cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Higher order approximation of the generalized kinematic error compensation model for robots

Abstract This article presents a higher-order approximation of the “generalized” kinematic error compensation model to enhance position accuracy and repeatability of robotic manipulators. The “generalized” model originally proposed by Driels and Pathre is successfully extended to include non-linear coupling effects among all error parameters. A pertubration technique is used in which second-order error terms are retained for improvement to the Denavit-Hartenberg A and T matrices. The model is called “generalized” in a sense that it incorporates ten error parameters (all six possible errors and four link parameter errors) per manipulator's joint axis. The second-order terms in the model become important when considering large robot structure size or when input kinematic errors increase in their magnitudes. The formulation of the generalized Jacobian matrix is also presented including second-order error terms in the analysis.
Play an ADAGIO with a STRADIVARIUS: the right patient for CB1 receptor antagonists?

Results of the STRADIVARIUS and ADAGIO-Lipids trials have fuelled debate about the use of the controversial CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant. Here, Vincenzo Di Marzo discusses the key findings from these studies and their potential clinical sequelae, and identifies a subgroup of patients who might derive the most benefit from this drug.
Effect of soybean varieties and growing locations on the flavor of soymilk.

: The volatile compounds of soymilk prepared from 5 soybean varieties grown in 2 locations were isolated and separated by a dynamic headspace analyzer and capillary gas chromatography. The coefficient of variation for the quantitative analysis of volatile compounds of soymilk by dynamic headspace analysis was less than 3.0%. Soybean varieties and growing locations had significant effects on the volatile compounds of the batches of soymilk at α= 0.05. The higher the soybean protein, the higher was the volatile compounds of soymilk. Correlation coefficient between the protein content and the volatile compounds of the milk was 0.99. Thirty-eight volatile compounds of soymilk were identified by a combination of mass spectrometry and gas chromatographic retention times of standard compounds. Most of the identified compounds were formed by the lipid oxidation of soymilk. However, 2-pentylfuran, dimethyl disulfide, and dimethyl sulfide were formed by singlet oxygen. The beany or green flavor that makes the soymilk unpleasant or unacceptable to Westerners may be due to 2-pentylfuran, which is formed from linoleic acid by singlet oxygen. The beany flavor can be eliminated by processing the soymilk with a minimum exposure to light and air.
Implications of early life stages in the natural history of the Gulf of Mexico sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus de sotoi

Gulf of Mexico sturgeon were collected during their natural spring spawning migrations from the Gulf of Mexico into the Suwannee River in Florida. Peak numbers were observed during March and April. During the summer periods the fish remained in the river over very localized bottom areas. In late fall, the fish migrated from the river into the Gulf of Mexico. Laboratory experiments revealed that maximum survival of eggs, embryos and larvae of Gulf of Mexico sturgeon occurred between 15 and 20° C. Although Gulf of Mexico sturgeon appear to have a high tolerance to warm water temperatures, their embryos and larvae exhibit high mortalities at temperatures of 25° C. Based on observations of Gulf of Mexico sturgeon migratory patterns and laboratory experiments we suggest that the timing and unusual migratory behavior of Gulf of Mexico sturgeon are associated with temporal water temperature changes in the river and the Gulf of Mexico. The requirements of a thermal refuge are discussed.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for HIV-Negative Heterosexual Meth Users: The FASTLANE II Intervention

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide clinicians with a theoretical roadmap and practical toolkit for the FASTLANE II intervention, a 9-session behavior change intervention for HIV-negative meth-using heterosexual men and women that simultaneously targets depressive symptoms, meth use, and sexual risk behavior. The intervention was grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), social cognitive theory (SCT), and the theory of reasoned action (TRA), and utilized a variety of cognitive and behavioral techniques. Examples of those techniques are provided, as well how those techniques map onto core theoretical elements of CBT, SCT, and TRA. We present three case studies with sample counseling session dialogue. Techniques and skills from FASTLANE II may be of use to clinicians interested in targeting depression, meth use, and high-risk sexual behavior.
Science, Scientists, and the CIA: Balancing international ideals, national needs, and professional opportunities

(1997). Science, Scientists, and the CIA: Balancing international ideals, national needs, and professional opportunities. Intelligence and National Security: Vol. 12, Enternal Vigilance? 50 Years of the CIA, pp. 59-81.
Inhibition of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neural activity during suckling: involvement of mu and kappa opiate receptor subtypes.

Previous studies have shown that mu (mu) and kappa (kappa) opioid antagonists inhibit suckling-induced prolactin release. Prolactin responses elicited by pup suckling or opioid administration are mediated, at least in part, by suppression of dopamine (DA) release from tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons in the hypothalamus. We examined the effects of the mu opiate receptor antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA), and the kappa opiate receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) on the activity of TIDA neurons in lactating rats. TIDA neuronal activity was determined by measuring DOPA accumulation in the caudate putamen (CP) and median eminence (ME). The effects of opioid antagonist treatment were determined in pup-deprived (low circulating prolactin levels) or pup-suckled rats (high circulating prolactin levels). The accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA), the anterior hypothalamus (AH) and the median eminence (ME) was quantified as an index of serotonergic activity in the same animals for comparative purposes. In vehicle treated rats, suckling caused a significant and selective decrease in DOPA accumulation in the ME. beta-FNA (5 micrograms, i.c.v.) pretreatment significantly increased DOPA accumulation in the ME of pup-deprived and pup-suckled rats. beta-FNA pretreatment also prevented the suckling-induced suppression of DOPA accumulation in the ME. In contrast to the actions of beta-FNA, pretreatment with nor-BNI (8 micrograms, i.c.v.) did not significantly affect the activity of the TIDA neurons in pup-deprived or pup-suckled rats. Suckling alone did not alter 5-HTP accumulation in any of the brain regions examined, and neither opioid antagonist had appreciable effects on 5-HTP accumulation. These results demonstrate that the EOP tonically inhibit the TIDA neurons in both pup-deprived and pup-suckled, post-partum female rats by acting through the mu, but not the kappa, opiate receptor subtype. Furthermore, the suckling-induced inhibition of TIDA neurons is also mediated through the EOP acting at mu, but not kappa opioid receptors.
Search with EGRET for a gamma ray line from the Galactic center

We search data from the Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) for a gamma-ray line in the energy range 0.1–10 GeV from the 10°×10° region around the Galactic center. Our null results lead to upper limits to the line flux from the Galactic center. Such lines may have appeared if the dark matter in the Galactic halo is composed of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) in the mass range 0.1–10 GeV. For a given dark-matter-halo model, our null search translates to upper limits to the WIMP two-photon annihilation cross section as a function of WIMP mass. We show that, for a toy model in which Majorana WIMPs in this mass range annihilate only to electron-positron pairs, these upper limits supersede those derived from measurements of the 511-keV line and continuum photons from internal bremsstrahlung at the Galactic center.
Marital Status and Health Beliefs: Different Relations for Men and Women

Although relations between marital status and health have been substantiated, the results of relatively few studies suggest how or why marriage is associated with health. To understand how marriage and health are associated, this study was designed to examine the role of health beliefs. Two thousand two hundred and six (2,206) adults who participated in the New Jersey Family Health Survey provided information about their marital status, proactive health beliefs, and proactive health behaviors. Results indicated that being married (vs. single) was positively associated with men's proactive health beliefs, whereas marriage did not appear to influence women's proactive health beliefs positively. Significant relations between participants' reports of proactive health beliefs and proactive health behaviors were found. Findings are discussed in terms of the importance of understanding the complex nature of associations between social relationships and health.
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion in a Child With T-Cell Lymphoma

Purpose/Methods Central retinal artery occlusion occurs infrequently in children. We treated a child with central retinal artery occlusion before a systemic disease was discovered. Results/Conclusion Vision improved after paracentesis and anticoagulation. Systemic T-cell lymphoma was subsequently diagnosed. In contrast to older patients in whom atheromatous disease is a common etiologic factor, children frequently have more obscure systemic or ocular associations. Lymphoma should be considered as a possible systemic association in cases of central retinal artery occlusion, especially in younger patients who are less at risk for the more common causes.
An Ionization Instability and the Base of the Corona

A chromosphere of partially ionized atoms in a turbulent, magnetic, solar-type star may be subject to a thermal instability due to ionization, which we propose in this paper. The instability occurs when changing magnetic fields cause ion heating so that a proton-electron pair are heated preferentially with respect to neutral atoms. This preferential heating, when partial ionization is present, causes any small temperature change to be amplified. An increase in temperature increases the ionization, which in turn increases the local heating. Similarly, a decrease in temperature decreases the ionization, which decreases the heating. The layer of instability occurs between two stable layers: the chromosphere, in which the ionization is too low, and the corona, in which the ionization is essentially complete. Such an atmosphere tends to be bimodal; it is either fully neutral or fully ionized. We use the models of Fontenla and coworkers to demonstrate the instability, but any magnetic stellar model in which ions are heated preferentially over neutral hydrogen will exhibit the same instability.
Play and learning in the digital future

Video games are vastly improved; they include embedded computers and new, improved expressions in graphics and music. Soon games and toys will become communication tools that connect with one another through internal embedded technology. Eventual convergence of the visual cyber community and the physical world would let users move toward a new stage of play and a new way of learning. Developing the future digital toys and games so that the toys and their users work in a harmonious way is a task with far-reaching implications for everyone involved in the learning process, but especially for children. In this effort, the Toys of Tomorrow consortium at the MIT Media Laboratory is researching children's play and learning. Here, we comment briefly on the increasingly profitable and influential game and entertainment industry, introduce the various MIT research projects, and discuss how we expect their results to affect our world and enhance the learning process.
Analysis of the effect of certain forcings on the nonoscillatory solutions of even order equations

Properties of solutions of , are studied in the cause uH ( t, u )>0 for u ≠0. It is shown that two inequalities may always be associated with (I) in such a way that if one of these inequalities has a small positive solution and the other inequality has a small negative solution, then (I) is oscillatory. Further asymptotic properties of (I) are studied under assumptions involving intermediate antiderivatives P ( i ) ( t ), with P ( n ) = Q . Several results of this type ensure the non-existence of positive solutions of (I).
HYPERVELOCITY IMPACT JET FORMATION

The hypervelocity impact of a particle on a surface generates a jet of shocked material which is thrown from the impact site. A simple analytic model has been developed to obtain expressions for the evolution of this jet of ejecta. The analysis is based on applying the conservation equations of mass and momentum to the problem of a normal impact of a sphere against a semi-infinite flat target. Expressions are developed for the evolution of the jet velocity, jet release point and the locus of points which describe the ejecta envelope. These analytical ejecta profiles are compared with high speed photographs of impact jet evolution.
Synthesis of new poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ester sulfide) dendrimers

The design and synthesis of novel copolymers that consist of a linear polyoxyethylene block and a dendrimeric poly(ester-sulfide) block with potential applications in drug delivery are described. The dendrimers bear hydroxyl or acrylate functional groups and were prepared via a divergent approach using readily available methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG), acryloyl chloride, and 1-thioglycerol as building blocks. All reactions involved occurred efficiently and purification steps consisted of washing the reaction mixture with aqueous solutions and precipitation of the product in diethyl ether.
WE‐E‐18A‐06: To Remove Or Not to Remove: Comfort Pads From Beneath Neonates for Radiography

Purpose: To obtain an analytical empirical formula for the photon dose source term in forward direction from bremsstrahlung generated from laser-plasma accelerated electron beams in aluminum solid targets, with electron-plasma temperatures in the 10–100 keV energy range, and to calculate transmission factors for iron, aluminum, methacrylate, lead and concrete and air, materials most commonly found in vacuum chamber labs. Methods: Bremsstrahlung fluence is calculated from the convolution of thin-target bremsstrahlung spectrum for monoenergetic electrons and the relativistic Maxwell-Juettner energy distribution for the electron-plasma. Unattenuatted dose in tissue is calculated by integrating the photon spectrum with the mass-energy absorption coefficient. For the attenuated dose, energy dependent absorption coefficient, build-up factors and finite shielding correction factors were also taken into account. For the source term we use a modified formula from Hayashi et al., and we fitted the proportionality constant from experiments with the aid of the previously calculated transmission factors. Results: The forward dose has a quadratic dependence on electron-plasma temperature: 1 joule of effective laser energy transferred to the electrons at 1 m in vacuum yields 0,72 Sv per MeV squared of electron-plasma temperature. Air strongly filters the softer part of the photon spectrum and reduce the dose to one tenth in the first centimeter. Exponential higher energy tail of maxwellian spectrum contributes mainly to the transmitted dose. Conclusion: A simple formula for forward photon dose from keV range temperature plasma is obtained, similar to those found in kilovoltage x-rays but with higher dose per dissipated electron energy, due to thin target and absence of filtration.
Criteria for admitting patients with tricyclic antidepressant overdose

Several investigators have recently developed guidelines for determining which patients with tricyclic antidepressant overdose should be hospitalized. The width of the QRS complex on the ECG and several clinical parameters have been proposed to identify patients at risk for major complications. To validate these, we developed an algorithm and then applied it to 45 patients who had overdosed on tricyclic antidepressants. This algorithm correctly predicted which patients required admission, whether due to present or impending complications, and which patients could have been discharged without morbidity or mortality. We conclude that use of the modified algorithm can identify patients with tricyclic antidepressant overdose who can be safely discharged from the emergency department.
Potato breeding in Russia — August 1993

Considerable change has been made in the Russian breeding program since the account by Hawkes in 1957. Meristem culture is now used to produce and maintain virus-free germplasm; certified seed programs exist; breeding efforts are underway to develop virus resistant clones; the Colorado potato beetle and PLRV are now serious concerns and breeders are making progress toward their control; and knowledge of ploidy, EBN, and 2n gametes has allowed breeders to more efficiently and effectively utilize genetic resources. Unchanged in the past 36 years is an appreciation of the tremendous storehouse of genetic diversity collected by Valvilov and others, and the desire to take advantage of this resource.
Outcome expectancies and outcome values as predictors of children's aggression

Social learning theory predicts that outcome expectancies and values should independently predict behavior, but past studies of aggression have failed to test this hypothesis specifically. We asked low-socioeconomic status children to imagine themselves engaging in aggressive behaviors and to rate the likelihood of each of a number of outcomes (outcome expectancies) and to rate how much they cared about those outcomes (outcome values). The relationship between self-reported aggression and outcome expectancies, values, and expectancy by value interactions was assessed. Expectancies, values, and their interactions were differentially related to aggression depending on the specific outcome investigated (e.g,, punishment, bad feelings in self or other, prevention of future aggression, and peer respect), Results are discussed in terms of implications for theory and for future research.
Computational protein engineering

Recent advances in automated protein design algorithms are leading a resurgence in structure-based design approaches for protein engineering.
Chasing acyl carrier protein through a catalytic cycle of lipid A production

Acyl carrier protein represents one of the most highly conserved proteins across all domains of life and is nature's way of transporting hydrocarbon chains in vivo. Notably, type II acyl carrier proteins serve as a crucial interaction hub in primary cellular metabolism by communicating transiently between partner enzymes of the numerous biosynthetic pathways. However, the highly transient nature of such interactions and the inherent conformational mobility of acyl carrier protein have stymied previous attempts to visualize structurally acyl carrier protein tied to an overall catalytic cycle. This is essential to understanding a fundamental aspect of cellular metabolism leading to compounds that are not only useful to the cell, but also of therapeutic value. For example, acyl carrier protein is central to the biosynthesis of the lipid A (endotoxin) component of lipopolysaccharides in Gram-negative microorganisms, which is required for their growth and survival, and is an activator of the mammalian host's immune system, thus emerging as an important therapeutic target. During lipid A synthesis (Raetz pathway), acyl carrier protein shuttles acyl intermediates linked to its prosthetic 4'-phosphopantetheine group among four acyltransferases, including LpxD. Here we report the crystal structures of three forms of Escherichia coli acyl carrier protein engaging LpxD, which represent stalled substrate and liberated products along the reaction coordinate. The structures show the intricate interactions at the interface that optimally position acyl carrier protein for acyl delivery and that directly involve the pantetheinyl group. Conformational differences among the stalled acyl carrier proteins provide the molecular basis for the association-dissociation process. An unanticipated conformational shift of 4'-phosphopantetheine groups within the LpxD catalytic chamber shows an unprecedented role of acyl carrier protein in product release.
Air spacer MOSFET technology for 20nm node and beyond

Two types of air spacer technologies are proposed and TCAD simulation is used to construct 20 nm-gate transistor. One is non-SAC (Self Aligned Contact) process with air spacer. It is compared with nitride-spacer and oxide-spacer transistors representing the two extremes of conventional spacer technologies. With 10 nm air spacers, the CMOS inverter delay is reduced by 45% and 30% compared to the nitride-spacer and oxide-spacer technologies respectively. Furthermore, the switching energy (power consumption) is reduced by 46% and 33% respectively. The other is SAC process with air spacer. 3D mixed mode simulation shows that the 35% area benefit can be retained while improving the speed and switching energy by 75% to be 10% better than a non-SAC device.
Mobile robot planning in Factory World

lanning and scheduling problems are ubiquitous. Planning usually refers to deciding whether a certain activity is a viable enterprise: what resources are required, where do they come from, what do they cost, what peculiar characteristics exist, etc. Scheduling, on the other hand, usually refers to allocating resources to tasks at specific times (eg: time lines). There is a sliding scale between the two extremes. Planning emphasizes the feasibility and value of the overall job, while scheduling addresses the exact sequencing of events. We will use the term "planning" to cover the whole spectrum, but like many authors we will occasionally use the terms interchangeably.
Use of embedded scheduling to compile VHDL for effective parallel simulation

This paper describes VHDL compilation techniques, embodied in the Auriga compiler, which facilitate parallel or distributed simulation by embedding evaluation scheduling in the emitted code. Unlike earlier but related cycle-driven techniques which map VHDL into simpler temporal semantics, the techniques described here preserve VHDL's full temporal semantics. Experimental results indicate effective simulation acceleration using as many as 16 processors. Ongoing work involves evaluation with much larger models and machine configurations.
Integrating Four Theories of Adolescent Smoking

The ability of the Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Learning Theory, Social Attachment Theory, and Problem Behavior Theory to predict smoking at Grade 10 was tested against an integrated model incorporating predictors from all the theories. The integrated model also tested whether constructs from each theory contribute distinct variance to the prediction of smoking. Predictors measured at Grade 7 (in 1985) were used to model smoking 3 years later (in 1988) among 4186 youth, using logistic regression. Constructs emphasized by each theory were important, independent predictors of later smoking. The integrated model was superior to all of the theory-based models. A few predictors varied for current vs. frequent smoking outcomes. Results emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to understanding and preventing adolescent smoking.
Noradrenaline modulation of calcium channels in single smooth muscle cells from rabbit ear artery.

‘The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com '. / PubMed Central Copyright The Physiological Society/ Blackwell Publishing [Full text of this article is not available in the UHRA]
WATER WAVES IN SHALLOW CHANNELS OF RAPIDLY VARYING DEPTH

The linear water-wave equations for shallow channels with arbitrary rapidly varying bottoms was analysed. A theory for reflected waves was developed, based on an asymptotic analysis for stochastic differential equations when both the horizontal and vertical scales of the bottom variations are comparable to the depth but small compared to a typical wavelength so the shallow water equations cannot be used. The full, linear potential theory was used and the reflection-transmission problem for time-harmonic (monochromatic) and pulse-shaped disturbances was studied. For the monochromatic waves a formula is given for the expected value of the transmission coefficient which depends on depth and on the spectral density of the 0(1) random depth perturbations. For the pulse problem an explicit formula if given for the correlation function of the reflection process. The theory is compared with numerical results produced using the boundary-element method. Several, realisations of the bottom profile are considered and a Gaussian-shaped disturbance is propagated over each topography sampled and the reflected signal for each realisation is recorded. The numerical experiments produced reflected waves whose statistics are in good agreement with the theory.
Young children's use of features to reorient is more than just associative: further evidence against a modular view of spatial processing.

Proponents of a geometric module have argued that instances of young children’s use of features as well as geometry to reorient can be explained by a two-stage process. In this model, only the first stage is a true reorientation, accomplished by using geometric information alone; features are considered in a second stage using association (Lee, Shusterman & Spelke, 2006). This account is contradicted by the data from two experiments. Experiment 1a sets the stage for Experiment 1b by showing that young children use geometric information to reorient in a complex geometric figure without a single principal axis of symmetry (an octagon). In such a figure, there are two sets of geometrically congruent corners, with four corners in each set. The addition of a colored wall leads to the existence of three geometrically congruent but, crucially, all unmarked corners; using the colored wall to distinguish among them could not be done associatively. In Experiment 1b, both 3- and 5-year-old children showed true non-associative reorientation using features by performing at above-chance levels on all-white trials. Experiment 2 used a paradigm without distinctive geometry, modeled on Lee et al. (2006), involving an equilateral triangle of hiding places located within a circular enclosure, but with a large stable feature rather than a small moveable one. Four-year-olds (the age group studied by Lee et al.) used features at above-chance levels. Thus, features can be used to reorient, in a way not dependent on association, in contradiction to the two-stage version of the modular view.
Hemodynamic responses to vasopressinergic antagonism in water-deprived conscious rats

Experiments were performed on conscious, chronically instrumented rats to determine the role of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on the systemic and regional hemodynamic effects of 48-h water deprivation. Arterial and venous catheters as well as pulsed Doppler flow probes were implanted in rats to measure cardiac output (CO), mesenteric blood flow (MBF), renal blood flow (RBF), or hindquarter blood flow (HQBF). After adequate recovery from surgey, euhydrated animals were administered a specific V1-vasopressinergic antagonist [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP, 10 micrograms/kg iv], a combined V1, V2-antagonist [d(CH2)5DTyr(Et)VAVP, 30 micrograms/kg iv], or saline vehicle (100 microliter/100 g). Neither antagonist was associated with any change in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), heart rate (HR), systemic or regional flow or vascular resistance. All animals were subsequently water deprived for 48 h, at which time the experiments were repeated. Dehydration was associated with an increase in plasma AVP levels, hematocrit, and MABP but with a decrease in HR. Administration of either the combined V1, V2-antagonist or vehicle had no effect on any systemic or regional hemodynamic variables measured after 48-h dehydration. In contrast, although MABP, CO, MBF, and RBF were unaffected, V1-antagonism resulted in elevated HR, increased HQBF, and decreased hindquarter vascular resistance. In conclusion, AVP does not have a major effect on systemic hemodynamics in the dehydrated rat. However, certain beds may be affected by the relatively moderate levels of plasma AVP elicited during dehydration.
Career Barriers Among Native American Students Living on Reservations

Patterns of educational achievement and employment indicate that Native American students face considerable barriers to career development. This is particularly true for those who live on reservati...
Making the Most of Response: Reconciling Coaching and Evaluating Roles for Teachers across the Curriculum

. . . [R]esponse to writing is often difficult and tense. For the teacher, it is the schizophrenia of roles--now the helpful facilitator, hovering next to the writer to lend guidance and support, and now the authority, passing critical judgment on the writer's work; at one moment the intellectual peer, giving "reader-based" feedback (Elbow 1981), and at the next the imposer of criteria, the gatekeeper of textual standards. (Anson 1989)
End-of-treatment but not interim PET scan predicts outcome in nonbulky limited-stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Background: Early interim positron emission tomography (PET) scans appear powerfully predictive of outcome in Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL), particularly in advanced-stage disease where it has been predominantly studied. The prognostic value of interim PET in limited-stage patients with nonbulky disease has not been well established. Patients and methods: Ninety-six patients with nonbulky limited-stage HL were identified who had interim and end-of-treatment PET scans. Response rate, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated. Results: Four-year PFS and OS for the entire cohort were 88% and 97%, respectively. Interim PET did not predict outcome, with PFS in positive and negative patients 87% versus 91% (P = 0.57), respectively. End-of-treatment PET result was predictive of outcome, with PFS of 94% in end PET-negative patients versus 54% in end PET-positive patients (P < 0.0001). Four-year OS was 100% in end PET-negative patients and 84% in end PET-positive patients (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Interim PET scans were not predictive of outcome, compared with scans carried out at completion of therapy. End-of-treatment PET was highly predictive of PFS and OS, regardless of interim PET result. In this low-risk patient population, even patients with interim positive PET scans show a favorable prognosis.
Factors That Enable or Complicate End-of-Life Transitions in Critical Care

• BACKGROUND Nurses in medical intensive care units are routinely involved in negotiations to maintain or withdraw life support. How nurses move from aggressively attempting to extend life to letting life end is not well understood. • OBJECTIVE To explore nurses’ experiences of moving from cure- to comfort-oriented care and to describe factors that inhibit or facilitate such transitions. • METHOD A descriptive qualitative research design with brief observation of participants and focus group interviews was used. Participants were 19 female and 5 male nurses in an 18-bed medical intensive care unit in a 719-bed acute care hospital in the northeastern United States. • RESULTS The transition point between cure- and comfort-oriented care was unclear. Nurses reported that the patient’s age, misunderstanding of the illness by the patient’s family, family discord, and shifting medical care decisions made end-of-life transitions difficult. Conversely, developing a consensus among patients, patients’ families, and staff about the direction of medical therapy; exhausting treatment options; and patients’ lack of response to aggressive medical interventions helped nurses move toward comfort care. • CONCLUSIONS The most distressing situations for staff were dealing with younger patients with an acute life-threatening illness and performing futile care on elderly patients. End-of-life transitions were difficult when patients’ families had conflicts or were indecisive about terminating treatment and when physicians kept offering options that were unlikely to change patients’ prognosis. The most important factor enabling nurses to move from cure- to comfort-oriented care was developing a consensus about the treatment. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2005;14:513-522)
Monte Carlo determination of the distribution of ions about a cylindrical polyelectrolyte

We report a calculation of the distribution of small ions around a charged cylinder representing a polyelectrolyte molecule in solution. The Monte Carlo method of Metropolis, Rosenbluth, and Teller was used to avoid the inaccuracies known to be associated with the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. The systems examined contained a long polyelectrolyte cylinder with charge parameter, χ, equal to 4.2, corresponding approximately to a DNA molecule. In one model, the cylinder had charges on its axis and an exclusion radius to the center of the small ions equal to 10 A, while the small ions had various radii in the range from 1 to 10 A and one or two protonic charges. Various systems were studied; some had one species of small ion alone, others had mixtures of different types. The results showed good agreement with the solution of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation when only the species with 1-A radius was present, but considerable discrepancies appeared with larger ions as a result of excluded volume interactions between the latter. Deviations from the Poisson-Boltzmann equation also appeared when both positive and negative small ions were present; the deviations were in the direction of a higher concentration of both counter- and co-ions, but particularly co-ions, close to the polyelectrolyte. In another model, the charges were arranged along two helices on the surface of the cylinder; the resulting radial distribution of small ions was not much different from that found when the charges were situated on the axis. In all cases there was a striking accumulation of counterions in a layer of concentration exceeding 1 mol/L at the surface of the polyion.
Development and deployment of a line of sight virtual sensor for heterogeneous teams

For a team of cooperating robots, geometry plays a vital role in operation. Knowledge of line of sight to local obstacles and adjacent teammates is critical in both the movement and planning stages to avoid collisions, maintain formation and localize the team. However, determining if other robots are within the line of sight of one another is difficult with existing sensor platforms - especially as the scale of the robot is reduced. We describe a method of exploiting collective team information to generate a virtual sensor that provides line of sight determination, greater range and resolution and the ability to generalize local sensing. We develop this sensor and apply it to the control of a tightly coupled, resource-limited robot team called Millibots.
Full-range, complex-conjugate-free, endoscopic spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

We implemented full-range, complex-conjugate-free, endoscopic SD-OCT with a forward-viewing miniature resonant fiber-scanning probe and phase modulation in the reference-arm. This method can be applied to various endoscopic SD-OCT systems.
Top management support of R&D projects: a strategic leadership perspective

A study of top management support of 213 R&D projects in 21 major firms revealed significant relationships between independent informants' perceptions of top management support, project characteristics, and project performance. Testing a model based on a strategic leadership perspective, top management support was found to be directed at certain types of projects, i.e., those that were expected to make greater contributions to business goals, represented larger investments, were seeking new products and process versus incremental improvements, and had originated from business sources as opposed to R&D. In addition, even after controlling for these project characteristics, projects with top management support were less likely to be terminated. In contrast, after controlling for project characteristics, completed projects with top management support were not judged to make greater contributions to the firm's business goals suggesting top management may not be able to pick winners. Findings are discussed in terms of future research and implications for top management leadership within R&D. >
Negative and positive claims of conscience.

Discussions of appeals to conscience by healthcare professionals typically focus on situations in which they object to providing a legal and professionally permitted service, such as abortion, sterilization, prescribing or dispensing emergency contraception, and organ retrieval pursuant to donation after cardiac death. “Negative claims of conscience” will designate such appeals to conscience. When healthcare professionals advance a negative claim of conscience, they do so to secure an exemption from ethical, professional, institutional, and/or legal obligations or requirements to provide a healthcare service.
CTL from EIAV carrier horses with diverse MHC class I alleles recognize epitope clusters in Gag matrix and capsid proteins.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are important for controlling equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). Because Gag matrix (MA) and capsid (CA) are the most frequently recognized proteins, the hypothesis that CTL from EIAV-infected horses with diverse MHC class I alleles recognize epitope clusters (EC) in these proteins was tested. Four EC were identified by CTL from 15 horses and 8 of these horses had diverse MHC class I alleles. Two of the eight had CTL to EC1, six to EC2, five to EC3, and four to EC4. Because EC2–4 were recognized by CTL from >50% of horses with diverse alleles, the hypothesis was accepted. EC1 and EC3 were the most conserved EC and these more conserved broadly recognized EC may be most useful for CTL induction, helping overcome MHC class I polymorphism and antigenic variation.
Individually addressable planar patch clamp array

We present a new planar, silicon-based patch clamp array. Each patch site is vertically oriented, which allows simultaneous use of scanning probe, optical, or fluorescent detection technologies. Each microfabricated patch site is also connected to its own fluidic channel so that the array can be used for parallel screening of cells or analysis of tethered lipid membranes or vesicles that express the proteins of interest. A single unit, fully three-dimensional ring-shaped patch clamp recording device has been designed and fabricated.
Successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myelogenous leukemia in a patient with hepatic echinococcal cyst managed by delayed hepatectomy

J. Kim, M.L. Delioukina, W. Lee, P. Soriano, C. Prendergast, M. D'Apuzzo, S.S. Dadwal. Successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myelogenous leukemia in a patient with hepatic echinococcal cyst managed by delayed hepatectomy. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 273–277. All rights reserved Abstract: We report the case of a patient who underwent cytotoxic chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute myelogenous leukemia in the presence of hepatic cystic echinococcal infection. The presence of Echinococcus granulosus infection in an immunocompromised host is extremely rare, with lack of established data regarding optimal management. Successful management of the patient's disease processes required a multidisciplinary approach, which included systemic chemotherapy, HSCT, treatment of chronic graft-versus-host-disease, and elective en bloc resection of the hepatic cyst.
Dual pH- and temperature-responsive microparticles for protein delivery to ischemic tissues

Injectable "smart" microspheres that are sensitive to both temperature and pH have been fabricated and tested for controlled delivery of therapeutic proteins to ischemic skeletal muscle. A library of copolymers composed of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm), propyl acrylic acid (PAA), and butyl acrylate (BA) was used to fabricate microspheres using a double emulsion method, and an optimal formulation made from copolymers composed of 57 mol.% NIPAAm, 18 mol.% PAA and 25 mol.% BA copolymers was identified. At 37°C and pH representative of ischemic muscle (i.e. pH 5.2-7.2), these microspheres produced sustained, diffusion-controlled release, and at normal, physiological pH (i.e. pH 7.4), they underwent dissolution and rapid clearance. Delivery of fibroblast growth factor 2 was used to confirm that protein bioactivity was retained following microsphere encapsulation/release based on a dose-dependent increase in NIH3T3 fibroblast proliferation in vitro. Microsphere-loaded or free Cy5.5-labeled albumin was injected into ischemic and control gastrocnemii of mice following unilateral induction of hind limb ischemia to model peripheral arterial disease. In the ischemic limb at days 3.5 and 7, there was higher local retention of the protein delivered via microspheres relative to injected free protein (p<0.05). However, clearance of protein delivered via microspheres was equivalent to free protein at later time points that correspond to ischemic recovery in this model. Finally, histological analysis of the gastrocnemius revealed that the polymeric microspheres did not produce any microscopic signs of toxicity near the injection site. These combined results suggest that the pH- and temperature-responsive microspheres presented herein are a promising technological platform for controlled protein delivery to ischemic tissue.
Active self-assembly

Self-assembly is expected to become a dominant fabrication technique for the nanodevices and systems of the future. Traditional, or passive, self-assembly techniques have great difficulty in producing the asymmetric structures needed by the applications. This work discusses self-assembly methods that use active assembly agents (robots). It shows that swarms of such robots that communicate only by very simple messages can be programmed to form either wholly or partially specified structures, with the construction process possibly involving sacrificial components or scaffolds. The assembly agents have small memory and communication requirements, and interact only when they are in contact. They are good models for future nanorobots, which are likely to communicate chemically.
HIV and alcohol knowledge, self-perceived risk for HIV, and risky sexual behavior among young HIV-negative men identified as harmful or hazardous drinkers in Katutura, Namibia.

Namibia’s HIV prevalence is 13.3 %. Alcohol is associated with sexual risk-taking, leading to increased HIV risk. Baseline sexual behaviors, HIV and alcohol knowledge, and self-perceived HIV risk were examined among men reporting high-risk drinking in Katutura, Namibia. HIV negative men, ≥ 18 years, were screened for harmful or hazardous levels of drinking and >1 recent sex partner prior to randomization into control or intervention arm. SAS 9.3 and R 3.01 were used for descriptive baseline cohort analyses. A total of 501 participants who met criteria were included in analysis (mean Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test [AUDIT] =12.4). HIV and alcohol knowledge were high with the majority (>85 and 89.8–98 %, respectively) of respondents correctly answering assessment questions. Despite high knowledge levels, 66.7 % of men felt they were at some or high risk of HIV acquisition. Among those respondents, 56.5 % stated often wanting to have sex after drinking and 40.3 % stated sex was better when drunk. Among respondents with non-steady partners [n = 188], 44.1 % of last sexual encounters occurred while the participant was drunk and condoms were not used 32.5 % of those times. Among persons who were not drunk condoms were not used 13.3 % of those times. Sex with casual partners was high. Inconsistent condom use and alcohol use before sex were frequently reported. Increased emphasis on alcohol risk-reduction strategies, including drinking due to peer pressure and unsafe sexual behaviors, is needed.
Demonstration of the Use of Formohydroxamic Acid in the UREX Process

The Uranium Extraction (UREX) process was developed to separate U and Tc from the transuranic elements and the remaining fission products. To prevent the extraction of Np and Pu, a dilute nitric acid scrub stream containing acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) is used in the process. When the AHA contacts nitric acid, the complexant begins to decompose producing acetic acid and hydroxylamine nitrate (HAN). The HAN decomposes to gaseous products and water; however, the acetic acid is relatively stable and will contaminate nitric acid recovered from waste streams. To address this issue, formohydroxamic acid (FHA) was evaluated as a replacement for AHA. Formohydroxamic acid prevents the extraction of Np and Pu and its decomposition products (formic acid and HAN) readily decompose. Neptunium and Pu distribution coefficient measurements demonstrated that FHA was an acceptable replacement for AHA. Additional extraction experiments performed with the addition of uranyl nitrate to the aqueous phase showed that its presence...
Protoplasmic Contractility in Relation to Gel Structure: Temperature – Pressure Experiments on Cytokinesis and Amoeboid Movement

Publisher Summary Reversible sol–gel transformations have been observed in various cells for many years. This chapter presents evidence indicating that protoplasmic gel structures are potentially contractile. The gelational process thus seems to represent a mechanism, which enables the cell to perform mechanical work. The chapter reviews the evidence with special reference to amoeboid movement and the furrowing movements (cytokinesis) in animal cells. The development of contractility in an essentially fluid system, such as protoplasm would seem to presuppose the formation of some kind of gel structure. Gelation represents the formation of a three-dimensional network from fibrillar units present in the system. Thus, the contraction of a gel structure represents a rapid sort of syneresis, whereby the protein components of the colloidal network undergo forcible folding without relinquishing their intermolecular linkages. Subsequent to folding, moreover, when the extended units have assumed a more globular form, the system reverts to the sol condition, merely by the loosening of the intermolecular bonds. The effective contraction of a gel structure necessarily seems to demand that the fluid component of the system, which initially occupies the interstices of the colloid network, be forced forth from the interstices, thus allowing for a fairly drastic shrinkage of the residual framework of the gel.
Twinkle Mutations and Refractory Status Epilepticus

Severe epileptic encephalopathy and refractory status epilepticus are reported in a 20-year follow-up of 23 patients with recessive Twinkle mutations studied at Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Glucan Supplementation Has Strong Anti-melanoma Effects: Role of NK Cells

β-Glucan is a natural immunomodulator consisting of glucose molecules. It is a well-established modifier with significant beneficial properties in infectious diseases and cancer therapy. Glucan effects on melanoma are relatively less studied, despite the increasing incidence of this type of cancer. In the current study, we focused on possible effects of insoluble yeast-derived β-glucan on the growth of melanoma cells. We found that glucan supplementation had a strong-positive effect in both reducing tumor weight, lung colonies and overall survival rate of tested animals. In addition, glucan inhibited the damage to blood cells and potentiated the effects of regular chemotherapy. By using depletion of natural killer (NK) cells, we showed that these effects are, at least partly, mediated by direct action of glucan on NK cells.