cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feedback linearization of nonlinear systems using fuzzy logic

The objective of this paper is to achieve tracking control of a class of unknown nonlinear dynamical systems using a fuzzy logic controller (FLC). A repeatable design algorithm and stability proof is examined for an adaptive fuzzy logic controller that uses basis vectors based on the fuzzy system, unlike most standard adaptive control approaches which use basis vectors depending on the unknown plant (e.g. a tediously computed “regression matrix”). A e-modification approach to adapt the fuzzy system parameters is investigated. With mild assumptions on the state-feedback linearizable nonlinear systems, using this adaptive fuzzy logic controller the uniform ultimate boundedness of the closed-loop signals is presented and that the controller achieves tracking. In fact, the fuzzy system designed is a model-free universal fuzzy controller that can be applied for any system in the given class of systems.
AN INVESTIGATION OF RELATIONS AMONG ACADEMIC ENABLERS AND READING OUTCOMES

The current study examined the link between academic enablers and different types of reading achievementmeasures. Academicenablersareskills andbehaviorsthatsupport,orenable,students to perform well academically, such as engagement, interpersonal skills, motivation, and study skills. The sample in this study consisted of 61 third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students (54% male). Academic enablers were rated by classroom teachers via the Academic Competence Evaluation Scales (ACES; DiPerna & Elliott, 2000). Four different measures of reading achievement were included: classroom grades, global ratings of reading skills, standardized test scores, and Reading CBM scores. Results indicated that academic enablers were significantly related to each type of reading outcome. Academic enablers accounted for the greatest amount of variance for classroom grades (45%) and the least amount of variance in standardized test scores (11%). Results suggest that academic enablers are an important part ofacademic success in reading, particularly classroom grades, but when considering the variance accounted for by academic enablers, they alone are not likely to improve Reading CBM scores or standardized test scores. C � 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discharge Control and Evolution in TFTR

The Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) was designed to explore plasma confinement and heating at reactor-like parameters. Since the first plasma in December 1982, considerable progress has been made in this endeavor. During the run period ending April 13, 1985, operation of both the toroidal field and plasma current at full design parameters was achieved. The plasma parameters achieved are summarized in Table 1.
Enhancements to the JPEG implementation of block smoothing method

Summary form only given. This paper proposes several enhancements to the AC prediction approach, adapted by the Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG), for reduction of the blocking artifact effects. Our decoder uses value of reconstructed pixels of the already decoded part of the image, instead of the their DCT components. The major contribution of the paper is that we divide the prediction of DCT coefficients in two parts. For the low frequency coefficients, we solve a minimization problem. Its objective is to reduce the block boundary edge variance (BEV). The problem is solved analytically and its solution predicts DCT coefficients of a block in the terms of the first four coefficients of the four adjacent blocks. In this process, we also determine an optimal solution to the minimization of the mean squared difference of slopes (MSDS) considered for the same problem and computed using a quadratic programming method. For the mid-range frequency coefficients, we follow the interpolation method and interpolate image segments by ternary polynomials (JPEG uses quadratic polynomials). The smallest possible 9/spl times/9 pixel image segments are considered for the prediction of coefficients of 8/spl times/8 blocks (JPEG considers 24/spl times/24 pixel segments). The paper presents a complete formulation of the prediction equations, not provided by the JPEG. The paper also proposes three new statistical criterion to measure block boundary discontinuities. All enhancements have been added to a JPEG software. Results of several experiments using this software are given to compare the performance of different implementations of the AC prediction approach.
“Everything Got Kinda Strange after a While:” Some Reflections on Translating Navajo Poetry that Should not be Translated

Summary Inspired by an inquiry from a Navajo friend about why I had not published on a particular poem by Rex Lee Jim, this paper engages that question through three interconnected themes. First, there will be an analysis of the poem by Jim where I translate the poem but also place it within the context of Navajo concerns with k'e (reciprocity, generosity). Second, I turn to thinking through some of the issues brought out in the translation of the Navajo word ajik'eed as “one fucks.” This leads to questions about the ways that indigenous languages and their speakers are imagined and represented. Finally, I take up the foregoing issues as I reflect on my own translation practices.
A buffer based CMOS baseband chain for Bluetooth receiver

A CMOS low power baseband chain for an integrated Bluetooth receiver is presented. The chain is designed using a new fully differential buffer (FDB) circuit that can effectively implement filters with gain/filtering interleaved operations. The baseband chain utilizes five FDB circuits to implement a 6th order low noise high linearity pre-filter, a 6th order MOS-C tunable filter and a variable gain amplifier (VGA). The distribution of gain and filtering between the various blocks simplifies the design of the VGA stages and allows a good compromise between the input referred noise and the overall linearity. The chain achieves an input referred noise less than 45nV//spl radic/(Hz) and an out of band IIP3 of more than 12dBm.
Metabolic Syndrome and its Profound Effect on Prevalence of Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke represents a leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of disability in the United States. Greater than 8% of all deaths are attributed to ischemic stroke. This rate is consistent with the heightened burden of cardiovascular disease deaths. Treatments for acute ischemic stroke remain limited to tissue plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombolysis, both of which require significant medical expertise and can only be applied to a select number of patients based on time of presentation, imaging, and absence of contraindications. Over 1,000 compounds that were successful in treating ischemic stroke in animal models have failed to correlate to success in clinical trials. The search for alternative treatments is ongoing, drawing greater attention to the importance of preclinical models that more accurately represent the clinical population through incorporation of common risk factors. This work reviews the contribution of these commonly observed risk factors in the clinical population highlighting both the pathophysiology as well as current clinical diagnosis and treatment standards. We also highlight future potential therapeutic targets, areas requiring further investigation, and recent changes in best-practice clinical care.
COMPLEMENT AS A MEDIATOR OF INFLAMMATION III. PURIFICATION OF THE ACTIVITY WITH ANAPHYLATOXIN PROPERTIES GENERATED BY INTERACTION OF THE FIRST FOUR COMPONENTS OF COMPLEMENT AND ITS IDENTIFICATION AS A CLEAVAGE PRODUCT OF C'3

Purified preparations of human C'1 esterase, C'4, C'2, C'3, and C'5 were labeled with 125I. Reaction mixtures were prepared containing a single labeled component and other unlabled components. After incubation at 37°C for 10 min at pH 7.4 in the presence of 5 x 10–4 M Mg2+, they were adjusted to pH 3.5 and subjected to sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation and gel filtration at pH 3.5. In all cases, an activity capable of contracting guinea pig ileum with tachyphylaxis was obtained in low molecular weight fractions. However, these fractions were labeled only when 125I-C'3 was employed, indicating that biological activity was associated with a cleavage product of C'3. This fragment has been designated F(a)C'3 in a nomenclature consistent with that of immunoglobulin degradation products. The much larger, residual portion of the C'3 molecule has been designated F(b)C'3. The biochemical characteristics of generation of F(a)C'3 were consistent with a mechanism involving action of C'1 esterase on C'4 and C'2, activation of C'2, and cleavage of C'3. F(a)C'3 had a molecular weight by gel filtration techniques of 6800 or less. It was thermostable and susceptible to inactivation by endo- and exopeptidases. The isolated fragment possessed all of the biological properties of unfractionated mixtures of C'1 esterase, C'4, C'2, and C'3. In addition to contraction of guinea pig ileum, these included failure to contract rat uterus, enhancement of vascular permeability in guinea pig skin, degranulation of mast cells in guinea pig mesentery, and release of histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells. F(a)C'3 did not cross-desensitize guinea pig ileum to rat agar anaphylatoxin and vice versa. The existence of different protein fragments with anaphylatoxin properties has been discussed. Distinctive characteristics of F(a)C'3 from classical anaphylatoxin generated by treatment of fresh rat serum with agar have been indicated.
ATP-MgCl2 produces sustained improvement in hepatic mitochondrial function and blood flow after hepatic ischemia

Abstract Recent studies have shown that infusion of ATP-MgCl 2 following hepatic ischemia significantly improved mitochondrial function and hepatic blood flow 1 hr after treatment. To determine if the improvement in the above parameters by ATP-MgCl 2 is short-lived or whether it persists for prolonged periods of time after treatment, hepatic ischemia in rats was produced for 90 min followed by reperfusion. The rats then received iv 0.5 ml of saline or ATP-MgCl 2 (12.5 μmole each). Twenty-four hours after reflow, hepatic blood flow was measured by H 2 polarography following which the animals were sacrificed and hepatic mitochondria isolated. The results indicated that 24 hr after reflow, mitochondrial state 3 respiration, respiratory control ratio, adenine nucleotide translocase activity, ATP synthetic activity, and hepatic blood flow were depressed by approximately 50% in animals which were treated with saline after hepatic ischemia. In addition, there was a fourfold increase in mitochondrial free fatty acid levels of such animals. Animals which were treated with ATP-MgCl 2 following hepatic ischemia showed significantly improved mitochondrial function (used as an index of cellular recovery) and hepatic blood flow. These results in conjunction with previous results suggest that infused ATP-MgCl 2 improves mitochondrial function and blood flow and that these effects persist even 24 hr after administration of ATP-MgCl 2 . Thus, infusion of ATP-MgCl 2 following severe ischemia produces sustained improvement in cellular function.
Plea bargaining by defendants: a decision theory approach

Abstract Two experiments investigated the impact of severity of sentence and probability of conviction on plea bargaining decisions. Subjects role-played defendants in Experiment 1 and defense lawyers in Experiment 2. They were administered hypothetical cases containing one of six combinations of severity-of-sentence information (2 or 5 years) and probability-of-conviction information (20%, 50%, or 80%). Defendant subjects were significantly affected by both independent variables. As the probability of conviction and the severity of sentence increased, so did their likelihood of taking a plea bargain. Defense lawyer subjects were affected only by the probability-of-conviction variable.
Positive-feedback phase-space trajectories and application to servo systems

The phase-space trajectories for second- and third-order positive-feedback servo systems are investigated. These trajectories, together with the negative-feedback phase-space trajectories, are used to design fast-response servo systems, which switch back and forth between positive and negative feedback modes. The approach used for the third-order systems may be applied to higher order systems. Experimental results of simulated systems are presented.
Endoscopic Management of Barrett's Esophagus with High-Grade Dysplasia and Early-Stage Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Several endoscopic procedures have been recently developed for the treatment of Barrett's esophagus and early esophageal cancer, including endoscopic resection, radiofrequency ablation, and cryoablation. This review article discusses ideal candidates for endoscopic therapies, current treatment modalities, clinical and safety outcomes, and specific management recommendations.
Twin distortions of the Peierls instability

It is proved analytically that a one-dimensional half-filled polymer chain is subject to two coupled spontaneous conformational relaxations, the well-known Peierls bond length alternation and a uniform bond contraction. These two coupled relaxations work cooperatively against the lattice elastic energy penalty so that all bonds alternate and contract less than the case when these two relaxations are independent. When the fully relaxed neutral chain is taken as reference, creating self-localized charge carriers upon doping results in spontaneous bond contraction within the self-localized domain where the undimerization is enforced. Numeric results based on the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger and extended Peierls-Hubbard models and ab initio calculations resolve a long-lasting puzzle observed by x-ray scatterings concerning of the initial zero slope and accompanied sharp knee in the strain response of trans-polyacetylene to the ${\text{Na}}^{+}$ dopant concentration. The demonstrated doping-induced polymer chain length variation mechanism has implications for ultrafast artificial muscle designs.
On the microphysical state of the Martian seasonal caps

An analysis of the microphysical processes involved in pressureless sintering leads to the view that CO2 in the Martian seasonal polar caps can metamorphose into an annealed polycrystalline layer, if freshly condensed grains are smaller than 10 microns. Such large-area/low-porosity CO2 deposits may be associated with the mm-to-cm-scaled path lengths entailed by the explanation of several weak absorption features in the 1.5- and 2.3-micron spectral regions. Such an annealed layer would become transparent enough during the later stages of spring sublimation to establish a basis for the dichotomy between the north and south caps' albedos in the underlying substrate.
Prediction of Fluid Instabilities in Hole-Pattern Stator Seals

This paper presents the results of the numerical simulation of the flow/acoustic interaction in cavities located within a channel. The numerical simulations were compared against the experimental data obtained on a hole-pattern seal. The numerical simulation used a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solver. The numerical algorithm consisted of an unstructured flow solver developed for the computation of hybrid, structured and unstructured grids. The salient features of the flow/acoustic interaction seemed to be properly captured by the numerical simulation. The flow simulation reproduced the interaction between the vortices shed at the leading edge of the cavity, the shear layer developed over the cavity, and the acoustic waves generated by a dipole located at the trailing edge of the cavity. The flow conditions used for the study duplicated test conditions in experiments at a Mach number of 0.2. The length and depth of the cavity was 3.175 mm, and the seal clearance was 0.7112 mm. The Reynolds number based on the cavity length was 14,300. The dominant frequency predicted by the simulation was 15,770 Hz while the dominant frequency from the experiment was 15,625 Hz.
Quality Measurement of Outcome in General Surgery Revisited: Commentary and Proposal

Surgery has been trying to catch up to evidence-based medicine. Assessment of outcome in surgery is the child for quality assurance of patient care. We surgeons have our own set of mental variables that can predict good and poor outcomes. We value our experience and that of others, yet, are always inquisitive about which best predict morbidity and mortality. We all have our own functional equations for outcome that varies qualitatively and quantitatively. The main problem is lack of a uniform mathematical equation for individual patient risk factors that we refer to because of the limitations inherent in the equation or our understanding and awareness. Reviewing the literature in surgical outcome measurement, the impression is one of increasingly diverse messages with conclusions that are institution dependent. This can initiate confusion and controversy when comparing outcomes or extrapolating to one's own practice while hindering training surgeons to contribute to the evolving evidence of objective quality measurement early in a career. Overall, we are falling behind in recognizing this evolving problem. In this article, I address this controversy and attempt to offer new avenues in achieving a consensus among us in patient risk-adjusted outcomes by adopting and modifying well-recognized risk scoring systems from either side of the Atlantic Ocean. The millennium should see the birth of a new generation of surgeons charged with evidence-based ideas in quality outcome measurement and ready to improve current mathematical models.
The case of The Case of the Midwife Toad.

The facts concerning Kammerer's case are reviewed. Koestler's view that Kammerer was unjustly accused is presented and shown to be incorrect.
Body temperature powered device for dermal wound drug delivery

A new type of dermal wound drug delivery device has been successfully fabricated and tested. It is powered by heat from the human body. There are three main parts to the device, the Knudsen pump, a reservoir and a bottom plate. The reservoir holds the drug until the device is placed on the skin of the patient. The heat from the skin travels through the device and powers the Knudsen pump. When powered, the device delivers a steady flow of drugs into the dermal wound.
Clinical and neuroimaging biomarkers of amyloid-negative logopenic primary progressive aphasia.

Logopenic primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) is a progressive language disorder characterized by anomia, difficulty repeating complex sentences, and phonological errors. The majority, although not all, lvPPA patients have underlying Alzheimer’s disease. We aimed to determine whether clinical or neuroimaging features differ according to the deposition of Aβ on Pittsburgh-compound B PET in lvPPA. Clinical features, patterns of atrophy on MRI, hypometabolism on FDG-PET, and white matter tract degeneration were compared between six PiB-negative and 20 PiB-positive lvPPA patients. PiB-negative patients showed more asymmetric left-sided patterns of atrophy, hypometabolism and white matter tract degeneration, with greater left anteromedial temporal and medial prefrontal involvement, than PiB-positive patients. PiB-positive patients showed greater involvement of right temporoparietal and frontal lobes. There was very little evidence for clinical differences between the groups. Strikingly asymmetric neuroimaging findings with relatively preserved right hemisphere may provide clues that AD pathology is absent in lvPPA.
Discordance between ambulatory monitoring and programmed stimulation in assessing efficacy of class IA antiarrhythmic agents in patients with ventricular tachycardia

Concordance between programmed stimulation and 24 hour ambulatory electrocardiographic (Hotter) monitoring was studied in 54 patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia during 84 therapeutic trials with class IA antiarrhythmic agents. During baseline studies before treatment, all patients had frequent (≥30/h) ventricular premature complexes on Holter recordings and sustained ventricular tachycardia inducible by one to three extra-stimuli. During treatment, programmed stimulation and Holter monitoring were repeated. Efficacy of treatment determined by programmed stimulation (ventricular tachycardia no longer inducible or nonsustained) was compared with three Holter criteria of efficacy: I = 83% or more reduction of ventricular premature complexes and abolition of ventricular tachycardia; II = 50% or more reduction of ventricular premature complexes and 90% or more reduction of couplets and abolition of ventricular tachycardia; III = abolition of ventricular tachycardia in patients with ventricular tachycardia during a baseline Hotter recording. Treatments were judged effective by programmed stimulation criteria in only 25% of cases but in 51, 63 and 75% of cases by Hotter criterion I, II and III, respectively. Results of programmed stimulation and Hotter monitor were discordant (effective by one criterion but ineffective by the other) in 50% of cases using Hotter criterion I, in 54% using Hotter criterion II and in 61% using Holler criterion III. In the majority of discordant results, treatments appeared efficacious by Holler criteria but ineffective by programmed stimulation criteria, suggesting insensitivity of efficacy by Hotter criteria or nonspecificity of induced ventricular tachycardia during treatment, or both. Conclusions: 1) programmed stimulation and Hotter monitor recording are discordant in assessing efficacy of class IA antiarrhythmic agents; 2) efficacy by Holter criteria is often easier to achieve than efficacy by programmed stimulation (p
Designing an optical distance indicator for a radiation therapy accelerator

The computational aspects of the design of an optical distance indicator (ODI) for use with a radiation therapy accelerator are discussed. The specifics of the optical and mechanical design of an ODI for use with a superconducting cyclotron used for fast neutron therapy are presented.
Leucostoma peptidase A: a metalloprotease from snake venom.

Abstract The substrate specificity and metal ion content of leucostoma peptidase A from the venom of Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma were investigated. The enzyme was found to contain calcium and zinc in a 2:1 ratio, and on the basis of a mol. wt of 22 500, it appeared that these values represented 2 gatoms of calcium and 1 gatom of zinc per mole. Activity was inhibited by exposure of the enzyme to o-phenanthroline in the presence of excess calcium, but the activity of enzyme treated in this manner was restored by the addition of zinc ions. Exposure to EDTA, however, removed both zinc and calcium and resulted in irreversible inactivation. Leucostoma peptidase A hydrolyzed several N-substituted or doubly substituded dipeptides in which an aromatic or a basic residue contributed the amino group. It hydrolyzed four of nine polyamino acids tested, and cleaved the B-chain of oxidized insulin at positions Phe1-Val2, His5-Leu6, His10-Leu11, Ala14-Leu15, Gly20-Glu21, Gly23-Phe24, and Phe24-Phe25. These data indicate that the properties of leucostoma peptidase A are those of the general class known as neutral proteases, examples of which have previously been reported only in microorganisms.
Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of the new quinolones in infections of the eye, ear, nose, and throat.

A review of published data indicates that the new quinolones readily penetrate the tissues and secretions of the upper respiratory tract. The concentrations of ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin in tonsillar tissue and the concentrations of ofloxacin in the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses generally exceeded the peak concentrations of these agents in serum after oral administration of the drugs. Good penetration was noted for ciprofloxacin into nasal secretions, ofloxacin into tears, and various quinolones into saliva. Penetration into ocular humors appears to be moderate. Reports in English concerning clinical trials of the new fluoroquinolones in the treatment of infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat are sparse, but a number of studies of ofloxacin have been published in Japanese. The data suggest that the new quinolones may be useful for the treatment of acute sinusitis and chronic suppurative otitis media. However, studies comparing these agents with more established drugs and using carefully defined criteria for diagnosis and for evaluation of the response to treatment are needed. The broad antibacterial spectrum, excellent oral absorbability, long serum half-life, and good tissue distribution of the new quinolones make these drugs attractive for the treatment of various otolaryngologic infections. The potent activity of several congeners among the quinolones against staphylococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa raises the possibility that the drugs may be useful in the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media and sinusitis. Whether or not the poor activity of the quinolones against anaerobic bacteria is a liability remains to be seen. Most of the new quinolones are not highly active against streptococci, which are common pathogens in acute otolaryngologic infections; the importance of this deficiency also remains to be determined.
Use of intraurethral alprostadil in patients not responding to sildenafil citrate

Abstract Objectives To determine whether intraurethral alprostadil would be an effective alternative for men with erectile dysfunction who did not respond adequately to sildenafil citrate but desired minimally invasive treatment. Methods A total of 44 male patients aged 41 to 74 years with erectile dysfunction refractory to treatment with sildenafil citrate were enrolled in this study. Of the 44 patients, 10 had undergone prior radical retropubic prostatectomy. The patients were evaluated for subjective improvement in an office setting and completed the Sexual Health Inventory for Men questionnaire as an objective assessment of improved erectile ability. Success was defined as subjective improvement in erectile function, as well as an improved Sexual Health Inventory for Men score. Results Of the 44 men, 13 (29.5%) responded successfully to intraurethral alprostadil, with a follow-up ranging from 2 to 15 months. The remaining 31 men had no response (n = 28, 90%), refused escalating doses (n = 2, 7%), or were lost to follow-up (n = 1, 3%). In the subgroup of 10 men with prior radical retropubic prostatectomy, 5 (50%) reported success with intraurethral alprostadil (500 μg in 2 patients and 1000 μg in 3 patients). Conclusions Although sildenafil citrate remains the most common initial therapy in men with erectile dysfunction, intraurethral alprostadil may be a reasonable treatment option for sildenafil nonresponders. This may be especially true in men having undergone prior radical retropubic prostatectomy.
Immediate postoperative enteral feeding decreases weight loss and improves wound healing after abdominal surgery in rats.

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of immediate vs. delayed (72 hrs) postoperative enteral feeding on weight loss and wound healing after experimental abdominal surgery.DesignProspective, randomized, controlled study.SettingLaboratory of a large university-affiliated medical school.SubjectsSeventeen m
Cellular Diffuse Optical Tomography of Breast Cancer

We found that malignant tumor can be separated from benign lesion using cellular diffuse optical tomography since the difference in mean diameter and volume fraction between tumors/lesions and their normal surrounding tissues is significant.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Neurologic Conditions

Sleep-related breathing disorder or sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) encompasses central sleep apnea (CSA), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and sleep-related hypoventilation or hypoxemic syndromes. SDB is common in neurologic conditions that affect the central and/or peripheral nervous systems. Patients with neurologic conditions are at risk for SDB due to a combination of factors such as muscular weakness, damage to areas of the brain that control respiration, use of sedating medications, and weight gain from limited physical activity. This article discusses recognition and treatment of SDB as important aspects of treating patients with neurologic disease.
Adjuvant and definitive radiotherapy for adrenocortical carcinoma.

Purpose To evaluate the impact of both adjuvant and definitive radiotherapy on local control of adrenocortical carcinoma. Methods and Materials Outcomes were analyzed from 58 patients with 64 instances of treatment for adrenocortical carcinoma at the University of Michigan's Multidisciplinary Adrenal Cancer Clinic. Thirty-seven of these instances were for primary disease, whereas the remaining 27 were for recurrent disease. Thirty-eight of the treatment regimens involved surgery alone, 10 surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy, and 16 definitive radiotherapy for unresectable disease. The effects of patient, tumor, and treatment factors were modeled simultaneously using multiple variable Cox proportional hazards regression for associations with local recurrence, distant recurrence, and overall survival. Results Local failure occurred in 16 of the 38 instances that involved surgery alone, in 2 of the 10 that consisted of surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy, and in 1 instance of definitive radiotherapy. Lack of radiotherapy use was associated with 4.7 times the risk of local failure compared with treatment regimens that involved radiotherapy (95% confidence interval, 1.2–19.0; p = 0.030). Conclusions Radiotherapy seems to significantly lower the risk of local recurrence/progression in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma. Adjuvant radiotherapy should be strongly considered after surgical resection.
Charge-density-wave transport in orthorhombic Ta S 3 . I. Nonlinear conductivity

dc conductivity measurements are reported on the linear chain compound Ta${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ (orthorhombic form), which undergoes a phase transition to a charge-density-wave (CDW) state at ${T}_{P}=215$ K. Strong resistive fluctuations, associated with the buildup of one-dimensional correlations, are observed above ${T}_{P}$. Below the transition nonlinear conductivity is observed when the electric field $E$ is larger than a threshold field ${E}_{T}$. ${E}_{T}$ is approximately 2 V/cm, and is weakly temperature dependent. The functional dependence of the conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ on $E$ is analyzed in terms of various models. A good agreement is found with Bardeen's tunneling model, which leads to a field-dependent conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}(E)\ensuremath{\sim}(1\ensuremath{-}\frac{{E}_{T}}{E})\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{{E}_{0}}{E})$, but Fleming's empirical formula also provides a good fit to the data. The low-threshold field and the strong field dependence indicate small pinning energies and large coherence and correlation lengths. At low temperatures the coherent response of the CDW condensate is absent, and we argue that, because of the loss of coupling between the CDW segments, a disordered CDW state develops. These observations are compared with those made on a similar linear chain compound, Nb${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$.
Bridged 1,2-azaborolyl zirconium complexes: Heterocyclic analogs of the ansa-zirconocene olefin polymerization catalysts

Abstract The reaction of phenylvinylboron chloride (11) with allylethylamine afforded (N-allyl-N-ethylamino)vinylphenylborane (12) which on treatment with 5 mol% Grubbs catalyst gave 1-ethyl-2,5-dihydro-2-phenyl-1H-1,2-azaborole (13). The reaction of 13 with LDA in ether gave lithium 1-ethyl-2-phenyl-1H-1,2-azaborolide (14), which was silylated with Me2SiCl2 to afford 15. Reaction of 15 with CpLi followed by LDA and then ZrCl4 gave bridged compound 9. The reaction of 15 with 14 followed by LDA and then ZrCl4 gave the bridged complex 10. The reaction of 14 with Cp*ZrCl3 gave 8. The X-ray crystal structures of 8, 9, and 10 show that they closely resemble the corresponding zirconocene dichlorides. On activation with excess methylaluminoxane 8, 9, and 10 form active catalysts from the polymerization of ethylene.
2-Ranks of incidence matrices associated with conics in finite projective planes

In this article, we investigate geometric properties of the secant-internal neighbors of internal points and the passant-external neighbors of external points in classical finite projective planes; we calculate the $$2$$ -ranks of the incidence matrices of internal points versus their secant-internal neighbors and external points versus their passant-external neighbors using a combination of techniques from both finite geometry and linear algebra.
Electromagnetic Structure of the Neutron

Experiments on the magnetic moment structure of the neutron involves its electric charge structure, since it determines the distribution of the normal magnetic moment as well as the electric charge. Forms are assumed for the electric charge and magnetic moment distributions of proton and neutron, and quantities are calculated that are related to the experimental observations on elastic and inelastic electron-deuteron scattering. (W.D.M.)
Florida's Minimum Competency Program: Two Years Later and the Judge's Decision.

(1980). Florida's Minimum Competency Program: Two Years Later and the Judge's Decision. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 53, No. 7, pp. 318-322.
Partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon

We report on 7 cases of partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon. The mean patient age was 52 years (range, 38-58 years). There were 5 men and 2 women. The dominant arm was affected in all 7 patients. Pain was the chief complaint in all patients. Immobilization and physiotherapy were attempted in all patients, and 4 had at least 1 local steroid injection. No patient improved from the conservative treatment. All patients eventually underwent surgical debridement and reattachment of the biceps tendon with use of a 1-incision technique with suture anchors. After a mean follow-up of 31 months (range, 25-44 months), all patients reported a significant decrease in their pain. No complications were noted.
The ‘complete’ idiotype network is an absurd immune system

Idiotypic networks have attained the status of unavoidable necessities in the regulation of immune responses. In this article Rod Langman and Mel Cohn contend that the conceptual foundations for such idiotypic networks are formal absurdities.
2-Deoxyglucose uptake patterns in response to pure tone stimuli in the aged rat inferior colliculus.

Abstract The tonotopic map of the inferior colliculus (IC) of aged rats (25 months old) was examined to determine whether age-related changes known to occur in the cochlea are reflected in the 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake pattern of the IC. Because aged animals have hearing losses, auditory brainstem response thresholds were measured. Animals with threshold shifts of no greater than 30 dB relative to young animals were used. Animals were injected with radiolabeled 2-DG and stimulated with continuous pure tones presented at 70 dB above the behavioral thresholds for young animals at either 1, 4 or 32 kHz for one hour in a sound attenuated booth. The stimulus sound pressure levels were chosen to achieve comparable sensation levels between the young and aged animals. The tonotopic map of the IC in aged rats was different from that reported previously for young animals (Ryan et al., 1988), in that, the regions stimulated by 1 and 4 kHz were shifted towards the higher frequencies and the uptake areas were twicc as broad for the aged animals as for the young animals. The observed 2-DG uptake patterns are consistent with an activation pattern of a high intensity stimulus and a loss of responsive elements in the cochlear apex. Similar broad and shifted bands of activated tissue may contribute to difficulties in auditory perception in aged humans with increased thresholds and sound amplification.
Exploring the perceptions and use of electronic medical record systems by non-clinicians

Electronic medical record (EMR) systems are used by a wide variety of users. However, current research on the design and use of the EMR primarily focuses on clinical users such as physicians and nurses. While it is important to understand EMR use by clinicians, there is also a need to understand how non-clinicians use these systems because of the important role they play in the patient-care process. In this note, we present results of an ethnographic field study on the use and perceptions of EMR systems by non-clinicians in an emergency department. We then discuss design implications that can improve the system usability and strengthen the empowerment of these non-clinicians.
Investigating mechanisms of edifice deflation, 1981–2007, at Mount Baker volcano, Washington, United States

[1] At Mount Baker, elevated gas and heat fluxes from fumaroles in Sherman Crater indicate the presence of a degassing magma reservoir. Campaign Global Positioning System (GPS) surveys in 2006 and 2007 provide slope distance measurements of 19 trilateration lines and provide baseline positions for future GPS study on Mount Baker. Comparison of slope distance measurements acquired in 1981 and 1983 with electronic distance meters (EDM) indicates that significant surface deformation has occurred on Mount Baker during the past quarter century. Slope distances have predominantly shortened around the edifice at rates <2 mm/yr. The greatest slope length change detected is −17 ± 4 ppm on the northern flank of the volcano. A uniform surface strain rate model fit to the weighted slope change data shows contractional strain, with an areal dilation rate of −420 ± 140 nanostrain/yr. The observed strain rate is an order of magnitude greater than that expected from tectonic sources. Elastic dislocation models are used to invert for the location and strength of a point source at depth. The optimal model predicts a volume change of −11 × 106 m3, located 1500 m east–northeast of the summit, at a depth of ∼5.8 km. The model can account for most of the deformation detected, suggesting that the magmatic and hydrothermal system at Mount Baker has depressurized since 1981, from the combined result of densification and devolatilization.
Using Mechanical Turk to Study Family Processes and Youth Mental Health: A Test of Feasibility

Extensive evidence links youth mental health to family functioning, highlighting the need to document causal pathways. This will require longitudinal studies, but traditional methods for longitudinal clinical research have several limitations, including high cost and resource demands, underrepresentation of fathers, and attrition bias. We tested whether an online alternative might address limitations of—and thus provide a useful complement to—traditional methods. We used the Mechanical Turk (MTurk) survey program to obtain reports from parents (N = 177) on family functioning, the parents’ own symptoms, their children’s behavioral and emotional problems, and parenting stress, with assessments in three consecutive months. Parents provided largely high-quality data (e.g., passed consistency checks); measures showed acceptable psychometrics at each time-point; and correlations among study measures paralleled those observed in prior research. Compared to prior studies using traditional longitudinal methods, the MTurk method was (a) much lower in cost and resource requirements, (b) successful in enrolling fathers, (c) comparable in participant attrition, and (c) similar in attrition bias, participant race/ethnicity, and enrollment of single parents. Overall, findings suggest that MTurk is a viable tool with its own set of strengths and limitations, and a potentially useful complement to traditional longitudinal methods. In particular, MTurk might be a cost-effective first step in generating causal hypotheses about family processes and youth mental health, for later testing via more traditional methods.
The new space and Earth science information systems at NASA's archive

The on-line interactive systems of the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) are examined. The worldwide computer network connections that allow access to NSSDC users are outlined. The services offered by the NSSDC new technology on-line systems are presented, including the IUE request system, Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) data, and data sets on astrophysics, atmospheric science, land sciences, and space plasma physics. Plans for future increases in the NSSDC data holdings are considered.
Preparation, in vitro release, in vivo absorption and biocompatibility studies of insulin-loaded microspheres in rabbits

The purpose of this study was to develop a single-dose insulin delivery system based on poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres to provide basal insulin level for a prolonged period. Insulin-loaded PLGA microspheres were prepared by water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion (batch A) and solid-in0oil-in-water emulsion (batch B) methods. Microspheres were characterized for physical characteristics and in vitro release. In vivo absorption of insulin and biocompatibility of insulin-loaded PLGA microspheres were performed in diabetic New Zealand white rabbits. Light and transmission electron microscopy were performed on the skin tissues excised from microspheres injected sites in order to study the biocompatibility. The burst release of insulin was high (47%) from batch B and low (5%) from batch A. Therefore, we mixed microspheres of batch A and B in ratio of 3∶ w/w, which produced desirable in vitro release profile. In vivo absorption study showed that insulin-loaded microspheres provided a serum insulin level of 20–40 μU/ml up to 40 days. Biocompatibility study provided evidence of normal inflammatory and foreign body reactions, which were characterized by the presence of macrophages, fibroblasts and foreign body giant cells. Neither necrosis nor tissue damage was identified. At the end of 12 weeks, no distinct histological differences were observed in comparison to the control tissue samples. In conclusion, insulin-loaded PLGA microspheres controlled the in vivo absorption of insulin to maintain the basal insulin level for longer period and the delivery system was biocompatible.
MyoD cannot compensate for the absence of myogenin during skeletal muscle differentiation in murine embryonic stem cells.

Abstract myogenin (−/−) mice display severe skeletal muscle defects despite expressing normal levels of MyoD. The failure of MyoD to compensate for myogenin could be explained by distinctions in protein function or by differences in patterns of gene expression. To distinguish between these two possibilities, we compared the abilities of constitutively expressed myogenin and MyoD to support muscle differentiation in embryoid bodies made from myogenin (−/−) ES cells. Differentiated embryoid bodies from wild-type embryonic stem (ES) cells made extensive skeletal muscle, but embryoid bodies from myogenin (−/−) ES cells had greatly attenuated muscle-forming capacity. The inability of myogenin (−/−) ES cells to generate muscle was independent of endogenous MyoD expression. Skeletal muscle was restored in myogenin (−/−) ES cells by constitutive expression of myogenin. In contrast, constitutive expression of MyoD resulted in only marginal enhancement of skeletal muscle, although myocyte numbers greatly increased. The results indicated that constitutive expression of MyoD led to enhanced myogenic commitment of myogenin (−/−) cells but also indicated that committed cells were impaired in their ability to form muscle sheets without myogenin. Thus, despite their relatedness, myogenin's role in muscle formation is distinct from that of MyoD, and the distinction cannot be explained merely by differences in their expression properties.
Nitrate reductase expression in maize leaves (Zea mays) during dark‐light transitions. Complex effects of protein phosphatase inhibitors on enzyme activity, protein synthesis and transcript levels

The effects of cytoplasmic protein synthesis and protein phosphatase activity on NADH:nitrate reductase (NR) activity, protein and transcript were examined in maize (Zea mays L.) seedling leaves. A rapid increase in NR activity, measured in the presence of 5 mM Mg2+, was found upon exposure of excised leaves to light. Inhibitors of protein phosphatase activity (okadaic acid [OKA] and microcystin [MC]-LR) completely prevented the increase in NR activity. The cytoplasmic protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide (CHX), did not affect Mg2+ inhibition of NR activity during the dark-to-light transition. Vmax NR activity, measured in the presence of 5mM Mg2+, was found upon exposure of excised leaves to light. Inhibitors of protein phosphatase activity (okadaic acid [OKA] and microcystin [MC]-LR) completely prevented the increase in NR activity. The cytoplasmic protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide (CHX), did not affect Mg2+ inhibition of NR activity during the dark-to-light transition. Vmax NR activity, measured in the presence of Pi and EDTA, remained constant or increased slightly in maize leaves during the first 2 h of the light period. OKA, MC-LR or CHX treatment caused a 40 to 50% reduction in Vmax NR activity during this time. Incorporation of 35S-Met into NR protein was reduced more than 90% by CHX and 80% by OKA. The inhibition of NR protein synthesis by CHX and OKA correlated with a 50 to 60% decrease in 35S-Met incorporation into total soluble protein over the treatment period. The increase in NR mRNA levels early in the light period was prevented by OKA and MC-LR, but not by CHX. OKA had a similar effect on sucrose phosphate synthase mRNA levels, but did not affect Catalasel or Catalase3 mRNA accumulation. The data suggest that light-induced decreases in Mg2+ inhibition of NR activity and transcript levels are independent of new protein synthesis. The effects of OKA and MC-LR indicate that protein phosphatase activities could be involved, directly or indirectly, in the regulation of NR activity, protein synthesis and transcript accumulation.
Use of novel immobilized β-galactosidase reactor to hydrolyze the lactose constituent of skim milk: II. Multiresponse Nonlinear Regression Analysis of Kinetic Data

A novel chemical reactor, consisting of β-galactosidase fromAspergillus oryzae immobilized on a ribbed membrane made from polyvinyl-chloride and silica, was used to hydrolyze the lactose constituent of skim milk. Multiresponse nonlinear regression methods were employed to determine the kinetic parameters of rate expressions based on a proposed enzymatic mechanism that includes the formation of oligosaccharides. HPLC methods were employed to monitor the concentrations of all species present in the effluent stream. For the experimental conditions used in this research, a rate expression that includes the inhibition effect of α-galactose is sufficient to model the reaction network.
Dynamics of hairpin vortices generated by a mixing tab in a channel flow

To better understand mixing by hairpin vortices, time-series particle image velocimetry (PIV) was applied to the wake of a trapezoidal-shaped passive mixing tab mounted at the bottom of a square turbulent channel (Re h =2,080 based on the tab height). Instantaneous velocity/vorticity fields were obtained in sequences of 10 Hz in the tab wake in the center plane (x–y) and in a plane (x–z) parallel to the wall. Periodically-shed hairpin vortices were clearly identified and seen to rise as they advected downstream. Experimental evidence shows that the vortex-induced ejection of the near-wall viscous fluid to the immediate upstream is important to the dynamics of hairpin vortices. It can increase the strength of the hairpin vortices in the near tab region and cause generation of secondary hairpin vortices further downstream when the hairpin heads are farther away from the wall. Measurements also reveal the existence of a type of new secondary vortice with the opposite-sign spanwise vorticity. The distribution of vortex loci in the x–y plane shows that the hairpin vortices and the reverse vortices are spatially segregated in distinct layers. Turbulence statistics, including mean velocity profiles, Reynolds stresses, and turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate distributions, were obtained from the PIV data. These statistical quantities clearly reveal imprints of the identified vortex structures and provide insight into mixing effectiveness.