cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-accuracy refinement using Rosetta in CASP13.

Because proteins generally fold to their lowest free energy states, energy-guided refinement in principle should be able to systematically improve the quality of protein structure models generated using homologous structure or co-evolution derived information. However, because of the high dimensionality of the search space, there are far more ways to degrade the quality of a near native model than to improve it, and hence, refinement methods are very sensitive to energy function errors. In the 13th Critial Assessment of techniques for protein Structure Prediction (CASP13), we sought to carry out a thorough search for low energy states in the neighborhood of a starting model using restraints to avoid straying too far. The approach was reasonably successful in improving both regions largely incorrect in the starting models as well as core regions that started out closer to the correct structure. Models with GDT-HA over 70 were obtained for five targets and for one of those, an accuracy of 0.5 a backbone root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) was achieved. An important current challenge is to improve performance in refining oligomers and larger proteins, for which the search problem remains extremely difficult.
Hierarchical Estimation for Complex Multi-Domain Dynamical Systems

Complex power systems have dynamics spanning multiple energy domains and operating at multiple time scales. Hierarchical control has been proven to guarantee successful management of the coupling between the resulting fast transients and slow dynamics. It is usually prohibitively expensive or even infeasible to measure every signal in the system. Therefore, a reliable estimation framework that provides accurate estimates is vital to the success of the control design. This paper proposes a multi-level hierarchical estimation approach that can be used to supply reliable estimates to hierarchical controllers of complex multi-domain power systems. Models of complex multi-domain power systems can be accurately represented using graphs. System decomposition can be then achieved using clustering algorithms from graph theory. In this work, local estimates at each level of the hierarchical estimator are obtained using extended Kalman filters. A hierarchical estimator-controller is designed for an automotive electric vehicle as an illustrative example.
Influence of the residential environment on undergraduate students' health.

University campuses represent an opportunity to advance the understanding of how the built environment influences health. We used de-identified billing codes from a private university clinic serving undergraduate students for academic years 2008 through 2012 linked to students’ residential history and demographic information. We used a two-stage, hierarchical regression model to study the differences in the reported prevalence of diagnostic groups by dorm and the association between building characteristics and disease incidence rates. We found significant differences in the prevalence of mental health (MH), upper respiratory infections (URI) and substance abuse between freshmen and upperclassmen. In addition, we found systematic differences in the relative rates of URI and MH diagnoses across dorms. Among upperclasmen dorms, the only mechanically ventilated building had a lower rate of allergy cases. An increase in available dorm space of 100 ft2 per student was associated to a decrease in 10.8 URI cases per 100 students per academic year (p < 0.01). Construction age was also associated with lower incidence rate of MH (1.1 fewer diagnoses/100 students-academic year for every 25-year increment in building age, p = 0.04). These results suggest the potential for the use of electronic health records (EHR) to identify differential health issues faced by students depending on the housing characteristics and on the stages of their academic career.
Dense hydroxyl polyethylene glycol dendrimer targets activated glia in multiple CNS disorders

Poor transport of neuropharmaceutics through central nervous system (CNS) barriers limits the development of effective treatments for CNS disorders. We present the facile synthesis of a novel neuroinflammation-targeting polyethylene glycol–based dendrimer (PEGOL-60) using an efficient click chemistry approach. PEGOL-60 reduces synthetic burden by achieving high hydroxyl surface density at low generation, which plays a key role in brain penetration and glia targeting of dendrimers in CNS disorders. Systemically administered PEGOL-60 crosses impaired CNS barriers and specifically targets activated microglia/macrophages at the injured site in diverse animal models for cerebral palsy, glioblastoma, and age-related macular degeneration, demonstrating its potential to overcome impaired blood-brain, blood-tumor-brain, and blood-retinal barriers and target key cells in the CNS. PEGOL-60 also exhibits powerful intrinsic anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in inflamed microglia in vitro. Therefore, PEGOL-60 is an effective vehicle to specifically deliver therapies to sites of CNS injury for enhanced therapeutic outcomes in a range of neuroinflammatory diseases.
Molecular determinants for dsDNA translocation by the transcription-repair coupling and evolvability factor Mfd.

Mfd couples transcription to nucleotide excision repair, and acts on RNA polymerases when elongation is impeded. Depending on impediment severity, this action results in either transcription termination or elongation rescue, which rely on ATP-dependent Mfd translocation on DNA. Due to its role in antibiotic resistance, Mfd is also emerging as a prime target for developing anti-evolution drugs. Here we report the structure of DNA-bound Mfd, which reveals large DNA-induced structural changes that are linked to the active site via ATPase motif VI. These changes relieve autoinhibitory contacts between the N- and C-termini and unmask UvrA recognition determinants. We also demonstrate that translocation relies on a threonine in motif Ic, widely conserved in translocases, and a family-specific histidine near motif IVa, reminiscent of the “arginine clamp” of RNA helicases. Thus, Mfd employs a mode of DNA recognition that at its core is common to ss/ds translocases that act on DNA or RNA. Transcription-repair coupling factors (TRCFs) are large ATPases that mediate the preferential repair of the transcribed DNA strand. Here the authors reveal the cryo-EM structure of DNA-bound Mfd, the bacterial TRCF, and provide molecular insights into its mode of action.
Low Temperature Upper Critical Field Studies in Organic Superconductor β″-(BEDT-TTF)2SF5CH2CF2SO3

Low temperature upper critical field studies have been carried out in a new organic superconductor β″-(BEDT-TTF)2SF5CH2CF2SO3. For field parallel to the superconducting layers, the upper critical field determined from transport measurements exceeds the BCS Pauli limit at low temperatures. The angular dependence of the resistive transition shows that the upper critical field can be best described by a quasi-two-dimensional model with a cusp near the field parallel to the plane direction.
Maternal Immune Activity During Pregnancy and Socioeconomic Disparities in Children’s Self-Regulation

Abstract Maternal immune activity during pregnancy has been associated with risk for psychiatric disorders in offspring, but less is known about its implications for children’s emotional and behavioral development. This study examined whether concentrations of five cytokines assayed from prenatal serum were associated with socioeconomic status (SES) and racial disparities in their offspring’s self-regulation abilities. Participants included 1628 women in the Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP). Seven behavioral items conceptually related to self-regulation were rated by CPP psychologists when children were 4 years old. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-10 were assessed. Covariates included child sex and mother’s age, psychiatric disorders, and medical conditions during pregnancy. There were significant SES differences in child self-regulation, with higher SES children scoring higher on self-regulation (β = 0.18, 95% CI [0.11, 0.25]), but no racial differences. The concentration of IL-8 in maternal serum was associated with higher child self-regulation, β = 0.09, 95% CI [0.02, 0.16]. In mediation analyses, variation in maternal IL-8 contributed to the association between family SES and child self-regulation (β = 0.02, 95% CI [0.003, 0.030]), explaining about one-tenth of the SES disparities. This study suggests pregnancy as an early sensitive period and maternal immune activity as an important context for child development.
Racial and gender inequities in the implementation of a cannabis criminal justice diversion program in a large and diverse metropolitan county of the USA.

Abstract Background Diversion programs are considered alternatives to the arrest and incarceration of non-violent drug offenders, including those found in possession of smaller amounts of cannabis in states with prohibitive laws. Despite the progressive nature of such programs, the inability to complete diversion program requirements can often result in greater involvement with the criminal justice system than traditional case adjudication. Few studies have evaluated racial group differences in cannabis diversion program completion. Methods The current study examined a sample of 8323 adult participants in Harris County, Texas’ Marijuana Misdemeanor Diversion Program (MMDP) between March 2017 and July 2019. Gender, age, and race/ethnicity were examined as predictors of program completion and time to completion using Chi square, Kruskal Wallis tests, and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results Both males and African Americans were over-represented (80 % and 50 %, respectively) among participants of Harris County’s MMDP. African American (HR = 0.782, 95 % CI [.735–.832], p Conclusions The current study identified racial/ethnic and gender disparities in a large county’s cannabis diversion program. These findings may be related to law enforcement disparities which disproportionately target males and people of color. Findings may serve to inform the continued reform of the criminal justice system, particularly laws relating to cannabis.
Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Assisted Synthesis and Anti-Solvent Precipitation of Gold Nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are commonly synthesized using the Turkevich method, but there are limitations on the maximum concentration of gold nanoparticles that can be achieved using this method (often < 1 mM (=0.34 mg/mL) gold precursor loading). Here, we report an inverse Turkevich method which significantly increases the concentration of gold nanoparticles (up to 5-fold) in the aqueous phase by introducing poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to the synthesis system for stabilization. The aim of this study is to understand the effect of PVA and other synthesis parameters, such as trisodium citrate and tetrachloroauric acid concentration, with the goal of maximizing concentration while maintaining gold nanoparticle morphology, stability, and narrow size distribution. The size distribution of GNPs is investigated for a range of parameters by dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy is also utilized to explore the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Further, the interaction between GNPs and PVA is investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition to increasing the gold loading by varying synthesis parameters, we also develop a novel anti-solvent precipitation method for the PVA-coated GNPs, which enables continuous condensation and purification of GNPs by forming a gold/PVA nanocomposite.
A review on the role of packaging: materials and methods involved in the process of food preservation

Food packaging is an essential part of the food processing industry. It surrounds, enhances, and helps in the protection of the food product from processing till it reaches the consumer. The packaging sector currently represents 2% of the gross national product in developed countries. Efficient food packaging methods such as vacuum, modified atmosphere, and active packaging helps in preventing deterioration. Oxygen scavengers, carbon dioxide absorbers, moisture-controlling agents prevent oxidative reactions and excess moisture in the food and extend the shelf life of the product. The choice of packaging material such as glass, plastic, paper, cardboard, and metals will determine changes that occur in food products and the degree of protection depends on water vapor and oxygen transmission rates. It is necessary to test the packaging materials with respect to thickness, grease resistance, gas transmission rate to ensure the safety and efficacy of the product. In order to safeguard the interest of consumer; the government has introduced packaging laws and guidelines such as PFA Act (1954) that is to be followed by food processing industries. The historical development of packaging has led to the discovery of novel packaging methods which help in long time preservation of food products. Novel packaging systems include the use of IOSP, TTI, and antimicrobial packaging uses sensors to detect and inform the stakeholders about spoilage or temperature-time-based changes in the food products in order to implement necessary action. Additional efforts are essential for promoting environmental sustainability, and to overcome problems like the high costs associated with these packaging methods.
A Two-Level Simulation-Assisted Sequential Distribution System Restoration Model With Frequency Dynamics Constraints

This paper proposes a service restoration model for unbalanced distribution systems and inverter-dominated microgrids (MGs), in which frequency dynamics constraints are developed to optimize the amount of load restoration and guarantee the dynamic performance of system frequency response during the restoration process. After extreme events, the damaged distribution systems can be sectionalized into several isolated MGs to restore critical loads and tripped non-black start distributed generations (DGs) by black start DGs. However, the high penetration of inverter-based DGs reduces the system inertia, which results in low-inertia issues and large frequency fluctuation during the restoration process. To address this challenge, we propose a two-level simulation-assisted sequential service restoration model, which includes a mixed integer linear programming (MILP)-based optimization model and a transient simulation model. The proposed MILP model explicitly incorporates the frequency response into constraints, by interfacing with transient simulation of inverter-dominated MGs. Numerical results on a modified IEEE 123-bus system have validated that the frequency dynamic performance of the proposed service restoration model are indeed improved.
Mnemosyne: an immutable distributed logging framework over named data networking

This poster describes the design of Mnemosyne, a distributed logger running over Named Data Networking. Mnemosyne utilizes proof of authenticity instead of proof of work. It assures immutability of logged events by interlocking all event records in a DAG mesh. By using a distributed design, Mnemosyne provides both a high logging throughput and system resiliency in face of network component failures.
Weak compactness is not equivalent to the fixed point property in c

Abstract We show that there exists a non-weakly compact, closed, bounded, convex subset W of the Banach space of convergent sequences ( c , ‖ ⋅ ‖ ∞ ) , such that every nonexpansive mapping T : W ⟶ W has a fixed point. This answers a question left open in the 2003 and 2004 papers of Dowling, Lennard and Turett. This is also the first example of a non-weakly compact, closed, bounded, convex subset W of a Banach space X isomorphic to c 0 , for which W has the fixed point property for nonexpansive mappings. We also prove that the sets W may be perturbed to a large family of non-weakly compact, closed, bounded, convex subsets W q of ( c , ‖ ⋅ ‖ ∞ ) with the fixed point property for nonexpansive mappings; and we discuss similarities and differences with work of Goebel and Kuczumow concerning analogous subsets of l 1 .
The Role of Probability in Quantum Mechanics

The view I attempt to support in this paper by various sorts of arguments is that if we examine the structure of quantum mechanics for paradoxical or surprising implications, it is not the interpretation of the uncertainty principle as showing the untenability of determinism that is most important. I take it that many would now agree that strict determinism was a fragile flower nurtured for a few decades in the special climate of classical mechanics, particularly as formulated by Laplace. The once broad claims for determinism have in many ways been replaced by universal claims for the theory of probability and the methodology of statistics, although I do not wish to suggest for a moment that determinism as a thesis and probability theory as a methodological cornerstone of science are on the same conceptual footing. Rather, my point is to try to show that the really radical intellectual thing about quantum mechanics is not its challenge to determinism as a philosophical thesis, but its challenge to probability theory and modern mathematical statistics as the universal methodology of all empirical science.
Randomized, double-blind trial of CO2 versus air insufflation in children undergoing colonoscopy.

Background and Aims Studies in adults have shown that postprocedural abdominal pain is reduced with the use of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) instead of air for insufflation during colonoscopy. The aim of our study was to compare postprocedural abdominal pain and girth in children undergoing colonoscopy using CO 2 or air for insufflation. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind study that included 76 consecutive pediatric patients undergoing colonoscopy for various indications. Patients were randomly assigned to either CO 2 or air insufflation. At 2, 4, and 24 hours after the examination, the patients' pain was assessed by using the 11-point numerical rating scale. The waist circumference was measured 10 minutes and 2 and 4 hours after colonoscopy. Results A significantly higher proportion of patients had no pain after colonoscopy in the CO 2 group compared with the air group (82 vs 37% at 2 hours and 95% vs. 63% at 4 hours, P 2 group compared with the control air group (0.5 vs 2.6 at 2 hours and 0.1 vs 1.2 at 4 hours, P Conclusion The results of this randomized trial show clear benefits of CO 2 insufflation for colonoscopy in reducing postprocedural discomfort. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02407639.)
Association phenomena: IV. Catalysis of the ionization of dihydroxyacetone phosphate by monofunctional, difunctional, and trifunctional amines

Abstract The rate of the ionization of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) has been measured in the presence of (a) simple monofunctional primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, (b) monoprotonated diamines, and (c) monoprotonated N -[ N′ -(arylalkyl)aminoalkyl]guanidines of the general structure Ar(CH 2 ) m NH(CH 2 ) n NC(NH 2 ) 2 in which the aryl groups are phenyl, 2-pyridyl, and 4-pyridyl, the values of m are 1, 2, and 3, and the values of n are 2 and 3. Evidence for bifunctional catalysis by several diamines has been obtained, but evidence is marginal for trifunctional catalysis by the guanidinium compounds in which the guanidinium moiety interacts electrostatically with the phosphate of DHAP, the secondary amino group forms an iminium bond with the carbonyl group of DHAP, and the 2-pyridyl moiety abstracts the a -proton of DHAP to generate the carbanion. Although the guanidinium compounds are uniformly better catalysts than their simpler analogs, only compound 7 catalyzes the ionization of DHAP at a rate slightly faster than would be predicted on the basis of its p K a value.
Managing computer science laboratories using open software

An approach to installing and maintaining computer science department laboratory systems using open software is presented. Issues such as system security, updating and maintenance are addressed. Some details, such as programs and systems administration scripts are presented.
Reinventing the University to Teach Both Mind and Heart (Part I)

The objectives of this special two-part issue are summarized, and the articles within the issue are shown to contribute to the theme. The university must serve adults of all ages who are developing within a global society. Interpersonal interactions are important processes for development. The university might respond to current criticisms of it as an institution, in part, by teaching and studying interpersonal and emotional skills in combination with intellectual skills that are already emphasized. A better balance such as this would make the university, its research, and its students more viable in the next century.
Comparison of hydrographic and altimeter based estimates of sea level height variability in the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Our ability to understand the means by which mass and heat are exchanged between the tropics and subtropics is seriously compromised when using only sea level data because the exchange processes span a wide range of variability across the different dynamical regimes in our domain. Expendable bathythermograph (XBT) profiles and TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P) altimeter data are compared to temperature anomalies (TA) and to dynamic height anomalies (DHA) for the period 1993 through 1997 to determine how much can be inferred about the internal field of mass from sea level changes. Our focus is on the annual cycle along two well-sampled XBT sections on the western and eastern sides of the Atlantic Ocean from 10°S to 40°N. XBT profiles were matched (time/location) to Sea height anomalies (SHA) derived from T/P data, converted into DHA using TS relationships and then binned monthly into 2° of latitude by 4° of longitude boxes. The vertical mass distribution cannot always be inferred from SHA alone, unless there is a strong relationship between SHA and DHA and an understanding of the details of how temperature variability affects DHA. These relationships can be problematic if SHA are small. This occurs in zones of transition in the vicinity of troughs where small fluctuations in SHA belie the true nature of water column variability. These areas separate the mid-latitudes where surface buoyancy fluxes dominate from those in the equatorial region where ocean dynamics cause thermocline effects that dominate the forcing of sea level. Thus, the variability of SHA in transition regions tends to be small because both surface and thermocline variability may be significant but compensating in nature. This emphasizes how important direct observations (in situ data) can be in interpreting SHA correctly. Strong relationships between SHA and DHA occur at locations where more than half of the SHA variance in the annual cycle is due to DHA variability (approximately 30% of the positions along the two XBT sections). These relationships between SHA and DHA for residual variability (obtained by removing the annual cycle) are weak. The exceptions are in two areas of large sea height variability in the western basin where there is significant interannual variability. The first is in the tropics in the vicinity of the tropical gyre trough near 50°W 8°N. The second is in the Gulf Stream near 70°W 38°N. An analysis of Panulirus data at (32.2°N, 64.5°W) suggests that in situ data may be needed down to at least 1000m where interannual variability accounts for about 40% of the SHA variance.
Subgrade soil index properties to estimate resilient modulus for pavement design

Mechanistic pavement design procedures based on elastic layer theory require characterization of each material in the pavement structure in terms of elastic moduli. Repeated triaxial load tests on cylindrical disturbed/undisturbed samples, yielding a resilient modulus, are frequently used for characterizing subgrade soil. Because of the complexities encountered with the test, in-situ and other laboratory tests would be desirable if a reliable correlation can be established. Relying on data from two-field test programs, correlation equations to predict M R for fine- and coarse-grained (sandy) soils are proposed in this paper. Twelve test sections reflecting a range of typical subgrade soil materials of Mississippi are selected and tested. Undisturbed samples are extracted and tested in a repeated triaxial machine for M R, employing AASHTO TP46-94 protocol. Other soil index properties are also determined, facilitating soil classification according to AASHTO procedure. The results suggest two relations—one f...
Assessing Differences Between Ancestral Recombination Graphs

Ancestral recombination graphs (ARGs) represent the history of portions of a genome with recombination. Attempts to infer ARGs have been hampered by the lack of an ARG comparison metric which could be used to measure how well inference succeeded. We propose a simple ARG comparison framework based on averaging standard tree comparison measures across either all sites or variable sites only. Using simulated data, we show that this framework, instantiated with an appropriate tree comparison measure, can distinguish better from worse inferences of an ARG.
Potential and field distributions in LDD structures in the subthreshold region

An analytical model for the potential and the field distributions in LDD MOSFET structures operating in the subthreshold region is developed by solving the quasi-two-dimensional Poisson equations. The model includes the effect of the gate voltage, but ignores the mobile charge density. The result is useful for predicting the incipient breakdown in lateral power MOSFETs that are designed to block high voltages when off. >
Predicting critical flow velocity leading to laminate plate collapse—flat plates

Abstract The Oregon State University (OSU), Hydro Mechanical Fuel test Facility (HMFTF) is designed to hydro-mechanically test prototypic plate type fuel. OSU's fuel test program is a part of the Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI), formerly known as the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactor program. One of the GTRI's goals is to convert all civilian research, and test reactors in the United States from highly enriched uranium (HEU) to a low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel in an effort to reduce nuclear proliferation. An analytical model has been developed and is described in detail which complements the experimental work being performed by the OSU HMFTF, and advances the science of hydro-mechanics. This study investigates two methods for determining the ‘critical flow velocity’ for a laminate plate. The objective is accomplished by incorporating a flexural rigidity term into the formulation of critical flow velocity originally derived by Donald R. Miller, and employing sandwich structure theory to determine the rigidity term. The final outcome of this study results in the developing of a single equation for each of three different edge boundary conditions which reliably and comprehensively predicts the onset of plate collapse. The two models developed and presented, are termed the monocoque analogy and the ideal laminate model. Of these two models, the ideal laminate model is the most resolved and comprehensive in its predictions.
A detour for love

My advisers would have told you that I had a bright future. As an undergraduate at New College of Florida, I pursued research in coral reef biology. I studied abroad in Ireland for practical training in biotechnology. I learned Spanish to aid in collecting samples for my thesis on coral
The free-operant partial reinforcement effect: A discrimination analysis

Abstract Twelve continuously reinforced rats were extinguished in a modified operant chamber, with an S D for goal-approach after each bar-press. Three groups of twelve rats each trained under FR 10 were extinguished with the S D for goal-approach after every 6, 10, or 14-bar-presses, respectively. Results showed: (1) number of bar-presses to extinction was a direct function of the bar-press to S D ratio during extinction, (2) number of food or goal-approaches was independent of both training and extinction conditions, and (3) prior to the breakdown in discrimination a revised response-unit hypothesis, based on a discrimination analysis of the effect of intermittent reinforcement, accurately predicted the number of bar-presses for each FR group.
Effects of Dyadic Quality and Duration on Performance Appraisal

This study examined the interactive influence of performance, the quality of a supervisor-subordinate relationship, and the duration of that relationship on performance ratings. The results suggest that, in both the short run and long run, the performance of employees in high- quality “leader-member exchange” relationships is rated high, regardless of their objectively measured performance. The ratings of employees in low-quality exchange relationships are consistent with their objective performance in the short run but high in the long run, regardless of objective performance.
Relative Objective Functions in Multiobjective Decision Support Models

This paper considers the importance of using the nondominated minimum in forming relative objective functions. Other minima can prevent the decision maker from reaching a preferred decision. They disturb the zero and distort the scale, thereby misguiding the decision maker by falsifying trade-off possibilities. Worse, some of these other minima can inadvertently hide whole regions of preferred solutions. Zeleny's multiple criteria simplex method is used to find the nondominated minimum for the linear case.
Criteria and procedures for evaluating the quality of fish populations in reservoirs

Abstract Routine assessments of sport fish populations are necessary for managers to determine whether populations are meeting objectives. An effective assessment technique should entail rating parameters that are measurements of, or are influenced by the three rate functions of recruitment, growth, and mortality. It will enable managers to determine which rate functions may be preventing a population from achieving stated objectives and help them determine if additional management or research efforts are needed. The first requirement of an effective assessment technique is a standard sampling method that captures all sizes of fish that are present in the population. The sampling method should detect changes in population density and size structure, which will then be reflected in sample length frequencies. Other important criteria are the selection of appropriate parameters from the sample data and the setting of objectives for those parameters. An ideal assessment should include parameters that depict recruitment levels, adult density, growth rate, age structure, and size structure. The parameter value should be easy to calculate from sample data. Use of an assessment for white crappies in Missouri’s large reservoirs showed that growth was generally good, but mortality was high. Subsequent research indicated that angler exploitation was the cause of the high mortality, which led to the successful implementation of restrictive harvest regulations.
Influence of sol and substrate chemistry on the formation of sol-gel derived coatings

Abstract In this study several types of coating sol to substrate wetting behaviors were observed. These wetting behaviors, which influence final coating quality, are a complicated function of sol and substrate chemistry. Coating quality could be altered considerably by the choice of substrate, sol additives, or sol ageing. The most dramatic improvements in unfired coating quality were obtained by additions of titanium alkoxide to the sol. This improvement is explained in terms of a sol/substrate charging mechanism.
Effect of melting history on the crystalline characteristics of poly(etheretherketone) aromatic polymer composite

Abstract The effect of melt temperature on the crystalline characteristics of poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) composite APC-2 has been studied using a differential scanning calorimeter, wide angle X-ray scattering and small angle X-ray scattering. Melting at a temperature close to the melting point of PEEK resin resulted in an increase of crystallinity and lamellar thickness. The internal process during a low melt temperature treatment was suggested to be similar to a high temperaature annealing treatment.
40Ar/39Ar age spectra of biotite from Grenville basement gneisses in northwest Georgia

Biotite from two samples of Grenville gneisses exposed near Cartersville, Georgia (Corbin and Salem Church units), record undisturbed 40 Ar/ 39 Ar release spectra with total-gas ages of 735 and 702 m.y. (both ± 15 m.y.). The ages are discordant with >1 b.y. Rb-Sr whole-rock and U-Pb zircon ages from the same units. It is suggested that the biotite ages date the time of cooling below temperatures required for argon retention following Grenville metamorphism. Release spectra of biotite from samples along the southeastern border of the gneissic terrain are variably disturbed, reflecting the overprinting of a Paleozoic metamorphic event. The regional distribution of disturbed release spectra permits a more definitive evaluation of the extent of Paleozoic thermal effects in this area. The data also help to resolve late Precambrian–early Paleozoic stratigraphic relations.
Test Anxiety with Respect to a Comprehensive Cumulative Assessment

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to examine test anxiety experienced by Pharm.D. students with respect to a comprehensive cumulative exam, the Milemarker exam. The instrument used elicited responses on five domains, namely: test anxiety, academic competence, test competence, study strategies and time management strategies used by students in preparation for the Milemarker exam. The students (N = 153, response rate 72.5%) were found to be somewhat anxious with respect to the Milemarker exam. Further, students responded that they felt competent with respect to course content and made use of study strategies in studying for the Mile-marker exam. They also exhibited low test competence with respect to the cumulative exam and were unable to manage their time effectively when studying for the exam. Significant correlations were obtained between test anxiety and the domains of test competence and time management. Intervention strategies aimed at reducing the test anxiety that students demonstrated, could ...
Kinetics and equilibria among the multiple forms of ferricytochrome c

Kinetics and equilibria of the multiple forms of horse heart ferricytochrome c have been investigated in the range of pH 5–11, utilizing spectrophotometric detection at 633 nm in conjunction with a rapid injection and mixing technique. Previous experiments between pH 8 and 11 were repeated and extended below pH 8 all the way down to pH 5, confirming an earlier apparent pKH of 9.1 and revealing a new apparent pKH of 5.8. These apparent pKH values are derived from equilibrium experiments. Kinetic experiments confirmed the earlier discovery that the apparent pKH of 9.1 consists of a fast protonic dissociation with pKH′ = 10.4 and a slow monomolecular interconversion. The new experiments revealed a fast protonic dissociation with pKH′ = 6.7 and a slow monomolecular interconversion with k4k3 = 0.26, leading to an apparent pKH of 6.1, differing from the one derived from titrations by 0.3 (the kinetic experiments are associated with greater errors). Although additional protonic dissociations are apparent below pH 5, they cannot be investigated due to problems of reproducibility (irreversible changes seem to be involved).
Radiation-induced pseudocarcinomatousproliferations of the urinary bladder: A report of 4 cases

Four cases of radiation cystitis that caused diagnostic difficulty because of an epithelial proliferation with architectural complexity and reactive cytologic atypia are described. The patients, 2 male, 2 female, were from 43 to 77 years of age. Two presented with hematuria. Cystoscopy disclosed abnormalities in 3 patients. Microscopic examination showed irregularly shaped and arranged aggregates of epithelial cells in the upper and mid zones of the lamina propria. The cells, which typically showed at least mild, and sometimes severe, pleomorphism, were usually transitional, but squamous differentiation was seen focally in 3 cases. Ulceration of the overlying epithelium was present in all cases and was prominent and associated with conspicuous fibrin and hemorrhage in one of them. Edema of the lamina propria was present in 3 cases, whereas lamina propria fibrosis and chronic inflammation were present in all cases. The presence in all 4 cases of vascular ectasia and other changes characteristic of radiation injury, such as atypical fibroblasts, prompted investigation of the clinical history in 2 cases in which the pathologist was unaware that the patient had received radiation. Pseudocarcinomatous proliferations in the bladder caused by radiation injury have received limited attention in the literature. Our cases illustrate the potential diagnostic errors with which these lesions may be associated.
Texture development due to preferential grain growth of Ho–Ba–Cu–O in 1.6-T magnetic field

It has been experimentally observed that the application of even a relatively weak magnetic field of 1.6-T during sintering of HoBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]] (hereafter HoBCO) results in a significant degree of grain alignment. The orientation of grains is found to be controlled by the direction and magnitude of a magnetic field. The degree of alignment was monitored by x-ray diffraction measurements on the flat surface of the samples and by metallography. It has been observed that the degree of alignment grows as the magnitude of the field increases between 0 and 1.6 T for a fixed temperature and processing time. The degree of alignment also increases when the processing temperature changes from 930 [degree]C to 965 [degree]C for a fixed field and time. It has also been observed that for both a fixed field and processing temperature, the alignment grows when the processing time increases between 16 and 72 hours. Metallography measurements on the flat and cross-sectional parts of the samples showed that the texture propagates into the bulk of the samples. In the presence of a sufficient amount of the liquid phase, the enhancement of the grain growth in the direction favorable to the magnetic field produces rathermore » large single-crystals (0.3 to 0.5 mm linear size) within the sample.« less
A retrospective biopsy study of the clinical diagnostic accuracy of common skin diseases by different specialties compared with dermatology

Background With the recent trend for nondermatologists to treat dermatologic disorders, this retrospective biopsy study reviews the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of physicians of different specialties performing surgical dermatologic procedures. Objective We assessed the diagnostic abilities of nondermatologist physicians who performed various types of skin biopsies and compared them with those of dermatologists. Methods The clinical diagnoses of family physicians, plastic, general, and orthopedic surgeons, and internists and pediatricians versus dermatologists were correlated with the histopathologic diagnoses. In total, 4451 cases were analyzed. Results Dermatologists diagnosed twice the number of neoplastic and cystic skin lesions correctly (75%) than nondermatologists (40%). The clinical diagnosis rendered by family practitioners matched the histopathologic diagnosis in only 26% of neoplastic and cystic skin lesions. Plastic surgeons, who performed the largest number of cutaneous surgical procedures among the nondermatologists, did better in the recognition of skin tumors than family physicians, but still had a diagnostic accuracy rate of only 45%. Inflammatory skin diseases were correctly diagnosed in 71% of the cases by dermatologists but in only 34% of the cases by nondermatologists. Limitations A limitation of this retrospective, unblinded study is the use of the clinical data from the pathology requisition form as a surrogate for clinical diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions The overall accuracy of the clinical diagnosis depends heavily on the clinicopathologic correlation. Without sufficient clinical data, the histopathologic diagnosis will be limited or restricted. This review concludes that without basic dermatology knowledge, clinicopathologic correlation is compromised.
Preliminary quantification of a shape model for etch-pits formed during natural weathering of olivine

Abstract Many etch-pits on olivine grains occur as a pair of cone-shaped pits sharing a base, which consequently appear as diamond-shaped etch-pits in cross-section. Quantitative image analysis of back-scattered electron images establishes empirical dimensions of olivine etch-pits in naturally weathered samples from Hawaii and North Carolina. Images of naturally etched olivine were acquired from polished thin-sections by scanning electron microscopy. An average cone-radius-to-height ratio ( r : h ) of 1.78 was determined for diamond-shaped cross-sections of etch-pits occurring in naturally weathered olivine grains, largely consistent with previous qualitative results. Olivine etch-pit shape as represented by r : h varies from slightly more than half the average value to slightly more than twice the average. Etch-pit shape does not appear to vary systematically with etch-pit size.
A Review of Computerized Systems for Implementing BS 5750/ISO 9000

Examines what facilities are provided, and in what way, by current software packages designed to automate BS 5750 documentation procedures in different industries. All the packages are aimed at reducing the paperwork involved in implementing a quality system, but none completely matches any market sector. Details some of the differences and outlines a method for selecting a package for your industry.
Inner-city tuberculosis in the USA

Tuberculosis (TB) has become more common during the past five years in several areas of the USA. Occurrence has been facilitated by the increasing number of patients with concurrent HIV infection, by cases due to multiple-drug-resistant strains, by incomplete TB therapy among homeless and non-compliant patients, and by cases in immigrants from other countries where TB prevalence is high. These features mean that the major burden of TB today is being borne by inner-city health care facilities that care for the poor. This is illustrated by data from Atlanta, Georgia, where a large proportion of the new cases recognized in the metropolitan area are reported by Grady Memorial Hospital, the public hospital serving the indigent and working poor of the inner city. Similar patterns are recognized in the other USA cities where TB has again become a blight. In view of these epidemiological features, minimizing inner-city TB will require careful attention to diagnosis and isolation procedures in the hospital. Engineering changes at hospitals providing acute care of TB have recently been ordered by the federal government. These promise to be very expensive, and primarily affect the public hospitals, which can least afford them. Innovative treatment programmes are essential, as follow-up after acute care is difficult in this setting. Directly observed therapy can help, but for some cases the era of the TB hospital may have returned. Current attention focuses on legal and ethical issues associated with detaining non-compliant and recalcitrant patients to complete their therapy. Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine is not a priority for this setting at this time. New demands also exist for expansion of rapid laboratory techniques. The impact of these requirements on laboratory test volume, technologist time and costs is high, and most laboratories will require new resources to meet the demands. Federal resources to date have aided public health laboratories. Fiscal help is needed as well for hospital and reference labs where TB is frequently recovered.
Pennsylvanian cyclothems: Methods of distinguishing tectonically induced changes in sea level from climatically induced changes

Analysis of tectonic subsidence permits calculation of the magnitude of tectonic processes and associated climatic effects, which controlled changes in sea level during deposition of Pennsylvanian cyclothems. Far-field tectonic effects in response to regional orogenic movements influenced Pennsylvanian sea-level change in the Midcontinent of North America and the Illinois basin. Organization of Virgilian and Missourian Midcontinent cyclothems into fourfold to fivefold bundles shows that sea-level changes in Midcontinent platform areas were influenced partly by Milankovitch orbital parameters, whereas Desmoinesian sea-level change apparently was influenced more strongly by tectonic subsidence. Sea-level change associated with cyclothems in the Central Appalachian basin and the Asturias basin of Spain were controlled mostly by foreland-basin subsidence and later strike-slip faulting. Methods developed herein permit calculation of magnitudes of both tectonic and glacio-eustatic components of sea-level change influencing Pennsylvanian cyclothem deposition and may be applicable to other cyclic sequences.
Interferon α–Induced Inhibition of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus in Chicken Embryo Fibroblast Cultures Differing in Mx Genotype

Abstract Interferon (IFN)-induced antiviral activity in cells forms an important early line of defense against viral pathogens. IFN-induced mediators are well documented in mammals, with one of the best-characterized antiviral proteins being Mx. In chickens, many alleles of Mx have been described, but functionally only the polymorphism at a site encoding residue 631 in the protein determines differential antiviral activity against vesicular stomatitis virus and influenza virus in transfection experiments. The role of chicken Mx has not been assessed with regard to infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), an important pathogen of chickens. To examine the role of chicken IFNα and the Mx631 single-nucleotide polymorphism against IBDV, chicken embryo fibroblast cultures (CEF) that differed in Mx genotype (antivirally positive Mx Asn631 or antivirally negative Mx Ser631) were treated with IFNα and viral yield was assessed following infection with D78 vaccine-strain IBDV. IFNα was shown to have strong antiviral ...
A new method for grinder dressing fault mitigation using real-time peak detection

To facilitate the implementation of machine monitoring algorithms on the shop floor, signal processing and decision-making strategies must be developed, which account for the difficulties associated with monitoring a machine in an industrial environment. Therefore, this paper focuses on introducing a new method for dresser contact detection, which takes into account sensor and data acquisition system costs, computational limitations of an embedded detection system, and noise robustness issues associated with shop floor implementation. This paper also discusses the way in which the monitoring algorithm directly interfaces with the machine control in real time in order to ensure that system faults are avoided. Furthermore, the new algorithm is compared with more traditional methods for change detection by applying each algorithm to the signal output from a dresser horsepower sensor. In an industrial application, the new algorithm is shown to provide zero missed detections, zero false alarms, and a sufficiently fast response time.