cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Structured-Closed-Loop versus Structured-Controller Design: the Case of Relative Measurement Feedback.

We consider optimal distributed controller design problems with two separate structural constraints: locality and relative feedback. The locality constraint accounts for subcontroller interactions restricted to local neighborhoods as specified by an underlying graph structure. We provide a detailed characterization of such locality constraints imposed on an implementation of a controller (sparsity of state space matrices), in contrast to locality constraints on the sparsity of the controller input-output mapping (transfer function), which is the main tool used in the recently developed System Level Synthesis (SLS) framework. We formally show how the latter problem is a convex relaxation of the former, original problem. We then formulate and show how to append relative feedback constraints that are natural in many problems where only differential sensors are available, such as in vehicular formation and consensus-type problems. We show that for a class of plants, these constraints can be imposed in a convex manner. Our main result demonstrates that when relative feedback constraints are imposed in addition to locality, the SLS convex relaxation can become infeasible. We use these insights to provide a comparative context for the various structured distributed control design methods such as SLS, funnel causality and quadratic invariance, as well as the open problems of structured and networked realizations.
Review and Comparative Analysis of Topologies and Control Methods in Dynamic Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicles

Dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) systems are developed as a solution to electric vehicle (EV) range limitations and battery size requirements. DWPT systems require careful consideration relative to dynamic variations in coupling for power flow control. With continued advances in development of different types of couplers, compensation, and converter topologies, the stability of control systems and lack of interoperability among different configurations remain significant challenges in the path toward commercialization of DWPT. This work provides a review of the existing coupler, compensation topologies, and control schemes to determine their effectiveness in achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, it introduces practical metrics for a system designer to consider when developing the magnetics and power electronics for a DWPT system to ensure good controllability. It also shows how the delay in communication can affect the control performance and impact recommendations for high-speed vehicle charging. The comparisons are performed and through simulations for the design of a 50-kW system using different topologies. The simulation results corroborate the guidelines developed for future designs of DWPT systems.
Analysis of the uncertainty in the determination of the lead in human urine by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrographic method

Objective Analysis of the uncertainty in the measurement of lead in human urine by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer was intreduced in this article.The sources of uncertainty and their effects on the total uneertainty were also analyzed.Methods Construct the mathematical model for evaluation of uncertainty in measurement based on a comprehensive understanding of the whole procedure of the determination.Results The measurement result of lead in human urine was given as (334.5±12.0)μg/L.Conclusions The major factor in influence on the determination of lead in human urine was the working curve fitting introduction error. Key words: Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; Uncertainty in measurement; Lead
Response with pemrbolizumab in a patient with EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer harbouring insertion mutations in V834L and L858R

Introduction Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most common of them. About a third of NSCLC cases have an epidermal growth factor (EGFR) mutation, which is usually susceptible to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In rare cases where patients progress through TKI therapy, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains controversial. Case report We describe a case of a patient with significant history of smoking and EGFR mutated programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) positive NSCLC who was initially treated with TKI therapy. Management/outcome While patient progressed on TKI therapy, he was able to achieve a durable response with a single PD-L1 agent, pembrolizumab. Contrary to the available evidence, the presented EGFR mutant NSCLC responded to PD-L1 pathway inhibition. Discussion From our observation Pembrolizumab could be promising in patients with rare EGFR mutations who do not respond to EGFR directed therapy. Our report provides supporting data for the use of immunotherapies in patients with EGFR mutated NSCLC.
A Symmetrical Double-Label Method for Studying the Rapid Axonal Transport of Radioactivity from Labelled d -Glucosamine in the Goldfish Visual System

After radioactive d-glucosamine is injected into the eye of the goldfish, labelled macromolecules are axonally transported to the optic tectum. These labeled macromolecules, presumably glycoproteins, move mainly in the rapid component of axonal transport. Labelled chloroform-methanol extractable and acid-soluble materials are also transported. After subcellular fractionation by differential centrifugation, the labelled transported macromolecules are found in particulate fractions, while the acid-soluble transported radioactivity is concentrated in the high-speed supernatant. A symmetrical double-labelling technique is described which is useful in studies of axonal transport with precursors like glucosamine that produce significant background labelling.
The effect of systematic errors on the hybridization of optical critical dimension measurements

In hybrid metrology two or more measurements of the same measurand are combined to provide a more reliable result that ideally incorporates the individual strengths of each of the measurement methods. While these multiple measurements may come from dissimilar metrology methods such as optical critical dimension microscopy (OCD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we investigated the hybridization of similar OCD methods featuring a focus-resolved simulation study of systematic errors performed at orthogonal polarizations. Specifically, errors due to line edge and line width roughness (LER, LWR) and their superposition (LEWR) are known to contribute a systematic bias with inherent correlated errors. In order to investigate the sensitivity of the measurement to LEWR, we follow a modeling approach proposed by Kato et al. who studied the effect of LEWR on extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and deep ultraviolet (DUV) scatterometry. Similar to their findings, we have observed that LEWR leads to a systematic bias in the simulated data. Since the critical dimensions (CDs) are determined by fitting the respective model data to the measurement data by minimizing the difference measure or chi square function, a proper description of the systematic bias is crucial to obtaining reliable results and to successful hybridization. In scatterometry, an analytical expression for the influence of LEWR on the measured orders can be derived, and accounting for this effect leads to a modification of the model function that not only depends on the critical dimensions but also on the magnitude of the roughness. For finite arrayed structures however, such an analytical expression cannot be derived. We demonstrate how to account for the systematic bias and that, if certain conditions are met, a significant improvement of the reliability of hybrid metrology for combining both dissimilar and similar measurement tools can be achieved.
The Pathogenesis of Familial Dysautonomia is Explained by Abnormal Elp1-dependent Retrograde Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Signaling

Familial Dysautonomia (FD; Riley-Day Syndrome; HSAN3) is characterized by debilitating sensory and sympathetic neuropathy. It is caused by a germline mutation of the Elp1 gene that leads to mis-spl...
Enhanced Nonlinear-Optical Responses of Disordered Clusters and Composites

Clusters and nanocomposites belong to so-called nanostructured materials. Properties of such materials may be dramatically different from those of bulk materials with identical chemical composition. Confinement of atoms, electrons, phonons, electric fields, etc., in a small spatial region modifies spectral properties (shifts quantum levels, changes transition probabilities), and also changes the interaction between the constituent particles. In this paper we concentrate on an important source of the modification of properties, namely on local fields.
Feature Extraction and Representation

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Feature Vectors and Vector Spaces Binary Object Features Boundary Descriptors Histogram-based (Statistical) Features Texture Features Tutorial 18.1: Feature Extraction and Representation Problems ]]>
Photoaffinity labeling of the tetracycline binding site of the Escherichia coli ribosome: The uses of a high intensity light source and of radioactive sancycline derivatives

Abstract [3H]Tetracycline (TC) has been shown to photoincorporate into the Escherichia coli ribosome. However, the utility of this process for characterizing the TC binding site on the ribosome is diminished by competing side reactions which also lead to incorporation of radioactivity. In this work we first conducted a detailed study of the labeling processes occurring when ribosomes are irradiated in the presence of [3H]TC with a common, rather low intensity, lamp. On the basis of the results of this study we next explored the usefulness of photoaffinity labeling of the TC site of both irradiation with a high-intensity laser and radioactive, functional TC derivatives having different photochemical properties than TC itself. Labeling patterns determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of ribosomal proteins extracted from photoaffinity-labeled 30S subunits provided strong evidence that these two approaches offer distinct advantages for characterizing the TC binding site
The Revised NEO Personality Inventory: Clinical and Research Applications

1.Personality and Its Assessment. 2.Psychometric Overview of the NEO PI-R. 3.Interpreting the NEO PI-R. 4.Profile Analysis Using the NEO PI-R. 5.Applications of the Rater Version of the NEO PI-R. 6.Research Applications with the NEO PI-R. Index.
Explicating the Relationship of Health Measures and Self-Esteem to Exercise Practices in Adults

Abstract Individuals who regularly exercised and those who did not were studied to ascertain differences in definition of health, perceived health status, and self-esteem. Results for this sample of 497 adults indicated that individuals who regularly exercised had higher perceived health status and definition of health scores than those acquiring the practice and even higher scores than nonexercisers. Self-esteem scores for the three groups were approximately equal. While females outnumbered males three to one in initiation of regular exercise, males were more likely to maintain the practice. Efforts to motivate individuals toward regular exercise practices could be well-focused on those employed full-time.
Integrating Decision Support Systems in Organizations: : A Three‐level Framework

Decision support systems (DSS) like individual DSS, group DSS, or organization DSS, have traditionally been developed separately. Attempts to integrate their separate development into a unified framework. Specifies the relationship between the decisions supported by different DSS in organization, thereby making it necessary to have an integrated approach; along with an outline of the problems in the existing DSS environment towards proper integration. The ANSI/X3/SPARC database framework is utilized to develop a three‐level integrated DSS framework, that enables the integration of different types of DSS in organization. Suggests a knowledge‐based approach for implementing the proposed framework.
The oxidation of C4 molecules on vanadyl pyrophosphate catalysts

Vanadyl pyrophosphate catalysts displayed a variety of catalytic functionalities in the oxidation of C 4 molecules. Hydrocarbons were isomerized and dehydrogenated to olefins, as well as being oxidized. Branched hydrocarbons did not desorb from the pyrophosphate catalyst surface and appeared to undergo total oxidation. Alcohols were dehydrated to olefins and also were isomerized. 1,4 Butanediol was oxidized to maleic anhydride with very high selectivity. An active site for the initial CH bond activation at a cis-(su)peroxo oxovanadium(V) dimer site is proposed.
Assessment and Classification of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders.

This article discusses issues concerning evaluation, assessment, and classification of Attention-deficit Hyperactive Disorders (ADHD). Current treatment of ADHD in psychiatric and educational class...
Directional shape sensing using bend sensitivity of long period fiber gratings

We demonstrate repeatable, directional curvature determination to ± 0.05 m -1 using two long period fiber gratings bonded to either side of a metal plate. One grating was utilized for negative, and the other for positive curvature measurements by exploiting an unusual orientation dependence of the grating response.
Low Chromium Reduced-Activation Ferritic Steels

Steels are being developed for fusion-reactor applications that contain only elements that produce radioactive isotopes that decay to low levels in a reasonable time. These reduced-activation or fast induced-radioactivity decay ferritic steels are being developed to be analogous to the Cr-Mo steels presently in the fusion program, but with molybdenum replaced by tungsten. In this paper, steels with 2-1/4% Cr will be discussed. To determine the effect of tungsten and vanadium on these steels, heats were produced with 2% W, with 0.25% V, with 1% W and 0.25% V, and with 2% W and 0.25% V. Tempering and microstructural studies were made and tensile and impact tests were conducted. Preliminary results indicate that it should be possible to develop a low-chromium Cr-W steel without molybdenum or niobium. Such steels should have properties as good as or better than the three Cr-Mo steels presently being considered as candidates for fusion-reactor applications. 22 refs., 12 figs., 3 tabs.
Three-dimensional simulations of airways within human lungs.

Information regarding the deposition patterns of inhaled particles has important implications to the fields of medicine and risk assesment. The former concerns the targeted delivery of inhaled pharmacological drugs (aerosol therapy); the latter concerns the risk assessment of inhaled air pollutants (inhalation toxicology). It is well documented in the literature that the behavior and fate of inhaled particles may be formulated using three families of variables: respiratory system morphologies, aerosol characteristics, and ventilatory parameters. It is straightforward to propose that the seminal role is played by morphology per se because the structures of individual airways and their spatial orientations within lungs affect the motion of air and the trajectories of transported particles. In previous efforts, we have developed original algorithms to describe airway networks within lungs and employed them as templates to interpret the results of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECTs) studies. In this work, we have advanced the process of mathematical modeling and computer simulations to produce three-dimensional (3D) images. We have tested the new in silico model by studying two different branching concepts: an inclusive (all airways present) system and a single “typical” pathway system. When viewed with the glasses supplied with this volume, the 3D nature of airway branching networks within lungs as displayed via our original computer graphics software is clear. We submit that the new technology will have numerous and seminal functions in future medical and toxicological regimens, the most fundamental being the creation of a platform to view natural 3D structures in vivo with related biological processes (e.g., disposition of inhaled pharmaceuticals).
Larger Than Life: Remembering David

David Montgomery was larger than life in his personal style and self-presentation as well as in his spirit. Both watching and listening to him in conversation were a treat. So absorbed would he become in explaining some little-known incident of labor militancy that his entire body would get involved, his hand gestures and physical movements growing broader, requiring his listener to stand back to get a fuller view. His intense interest in labor history and patient willingness to share his knowledge with younger scholars testified to his faith in labor far more effectively than any manifesto. He communicated a sense of labor history as a shared enterprise in which we were all fellow workers.
Beyond access: informed participation and empowerment

This paper is based on the fundamental claim that one of the major roles of new media is not to deliver predigested information to individuals, but to provide the opportunity and resources for social debate and discussion. For most design problems (ranging from urban design to graphics design and software design) that we have studied over many years, the knowledge to understand, frame, and solve these problems does not exist, but is constructed and evolved during the process of solving them, exploiting the power of the "symmetry of ignorance" and "breakdowns." From this perspective, access to existing information and knowledge (often seen as the major advance of new media) is a very limiting concept. Many social and technological innovations are limited to provide primarily better access, leading to "consumer" cultures. Our approach focuses and creates support for lifelong learning activities grounded in informed participation and empowerment, allowing learners to incrementally acquire ownership in problems and contribute actively to their solution.To illustrate our approach, we present the Envisionment and Discovery Collaboratory (EDC), an integrated physical and computational environment supporting informed participation through new forms of knowledge creation, integration, and dissemination. The EDC empowers users to act as designers in situated learning and collaborative problem-solving activities. It addresses the integration of the useris consumer and designer roles, not by translating them into an "either-or" type of support, but rather by providing users with the flexibility to move along this spectrum according to needs, opportunities, and personal interest and engagement in particular learning situations.
The Interaction of Active Substance Use, Depression, and Antiretroviral Adherence in Methadone Maintenance

Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) remains crucial in successfully treating HIV. While active substance use and depression are both associated with each other and with HAART nonadherence, little is known about their interaction. An understanding of the interaction of substance use and depressive symptoms on HAART adherence can inform adherence-enhancing interventions as well as interventions that target substance use and depression. We tested an interaction between substance use and depression on HAART adherence among methadone maintenance patients. We assessed substance use, depressive symptoms, and HAART adherence among 100 HIV-infected individuals receiving methadone maintenance in The Bronx, New York. Regressions were performed on adherence using an interaction term comprised of substance use and depressive symptoms. MODPROBE was used to assess significant interactions. Any use of illicit substances was associated with HAART nonadherence (p = 0.043). Cannabis was the single substance of abuse most strongly associated with nonadherence (p = 0.003). Depressive symptoms approached significance in bivariate analysis (p = 0.066). In regression analysis, a significant interaction was found between illicit substance use and depressive symptoms [OR (95 % CI) 1.23 (1.06–1.44), p = 0.007], where illicit substance use was associated with nonadherence in individuals with lower depressive symptoms, but not among those with depressive symptoms at higher levels. No individual substances interacted with depressive symptoms on adherence. Though substance use and depressive symptoms interacted on HAART adherence, they did not have a synergistic effect. Continued substance use (51 % of the sample) suggests an unmet need for treatment, even in methadone maintenance. Further examinations of the interplay of substance use and depression on HAART adherence are warranted.
The Coordination of N,N-Diethyl-N′-p-tolylthiourea to Polynuclear Rhenium Carbonyl Complexes

The reactions of Re2(CO)9(NCMe) and Re3(CO)10-(CH3CN)2(μ-H)3 with S=C(NEt2)N(H)(p-tolyl) have yielded the new compounds Re2(CO)9[S=C(NEt2)N(H)(p-tolyl)] (1) and Re3(CO)10(μ-SC(NEt2)N(H)(p-tolyl)](μ-H)3 (2) in 89% and 98% yields, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Compound 1 contains an S-coordinated S = C(NEt2)N(H)(p-tolyl) ligand terminally coordinated in an equatorial coordination site on one of the rhenium atoms. Compound 2 contains the first example of an S-coordinated bridging thiourea grouping. When solutions of 1 were heated to 97°C, it was transformed to the new compound {Re(CO)3[μ-SC(N-p-tolyl)(NEt2)]}2 (3) plus Re2(CO)10. Compound 3 is a centro-symmetrical dimer of the unit Re(CO)3[SC(N-p-tolyl)(NEt2)] in which the sulfur atom bridges the two rhenium atoms. The tolyl-substituted nitrogen atoms are coordinated to the rhenium atoms to form two Re–S–C–N rings.
Molecular-Scale GPS: Positioning a Biosensor Peptide on RyR

You might have wondered how the Global Positioning System (GPS) manages to pinpoint whether your car is at the parking lot or on a nearby road just 10 feet away. The official site of GPS.gov reports that high-quality receivers provide >3 meter horizontal accuracy, i.e., the dimension of a medium-sized car; a remarkable spatial resolution! Some might have wondered if it would be possible to use the principle of GPS to determine the location of a molecule, e.g., an effector peptide, relative to a target protein, e.g., an ion channel; a challenging task that will require improvement of the resolution by a factor of 1010. Efforts by several research groups, including a study by Svensson et al. (1) published in this issue of the Biophysical Journal, have resulted in a multistep method reminiscent of GPS to characterize protein structure or to position one molecule relative to another. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is used to obtain multiple distance constraints, which are then analyzed in a trilateration (or triangulation) procedure to locate the components of a molecular complex relative to each other. The purpose of this New & Notable is to hit the high spots of these studies and to briefly discuss the advantages and limitations of this new biophysical toolkit for macromolecular characterization.
Nutrient content and yield in relation to top breakover in onion developed from greenhouse-grown transplants.

BACKGROUND: Onions (Allium cepa L.) generally are harvested based on percentage of tops broken over. Since plant metabolism changes over time, percentage of tops broken over may be used to determine a harvest time to deliver marketable bulbs with the best nutrient content. RESULTS: The cultivars Candy and Texas Grano 1015 Y were harvested at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% breakover in 2006 and 2007. Larger and heavier bulbs were produced by Candy and in 2006, the year with near-normal precipitation. There was little difference in bulb size and weight due to percent breakover. Contents of chemical moieties in bulbs were affected by year, with the majority of values being higher in 2006, and there were either no differences due to cultivar, or where differences were found nitrate-N, phosphate and sulfate contents were lower in Candy. Soluble solids content was lower in 2006 and higher in Candy. Content of nitrogen and phosphorous in a Kjeldahl digest, nitrate-N, phosphate, potassium and sulfate were either linearly or quadratically distributed over percent breakover. Nitrite-N, calcium, magnesium, sodium and soluble solids were randomly distributed over percent breakover. Bulb size and weight did not change from the 20% breakover point, and most of the chemical moieties analyzed, with the exception of nitrate- and nitrite-N values, were highest below the 30% breakover. CONCLUSION: Harvest occurring soon after breakover begins could be beneficial in terms of nutrient content without loss of bulb size or weight. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
AGONISTIC BEHAVIOR IN HARBOR SEALS (PHOCA VITULINA) IN RELATION TO THE AVAILABILITY OF HAUL‐OUT SPACE

The hypothesis that haul-out space is a contested resource among harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) was tested by comparing the number of agonistic interactions and the time devoted to them, at a haul-out with unlimited space and a haul-out with limited space, in Humboldt County, California. 798 agonistic interactions were recorded in 160 h of observation. The average number of agonistic interactions per seal per hour and the time spent on these interactions were significantly higher at the site with limited haul-our space (P < 0.05, n= 20). At this restricted site, the frequency of agonistic interactions was positively correlated with seal density (r= 0.61, P < 0.05, n= 20), as was time spent on agonistic interactions (r= 0.84, P < 0.05, n= 20). Size, sex, and age-class of individuals all influenced agonistic interactions. In 72.5% of displacements, smaller seals were displaced by larger ones. This may support claims that some harbor seal populations maintain a size-based dominance hierarchy. The results of this study support the hypothesis that there is competition among harbor seals for suitable haul-out space where this resource is limited. The outcome of these interactions may be predicted, at least in part, by theoretical models on pay-off asymmetries, resource holding power, and the prior residency effect.
Production of Whippable Nonfat Dried Milk by Homogenation

Abstract Homogenizing non fat milk before drying produces a powder which on reconstitution with water can be whipped to form as table foam useable as a dessert topping in low-fat diets. The per cent overrun produced by whipping and the stability of the resultant foam were dependent upon homogenization pressure, the total milk solids in the reconstituted material, and the stage in the process at which the milk was homogenized. Maximum foam stability and over-run were obtained by whipping for three minutes a product containing 30% total solids, prepared from powder made by drying pasteurized non-fat milk (77C 15sec) that had been homogenized at 281 kg/cm 2 before condensing. These foams had no cooked flavor, could be sweetened, and maintained their structure for more than one hour at room temperature without addition of acid or rennet.
A Triangulating Operating Platform Enhances Bimanual Performance and Reduces Surgical Workload in Single-Incision Laparoscopy

Background Single-site laparoscopy (SSL) attempts to further reduce the surgical impact of minimally invasive surgery. However, crossed instruments and the proximity of the endoscope to the operating instruments placed through one single site leads to inevitable instrument or trocar collision. We hypothesized that a novel, single-port, triangulating surgical platform (SPSP) might enhance performance by improving bimanual coordination and decreasing the surgeon's mental workload. Study Design Fourteen participants, proficient in basic laparoscopic skills, were tested on their ability to perform a validated intracorporeal suturing task by either an SSL approach with crossed articulated instruments or a novel SPSP, providing true-right and true-left manipulation. Standard laparoscopic (SL) access served as control. Sutures were evaluated using validated scoring methods and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index was used to rate mental workload. Results All participants proficiently performed intracorporeal knots by SL (mean score 99.0; 95% CI 97.0 to 100.9). Performance decreased significantly (more than 50%, p Conclusions This study objectively assessed SSL performance and current attempts for instrumentation improvement in single-site access. While SSL significantly impairs basic laparoscopic skills, surgical platforms providing true-left and true-right maneuvering of instruments appear to be more intuitive and address some of the current challenges of SSL that may otherwise limit its widespread acceptance.
Factors (TAFs) required for activated transcription interact with TATA box-binding protein conserved core domain.

TFIID is a multisubunit protein containing the TATA box-binding polypeptide (TBP) and associated factors (TFIID-TAFs) required for activated transcription by RNA polymerase II. TBPs from different eukaryotes contain a highly conserved carboxy-terminal domain and very divergent amino-terminal domains. Earlier studies proposed that the amino-terminal domains of metazoan TBPs are required for activated transcription. However, we report that a human TFIID complex containing an amino-terminal truncated TBP contains all the major TFIID-TAFs and supports in vitro transcriptional stimulation by different classes of activation domains and from a TATA-Iess promoter. Protein blotting experiments revealed direct interactions between the conserved domain of TBP and the two largest TAFs. The results suggest a model for the interaction of TFIID-TAFs with TBP.
Stats invaders!: learning about statistics by playing a classic video game

This poster describes a computer game designed to provide players with exposure to repeated draws from probability distributions. In the game, players shoot aliens dropping from the sky (as in the classic arcade game Space Invaders) while deciding which of two displayed distributions better reflects the pattern of the alien attack. Our hypothesis is that playing this version of the game will better prepare players to learn from a passage about probability distributions (as evidenced by pre-/post-test gains) than will playing a control version that is identical in every respect except instead of deciding which distribution generates the alien attack, players must decide which of two displayed proportions of "special" (differently colored) aliens better reflects the attack.
Phase diagram of a 4-component lipid mixture: DSPC/DOPC/POPC/chol.

Abstract We report the first 4-component phase diagram for the lipid bilayer mixture, DSPC/DOPC/POPC/chol (distearoylphosphatidylcholine/dioleoylphosphatidylcholine/1-palmitoyl, 2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine/cholesterol). This phase diagram, which has macroscopic Ld + Lo phase domains, clearly shows that all phase boundaries determined for the 3-component mixture containing DOPC transition smoothly into the boundaries for the 3-component mixture containing POPC, which has nanoscopic phase domains of Ld + Lo. Our studies start from two published ternary phase diagrams, and show how these can be combined into a quaternary phase diagram by study of a few hundred samples of intermediate compositions.
Outcomes of Patients Lost to Followup After Mid Urethral Synthetic Slings—Successes or Failures?

Purpose: We classified patients lost to followup after mid urethral synthetic sling placement as examples of treatment success or failure based on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement, and compared the outcomes of those who followed up to the outcomes of those who did not.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the charts of 217 patients who underwent mid urethral synthetic sling placement. Telephone interviews including the Patient Global Impression of Improvement and the Medical, Epidemiological, and Social Aspects of Aging questionnaires were conducted for patients lacking 3-month followup.Results: Based on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement of the 48 patients who responded 13 (27.1%) were failures. The overall failure rate of patients with at least 3-month followup was 19% (23 of 124).Conclusions: In our study success rates for patients lost to followup were similar to the rates for those who had routine followup. However, it is uncertain if these data can be applied to other study popula...
Natural History of Melanoma in 773 Patients with Tumor-Negative Sentinel Lymph Nodes

A tumor-negative sentinel lymph node (SLN) does not preclude recurrence of melanoma. We hypothesized that certain patient-related and tumor factors are predictive of a worse outcome in these patients. Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and recurrence patterns were retrospectively analyzed in 773 patients who underwent lymphatic mapping and SLN biopsy for primary cutaneous melanoma at our institution between 1995 and 2002, and who had tumor-negative SLNs by standard pathological analysis. Patient sex, age, tumor site and thickness, ulceration status, Clark level, and histology were evaluated for their influence on outcome by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis and classification and regression tree analysis. DFS and OS at 5 years were 88% and 93%, respectively. Sixty-nine (8.9%) of 773 patients developed recurrence. Three-year OS was lower in patients with distant recurrence (17.1%) than in those with local/regional recurrence (55.5%). By multivariate analysis, primary tumor thickness (P 2 mm. Melanoma will recur in approximately 9% of patients with tumor-negative SLNs. Patients with thick, ulcerated melanomas on the head or neck have the highest risk for recurrence. This group should be followed closely for recurrence and considered for adjuvant therapy.
On estimation of a mixture of normal density functions

A stochastic approximation algorithm is developed for estimating a mixture of normal density functions with unknown means and unknown variances. The algorithm minimizes an information criterion which has interesting properties for density approximations. The question of the completeness of normal density functions for the approximation of the class of continuous probability density functions is analyzed.
Breath Management: Gender-Based Differences in Classical Singers

Fifty-five subjects (38 female, 17 male), consisting of professional operatic singers, singing teachers and advanced classical voice students, were surveyed to explore gender-based differences in breath management strategies for singing. Respondents evaluated extent and significance of thoracic and abdominal movement for inhalation and for control of singing extended phrases. Females were found to concentrate breath efforts lower in the body than did men (hypogastric vs. epigastric regions). Both groups relied heavily on low thoracic activity to provide an antagonistic mechanism for control. Results corroborated a review of standard pedagogical literature, which showed variations in recommended breathing methods that strongly correlate to the gender of the author.
Absence of visual and auditory P300 reduction in nondepressed male and female alcoholics.

Abstract Background: The P300 component of the event-related potential has been extensively studied as a possible neurobiological risk marker for the development of alcoholism. Although P300 amplitude reduction has frequently been documented in high-risk children, studies of adult alcoholics are inconsistent. Methods: P300 amplitude from 121 adult alcoholics was compared to 68 controls utilizing event-related potential paradigms from the auditory and visual modalities. All participants were evaluated clinically with psychiatric interviews and administered the MMPI. Results: Male alcoholics did not show a reduction in amplitude in either the auditory or visual modality. Female alcoholics showed reduced P300 amplitude, but only when a comorbid lifetime diagnosis of depression was present. Similar results were found using current depressed mood (Scale 2 from the MMPI). Conclusions: No differences in P300 amplitude were found between alcoholics and controls unless comorbid depression was present. Therefore, P300 amplitude reduction seen in children at high-risk for developing alcoholism seems to represent a neurodevelopmental delay that normalizes by adulthood.
Relativistic Kronig-Penney-type Hamiltonians

The relativistic Kronig-Penney model is extended to a wide class of point interactions introduced in the nonrelativisfic case by Paul Chernoff and the author. A generalized Kronig-Penney relation, which converges to the standard Kronig-Penney relation in the nonrelativistic limit, is shown to determine the spectrum of the corresponding Hamiltonian. Several examples are considered, including the well-known special cases of electrostatic and Lorentz scalar point interactions, as well as several new solvable models.
A rapid and sensitive gas-liquid chromatographic procedure for the micro determination of sodium valproate (sodium di-N-propylacetate) in plasma or serum.

Abstract A gas-liquid Chromatographic procedure for the micro determination of sodium valproate is described. Valproic acid is extracted from acidified plasma or serum into n -heptane containing an internal standard (octanoic acid) and after phase separation an aliquot is analysed by gas-liquid chromatography. The procedure is rapid, reliable, sensitive and specific. It requires 25–50 μl sample for a single estimation, has a detection threshold of less than 10 /gmmol/l, and is suitable for routine clinical use.
Thymus Involution and Cerebral White Matter Damage in Extremely Low Gestational Age Neonates

Background: Among newborns who die, those who have cerebral white matter damage are more likely than others to have thymus involution and low thymus weights. Objective:<
University Instruction in Observational Techniques: Survey Responses

Abstract A 1987 survey of the atmospheric and oceanic science community on university instruction in instrumentation and observations revealed that an apparent imbalance existed between observational and theoretical/numerical components of the atmospheric sciences. The committee analyzing the survey results identified several factors contributing to the perceived imbalance. From a follow—up survey conducted of the same community in 1997 to assess the level of change over 10 years, it is found that some progress has been achieved over this period, but that more can be done. Rather than try to implement all of the recommendations from analysis of the initial survey, it is suggested that attention be focused on seven items that build on partial successes over the last 10 years and that offer likelihood of success in the near future.
Measurement of tear glucose levels with amperometric glucose biosensor/capillary tube configuration

An amperometric needle-type electrochemical glucose sensor intended for tear glucose measurements is described and employed in conjunction with a 0.84 mm i.d. capillary tube to collect microliter volumes of tear fluid. The sensor is based on immobilizing glucose oxidase on a 0.25 mm o.d. platinum/iridium (Pt/Ir) wire and anodically detecting the liberated hydrogen peroxide from the enzymatic reaction. Inner layers of Nafion and an electropolymerized film of 1,3-diaminobenzene/resorcinol greatly enhance the selectivity for glucose over potential interferences in tear fluid, including ascorbic acid and uric acid. Further, the new sensor is optimized to achieve very low detection limits of 1.5 ± 0.4 μM of glucose (S/N = 3) that is required to monitor glucose levels in tear fluid with a glucose sensitivity of 0.032 ± 0.02 nA/μM (n = 6). Only 4-5 μL of tear fluid in the capillary tube is required when the needle sensor is inserted into the capillary. The glucose sensor was employed to measure tear glucose levels in anesthetized rabbits over an 8 h period while also measuring the blood glucose values. A strong correlation between tear and blood glucose levels was found, suggesting that measurement of tear glucose is a potential noninvasive substitute for blood glucose measurements, and the new sensor configuration could aid in conducting further research in this direction.
Learning Cooperation through Bidding

A cooperative team of agents may perform many tasks better than single agents. The question is how cooperation among self-interested agents should be achieved. It is important that, while we encourage cooperation among agents in a team, we maintain autonomy of individual agents as much as possible, so as to maintain flexibility and generality. This paper presents an approach based on bidding utilizing reinforcement values acquired through reinforcement learning. We further apply evolutionary computation to enhance cooperation among self-interested agents of a team. We tested and analyzed this approach in a variety of task domains, and demonstrated that a team indeed performed better than the best single agent as well as the average of single agents.
Childhood Maltreatment: Altered Network Centrality of Cingulate, Precuneus, Temporal Pole and Insula

Background Childhood abuse is a major risk factor for psychopathology. Previous studies have identified brain differences in maltreated individuals but have not focused on potential differences in network architecture. Methods High-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained from 265 unmedicated, right-handed 18- to 25-year-olds who were classified as maltreated ( n = 142, 55 men/87 women) or nonmaltreated ( n = 123, 46 men/77 women) based on extensive interviews. Cortical thickness was assessed in 112 cortical regions (nodes) and interregional partial correlations across subjects were calculated to derive the lowest equivalent cost single-cluster group networks. Permutation tests were used to ascertain whether maltreatment was associated with significant alterations in key centrality measures of these regions and membership in the highly interconnected "rich club." Results Marked differences in centrality (connectedness, "importance") were observed in a handful of cortical regions. Left anterior cingulate had the second highest number of connections (degree centrality) and was a component of the "rich club" in the control network but ranked low in connectedness (106th of 112 nodes) in the network derived from maltreated-subjects ( p p = .01) and 105th ( p Conclusions Maltreatment was associated with decreased centrality in regions involved in emotional regulation and ability to accurately attribute thoughts or intentions to others and with enhanced centrality in regions involved in internal emotional perception, self-referential thinking, and self-awareness. This may provide a potential mechanism for how maltreatment increases risk for psychopathology.
Flow isolation in optical networks

We address the issue of ensuring the integrity and privacy of communications in optical networks. To this end, we extend the traffic grooming concept to encompass flow isolation considerations through a multi-class traffic model. We develop, solve, and compare ILP formulations that ensure that only traffic components within the same class are groomed onto (share) the same wavelength. Our approach provides flow isolation guarantees with an increase in overall cost as a tradeoff.
The early history of Stanford Immunology.

From its 1960 beginnings in a pair of windowless Genetics Department laboratories under the Stanford Medical School Dean’s Office to its current broad-based program, which joins faculty members from departments across the Medical School, the Stanford Immunology Program has played a central role in shaping both basic and clinical immunology thinking. In this article, we tell the story of the beginnings of this odyssey in a reminiscence-based format that brings the flavor of the time in the words of people who lived and built the history.
Stereotypies as behavioral indices in mental patients

Stereotypies, defined here as monotonous and undirected behaviors (e.g., walking in place, foot swinging) were observed in inpatients at an intensive-treatment psychiatric center. Stereotypies were found to be especially sensitive to situations; the most stressful contexts produced the most stereotypies. In situations that seemingly made patients anxious, stereotypies were repetitive and typically took the form of incipient flight movements. In contexts where patients were apparently bored, their stereotypies were dominantly nonrepetitive and somewhat playful, suggesting a function of increasing arousal. Frequencies of stereotypies did not distinguish most diagnostic types (e.g., schizophrenia, organic brain damage) from each other. But stereotypies seemed to be markedly less characteristic of patients diagnosed as situation adjustment types, by far the most benign diagnosis of pathology represented in this sample. Overall, stereotypies showed promise as practical and reliable indices to be used as adjuncts to traditional measures of pathology.
Kokanee Foraging: A Daphnia in the StomachIs Worth Two in the Lake

Abstract We estimated percent dry matter per unit biomass of ambient Daphnia spp. and of Daphnia spp. (both predominately D. pulex) from stomachs of kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka to test the hypothesis that kokanee can reduce the water content of their prey. Percent dry matter of consumed Daphnia did not differ from that of ambient Daphnia in May–June, but was approximately double that of ambient Daphnia in July and August. We also found that percent dry matter of zooplankton in kokanee stomachs did not increase with decreasing gut fullness. Consequently, water reduction probably occurred during ingestion and enabled kokanee to pack a larger number of prey into their stomachs. The results suggest that kokanee may be able to capture twice as many Daphnia per unit time than previously predicted. Additionally, consumption estimates from a bioenergetics model that used wet-mass energy density of prey derived from field samples resulted in P-values (proportion of maximum consumption) greater than 1.0, whereas wet...
Using OCT to distinguish NMO and other types of optic neuropathy

Acute and chronic vision loss due to neuromyelitis optica (NMO) can be difficult to distinguish from optic neuritis associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other causes of visual loss. This is especially true in cases where classic findings of multiple spinal cord level involvement with transverse myelitis is not present and in cases where an IgG1 autoantibody (NMO-IgG) that binds aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is not present at the time of visual loss. A number of studies have compared features of the inner retina defined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in NMO and in MS and have found that patients with NMO have much greater axonal loss when matched for final visual acuity at the chronic phase. During acute visual loss, scanning laser polarimetry (SLP-GDx) is abnormal before changes in OCT features are apparent. This is due to an acute disorganization of axon microfilaments and microtubules that appears to predict final outcome. At the sub-acute phase (2-4 weeks), the retinal ganglion cell layer thickness shows thinning before the retinal nerve fiber layer becomes thin. The literature will be reviewed on structural features in the acute, sub-acute and chronic phases of vision loss in optic neuropathy. Commercial interest