cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Beam and Shell Elements for Modeling Rotorcraft Blades

A geometrically exact shell element is developed within the finite-element, multibody dynamics-based Rotorcraft Comprehensive Analysis System. The shell element accommodates transverse shear deformation as well as arbitrarily large displacements and rotations. The shell element is developed using an approach that allows for compatibility with other structural elements in the Rotorcraft Comprehensive Analysis System. It is validated by comparing its predictions with benchmark problems. The two-dimensional shell and one-dimensional beam finite-element analyses are compared for three typical blade configurations of varying slenderness ratio: a swept-tip blade, a blade with discontinuous chordwise elastic axis and center-of-gravity locations, and a blade with a flex beam. The purpose is to quantify the differences between two-dimensional-shell one-dimensional-beam finite elements for modeling rotor blades. There is good agreement between the one- and two-dimensional analyses in predicting the natural frequenc...
Characterization of the interactions between neptunyl and plutonyl cations and expanded porphyrins

Abstract The synthesis of a new hexapyrrolic expanded porphyrin, hexaphyrin (1.0.1.0.0.0) (1), that was found to form unique complexes of the actinide cations neptunyl (NpO2 +) and uranyl (UO2 2+) was recently reported (Sessler et al., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 40 (2001) 591). The present study was undertaken in an effort to generalize these findings and involves an analysis of the neptunyl (NpO2 +) and plutonyl, (PuO2 +) coordination chemistry of several other expanded porphyrin systems, including those previously reported as having formed uranyl (UO2 2+) cation complexes, in particular amethyrin ([24]hexaphyrin(1.0.0.1.0.0), 2), pentaphyrin, ([22]pentaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1), 4), and the Schiff base macrocycle, alaskaphyrin (5). This study was broadened to include the Schiff base ligand 6 (grandephyrin) and its previously unreported uranyl (UO2 2+) complex. Within moments of addition of a neptunium(VI) source to methanol solutions of the expanded porphyrins 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, dramatic changes in the UV–Vis spectra are observed that are consistent with formation of a neptunyl complex and, in several cases, oxidation of the macrocycle. Similar changes were also observed when hexaphyrin (1), pentaphyrin (4), alaskaphyrin (5), and grandephyrin (6) were exposed to PuO2 2+. Corroborative changes are also observed in the associated 1H NMR spectra and in those portions of the electronic spectrum associated with the actinide cations. Although the formation of the proposed neptunyl and plutonyl complexes could not be substantiated by X-ray diffraction methods, the solid-state structure of the uranyl complex formed from 6 was elucidated and is presented in this report.
The virtual fuzzy automaton approach to the problem of global state evaluation in multitask control systems

Real-world applications are often controlled with systems capable of executing several simultaneous control tasks. Each control task works in parallel with other control tasks to achieve common control goals. A desirable property for the design, analysis and supervision of such systems is the representation of an encapsulated (overlaid) state set which extends over the states of several tasks and characterizes the current control situation in application-related term. The paper describes the reason why traditional power-set state based approaches are not enough practical in the case of large, complex systems, and suggests a solution based upon the concept of a virtual fuzzy finite state machine.
Lithium dilution cardiac output and oxygen delivery in conscious dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Objective: Compare cardiac index (CI) and oxygen delivery index (DO2I) in conscious, critically ill dogs to control dogs; evaluate the association of CI and DO2I with outcome. Design: Prospective non-randomized clinical study. Setting: Veterinary teaching hospital. Animals: Eighteen client-owned dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and 8 healthy control dogs. Measurements and Main Results: CI of dogs with SIRS was measured using lithium dilution at times 0, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours. Data collected included physical exam, arterial blood gas (ABG) and hemoximetry. CI of control dogs was measured 3 times with 1 measurement of ABG. Mean CI ± SE in SIRS patients was 3.32 ± 0.95 L/min/m2; lower than controls at 4.18 ± 0.22 L/min/m2 (P<0.001). Mean DO2I ± SE in SIRS patients was 412.91 ± 156.67 mL O2/min/m2; lower than controls at 785.24 ± 45.99 mL O2/min/m2 (P<0.001). There was no difference in CI (P=0.49) or DO2I (P=0.51) for dogs that survived to discharge versus those that did not. There was no difference in mean CI (P=0.97) or DO2I (P=0.50) of survivors versus non-survivors for 28-day survival. Survivors had lower blood glucose (P=0.03) and serum lactate concentrations (P=0.04) than non-survivors. Conclusions: CI and DO2I in conscious dogs with SIRS were lower than control dogs, which differs from theories that dogs with SIRS are in a high cardiac output state. CI and DO2I were not significantly different between survivors and non-survivors. Similar to previous studies, lactate and glucose concentrations of survivors were lower than non-survivors.
Recurrent neural network-based approach for early recognition of Alzheimer's disease in EEG.

Abstract Objective : We explored the ability of specifically designed and trained recurrent neural networks (RNNs), combined with wavelet preprocessing, to discriminate between the electroencephalograms (EEGs) of patients with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their age-matched control subjects. Methods : Twomin recordings of resting eyes-closed continuous EEGs (as well as their wavelet-filtered subbands) obtained from parieto-occipital channels of 10 early AD patients and 10 healthy controls were input into RNNs for training and testing purposes. The RNNs were chosen because they can implement extremely non-linear decision boundaries and possess memory of the state, which is crucial for the considered task. Results : The best training/testing results were achieved using a 3-layer RNN on left parietal channel level 4 high-pass wavelet subbands. When trained on 3 AD and 3 control recordings, the resulting RNN tested well on all remaining controls and 5 out of 7 AD patients. This represented a significantly better than chance performance of about 80% sensitivity at 100% specificity. Conclusion : The suggested combined wavelet/RNN approach may be useful in analyzing long-term continuous EEGs for early recognition of AD. This approach should be extended on larger patient populations before its clinical diagnostic value can be established. Further lines of investigation might also require that EEGs be recorded from patients engaged in certain mental (cognitive) activities.
Prevention of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug–associated gastrointestinal symptoms and ulcer complications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) produce symptoms of dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease in up to 50% and up to 20%, respectively, of individuals taking them. Risk factors for NSAID-related gastric injury include age >70 years, history of ulcer disease, use of multiple agents (e.g., > or =2 NSAIDs, or an NSAID plus aspirin--even at cardioprotective doses), high doses of an NSAID, and concurrent use of corticosteroids or anticoagulants. In NSAID users, infection with Helicobacter pylori can produce additive or synergistic gastric mucosal injury. Several clinical strategies can decrease the risk for dyspepsia, ulceration, and the more serious complications in NSAID users. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) co-therapy has been shown to lower the incidence of dyspepsia in those taking NSAIDs. In those with an active ulcer, PPI therapy produces ulcer healing even in "tough-to-treat" individuals who require ongoing NSAID therapy. Maintenance of ulcer healing is significantly greater in those who receive ongoing PPI treatment compared with placebo, and adverse events and treatment withdrawals are fewer compared with their occurrence in persons treated with misoprostol. In those not receiving aspirin therapy, the use of an NSAID that is a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 may result in fewer gastrointestinal symptoms compared with a traditional agent; however, studies have failed to show any decrease in healthcare resource utilization (including outpatient or emergency room visits, hospitalization rate, or use of any resource) with COX-2-selective therapy.
L∞ bounds for solutions of parametrized elliptic equations

Abstract This generalizes earlier results (T. I. Seidman, Indiana Univ. Math. J. 30 (1981), 305–311) for −Δu = λf(u). For the family of equations (su∗) Au = g(u, λ) with appropriate boundary conditions the object is to construct from g and the boundary conditions a function η(λ, r) such that a bound y(λ) on ∥u∥∞ can be obtained by solving the ODE: y′(λ) = η(λ, y) with y(λ0) = B(λ0) = bound at λ = λ0.
Stability of Cohen-Grossberg Neural Networks with Nonnegative Periodic solutions

In this paper, we discuss nonnegative periodic solutions for generalized Cohen-Grossberg neural networks. Without assuming strict positivity and boundedness of the amplification functions, the dynamics of periodic Cohen-Grossberg neural networks are studied. By applying a direct method, sufficient conditions guaranteeing the existence and global asymptotic stability of nonnegative periodic solution are derived. Also the criterion does not depend on the assumption for amplification functions being upper and low bounded or the external inputs.
Counter-rotating structures over a delta wing

This note describes the experimental finding of counter-rotating structures, with axes oriented approximately spanwise, located between the surface and the vortex core on a 60-deg delta wing at high incidence.
The Role of Multiple Marks in Epigenetic Silencing and the Emergence of a Stable Bivalent Chromatin State

We introduce and analyze a minimal model of epigenetic silencing in budding yeast, built upon known biomolecular interactions in the system. Doing so, we identify the epigenetic marks essential for the bistability of epigenetic states. The model explicitly incorporates two key chromatin marks, namely H4K16 acetylation and H3K79 methylation, and explores whether the presence of multiple marks lead to a qualitatively different systems behavior. We find that having both modifications is important for the robustness of epigenetic silencing. Besides the silenced and transcriptionally active fate of chromatin, our model leads to a novel state with bivalent (i.e., both active and silencing) marks under certain perturbations (knock-out mutations, inhibition or enhancement of enzymatic activity). The bivalent state appears under several perturbations and is shown to result in patchy silencing. We also show that the titration effect, owing to a limited supply of silencing proteins, can result in counter-intuitive responses. The design principles of the silencing system is systematically investigated and disparate experimental observations are assessed within a single theoretical framework. Specifically, we discuss the behavior of Sir protein recruitment, spreading and stability of silenced regions in commonly-studied mutants (e.g., sas2, dot1) illuminating the controversial role of Dot1 in the systems biology of yeast silencing.
Review and Assessment of Fire Hazard in Bridges

Bridge fires are low-probability but high-consequence incidents. Generally, bridge design codes and standards, in contrast to building codes, do not take into account the concept of fire safety. However, recent high-profile fire incidents on bridges and in other infrastructure have opened a debate on the need for fire resistance requirements on bridges. An overview of fire hazard in bridges is presented. A state-of-the-art review related to the bridge fire hazard was carried out. Different conditions and complexities associated with characterizing fire hazards in bridges are discussed, and a design strategy to integrate performance-based fire safety into bridge design is suggested. Further, a strategy to assess and repair fire-damaged bridges is proposed. A case study is presented to evaluate the fire performance of a composite steel bridge girder. Finally, needed research that can lead to improved performance of bridges during fire incidents is highlighted.
Implementation of a fast box-counting algorithm

We briefly summarize a previously published fast box-counting algorithm for computing the box-count fractal dimension, and adapt it to provide more points on the box-count versus box-size curve. We then present a C language implementation of the algorithm that consists of a routine called boxcount. It uses a flexible memory-addressing scheme that makes it suitable for analyzing multidimensional data, as well as analyzing time-series data efficiently with different embedding dimensions. A stand-alone program that uses boxcount is also presented.
The vibrational spectra, structure, and conformational behavior of dimethyl dicarbonate

Abstract The IR spectra of the liquid and solid states and the Raman spectrum of the liquid state of dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) have been obtained. Comparison of liquid and solid-state spectra indicate that in the liquid state DMDC is an equilibrium mixture of at least two conformers. Raman depolarization ratios, electrostatic repulsion considerations, and the ratio of the area of the two carbonyl stretching bands provide a basis for suggesting that the primary DMDC structure in the liquid state possesses C 2 point group symmetry. Based on this evidence and assignments of analogous molecules, a tentative vibrational assignment is proposed.
Effect of particulate thermophoresis in reducing the fouling rate advantages of effusion-cooling

To predict small-particle diffusional mass transfer (deposition), including particle thermophoresis, transpiration cooling, and variable properties, the coupled ordinary differential equations governing self-similar laminar boundary layers are solved numerically. Under typical combustion turbine conditions, although diffusional deposition rates can be dramatically reduced by transpiration cooling (e.g., by some 5-decades for mainstream submicron particles corresponding to a Schmidt number of about 100 and a wall transpiration-cooled to Tw/Te = 0.8), actual deposition rate reductions will be smaller than previously expected (by about 1 decade for particles with Sc of about 100), owing to thermophoretic particle drift caused by the colder wall. Such microdroplets, small enough to behave like heavy molecules in combustion systems, are often important because they can cause adherence of the much larger ash particles which inertially impact on the same surface.
Effect of growth hormone and thyroxine on body weight of hypophysectomized C3H mice.

Bovine growth hormone was administered to hypophysectomized female C3H mice at increasing dose levels to maintain continuous growth. Within a period of 25 weeks the initial weight of the animals had doubled. Plateauing was observed at all dose levels, but it was found that gains could always be reinitiated by increasing the dose level. It was also demonstrated that although thyroxine was ineffective as an independent growth factor, when administered at a daily dose level of 0.0003 mg. together with growth hormone for longer than 8 weeks, it did act as a synergist with the latter in effecting body weight increases. When thyroxine in increasing dose levels was administered together with growth hormone, toxic effects were observed. 0.003 mg. of thyroxine plus growth hormone produced enlarged adrenal glands in all the mice so treated; from histological sectionsof the gland it was apparent that the enlargement could be attributed primarily to the extensive development of one region of the adrenal cortex, the j...
Ran-Binding Protein 3 Is a Cofactor for Crm1-Mediated Nuclear Protein Export

Crm1 is a member of the karyopherin family of nucleocytoplasmic transport receptors and mediates the export of proteins from the nucleus by forming a ternary complex with cargo and Ran:GTP. This complex translocates through the nuclear pores and dissociates in the cytosol. The yeast protein Yrb2p participates in this pathway and binds Crm1, but its mechanism of action has not been established. We show that the human orthologue of Yrb2p, Ran-binding protein 3 (RanBP3), acts as a cofactor for Crm1-mediated export in a permeabilized cell assay. RanBP3 binds directly to Crm1, and the complex posseses an enhanced affinity for both Ran:GTP and cargo. RanBP3 shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm by a Crm1-dependent mechanism, and the Crm1–RanBP3-NES-Ran:GTP quarternary complex can associate with nucleoporins. We infer that this complex translocates through the nuclear pore to the cytoplasm where it is disassembled by RanBP1 and Ran GTPase–activating protein.
CdSe quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell with ∼100% internal quantum efficiency.

We have constructed and studied photoelectrochemical solar cells (PECs) consisting of a photoanode prepared by direct deposition of independently synthesized CdSe nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) onto a nanocrystalline TiO2 film (NQD/TiO2), aqueous Na2S or Li2S electrolyte, and a Pt counter electrode. We show that light harvesting efficiency (LHE) of the NQD/TiO2 photoanode is significantly enhanced when the NQD surface passivation is changed from tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) to 4-butylamine (BA). In the PEC the use of NQDs with a shorter passivating ligand, BA, leads to a significant enhancement in both the electron injection efficiency at the NQD/TiO2 interface and charge collection efficiency at the NQD/electrolyte interface, with the latter attributed mostly to a more efficient diffusion of the electrolyte through the pores of the photoanode. We show that by utilizing BA-capped NQDs and aqueous Li2S as an electrolyte, it is possible to achieve ∼100% internal quantum efficiency of photon-to-electro...
Tankyrase is necessary for canonical Wnt signaling during kidney development

Recent studies using small molecule antagonists have revealed that the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) Tankyrase 1 and 2 are critical regulators of canonical Wnt signaling in some cellular contexts. However, the absence of any activity during zebrafish embryogenesis suggested that the tankyrases may not be general/core components of the Wnt pathway. Here, we show that Tnks1 and 2 are broadly expressed during mouse development and are essential during kidney and lung development. In the kidney, blockage of tankyrase activity phenocopies the effect of blocking production of all Wnt ligands. Tankyrase inhibition can be rescued by activation of β-catenin demonstrating its specificity for the Wnt pathway. In addition, treatment with tankyrase inhibitors appears to be completely reversible in some cell types. These studies suggest that the tankyrases are core components of the canonical Wnt pathway and their inhibitors should enjoy broad usage as antagonists of Wnt signaling. Developmental Dynamics 239:2014–2023, 2010 © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hot Chips 23

This introduction to the special issue on Hot Chips 23 briefly discusses the conference and introduces the articles selected for publication.
Solar Furnace Heliostat Closed-Loop Control System

A 4.2 kW solar furnace heliostat was interfaced with a closed-loop control system to manipulate the azimuth and elevation rotational degrees of freedom to continuously align a solar concentrator with the sun. A QP50-6SD2 quadrant photodiode laser beam positioning device, developed by Pacific Silicon and Sensor, was modified to sense the orientation of the sun. The quadrant photodiode was mounted inside a dark box with a pinhole aperture and mounted so that when the heliostat reflects light along the desired axis, the quadrant photodiode relays balanced error signals. These error signals were interpreted with a Basic Stamp 2p40 microcontroller developed by Parallax Inc. LM741 operational amplifiers and ADC0831 analog to digital converters were used for signal conditioning. The 2p40 microcontroller interprets and checks the error signals every 500ms and uses a ULN2803 Darlington Transistor array to activate the heliostat drive motor’s solid-state relays to maintain solar alignment. The closed-loop heliostat control system can track with 1.6 degrees of accuracy. This is closer than the original prediction of 3 degrees. The control system requires user-inputs for initial alignment. Alignment can initiate with the heliostat out of alignment by at least 6 degrees. The versatility of the 2p40 allows subroutines to be programmed in that can handle hysteresis in the slewing of the heliostat, continue tracking as the heliostat begins to wobble from wind gusts, or continue tracking during intermittent shadowing from clouds.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Methylmercury induced alterations in brain amine syntheses in rats

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a cumulative dose of 0, 5, 15 and 50 mg methylmercury/kg body weight. The doses were adequate to provide a clinical neuromuscular dysfunction at the highest dose whereas no toxicity was observed at the lowest treatment level. Whole brain concentrations of tyrosine but not tryptophan were slightly reduced by the treatment. No effect of methylmercury was observed in the levels of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), or 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). The synthesis rate for DA, but not the other biogenic amines, was decreased at all treatment levels of methylmercury. The results suggested a sensitivity of dopaminergic pathways to methylmercury toxicity in the central nervous system and are consistent with interference with cholinergic mechanisms and neurotransmitter enzymes by methylmercury as previously reported.
Roles of silica gel in polycondensation of lactic acid in organic solvent

Abstract Poly(lactic acid) is among the most important biodegradable, biocompatible polymers. To explore the feasibility of making poly(lactic acid) through potentially more selective enzymatic methods, the lipase-catalyzed direct polycondensation of lactic acid in organic solvents was investigated. At 37 °C the reaction was found to favor nonpolar solvents with larger logP values and smaller logSw/o values. The addition of silica gel appeared to greatly enhance the lactic acid conversion (up to 98%) and the lipase stability under the reaction condition. However, upon further investigations, the silica gel itself was found to catalyze the polycondensation, in addition to the role of water removal. The conversion catalyzed by silica gel alone was actually higher than that by silica gel + lipase (or lipase alone). Up to 93% conversion of the acid functional group (or about 99.5% conversion of lactic acid monomer) was obtained in 120 h with silica gel as the catalyst. The finding is especially significant for interpreting (or reconsidering) the results of many presumably enzyme-catalyzed organic-phase reactions in the presence of silica gel.
The determinants of corporate growth: evidence from Chinese high technology firms

Drawing on the economic growth and social cognitive theory, this paper investigates the effects of management strategies-based factors (knowledge management process competence and innovation capability) and dynamic capabilities-based factors (rewards system and marketing fit) on corporate growth in the Chinese high technology firms. The results show that the knowledge management process competence, innovation capability, and marketing fit exert significant effects on corporate growth. In particular, this study identifies a significant curvilinear relationship between innovation capability and corporate growth. The findings suggest that both management strategy-based and dynamic capabilities-based factors should be considered in achieving long term corporate growth in Chinese high technology firms. These results have important implications for researchers investigating the determinants of high technology firms’ growth performance in transitional economies as well as practitioners seeking to improve corporate growth. This paper concludes with a discussion of the implications and limitations of the research.
On direct initiation of gaseous detonations

Abstract A simple theoretical model is presented to determine the correlation between the igniter's critical energy and power necessary for direct initiation of detonations and to predict their respective threshold values. The model comprises a constant-velocity piston which is set in motion at time t = 0. The resulting constant-velocity shock wave heats up the explosive mixture and triggers the chemical reaction. It is shown that for direct initiation, the piston should remain in motion for a time interval at least equal to the induction period. The predictions based on this simple model are in good qualitative agreement with the experimental findings reported in the literature on cylindrical detonations.
A mixed approach to forecasting peak system load

Abstract Realizing that Box-Jenkins time series analysis lacks any basis in economic theory but at the same time wanting to take advantage of the excellent forecasting accuracy of the approach, in the first part of this paper the author takes the basic Box-Jenkins structure and integrates it into an econometric system. Relating Box-Jenkins parameters to economic and weather variables allows these parameters to be forecast. The forecast parameters can in turn be used in a Box-Jenkins model to provide a forecast of the series of interest. The result, for a specific example, proves to be clearly superior to a pure Box-Jenkins model. An alternative approach is suggested whereby an econometric model is estimated, the residual errors analyzed and forecast using a Box-Jenkins time series model, and then the results of both these models combined. The result, for the same example, proved to be an improvement over a simple Box-Jenkins model or the econometric model. When the two hybrid models are compared, the first model is the best, judged on forecasting accuracy. An important feature to consider when using the approaches, however, is the ease of use. On this basis, the alternative approach is best.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF THYROID CANCER

Objective: To present an overview of surgical management of differentiated thyroid cancer. Methods: Evaluation of the thyroid nodule, assessment of indications for surgical treatment, analysis of t...
More on the low-temperature magnetism of stable single domain magnetite: Reversibility and non-stoichiometry

[1] The loss in remanence at the Verwey transition (TV) was modeled for elongate stable single domain magnetite for two experiments: 1) thermal cycling of room temperature saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (RTSIRM), 300 → 10 → 300 K, and 2) warming of zero-field cooled and field-cooled remanences from 10 K to 300 K. The RTSIRM simulations used magnetocrystalline anisotropy constants for stoichiometric magnetite and aspect ratios (AR) from 1 to ∞, for assemblages of inorganic particles and 10-magnetosome chains. The results match the experimentally observed behavior of reversibility. The second set of simulations was conducted with low-temperature magnetocrystalline anisotropy constants for varying degrees of non-stoichiometry, and AR = 5. Minor non-stoichiometry lowers the drop in remanence at TV and increases the “delta ratio” (δfc/δzfc) to values as high as ∼6. New experiments demonstrate that maghematization (non-stoichiometry) can partly explain the low-temperature magnetic behavior observed in magnetotactic magnetite to date.
Psychiatric pharmacy delivery via an online course: psychoactive substances

Abstract Data from the 2001 World Health Organization (WHO) report and the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, published in 2004, outlined the scope of the mental illness problem, including substance-related disorders. The WHO estimates that one-quarter of all families have at least one member with a mental illness. In the United States, comorbid substance use disorders, as reported in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions report, are estimated to be approximately 10% for a one-year period. Preparation of future pharmacists for new practice settings, at-risk patient populations, and an increased need for information about mental illnesses may require colleges of pharmacy to review where the curriculum can be changed or augmented. The extent to which asynchronous (operating without fixed time intervals) learning methodology can be adapted to meet these challenges has not been fully explored. When the search terms psychiatric pharmacy , psychoactive substances , online learning , and asynchronous learning were used, reports of previously developed courses for this area were not found. We report the development of an online elective in psychoactive substances delivered asynchronously. The Curriculum Committee approved the course. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Institutional Review Board authorized the student survey of their learning experience. Course development was completed before delivery. Feedback was solicited via focus group methodology and college-conducted student course survey evaluation. Input was positive and provided constructive suggestions for improvement, additional courses for an online delivery format, and the feasibility of online education in the psychiatric pharmacy curriculum.
One-machine generalized precedence constrained scheduling problems

We investigate one-machine scheduling problems subject to generalized precedence constraints which specify that when job J"j precedes job J"j"' (denoted by J"j->J"j"'), the time between the end J"j and the beginning of job J"j"' must be at least l"j"j"', but no more than u"j"j"', where 0=
Spectroscopic evidence for undifferentiated S-type asteroids

The small solar system bodies broadly defined as asteroids have been considered the parent bodies for most or all meteorites. This association requires that the compositional differences between the various classes of meteorites be convincingly related to the observed compositions of asteroids. An investigation has been conducted regarding the compositional relationship between S-type asteroids and the common types of differentiated and undifferentiated meteorites. It is found that spectroscopic data for S-type asteroids are consistent with a simple, undifferentiated model and with certain variations of a differentiated model. However, the differentiated models for S-type asteroids are not supported by meteoritic evidence. It appears, therefore, that most S-type asteroids are undifferentiated bodies, similar to ordinary chondrites in composition.
Conceptual modelling for designing large-scale simulations

Large-scale complex simulations take many years to develop and cost millions of dollars.Development of such simulations requires many areas of expertise and poses significant technical and managerial challenges.Some of the challenges can be met with the development and use of a conceptual model (CM).This paper describes a life cycle for the development of a simulation CM.The role of the CM in large-scale complex simulation model design is explained. The objectives under which a simulation CM should be created and used are enunciated.The life cycle presented provides a structured blueprint of simulation CM development and specifies the work products to be created under the designated processes together with the integrated verification and validation activities.
Amyloid β-protein oligomers and Alzheimer's disease.

The oligomer cascade hypothesis, which states that oligomers are the initiating pathologic agents in Alzheimer’s disease, has all but supplanted the amyloid cascade hypothesis, which suggested that fibers were the key etiologic agents in Alzheimer’s disease. We review here the results of in vivo, in vitro and in silico studies of amyloid β-protein oligomers, and discuss important caveats that should be considered in the evaluation of these results. This article is divided into four sections that mirror the main approaches used in the field to better understand oligomers: (1) attempts to locate and examine oligomers in vivo in situ; that is, without removing these species from their environment; (2) studies involving oligomers extracted from human or animal tissues and the subsequent characterization of their properties ex vivo; (3) studies of oligomers that have been produced synthetically and studied using a reductionist approach in relatively simple in vitro biophysical systems; and (4) computational studies of oligomers in silico. These multiple orthogonal approaches have revealed much about the molecular and cell biology of amyloid β-protein. However, as informative as these approaches have been, the amyloid β-protein oligomer system remains enigmatic.
Genetic Relationship Between Measures of HDL Phenotypes and Insulin Concentrations

We used data from the San Antonio Family Heart Study to determine the HDL correlates of the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS), as reflected by insulin concentrations in nondiabetic subjects. We measured insulin concentrations both in the fasting state and 2 hours after a glucose challenge (2-hour insulin) and we assessed seven aspects of HDL phenotype, including size and concentration of both lipid and protein components. Measurements were obtained from 1202 nondiabetic members of 42 families. Initial quantitative genetic analyses revealed that a substantial portion of phenotypic variation in the nine variables was due to genes (heritabilities, h2, ranged from 0.32 to 0.47). We then conducted a series of bivariate genetic analyses, which indicated that there were significant additive genetic correlations (ie, pleiotropy) between the two measures of insulin and five of seven HDL measures tested, including concentrations of HDL cholesterol (fasting insulin only) and triglyceride, and HDL size distributions of apoAI, apoAII, and cholesterol; concentrations of apoAI and apoAII were not genetically related to either insulin measure. Increased insulin levels were associated with relatively smaller HDL phenotypes, and considering a similar association with small, dense LDLs, this finding suggests a common effect of insulin resistance on particle size distributions for these lipoproteins. Thus, these results suggest the existence of genes that pleiotropically influence variation in both HDLs and insulin levels and therefore contribute to the clustering of proatherogenic traits in the IRS.
Role of Strategies and Prior Exposure in Mental Rotation

The purpose of these two studies was to examine sex differences in strategy use and the effect of prior exposure on the performance on Vandenberg and Kuse's 1978 Mental Rotation Test. A total of 152 participants completed the spatial task and self-reported their strategy use. Consistent with previous studies, men outperformed women. Strategy usage did not account for these differences, although guessing did. Previous exposure to the Mental Rotation Test, American College Test scores and frequent computer or video game play predicted performance on the test. These results suggest that prior exposure to spatial tasks may provide cues to improve participants' performance.
Electrical sliding friction and wear behavior of Cu-Nb in situ composites

The sliding friction and wear behavior of Cu-Nb in situ composites was studied in the presence of electrical load. Electrical sliding was performed between a Cu-Nb composite pin and a flat surface of a hardened tool steel disk in ambient atmosphere. The effects of Nb proportion, electrical current density, sliding speed, and Nb-filament orientation on the friction and wear behavior were investigated. It was found that the coefficient of friction decreased with increasing Nb proportion and Cu-20 vol.%Nb has the best wear resistance. Both the coefficient of friction and wear rate increased as a small electrical current was applied and then decreased as the current density increased. With increase in sliding speed, the coefficient of friction and wear on the Cu-Nb composite decreased. The composite with Nb-filaments perpendicular to sliding direction was found to have higher wear resistance than that of parallel orientation. The deformation layer and oxide film of the composite are much thicker at electrical sliding than nonelectrical sliding. The surface oxide played a key role in governing the sliding friction and wear behavior of the Cu-Nb composites under electrical current. >
Nanoengineering bioinformatics: Fourier transform and entropy analysis

We apply and enhance the cornerstone theoretical fundamentals of engineering bioinformatics to complement nanotechnology. In particular, nanoengineering bioinformatics is examined and formulated as a coherent abstraction in cognitive analysis of complex inorganic, organic and hybrid nanosystems. We report the application of an entropy-enhanced frequency-domain analysis concept to examine large-scale genomic data. This ensures superior coherency for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Conventionally, bioinformatics emphasizes the application of statistical methods attempting to analyze large-scale data produced by high-throughput experiments including complex gene sequencing. It is illustrated that bioinformatics can be expanded to a systems-based perspective by making use of novel concepts thereby positioning bioinformatics to play a significant role in engineering and technology. It is our goal to evolve the nanoengineering bioinformatics to coherently analyze the genomic data identifying, qualifying and quantifying complex genes in functional biological systems. The ultimate goal for the application of nanoengineering bioinformatics is in the development of system-level knowledge in order to devise novel paradigms for discovering entirely new systems with superior functionality and performance. In contrast, biomedical informatics examines the data from a more narrow-focused perspective and focuses on data and knowledge integration to analyze the biological processes. To enable the integration between computational, experimental, stochastic and deterministic modeling, novel information-theoretical methods should be applied to guarantee coherent representation and possible evaluation from organic to hybrid systems. These methods must be robust and utilize incomplete and inaccurate information, sequencing gaps, noncoding regions, unsolved interactions, multiple modeling hierarchies, unknown phenomena, lack of information, etc. It is demonstrated that the proposed entropy-enhanced frequency-domain concept promises to solve a number of long-standing problems. The reported paradigm complements a number of far-reaching perceptions of engineering bioinformatics.
Robust control of the poloidal magnetic flux profile in the presence of unmodeled dynamics

The potential operation of a tokamak fusion reactor in a highly-efficient, steady-state mode is directly related to the achievement of certain types of radial profiles for the current flowing toroidally in the device. The evolution in time of the toroidal current profile in tokamaks is related to the evolution of the poloidal magnetic flux profile, which is modeled in normalized cylindrical coordinates using a nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE) usually referred to as the magnetic diffusion equation. We propose a robust control scheme to regulate the poloidal magnetic flux profile in tokamaks in the presence of model uncertainties. These uncertainties come mainly from the resistivity term of the magnetic diffusion equation. First we either simulate the magnetic diffusion equation or carry out experiments to generate data ensembles, from which we then extract the most energetic modes to obtain a reduced order model based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and Galerkin projection. The obtained reduced-order model corresponds to a linear state space representation with uncertainty. Taking advantage of the structure of the state matrices, the reduced order model is reformulated into a robust control framework, with the resistivity term as an uncertain parameter. An H∞ controller is designed to minimize the regulation/tracking error. Finally, the synthesized model-based robust controller is tested in simulations.
Controversies in the etiology-diagnosis of chronic insomnia: new insight from neurobiology findings

Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder and is associated with significant morbidity and healthcare cost. It is frequently a result of mental and medical disorders, and is a risk factor for depression, hypertension, and other diseases. Thus, its proper diagnosis and treatment is of importance to medicine and psychiatry. In this presentation, we will address four longstanding central questions in the etiology-diagnosis of chronic insomnia. First, is chronic insomnia a disorder of sleep loss or a disorder of physiologic and emotional hyperarousal? Second, is there a physiological vulnerability in addition to the psychological one in developing chronic insomnia? Third, is the underlying pathophysiology of chronic insomnia associated with depression, similar or different than that of depression? Fourth, is polysomnography and, in general, objective measures of sleep, useful in the diagnosis of chronic insomnia? Our thesis on these four questions will be presented based on an integration of previously published clinical and epidemiologic research and new neurobiology findings from the Hershey group and others. from International Society on Brain and Behaviour: 1st International Congress on Brain and Behaviour Hyatt Regency Hotel, Thessaloniki, Greece, 20–23 November, 2003
Gain dynamics and frequency pulling in mode-locked lasers

Observations of the response of a mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser to an abrupt change in pump power show that gain dynamics should be included in a complete theory of its response to perturbations.
Surface mediated assembly of small, metastable gold nanoclusters

The unique properties of metallic nanoclusters are attractive for numerous commercial and industrial applications but are generally less stable than nanocrystals. Thus, developing methodologies for stabilizing nanoclusters and retaining their enhanced functionality is of great interest. We report the assembly of PPh3-protected Au9 clusters from a heterogeneous mixture into films consisting of sub 3 nm nanocluster assemblies. The depositing nanoclusters are metastable in solution, but the resulting nanocluster assemblies are stabilized indefinitely in air or fresh solvent. The films exhibit distinct structure from Au nanoparticles observed by X-ray diffraction, and film dissolution data support the preservation of small nanoclusters. UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy are used to elucidate information regarding the nanocluster formation and assembly mechanism. Preferential deposition of nanocluster assemblies can be achieved on multiple substrates, including polymer, Cr, Si, SiO2, SiNx, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Unlike other vapor phase coating processes, nanocluster assembly on the MIL-68(In) MOF crystal is capable of preferentially coating the external surface and stabilizing the crystal structure in hydrothermal conditions, which should enhance their storage, separation and delivery capabilities.
Measuring governance, corruption, and State capture - how firms and bureaucrats shape the business environment in transition economies

As a symptom of fundamental institutional weaknesses, corruption needs to be viewed within a broader governance framework. It thrives where the state is unable to reign over its bureaucracy, to protect property and contractual rights, or to provide institutions that support the rule off law. Furthermore, governance failures at the national level cannot be isolated from the interface between the corporate and state sectors, in particular from the heretofore under-emphasized influence that firms may exert on the state. Under certain conditions, corporate strategies may exacerbate mis-governance at the national level. An in-depth empirical assessment of the links between corporate behavior and national governance can thus provide particular insights. The 1999 Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey (BEEPS) - the transition economies component of the ongoing World Business Environment Survey - assesses in detail the various dimensions of governance from the perspective of about 3,000 firms in 20 countries. After introducing the survey framework and measurement approach, the authors present the survey results, focusing on governance, corruption, and state capture. By unbundling governance into its many dimensions, BEEPS permits an in-depth empirical assessment. The authors pay special attention to certain forms of grand corruption, notably state capture by parts of the corporate sector - that is, the propensity of firms to shape the underlying rules of the game by "purchasing" decrees, legislation, and influence at the central bank, which is found to be prevalent in a number of transition economies. The survey also measures other dimensions of grand corruption, including those associated with public procurement, and quantifies the more traditional ("prettier") forms of corruption. Cross-country surveys may suffer from bias if firms tend to systematically over- or underestimate the extent of problems within their country. The authors provide a new test of this potential bias, finding little evidence of country perception bias in BEEPS.
Label-Free Microelectronic PCR Quantification

We present a robust and simple method for direct, label-free PCR product quantification using an integrated microelectronic sensor. The field-effect sensor can sequentially detect the intrinsic charge of multiple unprocessed PCR products and does not require sample processing or additional reagents in the PCR mixture. The sensor measures nucleic acid concentration in the PCR relevant range and specifically detects the PCR products over reagents such as Taq polymerase and nucleotide monomers. The sensor can monitor the product concentration at various stages of PCR and can generate a readout that resembles that of a real-time fluorescent measurement using an intercalating dye but without its potential inhibition artifacts. The device is mass-produced using standard semiconductor processes, can be reused for months, and integrates all sensing components directly on-chip. As such, our approach establishes a foundation for the direct integration of PCR-based in vitro biotechnologies with microelectronics.
Analysis of Nitrofurantoin in Human Urine by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography

Abstract An HPLC method for the analysis of nitrofurantoin (NTR) in human plasma has been developed and evaluated. This method is based on a selective extraction and reverse-phase chromatography which results in chromatograms with 2400 to 2500 theoretical plates for NTR and the internal standard (furazolidone). The method is highly reproducible and has been validated over the range of 5 to 4000 ng/ml. The HPLC method developed in our laboratories for the analysis of nitrofurantoin is specific and sensitive to 5 ng/ml. When samples are pipetted at the time of collection or preparation, concentrations up to 4000 ng/ml can be assayed reproducibly with precision. Concentrations above 4000 ng/ml would require dilution prior to analysis. Samples are stable at least 10 days when frozen at -157deg;C. Assays by this method of over 200 samples from subjects receiving both intravenous and oral doses of nitrofurantoin have demonstrated it to be both reproducible and rugged.