cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generalized Schrödinger representations. I

Abstract Additional examples of the application of generalized Schrodinger representations are given, again the object being to exhibit the beautiful correspondence which exists between the classical and quantum formulations and to demonstrate that generalized Schrodinger representations find application throughout all of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. The classical and quantum formulations of the problem of the coupling of two angular momenta are given side by side, and a simple solution is obtained in terms of relations between angular momentum creation and annihilation operators. Various aspects of the problem of a particle moving in a Coulomb potential are discussed, including the correspondence with the historically famous Lagrange-Bessel solution to the Kepler problem in terms of Kapteyn series of Bessel functions. Finally, two examples of transformations involving the time variable are discussed: one example deals with the Schrodinger analog of what is usually referred to as the Heisenberg representation, and the second has to do with the Coulomb problem.
Large seale isolation and storage of Neurospora plasma membranes

Abstract Functionally inverted plasma membrane vesieles isolated from the eukaryotic microorganism Neurospora crassa generate and maintain a transmembrane electrical potential via ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by a plasma membrane ATPase ( G. A. Scarborough, 1976 , Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA73, 1485–1488). In order to facilitate investigation of the molecular mechanism of the electrogenic ATPase, and other transport systems, we have developed a method for the large scale isolation and storage of Neurospora plasma membranes in a stable form. Large quantities of open plasma membrane sheets (ghosts) are isolated by a scaled-up modification of the original method ( G. A. Scarborough, 1975 , J. Biol. Chem.250, 1106–1111) and stored at −26°C in 60% glycerol ( v v ). As needed, the ghosts are washed free of glycerol and then converted to closed vesicles by a modification of the original method. With this technique, plasma membrane vesicles with normal electrogenic pump activity can be prepared daily in approximately 2.5 h.
Does the advertising effect of athletics impact academic rankings

The study presented here examines the relationship between athletic success and academic quality among Division 1 universities. The analysis begins by revisiting models that have seen previously examined by other researchers. The current literature is then extended using a new model incorporating academic rankings. The previously used models incorporate objective measures of academic quality. The new model presented here uses rankings which have a subjective input. It is then examined to see whether the subjective opinions present in the academic rankings are influenced by athletic success.
Ashley revisited: a response to the peer commentaries.

Dr. Hester (2010) has correctly discerned that our hope was to encourage people to reflect more deeply on the issues raised by the interventions performed on Ashley and to carefully examine the rea...
LMI-based adaptive fuzzy integral sliding mode control of mismatched uncertain systems

Integral sliding mode design is considered for a class of uncertain systems in the presence of mismatched uncertainties in both state and input matrices, as well as norm-bounded nonlinearities and external disturbances. A sufficient condition for the robust stability of the sliding manifold is derived by means of linear matrix inequalities. The initial existence of the sliding mode is guaranteed by the proposed control law. The improvement of the proposed control scheme performances, such as chattering elimination and estimation of norm bounds of uncertainties, is then considered with the application of an adaptive fuzzy integral sliding mode control law. The validity and efficiency of the proposed approaches are investigated through a sixth order uncertain mechanical system.
Selective hydrogenation with tris(triphenylphosphine) chlororhodium (I) catalyst: Preparation of octadecenoate isomers

Fractionation of products obtained from partial catalytic hydrogenation of methylcis-9,cis-12-octadecadienoate (9c,12c-18:2) with tris(triphenylphosphine) chlororhodium [RhCl(Ph3P)3] provided a facile method for preparation of a nearly equal molar mixture of methylcis-9- andcis-12-octadecenoate (9c-18∶1 and 12c-18∶1). Isolation of products was achieved by silver resin and C18 reverse phase liquid chromatography. Catalytic deuteration of 9c,12c-18∶2 yields a mixture of 9c-18∶1-12,13-d2 and 12c-18∶1-9,10-d2 with an isotopic purity of 85%. Final isolated yield of the mixture of 9c- and 12c-18∶1 products was 30%. Isolation of products from partial hydrogenation of conjugated octadecadienoates (9c,11t-18∶2 or 10t,12c-18∶2) provided a convenient method for synthesis of an almost equal molar mixture of methyltrans-10 andtrans-11-octadecenoate (10t-18∶1 and 11t-18∶1). Characterization of the reaction products from hydrogenation of 9c,12c-28∶2 indicates that the 9c- and 12c-18∶1 products are formed by the expected 1,2-hydride addition. The presence of small amounts of 10t- and 11t-18∶1 and conjugated octadecadienoates was evidence for a secondary isomerization-1,4-hydride addition pathway. Isolation and characterization of products from RhCl(Ph3P)3-catalyzed hydrogenation of 9c,11t-18∶2 and 10t,12c-18∶2 indicate that both 1,2- and 1,4-hydride addition to the conjugated diene isomers occurs at about equal rates, but only thecis bond is reduced by the 1,2-hydride addition pathway and the 1,4-hydride addition pathway yields only atrans-18∶1. Because of this unusual selectivity for acis bond conjugated with atrans bond, hydrogenation of both 9c,11t-18∶2 and 10t,12c-18∶2 yields the same mixture of t-18∶1 isomers.
Subthreshold antiproton production in nucleus-nucleus collisions

Antiproton production in nucleus-nucleus collisions at energies below the threshold for its production from the nucleon-nucleon interaction in free space is studied in the relativistic Vlasov-Uehling-Uhlenbeck model. The antiproton self-energies in the medium are obtained in the mean-field approximation from the G-parity transformation of the nucleon self-energies. Due to the decrease of antiproton mass in the medium as a result of the attractive scalar mean field, there is an enhanced production of primordinal antiprotons which are, however, mostly annihilated by nucelons as they propagate through the matter. The calculated final antiproton momentum spectrum is seen to agree reasonably with the experimental data.
The University and the Public Good

Universities have flourished in the modern era as central public institutions and bases for critical thought. They are currently challenged by a variety of social forces and undergoing a deep transformation in both their internal structure and their relationship to the rest of society. Critical theorists need to assess this both in order to grasp adequately the social conditions of their own work and because the transformation of universities is central to a more general intensification of social inequality, privatization of public institutions, and reorganization of the relation of access to knowledge. This is also a pivotal instance for asking basic questions about the senses in which the university is or may be ‘public’: (1) where does its money come from? (2) who governs? (3) who benefits? and (4) how is knowledge produced and circulated?
Theory for bowtie plasmonic nanolasers

We develop a fundamental formulation for electrically-pumped plasmonic semiconductor nanolasers based on a metallic bowtie structure. Because of the negative dielectric constant of the metal at optical frequencies, the effective modal volume of the plasmonic mode can be compressed to the nanometer scale. In addition, the curvature effect of the bowtie tips provides additional field enhancement in the bowtie gap and further reduces the modal volume. With this small modal volume, the required volume of the active region is reduced correspondingly, which significantly decreases the threshold current. The huge field enhancement due to the small modal volume at the gap of the bowtie may overcome the material and radiation losses by increasing both the spontaneous and stimulated emission rates, and it makes the lasing action possible.
A simple approximation for the vibrational partition function of a hindered internal rotation

A simple formula is presented for calculating the approximate partition function of a hindered internal rotational mode of a polyatomic molecule. The formula gives useful accuracy over the whole range from harmonic oscillator to hindered rotator to free rotator.
A micromechanical mirror based on PZN-PT single crystal films

This paper presents an investigation of a stand-alone PZN-PT film-based movable micro-mirror and characterizes its precision level. Micro-mirrors have received considerable attention for applications in various micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS). For example, there is considerable interest in creating micro-mirror arrays for image display and telecommunication applications. Such optical applications require high precision position control of micro-mirrors. We present the development of stand-alone self-moving micro-mirrors on the basis of a single-film actuation mechanism. The mirror design provides for tilt motion using a single-crystal Pb(Zn 1 /3Nb 2/3 )O 3 -PbTiO 3 (PZN-PT) film unimorph actuator. A prototype micro-mirror plate is designed to a size of 600 × 400 × 10 μm 3 including actuation device. In this paper, it is shown that a prototype micro-mirror fabricated in our laboratories can be operated at frequency of 50 kHz.
From documentation to innovation: Reshaping job analysis to meet emerging business needs

Abstract It is argued herein that traditional job analysis was tailored to the principles of the Scientific Management approach (e.g., division of labor, selfcontained and simplified jobs) and it seems unsuited to emerging business demands. First, the socio-economic determinants of traditional job analysis are uncovered. Then, the realities of today's business environment and the need to revise traditional job analysis accordingly are outlined. Specific revisions are made explicit in a series of propositions. Recommendations about how to implement these changes follow each proposition.
Fitting neurological protein aggregation kinetic data via a 2-step, minimal/"Ockham's razor" model: the Finke-Watzky mechanism of nucleation followed by autocatalytic surface growth.

The aggregation of proteins has been hypothesized to be an underlying cause of many neurological disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases; protein aggregation is also important to normal life function in cases such as G to F-actin, glutamate dehydrogenase, and tubulin and flagella formation. For this reason, the underlying mechanism of protein aggregation, and accompanying kinetic models for protein nucleation and growth (growth also being called elongation, polymerization, or fibrillation in the literature), have been investigated for more than 50 years. As a way to concisely present the key prior literature in the protein aggregation area, Table 1 in the main text summarizes 23 papers by 10 groups of authors that provide 5 basic classes of mechanisms for protein aggregation over the period from 1959 to 2007. However, and despite this major prior effort, still lacking are both (i) anything approaching a consensus mechanism (or mechanisms), and (ii) a generally useful, and thus widely used, simplest/"Ockham's razor" kinetic model and associated equations that can be routinely employed to analyze a broader range of protein aggregation kinetic data. Herein we demonstrate that the 1997 Finke-Watzky (F-W) 2-step mechanism of slow continuous nucleation, A --> B (rate constant k1), followed by typically fast, autocatalytic surface growth, A + B --> 2B (rate constant k2), is able to quantitatively account for the kinetic curves from all 14 representative data sets of neurological protein aggregation found by a literature search (the prion literature was largely excluded for the purposes of this study in order provide some limit to the resultant literature that was covered). The F-W model is able to deconvolute the desired nucleation, k1, and growth, k2, rate constants from those 14 data sets obtained by four different physical methods, for three different proteins, and in nine different labs. The fits are generally good, and in many cases excellent, with R2 values >or=0.98 in all cases. As such, this contribution is the current record of the widest set of protein aggregation data best fit by what is also the simplest model offered to date. Also provided is the mathematical connection between the 1997 F-W 2-step mechanism and the 2000 3-step mechanism proposed by Saito and co-workers. In particular, the kinetic equation for Saito's 3-step mechanism is shown to be mathematically identical to the earlier, 1997 2-step F-W mechanism under the 3 simplifying assumptions Saito and co-workers used to derive their kinetic equation. A list of the 3 main caveats/limitations of the F-W kinetic model is provided, followed by the main conclusions from this study as well as some needed future experiments.
Optimizing the Leveraging of Real-World Data to Improve the Development and Use of Medicines

Health research, including health outcomes and comparative effectiveness research, is on the cusp of a golden era of access to digitized real-world data, catalyzed by the adoption of electronic health records and the integration of clinical and biological information with other data. This era promises more robust insights into what works in health care. Several barriers, however, will need to be addressed if the full potential of these new data are fully realized; these will involve both policy solutions and stakeholder cooperation. Although a number of these issues have been widely discussed, we focus on the one we believe is the most important-the facilitation of greater openness among public and private stakeholders to collaboration, connecting information and data sharing, with the goal of making robust and complete data accessible to all researchers. In this way, we can better understand the consequences of health care delivery, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of health care systems, and develop advancements in health technologies. Early real-world data initiatives illustrate both potential and the need for future progress, as well as the essential role of collaboration and data sharing. Health policies critical to progress will include those that promote open source data standards, expand access to the data, increase data capture and connectivity, and facilitate communication of findings.
Influence of injection gate definition on the flow‐front approximation in numerical simulations of mold‐filling processes

Flow through porous media has been used to model resin impregnation in composites manufacturing processes such as resin transfer molding. Many numerical schemes have been used to explore the efficiency and accuracy in description of the movement of the liquid front when it is introduced through injection gates into a mold containing stationary and compacted fibrous porous media. In all numerical schemes, injection gates are modelled with a single node. Mathematically, a single node definition for a finite radius injection gate imparts a singularity. In this paper, an approach to avoid this singularity by modelling the injection gate with more than one node is presented. An analytical solution relating the fill time to the injection gate radius is developed for a constant pressure injection from a spherical injection gate into an isotropic media. A new parameter ‘mesh density level’, defined as the ratio of the injection radius to the element size, is used to investigate the accuracy and the convergence of the numerical results. It is shown that the numerical results converge when the mesh density level is increased. The accuracy of the results depends on the ratio of the flow-front radius to the injection gate radius as well as on the mesh density level. In many situations, a spherical injection gate may not represent the correct physics and model simplification may be necessary. The impact of such simplifications is also quantified. The systematic analysis presented in this paper should prove useful to the modeller in taking the decision whether to select the proper, geometric definition for the injection gate to obtain accurate results or to define the injection gate using a single node and be aware of the errors introduced due to the singularity.
EFFECT OF DEOXYCHOLATE, INDOLE, AND ENDOTOXIN ON ORGAN CULTURES OF RABBIT JEJUNUM

To determine the effect of certain compounds associated with bacterial overgrowth on jejunal mucosa, we studied the changes in morphology, protein synthesis, amino acid transport, and brush border enzyme levels produced by deoxycholate, bacterial endotoxin, and indole in an organ culture system. Rabbit jejunal biopsies incubated for 24 hr in medium containing 1 mm deoxycholate showed complete loss of villous architecture, dissolution of cell structure, and marked impairment of protein synthesis and amino acid transport, without significant change in brush border enzyme activity. Incubation of jejunal cultures in lower concentrations of deoxycholate, indole, or bacterial endotoxin resulted in minor morphological alterations, but in no functional differences compared with controls.
Orientation angle and the adhesion of single gecko setae

We investigated the effects of orientation angle on the adhesion of single gecko setae using dual-axis microelectromechanical systems force sensors to simultaneously detect normal and shear force components. Adhesion was highly sensitive to the pitch angle between the substrate and the seta's stalk. Maximum lateral adhesive force was observed with the stalk parallel to the substrate, and adhesion decreased smoothly with increasing pitch. The roll orientation angle only needed to be roughly correct with the spatular tuft of the seta oriented grossly towards the substrate for high adhesion. Also, detailed measurements were made to control for the effect of normal preload forces. Higher normal preload forces caused modest enhancement of the observed lateral adhesive force, provided that adequate contact was made between the seta and the substrate. These results should be useful in the design and manufacture of gecko-inspired synthetic adhesives with anisotropic properties, an area of substantial recent research efforts.
Phase 1 trial of irinotecan (CPT-11) in patients with recurrent malignant glioma: A North American brain tumor consortium study

This study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicity of irinotecan (CPT-11) administered every 3 weeks to adults with progressive malignant glioma who were treated with enzyme inducing antiepileptic drug (EIAED) therapy, and to compare the pharmacokinetics with those in patients not on EIAED therapy treated at the recommended phase 2 dose for other cancers. The CPT-11 dose was 350 mg/m(2) i.v. every 3 weeks and remained fixed in patients not on EIAED therapy, but the dose was escalated by 50-mg/m(2) increments in patients on EIAED therapy. CPT-11 and its metabolites SN-38, SN-38 glucuronide (SN-38G), and APC (7-ethyl-10[4-N-(5 aminopentanoic acid)-1-piperidine]-carbonyloxycamptothecin) were characterized in both groups. Patients on EIAEDs received 350 to 800 mg/m(2) of CPT-11. Dose-limiting toxicity was due to grade 3 diarrhea despite maximal doses of loperamide. The systemic levels of CPT-11, APC, SN-38G, and SN-38 were all lower in the EIAED group. There was a moderate-to-fair relationship between CPT-11 dose and the area under the curve (AUC) for CPT-11 and APC over the 2, but no relationship dosage range of 350 to 800 mg/m between CPT-11 dose and the AUC for SN-38 or SN-38G. At the 750-mg/m(2) dose, the AUC for CPT-11 (21.6 microg x h/ml) matched the AUC (21.6 microg x h/ml) in the non-EIAED group treated with 350 mg/m(2) of CPT-11. We conclude that the recommended phase 2 dose of CPT-11 for patients on EIAEDs is 750 mg/m(2) when given every 3 weeks. A phase 2 study of patients with recurrent malignant glioma is ongoing to assess the efficacy of CPT-11 when the dose is stratified according to the use of EIAEDs.
Organic no-tillage system effects on soybean, corn and irrigated tomato production and economic performance in Iowa, USA

Novel technologies to reduce tillage in organic systems include a no-tillage roller/crimper for terminating cover crops prior to commercial crop planting. The objective of this experiment was to compare: (1) weed management and yield effects of organic tilled and no-tillage systems for corn (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and irrigated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), using a roller/crimper and two cover crop combinations [hairy vetch/rye (Vicia villosa Roth/Secale cereale L.) and winter wheat/Austrian winter pea (Triticum vulgare L./Pisum sativum L. ssp. arvense (L.) Poir.)]; and (2) the economic performance of each system. Weed management ranged from fair to excellent in the organic no-tillage system for soybean and tomato crops, with the rye/hairy vetch mulch generally providing the most weed suppression. Corn suffered from low rainfall, competition from weeds and hairy vetch re-growth and, potentially, low soil nitrogen (N) from lack of supplemental fertilization and N immobilization during cover crop decomposition. No-tillage corn yields averaged 5618 and 634 kg ha−1 in 2006 and 2007, respectively, which was 42–92% lower than tilled corn. No-tillage soybeans in 2007 averaged 2793 kg ha−1 compared to 3170 kg ha−1 for tilled soybeans, although no-tillage yields were 48% of tilled yields in the dry year of 2006. Irrigated tomato yields averaged 40 t ha−1 in 2006 and 63 t ha−1 in 2007, with no statistical differences among tillage treatments. Economic analysis for the three crops revealed additional cover crop seed and management costs in the no-tillage system. Average organic corn returns to management were US$55,515 in the tilled system. Overall, the organic no-tillage soybean and irrigated tomato system demonstrated some promise for reducing tillage in organic systems, but until economic benefits from soil carbon enhancement can be included for no-tillage systems, soil improvements probably cannot offset the economic losses in no-tillage systems. Irrigation could improve the performance of the no-tillage system in dry years, especially if grain crops are rotated with a high-value irrigated tomato crop.
Association of nasopharyngeal bacterial colonization during upper respiratory tract infection and the development of acute otitis media.

Acute Otitis Media occurs mostly after upper respiratory tract infection; the causative bacteria are those colonized in the nasopharynx. We studied 709 URI episodes and found that children with no bacteria in NP were at low risk while those with three pathogenic bacteria were at the greatest risk for AOM.
SOLUTIONS TO THE PARADIGM CONFLICT: Coping with Uncertainty

Conflict between the quantitative and qualitative inquiry paradigms is ineluctable. Six solutions for resolving the conflict—denial, co-optation, supremacy, replacement, primacy of method, and anarchism—are reviewed and found wanting. In this article I propose that inquirers must choose an inquiry paradigm that is resonant with the values they wish to promote in the conduct of educational inquiry. I defend this modest proposal by examining the values expressed in inquiry paradigms and explain how one chooses an inquiry paradigm to achieve a state of value fit.
The importance of organizational characteristics for improving outcomes in patients with chronic disease: A systematic review of congestive heart failure

Despite applications of models of care and organizational or system-level interventions to improve patient outcomes for chronic disease, consistent improvements have not been achieved. This may reflect a mismatch between the interventions and the nature of the settings in which they are attempted. The application of complex adaptive systems (CAS) framework to understand clinical systems and inform efforts to improve them may lead to more successful interventions. We performed a systematic review of interventions to improve outcomes of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) to examine whether interventions consistent with CAS are more likely to be effective. We then examine differences between interventions that are most effective for improving outcomes for patients with CHF versus previously published data for type 2 diabetes to explore the potential impact of the nature of the disease on the types of interventions that are more likely to be effective. We conducted a systematic review of the literature between 1998 and 2008 of organizational interventions to improve care of patients with CHF. Two independent reviewers independently assessed studies that met inclusion criteria to determine whether each reported intervention reflected one or more CAS characteristics. The effectiveness of interventions was rated as either 0 (no effect), 0.5 (mixed effect), or 1.0 (effective) based on the type, number, and significance of reported outcomes. Fisher's exact test was used to examine the association between CAS characteristics and intervention effectiveness. Specific CAS characteristics associated with intervention effectiveness for CHF were contrasted with previously published data for type 2 diabetes. Forty-four studies describing 46 interventions met eligibility criteria. All interventions utilized at least one CAS characteristic, and 85% were either 'mixed effect' or 'effective' in terms of outcomes. The number of CAS characteristics present in each intervention was associated with effectiveness (p < 0.001), supporting the idea that interventions consistent with CAS are more likely to be effective. The individual CAS characteristics associated with CHF intervention effectiveness were learning, self-organization, and co-evolution, a finding different from our previously published analysis of interventions for diabetes. We suggest this difference may be related to the degree of uncertainty involved in caring for patients with diabetes versus CHF. These results suggest that for interventions to be effective, they must be consistent with the CAS nature of clinical systems. The difference in specific CAS characteristics associated with intervention effectiveness for CHF and diabetes suggests that interventions must also take into account attributes of the disease.
Late Domain-Independent Rescue of a Release-Deficient Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus by the Ubiquitin Ligase Itch

Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) Gag utilizes its late (L) domain motif PPPY to bind members of the Nedd4-like ubiquitin ligase family. These interactions recruit components of the cell's budding machinery that are critical for virus release. MoMLV Gag contains two additional L domains, PSAP and LYPAL, that are believed to drive residual MoMLV release via interactions with cellular proteins Tsg101 and Alix, respectively. We found that overexpression of Tsg101 or Alix failed to rescue the release of PPPY-deficient MoMLV via these other L domains. However, low-level expression of the ubiquitin ligase Itch potently rescued the release and infectivity of MoMLV lacking PPPY function. In contrast, other ubiquitin ligases such as WWP1, Nedd4.1, Nedd4.2, and Nedd4.2s did not rescue this release-deficient virus. Efficient rescue required the ubiquitin ligase activity of Itch and an intact C2 domain but not presence of the endophilin-binding site. Additionally, we found Itch to immunoprecipitate with MoMLV Gag lacking the PPPY motif and to be incorporated into rescued MoMLV particles. The PSAP and LYPAL motifs were dispensable for Itch-mediated virus rescue, and their absence did not affect the incorporation of Itch into the rescued particles. Itch-mediated rescue of release-defective MoMLV was sensitive to inhibition by dominant-negative versions of ESCRT-III components and the VPS4 AAA ATPase, indicating that Itch-mediated correction of MoMLV release defects requires the integrity of the host vacuolar sorting protein pathway. RNA interference knockdown of Itch suppressed the residual release of the MoMLV lacking the PPPY motif. Interestingly, Itch stimulation of the PPPY-deficient MoMLV release was accompanied by the enhancement of Gag ubiquitination and the appearance of new ubiquitinated Gag proteins in virions. Together, these results suggest that Itch can facilitate MoMLV release in an L domain-independent manner via a mechanism that requires the host budding machinery and involves Gag ubiquitination.
An Evaluation of the Pathological Effects of Fluorescent Powder on Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus)

Fluorescent powder frequently is used to track free-living small mammals. We investigated possible harmful effects of powdered fluorescent pigments on wild deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus ) in northcentral Colorado. We examined mice collected 3, 6, 16, and 27 days after dusting with fluorescent powder to document the location and extent of powder both internally and externally and to record changes in the amount of powder over time. We also examined tissues histologically for pathological lesions and other evidence of adverse reactions to powder and compared the incidence of these effects with those from untreated mice collected at the same time. The amount of fluorescent powder in body tissues decreased over time, with ingested particles apparently passing harmlessly through the gastrointestinal tract. Mild to moderate histiocytic pneumonia, presumably associated with inhalation of powder, was detected in one mouse from each collection period (27% of all dusted mice), whereas control animals showed no evidence of pneumonia. Most dusted mice, however, exhibited no adverse reaction to the presence of powder particles in lung or other tissues. Our results indicate that the use of fluorescent powder for tracking studies has few significant pathological effects, but we recommend that researchers minimize the exposure of respiratory tissues of study animals to large doses of powder.
Agent based TDMA schedule for wireless sensor networks

In this article, we proposed a fast, adaptive, and single frequency based TDMA MAC protocol for wireless sensor networks. TDMA is a collision free and fair protocol by its definition. It has few deficiencies but that can be overcome by introducing some intelligent mechanisms. The proposed protocol has two variants: sensor-TDMA and sensor-TDMA with Virtual Cluster Election (VCE). It uses light-weight smart agent (LSA) as a middleware. It is a thin software sublayer of MAC layer sitting at each node. It has different behavior if sitting on the node versus the cluster. LSA also controls virtual cluster actuation, push-based data transfer, and reshuffling of slots based on load conditions. As a result protocol adapts with various circumstances. The push-based scheme monitors the changes in data within certain window and pushes the data when threshold is reached. LSA also manages the slot donation which is only valid for single frame. This protocol is best suited for dynamic topology of sensor networks i.e. if nodes die or new nodes join the network, it adapts with it. Our simulation study shows the effectiveness of the proposed solution and improvements over the traditional TDMA protocol in terms of energy consumption, TMT (Theoretical Maximum Throughput), average queuing delay, and average latency.
Synthesis of deuterium‐labelled 5′‐O‐[N‐(Salicyl)sulfamoyl]adenosine (Sal‐AMS‐d4) as an internal standard for quantitation of Sal‐AMS

5′-O-[N-(Salicyl)sulfamoyl]adenosine (Sal-AMS, 1) is a potent inhibitor of the bifunctional enzyme salicyl-AMP ligase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This inhibitor acts by disrupting the biosynthesis of the mycobactin siderophores that are essential for the process of iron acquisition. To aid with in vitro metabolism and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies of Sal-AMS, a stable deuterium-labelled Sal-AMS analog (Sal-AMS-d4) was synthesized. This deuterium-labelled analog was used as an internal standard to conduct in vitro plasma and microsomal stability studies. Sal-AMS was found to be stable for 24 h in human plasma and 1 h in human liver microsomes at 37°C. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patch contribution to near-field radiative energy transfer and van der Waals pressure between two half-spaces

Near-field effects in fluctuational electrodynamics leads to enhancement of radiative energy transfer as well as the emergence of van der Waals and/or Casimir pressure. While much has been learned from the analysis of near-field interactions between two half-spaces separated by a vacuum gap, we shed new light on the problem by finding how much of a surface patch on one of the half-spaces contributes to the energy transfer or van der Waals pressure at any location within the vacuum gap. We show that energy transfer and fluctuation-induced van der Waals pressure at any point on the surface of one half-space are qualitatively and quantitatively different due to the dissimilar zones of influence of interactions. We also show that the contributions from different surface patches are qualitatively similar for half-spaces with dielectric materials (silica, silicon carbide) and half-spaces with metals (gold).
Software architecture in realtime systems

Software architecture is receiving attention as engineers search for high leverage representations and tools for system design and analysis. The author's approach to software architecture addresses both system structure and communication behavior from four different views: conceptual, module, code and execution. A system is described within a view using domain-specific components and connectors. Correspondences between the views may be used for consistency checking and other forms of analysis. The paper illustrates the use of correspondences in the analysis of realtime performance through an example from the medical patient monitoring domain. >
Some Characterizations of the Exponential Distribution Based on Record Values

Let X1, X2,..., be a sequence of independent random variables with continuous distribution function. Xj is called a record value of this sequence if Xj > max(X1,...,Xj−1). Two characterizations of the exponential distribution based on independence of functions of record values are given.
Burn Control in Fusion Reactors via Nonlinear Stabilization Techniques

Control of plasma density and temperature magnitudes, as well as their profiles, are among the most fundamental problems in fusion reactors. Existing efforts on model-based control use control techniques for linear models. In this work, a zero-dimensional nonlinear model involving approximate conservation equations for the energy and the densities of the species was used to synthesize a nonlinear feedback controller for stabilizing the burn condition of a fusion reactor. The subignition case, where the modulation of auxiliary power and fueling rate are considered as control forces, and the ignition case, where the controlled injection of impurities is considered as an additional actuator, are treated separately. The model addresses the issue of the lag due to the finite time for the fresh fuel to diffuse into the plasma center. In this way we make our control system independent of the fueling system and the reactor can be fed either by pellet injection or by puffing. This imposed lag is treated using nonlinear backstepping. The nonlinear controller proposed guarantees a much larger region of attraction than the previous linear controllers. In addition, it is capable of rejecting perturbations in initial conditions leading to both thermal excursion and quenching, and its effectiveness does not depend on whether the operating point is an ignition or a subignition point. The controller designed ensures setpoint regulation for the energy and plasma parameterb with robustness against uncertainties in the confinement times for different species. Hence, the controller can increase or decrease b, modify the power, the temperature or the density, and go from a subignition to an ignition point and vice versa.
Satellite Remote Sensing for Developing Time and Space Resolved Estimates of Ambient Particulate in Cleveland, OH

This article empirically demonstrates the use of fine resolution satellite-based aerosol optical depth (AOD) to develop time and space resolved estimates of ambient particulate matter (PM) ≤2.5 μm and ≤10 μm in aerodynamic diameters (PM2.5 and PM10, respectively). AOD was computed at three different spatial resolutions, i.e., 2 km (means 2 km × 2 km area at nadir), 5 km, and 10 km, by using the data from MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), aboard the Terra and Aqua satellites. Multiresolution AOD from MODIS (AODMODIS) was compared with the in situ measurements of AOD by NASA's AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) sunphotometer (AODAERONET) at Bondville, IL, to demonstrate the advantages of the fine resolution AODMODIS over the 10-km AODMODIS, especially for air quality prediction. An instrumental regression that corrects AODMODIS for meteorological conditions was used for developing a PM predictive model. The 2-km AODMODIS aggregated within 0.025° and 15-min intervals shows the best associ...
N-acetylcysteine reverses diastolic dysfunction and hypertrophy in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Novel findings include reversal of established hypertrophy, left atrial dilation, and diastolic dysfunction in a model of HCM treated with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. This was associated with...
Gold Standard and User Evaluations

In informatics, information systems are being evaluated for their impact on users and the intended environment. This evaluation can be done in two manners which can complement each other. Evaluations can use a gold standard, constructed before the start of the study, to compare against the output of an information system. Evaluations also can be conducted with intended users to assess their actions or interactions with the system. The difference between the two lies in how the input is provided to the information system and consequently how the output is evaluated.
Identification of Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection Using Administrative Codes: Accuracy and Implications for Surveillance.

OBJECTIVE To develop an algorithm using administrative codes, laboratory data, and medication data to identify recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and to examine the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and performance of this algorithm. METHODS We identified all patients with 2 or more International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for CDI (008.45) from January 1 through December 31, 2013. Information on number of diagnosis codes, stool toxin assays (enzyme immunoassay or polymerase chain reaction), and unique prescriptions for metronidazole and vancomycin was identified. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of recurrent CDI and a predictive model was developed. RESULTS A total of 591 patients with at least 2 ICD-9 codes for CDI were included (median age, 66 years). The derivation cohort consisted of 157 patients among whom 43 (27%) had recurrent CDI. Presence of 3 or more ICD-9 codes for CDI (odds ratio, 2.49), 2 or more stool tests (odds ratio, 2.88), and 2 or more prescriptions for vancomycin (odds ratio, 5.87) were independently associated with confirmed recurrent CDI. A classifier incorporating 2 or more prescriptions for vancomycin and either 2 or more stool tests or 3 or more ICD-9-CM codes had a positive predictive value of 41% and negative predictive value of 90%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for this combined classifier was modest (0.69). CONCLUSION Identification of recurrent episodes of CDI in administrative data poses challenges. Accurate assessment of burden requires individual case review to confirm diagnosis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(8):893–898
The Contribution of School Counselors' Self-Efficacy to Their Programmatic Service Delivery.

Self-efficacy pertains to individuals’ belief about their capability to accomplish a task; consequently, school counselors’ positive self-efficacy is a theoretically based prerequisite for their facilitation of school-based interventions. In addition, school counselor-led interventions and comprehensive, developmental guidance programs benefit students’ personal social, academic, and career development. Therefore, this investigation examined the contribution of practicing school counselors’ (N = 693) self-efficacy in relation to the frequency of their programmatic service delivery. The findings indicate that participants’ self-efficacy scores contributed to the frequency of their programmatic service delivery (48% of the variance explained). Implications for school counselors, supervisors, and educational researchers are discussed.
THE BLOOD PICTURE OF THE GOAT. 3. CHANGES IN HAEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATION AND PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS OCCURRING WITH AGE.

SUMMARY There was a common pattern for the PCV and Hb which showed three phases—a fall during the first mouth, a rise to the third month, and a fall to the mature level at 30 months. Slight dissimilarity in the slopes of these curves produced a fail, a rise and a second fall in MCHC. A multiple regression for PCV, Hb and MCHC showed that when the average PCV value was high the MCHC was also high. Other factors produced high levels at about 6 months for the viscosity and sp, gr. of the whole blood and of the plasma; with this exception, viscosity followed the pattern of the Hb. The correlation between the sp. gr. of the whole blood and the Hb appeared to be disturbed by the same factors that influenced the sp. gr. of the plasma. Nevertheless, the correlation of whole blood with Hb gave better agreement for 49 averages (r = 0·831) than did the specific gravity of whole blood corrected by the subtraction of that of plasma (r = 0·698). Apart from the fact that it reached a peak at 6 months, the sp. gr. of plasma appeared to be ordered independently. Fragility was entirely independent of all other properties including corpuscular size, and it was unique in showing a fall as late as between the 6th and 12th months. Haemoglobin was divisible by electrophoresis into A, B and AB genotypes, and foetal haemoglobin, demonstrated by the same method, was no longer visible at 2 months. Individual samples are recorded in scatter diagrams, and calculated formulae with values at selected times and actual averages at selected times are recorded as tables.
Material and energy intensity of fullerene production.

Fullerenes are increasingly being used in medical, environmental, and electronic applications due to their unique structural and electronic properties. However, the energy and environmental impacts associated with their commercial-scale production have not yet been fully investigated. In this work, the life cycle embodied energy of C60 and C70 fullerenes has been quantified from cradle-to-gate, including the relative contributions from synthesis, separation, purification, and functionalization processes, representing a more comprehensive scope than used in previous fullerene life cycle studies. Comparison of two prevalent production methods (plasma and pyrolysis) has shown that pyrolysis of 1,4-tetrahydronaphthalene emerges as the method with the lowest embodied energy (12.7 GJ/kg of C60). In comparison, plasma methods require a large amount of electricity, resulting in a factor of 7−10× higher embodied energy in the fullerene product. In many practical applications, fullerenes are required at a purity >9...
Characteristics of Icing UHV Transmission Tower in High-resolution SAR Images

The icing experiment of UHV tower simulated cross arm was processed and the follow-up ice thickness of test cross arms were 10cm and 4cm respectively. Based on the 1m-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite images,we studied the radar scattering characteristics of tower cross-arms and the corresponding parameters change under the conditions of different ice thickness and no ice covered. Experimental results show that the radar signal reflected from iced tower is not weakened in the VV polarization mode,namely,that the tower safety situation can be monitored by high-resolution SAR satellite images in ice and snow disasters.
A 4000-Year Pollen Record of Vegetation Change from the Subtropical Mountains of Fujian Province,China

This study examines the pollen evidence of vegetation change in the subtropical mountains in southeastern China based on three short sediment cores from the elongated peat-filled depressions in subalpine headwater zones from the Daiyun Mountain Range in central Fujian Province (approximately 25°40′N, 118°11′E). Analysis of pollen and sediment-stratigraphic data indicates that peat accumulation began in the three coring sites after 4 000 a BP,probably as a result of the late-Holocene cooling. From 4 000 to 1 200 a BP the vegetation of the upper mountain zones (between 1 300～1 600 m) of the Daiyun Mountain Range was a subtropical mixed conifer-hardwood forest dominated by Cryptomeria (Japanese cedar), Castanopsis (chinkapin), Quercus (oak), and Tsuga (hemlock). A major change in vegetation cover occurred around 1 200 a BP when pollen frequencies of these dominant tree taxa were abruptly reduced, followed by increases in Pinus, Gramineae, and Dicranopteris. This vegetation change was marked by a distinct clay layer in one of the sediment cores, suggesting intensified soil erosion occurred on the slopes of the catchments area due to destruction of the climax vegetation. The extracted pollen records indicate that pine woodland in the study area is a secondary vegetation type and is a result of constant human disturbance.
On the Relationship Between Two Modular Action Languages: A Translation from MAD into \(\mathcal {ALM}\)

Modular action languages MAD and \(\mathcal {ALM}\) share the goal of providing means for the reuse of knowledge in order to facilitate the creation of libraries of knowledge. They differ substantially in their underlying assumptions (Causality Principle for MAD, Inertia Axiom for \(\mathcal {ALM}\)) and in the constructs that enable the reuse of knowledge, especially the mechanisms used to declare actions in terms of already described actions. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between the two action languages by providing a translation from MAD into \(\mathcal {ALM}\). We specify a condition that ensures that, for a specific class of MAD action descriptions, our translation produces a transition diagram isomorphic to the original one, modulo the common vocabulary.
Effect of ethanol on frog gastric mucosa: Electrophysiologic and morphologic correlations

Abstract The effects of and recovery from luminal ethanol (0%–100%) were assessed in the in vitro chambered frog gastric mucosa. At concentrations of 5%–10%, the potential difference decreased during exposure, but recovered after washout. No gross or light microscopic changes were observed. During exposure to 20%–40% ethanol, potential difference and short circuit current decreased and resistance increased, with only partial recovery after removal of the alcohol. Acid secretion ceased at 20% ethanol and alkalinization of the luminal solution was observed at ≥30% ethanol. Microscopy of this group showed discharge of mucus, separation of oxynticopeptic cells from the basal lamina, and slough of surface epithelium. At 60%–100% ethanol, potential difference and short circuit current decreased and resistance increased markedly but there was no recovery. Microscopy showed changes similar to those of the intermediate group (20%–40%), except that surface epithelial cells were fixed to the basal lamina rather than sloughing. The morphologic effects of 100% ethanol in vivo were similar to those in vitro. Pretreatment with 10 −5 M 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E 2 did not prevent either the electrophysiologic or the histologic changes caused by 20% and 30% ethanol. We conclude that there is a gross discrepancy between the functional and morphologic findings after high concentrations of luminal ethanol.