cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some advances in loop shaping controller design with applications to disk drives

This paper presents two new concepts for assisting control engineers with the design of high performance servo systems with applications to disk drives. Classical loop shaping concepts are the basis for the two methods. The first idea is a modification of the traditional Bode plots to provide closed-loop frequency response information as graphed as contours along with the usual open-loop magnitude and phase response graphs. The concept can reduce the trial and error needed to obtain a good design by more clearly showing the relationship between the open-loop and closed-loop frequency responses. The second idea is to use complex conjugate poles and zeros as a modification to the classical double lead compensator. The damping ratio of the complex poles and zeros provides the flexibility to reduce the ratio of the high frequency gain to low frequency gain and to sharpen the phase peak without changing the magnitude of the peak. The paper shows a design example employing both methods.
A hierarchical approach to high resolution edge contour reconstruction

Efficient edge detection algorithms such as Canny's (1986) fail near curve singularities. Moreover, the standard linking algorithms used on top of these detectors often fail because of instabilities in the tracking process (due to multiple responses to the same edge and interference of nearby edges). We propose a hierarchical approach to edge detection based on a graph stabilization method that allows bifurcation resolution in stages. Curve singularities are recovered at the last stage by using "top-down" feedback to select the best curve connections.
A 4- $\mu\hbox{W}$ CMOS Front End for Particle Detection Applications

A complete low-power front end for particle detection applications is presented. The front end integrates a charge-sensitive amplifier with a novel adaptive biasing scheme that allows the dc bias currents to be scaled below conventional limits. A downstream peak detector circuit captures the peak value for each detection event, which is then fed to an integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The event-driven ADC is shut off in between detection events to further reduce power consumption. The circuit has been fabricated using a 0.18- μm CMOS technology, with a power consumption ranging between 4 and 20 μW, depending on the particle detection rate. This low-power operation facilitates the development of compact long-life battery-powered remote particle sensors.
Relationship between pain relief and improvements in patient function/quality of life in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia treated with pregabalin.

Abstract Background In patients with chronic pain due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), pregabalin treatment results in pain relief and improved patient function/quality of life (QoL). Few studies, however, have examined the exact relationship between pain relief and improvements in patient function/QoL. It is unclear, for example, whether pregabalin has a direct independent effect on patient function/QoL or whether improvements in function/QoL are an indirect consequent of pain relief. Objectives To determine whether improvements in function/QoL in response to pregabalin treatment are related to the extent of pain relief in patients with neuropathic pain due to DPN or PHN and to determine whether pregabalin has a direct independent effect on patient function/QoL that is distinct from its effects on pain. Methods Data from 11 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of pregabalin for the treatment of DPN or PHN were pooled for this analysis. Changes in patient function/QoL scores were plotted according to the extent of pain relief to assess whether greater levels of pain relief were associated with greater improvement in function/QoL. A novel mediation analysis was used to asses to what extent the effects of pregabalin on function/QoL scores are a direct treatment effect as opposed to an indirect effect mediated through improvements in pain or sleep. Results Moderate-to-substantial pain relief (a ≥30% decrease in pain) in response to pregabalin treatment was associated with significant ( P 80% of patients who achieved substantial pain relief also reported their status as much or very much improved. A substantial direct pregabalin treatment effect was evident for many SF-36 domains that could not be explained by pain relief or improvement in sleep. Conclusions In patients with chronic pain due to DPN or PHN, improvements in patient function/QoL in response to pregabalin treatment are correlated with the extent of pain relief. However, such improvements in function/QoL are not mediated entirely through pain relief but are the result of a combination of pregabalin's effects on pain and sleep disturbance and a direct effect on patient function itself.
Comparing the Variability of Random Variables and Point Processes

In this paper we compare the variance of functions of random variables and functionals of point processes. Specifically we give sufficient conditions on two random variables X and Y under which the variances var f(X) and var f(Y) of the function f of these random variables can be compared. For example we show that if X is smaller than Y in the shifted-up mean residual life and in the usual stochastic order, then var f(X) ≤ var f(y) for all increasing convex functions f , whenever these variances are well defined. In the context of point processes we compare the variances var Φ(M) and var Φ(N) of the functional Φ of two point processes M = {M(t ), t ≥ 0} and N = {N(t), t ≥ 0}. We provide sufficient conditions under which these variances can be compared. Specifically we consider comparisons between (i) two renewal processes and between (ii) two (homogeneous or nonhomogeneous) Poisson processes. For example we show that for any nonhomogeneous Poisson process N with a rate function bounded from above by λ and from below by μ and two homogeneous Poisson processes L and M with rates λ and μ, respectively, var Φ (L) ≤ var Φ (N) ≤ var Φ (M) for any functional Φ that is increasing directionally convex in the event times, whenever these variances are well defined. This, for example, implies that if T n is the n th event time of N, then n/λ 2 ≤ var ( T n ) ≤ n/μ 2 . Some applications of these results are given.
Associations Between Religious Personality Dimensions and Implicit Homosexual Prejudice.

Personality correlates of implicit and explicit attitudes toward homosexual and heterosexual individuals were examined within a sample of predominantly Protestant college students in the south-central United States. Implicit attitudes were measured with the Implicit Association Test, a computer program that recorded reaction times as participants categorized symbols (of heterosexual individuals and gay men) and adjectives (good or bad words). Participants also completed self-report measures of religious fundamentalism (RF), Christian orthodoxy (CO), right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), impression management (IM), and attitudes toward heterosexuals, gay men, and lesbians. Participants displayed fairly negative implicit and explicit attitudes toward homosexual relative to heterosexual individuals. Consistent with previous research, RF, CO, RWA, and IM were associated with increases in self-reported homosexual prejudice. Religious fundamentalism was the strongest predictor of a negative implicit attitude toward gay men relative to heterosexuals.
An improved method for the rapid screening of illicit cocaine preparations using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

Electrochemical detection in HPLC offers a very sensitive and selective alternative to UV detection for a number of classes of compounds. While there have been no reports of the use of electrochemical detection for the determination of cocaine in illicit preparations or biological fluids, it is now possible to use on-line, continuous post-column photolytic derivatization to generate electroactive species from cocaine which may then be detected downstream using a conventional electrochemical detector operated at oxidative working electrode potentials. In this manuscript the construction, optimization and characterization of system parameters are discussed, and the sensitive and highly selective nature of this novel detection method is demonstrated to be uniquely suited to the rapid identification and quantitation of cocaine in simulated illicit preparations.
Evaluation of the variance of production cost using a stochastic outage capacity state model

A stochastic outage capacity state model is presented for evaluating the random error in power system production cost which is estimated via the Baleriaux-Booth approach. The proposed model is thought to be the first model capable of evaluating the variance of production cost of a system of realistic size. The proposed model is used to evaluate the normalized standard random error of production cost for the IEEE Reliability Test System with an 168-hour simulation horizon. The result is about 13%. An extension approximation is suggested for estimating the normalized standard random error of production cost for a long simulation horizon (e.g. one year) from the results obtained from a short-term (e.g. a day, a week) simulation. Using this result the annual normalized standard random error is about 2.7%. >
Shifting our focus to blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease: the promise of ceramides and sphingomyelins

changes, but are temporally closer. In recognition of the need to identify indi‑ viduals at the earliest stages of the AD pathophysiological process, workgroups of the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association recently published new guidelines for the identification of the preclinical and mild cognitive impairment phases of AD [3,4]. These guidelines, pres‑ ently only for research, place an unprec‑ edented emphasis on biomarkers of AD pathophysiology. Continued exploration and validation of the temporal relation‑ ships of these imaging and CSF biomark‑ ers with the emergence and progression of clinical symptoms are ongoing and could lead towards the use of these markers in clinical practice. It is therefore appropriate to consider the role of these biomarkers in the population for the early detection of pathology and preclinical AD diagnosis, prediction of progression to clinical symp‑ toms, use as surrogate markers of disease modification and/or confirmation of AD diagnosis. The proposed CSF and neuroimaging b iomarkers will be helpful in the differ‑ iomarkers will be helpful in the differ‑ ential diagnosis of dementia and to deter‑ mine which asymptomatic individuals
The scattering of light from thin polymer films. I. Experimental procedure

The measurement of the scattering of light by solid polymers is a means for studying their structure. Films are the most convenient form for working with highly scattering polymers, which are subjected to such treatment as temperature variation, mechanical deformation, and orientation. In measuring scattering from films, it is necessary to correct the observed scattered intensity for (a) refraction at film interfaces, (b) reflection, and (c) secondary scattering. The necessary correction factors are described in this paper. The application of these correction factors is illustrated in the case of scattering by a polyethylene film.
Distinguishing graduates from dropouts and dismissals: Who fails boot camp?

Abstract This study of 784 inmates in a boot camp in a southern state was designed to determine what elements from life-course theory distinguished between graduates, dropouts, and dismissals from the program in this facility. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that several social bonds—such as employment, income, marital status—and personal assets like self-efficacy differentiated graduates from dropouts and dismissals from that program. In contrast, selling drugs, illegal income, and carrying a weapon also were associated with graduation. Lack of self-control, drug use, and peer association differentiated dropouts from graduates, whereas history of being abused, emotional problems, and suicidal attempts distinguished dismissals from graduates. The implications of these findings for further research and current decision-making are discussed.
Newborns with suspected occult spinal dysraphism: a cost-effectiveness analysis of diagnostic strategies.

Objective. To assess the clinical and economic consequences of different diagnostic strategies in newborns with suspected occult spinal dysraphism. Methods. A decision-analytic model was constructed to project the cost and health outcomes of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), plain radiographs, and no imaging in newborns with suspected occult spinal dysraphism. Morbidity and mortality rates of early versus late diagnosis of dysraphism and the sensitivity and specificity of MRI, US, and plain radiographs were obtained from the literature. Cost estimates were obtained from a hospital cost accounting database and from the Medicaid fee schedule. Results. We found that the choice of imaging strategy depends on the underlying risk of occult spinal dysraphism. In low-risk children with intergluteal dimple or newborns of diabetic mothers (pretest probability: 0.3%–0.34%), US was the most effective strategy with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $55 100 per quality-adjusted life year gained. For children with lumbosacral dimples, who have a higher pretest probability of 3.8%, US was less costly and more effective than the other 3 strategies considered. In intermediate-risk newborns with low anorectal malformation (pretest probability: 27%), US was more effective and less costly than radiographs and no imaging. However, MRI was more effective than US at an incremental cost-effectiveness of $1000 per quality-adjusted life year gained. In the high-risk group that included high anorectal malformation, cloacal malformation, and exstrophy (pretest probability: 44%–46%), MRI was actually cost-saving when compared with the other diagnostic strategies. For the intermediate-risk group, we found our analysis to be sensitive to the costs and diagnostic performances (sensitivity and specificity) of MRI and US. Lower MRI cost or greater MRI diagnostic performance improved the cost-effectiveness of the MRI strategy, whereas lower US cost or greater US diagnostic performance worsened the cost-effectiveness of the MRI strategy. Therefore, individual or institutional expertise with a specific diagnostic modality (MRI versus US) may influence the optimal diagnostic strategy. Conclusion. In newborns with suspected occult dysraphism, appropriate selection of patients and diagnostic strategy may increase quality-adjusted life expectancy and decrease cost of medical work-up.
Analysis of regression confidence intervals and Bayesian credible intervals for uncertainty quantification

[1] Confidence intervals based on classical regression theories augmented to include prior information and credible intervals based on Bayesian theories are conceptually different ways to quantify parametric and predictive uncertainties. Because both confidence and credible intervals are used in environmental modeling, we seek to understand their differences and similarities. This is of interest in part because calculating confidence intervals typically requires tens to thousands of model runs, while Bayesian credible intervals typically require tens of thousands to millions of model runs. Given multi-Gaussian distributed observation errors, our theoretical analysis shows that, for linear or linearized-nonlinear models, confidence and credible intervals are always numerically identical when consistent prior information is used. For nonlinear models, nonlinear confidence and credible intervals can be numerically identical if parameter confidence regions defined using the approximate likelihood method and parameter credible regions estimated using Markov chain Monte Carlo realizations are numerically identical and predictions are a smooth, monotonic function of the parameters. Both occur if intrinsic model nonlinearity is small. While the conditions of Gaussian errors and small intrinsic model nonlinearity are violated by many environmental models, heuristic tests using analytical and numerical models suggest that linear and nonlinear confidence intervals can be useful approximations of uncertainty even under significantly nonideal conditions. In the context of epistemic model error for a complex synthetic nonlinear groundwater problem, the linear and nonlinear confidence and credible intervals for individual models performed similarly enough to indicate that the computationally frugal confidence intervals can be useful in many circumstances. Experiences with these groundwater models are expected to be broadly applicable to many environmental models. We suggest that for environmental problems with lengthy execution times that make credible intervals inconvenient or prohibitive, confidence intervals can provide important insight. During model development when frequent calculation of uncertainty intervals is important to understanding the consequences of various model construction alternatives and data collection strategies, strategic use of both confidence and credible intervals can be critical.
Crystal Structure of a Voltage-gated K+ Channel Pore Module in a Closed State in Lipid Membranes

Voltage-gated K(+) channels underlie the electrical excitability of cells. Each subunit of the functional tetramer consists of the tandem fusion of two modules, an N-terminal voltage-sensor and a C-terminal pore. To investigate how sensor coupling to the pore generates voltage-dependent channel opening, we solved the crystal structure and characterized the function of a voltage-gated K(+) channel pore in a lipid membrane. The structure of a functional channel in a membrane environment at 3.1 A resolution establishes an unprecedented connection between channel structure and function. The structure is unique in delineating an ion-occupied ready to conduct selectivity filter, a confined aqueous cavity, and a closed activation gate, embodying a dynamic entity trapped in an unstable closed state.
Trabeculated (Noncompacted) and compact myocardium in adults: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis

Background— A high degree of noncompacted (trabeculated) myocardium in relationship to compact myocardium (trabeculated to compact myocardium [T/M] ratio >2.3) has been associated with a diagnosis of left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC). The purpose of this study was to determine the normal range of the T/M ratio in a large population-based study and to examine the relationship to demographic and clinical parameters. Methods and Results— The thickness of trabeculation and the compact myocardium were measured in 8 left ventricular regions on long axis cardiac MR steady-state free precession cine images in 1000 participants (551 women; 68.1±8.9 years) of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort. Of 323 participants without cardiac disease or hypertension and with all regions evaluable, 140 (43%) had a T/M ratio >2.3 in at least 1 region; in 20 of 323 (6%), T/M >2.3 was present in >2 regions. A multivariable linear regression model revealed no association of age, sex, ethnicity, height, and weight with maximum T/M ratio in participants without cardiac disease or hypertension ( P >0.05). In the entire cohort (n=1000), left ventricular ejection fraction (β=−0.02/%; P =0.015), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (β=0.01/mL; P 0.05). At the apical level, T/M ratios were significantly lower when obtained on short- compared with long-axis images ( P =0.017). Conclusions— A ratio of T/M of >2.3 is common in a large population-based cohort. These results suggest re-evaluation of the current cardiac MR criteria for left ventricular noncompaction may be necessary.
Analysis of piezoelectric bulk-acoustic-wave resonators as detectors in viscous conductive liquids

An analytical solution for the resonance condition of a piezoelectric quartz resonator with one surface in contact with a viscous conductive liquid is presented. The characteristic equation that describes the resonance condition and accounts for all interactions including acoustoelectric interactions with ions and dipoles in the solution is obtained in terms of the crystal and liquid parameters. A simple expression for the change in the resonance frequency is obtained. For viscous nonconductive solutions, the frequency change is reduced to a relationship in terms of the liquid density and viscosity. For dilute conductive liquid, the change in frequency is derived in terms of the solution conductivity and dielectric constant. The boundary conditions for the problem are defined with and without the electrical effects of electrodes. Experiments were conducted with various viscous and conductive chemical liquids using a fabricated miniature liquid flow cell containing an AT-cut quartz crystal resonator. The results, which show good agreement with the theory, on the use of quartz crystal resonators as conductivity and/or viscosity sensors are reported. >
Molecular diagnosis of bird-mediated pest consumption in tropical farmland

Biodiversity loss will likely have surprising and dramatic consequences for human wellbeing. Identifying species that benefit society represents a critical first step towards predicting the consequences of biodiversity loss. Though natural predators prevent billions of dollars in agricultural pest damage annually, characterizing which predators consume pests has proven challenging. Emerging molecular techniques may illuminate these interactions. In the countryside of Costa Rica, we identified avian predators of coffee’s most damaging insect pest, the coffee berry borer beetle (Coleoptera:Scolytidae Hypothenemus hampeii), by assaying 1430 fecal samples of 108 bird species for borer DNA. While feeding trials confirmed the efficacy of our approach, detection rates were low. Nevertheless, we identified six species that consume the borer. These species had narrow diet breadths, thin bills, and short wings; traits shared with borer predators in other systems. Borer predators were not threatened; therefore, safeguarding pest control necessitates managing species beyond those at risk of regional extinction by maintaining populations in farmland habitats. Generally, our results demonstrate potential for pairing molecular methods with ecological analyses to yield novel insights into species interactions.
Fall and Spring Emigration Timing of Juvenile Coho Salmon from East Twin River, Washington

Abstract We implanted 2212 juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) 55 to 111 mm with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to determine their growth, overwinter survival, and emigration timing from the East Twin River and its tributary, Sadie Creek, on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Detections of tagged fish by instream antennas revealed that a much higher proportion of juvenile coho salmon emigrated to the sea in the fall than during the spring. Fall emigrants predominantly originated from East Twin River (96.6%) whereas Sadie Creek coho salmon remained in-stream to overwinter where they grew faster and became larger when compared to smolts from East Twin River. Results suggest that fish size in the fall and location in the watershed may influence emigration timing.
Sour Taste Stimuli Evoke Ca2+ and pH Responses in Mouse Taste Cells

Sour taste is elicited by acids. How taste cells transduce sour taste is controversial because acids (specifically protons) have diverse effects on cell membranes. Consequently, it is difficult to differentiate between events related to sour taste transduction per se and unrelated effects of protons. We have studied acid taste transduction in mouse taste buds using a lingual slice preparation where it is possible to measure changes in pH and [Ca2+]i simultaneously in taste cells. Focal application of citric acid or HCl to the apical tips of taste buds produced widespread acidification of the entire taste bud. Citric acid was effective at a pH of ∼4, but HCl only at a pH of ∼1.5. Despite acidification of the whole taste bud, only a select few taste cells exhibited Ca2+ responses. Acid-evoked Ca2+ responses were dose dependent in a range consistent with them being sour-taste responses. Cells exhibiting acid-evoked Ca2+ responses also responded to KCl depolarization. Acid-evoked Ca2+ responses were blocked by Ba2+ (2 mm) and Cd2+ (500 μm), suggesting that acid responses are generated by Ca2+ influx through depolarization-gated Ca2+ channels. Removing extracellular Ca2+ reduced acid-evoked Ca2+ responses, but depleting intracellular Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin had no effect, suggesting that acid taste responses are generated by an influx of extracellular Ca2+. Neither Cs+ (500 μm) nor amiloride (100 μm) affected acid-evoked Ca2+ responses, suggesting that neither hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (pacemaker) channels nor epithelial Na+ channels, respectively, transduce sour taste. Collectively, the results indicate that acids, especially weak acids, acidify the taste bud and evoke depolarization-induced Ca2+ entry into a select subset of taste cells. The primary transducer protein(s) for sour taste remain undiscovered.
Advanced Imaging Utilization Trends in Privately Insured Patients From 2007 to 2013

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to investigate whether the increase in utilization of advanced diagnostic imaging for privately insured patients in 2011 was the beginning of a new trend in imaging utilization growth, or an isolated deviation from the declining trend that began in 2008. Methods We extracted outpatient and inpatient CT, diagnostic ultrasound, MRI, and PET procedures from databases, for the years 2007 to 2013. This study extended previous work, covering 2012 to 2013, using the same methodology. For every year of the study period, we calculated the following: number of procedures per person-year covered by private health insurance; proportion of office and emergency visits that resulted in an imaging session; average payments per procedure; and total payments per person-year covered by private health insurance. Results Outpatient utilization of CT and PET decreased in both 2012 and 2013; outpatient utilization of MRI mildly increased in 2012, but then decreased in 2013. Outpatient utilization of diagnostic ultrasound showed a very different pattern, increasing throughout the study period. Inpatient utilization of all imaging modalities except PET decreased in both 2012 and 2013. Adjusted payments for all imaging modalities increased in 2012, and then dropped substantially in 2013, except the adjusted payments for diagnostic ultrasound that increased in 2013 again. Conclusions The trend of increasing utilization of advanced diagnostic imaging seems to be over for some, but not all, imaging modalities. A combination of policy (eg, breast density notification laws), technologic advancement, and wider access seems to be responsible for at least part of an increasing utilization of diagnostic ultrasound.
A distributional approach to summarization of radiology reports

Diagnostic radiology reports contain a summary written by a radiologist for communication with primary care providers. Information not included in the summary may be lost in the communication, resulting in substandard patient care. We introduce a notion of salience based on distributional characteristics of term usage in a corpus of radiology reports and present an algorithm for generation of suggestions for inclusion of additional information in report summaries. We evaluate our method on a corpus of 98,913 reports and show our method suggests additions to 11–28% of reports, depending on body location and imaging modality.
Highly diverse posaviruses in swine faeces are aquatic in origin

Posaviruses are a group of highly divergent viruses identified in swine faeces that are distantly related to other members of the order Picornavirales. Eighteen posavirus genomes were assembled from 10 out of 25 (40 %) faecal-swab pools collected from healthy adult swine. Phylogenetic analysis of the conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (Pol) domain found that posaviruses form a large, highly diverse, monophyletic clade, which includes similar viruses identified in human (husavirus) and fish (fisavirus) faeces or intestinal contents, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis of water samples collected from commercial swine barns identified four out of 19 (21 %) samples were positive using a 5'-nuclease assay targeting the Pol region of posavirus 1. ICPD (immunoprecipitation coupled to PCR detection) assays to explore serological evidence of posavirus infection found only a single positive sample, suggesting posaviruses do not commonly infect swine, and together these results suggests a likely aquatic host.
A Self-Contained, Nano-Gap Biomolecule Impedance Sensor with Fluidic Control System

A sub-50 nm biomolecular direct electrical-detection structure integrated with micro- and nano-fluidic systems has been constructed. These devices are composed of integrated microfluidic channels in PDMS and nanofluidic channels in silicon oxide. These in turn are all integrated with a nano-gap sensing structure which has metallic electrodes. The microfluidic channel in PDMS provides access to the nanofluidic channel feeding the nano-gap sensing structure. We provide a demonstration of the bio-molecular sensing capabilities of our device by using the carboxyl-amino group interaction and a nano-gap structure with gold electrodes. First, probe molecules with amino groups are infused through the fluidic system to the nano-gap and are self-assembled onto the gold electrodes via thiolate bonding. Then target molecules with terminating carboxyl groups are infused to bind with the probe molecules. Impedance changes are measured electrically at each infusing and binding step using an Agilent 4284A impedance analyzer thereby detecting the appearance of each molecule type as it passes through the system. We are able to detect about 15% impedance changes with the carboxyl-amino binding occurrence.
Field Performance of Boll Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Sterilized with Diflubenzuron and Gamma Irradiation

Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, sterilized by being fed a diet containing 100 ppm of diflubenzuron for 5 days after emergence followed by 10 krad of irradiation, were tested in 0.8-ha plots in two locations. In south Mississippi, where a few native weevils were present and the plots were infested by releasing overwintered adults, egg hatch was reduced but there was no reduction in infestation or weevil captures. In Arkansas, where no native weevils were present and the plots were infested by allowing weevils to emerge from squares, there were significant differences in egg hatch, infestation levels, and weevil captures. These data show the potential of sterile boll weevils in an eradication or management program.
OPTIMIZATION OF TURBOMACHINER Y AIRFOIL SHAPE FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE

A new multidisciplinary optimization procedure has been developed for the design of turbine blade profile. Aerodynamic and heat transfer design objectives are integrated along with various mechanical constraints on the blade geometry. The airfoil shape is represented by Bezier-Bernstein polynomials, which results in a relatively small number of design variables for the optimization. Thin shear layer approximation of the Navier-Stokes equation is used for the viscous flow calculations. Grid generation is accomplished by solving Poisson equations. The maximum and average blade temperatures are obtained through a finite element analysis. Total pressure and exit kinetic energy losses are minimized, with constraints on blade temperatures and geometry. The constrained multiobjective optimization problem is solved using the KreisselmeierSteinhauser (K-S) function approach:- The results-for the numerical example show significant improvements after optimization.
Administering Representation: The Role of Elected Administrators in Translating Citizens’ Preferences into Public Policy

One of the most fundamental questions for democratic governance is how to structure a system that promotes policy choices that reflect citizens’ preferences. Given the typical absence of any direct connection between voters and administrators, scholars have devoted considerable attention to whether the bureaucracy is consistent with this important tenet of democracy. However, there is not always a disconnect between administrative officials and the electorate. In the US states , many of the individuals who administer various state agencies are directly elected, and the number of elected officisals varies greatly across the states. The diffusion of executive authority to elected administrative officials might enhance the congruence between citizens’ preferences and public policy. In this article, I consider this question, finding that the diffusion of executive authority to elected administrators fosters the translation of citizens’ preferences into public policy, and that a strong electoral connection is key for facilitating this relationship. These findings speak directly to the consequences of executive design for democratic representation.
Isolation and characterization of acetylornithine δ-transaminase of wild-type Escherichia coli W. Comparison with arginine-inducible acetylornithine δ-transaminase

Abstract The enzyme that catalyzes the reversible conversion of N -acetylglutamic γ-semialdehyde and l -glutamate to α- N -acetyl- l -ornithine and α-ketoglutarate, acetylornithine δ-transaminase, has been isolated in homogeneous form and crystallized from both the wild-type and the arginine-inducible strains of Escherichia coli W. The molecular weight of the wild-type transaminase is 119,000 while the molecular weight of the arginine-inducible enzyme is 61,000. However, the arginine-inducible acetylornithine δ-transaminase is not a breakdown product of the wild-type, arginine-repressible transaminase. Analysis of crude extracts of the wild-type and arginine-inducible strains by varying the acrylamide concentration in polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis showed that arginine-inducible and wild-type transaminases differed in ionic charge. Immunochemical analysis of the two transaminases showed that neither enzyme would cross-react with antibodies prepared against its counterpart. Treatment of the two enzymes with sodium dodecyl sulfate, followed by disc gel electrophoresis revealed that both transaminases were composed of 31,000-dalton subunits. Tryptic digestion of the two transaminases showed that nearly identical peptides were present. The overall data suggest that the wild-type and inducible transaminases were products of two different structural genes. The two transaminases have different molecular weights, ionic charges, and antigenic determinants, but both are composed of similar molecular weight subunits and show a high degree of similarity in amino acid content and peptide composition.
Effective treatment of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate with adriamycin.

Abstract A case is presented of a 67-year-old man who experienced the sudden onset of prostatism and underwent a complete panendoscopy and transurethral resection of the prostate. Tissue from the right lateral lobe of the prostatic urethra revealed squamous cell carcinoma and a chest x-ray revealed bilateral pulmonary nodules. Tumor progression was observed. However, subsequent response to adriamycin has lasted more than 5 months after the carcinoma failed to respond to radiation, surgery or other chemotherapy.
Temperature Profiles in Spheres Due to Electromagnetic Heating

This study predicts the steady state temperature rise in a homogeneous tissue sphere exposed to plane wave electromagnetic energy. The differential equation for heat transfer is solved, assuming heat transfer mechanisms of convection (due to blood flow), conduction, and evapotranspiration from the surface. The tissue heating is described by the specific absorption rate (SAR), which is a known function of the size and dielectric properties of the sphere and the frequency of the incident electro-magnetic energy. We consider the limiting cases of irradiation at very low frequencies, very high distance in the SAR is effectively averaged to produce a smoothly varying temperature increase. The results of this study are used to predict the maximum temperature rise in the human head, produced by an incident electromagnetic plane wave.
Initial Empirical Testing of Potential Factors Contributing to Patient Use of Secure Medical Teleconferencing

ABSTRACTProviding timely and cost-effective healthcare appears to be significantly desired. Factors such as computer skills and comprehension of instructions impact people’s perception of the accessibility of such alternatives, especially for medical professionals. There are limited studies examining the aforementioned factors in information systems (IS) literature in the context of medical teleconferencing (ehealth) from the patients’ perspective. Thus, the purpose of this research study was to examine the underlying structure of four factors, namely IS usage (ISU), computer self-efficacy (CSE), ethical severity of misusing IS (ESMIS), and the resistance to use IS (RESUIS). Based on data gathered from 140 participants, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted, using the partial least squares (PLS) technique. Results indicated a very strong validity and reliability of the constructs, however, with a relatively low overall model predictability. Furthermore, the constructs of CSE and RESUIS appear t...
A Source-Receptor Method for Determining Non-Point Sources of PAHs to the Milwaukee Harbor Estuary

The purpose of this work is to determine non-point sources of PAHs to the Milwaukee Harbor Estuary. Sediment samples were collected from the Milwaukee River, the Menomonee River, the Kinnickinnic River, and the Inner and Outer Harbor of the Milwaukee Harbor Estuary. Source samples were collected from a major highway, a leaking underground storage tank, and two river banks. All samples were analyzed for sixteen PAHs, which are identified as priority pollutants by the U.S. EPA. In addition to this, literature values of concentrations of PAHs in known non-point sources viz. coal tar, coal tar air emissions, No. 2 fuel oil, and gasoline engine exhaust tar were considered. A computer program, using the mathematics of least-squares, was adopted to determine the best combination of sources to the mixed PAH signature of the sediment, and to calculate the contribution of each source to the concentration of total PAHs. Chi square and the multiple correlation coefficient were used to evaluate the fits. For apportionment of sediment PAHs into sources, only those PAHs are considered whose concentrations are above the instrument's (GC-MS) detection limit. Of the 211 regressions considered, about half present good fits to the proposed sources. Highway dust is found to be a significant source in 88%, gasoline engine exhaust tar in 33%, coal tar air emissions in 23%, and coal tar in 17% of the successful regressions.
Flow Cytometric Expression of bcl-2 by CD10+ B-Cells Reliably Distinguishes Follicular Lymphoma from Follicular Hyperplasia.

The diagnosis of follicular lymphoma (FL) is often straightforward in most biopsy specimens. In a minority of cases, however, a differentiation from follicular hyperplasia (FH) can be challenging, especially in small needle core biopsies. The difficulty can be compounded in cases of FL with non-diagnostic immunoglobulin light chain ratios and cases of lymphoma without any significant surface expression of either immunoglobulin kappa or lambda light chain. The expression of bcl-2 by follicle center B-cells is often used to distinguish FL from FH using immunohistochemistry. The interpretation of bcl-2 expression patterns by immunohistochemistry, however, can be difficult because of normal expression of bcl-2 by T-cells present in reactive lymphoid follicles and by normal expression of bcl-2 by mantle zone B-cells. We have utilized multiparameter flow cytometry to evaluate the expression of bcl-2 in cases of FL and FH with successful results. This study includes consecutive biopsy specimens from well-documented cases of FL (n = 12) and FH (n = 16). Other lymphoma types were not included. Cytoplasmic expression of bcl-2 was evaluated on CD10 + CD19 + B-cells using permeabilization techniques on a four-color Beckman-Coulter Epics-XL flow cytometer. Appropriate controls were run in each case. All cases of CD10-expressing FL showed significant expression of bcl-2 by CD10 + B-cells in contrast to no significant expression of bcl-2 by CD10 + follicle center B-cells of reactive follicles (Positive predictive value, 100%; Negative predictive value, 100%). Although our patient population is small, the results indicate that the expression of cytoplasmic bcl-2 on CD10 + B-cells by flow cytometry reliably distingushes FL from FH using CD10 gating. This method is superior to immunohistochemical evaluation of bcl-2 in cases with CD10 expression. A minority of FL, however, do not show bcl-2 expression (not seen in our series) and such cases must be taken into consideration when evaluating a clonal B-cell population with CD10 but no bcl-2 expression.
Cortisol extraction through human skin by reverse iontophoresis

Continuous monitoring of cortisol at the surface of the skin would advance the diagnosis and treatment of cortisol-related diseases, or of elevated cortisol levels related to stress in otherwise healthy populations. Reliable and accurate detection of cortisol at the skin surface remains a limiting factor in real-time monitoring of cortisol. To address this limitation, cortisol extraction through excised human skin by reverse iontophoresis was studied in vitro in side-by-side diffusion cells using a radiolabeled probe. The skin was subjected to four direct current regimens (0, 28, 56, 113μAcm-2) with the anode in the donor chamber and the cumulative cortisol concentrations recorded in the receiver chamber. The 56 and 113μAcm-2 regimens significantly increased transport of 3H-cortisol through the skin, and current density correlated directly with transcutaneous transport of 3H-cortisol. The threshold of detection of electroosmotic versus passive diffusion of cortisol through the skin was between 28 and 56μAcm-2. The results of this study are significant in examining how lipophilic analytes found in the bloodstream respond to reverse iontophoresis across the skin. In addition, a device integration technique is presented which illustrates how continuous cortisol extraction and sensing could potentially be achieved in a conventional wearable format.
Superhydrophobic, infrared transmissive moth eye-like substrates for use in wet conditions

Infrared (IR) transmissive moth eye-like substrates, including randomly patterned fused silica and various periodically patterned germanium substrates, were surface modified using a simple process. Goniometric analysis showed that the surface modification altered the surface wettability of each substrate, rendering them superhydrophobic. Following the surface modification, it was determined that the desirable IR transmission and antireflective properties of each substrate type were maintained. Furthermore, the hydrophobicity, IR transmission and antireflective capabilities of the substrates were shown to be significantly enhanced in comparison to native, non-patterned fused silica and germanium substrates that underwent the same processes. The results of this work provide an opportunity for the development of enhanced utility for infrared transmissive optics in wet or humid conditions.
A new public sphere? English-language stand-up comedy in India

The genre of English-language stand-up comedy is increasingly becoming popular in India’s metropolitan cities. This study uses the concept of the public sphere to examine YouTube videos of a prominent Indian live comedian, Daniel Fernandes. The analysis shows that Fernandes’ verbal humor is based on several performative techniques such as linguistic code-switching, calculative pauses, and juxtaposition of incongruous things. The study, furthermore, demonstrates that English-language stand-up comedy extends the bourgeois public sphere by a satirical commentary on political, social, and cultural issues in contemporary India as well as internationally. The article also argues that the public sphere exemplified by the genre of English-language live comedy is not entirely new, but an advancement of the classical public sphere.
Group IV nociceptors develop axonal chemical sensitivity during neuritis and following treatment of the sciatic nerve with vinblastine.

Many patients suffer ongoing pain with no local pathology or apparent nerve injury. We show that nerve inflammation and transient application of vinblastine induce sensitivity of group IV nocicepto...
Neoplastic Cerebral Aneurysm From Metastatic Nonsmall Cell Lung Carcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Intracranial cerebral aneurysms secondary to neoplastic etiology are a very rare occurrence. There have only been 5 published reports of intracranial cerebral aneurysms secondary to metastatic lung cancer. Four of those five previously published reports have been secondary to nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, and only 1 case caused subarachnoid hemorrhage. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a lung cancer-associated superior cerebellar artery aneurysm. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 41-yr old male presented with right-sided cerebellar hemorrhage. Cerebral angiogram was negative, but he was noted to have an underlying nonsmall cell carcinoma. His workup revealed a left upper lobe mass consistent with a diagnosis of metastatic lung carcinoma. A few weeks later, the patient represented with subarachnoid hemorrhage from a left superior cerebellar artery aneurysm that was new in comparison with a magnetic resonance angiography 19 d earlier. The aneurysm was remote to the surgical site, and the patient had a negative infectious workup, making an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm or mycotic aneurysm unlikely. In the setting of metastatic cancer, a neoplastic cerebral aneurysm was the presumptive diagnosis. CONCLUSION Intracranial neoplastic cerebral aneurysms are extremely rare entities, and a rare cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage. This diagnosis should be considered in patients who present with concurrent metastatic cancer and cerebral aneurysm or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Early initiation of chemotherapy may be beneficial in reducing the risk of tumor-particle embolization, but more research needs to be conducted to better understand this rare phenomenon.
Pulmonary metastectomy: impact of tumor histology and size.

Resection of isolated pulmonary metastases from extrapulmonary primary malignancies has been shown to prolong survival (1,2). Although there are no randomized trials to date validating pulmonary metastectomy, retrospective data (3) support resection for isolated lung involvement.
Hazardous Aesthetics: A “Merely Interesting” Toxic Tour of Waste Management Data

This illustrated essay attempts to respond to the slow violence of the hazardous waste trade. We introduce and analyze common representational styles of hazardous waste: greenwashing, ruin porn, en...