cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study on grid adaptability testing methodology for wind turbines

The use of wind power has grown rapidly in recent years. Wind power is a clean source of energy, but can have negative impacts on the distribution grid. The influence of large-scale wind power integration on the safe and stable operation of a power system cannot be ignored. It is necessary and urgent to achieve grid adaptability for wind turbines in China. Using a 35 kV/6 MVA grid simulator, the performance of a grid is investigated by simulation. Typical grid disturbances such as voltage deviation, frequency fluctuation, voltage unbalance, and distortion can be simulated. A grid adaptability testing methodology was developed and applied to a doubly fed wind turbine with a focus on analyzing real test data to ascertain its three-phase voltage unbalance adaptability, which was successfully demonstrated. The methodology can also be used to guide other grid adaptability tests.
The “split” iota

Abstract Within the context of a five channel mixing model the possibility is considered that the E(1420) originally seen in PP annihilation at rest and originally believed to be a JPC=1++ state is actually a pseudoscalar state distinct from the ι(1460) seen in radiative ψ decay. The quark and glue content that this hypothesis implies and the consequences for branching ratios of the known pseudoscalars are discussed. The five channel mixing model includes the ground state pseudoscalars, their first radial excitations, and a glueball. Mixing terms include an SU(3) symmetric glueball-quark state coupling as well as the important two body intermediate state unitarity corrections. While a number of mathematically consistent solutions to the model are found, none are physically acceptable. It is concluded that the more likely scenario is that the E(1420) and the ι(1460) are the same state, and the fifth partner to the scheme lies in a higher mass range, above 1.7 GeV.
Light-dark and feeding regimens affect circadian phasing of blood-ethanol decay rates.

Abstract Rats maintained on a 12 hour: 12 hour light-dark cycle, with food continuously available, exhibited a prominent and reproducible circadian rhythm in the slope of the linear blood-ethanol clearance curve. Peak values fell near the end of the dark period and trough values late in the light period. These phase relationships persisted with 4, 8 and 12 hour phase shifts of the illumination schedule. However, when food availability was restricted to 4 hours per day the feeding regimen became the dominant synhcronizer for the rhythms in blood-ethanol decay rate and body core temperature. With resumption of the ad lib feeding regimen, the L-D cycle again entrained these rhythms. Ethanol injections (1.5 g/kg, IP) did not alter the expected excursion of the circadian temperature curve, as measured 4 hours after dosing.
A hybrid electric vehicle with minimal energy storage system

A series HEV with a minimal or “light” ESS and a small engine is examined with the objective of maximizing fuel economy with little all-electric range. The motivation is the re-examination of assumptions about consumer adoption of electric vehicles, with the goal to consider lowest cost of ownership without compromising range. Lowest cost of ownership is indicated by maximizing fuel economy with a small energy storage system and a minimal displacement engine sized for average, rather than peak power. A minimal ESS is found via a parametric study for maximum fuel economy and empirically validated on a chassis dynamometer.
Iontophoretically enhanced transdermal delivery of an ACE inhibitor in induced hypertensive rabbits: preliminary report.

Both conventional direct current (DC) and pulsedmode DC constant-current iontophoresis were used to investigate enhanced transdermal delivery of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril to rabbits with acutely induced hypertension. Passive transdermal captopril administration and pulsed DC constant-current iontophoresis of the vehicle were studied as control experimentation. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was not significantly (p>0.05) altered following passive transdermal delivery of captopril (n=4) or after iontophoretic delivery of the vehicle alone (n=4). Pressure reduction was evident within 10 minutes of iontophoretic enhancement of transdermal captopril delivery. DC mode constant-current (n=4) iontophoretic transdermal captopril administration caused MAP to fall by 21% from a mean hypertensive level of 66±5 mmHg to a mean post-treatment level of 52±6 mmHg (p<0.05) within 60 minutes. Pulsed DC mode constant-current (n=4) iontophoresis of captopril caused mean MAP to fall on average by 27% from 62±6 to 45±5 mmHg (p<0.05), also within 60 minutes. This paper provides the first report on the enhanced efficiency during iontophoretic delivery of an ACE inhibitor. We have concluded that both modes of constant-current iontophoresis of captopril offer a safe and effective means of pressure reduction in rabbits with induced hypertension and that there is no significant difference in efficacy between the two forms of enhanced delivery. These results have potential applications for enhanced transdermal delivery of ACE inhibitors in humans.
Hg2+ Removal by Genetically Engineered Escherichia coli in a Hollow Fiber Bioreactor

Escherichia coli cells engineered to express an Hg2+ transport system and metallothionein accumulated Hg2+ effectively over a concentration range of 0.2-4 mg/L in batch systems. Bioaccumulation was selective against other metal ions and resistant to changes in ambient conditions such as pH, ionic strength, and the presence of common metal chelators or complexing agents (Chen, S.-L.; Wilson, D. B. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 1997, 63, 2442-2445; Biodegradation 1997, 8, 97-103). Here we report the characterization of the bioaccumulation system based on its kinetics and an isotherm. Bioaccumulation was rapid and followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. A hollow fiber bioreactor was constructed to retain the genetically engineered cells. The bioreactor was capable of removing and recovering Hg2+ effectively at low concentrations, reducing a 2 mg/L solution to about 5 microgram/L. A mathematical equation that quantitatively described Hg2+ removal by the bioreactor provides a basis for the optimization and extrapolation of the bioreactor. The genetically engineered E. colicells and the bioreactor system have excellent properties for bioremediation of Hg2+-contaminated environments.
Public awareness of the bone morphogenic protein controversy: Evidence from news publications

Background: Use of recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in spinal fusion has seen a tremendous increase. Public awareness of rhBMP-2 and its complications has not been assessed. The authors studied published news media articles to analyze information provided to the public on this bone graft substitute. Methods: We utilized the academic database, LexisNexis, to locate newspaper articles published between January 2001 and July 2013. All articles were coded by a coder and reviewed by the principal investigator. Results: The search identified 87 national and 99 local newspaper articles. Complications mentioned in national newspapers included cancer (24%), retrograde ejaculation (24%), and abnormal bone growth (14%). Local newspapers cited cancer (14%), inflammation (14%), and retrograde ejaculation (9.2%) most frequently. Fifty national (59%) and 35 local (54%) articles had no mention of complications. Sources of evidence cited by articles were (in order of frequency): Governmental agencies, medical research or published studies, healthcare personnel or patients, and companies or corporations. Conclusions: Only a small percentage of newspaper articles presented potential complications. Despite lack of clear scientific causal relationship between rhBMP-2 and cancer, this risk was disproportionately reported. Additionally, many did not cite scientific sources. Lack of reliable information available to the public reiterates the role of physicians in discussing risks and benefits BMP use in spinal surgery, assuring that patients are making informed decisions. Future news media articles should present risks in an impartial and evidence-based manner. Collaboration between advocacy groups, medical institutions, and media outlets would be beneficial in achieving this goal.
Hydrogenation Mechanisms in (Boratacycle)tantalum Analogues of Dimethylzirconocene

The hydrogenation of Cp*[C4H4B-N(i-Pr)2]TaMe2 (1) (Cp* = C5Me5) in the presence of PMe3 affords Cp*[C4H4B-N(i-Pr)2]Ta(H)2(PMe3) (2) in essentially quantitative yield. Similarly, the hydrogenation of Cp*[C4H4B-Me]TaMe2 (3) in the presence of PMe3 affords Cp*[C4H4B-Me]Ta(H)2(PMe3) (4). Hydrogenation of 1 and 3 is accompanied by the reversible formation of side products. The most important of these complexes, Cp*[C4H4B-N(i-Pr)2]Ta(PMe3)2 (5) and Cp*[C4H4B-Me]Ta(PMe3)2 (6), react slowly with dihydrogen forming 2 and 4, respectively. In the early stages of the hydrogenation of 1, the C−H activation product Cp*[C4H4B-N(i-Pr)2]Ta(H)(CH2PMe2) (7) is also present. Mechanistic details of the hydrogenation of 1 and 3 are discussed. Hydrogenation of [C5H5B-Ph][C4H4B-N(i-Pr)2]TaMe2 (8) in the presence of PMe3 affords [C5H5B-Ph][C4H4B-N(i-Pr)2]Ta(PMe3)2 (9) as the exclusive product. The use of a bulkier phosphine, P(i-Pr)3, gives [C5H5B-Ph][C4H4B-N(i-Pr)2]Ta(H)2[P(i-Pr)3] (10). Changing the phosphine to one of intermed...
Nutritional Vulnerability in Older Adults: A Continuum of Concerns

A nutritionally vulnerable older adult has a reduced physical reserve that limits the ability to mount a vigorous recovery in the face of an acute health threat or stressor. Often, this vulnerability contributes to more medical complications, longer hospital stays, and increased likelihood of nursing home admission. We have characterized in this review the etiology of nutritional vulnerability across the continuum of the community, hospital, and long-term care settings. Frail older adults may become less vulnerable with strong, consistent, and individualized nutritional care. Interventions for the vulnerable older adult must take their nutritional needs into account to optimize resiliency in the face of the acute and/or chronic health challenges they will surely face in their life course.
Patterns of neurogenesis in the midbrain of embryonic lobsters differ from proliferation in the insect and the crustacean ventral nerve cord.

Neurogenesis persists throughout life in the olfactory pathway of many decapod crustaceans. However, the relationships between precursor cells and the temporal characteristics of mitotic events in these midbrain regions have not been examined. We have conducted studies aimed at characterizing the sequence of proliferative events that leads to the production of new deutocerebral projection neurons in embryos of the American lobster, Homarus americanus. In vivo bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling patterns show that three distinct cell types are involved in neurogenesis in this region. Quantitative and temporal analyses suggest that the clearing time for BrdU is 2-3 days in lobster embryos, and that the sequence of proliferative events in the midbrain is significantly different from the stereotypical pattern for the generation of neurons in the ventral nerve cord ganglia of insects and crustaceans. The unusual pattern of proliferation in the crustacean midbrain may be related to the persistence of neurogenesis throughout life in these regions.
Causal Beliefs and Treatment Preferences for the Symptoms of Depression Among Persons Living with HIV/AIDS

The focus of the research study was to explore chronically ill African American, Latino, and White patients' causal attributions for symptoms of depression and factors that may impact depression care treatment preferences among these groups. With a community sample of African Americans, Latinos, and White HIV-positive adults receiving services in central Austin, Texas, a binary logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between causal beliefs and predictor variables and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between treatment and provider preferences for the symptoms of depression and ethnicity. Differences were found across race/ethnicity with regard to treatment preferences and patterns of causal beliefs were associated with treatment preferences among HIV-positive participants.
Simulation of vortex reconnection

Abstract The reconnection of two antiparallel viscous vortices is simulated in a periodic domain. Reynolds numbers based on circulation divided by viscosity range from 1600 to 3200. Symmetries are used along with increased resolution in the direction normal to the dividing plane to reduce the computation requirements. As the Reynolds number is increased a significant increase in enstrophy is not seen, but there is a significant increase in the peak vorticity that is consistent with a singularity of the three-dimensional, incompressible Euler equations in a finite time. The reconnection region is characterized by vortex sheets and large relative helicity in the outer regions of the reconnection. A power law regime is found in energy spectra.
Effects of HCF loading on fretting fatigue crack nucleation

Abstract This work examines the impact of the interaction between low cycle and high cycle fatigue load spectra on the near-surface stress field associated with conditions of fretting fatigue in the context of a multiaxial fatigue life parameter. Particular focus is placed on analysis of the edge of contact region identified routinely as the site of fretting-induced fatigue damage. Effects of low-cycle fatigue (LCF)—high cycle fatigue (HCF) interaction on the extent of stick and slip are analysed in detail for contacts involving a common titanium engine alloy, Ti–6Al–4V. The effects that this LCF/HCF interaction have on the nucleation of fretting fatigue cracks are then analysed, leading to the subsequent establishment of a relationship between number of LCF cycles to failure and relative HCF frequency and amplitude.
Management and Outcome of Permanent Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Infections

Objectives We describe the management and outcome of permanent pacemaker (PPM) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) infections in a large cohort of patients seen at a tertiary care facility with expertise in device lead extraction. Background Infection is a serious complication of PPM and ICD implantation. Optimal care of patients with these cardiac device infections (CDI) is not well defined. Methods A retrospective review of all patients with CDI admitted to Mayo Clinic Rochester between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 2003, was conducted. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and descriptive analysis was performed. Results A total of 189 patients met the criteria for CDI (138 PPM, 51 ICD). The median age of the patients was 71.2 years. Generator pocket infection (69%) and device-related endocarditis (23%) were the most common clinical presentations. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus , in 42% and 29% of cases, respectively, were the leading pathogens for CDI. Most patients (98%) underwent complete device removal. Duration of antibiotic therapy after device removal was based on clinical presentation and causative organism (median duration of 18 days for pocket infection vs. 28 days for endocarditis; 28 days for S. aureus infection vs. 14 days for coagulase-negative staphylococci infection [p Conclusions Cure of CDI is achievable in the large majority of patients treated with an aggressive approach of combined antimicrobial treatment and complete device removal. Based on findings of our large retrospective institutional survey and previously published data, we submit proposed management guidelines of CDI.
GPR179 is required for high sensitivity of the mGluR6 signaling cascade in depolarizing bipolar cells

Parallel visual pathways are initiated at the first retinal synapse by signaling between the rod and cone photoreceptors and two general classes of bipolar cells. For normal function, ON or depolarizing bipolar cells (DBCs) require the G-protein-coupled receptor, mGluR6, an intact G-protein-coupled cascade and the transient receptor potential melastatin 1 (TRPM1) cation channel. In addition, another seven transmembrane protein, GPR179, is required for DBC function and recruits the regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins, RGS7 and RGS11, to the dendritic tips of the DBCs. Here we use the Gpr179nob5 mouse, which lacks GPR179 and has a no b-wave electroretinogram (ERG) phenotype, to demonstrate that despite the absence of both GPR179 and RGS7/RGS11, a small dark-adapted ERG b-wave remains and can be enhanced with long duration flashes. Consistent with the ERG, the mGluR6-mediated gating of TRPM1 can be evoked pharmacologically in Gpr179nob5 and RGS7−/−/RGS11−/− rod BCs if strong stimulation conditions are used. In contrast, direct gating of TRPM1 by capsaicin in RGS7−/−/RGS11−/− and WT rod BCs is similar, but severely compromised in Gpr179nob5 rod BCs. Noise and standing current analyses indicate that the remaining channels in Gpr179nob5 and RGS7−/−/RGS11−/− rod BCs have a very low open probability. We propose that GPR179 along with RGS7 and RGS11 controls the ability of the mGluR6 cascade to gate TRPM1. In addition to its role in localizing RGS7 and RGS11 to the dendritic tips, GPR179 via a direct interaction with the TRPM1 channel alters its ability to be gated directly by capsaicin.
Should the photon flux or the photon density be used to describe the temporal profiles of scattered ultrashort laser pulses in random media

The temporal profiles of ultrashort laser pulses scattered in random media with different experimental geometries were measured and analyzed by using the photon flux and the photon density predicted by the diffusion theory. The scattered laser pulse profiles detected by an optical fiber inside an infinite random medium are found to be described by the photon density. For a semi-infinite medium, the scattered pulse profile emitted from the surface of the medium can be described by either the photon density or the photon flux. These results can be consistently explained by the diffuse intensity (radiance) of transport theory.
Techno-economic product designing☆

Abstract Sulzer has been working for several years now on an overall concept for the integrated techno-economic designing and fabrication of technical products1. The overriding concept for product designing is dealt with here. Taking an example from practice, individual working steps in the procedural technique are shown, as well as selected methods and working media for solving sub-tasks.
Long-range numerical solution of mildly non-linear parabolic equations

We analyze the convergence of a "boundary-value" procedure for numerically solving the mildly non-linear parabolic equation, $$u_t = [a (x, t) u_x ]_x + b (x, t) u_x - f(x, t, u)$$ , wherea(x, t) ?a 0>0, andf u ?0, and the solutionu reaches a steady state ast ? ?. Such a procedure yields an error estimate, which is uniform int. We also discuss an iterative method of solving the difference equations.
Long-life torsion fatigue with normal mean stresses

Relatively simple fatigue tests have been performed on two common engineering materials, cast ductile iron and low-carbon steel, using two stress states, cyclic torsion and cyclic torsion with static axial and hoop stresses. Tests were designed to discriminate between normal stress and hydrostatic stress as the most suitable mean stress correction term for high cycle fatigue analysis. Microscopy shows that cracks in low-carbon steel nucleate and grow on maximum shear planes, while for cast iron pre-existing flaws grow on maximum normal stress planes. The data illustrate that tensile normal stress acting on a shear plane significantly reduced fatigue life and is an appropriate input for fatigue analysis of ductile materials. Static normal stresses did not significantly affect the fatigue life for the cast iron because the net mean stress on the maximum normal stress plane was zero. Mean torsion significantly reduced the fatigue strength of the cast iron. A critical plane long-life parameter for nodular iron which accounts for both stress state and mean stress is proposed, and is found to accurately correlate experimental data.
Homologous, long-chain alkyl dendrons form homologous thin films on silver oxide surfaces

As suggested by X-ray crystal structures, homologous, long-chain alkyl dendrons with three carboxyl groups form thin films on silver oxide surfaces, which give reflection–absorption infrared spectra that show a linear increase in intensities of methylene C–H stretching absorptions.
Principles and Standards for School Mathematics and Teacher Education: Preparing and Empowering Teachers

Teachers and teacher educators play a critical role in the improvement of mathematics education. Recommendations for appropriate teacher support can be gained from examining the Teaching Principle in the document, Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 2000), as well as earlier recommendations from the Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics (NCTM, 1991). This paper discusses implications of the recommendations for preservice teacher preparation, the continuing professional development of teachers, and mathematics teacher certification policy.
A generalized dynamic balancing procedure for the AH-64 tail rotor

Abstract The tail rotors on the AH-64A Apache and AH-64D Longbow Apache incorporate a unique design, which includes two, two-bladed teetering rotors that have an azimuth spacing of 55°, instead of the more usual 90°. Maintainers have observed that some Apache tail rotors can be extraordinarily difficult to balance dynamically. This investigation uses RCAS (Rotorcraft Comprehensive Analysis System) numerical simulations of tail rotor response when mass is added to the tips of single and adjacent blades to investigate possible causes for this balancing difficulty. The simulations show that the 1/rev, vertical, vibratory force response due to added tip mass varies as a function of the mass distribution between two adjacent blades, and the azimuth spacing between the two blades. As a result, the tail rotor balance sensitivity coefficients, if used as for a single blade, will be inaccurate; and may be a prime contributor to the problems observed while balancing tail rotors. An analytical model of the AH-64D tail rotor, with characteristics similar to the RCAS model, and which incorporates the influence of structural impedance through the balance sensitivity coefficients and phase angles, is used to develop a method for accurately determining the amount of tip mass required to reduce the 1/rev vibrations to acceptable levels.
Chemotherapeutic targeting of myeloid-derived suppressor cells

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which expand in cancer-bearing hosts, contribute to the escape of malignant cells from immune destruction and impair the efficacy of immunotherapeutic interventions. We have recently demonstrated that the conventional chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin selectively eliminates MDSCs, hence promoting the activity of immune effector cells and improving the therapeutic profile of adoptively transferred helper T lymphocytes.
Growth of GaN and $\bf Al_{0.2}Ga_{0.8}N$ on Patterened Substrates via Organometallic Vapor Phase Epitaxy

The selective growth of GaN and Al0.2Ga0.8N has been achieved on stripe and circular patterned GaN/AlN/6H-SiC(0001) multilayer substrates. Growth morphologies on the stripe patterns were a function of the widths of the stripes and the flow rate of triethylgallium. No ridge growth was observed along the top edges of the truncated stripe patterns. Smooth (0001) top facets formed on stripes ≥5 µ m wide. Uniform hexagonal pyramid arrays of undoped GaN and Si-doped GaN were successfully grown on 5 µ m circular patterns. Field emission measurements of a Si-doped GaN hexagonal pyramid array exhibited a turn-on field of 25 V/µ m for an emission current of 10.8 nA at an anode-to-sample distance of 27 µ m.
New method of measurement of complex permittivity and permeability with a W-band unbalanced quasi-optical waveguide bridge spectrometer

A new method of precision measurements of dielectric permittivity and loss tangent of medium and highly absorbing materials over an extended W-band frequency range is developed. A quasi-optical-waveguide spectrometer is designed and constructed. An electronically sweeping backward wave oscillator (BWO) is used as the source of tunable coherent radiation in the frequency range 70 to 118 GHz for the spectrometer. The high output power of BWO, precision waveguide and quasi-optical components and an extra high sensitivity specially constructed liquid helium cooled InSb detector enable adequate energy throughput in transmission for the first time for highly absorbing materials. A simple quasi- optical-waveguide transmission measurement set up of the spectrometer provides the transmittance measurement from which the loss tangent and imaginary part of dielectric permittivity spectra of materials are evaluated very accurately. A quasi- optical-waveguide bridge configuration of the spectrometer provides the measurement of the phase retardation through a specimen from which the real part of dielectric permittivity spectrum are determined with high accuracy. Data for acrylic (medium absorbing), CVD grown low resistivity germanium, General Diode Corp. low resistivity silicon (very absorbing) and thick layer of water are presented and compared.
Respiratory syncytial virus infection activates STAT signaling in human epithelial cells

Acute respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection causes airway inflammation and exacerbates asthma, but the mechanism of inflammation is poorly understood. The role of the STAT-signaling pathway in RSV infection in epithelial cells was examined in this study. DNA microarray analyses of RSV-infected human alveolar type II (A549) epithelial cells identified several genes whose expression was altered from -5.5 to +56.4-fold. Four of the highly expressed genes contained STAT-binding elements. In A549 and normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE), RSV induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT-1alpha that was abrogated when RSV attachment was blocked. Treatment with a JAK-2 inhibitor or transfection with dominant-negative STAT-1alpha blocked STAT-1alpha activation and RSV infection. RSV also activated STAT-3 and IL-6 specific antibodies blocked this activation. Thus, activation of the STAT-1alpha and STAT-3 pathways play a role in RSV infection.
Performance and Aging of the BaBar Drift Chamber

Abstract The BaBar Drift Chamber is a cylindrical, small-cell drift chamber installed at the PEP-II B-Factory. It has been operating since May 1999, integrating nearly 175 fb - 1 luminosity in e + e - collisions at s ∼ 10.6 GeV . The chamber has accumulated a dose of 12.8 mC/cm, resulting in a drop in gain of approximately 6.4%. The drift chamber has met most of its design goals (position, momentum, and dE/dx resolution) while maintaining extremely high efficiency for charged track reconstruction. The chamber's operational history and performance will be presented, along with a discussion of the effects of aging and extrapolations for future performance, through 2008.
Cycloaddition of vinyl aziridines with unsaturated substrates. A novel rearrangement of an unsaturated nitro compound.

Abstract Vinylaziridine 2 undergoes reaction with electrophilic acetylenes and olefins to produce 7-membered azepine derivatives. With β-nitro-styrene however, a novel rearrangement occurs, presumably via an ene reaction to form 10 , the structure of which is definitively shown by x-ray diffraction.
Financial Institution Branching Decisions: A Macro-Heuristic:

The changes which have taken place in the competitive arena for financial institutions recently have brought both opportunities and problems. One area of increasing interest is the branching decision, particularly as statewide branching and interstate banking are likely occurrences in all states.
Diagnosis of mucopurulent cervicitis among women at risk for chlamydia trachomatis infection

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the utility of a gram stain of endocervical secretions in the prediction of endocervical infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. Endocervical examinations, Gram stains and chlamydial cultures were performed on 214 women who were attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic and were at increased risk for chlamydial infection. Almost 24% of the Gram stains were judged inadequate because of the presence of ectocervical material. However, significantly higher isolation rates for C. trachomatis were found for those women with valid smears and 10 or more polymorphonuclear cells on their smear (44% vs 19%, P = .0008). This relationship was independent of the presence of gonococcal infection. Based on the results of this study, endocervical Gram stains appear to be a valuable screening tool for chlamydial infection, particularly among those without mucopurulent discharge.
Vocational Training and Employment Attainment among Substance Abuse Recovering Individuals within a Communal Living Environment.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of length of stay in an Oxford House (a sober living environment) with the number of days attended school/vocational training and days worked in the past 90 days with 292 women and 604 men. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents quantitative data. Findings – Results indicated that number of days residing in these recovery homes was related to number of days attending school/vocational training and days worked. Originality/value – The present study suggested that in addition to staying abstinent from alcohol and drugs, Oxford House residents may improve gain useful life skills through vocational education, training, and employment. This is an area of further exploration for the substance abuse recovery community.
Differences in Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Skin and Soft Tissue Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates between Two Hospitals in Northern California

Community-onset methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CO-MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) are associated with SCCmec IV and Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes. CO-MRSA epidemiologic studies suggest that genotypic variation exists within one geographic region. We compared MRSA genotypes and demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with CO-MRSA SSTI between two regional medical centers. We also examined factors associated with SCCmec IV and PVL carriage. A total of 279 MRSA SSTI isolates from 2000 to 2002 at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) and Stanford University Hospital (SUH) were genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and PCR for SCCmec and PVL genes. Medical records were reviewed for clinical characteristics. Ninety-three percent and 69% of MRSA SSTI were caused by CO-MRSA at SFGH and SUH, respectively. Patients with CO-MRSA SSTI at SFGH were more likely to be nonwhite, younger, homeless, and have no previous exposure to health care (P < 0.01). SFGH CO-MRSA strains were more likely to carry SCCmec type IV and PVL genes (90% and 55%, respectively) than SUH strains (29% and 16%, respectively). In multivariate analyses, nonwhite ethnicity was associated with both SCCmec type IV and PVL carriage (odds ratio [OR] of 2.65 and 95% confidence interval [CI] of 1.19 to 5.95 and OR of 1.94 and 95% CI of 1.03 to 3.65, respectively). ST8:USA300:IV became the dominant clone at SFGH, but not at SUH, by 2002. Despite geographic proximity, CO-MRSA SSTI exhibited differing SCCmec types, PVL carriage, and clonal dynamics. CO-MRSA SSTI at SUH were more likely to represent feral isolates of nosocomial origin. Clinicians should assess for nosocomial and community risk factors, realizing that different populations with CO-MRSA SSTI may require separate antimicrobial strategies.
Vom Risiko zum Sicherheitskonzept

Risiko ist als das Produkt aus Eintrittshaufigkeit und Schadensausmas definiert. Dabei werden drei Bereiche unterschieden: ein nicht akzeptabler Bereich, ein tolerierbarer Bereich und ein allgemein akzeptabler Bereich. Vom Risiko kommt man zum Sicherheitskonzept, indem man Schadensszenarien identifiziert und bewertet. Zur Bewertung der Szenarien stehen verschiedene Werkzeuge zur Verfugung. Dies sind deterministische Methoden ohne Risikobezug, der Risikograph, die Layers-of-Protection-Analyse (LOPA), die Risikomatrix und die quantitative Risikoanalyse. In diesem textdata wird der Weg vom identifizierten Risiko zum Sicherheitskonzept vorgestellt.
Biodegradable amino acid-hydrogel porous scaffold for the tissue engineering of the heart valve

A novel biodegradable amino acid-hydrogel porous construct, with free amino acid groups that are capable of attachment of cell adhesion proteins or growth factors, has been used to seed bovine aortic valve endothelial cells, bovine valve interstitial cells and bovine aortic endothelial cells. All the cells were observed to adhere to the scaffolds by fluorescent staining of the scaffolds with cells. Alamar Blue assay was also used to detect viability of the cells in the scaffolds. The studies demonstrate that the feasibility of using the amino acid-hydrogel construct as a scaffold, to seed autologous cells, to tissue engineer heart valves, as an alternative solution to the problems associated with existing valve replacement therapies.
Compositional Dependence of the Quantum Efficiency of the Transition at 1.3 μm of Praseodymium in Halide Glasses

An improvement in the quantum efficiency of the 1.3 μm transition of Pr3+ has been acheived as a result of doping alternative halide glasses. An increase from 3.4% in ZBLAN [1] to 9.9% in a multicomponent halide glass is reported.
Rates of Convergence in Extreme Value Theory

If Hn(x) is the exact distribution function of the maximum in a sample of size n and H(x) is a limiting distribution, one can consider |Hn(an+bnx)−H(x)| for fixed x, or its supremum in x on a finite interval, or on the whole real line. The paper discusses these three possibilities. The practical side of these estimates is discussed, and several open questions are raised.
Pharmacogenetics of leptin in antipsychotic-associated weight gain and obesity-related complications.

Second-generation antipsychotics can greatly improve symptoms of psychosis-spectrum disorders. Unfortunately, these drugs are associated with weight gain, which increases a patient’s risk for developing chronic diseases including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or other obesity-related complications. There are interindividual differences in weight gain resulting from antipsychotic drug use that may be explained by pharmacodynamic characteristics of these agents as well as clinical factors. In addition, genetic variations in pathways associated with satiety are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to antipsychotic-associated weight gain. Polymorphisms in the leptin gene, as well as the leptin receptor gene, are potential pharmacogenetic markers associated with these outcomes. This article summarizes evidence for the associations of the leptin gene and the leptin receptor gene polymorphisms with antipsychotic-induced weight gain, potential mechanisms underlying these relationships, and discusses areas for future pharmacogenetic investigation.
Analytic Modeling and Integral Control of Heterogeneous Thermostatically Controlled Load Populations

Thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs) account for approximately 50% of U.S. electricity consumption. Various techniques have been developed to model TCL populations. A Highfidelity analytical model of heterogeneous TCL populations facilitates the aggregate synthesis of power control in power networks. Such a model assists the utility manager to increase the stability margin of the network. The model, also, assists the customer to schedule his/her tasks in order to reduce his/her energy cost. We present a deterministic hybrid partial differential equation (PDE) model which accounts for heterogeneous populations of TCLs, and facilitates analysis of common scenarios like cold load pick up, cycling, and daily and/or seasonal temperature changes to estimate the aggregate performance of the system. The proposed technique is flexible in terms of parameter selection and ease of changing the set-point temperature and deadband width all over the TCL units. We provide guidelines to maintain the numerical stability of the discretized model during computer simulations. Moreover, the proposed model is a close fit to design output feedback algorithms for power control purposes. Our integral output feedback control, designed using the comparisonprinciple, guaranteesfast andefficientpower tracking for various real-world scenarios. We present simulation results to verify the effectiveness of the proposed modeling and control technique.
Depression and comorbid panic in primary care patients.

Abstract Background Comorbid panic symptoms may complicate depression treatment. However, most research focuses on specialty care, and the evidence in primary care is mixed. Methods We analyzed data from a randomized trial investigating Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Treatment, a longitudinal effectiveness study comparing 3 SSRIs for the treatment of depression in primary care ( n = 573). Depression at month 6 was measured using the Symptom Checklist-20; remission was defined as a score ≤ 0.5; partial response was defined as ≥ 50% improvement but not to a level of ≤ 0.5. Nonresponse, the referent level for all analyses, was defined as patients who do not meet either of these criteria. Panic symptoms (yes/no) were measured using a screening question. Results Rates of remission vs. nonresponse [OR = 1.06 (95% confidence interval 0.67, 1.67)] or partial response vs. nonresponse [OR = 0.92 (95% CI 0.54, 1.57)] were similar among patients with baseline panic symptoms, adjusting for baseline depression severity. However, patients with persistent panic symptoms were less likely to experience remission (OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.18, 0.81), while the lower likelihood of partial response did not achieve statistical significance (0.66, 95% CI 0.33, 1.33). Results were similar using complete case, last observation carried forward, and multiple imputation methods, and were robust to varying the sensitivity and specificity of the panic screening question. Conclusion Panic symptoms that persist are associated with worse depression outcomes in the maintenance phase. Consequently, improvement in panic symptoms may be important for improved depression outcomes and primary care physicians should be attuned to the presence of panic symptoms when making treatment decisions.
WHAM Observations of Hα Emission from High-Velocity Clouds in the M, A, and C Complexes

The first observations of the recently completed Wisconsin Hα Mapper (WHAM) facility include a study of emission lines from high-velocity clouds in the M, A, and C complexes, with most of the observations on the M I cloud. We present results including clear detections of Hα emission from all three complexes with intensities ranging from 0.06 to 0.20 R. In every observed direction where there is significant high-velocity H I gas seen in 21 cm emission, we have found associated ionized hydrogen emitting the Hα line. The velocities of the Hα and the 21 cm emissions are well correlated in every case except one, but the intensities are not correlated. There is some evidence that the ionized gas producing the Hα emission envelopes the 21 cm-emitting neutral gas, but the Hα "halo," if present, is not large. If the Hα emission arises from the photoionization of the H I clouds, then the implied incident Lyman continuum flux FLC at the location of the clouds ranges from 1.3 to 4.2 × 105 photons cm-2 s-1. If, on the other hand, the ionization is due to a shock arising from the collision of the high-velocity gas with an ambient medium in the halo, then the density of the preshocked gas can be constrained. We have also detected the [S II] λ6716 line from the M I cloud and have evidence that the [S II] λ6716 to Hα ratio varies with location on the cloud.
Fast explicit operator splitting method for convection-diffusion equations

SUMMARY Systems of convection‐diffusion equations model a variety of physical phenomena which often occur in real life. Computing the solutions of these systems, especially in the convection dominated case, is an important and challenging problem that requires development of fast, reliable and accurate numerical methods. In this paper, we propose a second-order fast explicit operator splitting (FEOS) method based on the Strang splitting. The main idea of the method is to solve the parabolic problem via a discretization of the formula for the exact solution of the heat equation, which is realized using a conservative and accurate quadrature formula. The hyperbolic problem is solved by a second-order finite-volume Godunov-type scheme. We provide a theoretical estimate for the convergence rate in the case of one-dimensional systems of linear convection‐diffusion equations with smooth initial data. Numerical convergence studies are performed for one-dimensional nonlinear problems as well as for linear convection‐diffusion equations with both smooth and nonsmooth initial data. We finally apply the FEOS method to the one- and two-dimensional systems of convection‐diffusion equations which model the polymer flooding process in enhanced oil recovery. Our results show that the FEOS method is capable to achieve a remarkable resolution and accuracy in a very efficient manner, that is, when only few splitting steps are performed. Copyright q 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
OXYGEN QUENCHING OF TRYPAFLAVINE LUMINESCENCE

— The quenching by oxygen of the α- and β-phosphorescence of trypaflavine adsorbed on silica gel has been found to obey the simple Stern-Volmer relationship for oxygen partial pressures up to the point at which, for low temperatures, the β-phosphorescence becomes negligible. At room temperatures above this partial pressure the Stern-Volmer plot is no longer linear. An explanation is proposed, based on the formation of a triplet-oxygen complex, analogous to that proposed by Porter and Wright for paramagnetic quenching.
Renal function and risk stratification of diabetic and nondiabetic patients undergoing evaluation for coronary artery disease

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of renal function by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on risk stratification of diabetic and nondiabetic patients undergoing myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) by single-photon emission computed tomography for suspected ischemia. Background Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death among diabetic persons; however, diabetic persons are a very heterogeneous group in terms of cardiovascular risk, necessitating further risk stratification. Methods Patients (n = 1,747, age 65 ± 10 years, 37% diabetic) undergoing MPI were followed for cardiac death (CD) for a mean of 2.15 ± 0.8 years. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined by an eGFR Results In the presence of a normal scan, annual CD rate was 0.9% for those with no diabetes mellitus (DM) and no CKD, 0.5% in the DM alone group, 2.35% in CKD alone, and 2.9% in those with both DM and CKD (p Conclusions MPI and eGFR provide valuable risk stratification for diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Diabetic patients without CKD seem to have similar short-term cardiac outcomes compared with nondiabetic patients. Underlying CKD seems to identify a high-risk subgroup of diabetic patients.
Rho-dependent transcription termination in the tna operon of Escherichia coli: roles of the boxA sequence and the rut site.

ABSTRACT Expression of the tryptophanase (tna) operon ofEscherichia coli is regulated by catabolite repression and by tryptophan-induced transcription antitermination. Tryptophan induction prevents Rho-dependent transcription termination in the leader region of the operon. Induction requires translation of a 24-residue leader peptide-coding region, tnaC, containing a single, crucial Trp codon. Studies with a lacZ reporter construct lacking the tnaC-tnaA spacer region suggest that, in the presence of excess tryptophan, the TnaC leader peptide acts incis on the ribosome translating tnaC to inhibit its release. The stalled ribosome is thought to block Rho9s access to the transcript. In this paper we examine the roles of theboxA sequence and the rut site in Rho-dependent termination. Deleting six nucleotides (CGC CCT) of boxA or introducing specific point mutations in boxA results in high-level constitutive expression. Some constitutive changes introduced in boxA do not change the TnaC peptide sequence. We confirm that deletion of the rut site results in constitutive expression. We also demonstrate that, in each constitutive construct, replacement of the tnaC start codon by a UAG stop codon reduces expression significantly, suggesting that constitutive expression requires translation of the tnaCcoding sequence. Addition of bicyclomycin, an inhibitor of Rho, to these UAG constructs increases expression, demonstrating that reduced expression is due to Rho action. Combining a boxA point mutation with rut site deletion results in constitutive expression comparable to that of a maximally induced operon. These results support the hypothesis that in the presence of tryptophan the ribosome translating tnaC blocks Rho9s access to theboxA and rut sites, thereby preventing transcription termination.
Assessing and Increasing Product and Family Differentiation in the Market

To help guarantee profit and stability in today’s global market, companies must focus on the differentiation of their products. Successfully differentiated products will attract customers, generate revenue and benefit the brand image, whereas a banal product can lose money and leave a bad impression in the market. Many large companies have recently lost significant market share in part due to poor product differentiation. This paper introduces four indices to assess this differentiation at two levels—family and market—based on product function and function attributes. At the family level, the Product Differentiation Index (PDI) assesses the differentiation between a product and other products in the rest of the family and also the differentiation within the family. At the market level, the Family Differentiation Index (FDI), Family Coverage Index (FCI), and Family Un-coverage Index (FUI) assess the differentiation, the coverage, and the un-coverage of a family with another, and/or with the rest of the market, respectively. These indices help designers and marketers evaluate the positioning of their products and support product family planning. A case study involving two competitive single-use camera families is presented.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Advanced Light Source control system

The Advanced Light Source (ALS) is a third-generation 1-2-GeV synchrotron radiation source designed to provide ports for 60 beamlines. It uses a 50-MeV electron linac and a 1.5-GeV, 1-Hz, booster synchrotron for injection into a 1-2-GeV storage ring. Interesting control problems are created because of the need for dynamic closed beam orbit control to eliminate interaction between the ring tuning requirements and to minimize orbit shifts due to ground vibrations. The extremely signal-sensitive nature of the experiments requires special attention to the sources of electrical noise. These requirements have led to a control system design which emphasizes connectivity at the accelerator equipment end and a large I/O bandwidth for the closed-loop system response. Not overlooked are user friendliness, operator response time, modeling, and expert system provisions. Portable consoles are used for local operation of machine equipment. The solution is a massively parallel system with >120 Mb/s I/O bandwidth and >1500 MIPS computing power. At the equipment level connections are made using over 600 powerful intelligent local controllers mounted in 3U size Eurocard slots using fiber-optic cables between rack locations. In the control room, personal computers control and display all machine variables at a 10-Hz rate including the scope signals which are collected through the control system. Commercially available software and industry standards are used extensively. >