cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An experimental study of strontium and lead diffusion in calcite, and implications for carbonate diagenesis and metamorphism

Chemical diffusion of Pb and Sr has been measured in natural calcite under anhydrous conditions. The source of diffusants for the Sr and Pb diffusion experiments were SrCO3 and PbO powders, respectively. Experiments were run in sealed silica capsules containing finely ground calcite to ensure stability of the single-crystal samples during diffusion anneals. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) was used to measure diffusion profiles. The following Arrhenius relations were obtained over the temperature range 440–800°C for Sr, 440–650° for Pb: DSr = 2.1 x 10−13exp(−132 ± 6 kJ mol−1/RT) m2 s−1 DPb = 5.8 x 10−15exp(−117 ± 9 kJ mol−1/RT) m2 s−1 Diffusion of Sr and Pb is relatively rapid in comparison to rates for these elements in other minerals, but fine-scale zoning and isotopic and chemical signatures many be retained in calcites under many conditions if diffusion is the dominant process affecting alteration.
Optimal Actuation of Dynamically Driven Serial and Hybrid Flexure Systems

In this paper, we introduce the principles necessary to guide designers in determining the optimal number and placement of actuators for driving the stage of a general serial or hybrid flexure system at any desired speed. Although the degrees of freedom (DOFs) of a flexure system are largely determined by the location and orientation of its flexure elements, the system’s stage will tend to displace in unwanted directions (i.e., parasitic errors) while attempting to traverse its intended DOFs if it is not actuated correctly. The problem of correctly placing actuators is difficult because the optimal location changes depending on the speed with which the stage is driven. Moreover the issue of correctly actuating the stage of a serial or hybrid flexure system is substantially more complicated than actuating the stage of a parallel system because serial and hybrid systems possess multiple rigid bodies, which greatly enhance the system’s dynamic complexity, and provide a host of alternative options for actuating the system with its intended DOFs. In this paper we review the principles of static and dynamic actuation space and provide the mathematics necessary to apply these spaces to serial and hybrid systems such that designers can rapidly visualize all the ways actuators can be placed to correctly drive any combination of the system’s rigid body constituents such that the system’s stage achieves the desired DOFs with minimal parasitic error at any speed.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Radial organization of the hippocampal dentate gyrus: A Golgi ultrastructural, and immunocytochemical analysis in the developing rhesus monkey

The cytoarchitectonic organization of the dentate gyrus was analyzed in the rhesus monkey at various embryonic (E) and postnatal (P) ages with the rapid Golgi method, transmission electron microscopy (EM), and immunocytochemical localization of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). From the earliest ages (stage I, E38-E83), immature granule cells were arranged radially along elongated fibers that extend from the ventricular zone to the pial surface. The glial nature of these radial fibers was confirmed by the presence of GFAP antigen in their cytoplasm detected clearly by E70. EM analysis at this age showed that granule cells situated within the dentate plate, as well as many neurons still migrating from the ventricular zone, were closely apposed to fascicles of radial glial fibers. The radial organization of the dentate plate was even more evident during stage II (E83-E165). Thus, in E97 and E125 specimens, radially oriented immunoreactive glial processes emerged from somas situated either in the ventricular or subgranular zones, penetrated between columns of neurons in the granular layer, branched upon entering the molecular layer, and finally terminated at the pial surface. Palisades of glial processes delineated ontogenetic radial units which consisted of stacks of granule cell bodies in different stages of maturation. In a given radial unit, more mature cells were located superficially (closer to the pial surface) and less mature cells were located at progressively deeper levels. This radial organization of the dentate gyrus was maintained during stage III (P0-P60) and stage IV (2 months-adult). Furthermore, the number of GFAP-positive proliferating cells in the subgranular zone increased from 1 to 5 months. In the mature brain, the radial organization of the dentate gyrus was less apparent although many glial fibers still penetrated the granule cell layer. The present results indicate that the developing dentate gyrus in primates consists of a series of ontogenetic radial units that resemble those described in the fetal neocortex (Rakic, '72). They further suggest that the development and maintenance of this radial columnar organization may be imposed by the orientation of glial scaffolding during development.
The dilemmas of incrementalism: logical and political constraints in the design of health insurance reforms.

Health care reform became a premier issue on the U.S. policy agenda in the 1990s. While the comprehensive proposal put forth by President Clinton failed, states and the federal government successfully pursued a variety of lesser initiatives. This article focuses on a set of reforms intended to make private health insurance more accessible and affordable to individuals and workers in small firms. It outlines the key arguments made by experts to justify stronger regulation of health insurance and the options and difficult tradeoffs that must be considered in policy design. It then examines the scope and strength of legislation adopted by 45 states and the federal government from 1990 to 1996. The substantial variation in state policies demonstrates that even though insurance market reform was the one issue that commanded nearly universal support in the health care debate, few design features were universally accepted by those who crafted the reforms. The article concludes by assessing the pattern of state and federal action. The reforms represent some progress on nominal access to insurance but little progress on the affordability of insurance for individuals and small groups. Few of the reforms present a serious challenge to existing practices and interests of the insurance industry. This pattern of policy design reflects the logical and political constraints of incrementalism. In a system where insurance coverage is voluntary, changes to increase access for one group tend to increase costs and thereby decrease access for another segment of the population. In addition, because incremental reforms will not attract sustained attention and support from the general public, it is politically difficult to impose substantial new regulation on a powerful industry. © 1999 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Statistical issues in phase III human immunodeficiency virus vaccine trial design

Several scientific questions are of interest in phase III trials of prophylactic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccines. In this paper we focus on some issues related to evaluating the direct protective effects of a vaccine in reducing susceptibility, VES, and its effect on reducing infectiousness, VEI. An estimation of VEI generally requires information on contacts between the infective and susceptible individuals. By augmenting the primary participants of an HIV vaccine trial by their steady sexual partners, information can be collected that allows an estimation of VEI as well as VES. Exposure to infection information, however, may be expensive and difficult to collect. A vaccine trial design can include a small validation set with good exposure to infection data to correct bias in a larger, simpler main study with only coarse exposure data. The large main study increases the efficiency of the small validation set. More research into the combination of different levels of information in vaccine trial design will yield more efficient and less biased estimates of the efficacy measures of interest.
Piecewise-Functional Broadside Tests Based on Reachable States

This paper describes a new characterization of broadside tests that measures the proximity to functional operation conditions during their functional clock cycles, where delay faults are detected. Proximity to functional operation conditions is important for avoiding overtesting of delay faults. The new characterization considers a test as piecewise-functional based on its scan-in state. For functional operation conditions, the scan-in state must be a reachable state (a state that the circuit can enter during functional operation). However, using only reachable states as scan-in states limits the fault coverage that can be achieved. In a piecewise-functional broadside test, the scan-in state can be partitioned into substates that are also substates of reachable states. The paper presents a definition that allows every broadside test to be characterized as piecewise-functional. It also describes procedures for characterization, and for modification of broadside test sets so as to ensure that they create closer-to-functional operation conditions.
Monolithic Si bolometer array for the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory

We are developing a submillimeter continuum camera for the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) located on Mauna Kea. The camera will employ a monolithic Si bolometer array which was developed by Mosley et al. at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The camera will be cooled to a temperature of about 300 mK in a ^3He cryostat, and will operate primarily at wavelengths of 350 and 450 micrometers. We plan to use a bolometer array with 1 x 24 directly illuminated pixels, each pixel of dimension 1 x 2 mm^2, which is about half of the F/4 beam size at these wavelengths. Each pixel is 10 - 12 micrometers thick and is supported only by four thin Si legs formed by wet chemical etch. The pixels are doped n-type by phosphorus implantation, compensated by boron implantation. Signals from the bolometer pixels are first amplified by cryogenically cooled FETs. The signals are further amplified by room-temperature amplifiers and then separately digitized by 16 bit A/D converters with differential inputs. The outputs of the A/D converters are fed into a digital signal processing board via fiber-optic cables. The electronics and data acquisition system were designed by the Goddard group. We will report the status of this effort.
Value of Acute Rest Sestamibi Perfusion Imaging for Evaluation of Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department With Chest Pain

Abstract Objectives. This study sought to determine the ability of early perfusion imaging using technetium-99m sestamibi to predict adverse cardiac outcomes in patients who present to the emergency department with possible cardiac ischemia and nondiagnostic electrocardiograms (ECGs). Background. Evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department with possible acute coronary syndromes and nondiagnostic ECGs is problematic. Accurate risk stratification is necessary to prevent serious adverse outcomes. Initial results suggest that early perfusion imaging using technetium-99m sestamibi enables reliable risk stratification. Methods. Patients presenting to the emergency department with a low to moderate probability of acute coronary syndromes underwent rapid sestamibi injection with gated single-photon emission computed tomographic imaging. Studies showing perfusion defects with associated wall motion abnormalities were considered positive. Results. A total of 532 consecutive patients underwent serial myocardial marker analysis and rest perfusion imaging. Of these patients, perfusion imaging was positive in 171 (32%). Positive perfusion imaging was the only multivariate predictor of myocardial infarction (MI) (p Conclusions. Positive rest perfusion imaging accurately identified patients at high risk for adverse cardiac outcomes, whereas negative perfusion imaging identified a low risk patient group. Early perfusion imaging allows for rapid and accurate risk stratification of emergency department patients with possible cardiac ischemia and nondiagnostic ECGs.
Effect of androgens on serum lipids and lipoproteins.

The effects of androgens on lipid transport and metabolism have been reviewed. These effects are probably independent of the androgenic and anabolic activities of the androgens, although the molecular mechanism of action is still not known. Presumably the lowering by androgens of the concentrations of serum lipids and lipoproteins could be the consequence possibly of a primary, inhibitory effect on the synthesis of apolipoprotein A. In addition the role of increased lipolytic activities in plasma and of effects on intermediatry metabolism has been considered.
Robust Object Reconstruction From Noisy Observations

The problem of reconstructing a moving object from multiple snapshots contaminated by noise arises in many imaging applications. Many techniques have been proposed for noise elimination that rely either on measurements of the autocorrelation and/or power spectrum of the observations, or on the assumption that the additive noise is white. The power spectrum is affected by additive noise, and in many situations, the noise is spatially or temporally correlated. The above techniques are sensitive to deviations from assumptions. The bispectrum is identically zero for random processes with symmetric distributions regardless of spatial or temporal correlations. This property along with its ability to retain phase and magnitude information, have led researchers to propose bispectral techniques for estimating parameters of random signals in noise. The bispectrum is also insensitive to translational motion. If these properties are to be taken advantage of to solve the moving object (deterministic signal in noise) reconstruction problem, it is necessary to obtain good estimates of the bispectrum of the object from the noisy observations. In order to do this it is necessary to restrict bispectrum estimation to a certain region of the frequency plane. A consequence of this is that several techniques proposed for bispectral analysis of random signals cannot be used. The paper develops new approaches which enable signal reconstruction from bispectrum measurements made over the restricted region. Simulations of application of these techniques to moving object reconstruction, data transmission over channels with jitter and noise, and image restoration, show that they are more robust with respect to the statistics of the contaminating noise than methods based on autocorrelation.
Reservoir fracture characterization from seismic scattered waves

The measurements of fracture parameters, such as fracture orientation, fracture density and fracture compliance, in a reservoir is very important for field development and exploration. Traditional seismic methods for fracture characterization include shear wave birefringence (Gaiser and Dok, 2001; Dok et al., 2001; Angerer et al., 2002; Vetri et al., 2003) and amplitude variations with offset and azimuth (AVOA) (Ruger, 1998; Shen et al., 2002; Hall et al., 2003; Liu et al., 2010; Lynn et al., 2010). These methods are based on the equivalent medium theory with the assumption that fracture dimension and spacing are small relative to the seismic wave length, so a fracture zone behaves like an equivalent anisotropic medium. But fractures on the order of seismic wave length are also very important for enhanced oil recovery, and they are one of the important subsurface scattering sources that generate scattered seismic waves. Willis et al. (2006) developed the Scattering Index method to extract the fracture scattering characteristics by calculating the transfer funtion of a fracture zone. Fang et al. (2011) proposed a modification of the SI method (the Fracture Transfer Function (FTF) method) that leads to a more robust fracture characterization. In this paper, we use both laboratory data and field data to explore the capability of the FTF method.
17α-Hydroxylase deficiency in a genetic male and female sibling pair☆

The diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to a deficiency of the enzyme 17 alpha-hydroxylase was made in a genetic male and female sibling pair born of parents who were first cousins. The genetic male was a phenotypic female who presented with primary amenorrhea and mild hypertension. The genetic female exhibited absence of secondary sexual characteristics and severe hypertension. The plasma steroid data confirmed the diagnosis of 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency in both subjects: low 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, elevated desoxycorticosterone, elevated corticosterone and elevated progesterone. These are the first case reports of 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency in a male-female sibling pair, and they add support to the hypothesis that this is an autosomal recessive disorder.
The Effects of Donepezil on Quantitative EEG in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease:

Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor which has been previously shown to affect the cognitive evoked potentials (EPs) of patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) during treatment with the drug. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of treatment with donepezil 5 mg daily for 1 month on quantitative EEG (QEEG) in patients with AD. Treatment was associated with no significant differences between the pre- and post-treatment QEEGs for (1) absolute power (all four frequency bands), (2) percent relative power (all four frequency bands), (3) total mean frequency, (4) mean frequency for theta and beta, (5) absolute power asymmetry across homologous electrode pairs (all four frequency bands), and (6) interhemispheric coherence across homologous electrode pairs (all four frequency bands). There were significant decreases in mean alpha and delta frequencies that were consistent across broad electrode arrays except for an increase in the delta frequency at T3. The implications of these changes are not ...
A New Method for Analyzing Thin Sidewall Inhibitor Layers

Abstract : Etch inhibitor layers are key to anisotropy for a number of dry etch processes, yet little is known about these layers because of the difficulty in analyzing them on the side walls where they form. This paper shows that an Al grid suspended above an etching surface can be used to suppress ion bombardment and allow the inhibitor to form on large horizontal surfaces which can be easily analyzed. The effect of ion bombardment on the nature of the inhibitor layer can also be elucidated using this technique. In conjunction with X ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, this method was used to look at the polymeric inhibitor formed during Silicon etching in SF6/C2CLF5 with and without the presence of photoresist.
Lipid Membrane Composition has A Dramatic Effect on the Dynamics of the GlpG Rhomboid Protease from Escherichia Coli

Intramembrane proteases cleave transmembrane substrates to liberate physiologically important molecules. The proteolytic activity of these enzymes can be significantly influenced by the composition of the lipid membrane. Here, we find that the composition of the lipid membrane has a dramatic effect on the motions of the GlpG rhomboid serine protease from Escherichia coli.In a 1-palmytoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) lipid bilayer, conformational changes of two critical structural elements of the protease, the cap loop close to the active site and the regulatory loop L1, occur within 40ns of unconstrained molecular dynamics simulations. In contrast, in a 1-palmytoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) lipid bilayer, a conformational transition of the cap loop is observed only after ∼80ns, ∼20ns after that of loop L1. This sensitivity of the enzyme motions on the lipid membrane composition is explained by differences in how POPC and POPE lipid headgroups hydrogen bond among themselves, and with protein amino acids. Tight interactions between a lipid headgroup and the active site restrict the dynamics of the cap loop.An atomistic description of the structure and dynamics of the protease:substrate complex is a critical first step towards understanding how the protease works. Molecular dynamics simulations of GlpG together with the Spitz model substrate reveal that docking of the substrate to the enzyme involves a complex interplay of changes in the structure and dynamics of the substrate, the protease, and the surrounding lipid molecules.This research was supported in part by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (GM-74637 to S.H.W) and an allocation of computer time from the National Science Foundation through the TeraGrid resources at TACC (Ranger).
Distribution and dosimetry of 113mIn colloid used for bone marrow scanning

Abstract 113m In is being widely used for organ scanning due to its favorable characteristics. One of these characteristics, its short half life (104 min), makes 113m In an excellent tool for bone marrow studies because it allows for the administration of a sufficient dose for rapid scanning while minimizing the radiation damage to the bone marrow and other tissues of the R.E. system. A new colloid was prepared using 4 ml of eluate from a 113m Sn − 113m In In generator. To the eluate, 0·8 to 1 per cent of gelatin and 1 ml of phosphate buffer were added. This colloid was injected in white rabbits and its distribution compared with the distribution of 99m TcS colloid. The uptake of 113m In colloid by the bone marrow was 0.·78% dose/g tissue. Doses of 8–10 mc are used in humans. For the purpose of radiation dose calculation, distribution of the colloid in humans is assumed to be 80 per cent in liver, 3 per cent in spleen, and 10 per cent in red bone marrow. The absorbed dose from 10 mCi of 113m In is: 4·3 rad. in liver, 2·5 rad. in spleen and 0·9 rad. in bone marrow. Radionuclidic impurities, principally 113Sn breakthrough, contribute an additional 50 per cent to the patient dose.
On error estimates of some higher order projection and penalty-projection methods for Navier-Stokes equations

This paper is a continuation of our previous work [10] on projection methods. We study first existing "higher order" projection schemes in the semidiscretized form for the Navier-Stokes equations. One error analysis suggests that the precision of these schemes is most likely plagued by the inconsistent Neumann boundary condition satisfied by the pressure approximations. We then propose a penalty-projection scheme for which we obtain improved error estimates.
In situ activity and phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the median eminence.

Abstract Intracellular activation and phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; E.G. 1.14.16.2) in the median eminence of the rat brain were investigated. The in situ activity of TH was assayed by the accumulation of l -dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) in the median eminence of hypothalamic fragments incubated in the presence of NSD 1015. When hypothalamic fragments were incubated with veratridine (0–10−10 M), maximal stimulation of TH activity was observed at 10−4 M. The mean concentration of DOPA in the median eminence of hypothalamic fragments incubated with 10−4 M veratridine was 3 times that seen in its absence. Phosphorylation of TH in the median eminence was evaluated by autoradiographic quantification of [32P]TH in 32P-labelled median eminence tissue. The amount of [32P]TH in 32P-labelled median eminence incubated with 10−4 M veratridine was 2 times that seen in the absence of veratridine. These data are consistent with the view that in the median eminence phosphorylation and activation of TH are linked events and that phosphorylation may be a means of regulating the biosynthesis of dopamine in this region of the brain.
Some Morphological and Biochemical Characteristics of C3 and C4 Plants Irradiated with UV‐B

Four C3 and two C4 plants were subjected for 350 h to an enhanced UV-B radiation (280 to 310 nm) regime simulating a 0.18 atm. cm ozone level (solar angle 55°) in growth chamber. Different degrees of response among plant species were observed. UV-B radiation reduced plant height, fresh and dry weight, protein content, total chlorophyll, inhibited net CO2 uptake and the Hill reaction activity. Some broad-leaved species with C3 type of carbon assimilation were more susceptible to UV-B alterations of morphological and biochemical characteristics than the narrowleaved species with C4 type photosynthesis.
The accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose long bone fractures in the ED

Abstract Objectives To determine the diagnostic accuracy of emergency physician performed point-of care ultrasound (POCUS) for detecting long bone fractures compared to standard radiography. Methods This was a single-blinded, prospective observational study of patients presenting to two emergency departments (ED) with trauma to long bones. The study used a convenience sample of patients seen during the study investigators' scheduled clinical shifts. Patients presenting to the ED with complaints of long bone trauma were included in the study when a study investigator was available in the ED. POCUS examinations of injured long bones were performed using a standard protocol. The investigators documented their interpretation prior to radiographs being performed. After standard radiographs were performed, the final radiology reading by a radiology attending physician was obtained from the medical record. Results One-hundred six patients were enrolled into the study, and 147 long bone POCUS examinations were performed. Forty-two fractures were present by radiographs and the prevalence of fractures was 29%. The sensitivity was 90.2% (4/41, 95% CI: 76.9-97.3) and specificity was 96.1% (4/102, 95% CI: 90.3-98.9). The positive likelihood ratio was 23.0 (95% CI: 8.8-60.5), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.102 (95% CI: 0.040, 0.258). The positive predictive value was 90.2% (4/41, 95% CI: 76.9-97.3) and the negative predictive value was 96.1% (4/102, 95% CI: 90.3-98.9). Conclusions Emergency physicians can accurately evaluate long bone fractures in the ED using POCUS. In particular, long bone fractures can be excluded with a high degree of confidence.
Diagnostic Efficacy and Safety of Computed Tomography-Guided Transthoracic Needle Biopsy in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

Rationale and Objectives The role of transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) in patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly in discriminating between malignant and benign etiologies, has not been well studied. Hence, the diagnostic efficacy and safety of computed tomography–guided TTNB were retrospectively evaluated in this population. Materials and Methods The records of 53 patients with hematologic malignancies who underwent TTNB from August 1, 1999, to July 31, 2007, were reviewed. Potential factors for increased diagnostic yield and risk for complications were collected and analyzed, including the status of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, chemotherapy, and transplant as well as lesion size and location. Both cytopathologic and microbiologic results were assessed. Results The most common underlying hematologic malignancy was non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in 20 patients (37.7%). Lesions were most frequently located in the left upper lobe (16 [30.2%]); 33 lesions were pleural based (63.5%), and nine had cavitation (17.0%). TTNB established specific diagnoses in 22 patients (41.5%): malignancies was found in 12 (22.6%) and infections in 10 (18.9%). Sensitivity for detecting malignancy was 50.0%, and sensitivity for the detection of a specific infection was 40.0%. There were no false-positive results. Complications occurred in nine patients (17.0%): self-limited small-volume hemoptysis in one patient (1.9%) and pneumothorax in eight patients (15.1%), one requiring chest tube placement. The results of TTNB led to changes in antimicrobial therapy for eight of the 22 patients with specific diagnoses (36.4%). Conclusions TTNB is a safe diagnostic procedure in patients with hematologic malignancies and has the potential of making specific diagnoses with minimal morbidity.
Evaluation of an Improved Burner Design for a Flame Infrared Emission (FIRE) Gas Chromatography Detector

Flame infrared emission (FIRE) measurements made at 4.4 μm have shown that changes in burner design have improved the sensitivity of the FIRE radiometer by approximately 1-1.5 orders of magnitude. The new burner consists of two concentric, stainless steel tubes. Air is introduced through the outer tube, while a mixture of GC effluent and hydrogen gas is introduced through an inner capillary tube. When the burner is used as a detector for gas chromatography (GC), optimization parameters were found to be the same for a variety of compounds, GC columns (packed and capillary), and injection volumes (0.1 −2.0 μL). Since less hydrogen was required to produce a stable flame, flame background emission was greatly reduced, background subtraction was no longer required, and instrumental complexity was considerably reduced. The new FIRE-GC detector could be used in conjunction with capillary columns, thus permitting improved separation of more complex mixtures. A conservative estimate of detection limits (2σ), obtained with a mixture of benzene, butanone, 1-chloro-3-methylbutane, and methyl acetate, indicated that the new FIRE-GC detector had an average detection limit of 4.5 ± 1.3 ng s−1 in terms of carbon. Response (μmoles of carbon) was linear over the entire range of concentrations tested, giving an estimated linear dynamic range of at least 3.4 orders of magnitude. The utility of the new FIRE-GC detector was demonstrated by an application involving the separation of a synthetic mixture of 16 compounds on a 15-m silica capillary column under programmed temperature conditions. The new burner responded well to halogenated, nonhalogenated, and aromatic compounds with boiling points in a range from 36 to 152°C.
Mycophenolic acid exposure in high- and low-weight renal transplant patients after dosing with mycophenolate mofetil in the Opticept trial.

The Opticept trial was an open-label, randomized, multicenter trial involving 720 kidney recipients. Three immuno-suppressant dosing regimens were evaluated, including both fixed and concentration-controlled dosing of mycophenolate mofetil in combination with standard and reduced calcineurin inhibitor levels. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) levels were measured, yielding one of the largest databases to assess the impact of variables on MPA exposure. The present subset analysis evaluated the effect of baseline body weight in three noncontiguous weight categories on MPA exposure at steady state (Day 90) in patients receiving tacrolimus. Multivariate linear regression models assessed the relationship between area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and several variables. In all, 219 patients had baseline weights in the three categories and an MPA AUC at Day 90: 50 kg or less (n = 12, all female); 60 to 80 kg (n = 136); or 100 kg or greater (n = 71). In overall comparisons by weight class, clearance increased with increased weight, resulting in an inverse relationship between dose-corrected MPA AUCs and weight at Day 90 (P < 0.0001). In patients of extreme weight, wide disparities of MPA exposure were measured despite the mean mycophenolate mofetil dose, notably in those 50 kg or less who had comparatively high dose-corrected MPA AUCs. Patients at the extremes of weight might be at risk of over- or underimmunosuppression unless doses are adjusted.
Large Field of View, High Spatial Resolution, Surface Measurements

It is difficult in interferometric metrology to maintain high spatial resolution over a large field of view. Interferometric microscope measurements yield high resolution, but only over a small area. Other conventional interferometric systems can measure large areas, but they fail to provide the necessary spatial resolution. High spatial resolution over a large field-of-view (FOV) can be obtained by stitching together multiple high spatial resolution measurements of adjacent areas of a measured surface. The measurements can be fit together in a global sense, or by matching the piston and tilt over the overlap region. Care must be taken in the stitching process to make sure the measurements are precisely overlapped to minimize errors. The larger the overlap the easier it is to match data sets, but of course more data sets are required to get a given field of view. This paper shows that a 20 percent overlap gives a good trade off between having good repeatability and obtaining a large field of view with a minimum number of data sets. Typical measurement results are shown for stitching as many as 285 sub-regions.
Hybrid Model-Insensitive Control Using a Piezoelectric Sensoriactuator

A hybrid control system based on a piezoelectric sensoriactuator is presented. The system uses the adaptive feedforward Time Averaged Gradient (TAG) descent algorithm to achieve persistent disturbance rejection. No system modeling is required for the TAG descent algorithm. However, this algorithm is not well suited for control of reverberant plants with slow modes, since the convergence rate is limited by the slowest time scales of the system. It is shown that Rate Feedback (RFB) control can be applied to a system to minimize the transient response and enhance the convergence characteristics of the TAG algorithm. An experimental demonstration of persistent and transient disturbance rejection in a cantilevered beam is presented. Results show that increasing the system damping by a factor of 4-6 increases the convergence time of the TAG algorithm by as much as 20 times.
Development of ramp-edge SNS Josephson junctions and SQUIDs

Abstract We have fabricated high performance Josephson junctions, dc SQUIDs, and directly-coupled SQUID magnetometers, where the junction uses a ramp-edge superconductor/normal-metal/superconductor (SNS) configuration. The devices are fully defined by the standard photolithography. We use Ag-doped YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x for the superconducting electrodes and PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x as the N-layer barrier. The controllability of the processing and the reproducibility of the device performance was improved substantially by using Ag-doped YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x for the electrodes.
Assessing the impact of conducting an essential public health services assessment in diabetes prevention control programs

aims: To discuss the Essential Public Health Services assessment, the importance of completing DPCPs and how this can lead to quality improvements in diabetes care. background: The goal of the Essential Public Health Services (EPHS) assessment is to promote continuous quality improvements. In 2002, the Division of Diabetes Translation (DDT) recommended that state Diabetes Prevention and Control Programs (DPCPs) complete an EPHS assessment and use the findings of this assessment to develop a state Performance Improvement Plan/s (PIP) and a Diabetes Strategic Plan. Methods: DPCP data submitted to the DDT’s Management Information System (MIS) were reviewed using several evaluation criteria, including the completion of an EPHS assessment; completion of one or more PIPs; completion of a diabetes strategic plan addressing quality improvement issues identified during the assessment; and a review of how current DPCP efforts, as described in their work plans, aligned with the findings of the assessment. results: MIS searches revealed that, in 2008, 58 of 59 DPCPs (98%) completed an EPHS assessment. Three DPCPs used the original EPHS assessment; fifty six (56) DPCPs used a modified version. By 2005, 39 of 59 of DPCPs (66%) completed a PIP, and by 2008, 90% of programs had completed at least one PIP. Additionally, two programs completed more than one PIP during the five year funding period. An analysis of the top three priorities identified by all DPCPs during the assessment revealed several quality improvement themes, such as: health systems improvement, partnerships, surveillance, prevention and wellness, advocacy and policy, professional education and training, disparities, evaluation, and communication. Other priorities included community programs, research promotion, assessment and planning, integration, systems approach to diabetes, social marketing and health care reform. In 2005, 61% of all funded programs had a diabetes strategic plan in place and that number rose to 85% in 2008. In 2008, analysis of MIS reports and a review of current work plan templates indicated that more than 85% of the work of the DPCPs showed direct alignment to the EPHS assessment findings. Discussion/conclusions Conducting EPHS assessments and using the data for continued quality improvement activities can have significant impact on DPCPs. This assessment allowed states to identify priority areas and assisted in the development of work plans to address quality improvement concerns. The alignment of the DPCP work plans to the findings of their EPHS is critical in ensuring that DPCPs work to address gaps, and work to strengthen the diabetes public health system. DDT will need to continue to work with DPCPs to ensure that work plans are aligned with the EPHS assessment findings, so that critical gains can be maintained across the diabetes pubic health system.
Assessment of patient and caregiver needs in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome by utilizing Q-sort methodology

Objectives: Psychosocial stressors faced by patients with fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) and their caregivers have not been systematically explored. FXTAS is a neurodegenerative disease occurring in approximately 45% of elderly male carriers and 8–16% of female carriers of the fragile X mental retardation one premutation. This study investigated the subjective needs of patients with FXTAS and their family caregivers, by utilizing Q-sort methodology. Method: Patients with FXTAS and their caregivers seen during January 2005 to June 2007 participated. The Q-sort was composed of 17 (eight formal and nine informal) items, designed to explore emotional, informational, and instrumental needs of patients with FXTAS and their caregivers. Item scores were generated from 1 = least important to 7 = most important. Analysis included descriptive statistics for all the demographic and outcome variables. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify which of the need domains were perceived a...
Diameter-Controlled Vapor-Solid Epitaxial Growth and Properties of Aligned ZnO Nanowire Arrays

A facile, template-free method was used to grow large areas of well-aligned ZnO nanowire arrays on amorphous SiO2 substrates. The arrays are composed of vertically aligned, single-crystalline, wurt...
Rhythm and meaning: "Rhythmical deviations" as italics

English iambic pentameter allows rhythmical deviations that occupy three (seldom four, more often two) adjacent metrical positions. These deviations, though metrical, are noticed by the listener or reader. Starting from the first quarter of the 16th century, poets (Surrey) have used rhythmical deviations to emphasize ("italicize") semantically important segments in the line. Such rhythmical deviations have become part of the English poetic traditions. It has turned out that rhythmical deviations used to italicize meaning are filled with recurring rhythmical and grammatical structures and repeated lexicon. M. L. Gasparov used a special term to denote the recurring rhythmicalgrammatical structures: "cliches"; while calling cliches incorporating recurrent lexicon "formulas". I have discovered that formulas are part of the English poetic tradition: the same formulas recur in poetic texts of the 16th–20th cc. They are not plagiarisms, allusions or reminiscences; they are a common basket of goods that belong to all English poets, used by all and owned by none. The recurrent deviations usually occur on metrical positions "weak-strong-weak-strong" and as a rule contain a monosyllabic (rarely – disyllabic) verbpredicate followed by a monosyllabic grammatical word (e.g. an article), an adjectiveattribute and a noun – a direct object to the verb. The recurring lexicon includes verbs of motion, particularly verbs of fast, aggressive motion, an action directed downwards or causing an injury or death, and recurring nouns referring to moving objects or agents (hands, arms, wings; spear, sword). I term such recurring formulas "rhythmical italics".
Heats of mixing of gaseous CO2/CH4 mixtures with aqueous solutions of methyldiethanolamine and diethanolamine

Abstract The heats of mixing of gaseous CO 2 /CH 4 mixtures with aqueous solutions of methyldiethanolamine and diethanolamine have been determined using an isothermal flow calorimeter. Data were collected at 26.7, 76.7 and 126.7°C, at total pressures of 1.38, 3.45 and 6.90 MPa, with aqueous amine concentrations of 20, 35 and 50 wt%. The nominal partial pressure of CO 2 in the gaseous feed stream was 0.069 MPa at a total pressure of 1.38 and 0.69 MPa at 3.45 and 6.90 MPa total pressure. A model developed to predict thermodynamic properties of these systems includes reaction equilibria, dissolution of methane, vapor-phase non-idealities, vaporization of water and amines in addition to the acid gas absorption.
Comprehensive and multidimensional assessment and measurement of pain

Current theories of pain and clinical experience support a multidimensional framework for the experience of pain that has implications for assessment and management in any setting. Six major dimensions have been identified: physiologic, sensory, affective, cognitive, behavioral, and sociocultural. Any clinical assessment process must address relevant dimensions of pain in the given setting. In acute care settings, for example, clinicians may focus on physiologic and sensory dimensions, whereas in chronic care settings, the affective, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions might assume priority. Various tools are available for multidimensional assessment of pain, spanning the dimensions of the experience from physiologic to sociocultural. The clinician in any setting must use appropriate tools that provide useful information. Guidelines helpful in a selection process include identification of relevant dimensions of pain, type of pain, patient population and setting, psychometric properties of the tool, and issues of time, clinical relevance, and feasibility. When a careful selection process occurs, the resulting data should simultaneously meet clinicians' needs for information as well as provide the foundation for initiation of multidisciplinary interventions.
Improving aircraft conceptual design - A PHIGS interactive graphics interface for ACSYNT

A CAD interface has been created for the 'ACSYNT' aircraft conceptual design code that permits the execution and control of the design process via interactive graphics menus. This CAD interface was coded entirely with the new three-dimensional graphics standard, the Programmer's Hierarchical Interactive Graphics System. The CAD/ACSYNT system is designed for use by state-of-the-art high-speed imaging work stations. Attention is given to the approaches employed in modeling, data storage, and rendering.
Design perspectives for creep-resistant magnesium die-casting alloys

The microstructure of die-cast magnesium alloys is highly non-uniform, which leads to a non-uniform distribution of the solidus/homologous temperature in the α(Mg) phase and a non-uniform distribution of deformation stresses and strains in the specimen during creep testing. Experimental observations suggest that significant creep deformation occurs in the α(Mg) phase in and adjacent to the eutectic regions while deformation in the primary α(Mg) dendrites is less pronounced. This article addresses the effect of the non-uniform as-cast microstructure on the creep resistance of die-cast magnesium alloys. Computational thermodynamic simulations were carried out to determine solute segregation, solidus temperature, and the corresponding homologous temperature distribution in the α(Mg) phase. Transmission electron microscopy studies provided evidence of non-uniform creep deformation in the creep-tested specimens. The results suggest that the creep resistance of magnesium alloys is determined by the weakest aggr...
Phase Boundaries and Crystallization of Polyethylene in n-Pentane and n-Pentane + Carbon Dioxide Fluid Mixtures

The liquid−liquid and fluid−solid phase boundaries and the densities of 5 wt % solutions of polyethylene in n-pentane and in n-pentane (85 wt %) + carbon dioxide (15 wt %) fluid mixtures were determined over a temperature range from ∼360 to 400 K at pressures up to 52 MPa. The measurements were conducted using a variable-volume view cell equipped with sensing elements to monitor the changes in the internal volume and in the transmitted light intensity as the pressure or the temperature of the system is changed. Polyethylene crystals were formed at selected temperatures below the fluid−solid phase boundary along a series of selected constant-pressure paths. They were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at ambient conditions for differences in morphological features and thermal properties. Depending on the temperature, the pressure, and the crystallization time, crystallinity levels changed from 65 to 80 %. The crystals that are produced from these h...
Mechanism of paradoxical early diastolic septal motion in patients with mitral stenosis: a cross-sectional echocardiographic study.

Abstract Paradoxical motion of the interventricular septum in early diastole has been observed in patients with mitral stenosis. To evaluate the cause of this septal motion abnormality M mode and cross-sectional echocardiograms were performed in 36 patients with mitral stenosis and 20 normal subjects. Cross-sectional studies in the normal subjects (Group I) and 9 of 11 patients with minimal septal motion abnormality (Group IIA) showed normal left ventricular diastolic shape and relaxation pattern. In 23 of 25 patients with more severe septal motion abnormality (Group IIB) there was a distinct change in initial diastolic left ventricular shape, characterized by motion of the interventricular septum away from the right ventricle and in toward the left ventricular cavity. Hemodynamic measurements were evaluated in patients with mitral stenosis to determine the underlying cause of this septal motion abnormality. There was no significant difference between Groups IIA and IIB in left atrial pressure, pulmonary arterial diastolic pressure, cardiac index, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, right ventricular end-diastolic pressure or the ratio of left to right ventricular end-diastolic pressures. Mitral valve area calculated by both the Gorlin formula and cross-sectional echocardiographic measurement was significantly smaller in patients with greater septal motion abnormality (2.0 ± 0.9 versus 1.1 ± 0.4 cm2 [mean ± standard error of the mean], P
Electrochemical oxidation and the quantitative determination of carbon monoxide on metal–solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) system

The electrochemical oxidation of carbon monoxide on a platinum–Nafion electrode was examined. It was found that the oxidation of CO on the Pt-Nafion electrode is more favored in an acidic solution than in an alkaline medium. This is in contrast with what was reported for bulk metal electrodes, for which the oxidation rate of CO in acid is much smaller than in alkaline solutions. This phenomenon is believed to be directly related to the cation-exchange capability of the Nafion membrane. The rest potential of the Pt–Nafion electrode was found to be dependent on the partial pressure of CO, which is also in contrast with the behavior of bulk metal electrodes. This result was attributed to a mixed potential phenomenon. A quantitative determination of CO concentration in the gas phase was carried out on the basis of the Pt–Nafion electrode system in a controlled-potential mode. The results obtained showed a number of attractive properties, including a low detection limit, good reproducibility, and a fast response time.