' use of hearing protection to guide development of nursing interventions. This study was a preliminary one to prepare for testing Pender's health-promotion model (HPM) as a causal model. Ninety-eight skilled tradesmen completed written questionnaires at their work site. Although 98% indicated they were supposed to wear protection, their reported use averaged 50.3% of the time. Reported use significantly and positively correlated with workers' perceptions of the benefits and self-efficacy of use, value of outcomes regarding keeping out noise and increased well-being, and health-promoting behaviors in the areas of self-actualization and stress management. Perceptions of barriers of use were significantly and negatively related to use. In regression analyses of use of hearing protection on components of the HPM and dimensions of health behavior and lifestyle, one component of the HPM (benefits) and two dimensions of health behavior and lifestyle (self-actualization and interpersonal support) significantly predicted use, accounting for 24% of the variance in use of protection. Knowledge of the predictors of hearing protection use will ultimately aid nurses in implementing interventions, increasing use, and decreasing hearing losses.
Surgically staged patients with prostatic carcinoma treated with definitive radiotherapy : fifteen-year results

Abstract Objective . To assess the long-term outcome of patients with lymphadenectomy-staged prostate cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy. Methods . A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients with prostate cancer who underwent staging pelvic lymphadenectomy before treatment with definitive radiotherapy from 1970 to February 1978. This included 71 patients who were evaluated for a minimum of fifteen years. No patients were lost to follow-up. Thirty-five patients were node negative and 36 were node positive. Results . Fifteen-year actuarial overall survival, cause-specific survival, and local control for the 20 patients with clinically organ-confined disease (T1 b-T2 NOMO) was 40 percent, 75 percent, and 92 percent, respectively. The results for the 15 T3 NOMO patients were 15 percent, 22 percent, and 60 percent. Patients with positive nodes did much worse, with rates of 5 percent, 6 percent, and 45 percent. Thirty-four patients received hormonal therapy at the time of first failure. No patient who was clinically free of disease at fifteen years had an elevated level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Conclusions . Our data suggest excellent results in a cohort of patients (T1 b-T2 NOMO) treated with primary radiotherapy who would be considered candidates for radical prostatectomy. Outcome is significantly worse in patients with T3 lesions and node-positive disease.
Multinational investment and return migration in Ireland in the 1990s- a county-level analysis

Abstract The mobility transition from emigration to immigration in Ireland in the 1990s resulted in significant return migration, whose relationship to new multinational jobs at the micro‐scale has not been investigated. Spatial analyses of county data (Census and IDA) reveal that return migration was high in areas with high MNC and other job growth such as greater Dublin and the central west, and low in areas with poor job growth such as the border zone and parts of the southeast. However, some areas with low return migration had substantial job growth (e.g., county Limerick), and some areas with high return migration had a scarcity of new jobs (e.g. county Mayo) suggesting non‐economic reasons for return. A household survey in Mayo County in 2002 revealed the predominance of family and quality of life reasons over economic reasons in the decision to return to Ireland. However, the improving Irish economy very likely enabled returnees to meet their career aspirations in Ireland, regardless of the primary...
The Thiokol rubber base impression materials

Abstract Some physical properties of the Thiokol rubber base impression materials have been investigated. The manipulation and setting times of products have been determined at room temperature and 37 ° C. The effect of variations in proportioning of base and catalyst has been determined and a comparative evaluation of the consistency of products conducted. The per cent set and per cent strain characteristics have been determined 10 minutes after the start of mixing. This 10-minute time was chosen because it represents a practical time interval for clinical use. A clinical evaluation has studied the behavior of some of these products in three techniques.
Monolithic integration of a silicon driver circuit onto a lead lanthanum zirconate titanate substrate for smart spatial light modulator fabrication

The monolithic integration of N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) driver circuits in silicon thin films onto a lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) substrate is reported. Two integration methods are compared. Both methods result in NMOS transistors that exhibit electrical properties that are close to those of transistors fabricated in bulk silicon. The characteristics of PLZT modulators driven by thin-film transistors are also similar to those of bulk PLZT modulators. These techniques promise new spatial light modulators of high complexity and performance that good-quality silicon and bulk PLZT can offer.
Abstract C10: Tumor necrosis factor is necessary but not sufficient for castration-induced prostate regression

TNF, a pro-inflammatory and immune-regulatory cytokine, is a potent apoptotic stimulus in vitro. There are few examples of a physiologic role for TNF induced apoptosis in vivo, but here we describe a novel role for TNF in prostate epithelial cell apoptosis following androgen withdrawal. We demonstrate, using high resolution serial MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to measure mouse prostate volume changes over time, that castration induced prostate regression is significantly reduced in mice null for either the Tnf or Tnfr1 genes, but not mice deficient for TRAIL or Fas signaling. Wild type mice treated with soluble TNFR2 (to bind TNF and block signaling) prior to castration showed a similar reduction. Additionally, consistent with a paracrine role for TNF in prostate regression, membrane-bound TNF protein and stromal cell specific TNF mRNA levels increase in rat prostate following castration. Injection of soluble TNF restores normal levels of prostate regression of Tnf −/− mice. Together, these data indicate that uniquely among these extrinsic death signals, TNF is required for castration induced prostate regression. However, wild type mice receiving soluble TNF in the absence of castration do not exhibit prostate regression, indicating that TNF alone is not sufficient, but acts in the context of additional castration induced signals. A preliminary investigation using ALK5 inhibitors prior to castration suggests that TGFβ signaling may also be important. Understanding the physiologic role for TNF, and the interaction with other signaling pathways active in prostate regression following androgen withdrawal may lead to novel therapies for prostate cancer. Citation Format: Jennifer S. Davis, Kent L. Nastiuk. Tumor necrosis factor is necessary but not sufficient for castration-induced prostate regression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr C10.
The thymus in "bare lymphocyte" syndrome: significance of expression of major histocompatibility complex antigens on thymic epithelial cells in intrathymic T-cell maturation.

Thymic biopsies from two patients with combined immunodeficiency and defective expression of HLA class I and class II antigens on blood mononuclear cells (“bare lymphocyte” syndrome) were investigated. This made possible an evaluation of the significance of HLA antigen expression in a detailed (immuno)histologic study. Both thymuses showed a normal lobular architecture with distinct cortex-medulla areas, well-differentiated epithelium, including ultrastructurally defined subtypes, and Hassall's corpuscles. Normal numbers of lymphoid cells were present and normal T-cell phenotype was found. Using anti-HLA-A,B,C antisera, confluent staining of the medulla (stroma and lymphocytes) was observed. One of the thymuses was found to be negative for HLA class II antigen expression: the other revealed only HLA-DR positivity of nonlymphoid cells in the medulla. These cells were not of epithelial nature as judged from double staining with anti-keratin antibody. There was no expression of HLA-DC/DS. These observations differ from findings in the normal thymus, wherein epithelial cells in the cortex carry HLA class I and class II antigens, and epithelial cells in the medulla express HLA class I, and for a minor part class II antigens. The results indicate a normal sequential acquisition of T-cell differentiation antigens in the thymus of both cases. It is suggested that the expression of HLA class I and class II antigens on epithelial cells in the normal thymus cortex does not play a significant role in the sequential acquisition of differentiation antigens on T lymphocytes.
Screening for Cushing's Syndrome

To the Editor.— In the report by Hiramatsu et al 1 describing a method of screening and monitoring patients with Cushing's syndrome on the basis of circumference measurements, the authors state that "a simple evaluation technique for central obesity has not been reported previously." However, several methods of measuring central or android obesity, similar to their central obesity index (COI), have been published. 2-4 For example, Hartz and colleagues 2 used the ratio of waist girth to hip girth (WHR) as an index of central obesity in their study of body fat distribution and diabetes in 15,532 women. This study by Hartz et al and other studies of body fat distribution and disease, 3,5 suggested that an altered fat distribution may contribute to diabetes, whereas in Cushing's syndrome, fat distribution seems to be influenced by the disease. In addition, the suggestion by Hiramatsu et al that their COI be used
Outcomes for Psychiatric Patients following First Admission: Relationships with Voluntary and Involuntary Treatment and Ethnicity:

Research suggests that there are ethnic differences in hospitalization outcomes for severely mentally ill patients. This study examined ethnic and sex differences in admission status, rapid readmission, and discharge placement of 487 patients on their first psychiatric admission. There were sex differences in admission status with significantly more male patients being involuntarily admitted than female patients. Ethnic differences in placement at discharge were not supported, but involuntarily admitted patients were over-represented in the less desirable outcome categories.
Freeze-etch localization and distribution of concanavalin A in normal and irreversibly sickled erythrocytes.

Abstract Normal red blood cells and irreversibly sickled red cells (ISCs) were incubated in Concanavalin A (Con A) prior to freeze-etching. The Con A molecules could be visualized on the etched face of the cells without conjugating the Con A to a larger molecule. No differences in the number or distribution of the Con A binding sites were observed between normal red cells and ISCs. Moreover, the number and distribution of the intramembranous particles (IMP) present on the fracture face of the cytoplasmic membrane leaflet were the same in normal cells and ISCs. Thus, the membrane differences that do exist between normal red cells and ISCs in terms of cell shape and adhesiveness are not reflected in Con A binding or IMP number and distribution.
Reexamination of Young Children's Racial Attitudes and Skin Tone Preferences

This study continues the line of research on children's racial preferences that dates to Kenneth and Mamie Clark's classic research that revealed that Black children preferred White dolls and attri...
Trace‐element studies

Research in the past four years under this omnibus title has covered a whole gamut of investigations from origin of rocks to crust-mantle evolutionary history to cosmological fractionation processes. Two new areas can be added to the list. An extensive amount of trace-element work has been done on the lunar samples. In addition, trace-element studies related to plate tectonics have come into vogue. This short report covering such wide fields can only be cursory at best. The coverage in the bibliography includes references on many trace-element studies in terrestrial materials and meteorites, as well as the trace-element studies on lunar samples, for completeness. However, since studies on lunar samples are covered in another report, no discussion in this area is presented here. The bibliography does not include references on rare gases, a serious omission on many counts, and one that ought to be remedied in the future. The bibliography is divided under the topical headings of (1) analytical techniques, (2) alkalis, alkaline earths, uranium, and thorium, (3) rare earth elements, (4) studies related to global tectonics, and (5) other trace-element studies.
Insurance ratemaking using a copula-based multivariate Tweedie model

The Tweedie distribution, featured with a mass probability at zero, is a convenient tool for insurance claims modeling and pure premium determination in general insurance. Motivated by the fact that an insurance policy typically provides multiple types of coverage, we propose a copula-based multivariate Tweedie regression for modeling the semi-continuous claims while accommodating the association among different types. The proposed approach also allows for dispersion modeling, resulting in a multivariate version of the double generalized linear model. We demonstrate the application in insurance ratemaking using a portfolio of policyholders of automobile insurance from the state of Massachusetts in the United States.
Balancing Misclassification Rates in Classification-TreeModels of Software Quality

Software product and process metrics can be useful predictors of which modules are likely to have faults during operations. Developers and managers can use such predictions by software quality models to focus enhancement efforts before release. However, in practice, software quality modeling methods in the literature may not produce a useful balance between the two kinds of misclassification rates, especially when there are few faulty modules. This paper presents a practical classification rule in the context of classification tree models that allows appropriate emphasis on each type of misclassification according to the needs of the project. This is especially important when the faulty modules are rare. An industrial case study using classification trees, illustrates the tradeoffs. The trees were built using the TREEDISC algorithm which is a refinement of the CHAID algorithm. We examined two releases of a very large telecommunications system, and built models suited to two points in the development life cycle: the end of coding and the end of beta testing. Both trees had only five significant predictors, out of 28 and 42 candidates, respectively. We interpreted the structure of the classification trees, and we found the models had useful accuracy.
Beyond Cohen's "d": Alternative Effect Size Measures for Between-Subject Designs.

Given the long history of discussion of issues surrounding statistical testing and effect size indices and various attempts by the American Psychological Association and by the American Educational Research Association to encourage the reporting of effect size, most journals in education and psychology have witnessed an increase in effect size reporting since 1999. Yet, effect size was often reported in three indices, namely, the unadjusted R 2, Cohen's d, and η2 with a simple labeling of small, medium, or large, according to Cohen's (1969) criteria. In this article, the authors present several alternatives to Cohen's d to help researchers conceptualize effect size beyond standardized mean differences for between-subject designs with two groups. The alternative effect size estimators are organized into a typology and are empirically contrasted with Cohen's d in terms of purposes, usages, statistical properties, interpretability, and the potential for meta-analysis. Several sound alternatives are identifie...
Blocking student performance in high school

Abstract Block schedules have been used in several different high schools in various areas of the United States. Reasons for their use vary from better preparing students for college work to fewer disruptions of the school day. Several studies have examined the impact of changing from a semester system to a block system on the academic performance in specific areas with varying results. This paper examines the impact of a change of schedule on overall academic performance as measured by a student’s Grade Point Average. This study indicates that for the specific case studied, the change in systems did have a positive effect on performance.
Azole Phenoxy Hydroxyureas as Selective and Orally Active Inhibitors of 5-Lipoxygenase

Azole phenoxy hydroxyureas are a new class of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors. Structure−activity relationship studies have demonstrated that electronegative substituents on the 2-phenyl portion of the oxazole tail increased the ex vivo potency of these inhibitors. Similar substitutions on the thiazole analogs had only minor contribution to the ex vivo activity. The trifluoromethyl-substituted oxazole 24 was the best compound of the oxazole series in both the ex vivo (6 h pretreated rats) and in vivo (3 h pretreated rats) RPAR assay with ED50 values of approximately 1 and 3.6 mg/kg, respectively, but was weakly active in the allergic guinea pig assay. Oxazole 50 was equally active in both the RPAR and guinea pig in vivo models and was similar to zileuton. The unsubstituted thiazole 52 was the best compound of the thiazole series, by inhibiting the leukotriene B4 biosynthesis in the RPAR assay (3 h pretreated rats) by 99%, at an oral dose of 10 mg/kg, and the bronchoconstriction in the allergic guinea pig...
Cobalt(III) trifluoroacetate: An electron transfer oxidant

Abstract Cobalt(III) trifluoroacetate is formed by the equilibration of di-μ-hydroxodiacetatocobalt(III) in trifluoroacetic acid. Acid catalysis in the cleavage of the hydroxo bridges in the dimer is made irreversible by the use of trifluoroacetic anhydride as a dehydrating agent. Cobalt(III) species formed by ligand exchange in mixtures of trifluoroacetic acid and acetic acid are discussed. Promotion of ion-pair dissociation of cobalt(III) trifluoroacetate in pure trifluoroacetic acid is used to account for its powerful properties as an electron-transfer oxidant. The facile oxidation of such usually inert hydrocarbons as benzene, ethylene and cyclohexane is described.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Moderate Sized Kidney Stones

Objective To compare the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for moderate sized (1-2 cm) upper and middle pole renal calculi in regards to stone clearance rate, morbidity, and quality of life. Methods All patients diagnosed with moderate sized upper and middle pole kidney stones by computed tomography (CT) were offered enrollment. They were randomized to receive either ESWL or PNL. The SF-8 quality of life survey was administered preoperatively and at 1 week and 3 months postoperatively. Abdominal radiograph at 1 week and CT scan at 3 months were used to determine stone-free status. All complications and outcomes were recorded. Results PNL established a stone-free status of 95% and 85% at 1 week and 3 months, respectively, whereas ESWL established a stone-free status of 17% and 33% at 1 week and 3 months, respectively. Retreatment in ESWL was required in 67% of cases, with 0% retreatment in PNL. Stone location, stone density, and skin-to-stone distance had no impact on stone-free rates at both visits, irrespective of procedure. Patient-reported outcomes, including overall physical and mental health status, favored a better quality of life for patients who had PNL performed. Conclusion PNL more often establishes stone-free status, has a more similar complication profile, and has similar reported quality of life at 3 months when compared with ESWL for moderate-sized kidney stones. PNL should be offered as a treatment option to all patients with moderate-sized kidney stones in centers with experienced endourologists.
An Alternative Methylation Pathway in Lignin Biosynthesis in Zinnia

S-Adenosyl-L-methionine:trans-caffeoyl-coenzyme A 3-O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) is implicated in disease resistant response, but whether it is involved in lignin biosynthesis is not known. We isolated a cDNA clone for CCoAOMT in differentiating tracheary elements (TEs) induced from Zinnia-isolated mesophyll cells. RNA gel blot analysis showed that the expression of the CCoAOMT gene was markedly induced during TE differentiation from the isolated mesophyll cells. Tissue print hybridization showed that the expression of the CCoAOMT gene is temporally and spatially regulated and that it is associated with lignification in xylem and in phloem fibers in Zinnia organs. Both CCoAOMT and caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) activities increased when the isolated Zinnia mesophyll cells were cultured, whereas only CCoAOMT activity was markedly enhanced during lignification in the in vitro-differentiating TEs. The induction pattern of the OMT activity using 5-hydroxyferuloyl CoA as substrate during lignification was the same as that using caffeoyl CoA. Taken together, the results indicate that CCoAOMT is associated with lignification during xylogenesis both in vitro and in the plant, whereas COMT is only involved in a stress response in vitro. We propose that CCoAOMT is involved in an alternative methylation pathway in lignin biosynthesis. In Zinnia in vitro-differentiating TEs, the CCoAOMT mediated methylation pathway is dominant.
Numeracy Among Trainees: Are We Preparing Physicians for Evidence-Based Medicine?

Introduction In the era of evidence-based medicine, all physicians who communicate with patients need numerical literacy (numeracy). Single-institution studies suggest imperfect numeracy among medical students. Therefore, we sought to examine numeracy and understanding of risk analysis among medical students and surgical residents at several institutions. Methods Following a validated 3-item numeracy questionnaire, 308 medical students and 50 surgical residents from 4 institutions were asked whether they would recommend adjuvant chemotherapy for a patient based on presented survival data. Main outcome measures included numeracy, understanding of risk with a question requiring simple calculation of risk reduction, and confidence in understanding risk reduction using a Likert score (0 = no confidence and 7 = complete confidence). Binary logistic regression analysis identified predictors of misunderstanding of risk and Pearson correlation coefficients measured differences in confidence by level of training and numeracy. Results Students across institutions did not differ demographically and were grouped by educational level. Of all participants, 69.0% had perfect basic numeracy (score = 3), with no significant difference in numeracy across training levels (p = 0.433). Mean (standard deviation) confidence in recommending treatment increased from 4.5 (1.6) for first-year medical students to 4.8 (1.1) for fourth-year medical students, and 4.9 (1.5) for surgical residents (p = 0.580). Controlling for other demographics, poorly numerate students had a 7-fold increased likelihood (odds ratio: 7.330; 95% confidence interval: 1.384-38.809) of misunderstanding risk compared with more numerate students. Conclusions A significant number of students at various levels of medical training lack numeracy skills, which increases misunderstanding and miscommunication of risk that can be communicated to patients and families. This deficiency could potentially affect patient safety and care.
When Shelf-based Scarcity Impacts Consumer Preferences

Abstract Shelf-based scarcity in the form of relative stocking level depletion significantly affects consumer preferences ( van Herpen et al. 2009 ). While both popularity and quality inferences are induced by stocking-level depletion, this paper demonstrates that popularity (rather than quality) inferences are the primary driver of the effect. Shelf-based scarcity is shown to have an impact in the presence of other signals, such as brand names and quality ratings, which indicates its effect may be widespread. However, its effect on preferences is greatly decreased by the presence of strong prior preferences and/or price promotions, indicating that shelf-based scarcity is likely to affect choices when consumers lack strong prior preferences and under conditions where price promotions are either not present or are similar across alternatives.
Prevention and the child protection system.

Summary The nation’s child protection system (CPS) has historically focused on preventing maltreatment in high-risk families, whose children have already been maltreated. But, as Jane Waldfogel explains, it has also begun developing prevention procedures for children at lower risk—those who are referred to CPS but whose cases do not meet the criteria for ongoing services. Preventive services delivered by CPS to high-risk families, says Waldfogel, typically include case management and supervision. The families may also receive one or more other preventive services, including individual and family counseling, respite care, parenting education, housing assistance, substance abuse treatment, child care, and home visits. Researchers generally find little evidence, however, that these services reduce the risk of subsequent maltreatment, although there is some promising evidence on the role of child care. Many families receive few services beyond periodic visits by usually overburdened caseworkers, and the services they do receive are often poor in quality. Preventive services for lower-risk families often focus on increasing parents’ understanding of the developmental stages of childhood and on improving their child-rearing competencies. The evidence base on the effectiveness of these services remains thin. Most research focuses on home-visiting and parent education programs. Studies of home visiting have provided some promising evidence. Little is as yet known about the effects of parent education. Waldfogel concludes that researchers have much more to learn about what services CPS agencies should expand to do a better job of preventing maltreatment. Some families, especially those with mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence problems, are at especially high risk, which suggests that more effective treatment services for such parents could help. Very young children, too, are at high risk, suggesting a potentially important role for child care—one area where the evidence base is reasonably strong in pointing to a potential preventive role. Although preventive services for the lower-risk cases not open for services with CPS are much more widespread today than in the past, analysts must explore what CPS agencies can do in this area too to ensure that they are delivering effective services.
Capturing Flow in the Business Classroom

This study focuses on the flow experience in business education. Flow experience, characterized by concentration, control, and enjoyment, can lead to better learning outcomes. Leading preconditions of flow include the balance of challenge and skill, feedback, and goal clarity. Other situational factors affect the flow experience through the mediating effects of these three factors. In this article, we extend an existing framework linking flow and learning. Using the model as a guide, we start our research effort of flow in business education by conducting a field survey of student learning experience in terms of flow and influential factors. Data were collected using business students taking an introductory Operations Management course. The analysis reveals that flow does exist in classroom learning. Its key dimensions are concentration, sense of control, and enjoyment. The more important leading factor is having clear feedback. Characteristics of both the instructor and students play a role in the flow experience of students during lecture. It is evident that flow theory offers a useful framework for business education research. Suggestions for future research are made.
Interference avoidance in multi-user hand-held augmented reality

In a multi-user augmented reality application for a shared physical environment, it is possible for users to interfere with each other. For example, in a multi-player game in which each player holds a display whose tracked position and orientation affect the outcome, one player may physically block another player's view or physically contact another player. We explore software techniques intended to avoid such interference. These techniques modify what a user sees or hears, and what interaction capabilities they have, when their display gets too close to another user's display. We present Redirected Motion, an effective, yet nondistracting, interference avoidance technique for hand-held AR, which transforms the 3D space in which the user moves their display, to direct the display away from other displays. We conducted a within-subject, formal user study to evaluate the effectiveness and distraction level of Redirected Motion compared to other interference avoidance techniques. The study is based on an instrumented, two-player, first-person-shooter, augmented reality game, in which each player holds a 6DOF-tracked ultra-mobile computer. Comparison conditions include an unmanipulated control condition and three other software techniques for avoiding interference: dimming the display, playing disturbing sounds, and disabling interaction capabilities. Subjective evaluation indicates that Redirected Motion was unnoticeable, and quantitative analysis shows that the mean distance between users during Redirected Motion was significantly larger than for the comparison conditions.
Lowpass filter-based continuous-time approximation of delayed dynamical systems:

This paper extends our earlier work on continuous-time approximation of time-delayed dynamical systems by introducing a lowpass filter-based approach. The proposed method substantially improves the...
Combing of Molecules in Microchannels (COMMIC): A Method for Micropatterning and Orienting Stretched Molecules of DNA on a Surface

This paper presents a new method for creating microscopic patterns of stretched and oriented molecules of DNA on a surface. Combing of molecules in microchannels (COMMIC), a process by which molecules are deposited and stretched onto a surface by the passage of an air−water interface, creates these patterns. This approach demonstrates that the direction of stretching of the molecules is always perpendicular to the air−water interface; the shape and motion of this interface serve as an effective local field directing the chains dynamically as they are stretched onto the surface. The geometry of the microchannel directs the placement of the DNA molecules, while the geometry of the air−water interface directs the local orientation and curvature of the molecules. This ability to control both the placement and orientation of chains has implication for the use of COMMIC in genetic analysis and in the bottom-up approach to nanofabrication.
Money Metric Measures of Individual and Social Welfare Allowing for Environmental Externalities.

Even with environmental externalities, money metric measures of individual welfare can often be constructed by methods similar to those of Vartia (1983), provided that individual’s willingness to pay functions are known. Satisfactory money metric measures of social welfare are harder, however. Following Feldstein (1974) and Rosen (1976), a “uniform” money metric measure is proposed, based on the uniform poll subsidy (or tax) to all individuals which produces the same gain (or loss) in social welfare. Finally, problems with the definition of such measures when faced with “environmental catastrophe” are discussed.
The efficiency of energy use in the USSR —an international perspective

Abstract We present an extensive analysis of the structure and intensity of energy use in the USSR since 1960. After a brief review of the energy-supply situation in the USSR, we describe a detailed analysis of measures of sectoral and sub-sectoral activity in the industrial, transportation, residential, and services sectors. The Soviet Union produces more steel and cement, and ships far more freight per capita than most Western countries. But Soviet citizens have less space in their homes and in the service sector, fewer appliances, far fewer cars, and travel only one third as much as their Western counterparts. A comparison of the energy intensities of key activities in the USSR and those of Western countries shows that in most cases the Soviet Union uses more energy than Western countries to produce a given production or output. We reject aggregate measures (such as the ratio of energy use to national income) as tools for comparisons between the past evaluations of Western and Soviet energy use or for predicting energy use in the future because both the structure of the Soviet economy and the intensities of energy uses in the USSR differ so greatly from Western experience. We conclude that there is a large potential for energy savings in the Soviet economy.
Computing Pairwise Comparisons among Correlations with the SAS System

A SAS program was written to compute pairwise multiple comparisons among a set of k independent product-moment correlation coefficients. The program can accommodate both equal and unequal sample sizes for up to k = 10 samples. Although the theoretical basis of the statistical technique is attributable to Tukey, the applicability of the method to correlation coefficients was made possible through a large-sample technique described by Levy.