cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enabling Quality Assurance Analytics through the Use of Information Systems: The Case of a Juice Manufacturing Company

The juice manufacturing industry is a nascent industry. The increased pace of life and focus on a healthy life style has given rise to the industry. Orange Juice Company OCJ, based in California, is one of the leading juice co-packers in the nation. However, despite their excellence in manufacturing, their technology adoption is behind that of their competition, especially in quality assurance. Because quality assurance plays an essential part in their businesses, they want to improve the processes by digitization and enable quality assurance analytics. They hope that by investing in quality assurance, they would be able to gain competitive advantage in juice manufacturing.
Orderings of a stacked frustrated triangular system in three dimensions

An Ising system is constructed by stacking frustrated antiferromagnetic triangular lattices. Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson and Monte Carlo analyses suggest two ordered phases. In the low-temperature phase, one sublattice is fully ordered and, oppositely, two sublattices are partially ordered. In the intermediate phase, two sublattices are fully and oppositely ordered, and one is disordered. The transition to the paramagnetic phase is in $\mathrm{XY}$ universality. The transition between the ordered phases is due to sixfold symmetry-breaking flop.
Rewarding and aversive effects of morphine: Temporal and pharmacological properties ☆

Abstract To assess morphine-induced location preferences and flavor aversions, rats were administered morphine sulfate (10 mg/kg, IP) either immediately before (Experiment 1) or immediately after (Experiment 2) confinement for 20 min in one side of a shuttlebox with access to a flavored solution. On control trials the rats were administered saline and confined for 20 min on the opposite side with a differently flavored solution. In subsequent choice tests, it was found that morphine injections before confinement produced a preference for the side associated with morphine and indifference to the flavors, whereas morphine injections after confinement produced an aversion to the flavor paired with morphine and indifference to the sides. Experiments 3 and 4, using a procedure similar to that of Experiment 1, showed that naloxone (1 mg/kg, IP) blocked the morphine-induced side preference, although given alone it was without effect in this test.
The Rayleigh—Schrödinger BK method applied to the lower electronic states of pyrrole

Abstract A second-order Rayleigh—Schrodinger B K method (RS B K ) is described and applied to computing the lower electronic states of pyrrole. This method is more nearly size consistent than the previously used Brillouin—Wigner B K (BW B K ) method. Pyrrole RS B K excitation energies compare closely to BW B K , second-order perturbation theory, and extrapolated CI energies. To provide insight into the origin of the bands in the experimental absorption spectrum, absorption coefficients and second moments are also reported.
The Impact of Local and Regional Disease Extent on Overall Survival in Patients With Advanced Stage IIIB/IV Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Purpose Patients with advanced stage IIIB or stage IV non-small cell lung carcinoma are typically treated with initial platinum-based chemotherapy. A variety of factors (eg, performance status, gender, age, histology, weight loss, and smoking history) are generally accepted as predictors of overall survival. Because uncontrolled pulmonary disease constitutes a major cause of death in these patients, we hypothesized that clinical and radiographic factors related to intrathoracic disease at diagnosis may be prognostically significant in addition to conventional factors. The results have implications regarding the selection of patients for whom palliative thoracic radiation therapy may be of most benefit. Methods and Materials We conducted a pooled analysis of 189 patients enrolled at a single institution into 9 prospective phase II and III clinical trials involving first-line, platinum-based chemotherapy. Baseline clinical and radiographic characteristics before trial enrollment were analyzed as possible predictors for subsequent overall survival. To assess the relationship between anatomic location and volume of disease within the thorax and its effect on survival, the pre-enrollment computed tomography images were also analyzed by contouring central and peripheral intrapulmonary disease. Results On univariate survival analysis, multiple pulmonary-related factors were significantly associated with worse overall survival, including pulmonary symptoms at presentation ( P =.0046), total volume of intrathoracic disease ( P =.0006), and evidence of obstruction of major bronchi or vessels on prechemotherapy computed tomography ( P P P =.74) disease was associated with worse survival. On multivariate analysis with known factors, pulmonary symptoms (hazard ratio, 1.46; P =.042), central disease volume (hazard ratio, 1.47; P =.042), and bronchial/vascular compression (hazard ratio, 1.54; P =.022) remained significant. Conclusions Patients with bulky central disease, bronchial/vascular compression, and/or pulmonary symptoms exhibited worse overall survival after first-line, platinum-based chemotherapy. A subset of these patients may be studied to determine whether early, planned palliative thoracic radiation could also be of benefit.
MARX, MALTHUS, AND THE CONCEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCE SCARCITY

Nothing seems more obvious than the category of resource scarcity. Specifically, it is presented as a measure of the availability of the materials with which we fashion our lives. Like physiography or climate, it appears to be a reflection of the nature-given conditions of production. Consequently, it is presumed to be devoid of any social content (see, e.g., Smith, 1978, p. 284-89). In fact, the meaning and emphasis of scarcity has changed dramatically over the years in response to altered social conditions. This essay attempts to chart the changes that occurred between the publication of Malthus's Essay on Population and Marx's Ca ital in
Human Population Control: The Missing Awareness

In March 1993, Anne Ehrlich, David Ehrenfeld, and I published an editorial in Conservation Biology called "Human Population Control: The Missing Agenda" (Meffe et al. 1993). In it, we lamented that human population growth, though "... the most severe problem faced in human history, and the one most likely to result in breakdown of both normal ecosystem function and social structure," was trivialized or ignored by much of modern society and was therefore the missing agenda Human population control has even been a "politically incorrect" topic and taboo in some circles. Because awareness is the first step to solving any problem, we suggested that conservation biologists have an obligation to lead the way in breaking out of this medieval thinking by promoting the population agenda and its possible solutions, largely through public education and advocacy. One of the most powerful and readily available institutions for doing this is the university, a traditional bastion of contemporary thinking and foresight. One might then surmise that citizens of the university (students and the professorate) would be well-versed in the population problem and its ecological effects, and be primed to take on the role of agenda promotion. Is that in fact the case?
A Chinese beauty story: how college women in China negotiate beauty, body image, and mass media

This study examines how young Chinese women negotiate beauty and body image in context with mass media, paying particular attention to the relationship between ongoing sociocultural change in contemporary Chinese society and the attitudes and behaviors among young women towards beauty. Qualitative in nature, this study explores the “beauty stories” of 13 college women in mainland China through in-depth interviews. Several distinctive themes were found: (1) These women believed the ideal beautiful Chinese woman should have a tall and thin body, big eyes, a watermelon seed-shaped face, fair skin, and qi zhi (inner beauty); (2) Body image issues were centralized in these women's everyday experiences, and they were under significant cultural, societal, familial, and peer pressure to pursue physical beauty; (3) Cultural and media influences on their perceptions of beauty were complex and multi-layered; and (4) The women were hopeful of both potential positive social change and the liberation of Chinese women, ...
Reviewing and reconsidering invasion assays in head and neck cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are malignant tumors that arise from the surface epithelium of the oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx, primarily due to exposure to chemical carcinogens or the human papilloma virus. Due to their location, dental practitioners are well-positioned to detect the lesions. Deadlier than lymphoma or melanoma, HNSCC is incompletely understood. For these reasons, dental practitioners and researchers are focused on understanding HNSCC and the processes driving it. One of these critical processes is invasion, the degradation of the basement membrane by HNSCC cells with subsequent movement into the underlying connective tissue, blood vessels or nerves. Cancer cells metastasize to distant sites via the blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves. Metastasis is associated with poor survival. Since invasion is essential for development and metastasis of HNSCC, it is essential to understand the mechanism(s) driving this process. Elucidation of the mechanisms involved will facilitate the development of targeted treatment, thereby accelerating development of precision/personalized medicine to treat HNSCC. Robust in vitro and in vivo assays are required to investigate the mechanistic basis of invasion. This review will focus on in vitro and in vivo assays used to study invasion in HNSCC, with special emphasis on some of the latest assays to study HNSCC.
Ten-year trends in neonatal assisted ventilation of very low-birthweight infants

OBJECTIVES: To examine ventilatory support for the VLBW infant over the past 10 years in a single academic NICU and determine factors that predicted length of ventilation, death, and CLD. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort review of neonatal blood gases, ventilatory support, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: From 1992 through October 2002, 6254 infants were admitted, of whom 2388 required intubation for mechanical ventilation. Of these, 837 were 10 either died or survived with CLD. CONCLUSIONS: Birth weight is the best predictor of duration of ventilation, and CLD is best predicted by birth weight, duration of ventilation and male sex. The increasing use of noninvasive strategies has not been associated with an observable increase in respiratory morbidity. VLBW infants with a single OI>10 may benefit from inclusion in future interventional rescue studies.
Detection of picogram quantities of potyviruses using a dot blot immunobinding assay

Highly sensitive direct visual detection of potyviruses was achieved using a dot blot immunobinding assay (DBIA). The small sample volumes required permit the detection of as little as 0.5 pg virus in purified preparations. The binding of rabbit antibodies could be visualized using goat anti-rabbit IgG (GAR) conjugated to alkaline phosphatase, beta-D-galactosidase, glucose oxidase, or horseradish peroxidase and histochemical substrates. The avidin-biotin system was also useful, but somewhat less sensitive than GAR-enzyme conjugates. Detection of potyviruses in an aphid vector was also attempted, but without success due to endogenous aphid enzymes.
Reply to ‘CD49d in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: correlated expression with CD38 and prognostic relevance’ by Zucchetto et al.

Reply to ‘CD49d in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: correlated expression with CD38 and prognostic relevance’ by Zucchetto et al.
The cardiovascular stress of photochemotherapy (PUVA).

The recently devised therapy for psoriasis and related skin diseases, consisting of long-wave ultraviolet light and oral 8-methoxypsoralen (PUVA), was investigated for its cardiovascular effects. In seventeen patients, long-wave ultraviolet light therapy in a treatment enclosure (mean duration, 19.3 minutes) resulted in ambient temperatures of 39.2° C2.1° C (SD) and skin temperatures of 38.2° C1.4° C. In upright subjects, heart rate rose 30.8% to 114.425.2 beats per minute (bpm). Intensive room air conditioning, outside of the treatment enclosure, although significantly lowering skin and ambient temperatures, did not affect the heart rates significantly. PUVA therapy is associated with a definite cardiovascular stress when the box type of therapeutic unit is used. Possible modifications are discussed.
Hemostatically distinct FFPs equally improve abnormal TEG variables in an in vitro dilutional coagulopathy model.

Abstract Introduction To improve fresh frozen plasma (FFP) availability, thawed plasma is stored at 4 °C for up to 5 days and considered equivalent to freshly thawed FFP. However, we have shown that hemostatic potential of thawed plasma is highly variable between donors and significantly diminished during storage. We hypothesized that smaller volumes of plasma with higher hemostatic potential (FFP-H) would be needed to restore normal thrombelastogram (TEG) values compared to plasma with lower hemostatic potential (FFP-L). Materials and Methods A dilutional coagulopathy model was established from whole blood by diluting plasma with saline to 23%, while cellular components were kept unchanged. Saline was gradually replaced with equal volumes of FFPs with distinctive hemostatic potentials, which was evaluated by the calibrated automated thrombogram. Clot formation in the presence of tissue factor was evaluated by TEG at baseline and after addition of increasing concentrations of FFP-H and FFP-L. Results Blood dilution with saline in the presence of tissue factor resulted in abnormal TEGs that resemble a pattern observed in severely bleeding trauma patients. All FFPs produced similar improvements in TEG variables despite different hemostatic potentials. TEG changes were solely dependent on FFP volume and reached the normal reference range when plasma concentration increased to 40%. Conclusion Plasma dilution and tissue factor in whole blood results in an abnormal TEG with a hyperfibrinolytic pattern. A plasma concentration of at least 40% was necessary for TEG normalization after dilution with saline. An effect of FFPs’ hemostatic potential on clot formation could not be detected by TEG in this in vitro model.
ITP and pregnancy

The question, “Doctor, is it safe for me to become pregnant?” is one of the more charged issues confronting a woman with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and her physician. Maternal platelet counts can fall during even uncomplicated pregnancies. Some of the drugs commonly used to manage
Active Site of Iron-Based Catalyst in Coal Liquefaction

Catalytic activity for coal liquefaction of sulfate-promoted iron oxide was investigated by a high-pressure differential thermal analysis technique and an autoclave test. It was found by X-ray photoelectron spectrometry that the main component of the catalyst was iron oxide, but this included 1.1 wt % sulfur. A particular finding from these experiments was that the catalyst showed sufficiently high activity for coal liquefaction without added sulfur and the activity was comparable to the activities of the catalyst with sulfur and FeS2 catalyst in a range of temperatures between 375 and 450 °C. This was very interesting because the sulfate-promoted iron oxide catalyst showed significantly high activity without addition of a promoter. To find possible reasons, temperature-programmed desorption profiles of hydrogen (TPRD) of these catalysts were measured. The sulfate-promoted iron oxide catalyst showed clear TPRD profiles in a wide range of temperatures between 100 and 350 °C. In contrast, FeS did not show any TPRD profile. However, after oxidation of FeS with air at elevated temperatures, it did show TPRD profiles, although these were weak. This suggests that surface-sulfate species can activate hydrogen molecules. It is well-known that sulfur or sulfides are easily oxidized with water or air. It is also well-known that much water is included in the coal liquefaction system. Therefore, the catalysts used in coal liquefaction are always exposed to oxidative agents in the reaction system. Therefore, it was concluded that an active site in working states for coal liquefaction was sulfate species formed during the process on the surface of the iron-based catalysts in the coal liquefaction.
Excitation and ionization accompanying the beta decay of T2

Abstract The probabilities for shake-up and shake-off excitation accompanying the beta decay of molecular tritium have been computed. The shake-off channels account for 15% of the excitation probability. Roughly 2/3 of the shake-off intensity is concentrated in a band of resonances occuring about 20 eV above threshold.
The effect of food deprivation on the plasma free amino acid levels of sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus

Plasma levels of free amino acids were compared in recently fed sturgeon and in those deprived of food for over two weeks. Fed animals had elevated levels of branched chain amino acids. It is suggested that the higher levels of these amino acids are due to reduced metabolism of these amino acids as well as high levels in the food.
PLASTICITY OF CLAYS

A theoretical discussion is presented on the plasticity of clays from a colloid-physical standpoint and based on modern concepts of the nature and source of the charges associated with the colloidal system.
CIRCULAR DICHROISM OF SOME COBALT(III) COMPLEXES WITH 2,2′-DIAMINOBIPHENYL AND R-6,6′-DIMETHYL-2,2′-DIAMINOBIPHENYL

Abstract The complexes [Co(en)2(dabp)]3 + and α-[Co(trien)(dabp)]3 + have been resolved. The β-trien complex was not sufficiently stable to permit resolution. Of the four possible stereoisomers of each complex, only two were isolated. The stereospecificity of these reactions was confirmed since R-dmdabp combined with cis-[Co(en)2Cl2]+ to form just one of the two possible configurational isomers. The CD spectra were examined to investigate the effect of ligand conformation on the rotatory strengths and to relate the absolute configurations to those of other tris-(diamine)cobalt(III) complexes.
The environmental significance of surface films: Part 1—octanol-water partition coefficients for DDT and hexachlorobenzene

Abstract The partition coefficients for DDT and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) between two solvents and water are reported. The molar partition coefficient between either octanol or nine weight percent cetanol in octanol and water is 10 5·1 ± 0·2 for DDT and 10 5·2 ± 0·2 for HCB, all at room temperature. If the alcohols are in the form of a surface layer, the partition coefficient may be as high as 10 6 for the DDT and 10 7 for the HCB which suggests that the surface layer is a more important concentrator of organic solutes than is inferred from bulk partitioning values.
Defensive Compensation as a Response to Ego Threat: A Replication

An effort was made to replicate the results of an experiment by Holmes which demonstrated the operation of compensation, an important yet under-studied defense mechanism, as well as to provide data...
Causal attributions regarding conflicts between friends in middle childhood

With a focus on conflict as an interpersonal event rather than a social outcome, the present study investigated children's causal attributions regarding conflicts with friends during middle childhood. Thirty-nine girls and 34 boys responded to an open-ended question about causes of conflicts with friends. Children attributed conflicts between friends to human or relationship characteristics, interactional conditions, or person characteristics. As expected children were more likely to consider conflicts as results of mutual factors than of individual influence ( p < .0001). Also, more children considered causes of conflicts to be of an impermanent rather than of a stable nature ( p < .01). Children's responses to the open-ended format revealed their very complex understanding of conflict in friendship.
Bistable Configurations of Compliant Mechanisms Modeled Using Four Links and Translational Joints

Bistable mechanical devices remain stable in two distinct positions without power input.They ﬁnd application in valves, switches, closures, and clasps. Mechanically bistablebehavior results from the storage and release of energy, typically in springs, with stablepositions occurring at local minima of stored energy. Compliant mechanisms offer anelegant way to achieve this behavior by incorporating both motion and energy storageinto the same ﬂexible element. Interest in compliant bistable mechanisms has also recentlyincreased because of the advantages of bistable behavior in many micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). Design of compliant or rigid-body bistable mechanismstypically requires simultaneous consideration of both energy storage and motion require-ments. This paper simpliﬁes this process by developing theory that provides prior knowl-edge of mechanism conﬁgurations that guarantee bistable behavior. Conﬁgurations whichinclude one or more translational, or slider, joints are studied in this work. Severaldifferent mechanism types are analyzed to determine compliant segment placement thatwill ensure bistable mechanism operation. Examples demonstrate the power of the theoryin design. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1760776#
Vibrational Spectra of Hydrothermally Prepared Hydroxyapatites

Apatites can be used as bioceramic materials for tooth and bone implants. Infrared (4000 to 400 cm−1) and laser-Raman spectra were obtained for hydrothermally prepared hydroxyapatites with the general formula X10(PO4)6(OH)2 where X= Ca2+ Sr2+, Ba2+, or Pb2+ Fundamental vibrational modes were identified and empirical band assignments made. Analysis of the vibrational spectra led to the reassignment of the v2 mode to a higher wave-number, lower-intensity band (e.g. ∼470 cm−1 for Ca hydroxyapatite). Effects of solid-state interaction were noted in the vibrational spectra and interpreted by factor-group analysis. An “effective” factor group C6h, which neglects the locations of the OH− ions, best describes the vibrational spectra of the hydroxyapatites.
Propagation of probabilistic uncertainty in complex physical systems using a stochastic finite element approach

Abstract This paper presents an efficient procedure for characterizing the solution of evolution equations with stochastic coefficients. These typically model the behavior of physical systems whose properties are modeled as spatially or temporally varying stochastic processes described within the framework of probability theory. The concepts of projection, orthogonality and weak convergence are exploited in a manner which directly mimics deterministic finite element solutions except that, in the stochastic case, inner products refer to expectation operations. Specifically, the Karhunen–Loeve expansion is used to discretize these processes into a denumerable set of random variables, thus providing a denumerable function space in which the problem is cast. The polynomial chaos expansion is then used to represent the solution in this space, and the coefficients in the expansion are evaluated as generalized Fourier coefficients via a Galerkin procedure in the Hilbert space of random variables.
Effect of JTH-601, a novel α1-adrenoceptor antagonist, on prostate function in dogs

Abstract We examined the effect of JTH-601 (3-{ N -[2-(4-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-5-methylphenoxy)ethyl]- N -methylaminomethyl}-4-methoxy-2,5,6-trimethylphenol hemifumarate), a new α 1L -adrenoceptor antagonist, on prostatic function in isolated canine prostate and in anesthetized dogs. In the contraction study, phenylephrine and noradrenaline produced concentration-dependent contractions in canine prostate and carotid artery, respectively. In these tissues, JTH-601, prazosin (a non-selective α 1 -adrenoceptor antagonist), and tamsulosin (an α 1A -adrenoceptor antagonist) competitively antagonized contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. The p A 2 (p K B ) values with prostate were 8.49±0.07 for JTH-601, 7.94±0.04 for prazosin and 9.42±0.22 for tamsulosin. The ratio of p A 2 (carotid artery/prostate), i.e. prostatic selectivity, was 10.471 for JTH-601, 0.008 for prazosin and 0.371 for tamsulosin, respectively. In anesthetized dogs, JTH-601 (1 mg/kg, i.d.) significantly decreased urethral pressure by 15% without affecting blood pressure or heart rate. Tamsulosin (0.1 mg/kg, i.d.) decreased urethral pressure to the same extent as did JTH-601, but with a significant effect on blood pressure and heart rate. JTH-601 showed higher selectivity for canine prostate both in vitro and in vivo. In prostate, an important role of the α 1L -adrenoceptor is suggested in the smooth muscle contraction mediated by α 1 -adrenoceptors. JTH-601 is expected to be an effective α 1 -adrenoceptor antagonist for the treatment of urinary outlet obstruction by benign prostatic hypertrophy with a minimum effect on the cardiovascular system.
Strain partition of Si/SiGe and SiO2/SiGe on compliant substrates

Strain partitioning of crystalline Si and amorphous SiO2 deposited on crystalline SiGe on a compliant viscous borophosphorosilicate (BPSG) glass has been observed. Pseudomorphic epitaxial Si was deposited on SiGe films, which were fabricated on BPSG by wafer bonding and the Smart-cut® process. The strains in SiGe and Si films were found to change identically during a high-temperature anneal which softened the BPSG film, indicating a coherent interface between SiGe and Si films and precluding slippage or the formation of misfit dislocations along the interface. The stress balance between the layers dictated the final state, which confirmed that BPSG was a perfectly compliant substrate and did not exert any force on the layers above it. Similar results were found for amorphous SiO2 deposited on SiGe on BPSG and then annealed. This shows that the viscous BPSG is an effective compliant substrate for the strain engineering of elastic films without the introduction of dislocations.
Does body mass index at diagnosis or weight change during therapy predict toxicity or survival in intermediate risk rhabdomyosarcoma? A report from the Children's Oncology Group Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee.

Background Weight loss prevalence and its impact on toxicities and survival in intermediate risk rhabdomyosarcoma (IRMS) patients are unknown. We evaluated the association between weight change during therapy and number of toxicities, hospital days, infections, and overall survival and between baseline body mass index (BMI) and survival in patients treated on Children's Oncology Group trial D9803. Procedure Four hundred sixty-eight IRMS patients age ≥2 and <21 years treated on D9803 had required data. Regression models evaluated association between weight loss from baseline and toxicities, hospital days, infections, and survival. Kaplan–Meier curves and regression models evaluated baseline BMI percentile's association with survival. Results Thirty-five percent and 37% of patients had >5% weight loss at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively, with 16% and 19% losing >10% weight respectively. Greater than 10% weight loss at 24 weeks was associated with more toxicities and hospital days during subsequent therapy but not infection rate or survival. Baseline underweight patients (<5th percentile BMI) had borderline inferior survival compared with baseline average weight patients while there was no difference in survival seen between average weight and overweight or obese patients. Conclusions Nearly one in five IRMS patients experienced >10% weight loss on therapy. This was associated with increased toxicity but not decreased survival compared with patients who had less weight loss. Baseline BMI percentile trended toward a significant association with survival. Future studies might investigate nutritional impact on quality of life and if weight loss is preventable by early nutritional intervention. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 748–753. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of ethanol on permeability and ion transport in the isolated dog stomach

Effects of ethanol on permeability and ion transport in the isolated dog gastric mucosa were studied. The unidirectional fluxes of urea and sodium were increased slightly in 3% (v/v) ethanol and markedly in 20% (v/v) ethanol, but those of chloride only increased in 20% ethanol. The increase in the unidirectional fluxes of electrolytes in 20% ethanol was associated with increased ionic conductance (decreased resistance). Measured as net ionic flux at zero electrochemical potential difference, the active transport of chloride, sodium and hydrogen ions was inhibited by 20% ethanol. Sodium ion and hydrogen ion transport were also inhibited after 5 minutes in 3% ethanol. We conclude that ethanol increases permeability and inhibits ion transport in the isolated dog gastric mucosa.
Bound states of vector bosons

Abstract The anomalous CERN events are interpreted as a new state decaying into a photon and a lepton pair. It is speculated that this new state might be a composite state involving vector bosons.
Improvement of robustness and sensitivity reduction for multivariable nonminimum phase systems

The H/sub /spl infin// control theory is applied to control a nonminimum phase system, the Turboshaft GE T700 engine. Multi-input multi-output (MIMO) compensator is designed that minimizes the H/sub /spl infin// norm of the worst case disturbance input to the system. The simulations of both open loop and closed-loop systems are presented. Due to the existence of right-half zeros of the open loop plant, these unwanted modes are modeled as an uncertainty in the system, particularly for those which may result into tighter bounds of the performance that has been specified for this problem.
Application of geometric programming to transformer design

This paper considers the transformer design optimization problem. In its most general form, the design problem requires minimizing the total mass (or cost) of the core and wire material while ensuring the satisfaction of the transformer ratings and a number of design constraints. The constraints include appropriate limits on efficiency, voltage regulation, temperature rise, no-load current, and winding fill factor. The design optimization seeks a constrained minimum mass (or cost) solution by optimally setting the transformer geometry parameters and the relevant electrical and magnetic quantities. In cases where the core dimensions are fixed, the optimization problem calls for a constrained maximum volt-ampere or minimum loss solution. This paper shows that the above design problems can be formulated in geometric programming (GP) format. The importance of the GP format stems from two main features. First, GP provides an efficient and reliable solution for the design optimization problem with several variables. Second, it guarantees that the obtained solution is the global optimum. The paper includes a demonstration of the application of the GP technique to transformer design. It also includes a comparative study to emphasize the advantage of including the transformer core dimensions as variables in the design problem.
The Serum Anion Gap in the Evaluation of Acid-Base Disorders: What Are Its Limitations and Can Its Effectiveness Be Improved?

The serum anion gap has been utilized to identify errors in the measurement of electrolytes, to detect paraproteins, and, most relevant to the nephrologist, to evaluate patients with suspected acid-base disorders. In regard to the latter purpose, traditionally an increased anion gap is identified when it exceeds the upper limit of normal for a particular clinical laboratory measurement. However, because there is a wide range of normal values (often 8-10 mEq/L), an increase in anion concentration can be present in the absence of an increased anion gap. In addition, the type of retained anion can affect the magnitude of the increase in anion gap relative to change in serum [HCO3(-)] being greater with lactic acidosis compared with ketoacidosis. This review examines the methods of calculation of the serum anion gap in textbooks and published literature, the effect of perturbations other than changes in acid-base balance, and its effectiveness in identifying mild and more severe disturbances in acid-base balance. Limitations of the present methods of determining the normal anion gap and change in the anion gap are highlighted. The possibility of identifying the baseline value for individuals to optimize the use of the calculation in the detection of metabolic acidosis is suggested.
The pricing of risk in emerging credit markets: Bonds versus loans

Much of the volatility in emerging markets in the 1990s stems from the fact that the major form of foreign investment is the bond rather than the bank loans which predominated until the debt crisis of the 1980s. Bondholders are too dispersed to negotiate with during a liquidity shortfall. Thus, a shortage of reserves becomes a full-blown crisis. This was not the case in the 1980s when banks, as the major creditors, often lent to countries in arrears. The risk to a loan is therefore rescheduling, while the risk to a bond is default. Empirically pricing loans and bonds as assets reveals that bonds incorporate the greater risk of default into their spreads. Debentures are thus riskier credit than loans. As developing countries now obtain most finance through these risky instruments, the volatility of the 1990s is better understood.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Menopause

A growing body of work supports the concept that menopause is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Compared to premenopausal women, the odds for developing OSA increases two- to threefold for postmenopausal women. The increased risk remains even after controlling for confounders including age, body habitus, and smoking. One reason for this association could be the lower levels of reproductive hormones among postmenopausal women and related endocrine changes. Several studies have examined the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on sleep-disordered breathing. Although no clear-cut answer has emerged, it does appear that HRT may attenuate the risk of OSA in menopause. Apart from hormonal changes, the menopausal transition also results in changes in body fat redistribution, respiratory drive, ventilatory stability, and upper airway anatomy and physiology all of which could contribute to the elevated risk for OSA. This chapter summarizes the data on increased prevalence, clinical presentation, and potential mechanisms for the higher occurrence of OSA in menopause.
Tumors of the Accessory Lobe of the Parotid Gland: A 10-Year Experience

Objectives/Hypothesis: The differential diagnosis of midcheek masses include pathology arising from normal anatomic structures or from variations of normal accessory parotid gland tissue. Accessory parotid gland tissue has been described as salivary tissue adjacent to Stenson's duct that is separate from the main body of the parotid gland. We report our 10-year experience with the diagnosis and treatment of eight accessory parotid gland neoplasms that have been followed by the senior authors. Study Design: This is a retrospective review of our experience with eight accessory parotid gland neoplasms. Methods: A literature review and retrospective chart review of our experience with accessory parotid gland tumors over the past 10 years. The presentation, evaluation, management, treatment, and outcome were recorded. Results: Eight cases of accessory lobe parotid tumors were identified, which have been followed since the date of initial treatment. All of the patients presented with a slowly growing cheek mass. There was one case of carcinoma expleomorphic adenoma, one case of undifferentiated carcinoma (small cell carcinoma), one case of basal cell adenocarcinoma, one case of benign salivary cyst, two cases of pleomorphic adenoma, and two cases of monomorphic adenoma. A standard facelift approach or modified Blair incision was used to excise these tumors. Conclusions: Neoplasms of the accessory parotid gland are rare. Management of these tumors include a high index of suspicion, good understanding of the anatomy, and meticulous surgical approach.
Dynamics of HIV infection of CD4+ T cells

We examine a model for the interaction of HIV with CD4+ T cells that considers four populations: uninfected T cells, latently infected T cells, actively infected T cells, and free virus. Using this model we show that many of the puzzling quantitative features of HIV infection can be explained simply. We also consider effects of AZT on viral growth and T-cell population dynamics. The model exhibits two steady states, an uninfected state in which no virus is present and an endemically infected state, in which virus and infected T cells are present. We show that if N, the number of infectious virions produced per actively infected T cell, is less a critical value, Ncrit, then the uninfected state is the only steady state in the nonnegative orthant, and this state is stable. For N > Ncrit, the uninfected state is unstable, and the endemically infected state can be either stable, or unstable and surrounded by a stable limit cycle. Using numerical bifurcation techniques we map out the parameter regimes of these various behaviors. Oscillatory behavior seems to lie outside the region of biologically realistic parameter values. When the endemically infected state is stable, it is characterized by a reduced number of T cells compared with the uninfected state. Thus T-cell depletion occurs through the establishment of a new steady state. The dynamics of the establishment of this new steady state are examined both numerically and via the quasi-steady-state approximation. We develop approximations for the dynamics at early times in which the free virus rapidly binds to T cells, during an intermediate time scale in which the virus grows exponentially, and a third time scale on which viral growth slows and the endemically infected steady state is approached. Using the quasi-steady-state approx
Time-domain simulation of the circular Bragg phenomenon exhibited by axially excited chiral sculptured thin films

We present simulations of the transmission and reflection of narrow-extent pulses incident upon a chiral sculptured thin film (STF) along its axis of spirality, when the circular Bragg phenomenon is excited. Even though the frequency-domain reflection and transmission spectrums of a sufficiently thick chiral STF slab acquire final shapes within the Bragg regime, the shape and the duration of the transmitted pulse change with slab thickness over the entire range of our simulations. The emergence of a multiple-hump structure in the transmitted pulse is relevant to the use of chiral STFs in digital optics communication.
High-speed two-dimensional gas chromatography using microfabricated GC columns combined with nanoelectromechanical mass sensors

We report here for the first time the combination of microfabricated gas chromatography (GC) columns with pneumatic modulation to achieve high-speed comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) using microfabricated components. The GCxGC system is in turn combined with nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) resonator mass sensors that have been coated with a chemically-selective polymer to enhance detection of phosphonate compounds that are useful surrogates for chemical warfare agents (CWA). GC elution peak widths on the order of 20 msec have been achieved. Retention times on the order of 2–4 seconds have been demonstrated for polar compounds, indicating that this microfabricated GCxGC system can be applied for rapid analyses.
A production scheduling plan for a diversified product line

SUMMARY This paper describes a production control plan which may be -used in a shop whose product line consists of numerous items which vary extensively in their demand pattern. The plan is capable of: (a) stabilizing production by allowing inventories to fluctuate with moderate demand fluctuations; (b) minimizing inventories of finished goods while providing protection against serious Btockout; (c) detecting significant changes in demand patterns and revising production schedules accordingly; and (d) scheduling production economically. Employing several well-known concepts, such as the control limits principle used in quality control, the plan considers simultaneously forecasted demand, forecast error, inventory position and shop capacity to arrive at production decisions. For this purpose, control limits are applied to both demand and inventory, and production is stabilized with a simple production smoothing procedure. Simulation results, based on data taken from a medium size production shop, demonstra...
Decreased solar radiation and increased temperature combine to facilitate fouling by marine non-indigenous species

Studies of the effects of climate changes on marine biofouling have mainly focused on the effects of temperature increase, but a decrease in the level of solar radiation could also influence the establishment and persistence of fouling species. To test if decreased solar radiation and/or increased temperature influenced marine fouling communities, solar radiation, and temperature were manipulated by deploying shading devices in the intertidal zone of a central California estuary. Non-indigenous species (NIS) recruiting to artificial substrata had greater coverage under the shading treatments than under transparent plates, indicating that low radiation facilitates recruitment and growth of NIS. In contrast, the coverage of NIS underneath warmer black plates was higher than that on white plates. Furthermore, spatial comparisons of recruitment showed that NIS had a tendency to grow better in the warmer region of the estuary whereas native species showed the opposing trend. The results suggest that both lower radiation and higher temperature may facilitate the spread of marine NIS.
The 2-Kilobase Intron of the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Latency-Associated Transcript Has a Half-Life of Approximately 24 Hours in SY5Y and COS-1 Cells

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) 2-kb latency-associated transcript (LAT) is a stable intron, which accumulates in cells both lytically and latently infected with HSV-1. We have used a tetracycline-repressible expression system to determine the half-life of the 2-kb LAT RNA intron in the human neuroblastoma cell line SY5Y. Using Northern hybridization analyses of RNA isolated from transiently transfected SY5Y cells over time after repression of LAT expression, we measured the half-life of the 2-kb LAT to be approximately 24 h. Thus, unlike typical introns that are rapidly degraded in a matter of seconds following excision, the 2-kb LAT intron has a half-life similar to those of some of the more stable cellular mRNAs. Furthermore, a similar half-life was measured for the 2-kb LAT in transiently transfected nonneuronal monkey COS-1 cells, suggesting that the stability of the 2-kb LAT is neither cell type nor species specific. Previously, we found that the determinant responsible for the unusual stability of the 2-kb LAT maps to the 3′ terminus of the intron. At this site is a nonconsensus intron branch point located adjacent to a predicted stem-loop structure that is hypothesized to prevent debranching by cellular enzymes. Here we show that mutations which alter the predicted stem-loop structure, such that branching is redirected, either reduce or abolish the stability of the 2-kb LAT intron.
Lysophosphatidic acid and invasion.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a small, bioactive phospholipid produced by activated platelets, mesothelial cells, macrophage, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes, and some cancer cells. It is involved in multiple cellular events of almost every mammalian cell type. Upon binding to G-protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), LPA exerts a myriad of biological effects, including cell proliferation/survival, induction of neurite retraction, inhibition of gap junctional communication, and cell motility. The estimated concentrations of active, albumin-bound LPA in serum are in the range 1–5 mmol/L. Physiologic and pathophysiologic responses to LPA include wound healing, production of angiogenic factors, chemotaxis, neointima formation, tumor cell invasion, metastasis, and cell cycle progression. A large body of evidence suggests that LPA is relevant to the pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). LPA is elevated in the blood and ascites of women with ovarian cancer with levels reaching 80 mmol/L. Ovarian cancer cells also produce LPA to maintain an LPA-rich microenvironment. Accumulating evidence suggest that LPA signaling is involved in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of ovarian cancer and imparts a cytoprotective effect to ovarian cancer cells exposed to cisplatin. Tumor invasion andmetastasis constitute a major problem for the treatment of EOC.Approximately 75%ofwomenwith ovarian cancer already havewidespread peritoneal dissemination and ascites (stage III or IV) at the time of initial diagnosis, witharesulting5-yearsurvivalrateapproaching15%to30%.Metastaticdissemination is the result of a highly organized process starting from the microscopic initial growth of the originating tumor cells ultimately followed by detachment of select invasive tumor cells from the macroscopic primary tumor mass leading to the
Unpacking personal identities for teaching mathematics within the context of prospective teacher education

This article explores the personal identities of two prospective elementary teachers as they progressed from mathematics methods coursework into their capstone student teaching semester. Results indicate that both prospective teachers perceived contrasting obligations of effective mathematics teaching in the teacher education and student teaching contexts, yet came to reconcile these differences in different ways. Whereas one prospective teacher was able to oppose the obligations set forth in the student teaching context, the other complied with obligations in both the teacher education and student teaching contexts. Implications for teacher education include differentiated experiences and placements, methods design, and explicit foci on students’ mathematical thinking.
United States Postal Service: Office Products Sourcing

This case tells the story of the strategic sourcing of office products at the United States Postal Service.Related cases OM-1181 and OM-1182
Decreased potency of contraction to alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation in renal arteries from obese hypertensive dogs

The contractile potencies of the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (PhE) and two nonadrenergic vasoconstrictors, prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and endothelin, were evaluated in renal arterial muscle strips isolated from obese hypertensive (OH) dogs. Responses were compared with those obtained from renal arteries isolated from lean normotensive (LN) dogs. Identical dose-response curves were produced by PGF2 alpha in arteries from OH and LN dogs. This was also true for endothelin. However, the vasoconstrictor potency of PhE for arteries from OH dogs was approximately 2.5-fold less than that for arteries from LN dogs. This difference was not dependent on endothelial integrity. Although they were less potent to PhE, arteries from OH dogs did not produce weaker maximum contractile responses than arteries from LN dogs; responses produced by maximum K+ depolarization (S(o)) were approximately 2 x 10(5) N/m2, and responses to the maximally effective concentrations of PhE, PGF2 alpha, and endothelin were approximately 0.97-, 0.50-, and 0.87-fold S(o), respectively. In addition to the rightward shift in contractile potency to PhE, arteries from OH dogs precontracted with a maximum PhE concentration relaxed more to a high nitroglycerin concentration than did arteries from LN dogs. At a PhE concentration that produced equivalent maximum force responses, arteries from OH dogs had a lower rate of muscle shortening than did arteries from LN dogs, suggesting reduced cross-bridge activation in the arteries from OH dogs. These data suggest that alpha-adrenoceptor-induced activation was selectively downregulated in renal arteries from OH dogs.