cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spin filtering with Mn-doped Ge-core/Si-shell nanowires

Incorporating spin functionality into a semiconductor core–shell nanowire that offers immunity from the substrate effect is a highly desirable step for its application in next generation spintronics. Here, using first-principles density functional theory that does not make any assumptions of the electronic structure, we predict that a very small amount of Mn dopants in the core region of the wire can transform the Ge–Si core–shell semiconductor nanowire into a half-metallic ferromagnet that is stable at room temperature. The energy band structures reveal a semiconducting behavior for one spin direction while the metallic behavior for the other, indicating 100% spin polarization at the Fermi energy. No measurable shifts in energy levels in the vicinity of Fermi energy are found due to spin–orbit coupling, which suggests that the spin coherence length can be much higher in this material. To further assess the use of this material in a practical device setting, we have used a quantum transport approach to calculate the spin-filtering efficiency for a channel made out of a finite nanowire segment. Our calculations yield an efficiency more than 90%, which further confirms the excellent spin-selective properties of our newly tailored Mn-doped Ge-core/Si-shell nanowires.
Asymptotic Models for Tropical Intraseasonal Oscillations and Geostrophic Balance

AbstractIn the tropics, rainfall is coupled with waves in the form of, for example, convectively coupled equatorial waves (CCEWs) and the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). In perhaps the simplest vi...
Wave-optics Investigation of Turbulence Thermal Blooming Interaction: II. Using Time-dependent Simulations

Part II of this two-part paper uses wave-optics simulations to look at the Monte Carlo averages associated with turbulence and time-dependent thermal blooming (TDTB). The goal is to investigate turbulence thermal blooming interaction (TTBI). At wavelengths near 1 μm, TTBI increases the amount of constructive and destructive interference (i.e., scintillation) that results from high-power laser beam propagation through distributed-volume atmospheric aberrations. As a result, we use the spherical-wave Rytov number, the number of wind-clearing periods, and the distortion number to gauge the strength of the simulated turbulence and TDTB. These parameters simply greatly given propagation paths with constant atmospheric conditions. In addition, we use the log-amplitude variance and the branch-point density to quantify the effects of TTBI. These metrics result from a point-source beacon being backpropagated from the target plane to the source plane through the simulated turbulence and TDTB. Overall, the results show that the log-amplitude variance and branch-point density increase significantly due to TTBI. This outcome poses a major problem for beam-control systems that perform phase compensation.
Glyphosate Resistance Decoded: The Reference Sequence of the Extrachromosomal DNA Replicon in Amaranth.

Decades of research in evolutionary genetics has shown that genomic plasticity, in particular variation in gene copy number, is a favored mechanism to provide rapid adaptation to adverse environmental conditions through increase in gene dosage. Gene amplification has been observed across kingdoms
Rapid Formation of Peptide/Lipid Coaggregates by the Amyloidogenic Seminal Peptide PAP248-286.

Abstract Protein/lipid coassembly is an understudied phenomenon that is important to the function of antimicrobial peptides as well as the pathological effects of amyloid. Here, we study the coassembly process of PAP248-286, a seminal peptide that displays both amyloid-forming and antimicrobial activity. PAP248-286 is a peptide fragment of prostatic acid phosphatase and has been reported to form amyloid fibrils, known as semen-derived enhancer of viral infection (SEVI), that enhance the viral infectivity of human immunodeficiency virus. We find that in addition to forming amyloid, PAP248-286 much more readily assembles with lipid vesicles into peptide/lipid coaggregates that resemble amyloid fibrils in some important ways but are a distinct species. The formation of these PAP248-286/lipid coaggregates, which we term “messicles,” is controlled by the peptide:lipid (P:L) ratio and by the lipid composition. The optimal P:L ratio is around 1:10, and at least 70% anionic lipid is required for coaggregate formation. Once formed, messicles are not disrupted by subsequent changes in P:L ratio. We propose that messicles form through a polyvalent assembly mechanism, in which a critical surface density of PAP248-286 on liposomes enables peptide-mediated particle bridging into larger species. Even at ∼50-fold lower PAP248-286 concentrations, messicles form at least 10-fold faster than amyloid fibrils. It is therefore possible that some or all of the biological activities assigned to SEVI, the amyloid form of PAP248-286, could instead be attributed to a PAP248-286/lipid coaggregate. More broadly speaking, this work could provide a potential framework for the discovery and characterization of nonamyloid peptide/lipid coaggregates by other amyloid-forming proteins and antimicrobial peptides.
Late Preterm/Term Placentas (Late Third Trimester: 32–42 Weeks from LMP)

The general approach to placentas delivered after 23 weeks was outlined in the previous section and only a few points of emphasis pertaining to findings most relevant to adverse outcomes in late preterm and term placentas will be mentioned here. The first is the identification of an umbilical cord at risk for interrupted fetoplacental blood flow. Relevant findings include abnormal cord insertion (see below), deformations due to entanglements or prolapse, excessive cord length, hypercoiling, and true umbilical cord knots. The second is documentation of green discoloration of the membranes, chorionic plate, and sometimes the surface of the umbilical cord. Usually due to meconium staining, this finding should prompt histologic evaluation for the duration of meconium exposure. Finally, identification of excessively pale and/or edematous parenchyma that can accompany massive fetomaternal hemorrhage with or without superimposed hydrops fetalis.
Generation of Bessel-beam arrays for parallel fabrication in two-photon polymerization

Microfabrication based on two-photon polymerization (TPP) is typically achieved by scanning a focal spot point-by-point. This is a type of serial processing that significantly limits fabrication speed. Bessel beams known for their nondiffracting property are suitable for the fabrication of high-aspect-ratio microstructures without scanning the beams. The zero-order Bessel beam generated by an axicon or a spatial light modulator (SLM) has been used to fabricate such structures as polymer fibers with an aspect ratio exceeding 500:1. However, the fabrication speed is still limited by the serial exposure of a single Bessel beam. In this paper, the authors explore a method for parallel fabrication of high-aspect-ratio microstructures using an array of high-order Bessel beams. An optics system is built in which high-order and superposed high-order Bessel beams generated by an SLM are demagnified and relayed to the photopolymer. These beams retain the same nondiffracting property as the zero-order beam while expanding the exposure light field to arrays of beams. Beam profiles are characterized and compared with theoretical predictions. The power efficiency of the system is measured and analyzed. The influence of off-axis illumination on the SLM is studied. Combined with suitable photopolymer and exposure parameters, this method could be useful for high-speed, volumetric fabrication in TPP.
ASBERT: Siamese and Triplet network embedding for open question answering.

Answer selection (AS) is an essential subtask in the field of natural language processing with an objective to identify the most likely answer to a given question from a corpus containing candidate answer sentences. A common approach to address the AS problem is to generate an embedding for each candidate sentence and query. Then, select the sentence whose vector representation is closest to the query's. A key drawback is the low quality of the embeddings, hitherto, based on its performance on AS benchmark datasets. In this work, we present ASBERT, a framework built on the BERT architecture that employs Siamese and Triplet neural networks to learn an encoding function that maps a text to a fixed-size vector in an embedded space. The notion of distance between two points in this space connotes similarity in meaning between two texts. Experimental results on the WikiQA and TrecQA datasets demonstrate that our proposed approach outperforms many state-of-the-art baseline methods.
Primary histologic diagnosis using automated whole slide imaging: a validation study

Only prototypes 5 years ago, high-speed, automated whole slide imaging (WSI) systems (also called digital slide systems, virtual microscopes or wide field imagers) are becoming increasingly capable and robust. Modern devices can capture a slide in 5 minutes at spatial sampling periods of less than 0.5 micron/pixel. The capacity to rapidly digitize large numbers of slides should eventually have a profound, positive impact on pathology. It is important, however, that pathologists validate these systems during development, not only to identify their limitations but to guide their evolution. Three pathologists fully signed out 25 cases representing 31 parts. The laboratory information system was used to simulate real-world sign-out conditions including entering a full diagnostic field and comment (when appropriate) and ordering special stains and recuts. For each case, discrepancies between diagnoses were documented by committee and a "consensus" report was formed and then compared with the microscope-based, sign-out report from the clinical archive. In 17 of 25 cases there were no discrepancies between the individual study pathologist reports. In 8 of the remaining cases, there were 12 discrepancies, including 3 in which image quality could be at least partially implicated. When the WSI consensus diagnoses were compared with the original sign-out diagnoses, no significant discrepancies were found. Full text of the pathologist reports, the WSI consensus diagnoses, and the original sign-out diagnoses are available as an attachment to this publication. The results indicated that the image information contained in current whole slide images is sufficient for pathologists to make reliable diagnostic decisions and compose complex diagnostic reports. This is a very positive result; however, this does not mean that WSI is as good as a microscope. Virtually every slide had focal areas in which image quality (focus and dynamic range) was less than perfect. In some cases, there was evidence of over-compression and regions made "soft" by less than perfect focus. We expect systems will continue to get better, image quality and speed will continue to improve, but that further validation studies will be needed to guide development of this promising technology.
Coat proteins: shaping membrane transport

Coat proteins allow the selective transfer of macromolecules from one membrane-enclosed compartment to another by concentrating macromolecules into specialized membrane patches and then deforming these patches into small coated vesicles. Recent findings indicate that coat proteins might also participate in the differentiation of membrane domains within organelles and large transport carriers, as well as in the association of the carriers with the cytosketelon and with acceptor organelles.
Results of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin, a CD22 Monoclonal Antibody in Refractory and Relapsed Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

BACKGROUND CD22 expression occurs in >90% of patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Inotuzumab ozogamicin, a CD22 monoclonal antibody bound to calicheamicin, is active in ALL. METHODS Patients with refractory-relapsed ALL received treatment with inotuzumab. The first 49 patients received single-dose, intravenous inotuzumab at doses of 1.3 to 1.8 mg/m2 every 3 to 4 weeks. In the next 41 patients, the schedule was modified to inotuzumab weekly at a dose of 0.8 mg/m2 on day 1 and at a dose of 0.5 mg/m2 on days 8 and 15, every 3 to 4 weeks, based on higher in vitro efficacy with more frequent exposure. RESULTS Ninety patients were treated; 68% were in salvage 2 or beyond. Overall, 17 patients (19%) achieved a complete response (CR), 27 (30%) had a CR with no platelet recovery (CRp), and 8 (9%) had a bone marrow CR (no recovery of counts), for an overall response rate of 58%. Response rates were similar for single-dose and weekly dose inotuzumab (57% vs 59%, respectively). The median survival was 6.2 months overall, 5.0 months with the single-dose schedule, and 7.3 months with the weekly dose schedule. The median survival was 9.2 months for patients in salvage 1 (37% at 1 year), 4.3 months for patients in salvage 2, and 6.6 months for patients in salvage 3 or later. The median remission duration was 7 months. Reversible bilirubin elevation, fever, and hypotension were observed less frequently on the weekly dose. In total, 36 of 90 patients (40%) underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Veno-occlusive disease was noted in 6 of 36 patients after stem cell transplantation (17%), was less frequent after the weekly schedule (7%), and with less alkylators in the preparative regimen. CONCLUSIONS Inotuzumab single-agent therapy was highly active, safe, and convenient in patients with refractory-relapsed ALL. A weekly dose schedule appeared to be equally effective and less toxic than a single-dose schedule. Cancer 2013;119:2728–2736. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
ON THE VERY IDEA OF AN ONTOLOGY OF COMMUNION: BEING, RELATION AND FREEDOM IN ZIZIOULAS AND LEVINAS

The present article examines the theology of John Zizioulas with a view to understanding its coherence and viability for ecclesiology. Instead of treating his trinitarian theology, or his historical claims, I focus upon the basic themes of his personalistic ontology, especially the relationship between the ‘hypostasis’ and its ‘nature.’ I argue that Zizioulas's central concept of freedom rests upon an equivocation: he affirms both that freedom and being are identical, and that they are mutually exclusive. In conversation with the philosophy of Levinas, I further argue that Zizioulas's proposal, as an ontology of communion, falls prey to the same reduction of being to thought that forms the central tenet of Western conceptions of subjectivity. In conclusion, I argue that both of these problems trade on a basic inability to account for grace as the fundamental reality of communion. Throughout my basic concern is to inquire into just what function the category of ‘being’ has in Zizioulas's theology, and to point out its surprising obscurity.
Reform in Motion: The Promise and Perils of Incorporating Risk Assessments and Cost-Benefit Analysis into Pennsylvania Sentencing

Actuarial risk assessment and cost-benefit analyses have become increasingly commonplace in many areas of criminal justice. The integration of these tools in sentencing represents a natural and logical next step. In Pennsylvania, the pace of this development has recently accelerated, as reform legislation now mandates the inclusion of actuarial methodologies into the sentencing architecture. This article considers the promises and the perils of this integration in light of Pennsylvania’s sentencing structure. The authors conclude by presenting four key questions that legislators in Pennsylvania- as well as other jurisdictions beginning to addresses the use of empirical data in sentencing- should consider before implementation.
Increased 3-gram cefazolin dosing for cesarean delivery prophylaxis in obese women

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine tissue concentrations of cefazolin after the administration of a 3-g prophylactic dose for cesarean delivery in obese women (body mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m 2 ) and to compare these data with data for historic control subjects who received 2-g doses. Acceptable coverage was defined as the ability to reach the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 μg/mL for cefazolin. Study Design We conducted a 2-phase investigation. The current phase is a prospective cohort study of the effects of obesity on tissue concentrations after prophylactic 3-g cefazolin doses at the time of cesarean delivery. Concentration data after 3-g were compared with data for historic control subjects who had received 2-g. Three grams of parenteral cefazolin was given 30-60 minutes before skin incision. Adipose samples were collected at both skin incision and closure. Cefazolin concentrations were determined with the use of a validated high-performance liquid chromatography assay. Results Twenty-eight obese women were enrolled in the current study; 29 women were enrolled in the historic cohort. BMI had a proportionally inverse relationship on antibiotic concentrations. An increase of the cefazolin dose dampened this effect and improved the probability of reaching the recommended MIC of ≥8 μg/mL. Subjects with a BMI of 30-40 kg/m 2 had a median concentration of 6.5 μg/g (interquartile range [IQR], 4.18–7.18) after receiving 2-g vs 22.4 μg/g (IQR, 20.29–34.36) after receiving 3-g. Women with a BMI of >40 kg/m 2 had a median concentration of 4.7 μg/g (IQR, 3.11–4.97) and 9.6 μg/g (IQR, 7.62–15.82) after receiving 2- and 3-g, respectively. With 2 g of cefazolin, only 20% of the cohort with a BMI of 30-40 kg/m 2 and none of the cohort with a BMI of >40 kg/m 2 reached an MIC of ≥8 μg/mL. With 3-g, all women with a BMI of 30-40 kg/m 2 reached target MIC values; 71% of the women with a BMI of >40 kg/m 2 attained this cutoff. Conclusion Higher adipose concentrations of cefazolin were observed after the administration of an increased prophylactic dose. This concentration-based pharmacology study supports the use of 3 g of cefazolin at the time of cesarean delivery in obese women. Normal and overweight women (BMI 2 ) reach adequate cefazolin concentrations with the standard 2-g dosing.
The Relationship of Nutrition and Pressure Ulcers

A strong epidemiological association exists between nutritional status and the incidence, progression, and severity of pressure sores. The results of trials of prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers with nutritional interventions to date have been disappointing. While nutrient deficiencies are linked with poor wound healing, providing supplements to patients who are not deficient has not been shown to be of benefit for pressure ulcers. This paradoxical finding could be explained by a mechanism of weight loss occurring in a cycle of anorexia and cachexia. Cytokine-induced cachexia is remarkably resistant to hypercaloric feeding. Acknowledging these ambivalent findings, it is still important that general nutritional support be provided to persons with pressure ulcers, consistent with medical goals and patient wishes.
Effect of squalane on mebendazole-loaded Compritol® nanoparticles.

The objective of this study is to develop nanostructured lipid formulations of Compritol for the delivery of mebendazole. The formulations were prepared with Compritol 888 ATO, squalane, and Pluronic F68. Nine batches with different amounts of modifier, squalane, and drug were prepared. The formulations were characterized by evaluating particle size, morphology, and zeta potential. The thermal properties of the formulations were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The encapsulation efficiency of each formulation and the drug release rates from each formulation were quantified by UPLC. The particles were spherical and had median particle sizes between 300 and 600 nm (50th percentile). A linear relationship was observed between Compritol/squalane composition and the melting point of the mixture. The DSC scans of the formulations revealed some recrystallization of the drug from the formulations, and the amount of recrystallization correlated with the amount of squalane in the formulation. Ap...
The Logic of Perverse Incentives: Explaining the Persistence of Machine Politics in Argentina

This paper argues that by distributing rewards and punishments to candidates based only on voter turnout, party leaders develop a system of perverse incentives that encourages candidates to use clientelism. Assuming that party candidates are interested in pursuing a political career, their decision about whether or not to use clientelism comes to define their political future. Drawing on the comparative method, this article combines quantitative and qualitative data while tracing the political careers of 137 municipal candidates in Argentina between 1995 and 2005. The empirical evidence presented in this article shows that political leaders reward candidates based on the number of voters they mobilize, regardless of the strategies those candidates employ to maximize voter turnout. This logic of perverse incentives has unintended consequences: the emergence and consolidation of mercenary candidates who distribute money, small goods, and even alcohol and drugs, to voters in exchange for political participation. The paper concludes by examining the implication of this logic of perverse incentives and its unintended consequences for the consolidation and quality of democracy.
Neurobehavioral Testing in Humans

The evaluation of the effects of chemical exposures on humans is a worldwide concern, and most chemicals have not been evaluated for neurotoxic effect. Human neurobehavioral research or clinical evaluations of populations exposed to chemicals must be carefully planned and structured. This unit describes the steps required to create such a study, select the appropriate measures, and evaluate the results.
[Chromatium buderi nov. spec., a new species of the "large" Thiorhodaceae].

Aus Salzschlamm von der Galapagos-Insel Santa Cruz sowie Salzmarschen bei Barnstable (Cape Cod, Mass.) wurde ein Schwefelpurpurbakterium isoliert, das aufgrund seiner Morphologie, Pigmentausrustung und Physiologie als neue Art beschrieben wird: Chromatium buderi nov. spec. Der Organismus ist als “grses” Chromatium anzusehen und wird gegen die anderen “grosen” Chromatien C. okenii, C. weissei und C. warmingii abgegrenzt.
Acute pain medicine: show me the data.

This month in Pain Medicine researchers Duncan et al. ⇓ present their review of the emerging practice of acute pain medicine within the United Kingdom (UK) health system. The timeliness of this manuscript and topic is particularly poignant with the recent American Academy of Pain Medicine announcement of the creation of an Acute Pain Medicine Special Interest Group (http://www.painmed.org/acute/) and publication of the Group's mission statement in this journal ⇓. From a historic perspective perhaps it is understandable that both health systems would be exploring in greater detail the emerging pain medicine sub-specialty field of acute pain medicine. After all, the United States (US) and UK have been staunch allies during all of the major 20th century conflicts and that relationship has continued during the most recent conflicts. War, while representing the human species at its very worst, is a catalyst for medical change and innovation. In fact, the first US military acute pain service to serve wounded in the Afghanistan War was accomplished within a UK lead combat support hospital ⇓. I believe the collective experience both countries have gained in the past decade dealing with war casualties has highlighted the importance of …
A test of the Battig procedure for controlling the level of individual item learning in paired-associate lists

Battig (1965) published a correction adjusted-learning method for ensuring equal learning of all items in a paired-associate list. The present experiment tested the adequacy of his technique by using response latency as a measure of learning. The results showed that the Battig procedure was not entirely successful in equating the level of learning across items.
Machine Learning Techniques for Group Technology Applications

Abstract This paper presents a new approach of using machine learning techniques from artificial intelligence research to induce part families which can satisfy specific goals of group technology applications. A framework for god-directed part classification is proposed, and a case study is reported to demonstrate the framework. The approach treats forming part families as an inductive learning process whose purpose is to generate useful classification of a population of parts. Specially, conceptual clustering is used as an alternative to numerical taxonomy, and feature-based symbolic representation is employed in Lieu of numerical coding. The goal of GT applications can be incorporated by proper selection of relevant attributes for the clustering program, and/or by using background knowledge to bias the clustering process. The results from conceptual clustering are simple, conceptual interpretations of pan families which are easy for mastering the interaction among representation-classification-goal cycle for real-world GT applications. Furthermore, this research illustrates a meaningful application of advanced AI techniques to an important area of computer-integrated manufacturing.
Cholinergic Neuronal Differentiation Factor (CDF)/Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) Binds to Specific Regions of the Developing Nervous System in Vivo

Abstract The cholinergic neuronal differentiation factor (CDF)/leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) promotes survival and/or differentiation of specific neuronal populations in vitro. To investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of CDF/ LIF binding sites in the developing rat nervous system, we localized binding of iodinated native rat CDF/LIF by radioautography. We find that specific CDF/LIF binding sites are present in distinct regions of the nervous system at defined developmental stages. CDF/LIF binding is detectable in all sensory ganglia examined, both neural crest- and placode-derived, and in all sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia examined. In the central nervous system, in contrast, binding is restricted to specific regions in the motor, sensory, and limbic systems. These in vivo results not only support culture studies which suggest CDF/LIF involvement in development of specific populations of neurons, but also suggest new roles played by CDF/LIF.
Hydrodynamics and structure: Interactive effects on meiofauna dispersal☆

Studies have shown that meiofauna occur in the water column due to both passive erosion processes and behavioral emergence. The relative importance of these two processes varies between habitats. I tested the hypothesis that two aspects of the physical environment, hydrodynamics and aboveground structure, interactively influence meiofauna dispersal. Experiments were performed in a recirculating laboratory flume using sediment boxcores from two sites — from within a vegetated (Spartina) region and from an adjacent unvegetated mudflat. A 2 × 3 factorial design was used with three flow levels and structure either present or absent. For each treatment combination the number of meiofauna drifting was determined. The number of meiofauna emerging was determined under no flow conditions with structure present and with structure absent. Flow and structure did influence drift from the mud boxcores with the greatest number of fauna drifting at high flows and when structure was present. For the Spartina boxcores, the number of meiofauna drifting increased as flow increased but was not influenced by the presence of structure. For both mud and Spartina boxcores, emergence of copepods was enhanced when structure was present. It is concluded that, for both sites, surface activity of copepods was enhanced in the presence of structure, yet the copepods were able to minimize downstream transport when Spartina culms were present. Nematode emergence was not influenced by structure.
Application of the Van de Graaff to the mass spectroscopy of simulated ice mantles of interstellar dust

Abstract The interstellar dust plays a role in the processes of star formation and is the probable precursor for comets. In clouds of dust where optical depth τ ⪢ 1, the temperatures are T E mMeV nucleon ) ion beam from a Van de Graaff “erodes” a simulated mantle and the constituents are ejected into a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The precursor gas mixture for a simulated mantle may include H2O, CO, CH4, N2, NH3, O2, Ar, and C2H2. Gases may be electrically discharged prior to freezeout on a sapphire substrate or UV/ion irradiated after deposition. Techniques optimize detection without excessive heating of the sample. Determination of molecular weights and structure of mantle constituents having spectroscopic characteristics of interest to astrophysics is the goal.
Linearized embedding: a new metric matrix algorithm for calculating molecular conformations subject to geometric constraints

There are many methods in the literature for calculating conformations of a molecule subject to geometric constraints, such as those derived from two-dimensional NMR experiments. One of the most general ones is the EMBED algorithm, based on distance geometry, where all constraints except chirality are converted into upper and lower bounds on interatomic distances. Here we propose a variation on this where the molecule is assumed to have fixed bond lengths, vicinal bond angles and chiral centers; and these holonomic constraints are enforced separately from the experimental constraints by being built into the mathematical structure of the problem. The advantages of this approach are: (1) for molecules having large rigid groups of atoms, there are substantially fewer variables in the problem than all the atomic coordinates; (2) rigid groups achieve in the end more accurate local geometry (e.g., planar aromatic rings are truly planar, chiral centers always have their correct absolute chirality); (3) it is easier to detect inconsistencies between the holonomic and the experimental constraints; and (4) when generating a random sampling of conformers consistent with all constraints, the probability of achieving satisfactory structures tends to be greater.
Parametric sensitivity analysis and model tuning applied to vapor compression systems

This paper presents a parameter sensitivity analysis for a low-order control-oriented dynamic model of a subcritical vapor compression system. The results are used to tune immeasurable model parameters, account for the unmodeled system dynamics, and are applied to fault detection residual design. The models are validated against data taken from an experimental test stand, and the sensitivity based model tuning is shown to improve the model accuracy while providing enhanced physical insight into system dynamics.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Is urethral pressure profilometry a useful diagnostic test for stress urinary incontinence

Urethral pressure profilometry is commonly used as a diagnostic test for stress urinary incontinence. The objective of this article is to review the published literature on urethral pressure profilometry to summarize its usefulness. MEDLINE was used to search the published English literature from 1966 to October 2000 for full-length original research articles on urethral pressure profilometry and stress urinary incontinence in women. Terms related to urethral pressure profilometry are defined consistently but techniques are not standardized, introducing variation in test results. Reproducibility of urethral pressure profilometry parameters is poor, both because of biological variation and variation within the test procedure itself (related in part to lack of standardization). Parameters of urethral pressure profilometry do not distinguish between continent and incontinent women and do not characterize the severity of incontinence or urethral incompetence. It is, therefore, concluded that urethral pressure profilometry is not a useful diagnostic test for stress urinary incontinence in women. Its use in clinical management is not supported by current evidence.
Using a Microgrid test bed to evaluate the strategies for seamless renewable energy integration

The current limitations of infrastructure detain the power grid from meeting the requirement of the restructured power market and the integration of the renewable energy. The researches for the smart grid are necessary to develop the future power system. This paper presents the design, development, and hardware setting of the smart MicroGrid test bed at the University of Texas at Arlington. While the test bed can utilize the renewable energy sources like wind turbines, solar panels, and PEM fuel cell, it also has the capability of running in parallel with the utility grid. Since the smart micro grid acts as the basic unit of the smart grid, the test bed provides a playground for both research and education purposes. With real-time data acquisition and control devices, the operation of the smart MicroGrid test bed is also discussed in the paper.
A microwave plasma closing switch and stealth plasma antennas

We have developed a microwave closing switch (in contrast to the TR opening switches used in RADAR), that has up to 65 dB difference in transmission open vs closed. The basic concept is a coaxial line in which the center conductor is a glass tube filled with a low-pressure gas, and the outer conductor is a metal pipe. Normally, this structure corresponds to a cylindrical wave guide beyond cutoff and microwave transmission along the structure is negligible. However, when the gas in the cylindrical glass tube is ionized, it behaves as an excellent conductor, and the structure becomes a coaxial line that efficiently transmits microwaves. Applications include modulation as well as microwave switching. We have found that ordinary fluorescent lamps can be used as the central conductor. In another application of the same technology we have constructed antennas out of glass tubes filled with low-pressure gas. When the gas is ionized, we have an efficient, highly-directional receiving or transmitting antenna. When the gas de-ionizes, the structure reverts to a simple structure of glass tubes, with negligible RADAR cross-section.
DNA content and other factors associated with ten-year survival after resection of pancreatic carcinoma.

Background and Objectives: The 5-year survival rates after resection of pancreatic carcinoma have recently increased and are predicted by tumor size, DNA content, and lymph node metastases at the time of resection. However, whether the 10-year survival rates have also increased and are similarly predicted by these factors is not known. Methods The influence of preoperative imaging tests, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, K-ras mutations, anatomic location, details of surgical resection, pathologic findings, and tumor DNA content on survival was tested for 96 patients after a successful resection of a pancreatic carcinoma with 17 patients being followed for more than 5 years. Results The 5- and 10-year patient survival rates were 18% and 3%, respectively. Univariate and multivariable analyses showed that tumor DNA content, pathologic tumor size, and lymph node metastases were the strongest prognostic indicators for long-term patient survival, although the importance of tumor size may diminish 2 or more years after resection. Surprisingly, the 11 patients with diploid carcinomas ⩾4 cm had an estimated 10-year survival rate of 36%. Conclusion These results show that the 10-year survival rate for pancreatic carcinoma remains very low, although the subset of patients with biologically favorable tumors has a prolonged survival and possible cure after resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 1998;67:151–159. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Impact of Oral Typhoid Vaccination on the Human Gut Microbiota and Correlations with S. Typhi-Specific Immunological Responses

The resident microbial consortia of the human gastrointestinal tract play an integral role in modulating immune responses both locally and systemically. However, detailed information regarding the effector immune responses after vaccine administration in relation to the gastrointestinal microbiota is absent. In this study, the licensed oral live-attenuated typhoid vaccine Ty21a was administered in a clinical study to investigate whether oral immunization resulted in alterations of the microbiota and to identify whether a given microbiota composition, or subsets of the community, are associated with defined S. Typhi-specific immunological responses. The fecal microbiota composition and temporal dynamics were characterized using bacterial 16S rRNA pyrosequencing from individuals who were either immunized with the Ty21a typhoid vaccine (n = 13) or served as unvaccinated controls (n = 4). The analysis revealed considerable inter- and intra-individual variability, yet no discernible perturbations of the bacterial assemblage related to vaccine administration were observed. S. Typhi-specific cell mediated immune (CMI) responses were evaluated by measurement of intracellular cytokine production using multiparametric flow cytometry, and humoral responses were evaluated by measurement of serum anti-LPS IgA and IgG titers. Volunteers were categorized according to the kinetics and magnitude of their responses. While differences in microbial composition, diversity, or temporal stability were not observed among individuals able to mount a positive humoral response, individuals displaying multiphasic CMI responses harbored more diverse, complex communities. In line with this preliminary observation, over two hundred operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were found to differentiate multiphasic and late CMI responders, the vast majority of which classified within the order Clostridiales. These results provide an unprecedented view into the dramatic temporal heterogeneity of both the gut microbiota and host immune responses.
Dissociative Binding of Carboxylic Acid Ligand on Nanoceria Surface in Aqueous Solution: A Joint In Situ Spectroscopic Characterization and First-Principles Study

Carboxylic acid is a common ligand anchoring group used to functionalize nanoparticle surfaces. Its binding structure and mechanism as a function of the oxidation states of metal oxide nanoparticle surfaces are not well characterized. Here we present an in situ sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG-VS) and spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) study on the binding of deuterated acetic acid on ceria nanoparticles (CNPs) in aqueous solution. SFG spectra from the CNP surface revealed that the binding modes of the carboxylate group depend on the oxidation states of the cerium on the surface. SFG polarization analysis suggested that bidentate chelating and bridging binding modes coexist on partially reduced ceria surfaces, while oxidized ceria surfaces are dominated by the bidentate bridging mode. DFT calculations show consistent results that dissociative adsorption is more thermodynamically stable than molecular state adsorption. Dissociative adsorption to a highly undercoordinated c...
Argatroban Therapy for Antithrombin Deficiency and Mesenteric Thrombosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Antithrombin deficiency is a hypercoagulable state that can increase the risk for thrombosis, especially in the presence of other procoagulant triggers. Unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparins may not provide effective anticoagulation since they require antithrombin for activity. Direct thrombin inhibitors, however, work independently of antithrombin. A 21-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol consumption had thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein. Infusion with unfractionated heparin was started, and despite repeated boluses and increases to 21 U/kg/hour, the maximum activated partial thromboplastin time reached was 39 seconds. The unfractionated heparin was discontinued, and the direct thrombin inhibitor argatroban was infused at rates of 0.4-0.5 microg/kg/minute. Over the course of several weeks, the patient had numerous operations to remove and repair necrotic bowel. When no further surgery was anticipated, warfarin therapy was started; the argatroban infusion was discontinued when the patient reached the therapeutic target international normalized ratio with warfarin. No recurrent thrombosis or major bleeding occurred. Direct thrombin inhibitors, such as argatroban, seem to be suitable alternatives for acute anticoagulation in patients with antithrombin deficiency.
Study of the effect of cannula rotation on tissue cutting for needle biopsy

Needle biopsy is a medical procedure to extract tissue for diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. The quality of tissue samples acquired by needle biopsy greatly depends on the cutting forces of the cannula. The reduction of cutting forces is crucial for obtaining good tissue samples. There exist many factors that influence the cutting forces, some of which include the cannula tip geometry, translation speed, and rotation speed. In the present paper, the effects of rotating the cannula on tissue cutting for needle biopsy are studied. A fracture-mechanics-based approach is used to analyze the cutting forces. Analysis has shown that the cutting forces decrease with the increases in the slice/push ratio defined as the ratio of speed component parallel to the cutting edge/speed perpendicular to the cutting edge. Experiments are performed to demonstrate this phenomenon. Mathematical models of the slice/push ratio for bevel tip cannulas are formulated. The results are used to determine the optimal cannula rotation/translation speed and the desired tip geometry for needle biopsy. It is shown that a minimal slice/push ratio of 2 is recommended. A cannula with a large bevel angle is more suitable for rotational needle biopsy.
Energetical factors in power systems with nonlinear loads

The classical definitions for the energetical determining factors in power systems are reviewed and a new model for the apparent power is suggested. — Based on the volt-ampere characteristic of the nonlinear load, an equivalent circuit, containing linear elements, can be determined. In this way, load-flow and harmonic compensation studies can be simplified.
Thomas B. A. Senior Wins the 2010 IEEE Electromagnetics Award [Report of Awards and Fellow Committee]

Professor Thomas B. A. Senior has been selected to receive the 2010 IEEE Electromagnetics Award "For significant contributions to the advancement of electromagnetic diffraction and scattering theories."
Time-course effects of oral guanethidine administration on cardiovascular and autonomic effects on dogs

Abstract The time-course effects of guanethidine (2.5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) administered for 2 days, 7 days and 7–8 months were investigated in dogs. Guanethidine treatment for 2 days failed to produce any significant alterations in sympathetic neuronal activity to the myocardium, resting neurogenic tone in the perfused hind limb vasculature and lumbar sympathetic neuronal transmission. Following guanethidine administration for a period of 7 days both cardiac and lumbar sympathetic neuronal activity was markedly and significantly depressed with concomitant reduction in heart rate and resting neurogenic tone to the hind limb. However, continued treatment with guanethidine for a period of 7–8 months resulted in complete restoration of cardiac as well as lumbar sympathetic neuronal activity. Both heart rate and resting neurogenic tone were also returned to placebo levels. The development of tolerance of these sympathetic nerves to guanethidine treatment was not associated with any alterations in the activity of adrenergic receptors. Further, there was a significant and time-dependent increase in cholinergic vasodilator activity in the lumbar sympathtetic chain which could account for the exertional hypotension noted in the patients receiving guanethidine treatment.
Emotion and Strategic Learning in War

This paper applies the framework of affective intelligence theory—a theory of how emotions affect attitudes, beliefs, and decision making—to elite learning during war time. Doing so provides novel hypotheses about when and how war leaders respond to new events. These hypotheses are tested using a set of cases drawn from the Winter War. Findings suggest that these emotion-derived hypotheses may be more effective in predicting learning and its absence than purely Bayesian or extant cognitive models of learning.
Validity of sudden gains in acute phase treatment of depression

The authors examined the validity of sudden gains identified with T. Z. Tang and R. J. DeRubeiss (1999)method in 2 clinical data sets that involved treatment of major depressive disorder ( N 227). Suddengains replicated among self- and clinician reports of depressive symptoms and predicted better psycho-social functioning at the acute phase treatment end point, in support of their validity. However, suddengains occurred with roughly the same moderate frequency in pill placebo and pharmacotherapy withclinical management as in cognitive therapy. Furthermore, sudden gains predicted more depressivesymptoms and negative failure attributions in longitudinal follow-up of responders to acute phasecognitive therapy. On the basis of these findings, the authors conceptualize sudden gains as one of severalpossible patterns of acute phase treatment response.
The Strong-Focusing Synchroton—A New High Energy Accelerator

Strong focusing forces result from the alternation of large positive and negative $n$-values in successive sectors of the magnetic guide field in a synchrotron. This sequence of alternately converging and diverging magnetic lenses of equal strength is itself converging, and leads to significant reductions in oscillation amplitude, both for radial and axial displacements. The mechanism of phase-stable synchronous acceleration still applies, with a large reduction in the amplitude of the associated radial synchronous oscillations. To illustrate, a design is proposed for a 30-Bev proton accelerator with an orbit radius of 300 ft, and with a small magnet having an aperture of 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2 inches. Tolerances on nearly all design parameters are less critical than for the equivalent uniform-$n$ machine. A generalization of this focusing principle leads to small, efficient focusing magnets for ion and electron beams. Relations for the focal length of a double-focusing magnet are presented, from which the design parameters for such linear systems can be determined.
Studies on DNA - active agents: The synthesis of the parent carbocyclic subunit of neocarzinostatin chromophore A

Abstract A synthesis of the parent carbocyclic subunit of NCS Chrom A ( 1 ) is described which provides corroborative support for the assigned but unprecedented structure of the active subunit of 1 , reference data for future synthetic and mechanism of action studies, and a general strategy for analogue and total synthesis.
An evaluation of fluidized bed combustor ash as a source of alkalinity to treat toxic rock materials

Abstract The coal mining industry is in need of effective, locally available, low-cost ameliorants that can be used to treat the toxic materials generated by surface mining and coal cleaning plants. Ashes generated by fluidized bed combustors may locally fit these criteria. Samples of fly ash and bottom ash were acquired from facilities in West Virginia, Texas, and California and evaluated for their ability to generate alkalinity. The results show that FBC ash has the potential to produce solutions of high alkalinity depending on the CaO and CaCO 3 contents. The relative content of CaO, and to a lesser extent Ca(OH) 2 , determines the rate at which alkalinity will be produced. The neutralization potential is the best parameter to evaluate the potential of an FBC ash to produce alkalinity. Because the composition of ashes from a facility vary over time and because no single parameter will accurately evaluate the rate at which alkalinity will be produced, the rate of alkaline production must be evaluated by controlled leach experiments.