cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrated software system for seismic evaluation of nuclear power plant structures

Abstract This paper describes the capabilities and theoretical bases of the computer software CARES (Computer Analysis for Rapid Evaluation of Structures) developed by the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The development of CARES represents an effort to utilize established numerical methodologies commonly employed by industry for structural safety evaluations of nuclear power plant facilities and incorporate them into an integrated computer software package operated on personal computers (PC). CARES was developed with the objective to include all aspects of seismic performance evaluation of nuclear power structures, thereby it can be used to evaluate the validity and accuracy of analysis methodologies used for structural safety evaluations of nuclear power plants by various utilities. CARES is structured in a modular format, each module performing a specific type of analysis. This paper describes the features which have been implemented into the seismic module of CARES. The seismic module integrates the capabilities required to accomplish all steps of a complete seismic analysis into a single package with many user-friendly features such as interactiveness and quick turnaround. Linear structural theory and pseudo-linear convolution theory are utilized as the bases for the development with a special emphasis on the areas of nuclear regulatory requirements pertaining to structural safety of nuclear plants. The organization of the seismic module is arranged in eight options, each performing a specific step of the analysis with most of input/output interfacing processed by the general manager. Finally, CARES provides comprehensive post-processing capability to display results graphically or in tabular form so that direct comparisons can be easily made.
Configuration Effects on Liner Performance

The acoustic performance of a duct liner depends not only on the intrinsic properties of the liner but also on the configuration of the duct in which it is used. A series of experiments is performed in the NASA Langley Research Center Curved Duct Test Rig (at Mach 0.275) to evaluate the effect of duct configuration on the acoustic performance of single degree of freedom perforate-over-honeycomb liners. The liners form the sidewalls of the duct's test section. Variations of duct configuration include: asymmetric (liner on one side and hard wall opposite) and symmetric (liner on both sides) wall treatment; inlet and exhaust orientation, in which the sound propagates either against or with the flow; and straight and curved flow path. The effect that duct configuration has on the overall acoustic performance, particularly the shift in frequency and magnitude of peak attenuation, is quantified. The redistribution of incident mode content is shown. The liners constitute the side walls of the liner test section and the scatter of incident horizontal order 1 mode by the asymmetric treatment and order 2 mode by the symmetric treatment into order 0 mode is shown. Scatter of order 0 incident modes into higher order modes is also shown. This redistribution of mode content is significant because it indicates that the liner design can be manipulated such that energy is scattered into more highly attenuated modes, thus enhancing liner performance.
Dosimetric Evaluation of Automatic Segmentation for Adaptive IMRT for Head-and-Neck Cancer

Purpose: Adaptive planning to accommodate anatomic changes during treatment requires repeat segmentation. This study uses dosimetric endpoints to assess automatically deformed contours. Methods and Materials: Sixteen patients with head-and-neck cancer had adaptive plans because of anatomic change during radiotherapy. Contours from the initial planning computed tomography (CT) were deformed to the mid-treatment CT using an intensity-based free-form registration algorithm then compared with the manually drawn contours for the same CT using the Dice similarity coefficient and an overlap index. The automatic contours were used to create new adaptive plans. The original and automatic adaptive plans were compared based on dosimetric outcomes of the manual contours and on plan conformality. Results: Volumes from the manual and automatic segmentation were similar; only the gross tumor volume (GTV) was significantly different. Automatic plans achieved lower mean coverage for the GTV: V95: 98.6 {+-} 1.9% vs. 89.9 {+-} 10.1% (p = 0.004) and clinical target volume: V95: 98.4 {+-} 0.8% vs. 89.8 {+-} 6.2% (p < 0.001) and a higher mean maximum dose to 1 cm{sup 3} of the spinal cord 39.9 {+-} 3.7 Gy vs. 42.8 {+-} 5.4 Gy (p = 0.034), but no difference for the remaining structures. Conclusions: Automatic segmentation ismore » not robust enough to substitute for physician-drawn volumes, particularly for the GTV. However, it generates normal structure contours of sufficient accuracy when assessed by dosimetric end points.« less
Multicentric intraepithelial neoplasia involving the vulva. Clinical features and association with human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus

Sixteen of 46 patients (35%) with Grade 3 vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN 3) were found to have an additional site of lower genital tract squamous cell neoplasia, primarily in the cervix. The frequency of multicentricity decreased significantly with age. In addition, patients with multicentric disease (involving the vagina and/or cervix in addition to the vulva) had a significantly higher frequency of multifocal disease involving the vulva (involving more than one location on the vulva) and of recurrence than patients without multicentric disease. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was detected by in situ hybridization in 81% of the women with multicentric squamous cell neoplasia. No significant difference was noticed between patients with multicentric and unicentric squamous cell neoplasia in the detection rate of papillomavirus antigen, HPV DNA, the various HPV types, herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV2)-related antigen, type-specific antibodies to HSV, and dual HPV and HSV2 infections. These findings suggest that HPV and HSV2, although strongly associated with VIN 3, do not influence the development pattern of squamous cell neoplasia, and that all patients with VIN 3, especially if they are younger than 50 years of age, should be evaluated periodically for additional centers of lower genital tract squamous cell neoplasia.
Hybrid fractal zerotree wavelet image coding

In this paper, a hybrid fractal zerotree wavelet (FZW) image coding algorithm is proposed. The algorithm couples a zerotree-based encoder, such as the embedded zerotree wavelet (EZW) coder or set partitioning in hierarchical trees, and a fractal image coder; this coupling is done in the wavelet domain. Based on perceptually-weighted distortion-rate calculations, a fractal method is adaptively applied to the parts of an image that can be encoded more efficiently relative to an EZW coder at a given rate. In addition to improving compression performance, the proposed algorithm also allows one to impose desirable properties from each type of image coder, such as progressive transmission, the zerotree structure, and range-domain block decoding.
Effects of oxygen tension on gene expression in preimplantation mouse embryos

Objective To compare the effects of atmospheric and physiologic oxygen concentrations on the global patterns of gene expression during mouse preimplantation development. Design Comparative analysis of in vivo–produced and in vitro–produced embryos. Setting Research laboratory. Patient(s) None. Intervention(s) Control embryos at the blastocyst stage that developed in vivo were collected from uteri. Experimental embryos were obtained at the zygote stage and cultured to the blastocyst stage in Whitten's medium or KSOM medium with amino acids under 20% oxygen (atmospheric) or 5% oxygen (physiologic). Main Outcome Measure(s) Embryo development, cell number, and gene expression assayed by microarray technology. Result(s) Low (physiologic) oxygen concentration is associated with faster embryo development and increased cell number. In addition, there are marked perturbations in the global pattern of gene expression, as assessed by oligonucleotide microarray, after culture in 20% oxygen as compared with 5% oxygen. Conclusion(s) Culture in low oxygen is associated with fewer perturbations in the global pattern of gene expression and more closely resembles that of the in vivo control embryos. These findings provide rationale for culturing human embryos in the presence of 5%, rather than 20%, oxygen.
Kinetics and potency of halothane, isoflurane, and desflurane in the Northern Leopard frog Rana pipiens

Equilibration between delivered and effect site anesthetic partial pressure is slow in frogs. The use of less soluble agents or overpressure delivery may speed equilibration. Ten Northern leopard frogs were exposed to 3-4 constant concentrations of halothane, isoflurane or desflurane and their motor response to noxious electrical stimulation of the forelimb evaluated every 30 minutes until a stable proportion of frogs were immobile. Each frog received each anesthetic and concentration in random order and allowed at least 14 hours to recover between anesthetic exposures. An overpressure technique based upon the kinetics in the first study was then tested with 4 concentrations of desflurane. For halothane, isoflurane and desflurane respectively; the proportion of frogs immobile in response to stimulus became stable after 510, 480 and 180 minutes, and ED50 values were 1.36, 1.67 and 6.78 % atm. Desflurane ED50 delivered by overpressure was not significantly different at 6.85 % atm. Halothane, isoflurane and desflurane are effective general anesthetics in frogs with potencies similar to those reported in mammals. The time required for anesthetic equilibration is fastest with desflurane and can be hastened further by initial delivery of higher partial pressures.
RF-resonance beam polarimeter Part I. Fundamental concepts

Abstract The possibility of an RF-resonance polarimeter (RFP) for fast non-destructive measurement of beam polarization in an accelerator ring is considered. In order to accumulate the transition radiation from the free oscillating coherent spin of the beam, a passive superconducting cavity is proposed. The increase of effective voltage in the cavity with time (related to beam polarization) is calculated here. The efficiency of the polarimeter does not decrease with beam energy and is proportional to the average beam current. A possible scheme of measurement of the accumulated voltage is presented. The noise limitations are taken into account and evaluated. Siberian snakes can be used in order to provide a sufficiently small value for the spin tune spread. Numerical examples are given.
Can public reporting impact patient outcomes and disparities? A systematic review.

Abstract Objective Recent US healthcare reforms aim to improve quality and access. We synthesized evidence assessing the impact that public reporting (PR), which will be extended to the outpatient setting, has on patient outcomes and disparities. Methods A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines identified studies addressing the impact of PR on patient outcomes and disparities. Results Of the 1970 publications identified, 25 were relevant, spanning hospitals (16), nursing homes (5), emergency rooms (1), health plans (2), and home health agencies (1). Evidence of effect on patient outcomes was mixed, with 6 studies reporting a favorable effect, 9 a mixed effect, 9 a null effect, and 1 a negative effect. One study found a mixed effect of PR on disparities. Conclusion The evidence of the impact of PR on patient outcomes is lacking, with limited evidence that PR has a favorable effect on outcomes in nursing homes. There is little evidence supporting claims that PR will have an impact on disparities or in the outpatient setting. Practice implications Health systems should collect information on patient-relevant outcomes. The lack of evidence does not necessarily imply a lack of effect, and a research gap exists regarding patient-relevant outcomes and PR.
Developing an application-specific interactive system based on a spreadsheet package

Abstract Development of a decision support system demonstrated that a modern spreadsheet package provides a sound basis for developing user-friendly systems of substantial complexity. The system helps apparel manufacturers justify purchase of new manufacturing technology. Spreadsheet package features were sufficient to develop a user interface, which includes pull-down menus, context-sensitive pop-up menus, sensitivity analysis, and a hypertext-based help system.
Pulmonary Autograft: An American Experience

Pulmonary valve autograft replacement of the aortic valve has been performed in nine patients in an effort to duplicate in the United States the experience of Sir Donald Ross in London. Four male and five female patients ranging in age from seven to thirty-four years have been operated on for indications of aortic stenosis in six and aortic regurgitation in three. Three patients had associated procedures performed concomitantly. All patients survived the surgery and were clinically improved, however, one patient did require reoperation for progressive aortic insufficiency. Specific indications, results, and technical considerations are discussed and illustrated.
Detection of sputtered metals with cavity ring-down spectroscopy.

We report on use of cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) as a means to detect and quantify ion sputtering of refractory metal species. CRDS measurements are made with a neodymium:YAG-pumped optical parametric oscillator laser system in the 375–400 nm region. CRDS sputtering measurements are presented for argon ions incident on iron, aluminum, molybdenum, and titanium. The measurements are based on absorption from fine-structure levels of the electronic ground-state multiplets. For each species, characteristic spectra are provided, the dependence of sputtered particle number density on the beam current is examined, measured densities are compared with a sputter model, and detection limits are determined. For iron, aluminum, and titanium we probe multiple fine-structure levels within the ground-state multiplet and obtain information on their relative populations.
Successful use of ustekinumab therapy in refractory severe atopic dermatitis.

Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) often requires systemic treatments with immunomodulatory drugs. Unfortunately, systemic agents currently used for AD have extensive side effects, and many patients experience suboptimal therapeutic responses. Additionally, many of these treatments, such as cyclosporine A, can only be used for a limited time because of potentially deleterious side effects. Novel targeted treatments are now moving into clinical trials for AD, including ustekinumab.1, 2
Market control in developing economies

(1968). Market control in developing economies. The Journal of Development Studies: Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 481-496.
Development and Application of the Highway Mapping System of Ohio State University

Since 1990, the Center for Mapping at Ohio State University has been developing mobile mapping systems to automate and accelerate the collection of digital map data. These systems integrate the global positioning system (GPS) with inertial navigation units and imaging sensors to produce digital geographic data. They are modular and can be installed on various platforms, such as vans, trains and aeroplanes. New developments with the imaging system and the fully integrated data-processing environment are discussed in this article. The stereovision system enables the user to obtain three dimensional co-ordinates of any object in the field of view of the camera. Digital and video images, together with GPS positions, are stored in an object-oriented database, which merges data collected by airborne and terrestrial mapping platforms. Exploiting the enormous amount of information contained in the digital stereoscopic imagery is a challenging topic of current and future research. (A)
Two-stage modified signed-digit optical computing by spatial data encoding and polarization multiplexing

We propose and demonstrate an effective two-stage modified signed-digit optical computing technique (in contrast to previous three-stage techniques) based on spatial data encoding, polarization multiplexing, and multiple imaging. Our proposed reduction in operation stages requires a reference operation in addition to the transformation and weight operations common to three-stage systems. In our system's first stage a transformation (or weight) operation and a reference operation are implemented in parallel by use of four distinct polarization-multiplexed kernel operations. In the second stage the final desired result (e.g., addition and subtraction) and its complement are obtained in parallel with a single kernel operation. The operation speed of our two-stage modified signed-digit computing method is 33% faster than previous three-stage modified signed-digit algorithms.
Nerve fibers surrounding intracranial and extracranial vessels from human and other species contain dynorphin-like immunoreactivity.

Abstract Dynorphin B(20–32) was visualized by immunohistochemistry in guinea-pig and rat perivascular nerve fibers and was measured by radioimmunoassay within the walls of feline, canine, bovine and human cephalic and systemic arteries and veins. Canine vessels contained the highest levels. When human blood vessels or trigeminal ganglia were subjected to reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, dynorphin immunoreactivity exhibited a retention time identical to that of synthetic dynorphin B. No differences in dynorphin-like immunoreactivity were measurable between feline systemic arteries and veins, or between cephalic and systemic vessels. The highest amounts were present in leptomeninges devoid of large pial arteries. Relatively high levels were also measured in feline and human trigeminal ganglia and feline superior cervical and sphenopalatine ganglia, three sources of projecting perivascular axons. Levels did not diminish, however, in ipsilateral feline cephalic vessels following either unilateral trigeminal or superior cervical ganglionectomies. Hence, dynorphin-containing fibers may project from parasympathetic cell bodies or perhaps from intrinsic brain sources. Previously published reports indicate that the kappa agonist dynorphin does not modify vessel tone when added in vitro but does inhibit release of neurotransmitters from afferent and sympathetic axons via prejunctional receptors. These observations suggest a pharmacological role for dynorphin on sensory and autonomic functions of the vasculature.
Aortic stenosis with marked right ventricular hypertrophy

Abstract Congenital aortic stenosis is a relatively common cardiac malformation. The classic variety usually presents with left ventricular hypertrophy on the electrocardiogram. The patient who has been presented is unique in that he presented with marked congenital aortic valvular and subvalvular stenosis with predominant marked right ventricular hypertrophy on the electrocardiogram and vectorcardiogram. The case has been presented in detail, and the possible mechanisms for the presence of right ventricular hypertrophy have been discussed.
Parallel and antiparallel Holliday junctions differ in structure and stability.

Abstract Two Holliday junction analogs, JA and JP, containing identical base-paired arms have been constructed from oligonucleotides. The former is constrained to adopt an antiparallel Sigal-Alberts structure, and the latter a parallel structure, by means of single strand d(T) 9 tethers. We evaluate here the free energy difference between JA and JP using two different methods. One is a direct measurement of the ratio of the equilibrium constants for formation of branched structures from intact duplexes using one labeled strand and a competition assay. The second method estimates the difference in stability from the difference in thermal denaturation temperatures of JA and JP, using urea to shift the t m of the complexes. Both methods reveal a small free energy difference between the two complexes: JA is more stable than JP by −1.1(± 0.4) kcal (mol junction) −1 , at 25 °C, 5 m m -Mg 2+ , from the first method, and by −1.6(± 0.3) kcal (mol junction) −1 , according to the second. DNase I and the resolvase, endonuclease I from phage T7, cleave JA differently from JP in the vicinity of the branch, indicating that the structures of these two models differ at this site. Diethyl pyrocarbonate also reveals a difference in the major grooves. Comparison of the scission patterns of JA and JP by the reactive chemical probes methidium-propyl-EDTA · · Fe(II), [MPE · Fe(II)] and Cu(I)-[ o -phenanthroline] 2 , [(OP) 2 Cu(I)], indicates that in both cases the branch point is a site of enhanced binding for drugs, as it is in the untethered four-arm junction containing the same core sequence at the branch.
Retrospective case studies of the efficacy of caprylic triglyceride in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Under normal conditions, the adult human brain is fueled primarily by glucose. A prominent feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is region-specific decreases in cerebral glucose metabolism. Ketone bodies are a group of compounds produced from fat stores during periods of low glucose availability that can provide an alternative to glucose for brain metabolism. Consumption of sufficient quantities of caprylic triglyceride (CT) increases plasma concentrations of ketone bodies and may be beneficial in conditions of compromised glucose metabolism, such as AD. The present study describes the use of CT in mild-to-moderate AD in routine clinical practice. Case records from eight patients with extensive monitoring of cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and who had received CT for ≥6 months were reviewed. All were outpatients aged ≥50 years, cared for in standard practice, had a diagnosis of probable AD of mild-to-moderate severity (MMSE 14–24), and had received CT for at least 6 months in addition to other approved pharmacotherapy for AD. Response to CT administration as measured by MMSE scores varied by patient. However, the rate of decline in MMSE scores appeared slower than previously published reports for patients treated with pharmacotherapy alone. Profiling of individual patients may provide insight regarding those most likely to benefit from addition of CT to currently approved AD pharmacotherapy.
Optical Coherent Transients by Laser Frequency Switching: Subnanosecond Studies

By extending the laser frequency switching technique to a 100 psec time scale, we have observed for the Na D1 line the first order free induction decay (FID), its inhomogeneous dephasing time T*2, its interference with the nonlinear FID, and a 1.8 GHz interference beat of the ground state hfs. Detailed theoretical predictions of these new coherence effects are faithfully observed.
Structure of chia seed polysaccharide exudate

Abstract Chia seed gum varies in molecular weight from 0·8 to 2·0 × 106 daltons, as determined by gel filtration. β- d -Xylose, α- d -glucose, and 4-O- methyl -α- d -glucuronic acid were obtained on hydrolysis in the respective ratios of 2:1:1. An aldobiouronic acid, 2-O-(4-O- methyl -α- d -glucopyranosiduronic acid)- d -xylose , was obtained by partial hydrolysis. A tentative structural unit proposed for the polysaccharide is a tetrasaccharide with 4-O- methyl -α- d -glucoronopyranosyl residues occurring as branches at O-2 of some β- d -xylopyranosyl residues in the main chain consisting of (1→4)-β- d -xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-α- d -glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β- d -xylopyranosyl units. A linear tetrasaccharide was characterized that incorporates these structural features.
Depth of Anesthesia Monitoring

Depth-of-anesthesia monitoring with EEG or EEG combined with mLAER is becoming widely used in anesthesia practice. Evidence shows that this monitoring improves outcome by reducing the incidence of intra-operative awareness while reducing the average amount of anesthesia that is administered, resulting in faster wake-up and recovery, and perhaps reduced nausea and vomiting. As with any monitoring device, there are limitations in the use of the monitors and the anesthesiologist must be able to interpret the data accordingly. The limitations include the following. The currently available monitoring algorithms do not account for all anesthetic drugs, including ketamine, nitrous oxide and halothane. EMG and other high-frequency electrical artifacts are common and interfere with EEG interpretation. Data processing time produces a lag in the computation of the depth-of-anesthesia monitoring index. Frequently the EEG effects of anesthetic drugs are not good predictors of movement in response to a surgical stimulus because the main site of action for anesthetic drugs to prevent movement is the spinal cord. The use of depth-of-anesthesia monitoring in children is not as well understood as in adults. Several monitoring devices are commercially available. The BIS monitor is the most thoroughly studied and most widely used, but the amount of information about other monitors is growing. In the future, depth-of-anesthesia monitoring will probably help in further refining and better understanding the process of administering anesthesia.
The study of nuclear power system dynamics using a pseudo-random binary input

Abstract The feasibility of various methods of applying a pseudo-random binary input to the control rods of a power reactor system was investigated and three automatic methods were devised. Experiments were conducted using a manually-applied pseudo-random binary input and the reactivity transfer functions of neutron density, reactor pressure and primary coolant flow were derived. The results are shown to be consistent with calculations based on known parameter values. The method is shown to be feasible and enables dynamic behaviour to be determined with negligible disturbance to the system output.
Self-instructions: Effects of cognitive level and active rehearsal

Abstract This research examined the effects of a self-instruction intervention on the relationship between cognitive level and conceptual tempo. Preoperational and concrete operational children received the Matching Familiar Figures Test prior to and after serving in either a no training control group, a content only control group, or a self-instruction group. Children in the content only control group received the same set of self-guiding strategy statements as those in the self-instruction group but without overt rehearsal of the statements. Cognitive level and conceptual tempo were strongly related; preoperational children tended to be classified as impulsive, concrete operational chidlren, as reflective. Although cognitive level predicted overall performance, with concrete operational children being more successful and more reflective than preoperational children, the influence of training was similar for both groups. On posttest, children in the self-instruction groups made more correct responses and were more reflective than children in the other two training groups.
Three-dimensional analysis of particle coarsening in high volume fraction solid–liquid mixtures

The three-dimensional microstructure of 78 and 52 vol.% Sn-rich particles coarsened within a liquid Pb–Sn matrix were determined by the reconstruction of serial sections. The three-dimensional particle size distribution (PSD) and the particle–particle contact distributions were determined. The three-dimensional PSDs do not match those predicted by particle coarsening theory, but there is reasonable agreement with the grain size distributions predicted by a grain growth simulation. In addition, when the particle–particle contact distribution is normalized to the average number of particle contacts, the distribution is statistically invariant with volume fraction. At 52 vol.% it is found that the number of contacts is proportional to the square of the average particle size, but this is not true for 78 vol.%. This is attributed to the increased shape distortions of the particles that are present in the higher volume fraction samples.
Electron microscopy samples: replication using dental inlay wax

Summary A two-stage replication technique for electron microscopy is described using indirect dental inlay wax. Its application has particular value in the study of dental polymeric materials.
Hemodynamic Forces Regulate Developmental Patterning of Atrial Conduction

Anomalous action potential conduction through the atrial chambers of the heart can lead to severe cardiac arrhythmia. To date, however, little is known regarding the mechanisms that pattern proper atrial conduction during development. Here we demonstrate that atrial muscle functionally diversifies into at least two heterogeneous subtypes, thin-walled myocardium and rapidly conducting muscle bundles, during a developmental window just following cardiac looping. During this process, atrial muscle bundles become enriched for the fast conduction markers Cx40 and Nav1.5, similar to the precursors of the fast conduction Purkinje fiber network located within the trabeculae of the ventricles. In contrast to the ventricular trabeculae, however, atrial muscle bundles display an increased proliferation rate when compared to the surrounding myocardium. Interestingly, mechanical loading of the embryonic atrial muscle resulted in an induction of Cx40, Nav1.5 and the cell cycle marker Cyclin D1, while decreasing atrial pressure via in vivo ligation of the vitelline blood vessels results in decreased atrial conduction velocity. Taken together, these data establish a novel model for atrial conduction patterning, whereby hemodynamic stretch coordinately induces proliferation and fast conduction marker expression, which in turn promotes the formation of large diameter muscle bundles to serve as preferential routes of conduction.
Sickle-cell anemia complicated by acuterheumatic heart disease and massive cerebral hemorrhage

Summary A case of sickle-cell anemia and acute rheumatic fever with carditis occurring simultaneously in a negro boy of 12 years is presented. The general necropsy findings were those typical of the two pathologic processes. Death was caused by a massive intracerebral hemorrhage, and associated evidences of chronic cerebral affection were present. The similarity in the clinical pictures of the two diseases is referred to, with special mention of the value of the fibrinolysin reaction as an aid in the diagnosis of rheumatic fever.
Further studies of the reactions of PtRu5(μ6-C)(CO)16 with alkynes: The preparation and structural characterizations of PtRu5(CO)13(μ-EtC2Et)(μ3-EtC2Et)(μ5-C) and Pt2Ru6(CO)17(μ-η5-Et4C5)(μ3-EtC2Et) (μ6-C)

The reaction of PtRu5(CO)16(μ6-C),1 with 3-hexyne in the presence of UV irradiation produced two new electron-rich platinum-ruthenium cluster complexes PtRu5(CO)13(μ-EtC2Et)(μ3-EtC2Et)(μ5-C),2 (20% yield) and Pt2Ru6(CO)17(μ-η5-Et4C5)(μ3-EtC2Et) (μ6-C),3 (7% yield). Both compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Compound2 contains of a platinum capped square pyramidal cluster of five ruthenium atoms with the carbido ligand located in the center of the square pyramid. A EtC2Et ligand bridges one of the PtRu2 triangles and the Ru-Pt bond between the apical ruthenium atom and the platinum cap. The structure of compound3 consists of an octahedral PtRu5 cluster with an interstitial carbido ligand and a platinum atom capping one of the PtRu2 triangles. There is an additional Ru(CO)2 group extending from the platinum atom in the PtRu5 cluster that contains a metallated tetraethylcyclopentadienyl ligand that bridges to the platinum capping group. There is also a EtC2Et ligand bridging one of the PtRu2 triangular faces to the capping platinum atom. Compounds2 and3 both contain two valence electrons more than the number predicted by conventional electron counting theories, and both also possess unusually long metal-metal bonds that may be related to these anomalous electron configurations. Crystal data for2, space group Pna21,a=19.951(3) A,b=9.905(2) A,c=17.180(2) A,Z=2, 1844 reflections,R=0.036; for3, space group Pna21,α=13.339(1) A,b=14.671(2) A,c=11.748(2) A, α=100.18(1)°, β=95.79(1)°, γ=83.671(9)°,Z=2, 3127 reflections,R=0.026.
The manganese-stabilizing protein is required for photosystem II assembly/stability and photoautotrophy in higher plants.

Interfering RNA was used to suppress the expression of two genes that encode the manganese-stabilizing protein of photosystem II in Arabidopsis thaliana, MSP-1 (encoded by psbO-1, At5g66570), and MSP-2 (encoded by psbO-2, At3g50820). A phenotypic series of transgenic plants was recovered that expressed high, intermediate, and low amounts of these two manganese-stabilizing proteins. Chlorophyll fluorescence induction and decay analyses were performed. Decreasing amounts of expressed protein led to the progressive loss of variable fluorescence and a marked decrease in the fluorescence quantum yield (Fv/Fm) in both the absence and the presence of dichloromethylurea. This result indicated that the amount of functional photosystem II reaction centers was compromised in the plants that exhibited intermediate and low amounts of the manganese-stabilizing proteins. An analysis of the decay of the variable fluorescence in the presence of dichlorophenyldimethylurea indicated that charge recombination between Q A– and the S2 state of the oxygen-evolving complex was seriously retarded in the plants that expressed low amounts of the manganesestabilizing proteins. This may have indicated a stabilization of the S2 state in the absence of the extrinsic component. Immunological analysis of the photosystem II protein complement indicated that significant losses of the CP47, CP43, and D1 proteins occurred upon the loss of the manganese-stabilizing proteins. This indicated that these extrinsic proteins were required for photosystem II core assembly/stability. Additionally, although the quantity of the 24-kDa extrinsic protein was only modestly affected by the loss of the manganese-stabilizing proteins, the 17-kDa extrinsic protein dramatically decreased. The control proteins ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase and cytochrome f were not affected by the loss of the manganese-stabilizing proteins; the photosystem I PsaB protein, however, was significantly reduced in the low expressing transgenic plants. Finally, it was determined that the transgenic plants that expressed low amounts of the manganese-stabilizing proteins could not grow photoautotrophically.
Tablet PC: blackboard to the web

The use of the Tablet PC® as a lecture aid allows for the best of both worlds: the ability to present prepared lectures with well thought out graphics and the ability to annotate and develop a lecture in real time as would be done on a conventional blackboard. As classroom presentations become more computer based, they generally become less flexible and interactive. As the lecture becomes "canned" using tools such as Microsoft PowerPoint, the ability to change direction, annotate or illustrate on the fly becomes difficult if not impossible. For mathematics, the sciences and engineering, the ability to illustrate points is absolutely critical. If the classroom is darkened to allow for projection capabilities it is problematic to use the blackboard without completely disrupting the flow of the presentation. Using a Tablet PC with wireless connectivity and projection capabilities, an instructor can simply change applications and use the computer as a digital writing pad, projecting directly to the class instead of using the blackboard. The presenter is no longer tethered to a podium but can wander about freely. As an added bonus, all notes, illustrations, and annotations to presentations can then be published directly to the web.
Binary linearity of linear error correction codes over Z4

Multiplications for binary vectors are defined which are consistent with the multiplication on Z4. A sufficient condition for a linear (block or convolutional) code over Z4 to be equivalent to a binary linear code. is also presented.
Cost-effectiveness of nurse practitioner management of hypercholesterolemia following coronary revascularization.

Purpose To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of case management by a nurse practitioner (NP) to lower blood lipids in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) from a managed care perspective. Data sources A total of 228 consecutive, eligible adults with hypercholesterolemia and CHD were recruited during hospitalization after coronary revascularization. Patients were randomized to receive lipid management, including individualized lifestyle modification and pharmacologic intervention from an NP for 1 year after discharge in addition to their usual care (NURS) or to receive usual care (EUC) enhanced with feedback on lipids to their primary provider and/or cardiologist. A cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated using incremental costs of the NURS group per unit change and percent change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for 1 year at 2004 values. Conclusions The annual incremental cost-effectiveness of NP case management was 26.03 dollars per mg/dL and 39.05 dollars per percent reduction in LDL-C. When costs of NURS care for the second 6 months of management were compared to the first 6 months of management, nursing salary costs were lower as patients were established on cholesterol management regimens, but the reduction in costs was offset by the increase in incremental costs of drug treatment as the NP titrated the patient to higher drug dosages that were more costly. Implications for practice The findings suggest that case management by an NP is a cost-effective approach for a managed care organization to consider in improving the care of patients with cardiovascular disease.
The effect of ethanol on activity level following reward shift

This study tested the effect of ethanol on activity levels following a downshift in the magnitude of food reward. During the 10 days of Phase 1, four groups of 10 female albino rats drank a nonalcoholic fluid and then received conditioning trials in an operant chamber for a large (two groups) or small (two groups) reward. During the 10 days of Phase 2, all four groups received the small reward in the operant chamber. One downshifted and one control group continued to drink the nonalcoholic fluid, whereas the other downshifted and control group drank an alcoholic fluid. Following the daily conditioning trials, the animals’ activity was tested on an open field. The introduction of alcohol during Phase 2 resulted in marked increases in activity. Of the two groups that drank the alcoholic fluid during Phase 2, the downshifted group was more active than the control group. Of the two groups that drank the nonalcoholic fluid, the downshifted group was less active than the control.
Nanosecond pulsed electric field thresholds for nanopore formation in neural cells.

d General Dynamics Information Technology, Naval Medical Research Unit-San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234 Abstract. The persistent influx of ions through nanopores created upon cellular exposure to nanosecond pulse electric fields (nsPEF) could be used to modulate neuronal function. One ion, calcium (Ca 2þ ), is important to action potential firing and regulates many ion channels. However, uncontrolled hyper-excitability of neurons leads to Ca 2þ overload and neurodegeneration. Thus, to prevent unintended consequences of nsPEF-induced neural stimu- lation, knowledge of optimum exposure parameters is required. We determined the relationship between nsPEF exposure parameters (pulse width and amplitude) and nanopore formation in two cell types: rodent neuroblastoma (NG108) and mouse primary hippocampal neurons (PHN). We identified thresholds for nanoporation using Annexin V and FM1-43, to detect changes in membrane asymmetry, and through Ca 2þ influx using Calcium Green. The ED50 for a single 600 ns pulse, necessary to cause uptake of extracellular Ca 2þ , was 1.76 kV∕cm for NG108 and 0.84 kV∕cm for PHN. At 16.2 kV∕cm, the ED50 for pulse width was 95 ns for both cell lines. Cadmium, a nonspecific Ca 2þ channel blocker, failed to prevent Ca 2þ uptake suggesting that observed influx is likely due to nanoporation. These data demonstrate that moderate amplitude single nsPEF exposures result in rapid Ca 2þ influx that may be capable of controllably modulating neurological function. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution
An interlaboratory test of pH measurements in rainwater

An interlaboratory test of pH measurements in rainwater has been conducted. Various types of electrodes and junction materials were used in this test. The results of this exercise verify that there are significant differences in the pH values of low ionic strength solutions reported by various laboratories. Other work suggests that these differences are due to residual liquid junction potentials. Furthermore, this test confirms the efficacy of using dilute solutions of a strong acid as working standards for pH measurements in acid deposition studies.
Design by Fuzzy Association of Needs-to-Functions-to-Structures

The objective of the work presented in this article is to develop and test a new method of automating design by associating needs and wants of the end users to functional requirements and functional requirements to physical structures. This new method of design uses fuzzy associative memory FAM to generate an innovative design's components based solely on the desired needs and wants of the customers. The proposed system tries to mimic the thinking process of human designers by using FAM to retrieve the desired parts based on how well a design solution satisfies marketing demands and user specifications. Once a design's components have been selected based on the perceived needs, a new design will be realized by synthesizing the generated parts. Examples are given to show the evolution of new products during the conceptual design.
Adult Education Participation in the Industrial Suburb of West Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The village of West Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was studied to de termine availability of and participation in adult education pro grams by village residents. Although funds and facilities were available to support educational programs, the survey revealed a low participation rate of 9.4 per cent. It is felt that this and other findings reflect the traditionally negative attitude toward further education often found in lower middle-class societal groups and the inability of adult education agencies to provide educa tional programs to attract this segment of the population.
Complex Regulation of the Bacillus subtilis Aconitase Gene

The roles of the CcpC, CodY, and AbrB proteins in regulation of the Bacillus subtilis aconitase (citB) gene were found to be distinct and to vary with the conditions and phase of growth. CcpC, a citrate-inhibited repressor that is the primary factor regulating citB expression in minimal-glucose-glutamine medium, also contributed to repression of citB during exponential-phase growth in broth medium. A null mutation in codY had no effect on citB expression during growth in minimal medium even when combined with ccpC and abrB mutations. However, a codY mutation slightly relieved repression during exponential growth in broth medium and completely derepressed citB expression when combined with a ccpC mutation. An abrB mutation led to decreased expression of citB during stationary phase in both broth and minimal medium. All three proteins bound in vitro to specific and partially overlapping sites within the citB regulatory region. Interaction of CcpC and CodY with the citB promoter region was partially competitive.
Multi-modal image set registration and atlas formation

In this paper, we present a Bayesian framework for both generating inter-subject large deformation transformations between two multi-modal image sets of the brain and for the forming of multi-class brain atlases. In this framework, the estimated transformations are generated using the maximal information about the underlying neuroanatomy present in each of the different modalities. This modality independent registration framework is achieved by jointly estimating the posterior probabilities associated with the multi-modal image sets and the high-dimensional registration transformations mapping the two subjects. To maximally use the information present in all the modalities for registration, Kullback-Leibler divergence between the estimated posteriors is minimized. Registration results for image sets composed of multi-modal MR images of healthy adult human brains are presented. Atlas formation results are presented for a population of five infant human brains.
Method for evaluating utilization of infused oligosaccharides in postsurgical patients.

Oligosaccharides are potential sources of carbohydrate-derived energy for use in parenteral nutrition regimens. Clinical studies indicate that although some patients utilize infused oligosaccharides well, many patients do not. These results suggest that oligosaccharides might be useful as a parenteral energy source for selected patients. This report describes a method, suitable for use by nursing staff on the ward, to determine oligosaccharide utilization and identify patients utilizing oligosaccharides well. Oligosaccharides excreted in urine are hydrolyzed enzymaticallly to glucose using α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and the glucose released is measured by a test tape method. The results obtained agree well with the acid hydrolysis-spectrophotometric assay for oligosaccharide excretion used in earlier studies. The method readily identified postsurgical patients utilizing infused oligosaccharides poorly in both prospective and retrospective studies. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 11:124-128,...
Charter Schools, Equity, and Student Enrollments The Role of For-profit Educational Management Organizations

For-profit educational management organizations (EMOs) are a growing phenomenon in public education, and they are an integral part of charter school reform in many states. Research suggests that charter schools operated by for-profit entities may take a more entrepreneurial approach when expanding their operations and thus may be more inclined to serve less disadvantaged and less costly students. In this article, we examine empirically whether charter schools are less likely to serve disadvantaged students by comparing the distribution of students across traditional public schools, nonprofit charter schools, and those managed by private companies. We base our analysis on data from the National Center of Education Statistics’ (NCES) Common Core Data (CCD), and we combine this data with information on the types of management organizations operating charter schools. Our results suggest that charter schools managed by EMOs draw students differently to their schools than those charter schools not managed by EM...
Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Infected Children: The Metabolic Cost of Improved Survival

Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has positively altered the morality rates in HIV-infected children, these drugs have the potential to cause significant morbidity. These drugs cause changes in fat distribution, lipid profiles, glucose, homeostasis, and bone turnover. The direct relationship between duration of drug exposure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease is particularly concerning for HIV-infected infants and children, who likely will have longer cumulative exposure to HAART. It is unclear whether the metabolic effects of decades of exposure would be reversible with cessation of therapy. The benefits of HAART in HIV infection are indisputable, but the impetus to find a cure or design more tolerable therapy is clear. Infarction may replace infection as the major cause of morbidity and mortality from HIV.