cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
H/sub /spl infin//-optimal control of singularly perturbed discrete-time systems, and risk-sensitive control

In this paper the H/sub /spl infin//-optimal control and risk-sensitive control of linear singularly perturbed, discrete-time systems are considered. It is shown that the Riccati equation associated with the solution of the H/sub /spl infin//-optimal control problem, can be approximated by an outer series solution, and a boundary-layer correction series solution. As the singular perturbation parameter /spl epsiv/ tends to zero, it is shown that the full-order Riccati equation can be approximated by the zeroth-order outer-series solution. It is also recognized that the outer-series solution and the boundary-layer solution, are equivalent to the resulting asymptotic series expansion in powers of /spl epsiv/, of the Riccati equation associated with a certain risk-sensitive control problem. When a two-time-scale decomposition is considered, it is shown that an approximate composite control can be formed, as the sum of the slow and fast subsystems. Unlike the asymptotic expansion approach, it is shown that the original system can be approximated by the maximum of the performance associated with the slow and fast subsystems. Finally, it is shown that the slow and fast subsystems, are equivalent to certain slow and fast subsystems, respectively, resulting from applying a two-time-scale decomposition to a certain risk-sensitive control problem. >
Exploring the Design Space of Distributed and Peer-to-Peer Systems: Comparing the Web, TRIAD, and Chord/CFS

Despite the existence of many peer-to-peer systems, some of their design choices and implications are not well understood. This paper compares several distributed and peer-to-peer systems by evaluating a key set of architectural decisions: naming, addressing, routing, topology, and name lookup. Using the World Wide Web, Triad, and Chord/CFS as examples, we illustrate how different architectural choices impact availability, redundancy, security, and fault-tolerance.
Calcification and measurements of net proton and oxygen flux reveal subcellular domains in Acetabularia acetabulum

Vegetative adults of Acetabularia acetabulum (L.) Silva were studied as a model system for subcellular patterning in plants, and a description of several phenotypic and physiological characteristics that reveal patterns of subcellular differentiation in this unicellular macroalga was undertaken. Initially, calcification patterns were studied. Under favorable conditions, the rhizoid and most of the stalk calcified. Only the apical 10–20% of the stalk and a small region adjacent to the rhizoid remained uncalcified. Calcification in algae has been reported to result from a biologically mediated local increase in alkalinity. To test this model extracellular pH and extracellular hydrogen ion gradients were examined with ion-selective, self-referencing, electrodes. In the light, A. acetabulum displayed a general pattern of extracellular alkalinity around the entire alga, although in some individuals the region near the rhizoid and the rhizoid itself displayed extracellular acidity. Acetabularia acetabulum also displayed net hydrogen ion influx at the rhizoid and the apical half of the stalk, variable flux in the lower part of the stalk, and net hydrogen ion efflux at the base of the stalk next to the rhizoid. The lack of complete correlation between external pH patterns and calcification suggests that other factors contribute to the control of calcification in this alga. To examine whether net hydrogen ion flux patterns correlated with photosynthetic or respiration patterns, oxygen flux was measured along the stalk using self-referencing O2 electrodes. Photosynthetic oxygen evolution occurred at comparable levels throughout the stalk, with less evolution in the rhizoid. Respiration mainly occurred near and in the rhizoid, with less O2 consumption occurring more apically along the stalk. Our studies of calcification patterns, net hydrogen ion flux and O2 flux revealed several overlapping patterns of subcellular differentiation in A. acetabulum.
In search of an environmental Kuznets curve in sulphur dioxide concentrations: a Bayesian model averaging approach

The exact specification and motivation for an environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) is the subject of a vast literature in environmental economics. A remarkably diverse set of econometric approaches and candidate regressors have been proposed, which highlights the degree of model uncertainty surrounding the relationship between environmental quality and pollution. We introduce Bayesian model averaging (BMA) to the EKC analysis to examine: (a) whether a sulphur dioxide EKC exists, and if so (b) which income/pollution specification is supported by the data. BMA addresses model uncertainty as part of the empirical strategy by incorporating the uncertainty about the validity of competing theories into the posterior distribution. We find only weak support for an EKC, which disappears altogether when we address issues relating to the extreme oversampling of two industrialized countries in the sample. In contrast, our results highlight the relative importance of political economy and site-specific variables (specifically executive constraints and precipitation variation) in explaining pollution outcomes. Trade is shown to play an important indirect role, as it moderates the influence of the composition effect on pollution.
Generation of glass structures for molecular simulations of polymers containing large monomer units: application to polystyrene

A method for generating glass structures of polymers containing large monomer units for use in moleculer simulations is described. This method is an etension of the technique proposed by Rigby and Roe for short-chain alkanes and involves a «polymerization» of randomly placed monomers in the simulation box. An optimum polymerization sequence is found by the technique of simulated annealing, and a well relaxed glass structure is generated from this sequence by a combination of moleculer mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations. The technique has been used to prepare 10 glass structure of polystyrene, for which average structural properties have been calculated
Health Information Exchange and Care Coordination of Diabetic Patients Between Medicine and Dentistry

In Brief Inadequate coordination of care between dentists and medical doctors presents a barrier to comprehensive management of patients with diabetes. New technologies for managing and exchanging health data hold a promise of improved transfer of clinical information between specialties. The authors present a model of how information technology can be used to support standardized workflows in medicine and dentistry to optimize care coordination for patients with diabetes.
Epidemiological and laboratory evidence of PCB-induced neurotoxicity

The purpose of this review is to provide a selective, but critical, assessment of important findings derived from both epidemiological and laboratory studies suggesting that: (1) exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and related halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons induces significant neurological and behavioral dysfunctions in humans and laboratory animals, particularly following exposure during gestation and lactation; (2) the neurochemical actions of PCBs depend on their structure and the developmental status of the animal at the time of exposure; and (3) the mechanisms responsible for these changes may involve alterations in basic cellular signaling processes and endocrine function that influence the synthesis and activity of important central nervous system neurotransmitters, the organization of the developing brain, and the behavioral responses to these environmental contaminants.
HPV and Cervical Cancer: Updates on an Established Relationship

AbstractDespite cervical cancer being considered a preventable disease, it still remains the second most common malignancy in women worldwide, with a higher incidence in underdeveloped countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the causative agent of cervical cancer. The major mechanisms through which HPV contributes to neoplastic initiation and progression include the activity of 2 viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7, which interfere with critical cell cycle tumor suppressive proteins, p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) protein. However, HPV infection alone is not sufficient to induce malignant transformation, and other significant cofactors contribute to the multi-step process of tumor formation, such as individual genetic variations as well as environmental factors. However, these cofactors are not important in the absence of HPV. Papanicolaou testing (Pap smear) and HPV DNA testing are tools used in the screening and diagnosis of cervical neoplastic lesions. Vaccination against HPV appears to be cost-effe...
Application of Psychophysiological Models to Mental Workload

Psychophysiology has contributed much to the development and understanding of the mental workload concept. Recent advances in theoretical models of autonomic nervous system functioning have the potential to increase the practical utility of psychophysiological measures in workload assessment. For example, “modes of autonomic control” can explain why psychophysiological measures sometimes dissociate from performance and subjective workload measures, and from each other when multiple measures are examined simultaneously. Further, these models may provide the neurophysiological structure to strengthen inferences about the relation between the psychophysiological measures and the underlying psychological processing of task demand manipulations.
A New H/D Exchange- and Mass Spectrometry-Based Method for Thermodynamic Analysis of Protein-DNA Interactions

The application of SUPREX (stability of unpurified proteins from rates of H/D exchange) to the thermodynamic analysis of protein-DNA complexes is described. A series of five model protein-DNA complexes involving two known DNA binding proteins, Arc repressor and CopG, were analyzed in order to determine the accuracy, precision, and generality of the SUPREX technique for quantifying the strength of protein-DNA interactions. For protein-DNA complexes that reversibly unfold in a two-state manner, we demonstrate that reasonably precise Kd values in agreement with those determined by conventional techniques can be determined by SUPREX. In the case of protein-DNA complexes that are not well modeled by a two-state unfolding mechanism, we find that relative binding affinities can be determined in the SUPREX experiment.
Microorganisms Enhance Understanding of Evolution

Review of: Microbes and Evolution: The World That Darwin Never Saw ; edited by Roberto Kolter and Stanley Maloy; (2012). ASM Press, Washington, DC. 299 pages.
Precision correlator based on the hybrid of electronic and optical image processing

This paper proposes a new kind of high precision optical- electronic imaging tracking technology using the optical SDF filtering and electronic SSDA matching. It can overcome the defaults of pure electronic image correlator. Experiment results show that this new image tracking technology can be efficiently used in recognition and precision tracking of targets on complex ground.
Directions for unraveling the issue of alcohol and health disparities: findings from the Postmenopausal Health Disparities Study

The Postmenopausal Health Disparities Study (PHD Study) is a model for unraveling the underlying factors that may play a role in the health status and life expectancy disparities among racial and ethnic groups, with particular attention to effects of alcoholic beverage consumption. The study is bioepidemiologic; underlying mechanisms, rather than end points per se, are evaluated. The design is cross-sectional with historical prospective elements. Data were collected from responses to three questionnaires and examination findings from a clinic visit. There were significant differences among racial and ethnic groups in patterns of alcoholic beverage consumption and selected demographic factors, body mass index, measures of physical activity and fitness, and nutritional factors. Predictors of body mass index included both moderate drinking and hormonal factors. To address the current controversy about risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) we examined the predictors of control-based categories of estradiol among treated women; predictors included drinking of alcohol, hormonal variables, and being Caucasian. In addition, a substantial proportion of the variables examined differed significantly between alcohol drinkers and abstainers. The significant differences between alcohol drinkers and abstainers, and among racial and ethnic groups, demonstrate the value of studying multiple racial and ethnic groups simultaneously. The PHD Study provides a unique and productive model that can be used in other populations.
The relationship between inpatient discharge timing and emergency department boarding.

Abstract Background Patient crowding and boarding in Emergency Departments (EDs) impair the quality of care as well as patient safety and satisfaction. Improved timing of inpatient discharges could positively affect ED boarding, and this hypothesis can be tested with computer modeling. Study Objective Modeling enables analysis of the impact of inpatient discharge timing on ED boarding. Three policies were tested: a sensitivity analysis on shifting the timing of current discharge practices earlier; discharging 75% of inpatients by 12:00 noon; and discharging all inpatients between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Methods A cross-sectional computer modeling analysis was conducted of inpatient admissions and discharges on weekdays in September 2007. A model of patient flow streams into and out of inpatient beds with an output of ED admitted patient boarding hours was created to analyze the three policies. Results A mean of 38.8 ED patients, 22.7 surgical patients, and 19.5 intensive care unit transfers were admitted to inpatient beds, and 81.1 inpatients were discharged daily on September 2007 weekdays: 70.5%, 85.6%, 82.8%, and 88.0%, respectively, occurred between noon and midnight. In the model base case, total daily admitted patient boarding hours were 77.0 per day; the sensitivity analysis showed that shifting the peak inpatient discharge time 4 h earlier eliminated ED boarding, and discharging 75% of inpatients by noon and discharging all inpatients between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. both decreased boarding hours to 3.0. Conclusion Timing of inpatient discharges had an impact on the need to board admitted patients. This model demonstrates the potential to reduce or eliminate ED boarding by improving inpatient discharge timing in anticipation of the daily surge in ED demand for inpatient beds.
The Kids Café: A program to reduce child hunger

Hunger and food insecurity affect nearly 12 million children in the United States. Poverty is the foremost reason for hunger and food insecurity, but even the working poor sometimes have difficulty providing enough food for their household. Undernourished children may not present with severe clinical symptoms, but their ability to learn and psychosocial behavior can be affected. Feeding programs such as Kids Cafe can help decrease child hunger while improving learning and overall health. Kids Cafe's are operated by local food banks and sponsored by America's Second Harvest in partnership with ConAgra Foods, Inc. This article reviews the problem of child hunger and describes the Kids Cafe Program.
Absence of the gambler's fallacy in psychophysical settings*

The gambler’s fallacy, or the negative recency effect, occurs on the early trials of binary prediction experiments and has been attributed to the problem-solving activities of Ss in these situations. In two different experiments, no evidence of a negative recency effect was found for Ss’ judgments in two-choice recognition experiments, although the typical negative recency effect was found when the same sequences of outcomes were used in binary prediction tasks. The data suggest that the problem-solving attitude is responsible for the negative recency effect. The absence of negative recency effects also suggests that simple path-independent models may provide adequate descriptions of response bias changes in judgmental tasks.
On comparing herbivore damage in Australian and north temperate systems

Two recent reports suggested that Eucalyptus trees in Australia sustain less insect damage than previously reported (Ohmart 1984; Ohmart et al. 1983a). Those conclusions were based partly on new data and partly on a survey of reports describing herbivory in Australian and in northern forest ecosystems. In this paper the present authors argue that the logic and data interpretations in Oh mart (1984) and Ohmart et al. (1983a) are flawed, and a re-evaluation of arguments and existing data about levels of herbivory is presented. We also discuss several broader issues raised by this dispute. In particular, we emphasize that the variability that troubles some investigators is a fundamental component of the ecological and evolutionary processes in these systems. This variability generates differences in patterns that are not the result of inaccurate techniques nor of biased observers. It is argued, further, that it is not possible to predict the ecological or management consequences of either large or small amounts of herbivory from assessments of mean levels in natural systems.
Large-amplitude picosecond anisotropy decay of the intrinsic fluorescence of double-stranded DNA

The conformational flexibility of the DNA double helix is of great interest because of its potential role in protein recognition, packaging into chromosomes, formation of photodefects, and interaction with drugs. Theory finds that DNA is very flexible; however, there is a scarcity of experimental results that examine intrinsic properties of the DNA bases for the inherent flexibility in solution. We have studied the dynamics of poly(dA).poly(dT) and (dA)20.(dT)20 in a 50 mM cacodylate, 0.1 M NaCl, pH 7 buffer by using the time-correlated picosecond fluorescence anisotropy of thymine selectively excited at 293 nm. For both nucleic acids, a large-amplitude biphasic decrease in the anisotropy is observed that has a very fast, large-amplitude component on the picosecond time scale and a slower, smaller-amplitude component on the nanosecond time scale. These modes are sensitive to sucrose concentration, and are greatly attenuated at 77% sucrose by volume. This observation suggests that motions of the bases make a significant contribution to the observed fluorescence depolarization (in the absence of sucrose). Measurements on the single-stranded systems poly(dT) and (dT)20 reveal a much smaller amplitude of the very fast depolarization mode. These observations are consistent with a mechanism that involves concerted motions in the interior of the double-stranded systems.
THE EFFECTS OF CARCASS DECONTAMINATION ON RETAIL CASE LIFE OF PORK CHOPS

Pork carcasses were treated with solutions of acetic/propionic acid (pH 2.6), sodium hypochlorite (pH 7.9) or sodium hypochlorite (pH 6.0) and examined for microbial numbers after 24 h. Rib and loin chops from these carcasses were overwrapped with polyvinylchloride film and stored in a retail case (2 °C) until judged unmarketable by a trained panel. Carcasses sprayed with acetic/pro-pionic acid had fewer microbial numbers when sampled after 24 h compared to those sprayed with hypochlorite solutions (pH 7.9), however, the lowest survival rate was from carcasses sprayed with hypochlorite (pH 6.0). Chops from carcasses sprayed with acetic/propionic acid exhibited an acceptable retail case appearance for an additional 2 days beyond chops from carcasses decontaminated with hypochlorite solutions.
Principles of Soil Physics.

R. LAL and M.J. SHUKLA. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York. 2004. Hardbound, 716 pp. $94.95. ISBN 0-8247-5324-0. In the preface to their book, Principles of Soil Physics , authors Lal and Shukla state that the text is intended to focus on “soil's physical, mechanical, and hydrological properties, such
Validating criteria with imprecise data in the case of trapezoidal representations

We are interested in the issue of determining an alternative’s satisfaction to a criterion when the alternative’s associated attribute value is imprecise. We introduce two approaches to the determination of criteria satisfaction in this uncertain environment, one based on the idea of containment and the other on the idea of possibility. We are particularly interested in the case in which the imprecise data is expressed in terms of a trapezoidal type distribution. We provide an algorithmic solution to this problem enabling it to be efficiently implemented in a digital environment. A number of examples are provided illustrating our algorithms.
Type A/B behavior and cancer mortality: The confounding/mediating effect of covariates

The role of stress and related factors in cancer etiology and progression has been a subject of conjecture and hypothesis. We analysed the association of type A/B behavior, which can be viewed as a chronic, repetitive stress response, and cancer mortality, using data from a 22-year follow-up of the Western Collaborative Group Study. The unadjusted relative hazard between type A/B behavior and total cancer mortality was 1.53 (p = 0.005), indicating an excess risk of cancer mortality in type A subjects of about 50% over that of type B. However, most or all of the association appeared to be confounded or mediated by other risk factors. Cigarette smoking and age were only weakly correlated with type A/B behavior, yet these two variables were so strongly related to cancer mortality that they accounted for about half of the association of type A/B with cancer mortality. The remaining association was found only for mortality of those cancers which are linked to alcohol consumption, suggesting that this remaining association may operate through a link between type A behavior and alcohol consumption. Thus, an unadjusted association between type A/B behavior and cancer mortality was mostly accounted for by cigarette smoking, age, and possibly alcohol consumption.
Co-engagement of α4β1 integrin (VLA-4) and CD4 or CD8 is necessary to induce maximal Erk1/2 phosphorylation and cytokine production in human T cells

Abstract The α 4 β 1 integrin VLA-4 (very-late activation antigen–4) and the lineage-specific CD4 and CD8 receptors have been proposed as putative co-stimulatory receptors on T cells. To assess the relative contribution of signaling through the TCR, CD28 and these accessory molecules, we activated human T cells using soluble antibodies recognizing all four of these T-cell receptor classes (CD3, CD28, CD4/CD8, and VLA-4), and we assessed the degree of activation using higher-order flow cytometry detecting intracellular Erk1/2 phosphorylation and production of IL-2 and IFN-γ. We found that: (1) co-stimulation via CD4/CD8, in addition to CD28, is required for optimal T-cell activation; (2) VLA-4 binding consistently potentiates CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell activation; (3) augmentation of T-cell activation through VLA-4 binding is most pronounced following engagement of CD4/CD8. These results confirm that multiple signals, including VLA-4 engagement, are necessary for maximal T-cell activation beyond that induced via the TCR and CD28.
Short-term effects of experimental fires on a Mojave Desert seed bank

A Mojave Desert shrub community was experimentally burned to understand changes in seed bank of desert annual plant species in response to wildfire. Seed mortality ranged from 55 to 80%, and fire caused significant losses of native and alien annual seeds. Schismus arabicus, Schismus barbatus, Bromus madritensis, Bromus tectorum, Erodium cicutarium and Plantago spp. made up >95% of the seed bank. Bromus spp. and Plantago spp. had proportionately greater mortality of seeds than did Schismus spp. and E. cicutarium. Schismus spp. can be lodged into soil cracks thus avoiding lethal temperatures. E. cicutarium has a self-drilling mechanism that places the seeds at greater depth in the soil. Greater seed mortality occurred beneath shrub canopies than interspaces for most species (Plantago, spp., Bromus spp., and E. cicutarium), but microsite had little effect on Schismus spp. Fire reduced the perennial Ambrosia dumosa densities under canopies. Fire reduced the mean number of species found in samples by about one species per plot and no species was extirpated on experimental plots. The relative abundances of common species did not change dramatically as a result of fire or microsite, however; seed densities varied by treatment and affected interpretations of species compositions.
Direct Observation of Surface Films on Gold

IT has generally been assumed that naturally occurring surface films do not exist on gold since it has been classically observed that gold is stable in air. Shishakov1,2 and Trillat et al.3 have reported thin films of various gold oxides formed on gold surfaces on heating.
Cache-optimal algorithms for option pricing

Today computers have several levels of memory hierarchy. To obtain good performance on these processors it is necessary to design algorithms that minimize I/O traffic to slower memories in the hierarchy. In this article, we study the computation of option pricing using the binomial and trinomial models on processors with a multilevel memory hierarchy. We derive lower bounds on memory traffic between different levels of the hierarchy for these two models. We also develop algorithms for the binomial and trinomial models that have near-optimal memory traffic between levels. We have implemented these algorithms on an UltraSparc IIIi processor with a 4-level of memory hierarchy and demonstrated that our algorithms outperform algorithms without cache blocking by a factor of up to 5 and operate at 70p of peak performance.
The Asymptotic Distribution of the Sample Autocorrelations for an Integrated ARMA Process

Abstract The behavior of the sample autocorrelation function, r(k), for an integrated autoregressive moving average time series is examined. The nonnormal asymptotic distribution of r(k) is characterized as a function of lag k and the parameters of the process. The validity of the approximation in moderate-sized samples is examined.
Online state of charge and electrical impedance estimation for multicell lithium-ion batteries

This paper proposes a hybrid battery model-based high-fidelity state of charge (SOC) and electrical impedance estimation method for multicell lithium-ion batteries. The hybrid battery model consists of an enhanced Coulomb counting algorithm for SOC estimation and an electrical circuit battery model. A particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based online parameter identification algorithm is designed to estimate the electrical parameters of the cells sequentially. An SOC compensator is designed to correct the errors of the enhanced Coulomb counting SOC estimations for the cells sequentially. This leads to an accurate, robust online SOC estimation for individual cells of a battery pack. The proposed method is validated by simulation and experimental data collected from a battery tester for a four-cell polymer lithium-ion battery pack. The proposed method is applicable to other types of electrochemical batteries.
Science academies issue statement about science and sustainable development

In advance of the Group of 8's (G8) 17–18 June meeting of some of the world's leading industrialized nations, 14 science academies have issued a joint statement about how science, technology, and innovation can play a role in driving sustainable development. The statement, issued on 29 May, highlights a number of challenges for bringing an estimated 1.3 billion people out of poverty while also meeting the needs of a soaring world population that is expected to be approximately 9 billion by 2050.
Border Theory and the Politics of Place, Space, and Memory in John Sayles's Lone Star

“People liked the story we told better than anything the truth might have been.” —Big Otis to Sam Deeds John Sayles's Lone Star (1996) reminds us that history lives in the present much more than it...
Response of choroidal vascular resistance to hyperglycemia

We measured choroidal blood flow in cats by determining the rate of clearance of indocyanine green dye from the choroidal circulation. Measurements were made by rapidly injecting indocyanine green dye into the common carotid artery and photoelectrically monitoring its concentration in the superior anterior ciliary vein. We verified the validity of our method by measuring the indocyanine green dye clearance from an animal perfused with saline through the common carotid artery to eliminate recirculation. The curve was carried out past the time of the recirculation artifact and was accurately described by a monoexponential. Moreover, we found an inverse relationship between choroidal blood flow and intraocular pressure between approximately 15 and 100 mm Hg a fact well documented by other methods. Finally, sympathetic nerve stimulation, known to decrease choroidal blood flow, had a similar effect on our flow values measured by dye clearance. Choroidal vascular resistance is defined as the perfusion pressure (mean systemic blood pressure minus intraocular pressure) divided by the choroidal blood flow. In normal cats, the choroidal vascular resistance was transiently decreased by an abrupt increase in blood glucose level induced by the intravenous injection of glucose. The maximum reduction in choroidal vascular resistance occurred at approximately three minutes and averaged 40±4 percent (mean ± S.E.). This transient reduction in choroidal vascular resistance may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
Use of College-Student Companions for Psychotic Children to Avoid Hospitalization

The authors designed a project to avoid hospitalization of psychotic children by provision of a student companion for each child and by use of all the outpatient treatment resources of the community mental health cen ter. At the time this project began , large numbers of indigenous mental health workers had not yet appeared , and we had no data from another project with which to compare our work . Since then , books and numerous ar ticles such as Parker's (1968) ha ve been written about nonprofessionals in the mental health field, but to our knowledge a project similar to ours has not been reported. For thi s reason , we are not tabulating or describing other projects, but rather will focus on the original purpose of this project by describing the method, course, results, and follow-up.
General strategy for biodetection in high ionic strength solutions using transistor-based nanoelectronic sensors.

Transistor-based nanoelectronic sensors are capable of label-free real-time chemical and biological detection with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, although the short Debye screening length in high ionic strength solutions has made difficult applications relevant to physiological conditions. Here, we describe a new and general strategy to overcome this challenge for field-effect transistor (FET) sensors that involves incorporating a porous and biomolecule permeable polymer layer on the FET sensor. This polymer layer increases the effective screening length in the region immediately adjacent to the device surface and thereby enables detection of biomolecules in high ionic strength solutions in real-time. Studies of silicon nanowire field-effect transistors with additional polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification show that prostate specific antigen (PSA) can be readily detected in solutions with phosphate buffer (PB) concentrations as high as 150 mM, while similar devices without PEG modification only...
Nurses’ experience of caring for inmate patients

Aim. The aim of this paper is to report the findings of a study of the experience of caring for prisoners through examining the everyday experience of nurses’ delivering health care to inmate patients in a correctional setting. Background. Prisons are most often viewed as places for punishment, while the goals of health and healing, and prevention of diseases in correctional facilities are often neglected. Nurses who deliver health care to prisoners are challenged to do so in a caring relationship that will facilitate their health and healing. The literature on the nature of prison nursing indicates that delivering health care to inmates must be carefully balanced against the need for security, and is affected by factors such as custody staff values, staff education, nursing management, and organizational practices. Method. In-depth interviews were carried out with nine Registered Nurses who had been employed in a variety of correctional institutions throughout their careers, and analysed thematically using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Findings. Nurses’ caring was experienced as an attempt to negotiate the boundaries between the cultures of custody and caring. Facing complex challenges and a number of limitations on the nurse–patient relationship, nurses strived to find a way to care for their inmate patients. Environmental risk meant that caution and vigilance were essential and these nurses demonstrated courage and persevered for the sake of their inmate patients. Conclusion. The findings make clear the challenging and frustrating experience of nurses’ caring for inmate patients in restrictive settings. As a result, there are implications for nursing practice, education, and research to assure the best possible health outcomes for inmate patients, the integrity of caring nursing practice, and the safety of both nurses and patients.
Patients seen and lessons learned.

Patients can have a profound influence on physicians. Indeed, my decision to become a dermatologist was influenced by the experiences I (JJW) had with 2 patients. The first patient had a severe dermatologic condition and emphasizes the continued need for medical dermatology. The second patient demonstrates the importance of evaluation and treatment of cutaneous conditions by a skin specialist. Dr Tyring, the senior author, has been my mentor for the last 4 years, cultivating my interest in academic dermatology with a focus on medical dermatology.
Lipedema — The Non-Lymphatic Masquerader:

Two cases of lipedema are presented. They illustrate this clinical syndrome which occurs almost exclusively in women and presents as grossly enlarged legs, thighs and buttocks. The etiology remains...
Percentage points of the range from a symmetric multinomial distribution

S-UMMARY Tables of the percentage points of the conditional distribution of the range r in samples from a multinomial distribution of n cells, each with probability I /n are given. These tables are useful in testing randomness in a series of digits, and also for testing whether a sequence of n non-negative integers could have arisen from a Poisson distribution.
A 3-D Pseudo-Rigid Body Model for Rectangular Cantilever Beams With an Arbitrary Force End-Load

This paper presents the first three-dimensional pseudo-rigid body model (3-D PRBM) for straight cantilever beams with rectangular cross sections and spatial motion. Numerical integration of a system of differential equations yields approximate displacement and orientation of the beam’s neutral axis at the free-end, and curvatures of the neutral axis at the fixed-end. This data was used to develop the 3-D PRBM which consists of two torsional springs connecting two rigid links for a total of 2 degrees of freedom (DOF). The 3-D PRBM parameters that are comparable with existing 2-D model parameters are characteristic radius factor (means: γ = 0.8322), bending stiffness coefficient (means: KΘ = 2.5167) and parametric angle coefficient (means: cΘ = 1.2501). New parameters are introduced in the model in order to capture the spatial behavior of the deflected beam including two parametric angle coefficients (means: cΨ = 1.0714; cΦ = 1.0087).Copyright © 2014 by ASME
3D precision surface measurement by dynamic structured light

This paper describes a 3-D imaging technique developed as an internal research project at Southwest Research Institute. The technique is based on an extension of structured light methods in which a projected pattern of parallel lines is rotated over the surface to be measured. A sequence of images is captured and the surface elevation at any location can then be determined from measurements of the temporal pattern, at any point, without considering any other points on the surface. The paper describes techniques for system calibration and surface measurement based on the method of projected quadric shells. Algorithms were developed for image and signal analysis and computer programs were written to calibrate the system and to calculate 3-D coordinates of points on a measured surface. A prototype of the Dynamic Structured Light (DSL) 3-D imaging system was assembled and typical parts were measured. The design procedure was verified and used to implement several different configurations with different measurement volumes and measurement accuracy. A small-parts measurement accuracy of 32 micrometers (.0012”) RMS was verified by measuring the surface of a precision-machined plane. Large aircraft control surfaces were measured with a prototype setup that provided .02” depth resolution over a 4’ by 8’ field of view. Measurement times are typically less than three minutes for 300,000 points. A patent application has been filed.
Thyroid Hormone-, Carbohydrate, and Age-Dependent Regulation of a Methylation Site in the Hepatic S14 Gene

The rat hepatic S14 gene has served as a model of thyroid hormone regulation of gene expression. Earlier studies of the S14-containing chromatin region demonstrated that a cytosine residue at position 625 (C-625) in the 3' untranslated exon was hypermethylated in hepatic DNA derived from hypothyroid animals. This observation was consistent with the markedly reduced level of expression of the S14 gene in these rats. The current studies have extended these observations to groups of rats in various thyroidal states. By using the restriction enzyme Hhal, the percent demethylation of this site was quantitated (hypothyroid, 9.3%; euthyroid, 19.2%; hyperthyroid, 66.6%). Moreover, the level of methylation was shown to be reversible as the thyroidal state was altered. Our data also indicate that these changes are probably independent of de novo DNA synthesis. Kinetic studies of the demethylation of this cytosine residue after T3 administration showed no change for at least 1 day and maximal change after about 4 days. This contrasts with the significant rise in S14 mRNA evident within 30 min and suggests that demethylation plays no role in the acute induction of this gene by T3. Carbohydrate feeding, another stimulus of S14 expression, similarly caused the demethylation of this cytosine residue. Earlier studies had demonstrated that mRNA S14 expression was not detectable in rat pups before about 20 days of age and continued to rise through the first year of life. Consistent with those findings, S-14 C-625 was fully methylated up to 15 days of age. Progressive demethylation then occurred up to 12 months of age. These results indicate that increased demethylation of a specific site in the 3' untranslated region of the S14 gene, possibly resulting from augmented excision repair processes, is correlated with increased expression of the gene.
Silencing chronic cough

The cause can almost always be identified. Postnasal drip syndrome, asthma, or gastroesophageal reflux disease account for most cases. The differential diagnosis also includes ACE inhibitor therapy, pertussis, and, in up to 80% of patients, multiple causes. Response to treatment may offer diagnostic confirmation but can be slow in coming.
Computational Study of C-H Bond Strengths in Polyfluoroalkanes

Ab initio energies obtained at the MP2/6-311+G(3df,2p)//MP2/6-31G(d) level of theory have been employed in isodesmic reactions to obtain C−H bond dissociation enthalpies at 298 K for a variety of C...
A spectrometer for time-gated, spatially-resolved study of repetitive electrical discharges

Abstract An instrument is described that allows photographic or photoelectric registration of spectra emitted from or absorbed by species in selected, isolated regions of positionally-stable, repetitively-triggered, electric discharges at electronically-selectable times with respect to their initiation. Use of the instrument in the study of discharges produced from an electronically-controlled, adjustable-waveform spark source is presented to illustrate its properties and performance. Selection of the time interval during which radiation from or through a recurring discharge is detected is accomplished by using a parabolic mirror rotated at 3600 rpm as a time disperser, in conjunction with a set of slits and focussing and collimating optical elements that also act to define the spatial origin of the radiation. A variety of spectrometer types may be incorporated in the optical train to sort the radiation according to wavelength. Synchronization between the rotating mirror and the electronics used to form the repetitive discharges is accomplished with a programmable, RAM-based process controller that allows 60 Hz sampling of the radiation from or through one test discharge selected from a train of discharges that occur in the kHz range of repetition rates. The time interval between discharges is program-adjustable, independent of the rotating mirror angular position, such that any of the discharges may be studied spectroscopically. Representative details of the optical, mechanical, and electronic sections of the instrument are given, with emphasis placed on the geometric locations of the optics. Image distortion of spatially-discrete radiation from the test spark due to astigmatism, coma, and spherical and chromatic aberration is largely absent in the instrument final focal plane. Examples of temporally and spatially resolved spectra emitted from a spark conducting unidirectional current are provided.
A Retirement Plan Based on Fixed Accumulation and Variable Accrual

Abstract We propose a new type of retirement plan, aimed at achieving a compromise between stability in cost for the plan sponsor and guaranteed accumulation for the participants. The behavior of the plan is compared with that of a money purchase plan for both deterministic and stochastic investment scenarios. The proposed plan is shown to provide more stable and predictable benefits than a money purchase plan. Obstacles to the establishment of such a plan, from the perspective of U.S. pensions legislation, are considered.
On-Demand Hydrogen via High-Pressure Water Reforming for Military Fuel Cell Applications

Researchers have developed a high-pressure water-reforming (HPWR) process that produces high-pressure hydrogen from a jet fuel feedstock. Converting petroleum-based fuels to hydrogen for fuel cell use is a unique approach to reducing military petroleum consumption by improving petroleum utilization efficiency. HPWR is an attractive option because, unlike traditional steam methane reforming, it does not require postreformer hydrogen compression and storage. A HPWR apparatus was designed and manufactured. Several catalysts were tested for their ability to produce high-pressure hydrogen from jet fuel. S-8, which is a jet fuel derived from natural gas, was used as a model feedstock for initial experiments because the fuel is sulfur and aromatics free. After optimizing with S-8, JP-8 will be utilized for future experiments. The most promising catalyst produced a 4000 psi (gauge) product gas stream that contained 54 trial % hydrogen. These experimental results show that HPWR is a promising solution for high-pressure hydrogen production as a key step toward reducing military petroleum use.
Evaluation of First Flush for Indicator Bacteria and Total Suspended Solids in Urban Stormwater Runoff

An urban watershed in Raleigh, NC, was evaluated for Escherichia coli (E. coli), fecal coliform, enterococci, and total suspended solids (TSS) over 20 storm events. Sampling procedures allowed collection of multiple discrete samples per event, resulting in a relatively detailed description of microbe and TSS export for each storm. Data were evaluated to determine if a first flush effect was present for indicator bacteria and TSS in stormwater runoff. Analyses suggested there was a significant first flush effect for fecal coliform and TSS, although the first flush effect for fecal coliform was relatively weak. For E. coli and enterococci, no significant first flush effect was noted. Overall, the first flush effect was not always present for indicator bacteria and, if present, tended to be weak. The first flush effect for TSS was substantially stronger than that of any indicator bacteria. Further analysis showed poor correlation between first flush strength and antecedent climate variables, storm characteristics, and flow characteristics. However, seasonal differences for first flush strength were noted. Specifically, winter storms showed a stronger first flush effect for all indicator bacteria. The results of this study indicate that stormwater runoff presents a potential public health hazard due to elevated indicator bacteria levels for all portions of the storm event. Further, stormwater management practices cannot be expected to treat proportionally more indicator bacteria when sized for the water quality event. Instead, removal will simply be a function of a management practice’s volume capture and microbe sequestration efficiency.
Late-onset neutropenia following rituximab

Rituximab targets CD20, which is expressed on B cells from the pre-B stage to the immunoblast stage of development, but not on stem cells, plasma cells, or cells of other lineages. Theoretically, r...
Acid-Free Nitration of Benzene and Toluene in Zeolite NaZSM-5

The syntheses of nitrobenzene and p-nitrotoluene directly from benzene, toluene, and NO2 within the pore network of the initially acid-free zeolite NaZSM-5 are reported for the first time. The active species , formed by the interaction of NO2 with the Na
High stiffness, high damping chiral metamaterial assemblies for low-frequency applications

Stiffness and damping are conflicting requirements in many material systems. High stiffness is required in a wide range of structural components to provide sufficient robustness under demanding loading conditions. Simultaneously, a structure should be able to effectively mitigate shock and vibrations dynamically transmitted to it by the environment. While most conventional structures currently exhibit limited adaptability and damping capabilities, design strategies to simultaneously endow structural assemblies with high stiffness and high damping performance are proposed in this work. To this aim, a backbone structure suitable to meet stiffness requirements is combined with metamaterial inclusions able to provide fully-passive shock and vibration absorption. Viscoelastic resonant lattices with chiral topology are employed as inclusions, whose aim is to confine vibrational energy, pump it away from the backbone structure, and dissipate it through viscoelastic damping. The lattices are composed by an elastomeric matrix with the desired chiral shape, and stiff resonating inclusions are inserted at nodal locations. Both finite element simulations and experimental tests demonstrate that periodic chiral assemblies give rise to wide frequency bandgaps. Low-frequency tuning of the assembly for effective suppression of the first resonant mode of a backbone structure represented by an aluminum box-beam is demonstrated both numerically and experimentally. The considered lightweight inclusion is a chiral matrix realized with castable rubber, featuring graded cylinder mass insertions. The proposed design methodology can be flexibly tailored to various frequency ranges and is applicable to both existing and novel structural components at different scales.