cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Model Predictive Control Framework for Hybrid Dynamical Systems

Abstract This paper presents a model predictive control (MPC) algorithm that asymptotically stabilizes a compact set of interest for a given hybrid dynamical system. The considered class of systems are described by a general model, which identifies the dynamics by the combination of constrained differential and difference equations. The model allows for trajectories that exhibit multiple jumps at the same time instant, or portray Zeno behavior. At every optimization time, the proposed algorithm minimizes a cost functional weighting the state and the input during both the continuous and discrete phases, and at the terminal time via a terminal cost, without discretizing the continuous dynamics. To account for the structure of time domains defining solution pairs, the minimization is performed in a manner akin to free end-time optimal control. When the terminal cost is a control Lyapunov function on the terminal constraint set, recursive feasibility and asymptotic stability of the proposed algorithm can be guaranteed. A sample-and-hold control system and a bouncing ball model are two examples reported to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Discriminatory distress, HIV risk behavior, and community participation among American Indian/Alaska Native men who have sex with men

Objectives Research regarding men who have sex with men (MSM) indicates that exposure to discrimination based on race and sexuality are positively associated with increased incidence of unprotected...
Quantification of Asymmetric Microtubule Nucleation at Subcellular Structures

Cell polarization is important for multiple physiological processes. In polarized cells, microtubules (MTs) are organized into a spatially polarized array. Generally, in non-differentiated cells, it is assumed that MTs are symmetrically nucleated exclusively from centrosome (microtubule organizing center, MTOC) and then reorganized into the asymmetric array. We have recently identified the Golgi complex as an additional MTOC that asymmetrically nucleates MTs toward one side of the cell. Methods used for alternative MTOC identification include microtubule re-growth after complete drug-induced depolymerization and tracking of growing microtubules using fluorescence labeled MT +TIP binding proteins in living cells. These approaches can be used for quantification of MT nucleation sites at diverse sub-cellular structures.
Measurement of the Spin Dependence of the He 3 ( n , p ) T Reaction and of the Nuclear Susceptibility of Adsorbed He 3

The spin dependence of the ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}(n, p)\mathrm{T}$ reaction was investigated by studying the transmission of polarized thermal neutrons through a polarized ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ target which consisted of ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ adsorbed on zeolite. It was found that the interaction cross section was essentially all associated with an $I\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}=0$ channel, i.e., $\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{I\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}}=1.010\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.032$. Once the spin dependence of the cross section was established, polarized neutrons provided a convenient method of studying the nuclear spin susceptibility of ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$. Susceptibility measurements were made on our adsorbed-phase target over the temperature range 0.06-1.0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. It was found that the nuclear susceptibility began to fall below Curie's law at about 0.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, indicating the onset of some type of antiparallel ordering in the nuclear spin system.
Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) across ethnicities for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) receiving targeted therapies (TT) as first-line (1L) treatment.

645Background: Recent efforts have sought to characterize differences in clinical and pathological characteristics across ethnicities in mRCC (Batai et al CGUC 2018), however, the relationship betw...
ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction 2 h After Zero Calcium Score

After hearing a radio advertisement, a 58-year-old prison guard with hypertension and his wife completed elective “couples” coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring. On the way to work after his test, which was completed at 9:54 am ([Figures 1][1] and [2][2][⇓][1][⇓][2]), he developed
DeepGrid: Robust Deep Reinforcement Learning-based Contingency Management

Increasing uncertainty raised by the integration of renewable energy resources requires an enormous number of simulations to be carried out for the security assessment of the power grid. However, it is challenging to assess the steady-state and dynamic security indices for different system contingency events by doing an exhaustive analysis in real-time due to the computational and communication constraints. One promising solution is using data-driven techniques along with the system models to train an intelligent contingency management framework to better handle the contingencies in real-time. Nevertheless, implementing a data-driven technique to obtain the best remedial actions necessitates to account for the effect of the measurement noise on the performance of the contingency management. To tackle these challenges, we leverage a robust deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm called Double Deep Q-Network (DDQN) to design a recommender system capable of prescribing optimal control actions with the help of the real-time digital simulator (RTDS). The use of RTDS system in combination with the advanced DRL algorithm allows to explore a wide variety of system contingencies in order to derive better remedial actions. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated in IEEE 9-bus system under different loading conditions, and different network configurations in presence of noisy measurements.
Optical Spectroscopic Investigation of Hexavalent Actinide Ions in n-Dodecane Solutions of Tri-butyl Phosphate

The extraction of hexavalent actinides An(VI) by tri-butyl phosphate (TBP) was investigated by electronic absorption and vibrational spectroscopies. Through a series of spectral subtractions, vibra...
Identification and correction of temporal and spatial distortions in scanning transmission electron microscopy.

Abstract Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) has become the technique of choice for quantitative characterization of atomic structure of materials, where the minute displacements of atomic columns from high-symmetry positions can be used to map strain, polarization, octahedra tilts, and other physical and chemical order parameter fields. The latter can be used as inputs into mesoscopic and atomistic models, providing insight into the correlative relationships and generative physics of materials on the atomic level. However, these quantitative applications of STEM necessitate understanding the microscope induced image distortions and developing the pathways to compensate them both as part of a rapid calibration procedure for in situ imaging, and the post-experimental data analysis stage. Here, we explore the spatiotemporal structure of the microscopic distortions in STEM using multivariate analysis of the atomic trajectories in the image stacks. Based on the behavior of principal component analysis (PCA), we develop the Gaussian process (GP)-based regression method for quantification of the distortion function. The limitations of such an approach and possible strategies for implementation as a part of in-line data acquisition in STEM are discussed. The analysis workflow is summarized in a Jupyter notebook that can be used to retrace the analysis and analyze the reader's data.
Proton pump inhibitor usage reduces sustained viral response rates for veterans with on A real‐world study from a multicenter VA cohort

Background Previous studies have reported an association of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and decreased sustained viral response rate (SVR) in patients taking ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF). The relationship between PPI usage and SVR is less clear in patients with HIV/HCV coinfection, where concomitant antiretrovirals may result in more complex drug interactions. Aims Evaluate the effects of acid suppression medications (PPI or H2 -receptor antagonist [H2 B]) use and SVR rates in patients with HIV/HCV or HCV and taking LDV/SOF in a large multi-center veteran cohort. Methods Retrospective analysis of all veterans in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System who received LDV/SOF ± ribavirin from 10/10/2014 to 12/31/2015. The odds ratios (OR) of PPI or H2 B use for SVR were adjusted for clinical factors and with inverse probability of treatment weighting for non-random treatment selection for acid suppression medication use. Results There were 9703 veterans included in our final analysis. After adjustment of other clinical factors, PPI use is associated with a lower SVR in the overall cohort (95.0% vs. 96.1%, OR:0.86, 95% CI: 0.74-0.99, P=0.03, number needed to harm 90.9) and HIV/HCV co-infection subgroup (93.4% vs. 96.9%, OR:0.47, 95% CI: 0.26-0.85, P=0.01, number needed to harm 28.6). Conclusion PPI use is associated with reduced SVR after LDV/SOF treatment, with a more significant impact in the subgroup of patients with HIV/HCV coinfection. Precautions need to be taken when using PPI and LDV/SOF in this group of patients.
Boundary Control of the Wave Equation via Linear Quadatic Regulation

We consider the Linear Quadratic Regulation for the boundary control of the one dimensional linear wave equation under both Dirichlet and Neumann activation. For each activation we present a Riccati partial differential equation that we explicitly solve. The derivation the Riccati partial differential equations is by the simple and explicit technique of completing the square.
Numerical prediction of structural damage due to pressure buildup in subsea oil and gas equipment

Pressure buildup/annular pressure buildup in subsea oil and gas equipment occurs primarily due to the thermal expansion of trapped liquids. With the advent of modern computers, it has become increasingly possible to numerically analyze such problems with commercial codes available in the market. The objective of the present study is to propose a methodology for numerical prediction of structural damage in subsea oil and gas equipment due to pressure buildup. A judicious combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with structural finite element analysis code has been used to perform a sample numerical analysis that is truly representative of a wide class of problems encountered in subsea oil and gas applications. The mitigation of trapped pressure is one among the prime areas of concern in the subsea oil and gas industry. In the present study, CFD analysis is used to determine the maximum pressure buildup due to the thermal expansion of trapped liquids in small leak tight enclosed volumes with rigid walls and the pressure obtained is used as a boundary condition for the structural analysis. In a nutshell, the analysis has been split into three steps (1) a steady-state CFD analysis to determine the temperature distribution within the oil and gas equipment under consideration, (2) the temperature contours obtained from the steady-state analysis are imposed as a boundary condition for the transient analysis to calculate the trapped pressure in the small volumes of interest and finally and (3) a structural analysis is used to determine the damage to the oil and gas equipment. The methodology adapted is similar to a one-way coupled fluid structure interaction analysis, but provides the added advantage of a significant reduction in computational cost. In the present study, the proposed methodology has been extended to a subsea Christmas tree (XT) and the pressure buildup in the hydraulic lines has been calculated. The results obtained using the present technique has been compared with analytical solution. The proposed numerical technique can be applied to any subsea or surface oil and gas equipment where pressure buildup due to trapped volume is a major issue. The findings of this study can help for better understanding of pressure buildup in trapped volumes within subsea/surface oil and gas equipment. This study can be applied to predict the thermal expansion of trapped volumes in subsea XTs, manifolds, pipe line end manifolds (PLEM) and pipe line end termination (PLET) units.
RADIATION PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR FABRICATING RECYCLED PLUTONIUM REACTOR FUEL

Abstract A computer program was developed that calculated the dose rates from plutonium as a function of source weight, geometry, isotopic composition, age, and shielding composition and thickness. Dose rates from plutonium sources were measured and compared with the calculated values. Personnel radiation exposures were monitored during the fabrication of fuel elements containing varying isotopic compositions of plutonium. The information derived from the calculations, radiation measurements, and radiation exposures were applied to glovebox procedures for the fabrication of reactivity coefficient fuel elements. Radiation protection criteria for the fabrication of recycled plutonium are discussed.
Multi-frame pel-recursive motion estimation for video image interpolation

This paper presents a multi-frame pel-recursive two-dimensional motion estimation scheme for video image interpolation. The proposed approach uses more information from the image sequences than previous approaches, and gives a closed-form solution to update motion vectors among frame pairs simultaneously. It is suitable for object motion with acceleration since it places no constraints on the motion vectors among consecutive frames. >
Data Monitoring Committee

Data Monitoring Committees, also known as Data and Safety Monitoring Boards, are often established as a component of clinical trial oversight to review interim data of the ongoing trial so that safety concerns or problematic operational issues can be identified rapidly and corrective measures can be undertaken. Such committees may be independent of the trial sponsor and investigator to ensure recommendations are as objective as possible and unaffected by conflicts of interest. Federal funding and regulatory agencies have issued policy documents concerning the establishment and operation of Data Monitoring Committees, but substantial variation exists in committee processes. Keywords: clinical trial; interim analysis; safety; oversight
RGC-32 regulates TGF- β extracellular matrix expression in reactive astrocytes (HUM1P.320)

Excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in active demyelinating multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions may impede axonal regeneration and modify immune reactions. In this study we investigated first the expression of collagen types I-V, decorin and RGC-32 in MS lesions. Collagens I, III, IV and V and decorin were expressed in the perivascular space and parenchyma, and collagens I, IV and V were expressed by astrocytes that also expressed RGC-32. Since RGC-32 is involved in mediating some of TGF-β effects we investigated its role in TGF-β-induced ECM expression. In cultured astrocytes, both fibronectin and collagens I, IV and V were significantly induced after 18 h of stimulation with TGF-β. Silencing RGC-32 expression by transfecting astrocytes with siRGC-32 caused a significant reduction in the TGF-β-induced expression of collagen I (p<0.01), collagen IV (p<0.02), collagen V (p<0.05) and fibronectin (p<0.05) when compared to treatment with control siRNA. We also found that α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was significantly reduced after RGC-32 silencing (p<0.05). The effect on α-SMA suggests that RGC-32 is also required for the transition of astrocytes to a reactive state. These data indicate that RGC-32 plays an important role in TGF-β-mediated induction of ECM expression in astrocytes. RGC-32 may therefore represent a useful new target for therapeutic intervention in MS.
Quantum Dots for Targeted Tumor Imaging

Molecular imaging is a key component of twenty-first century cancer management. In particular, quantum dot (QD) technology plays a key role in molecular imaging. Over the past decade, various QDs with core–shell and core–shell–shell structures with fluorescence emission from the UV to near-infrared region have been investigated by pioneering studies in chemical synthesis. Moreover, numerous studies on QDs for in vitro and in vivo molecular imaging led to the advancement of QD surface modification, coating, biocompatibility, sensitivity, multiplexing, targeting specificity, as well as important findings regarding their toxicity and clinical applicability. In this chapter, the goal is to provide the basics of QDs and their applications for diagnostic cancer imaging, as well as details of QD design and bioconjugation chemistries to target cancers. In addition, the recent literature on QD technology will be highlighted, and the benefits, challenges, limitations, and future scopes of QD technology, in both in vitro and in vivo tumor imaging applications, described. Keywords: type-I quantum dot; reverse type-I quantum dot; type-II quantum dot; surface modification; tumor; passive targeting; active targeting; molecular imaging
Morphologies of synthetic mineral microparticles for papermaking as a function of synthetic conditions

Abstract Morphological characteristics were determined for a system of synthetic mineral microparticles (SMM), which have been developed to promote drainage of water and retention of fine particles during papermaking. Prior research, as well as our own preliminary research showed that the SMM system can have advantages in both of drainage and retention, compared with montmorillonite (bentonite), which is one of the most popular materials presently used in this kind of application. A partially gelled form of a silica-type microparticle additive is known to perform better than the corresponding sol form, in terms of fine-particle retention during papermaking. For this reason it was of interest to investigate the morphological behavior of SMM as a function of the conditions of synthesis. BET nitrogen adsorption was used to measure the surface area of SMM. The distribution of SMM particle size was investigated in the aqueous state, using a light-scattering technique. The coagulation behavior and morphology of SMM were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the structural characteristics of SMM particles could be explained in terms of the effects of ionic charges on colloidal stability of primary particles during formation of the SMM.
The ancient Egyptian dwarfs of the Walters Art Museum

The ancient Egyptians left an impressive artistic legacy documenting many aspects of their society including the existence of dwarfs as highly valued members. In previous publications in the Journal, I discussed dwarfs and skeletal dysplasia in ancient Egypt. In this study, I examined the ancient Egyptian representations of dwarfs of the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. One of the highlights of the collection is a group of five ivory figurines from Predynastic Times (pre 3500–3100 BCE) depicting a couple, a man with a child, and two females. Representations from other periods include ordinary as well as dwarf deities. The dwarf gods, Bes and Ptah, are frequently depicted holding or biting snakes or standing on crocodiles symbolizing their ability to ward off dangers. A couple of statuettes from the Greco-Roman Period that, in contrast to earlier Egyptian Periods, depict harsh physical anomalies, twisted bodies, and facial pain. The artistic impression can be interpreted as either tragic or humorous. The grotesque depiction of dwarfs during the Greco-Roman Period in ancient Egypt is believed to be due to a greater infusion of Hellenistic influence. This study provides a microcosm of the legacy of dwarfs in ancient Egypt and supports the premise that dwarfs were accepted and integrated in the ancient Egyptian society, and with a few exceptions, their disorder was not depicted as a physical handicap. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Can ensembles of regional climate model simulations improve results from sensitivity studies

Intrinsic variability (IV) in regional climate models (RCMs) is often assumed to be small because at climatological timescales, the model solutions tend to be dominated by the model’s lateral boundary conditions. Recent studies have indicated that this IV may actually be large in certain instances for some variables. Direct interpretation of anomalies from RCM sensitivity studies relies on the assumption that differences between model simulations are entirely due to a physical forcing. However, if IV is as large or larger than the physical signal, then this assumption is violated. Using a 20 member ensemble of RCM simulations, we verify that IV of precipitation within a RCM can be large enough to violate the sensitivity study assumption, and we show that generating ensembles of simulations can help reduce the level of IV. We also present two indicators that can rule out the influence of IV when it is ambiguous whether anomalies within a sensitivity study are due to the sensitivity perturbation or whether they are due to IV.
Degradation of polyphosphates in solution. II. Hydrolysis of sodium hexaphosphate

The individual rate constants for each of the reactions occurring during the degradation of sodium hexaphosphate, derived from tromelite, were determined at 65.5°C. and pH 5. Since pentaphosphate was produced in significant amounts it was possible to calculate the rate constants for each of the reactions occurring during its degradation also. These constants demonstrate that these phosphates degrade mainly by two routes, the first and faster producing orthophosphate with a chain shorter by one phosphate unit and the second producing trimetaphosphate with a chain shorter by three phosphate units. The rate constants for the hydrolysis of polyphosphates with DP < 5 were redetermined. The constant for the degradation of tetraphosphate presented here differs from that published previously, while the constants for tri- and pyrophosphate check with those obtained by other workers.
Large odd-numbered carbon clusters from fullerene-ozone reactions.

The odd-numbered carbon clusters C119, C129, and C139 have been observed in the mass spectra of toluene extracts of fullerene soots and of the products of ozone-fullerene reactions. Specifically, ozone-C60 reactions yield C119, ozone-C70 reactions yield C139, and ozone-(C60/C70) reactions produce C119, C129, and C139. These unexpected species correspond to dimers of C60, C60/C70, and C70, respectively, less one carbon atom, and are stable gas-phase ions with behavior similar to that of fullerenes. The results suggest a new route to functionalization and derivatization of fullerenes through controlled ozone-catalyzed cage-opening reactions.
Compact ultrawideband square slot antenna with an asymmetric protruding stub

A new compact ultra-wideband (UWB) square slot antenna fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW) is proposed. A large impedance bandwidth of more than 13 GHz (2.8–16 GHz) was obtained by asymmetrically widening the tuning stub that is extended from the signal strip of the CPW into the square slot. The larger and smaller widened parts of the asymmetric tuning stub can be easily adjusted to achieve good impedance matching in the lower and upper regions, respectively, of the entire VSWR ≤ 2 band. The simple design procedure along with reasonably agreed measured and simulated results is presented. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 1776–1779, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23544
Influence of Calcium on Lipid Domain Formation in Agarose Supported Lipid Bilayers

Cell membranes are complex entities whose local structure modulates important biological functions. Because of their complexity, it is difficult to observe a simple cause-and-effect relationship regarding just one aspect of cell membrane. using artificial systems, only an intended aspect of cell membrane, such as the formation of cholesterol-stabilized nanodomains can be captured in a significantly simpler system. Recently, it was shown that agarose supported lipid bilayers are decoupled sufficiently from the glass support to allow the formation of cholesterol stabilized nanodomains. In cells, these domains are too small to be directly observed. Hence, we study them using bimFCS, a camera based FCS technique, which measures diffusion of membrane markers over many length scales simultaneously. By tracing fluorescently labeled lipids such as PIP2 and Cholesterol, which interact with domains, bimFCS measures changes in the interaction of the tracers and the domains. This provides information on the stability and the size of the domains. We use the agarose supported model system in conjunction with bimFCS to study the effect of calcium ions on PIP2 containing cholesterol-stabilized nanodomains. It has been proposed that the divalent calcium ions may cross-link the negatively charged head groups and stabilize the domains. We measure the interaction of calcium with PIP2 in simple SOPC bilayers, and study more complex systems of DOPC/SM/Chol/PIP2 to model the effects of PIP2 onto cholesterol-stabilized nanodomains. We perform bimFCS measurements before and after the addition of physiologically relevant concentrations of calcium from 0.1μM to 1.8mM to study the dynamic changes of the domains.
Abnormal Kinetics of Red Cell Membrane Cholesterol in Acanthocytes: Studies in Genetic and Experimental Abetalipoproteinaemia and in Spur Cell Anaemia

Summary. Abnormalities in the content and kinetics of red cell membrane cholesterol are described in several syndromes associated with spurring of red cells (‘acanthocytosis’). In all (hereditary abetalipoproteinaemia, ‘spur cell anaemia’ of severe hepatic failure, and in a lipid-deprived infant with acquired hypobeta-lipoproteinaemia) red cell membrane cholesterol was 15–50% increased. Free cholesterol normally flows bidirectionally between red cell membranes and plasma betalipoproteins, but plasmas from affected patients with acanthocytosis were uniformly inefficient in accepting cholesterol from red cells. Stagnation of the sterol on red cells resulted. Plasma from rats in which abetalipoproteinaemia was experimentally produced by prolonged feeding of orotic acid, demonstrated similar abnormalities. Thus, red cells from treated animals became acanthocytic within I mth; with the shape change an increase in membrane cholesterol of about 20% and a significant decrease in osmotic fragility occurred. 14C-cholesterol flux from rat red cell membranes was 30–40% decreased into the experimentally-abetalipoproteinaemic, relative to betalipoprotein-replete, rat plasmas. We conclude that stagnation and, less importantly, accumulation of red cell cholesterol may be associated with conformational changes in the structural lipoproteins of the red cell membrane leading to spurring. Regardless of mechanism, this shape change causes acanthocytes to become abnormally rigid and resistant to flow, documented in the present studies by their increased viscosity in cone-plate viscosimeters and by their diminished filterability through micropore filters. Both features are probably involved in the diminished survival of these cells in the circulation.
Intercellular transfer to signalling endosomes regulates an ex vivo bone marrow niche.

Live-cell imaging shows that haematopoietic progenitor cells contact osteoblasts through a specialized membrane domain that is consequently internalized by osteoblasts. This results in downregulation of Smad signalling and the production of chemokines by osteoblasts that stimulate haematopoietic progenitor cell homing to bone marrow.
Refractive index measurement of biological particles in visible region

Optical cross-sections of biological warfare simulants, killed agents, and live agents are needed to assess the standoff detection performance of active lidar and passive FTIR systems. To aid in this investigation, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) has developed a technique to determine the index of refraction of biological materials in the visible region using a combination of transmission measurements and anomalous diffraction theory (ADT). The spectral measurements using a dual beam grating spectrometer provide a basis for calculating the optical cross section of suspended particles. ADT is then used to convert the cross section result into index of refraction. A summary of this procedure is described along with the results for silica microspheres and Bacillus globijii (BG). A comparison of these results to published data is also presented.
Interferometric measurements of the chromosomal mass in a grasshopper

Abstract 1. 1. The dry mass of diakinetic chromosomes, developing spermatids and interphase chromosomes in connective tissue of Melanoplus differentialis was measured vising a Cooke-Dyson interometer microscope. 2. 2. The dry mass of chromosome sets from primary spermatocytes during diakinesis varied from 41 × 10−12 g to 66 × 10−12 g as the chromosomes decreased in total length from about 118 to 51 μ. 3. 3. The dry mass of spermatid nuclei was found to be 19 ± 1 × 10−12 g, slightly greater than 1 4 that of metaphase chromosomes in meiosis. 4. 4. The interphase chromosomes in the sheath cells of the grasshopper testis had total average masses of 31 ± 1 × 10−12 g, 65 ± 3 × 10−12 g and roughly 116 × 10−12 g. These values correspond to the masses of diploid, tetraploid and octoploid sets of chromosomes. 5. 5. These measurements indicate that the haploid mass of chromosomal material in Melanoplus differentialis is about 16 × 10−12 g in three very different types of cells. The apparent increase in mass found in meiotic chromosomes during diakinesis was interpreted as due to the regression of loops of chromosomal material which give the diffuse appearance to diplotene chromosomes. The loops were not visible in the microscope during the early stages, but as they regress, the chromosome aquires a smooth, easily defined boundary, so that the total mass is measured.
The conservation of the mudejar templete at the Royal Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Extremadura (Caceres), Spain

AbstractThis paper presents the program initiated to conserve the templete in the Mudejar Cloister in the Royal Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The program included evaluation of the original materials, development of repair materials and design of a conservation program for the templete. The paper concentrates on the analysis and conservation of the stuccos of the templete, which is a typical mudejar-style structure of molded brick with an exterior stucco finish. Samples of stucco from the templete were analyzed by microscopy, both reflected and transmitted light; acid digestion (gravimetric analysis); water vapor transmission rate; and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Samples of pigments and salts were identified by microchemical methods. Data from these analyses were used to develop a replication stucco mix and a grout mix that would be physically and chemically compatible with the existing materials. The process of developing the mixes is described. Application of these materials to the co...
Three-dimensional Structure Determined for a Subunit of Human tRNA Splicing Endonuclease (Sen15) Reveals a Novel Dimeric Fold

Abstract Splicing of eukaryal intron-containing tRNAs requires the action of the heterotetrameric splicing endonuclease, which is composed of two catalytic subunits, Sen34 and Sen2, and two structural subunits, Sen15 and Sen54. Here we report the solution structure of the human tRNA splicing endonuclease subunit Hs Sen15. To facilitate the structure determination, we removed the disordered 35 N-terminal and 14 C-terminal residues of the full-length protein to produce Hs Sen15(36–157). The structure of Hs Sen15(36–157), the first for a subunit of a eukaryal splicing endonuclease, revealed that the protein possesses a novel homodimeric fold. Each monomer consists of three α-helices and a mixed antiparallel/parallel β-sheet, arranged in a topology similar to that of the C-terminal domain of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii endonuclease. The dimeric interface is dominated by a β-barrel structure, formed by face-to-face packing of two, three-stranded β-sheets. Each of the β-sheets results from reciprocal parallel pairing of one β-strand from one subunit with two other β-strands from the symmetric subunit. The structural model provides insights into the functional assembly of the human tRNA splicing endonuclease.
Gestational Diabetes and Subsequent Growth Patterns of Offspring: The National Collaborative Perinatal Project

Our objective was to test the hypothesis that intrauterine exposure to gestational diabetes [GDM] predicts childhood growth independent of the effect on infant birthweight. We conducted a prospective analysis of 28,358 mother-infant pairs who enrolled in the National Collaborative Perinatal Project between 1959 and 1965. The offspring were followed until age 7. Four hundred and eighty-four mothers (1.7%) had GDM. The mean birthweight was 3.2 kg (range 1.1–5.6 kg). Maternal characteristics (age, education, race, family income, pre-pregnancy body mass index and pregnancy weight gain) and measures of childhood growth (birthweight, weight at ages 4, and 7) differed significantly by GDM status (all P < 0.05). As expected, compared to their non-diabetic counterparts, mothers with GDM gave birth to offspring that had higher weights at birth. The offspring of mothers with GDM were larger at age 7 as indicated by greater weight, BMI and BMI z-score compared to the offspring of mothers without GDM at that age (all P < 0.05). These differences at age 7 persisted even after adjustment for infant birthweight. Furthermore, the offspring of mothers with GDM had a 61% higher odds of being overweight at age 7 compared to the offspring of mothers without GDM after adjustment for maternal BMI, pregnancy weight gain, family income, race and birthweight [OR = 1.61 (95%CI:1.07, 1.28)]. Our results indicate that maternal GDM status is associated with offspring overweight status during childhood. This relationship is only partially mediated by effects on birthweight.
The occurrence of the septal perforation of the humerus in three non-human primate species.

Evidence is presented concerning the occurrence of the coronoid-olecranon perforation of the humerus in three species of Old World monkeys. Significant relationships are found to exist between the occurrence of the perforation and smaller minimum midshaft diameters of humeri, younger ages, and more protruding processes of ulnae. A possible explanation for perforated coronoid-olecranon septums is advanced. The olecranon process of the ulna is found to project relatively more from the shaft in young individuals than old individuals. Since the protrusion of this process is positively correlated with the occurrence of the septal perforation, it is suggested that the articulation of the point of the ulna causes resorption of the coronoid-olecranon septum. With advancing age, the contact is broken, and the perforation is filled in. Since significant correlations are shown for the occurrence of the perforation and the size of the humerus, even for an adult sample, it seems probable that the robustness of the humerus is an inhibiting factor in the occurrence and maintenance of the perforation. In larger humeri, it is possible that the point of the ulna cannot cause complete resorption, and resorption would be more likely to cause a perforation in humeri with thinner coronoid-olecranon septums. Because extreme extension of the elbow always forms an angle considerably less than 180° between the axes of the shafts in the humerus and the ulna in these monkeys, it is strongly indicated that hyperextension of the elbow joint beyond 180° is not a primary cause of the septal perforation when it appears in man.
∞6 Mixed plate theories based on the Generalized Unified Formulation. Part V: Results

Abstract Parts I, II, III and IV presented the Generalized Unified Formulation in the framework of Reissner’s Mixed Variational Theorem. Layerwise theories, mixed higher order shear deformation theories and zig-zag models were introduced. In all these types of theories the displacement variables and out-of-plane stresses are independently treated and different orders of expansion for the different unknowns can be chosen. All the possible ∞ 6 theories are generated by expanding 13 invariant fundamental nuclei. The relative orders used for the expansion of the stresses and displacements are important and can be the source of numerical instabilities. How the instabilities are eliminated is discussed. In the case of layerwise theories and the examined problems, it is shown that there is no numerical instability if the order of displacement u z is the same as the order of stress σ zz . New light is also shed on the mixed equivalent single layer theories. It is shown that the poor representation of the a priori calculated transverse stresses is due to the above mentioned numerical instabilities and not only to the insufficient representation of the effects of σ zz . Finally, for the mixed case, it is demonstrated that the addition of Murakami’z zig-zag function (MZZF) is convenient but this is not a general property, as was believed in the literature before this work. The convenience of the addition of MZZF is linked to the relative orders of the starting theory that is being improved with the zig-zag term. Several new layerwise and equivalent single layer theories are introduced for the first time in the literature and an assessment is given with new cases compared against the elasticity solution.
A manager's professional attitude

It is becoming increasingly clear and certain that the job known as managing is a separate and distinct type of work which is worthy both of study and practice as a definite career and profession.
Prediction of protein structures using a map-reduce Hadoop framework based simulated annealing algorithm

The accomplishment of molecular functions depends on protein tertiary structures. The development of protein structure prediction algorithms and tools is essential for proteomics study. Among the existing developed prediction algorithms, simulated annealing (SA) is extensively used to predict protein structures. However, SA has the incent disadvantages of computing time consuming and local minimum convergence problem. With the application of the cloud computing technique such as Apache Hadoop in bioinformatics research area, we combined SA algorithms to predict protein structures onto the Hadoop parallel computing platform. We applied this platform to predict the protein structures for a public protein dataset. The experimental results show that our platform provides a better and feasible solution for the protein structure prediction compared with an individual computation node.
Attributional Consequences of Personal Space Invasions

Two studies investigated the cognitive consequences of personal space invasions on a city sidewalk. Invaded pedestrians crossed a street faster, judged the invader more negatively, rated the invader's behavior as less appropriate, attributed specific intentions, and in one study but not the other, rated their own feelings less positively than did non-invaded pedestrians.
Latex Particle Morphology, Fundamental Aspects: A Review

The control of particle morphology is an essential part of producing high quality latex products for applications in coatings, adhesives, impact modifiers, and medical diagnostics, among others. A great variety of formulation and process variables are available to manipulate the particle structure and many different morphologies have been created. Techniques to characterize these morphologies are varied, but electron microscopy of both whole and sectioned particles is the most common one used. Atomic force microscopy is gaining in utility and often two or more characterization methods are simultaneously used to gain clarity of interpretation. A great deal of basic understanding of the factors controlling the morphology has been achieved by applying equilibrium thermodynamics to phase separated particles in aqueous media. Interfacial tensions at the polymer‐water interface and at the polymer–polymer interface, along with crosslinking density are found to be the dominant factors controlling the equilibrium ...
Heavy metal phosphate nanophases in silica: influence of radiolysis probed via f-electron state properties

Abstract We have assessed the feasibility of carrying out time- and wavelength-resolved laser-induced fluorescence measurements of radiation damage in glassy silica. The consequences of alpha decay of Es-253 in LaPO4 nanophases embedded in silica were probed based on excitation of 5f states of Cm3+, Bk3+, and Es3+ ions. The recorded emission spectra and luminescence decays showed that alpha decay of Es-253 ejected Bk-249 decay daughter ions into the surrounding silica and created radiation damage within the LaPO4 nanophases. This conclusion is consistent with predictions of an ion transport code commonly used to model ion implantation. Luminescence from the 6D7/2 state of Cm3+was used as an internal standard. Ion–ion energy transfer dominated the dynamics of the observed emitting 5f states and strongly influenced the intensity of observed spectra. In appropriate sample materials, laser-induced fluorescence provides a powerful method for fundamental investigation of alpha-induced radiation damage in silica.
Mechanisms responsible for cell volume regulation during hyperkalemic cardioplegic arrest.

Abstract Background . Cardioplegia has been shown to induce significant cell swelling. This study tested the hypothesis that (1) the [K + ][Cl − ] product of the cardioplegia solution is the main determinant of myocyte swelling, and (2) reperfusion myocyte shrinkage results from a rectifying Cl − conductance. Methods . Rabbit ventricular myocytes were superfused with 37°C Krebs-Henseleit solution for 10 minutes. Then cells underwent 20 minutes of superfusion with standard St. Thomas' solution ([K + ][Cl − ] product=2566 mmol/L 2 ) and two solutions with lower [K + ][Cl − ] product (1500 and 700 mmol/L 2 ) at 9°C. Cells were then resuperfused with 37°C Krebs-Henseleit solution for 30 minutes. Cell volume was measured by videomicroscopy. Results . Cells superfused with St. Thomas' having [K + ][Cl − ] products of 2,566, 1,500, and 700 mmol/L 2 swelled by 9.18% ± 3.57%, 5.51% ± 1.08%, and 1.49% ± 1.56%, respectively. Reexposure to Krebs-Henseleit solution caused these cells to shrink by 5.79% ± 1.41%, 8.72% ± 3.68%, and 13.46% ± 5.60%, respectively. This shrinkage was blocked by Cl − channel blockers given at the onset of superfusion. Conclusions . Lowering the [K + ][Cl − ] product of St. Thomas' solution attenuated myocyte edema. Myocyte shrinkage during reexposure to Krebs-Henseleit solution resulted from the volume-activated Cl − channel.
SCRUBBING OF NITROGEN OXIDES WITH NITRIC ACID SOLUTIONS

A mathematical model is developed for an equilibrium stage analysis of nitrogen oxides absorption in nitric acid solutions. Using equilibrium data available from the literature, the model demonstrates that 15−35 wt% nitric acid may be efficiently used to reduce pollutant emissions in NOx-containing gases having low degree of oxidation. Lower oxides of nitrogen accumulate in the liquid as nitrous acid which is carried away by the nitric acid solution. The scrubbed gas contains a reduced concentration of nitrogen oxides and has a higher degree of oxidation than the feed gas.
Determinant formulae for the N=4 superconformal algebras

Abstract Determinant formulae for the N = 4 superconformal algebras are conjectured. Comments are made on applications in conformal field theory, string theiry and representation theory, and on the analysis of supersymmetrically extended hyper-Kahler sigma models.
Stability characterization and appearance of particulates in a lyophilized formulation of a model peptide hormone-human secretin.

Abstract Drug shortages and recalls are often caused due to particulate growth in parenteral products and can have serious clinical implications. Root cause analysis of such recalls and shortages may arise due to insufficient understanding of process, formulations issues and environmental effects than often reported filtration and inadequate personnel training. Therefore, the goal of this study was to use a model peptide hormone, secretin that is currently under drug shortage, and investigate the effect of excipients on the lyophilized secretin formulation and evaluate the effect of storage and excursion temperatures. Lyophilized formulation was assayed for secretin by reverse phase HPLC. Solid state characteristics of lyophilized formulation were determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), thermal and spectroscopic methods. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to detect particulates in the formulation after reconstitution. To assess the environmental impact, the lyophilized samples were stored at −20 °C, 4 °C, 25 °C and 25 °C/60%RH and analyzed at time 0, 1, 4, and 8 weeks. HPLC analyses exhibited a decrease in secretin concentration by 8 week (20–27% fold decrease). Visual observation and DLS showed particulates and increased reconstitution time ( e.g ., at 25 °C/60%RH, particle size of ∼390 nm at day 0 to >2 μm as early as week 1; reconstitution time of ∼20 s at day 0 to ∼67 s at week 8). XRPD, thermal and spectroscopic methods demonstrated polymorphic transitions of mannitol and increased crystallinity in the lyophilized formulations with time. These studies potentially address the effect of product excursions outside the proposed label storage conditions which is −20 °C for secretin formulation and this is the first time it has been investigated. These observations indicate that both environmental factor and excipient may have an impact on the stability of secretin formulation and appearance of particles in the product.
Advantages of floating lipiodol as a further testfor voiding efficiency

Summary A further radiographic method forthe determination of voiding efficiency was tested. The findings suggested that to increase the sensitivity of any standardized cystogram the addition of floating Lipiodol may provide: (1) a more delicate evaluation of borderline vesical detrusor function in the pediatric patient who cannot void on command, as determined by the presence or absence of floating Lipiodol within the urinary tract after 24 hours; (2) superiority over the conventional aqueous contrast medium for the radiographic determination of residual urine; (3) a diagnostic aid in the determination of the segment of the urinary tract which retains urine; and (4) the elimination of repeated traumatic catheterizations, especially in children. This additional cystographic technique has proved most valuable in the field of pediatric urology.