cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Importance of Junction Functionality in Highly Crosslinked Polymers

A modification of a theoretical model for the determination of the number average molecular weight between crosslinks, ¯Mc, is presented for the case of multifunctional junction functionalities in highly crosslinked, macromolecular systems.
Modularization and Requirements Engineering

Software modules are defined, and their history is traced. Each module of a software system is to have a well-defined purpose, and its interaction with other modules is to be minimized. The same objectives hold in the definition of the business processes of a reengineered organization. The definition of modules is an important function of requirements engineering.
Aggregate Protection Response of Motor Loads in Commercial Buildings

Protection plays a critical role in determining the dynamic response of the induction motor loads and the overall performance of composite load models when subjected to voltage sags or disturbances. Up to date, due to lack of understanding of the aggregate performance of the protection of motors, protection modeling of the motors becomes one of the least accurate parts in dynamic (composite) load models. This paper fills this gap by providing detailed analysis of the motor loads and their associated protection in commercial buildings and deriving the aggregate protection response based on integrated transmission and distribution dynamic co-simulation. The results showed that the aggregate protection response of motor loads varies significantly among different classes, which indicates the protection modeling that has been developed based on the assumption of similar or even identical responses and used in some composite load models need to be updated.
An Empirical Demonstration of Unsupervised Machine Learning in Species Delimitation

One major challenge to delimiting species with genetic data is successfully differentiating species divergences from population structure, with some current methods biased towards overestimating species numbers. Many fields of science are now utilizing machine learning (ML) approaches, and in systematics and evolutionary biology, supervised ML algorithms have recently been incorporated to infer species boundaries. However, these methods require the creation of training data with associated labels. Unsupervised ML, on the other hand, uses the inherent structure in data and hence does not require any user-specified training labels, thus providing a more objective approach to species delimitation. In the context of integrative taxonomy, we demonstrate the utility of three unsupervised ML approaches, specifically random forests, variational autoencoders, and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding, for species delimitation utilizing a short-range endemic harvestman taxon (Laniatores, Metanonychus). First, we combine mitochondrial data with examination of male genitalic morphology to identify a priori species hypotheses. Then we use single nucleotide polymorphism data derived from sequence capture of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) to test the efficacy of unsupervised ML algorithms in successfully identifying a priori species, comparing results to commonly used genetic approaches. Finally, we use two validation methods to assess a priori species hypotheses using UCE data. We find that unsupervised ML approaches successfully cluster samples according to species level divergences and not to high levels of population structure, while standard model-based validation methods over-split species, in some instances suggesting that all sampled individuals are distinct species. Moreover, unsupervised ML approaches offer the benefits of better data visualization in two-dimensional space and the ability to accommodate various data types. We argue that ML methods may be better suited for species delimitation relative to currently used model-based validation methods, and that species delimitation in a truly integrative framework provides more robust final species hypotheses relative to separating delimitation into distinct discovery and validation phases. Unsupervised ML is a powerful analytical approach that can be incorporated into many aspects of systematic biology, including species delimitation. Based on results of our empirical dataset, we make several taxonomic changes including description of a new species.
Lower self-report fatigue in multiple sclerosis is associated with localized white matter tract disruption between amygdala, temporal pole, insula, and other connected structures.

Abstract Background Fatigue, a frequent and disabling symptom for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), inconsistently correlates with white matter (WM) pathology. Network-based analysis, accounting for the manner in which lesions disrupt networks of structurally connected gray matter (GM) regions, may provide additional insight. Objective To identify patterns of WM tract disruption which explain self-reported fatigue severity in PwMS. Methods 137 PwMS and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) underwent fatigue assessment and brain MRI. Lesion maps were applied to determine the severity of WM tract disruption between pairs of GM regions. Then, the Network-Based-Statistics tool was applied to identify structural networks whose disruption explained fatigue severity. To determine whether these networks explain unique variance above conventional MRI measures and depression, regressions were applied controlling for age, sex, brain volume, T2-lesion volume, and depression. Results Patient-perceived fatigue in PwMS was positively associated with overall lesion burden (β = 0.563, p-value Conclusion Although overall lesion burden correlates positively with fatigue in PwMS, localized WM damage between the amygdala, temporal pole, and other connected structures is associated with lower severity of patient-perceived fatigue.
Anterior chamber fibrinoid syndrome after cataract extraction in a patient on ibrutinib for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a case report and review of the literature.

Ibrutinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor commonly used in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Based on the published literature, it has a very sound ophthalmologic safety profile. In the following, we describe a case of anterior chamber fibrinoid syndrome in a patient on ibrutinib for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia after uncomplicated cataract extraction. A 75-year-old white man with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia on ibrutinib therapy and without significant past ocular history presented 1 day after uncomplicated phacoemulsification with in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation with multiple, discrete, pigmented cords in the anterior chamber. His vision was 20/100 and intraocular pressure was 43 mmHg. There was no hypopyon, hyphema, or cellular reaction. The dilated fundus examination was unremarkable. He was diagnosed as having fibrinoid syndrome and started on topical prednisolone, brimonidine, timolol-dorzolamide, and orally administered acetazolamide. Within 2 weeks, the fibrin cords disappeared completely, vision improved to 20/30, and the intraocular pressure normalized off all medications. The precise etiology of fibrinoid syndrome remains unclear. This is the first case of fibrinoid syndrome in a patient on ibrutinib, which is known to cross the blood–brain barrier and induce intraocular changes. It is important to differentiate this syndrome from toxic anterior segment syndrome and endophthalmitis, and to initiate appropriate treatment. The fibrin bands tend to be exquisitely sensitive to topical steroids and to resolve within a few weeks without sequelae.
Longitudinal effect of deactivating stimulation sites based on low-rate thresholds on speech recognition in cochlear implant users

AbstractObjective: The objective of the current study was to examine the longitudinal effect of deactivating stimulation sites estimated to produce broad neural excitation on speech recognition.Des...
Loculated subretinal fluid after pneumatic vitreolysis.

Abstract Purpose To present, to the authors’ knowledge, the first reported case of loculated subretinal fluid associated with pneumatic vitreolysis (PVL). Observations A 74 year old female was followed for 9 months with vitreomacular traction (VMT) and 20/20 visual acuity in her right eye. Her visual acuity decreased at 9 months to 20/50 and she was treated with PVL. VMT release was successful on day 7. An isolated shallow pocket of loculated subretinal fluid developed inferotemporal to the fovea at one month after PVL and persisted for 14 months. The subretinal fluid eventually resolved at 14 months after PVL, and visual acuity improved to 20/30, and there were no electroretinographic abnormalities. Conclusion and Importance Localized subretinal fluid is an unusual complication of PVL. No adverse visual outcome developed despite the persistent extrafoveal subretinal fluid in this case, and the subretinal fluid eventually resolved over a year after PVL.
Vulnerable live patients, powerful dead patients: A textual analysis of doctor-patient relationships in popular Chinese medical dramas

Using Framing Theory as a theoretical framework, this study examined depictions of patients and doctor-patient communication in Chinese medical dramas. The textual analysis had two major findings. ...
Secretion of Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone in Intact and Ovariectomized Mares in Summer and Winter

Sequential samples of blood were drawn via jugular catheters every 15 min for 24 h from four mares in each of five reproductive states: intact anestrous mares in winter, intact diestrous mares in summer, intact estrous mares in summer, ovariectomized mares in winter and ovariectomized mares in summer. Estrous mares were sampled on d 4 or 5 of estrus and diestrous mares on d 10 or 11 of diestrus. Each sample of plasma was assessed for concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in two independent radioimmunoassays. A computer program was developed that determined peak hormone concentrations based on assay sensitivity, assay variability and repeatability of peaks in both independent assays. Peaks in LH and FSH were observed for mares in all five reproductive states, except for FSH concentrations in estrous mares. High frequency peaks of short duration were observed only in ovariectomized mares. Low frequency peaks of relatively long duration were observed in both intact and ovariectomized mares in both seasons. With the exception of estrous mares, there was variation among mares in the patterns of LH and(or) FSH within any one group; all estrous mares exhibited high, variable LH concentrations and low, constant FSH concentrations. In general, peaks in both gonadotropins occurred simultaneously. Ovariectomized mares exhibited more (P less than .05) peaks/24 h than intact mares for both gonadotropins. Ovariectomized mares also exhibited more (P less than .05) FSH peaks/24 h in summer than in winter.
A review of recently described genetic alterations in central nervous system tumors

Advances in molecular profiling of central nervous system tumors have enabled the development of classification schemes with improved diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. As such, the 2016 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (WHO 2016) introduced a paradigm shift in the diagnosis of brain tumors. For instance, integrated assessment incorporating both histologic features and genetic alterations was introduced into the diagnostic framework of gliomas. IDH1/2 mutation status now represents the most important initial stratifier of diffuse gliomas in adults, although rarer subtypes within the IDH-wildtype category continue to be elucidated. Medulloblastomas and other embryonal neoplasms were also genetically defined and segregated based on molecular subtypes, and 1 molecular subtype of ependymoma was added. In this review, we summarize the rapidly evolving spectrum of recurrent genetic alterations described in central nervous system tumor entities since the publication of the WHO 2016.
Rheological and microstructural characterization of aqueous suspensions of carbon black and reduced graphene oxide

Abstract Carbon black is often used as a conductivity enhancer in battery electrodes. Reduced graphene oxide is another conducting material, with a high aspect ratio sheet-like morphology, and offers the possibility of generating a conducting network at loadings that are small compared to carbon black. Suspensions of conducting carbon, active materials and binders are typically coated on current collectors during the formation of electrodes. The rheology of these suspensions is an important indicator of the connectivity of particles in the suspension and impacts the electrical conductivity as well as the thickness of the coated layer. In this work, the rheology and microstructures of aqueous suspensions of para-aminobenzoic acid terminated carbon black (CB) with and without reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were investigated. The CB loading varied between 0.05 wt.% -10 wt.%, while the samples containing RGO had an RGO loading of 0.05 wt.%. The pH of the suspension was varied from 7.5 to 3. The carboxyl groups on the CB surface are deprotonated at pH 7.5, making the particles hydrophilic. Protonation of the carboxylate groups at pH 3 makes the particles partially hydrophobic. Suspensions of CB showed Newtonian behavior at all loadings for pH 7.5, and at loadings below 1.5 wt.% for pH 3. They are shear thinning at loadings between 1.5–10 wt.%. Interestingly, the low shear viscosity is non-monotonic with CB loading, rising up to a CB loading of 7.5 wt.%, and then dropping at 10 wt.%. Cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed CB particles forming aggregates at pH 3 for CB loadings greater than 1.5 wt.%. At pH 3, addition of 0.05 wt.% RGO resulted in a viscosity increase for suspensions containing 0.5 wt.% CB, as the RGO formed connections with CB particles that enhanced network formation. Adding RGO had little effect on suspensions that had 1.5 wt.% CB. The combination of SEM imaging and suspension rheology provides insight into the particle connectivity for the carbon-based materials studied here. These insights will be useful in determining coating conditions for slurries used in rechargeable battery electrodes.
High resolution, high channel count mid-infrared arrayed waveguide gratings in silicon

Arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) working in the 4.7 µm wavelength range are reported on silicon-on-insulator waveguides with 1500 nm thick silicon and 2 µm thick buried oxide layers. For eight channel devices, three different channel spacings (200 GHz, 100 GHz, and 50 GHz) with cross talk levels of -32.31dB, -31.87dB, and -27.28dB and insertion loss levels of -1.43dB, -4.2dB, and -2.3dB, respectively, are demonstrated. Fourteen channel AWGs with 170 GHz channel spacing and 16 channel AWGs with 87 GHz channel spacing are shown to have a cross talk value of -21.67dB and -24.30dB and insertion loss value of -4.2dB and -3.8dB, respectively. Two AWGs with 10 nm difference in channel peak are designed, and the measurements show a 9.3 nm difference. The transmission spectrum shift as a function of temperature is found to be 0.22 nm/°C.
Modulation of Spontaneous and Sensory-Evoked Discharge of Locus Coeruleus Neurons by Behavioral State: Functional Implications

Although many hypotheses have been generated concerning the role of the norepinephrine (NE)-containing locus coeruleus (LC) system in behavior, there is as yet no single theory to unify the vast array of observations relevant to this nucleus. In order to more fully elucidate the overall role of the LC in brain and behavioral processes, my collaborators and I have sought a more complete understanding of the cellular physiologic properties of this system (see Aston-Jones et al., 1984). There are at least 3 essential questions in achieving such a cellular physiologic understanding: (1) where do LC neurons project, (2) what effect does NE released from LC terminals have on target neurons, and (3) when are LC neurons active (and presumably releasing NE) during ongoing behavior. For the first of these questions, I assume that the reader is familiar with the vast efferent trajectories of the LC system (for review, see Foote et al., 1983). In sum, for the present purpose one may consider the LC projection system to be extremely global, innervating nearly all parts of the neuraxis with few exceptions. Regarding the second question, the effects of NE on LC target neuronal activity are described for one sample target system by Segal in the present volume. These and other studies have found that while NE is inhibitory overall, it may also enhance the selectivity of target cell discharge, so that in the presence of this neurotransmitter neurons in many brain regions respond with increased preference to their most strongly determined inputs.
Developmental retrotransposon activation primes host immunity for future viral-clearance

Abstract Transposons are thought to be largely suppressed under physiological conditions, ensuring that their mobilization is a rare event. By tracking mobilization, we show that during metamorphosis at the Drosophila pupal stage, the Gypsy retrotransposon selectively mobilizes in regenerating tissues. In the newly formed tissues, this wave of Gypsy activation primes the host’s innate immune system by inducing the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Moreover, early immune-priming functions of Gypsy are essential for combating viral invasion in adult flies: flies with Gypsy being silenced at the pupal stage are unable to clear viruses and succumb to viral infection. Our data reveal that regulated activation of transposons during animal developmental endows a long-term benefit in pathogen warfare.
Evolution of ion bunch profile in the presence of longitudinal coherent electron cooling

In the presence of longitudinal coherent electron cooling, the evolution of the line-density profile of a circulating ion bunch can be described by the 1D Fokker-Planck equation. We show that, in the absence of diffusion, the 1D equation can be solved analytically for a particular dependence of the cooling force on the synchrotron amplitude. For more general cases with arbitrary diffusion, we solved the 1D Fokker-Planck equation numerically, and the numerical solutions have been compared with results from macroparticle tracking.
Coexistence of Cushing Disease With a Solitary Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone-Dependent Adrenal Adenoma

Abstract Objective We report a 49-year-old woman who had minimal features of Cushing syndrome and an incidentally discovered adrenal adenoma. She was subsequently diagnosed with pituitary-dependent Cushing syndrome. Methods Laboratory and imaging studies including serum cortisol, plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), high dose dexamethasone test, corticotropin-releasing hormone test, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed. Results A 49-year-old woman was admitted for urosepsis. An abdominal CT scan performed during the urosepsis workup showed a 2.7-cm right adrenal adenoma. She denied any abdominal striae or other symptoms. Physical examination showed normal vital signs, minimal facial fullness without central obesity, and striae. Laboratory results were as follows: 24-hour-urine cortisol 294 μg (reference 4.0-50.0), midnight serum cortisol 23.0 μg/dL (reference 20% rise in serum cortisol and >35% rise in ACTH levels. A pituitary magnetic resonance image showed a 5 mm pituitary lesion. The patient underwent transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, which confirmed an ACTH-secreting lesion. Postoperatively, she required hydrocortisone replacement for the next 10 months. A follow-up adrenal CT performed 6 months later showed a decrease in the size of the adrenal adenoma (1.8 cm). Conclusion This case highlights the importance of recognizing the coexistence of ACTH-dependent Cushing disease with an adrenal adenoma and partial ACTH dependency of the adrenal adenoma.
Monotonic multi-state quantum f-divergences

We use the Tomita-Takesaki modular theory and the Kubo-Ando operator mean to write down a large class of multi-state quantum $f$-divergences and prove that they satisfy the data processing inequality. For two states, this class includes the $(\alpha,z)$-Renyi divergences, the $f$-divergences of Petz, and the measures in \cite{matsumoto2015new} as special cases. The method used is the interpolation theory of non-commutative $L^p_\omega$ spaces and the result applies to general von Neumann algebras including the local algebra of quantum field theory. We conjecture that these multi-state Renyi divergences have operational interpretations in terms of the optimal error probabilities in asymmetric multi-state quantum state discrimination.
MAV(S)erick mitochondria: an unconventional role for mitochondrial antiviral signalling protein in pulmonary fibrosis.

Mitochondrial antiviral signalling protein (MAVS) mediates pulmonary fibrosis by regulating cGAS-STING and senescence programminghttps://bit.ly/35Tijjj
Universal Adaptive Control of Nonlinear Systems

High-performance feedback control requires an accurate model of the underlying dynamical system which is often difficult, expensive, or time-consuming to obtain. Online model learning is an attractive approach that can handle model variations while achieving the desired level of performance. However, most model learning methods developed within adaptive nonlinear control are limited to certain types of uncertainties, called matched uncertainties, because the certainty equivalency principle can be employed in the design phase. This work develops a universal adaptive control framework that extends the certainty equivalence principle to nonlinear systems with unmatched uncertainties through two key innovations. The first is introducing parameter-dependent storage functions that guarantee closed-loop tracking of a desired trajectory generated by an adapting reference model. The second is modulating the learning rate so the closed-loop system remains stable during the learning transients. The analysis is first presented under the lens of contraction theory, and then expanded to general Lyapunov functions which can be synthesized via feedback linearization, backstepping, or optimization-based techniques. The proposed approach is more general than existing methods as the uncertainties can be unmatched and the system only needs to be stabilizable. The developed algorithm can be combined with learned feedback policies, facilitating transfer learning and bridging the sim-to-real gap. Simulation results showcase the method
The Use of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Pharmaceutical Advertisements in Televised and Print Formats as a Teaching Tool in a Pharmacy Curriculum

The overall goal of this study was to employ direct-to-consumer advertisements (DTCAs) as a teaching tool in a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum. The objectives of this pilot study were to investigate the following questions: 1. Do DTCAs generate student curiosity about the advertised drug and associated disease? 2. Can DTCAs help students understand and reinforce various pharmacological aspects of the drug? 3. How do students perceive DTCAs? A DTCA-based teaching tool was employed in a pharmacology course taken by P2 (second professional year) PharmD and final year (U4) Bachelor of Science (BS) in Pharmacology–Toxicology students. A voluntary online survey was administered to students to determine the effectiveness of this tool. Survey data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. 70–85% of responding students indicated that this teaching tool was an effective visual aid for learning pharmacology and correlating the drug to disease state, mechanism of action, and adverse effects. Moreover, themes identified from the qualitative analysis suggest that this teaching tool may be useful to enhance patient counseling skills in students. The initial implementation of this DTCA-based teaching tool proved to be successful, and a similar approach can be easily implemented in other pharmacotherapy and laboratory courses. Further studies are needed to determine if this approach can improve patient counseling skills.
Redesigning Restorative Justice for Criminal Justice Reform

Considering the racial disparities in the criminal justice system and the pressing need for reform, this article presents the optimal design for restorative justice that is capable of drawing the necessary public support to transform the criminal justice system. Restorative justice is a growing alternative to the criminal justice system designed to allow offenders, victims, and members of the community resolve crimes without resorting to the criminal justice system. Public support for restorative justice programs is vital to their success, and many programs fail because of inconsistent public support. As such, proponents of restorative justice emphasize the need to “start small and pure” with the hope that strategic programs will incrementally garner greater public support. However, there is a troubling lack of empirical data on how to “start small and pure.” This article addresses this gap by exploring when the public is more likely to support restorative justice practices. Using a series of original public opinion survey experiments, this article argues that the public is more likely to support restorative justice for (1) juvenile offenders over adult offenders, (2) nonviolent offenders over violent offenders, and (3) first-time offenders over repeat offenders. Furthermore, the article finds that the U.S. public is no less likely to support pre-arraignment diversion programs and pre-sentence probation programs than the traditional criminal justice system. These findings suggest that restorative justice programs that prioritize diverting nonviolent, first-time, juvenile offenders through pre-arraignment restorative justice practices or reducing their sentences through pre-sentence restorative justice practices hold the most promise to reforming the criminal justice system.
Polynomials and Matrices

Let K be a field. By a polynomial over K we shall mean a formal expression $$f(t) = {a_n}{t^n} + ... + {a_0}$$ . where t is a “variable”. We have to explain how to form the sum and product of such expressions. Let $$g(t) = {b_n}{t^m} + ... + {b_0}$$ be another polynomial with b j ∈ K. If, say, n ≧ m we can write b j = 0 if j > m, $${g}t = 0{t^n} + ... + {b_m}{t^m} + ... + {b_0}$$ , and then we can write the sum f + g as $$(f + g)(t) = ({a_n} + {b_n}){t^n} + ... + ({a_0} + {b_0})$$ .
Political Finance in the United Kingdom

This paper considers the topic of political finance in the United Kingdom through the lens of institutional corruption. It gives an introduction to two core principles, spending limits and transparency, which underpin current legislation surrounding political finance in the UK. It then addresses the possibility of a cap on donations, as recommended by the British government’s Committee on Standards in Public Life. Finally, it reflects on the roles of trade unions, the media and other third parties as aspects of the British establishment which are of particular relevance to the subject of institutional corruption. Through this brief overview of the system of political finance in the United Kingdom, it will be seen that the concept of institutional corruption is as relevant to the British context as it is to the US. Despite differences, particularly with regard to the specific roles of various stakeholders, it is apparent that there are similarities between the two systems, for instance with regard to the role of third-party funders, the debate between ensuring freedom of speech and leveling the electoral playing field, and the importance of transparency, not only in law but also in practice.
U.S., China, and the Unraveling of Global Imbalances

Since 2003, world economic growth has accelerated and there has been strong improvement in corporate profitability. The U.S. current account deficits and China’s dramatic economic rise have been the two pillars underpinning the current global economic expansion. The coming years are likely to see the unraveling of the external and internal imbalances of the U.S. economy and the Chinese economy has been characterized by excessive dependence on investment and exports. Whether global economic expansion can be sustained to a large extent depends on whether the Chinese economy can be successfully restructured to be led by domestic consumption and to effectively address the question of long-term ecological sustainability.
Vocational Education in Prison

ABSTRACT Standard measures of strength of association were used to test the relationship between the primary independent variable-participation in. and/or completion of-a program of vocational education and the categorical dependent variable “return,” the operative measure of recidivism. A random sample of 600 adult parolees from the Missouri Department of Corrections were scrutinized in this aggregate level study. With the exception of a single finding concerning drug offenders, no significant relationships were found. With respect to those relationships not found statistically significant, it is concluded that the lack of a clear consensus on program objective, along with the failure to consider the compound nature of the offenders' problems, largely accounted for lack of program success.
Female Business Ownership and Informal Sector Persistence

The informal sector in India has been exceptionally persistent over the past two decades. Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. This paper shows that a substantial share of the persistence in India's unorganized manufacturing sector is due to the rapid increase in female-owned businesses. Had women's participation remained in the proportion to male-owned businesses that was evident in 1994, the unorganized manufacturing sector would have declined in share rather than increased. Most of these new female-owned businesses are opened in the household and at a small scale, about a third of the size of a typical male-owned business in the informal sector. Yet, it appears that these businesses offer economic opportunities not otherwise present and a transition for some women from unpaid domestic work.
An Analysis of the Statistics of the Hubble Space Telescope Kuiper Belt Object Search

We calculate statistical limits to the detection of Kuiper belt objects in the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) data of Cochran et al., in which they report the discovery of a population of Halley-sized objects in Pluto-like orbits. Detection of a population of faint objects in these data is limited by the number of false objects that appear owing only to random noise; the number of real objects must exceed the uncertainty in the number of these false objects for the population to be observable. We determine the number of false objects expected owing to random noise in the data of Cochran et al. by measuring the pixel-to-pixel noise level in the raw HST data and propagating this noise through the detection method employed by Cochran et al. We find that the uncertainty in the number of false objects exceeds by 2 orders of magnitude the reported number of objects detected by Cochran et al. The detection of such a population of Halley-sized Kuiper belt objects with these data is therefore not possible.
Geometric design : a complex systems approach

It is common in engineering practice to first design a mathematical model of a physical object using geometric constructs such as splines, surface patches and subdivision schemes, and then to render the model on a computer display device. Typically the rendering process involves projecting the object’s model onto a plane that has been overlaid with an array of cells (pixels), then algorithmically determining which cell to turn on. Thus the displayed image aids in perception but is not essential for analysis. Supporting the image there is a mathematical model that may be used for analysis.
Risk Analysis and Decision-Making

As stated in Chap. 1, inverse modeling is not an end by itself but a precursor to model building needed for either better understanding of the process or for decision-making that results in some type of action. Decision theory is the study of methods for arriving at rational decisions under uncertainty. This chapter provides an overview of quantitative decision-making methods under uncertainty along with a description of the various phases involved. The decisions themselves may or may not prove to be correct in the long term, but the scientific community has reached a general consensus on the methodology to address such problems. Different sources of uncertainty are described, and an overall framework along with various elements of decision-making under uncertainty is presented. How Bayes’ approach can play an important role in decision-making is also briefly presented. Decision problems are clouded by uncertainty, and/or by having to meet multiple objectives; this chapter also presents basic concepts of multi-attribute modeling. The role of risk analysis and its various aspects are covered along with applications from various fields. General principles are presented in somewhat idealized situations for better understanding, while several illustrative case studies are meant to provide exposure to real-world situations. The topics which relate to decision analysis are numerous, and at varying levels of maturity; only a basic overview of this vast body of knowledge has been provided in this chapter.
Simplified Weight Savings Techniques for Composite Panels

This paper presents simple techniques to design unstiffened, strength-controlled composite panels while exploiting the high unidirectional strength composites offer. Ply orientations are rotated until the best orientations are found to produce the lightest weight structure. Strength is then aligned to where, and only where, it is necessary. The techniques presented include provisions for the design of panels where the loads are not constant across the length and width of the panel. An important additional con sideration is the selection of ply stacking under multiple loading conditions. In an ex ample panel design, the techniques result in a 13% weight reduction over conventional [0i/90 j/±45k]s laminates.
Finite deformation analysis of restrictions on moving strong discontinuity surfaces in elastic-plastic materials : Quasi-static and dynamic deformations

Abstract This paper reports the results of a finite deformation study of the conditions under which propagating surfaces of strong discontinuity (across which components of stress, strain or material velocity jump) can exist in a general class of purely mechanical elastic-plastic solids. By enforcing the standard weak continuum-mechanical requirements of momentum conservation and geometrical compatibility, together with skeletal constitutive assumptions that are in broad agreement with experimental results and that subsume many specific material models, we derive explicit jump conditions that must be satisfied by such moving surfaces (and which in many cases rule out their existence). Our results confirm many of the restrictions derived previously via a small-displacement-gradient formulation, showing how those must be interpreted in a finite deformation situation. But they also demonstrate that certain conditions adopt a more complex form. especially in the presence of material anisotropy. The cases of quasi-static and dynamic deformations are considered separately, and it is shown how the results are related. Finally, we derive a thermodynamically motivated jump dissipation inequality that is sensibly applied to an extremely broad class of elastic-plastic materials ; the quasi-static version of this is identical in form to a dissipation inequality derived in a different manner by knowles (J. Elasticity 9, 131. 1979) for propagating equilibrium shocks in purely hyperelastic materials.
Dispersing behavior of recycled rubber particles

The hydrophobic nature of recycled rubber particles presently limits their use only in non-aqueous media. Recycled rubber particles were chemically modified by preparation of amphiphilic semi-interpenetrating polymer networks using poly(acrylic acid) as the hydrophilic polymer. The resulting composite particles are water dispersible and suitable for various aqueous media applications.
Antihypertensive efficacy of amlodipine in children with chronic kidney diseases

In adults the calcium antagonist amlodipine given once a day has proved to be an attractive addition to the antihypertensive armamentarium. The present report describes our experience in 43 paediatric outpatients (26 boys and 17 girls, aged between 1.1 and 19, median 9.8 years) with chronic kidney diseases. The patients were given amlodipine for 16 weeks as part of their antihypertensive treatment. Before amlodipine arterial pressure was 150 (142-163)/90 (84-95) mm Hg (median and interquartile range). Six patients withdrew from amlodipine because of oedema, flushing or headache. In the remaining patients amlodipine 7.7 (6.9-9.4) mg/m(2) body surface area once a day significantly decreased arterial pressure by 17 (13-22)/10 (7-13) mm Hg. The efficacy of amlodipine was more pronounced in girls than in boys. No changes in heart rate, body weight and circulating haemoglobin, sodium, potassium and creatinine were noted. In none of the patients circulating potassium, sodium or creatinine changed by more than 0.5 mmol/l, 5 mmol/l respectively 20%. In 11 patients concomitantly treated with cyclosporine the dosage and the trough-level of this agent were stable throughout the trial. In conclusion the present experience in paediatric outpatients with chronic kidney diseases supports the view that amlodipine is an effective and rather well tolerated antihypertensive drug when given once a day.
Crystallization of Vulcanized Rubber

Abstract The formation of crystals at room temperature by stretching rubber, vulcanized or unvulcanized, has been the subject of considerable study. The crystallization of unstretched rubber at low temperatures is also well known, but with a single exception to be discussed later, the effect has commonly been considered to be limited to the unvulcanized material. In the present investigation, however, the crystallization of unstretched specimens of vulcanized rubber of low sulfur content has been accomplished. In commercial vulcanized rubber products, crystallization has not hitherto been recognized as a factor of practical importance. It is probably significant in cold climates, where some rubber products slowly undergo a great increase in rigidity and permanent set. Automobile traffic counters, for example, have been rendered inoperative by the hardening of the rubber tubing used with them. Laboratory tubing and other products made of a number of different commercial rubber compounds have become rigid a...
Evidence for a complete mixed valence solid solution series in Fe 2 3 + (H 2 O) 3 [PO 4 ] 2 (phosphoferrite) Fe 3 3 +(OH) 3 [PO 4 ] 2 (kryzhanovskite)

HOMONUCLEAR intervalcncc-transfer absorption of the first transition series cations has aroused considerable interest for two reasons1. First, it may give rise to intense colour which is not predicted by the addition of the colours of either of the individual ions. Second, it may lead in some chain structures to strong anisotropy in electronic conduction. A classic example is vivianite, Fe23+(H2O)8 [PO4]2: although colourless when fresh, upon partial oxidation of the transition metal the compound assumes a deep blue which is at its maximum intensity when the electric vector of polarised light is parallel to the axis of the two iron atoms in the octahedral edge-sharing dimer of the crystal structure. Extensive study on this and on other systems has led to a considerable body of literature1.
OPTICAL VARIATIONS IN 3C 345.

Hunter and Lu1 claim that on June 11, 1969 (UT), the quasi-stellar source 3C 345 showed a variation of ≈0.4 blue magnitudes within the span of a few hours. The first ten of their observations on this night (shown in Fig. 3 of their article) have a range of only 0.19 mag, while the inclusion of their eleventh and last observation increases the range to 0.38 mag. If ten observations have a range of 0.19 mag, then the expected r.m.s. deviation of a single observation (σ) is ±0.062 mag and the expected probable error of a single observation is ±0.042 mag (ref. 2, Table 6). Because Hunter arid Lu give probable errors in the range ±0.02 to ±0.055 for their ten observations, it would seem that these ten observations give little or no evidence for any real variation in the object. The reality of the alleged variation therefore depends entirely on the reliability of their last observation on that night.
THE NUCLEUS OF THE CANCER CELL: EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATION.

1. 1. An increasing variety of effects must be considered in attempting to explain the action of ionizing radiation in the induction and cure of cancer. The most important effects appear to involve primarily the nucleus of the cell, although knowledge of nucleo-cytoplasmic relationships may eventually indicate otherwise. 2. 2. The great majority of mammalian cells, neoplastic and normal, have a mean lethal X-ray dose of less than 150r if judged by interference with their capacity for sustained proliferation. Furthermore, the survival kinetics in such cells suggest that killing by X rays involves a multi-stage injury process, part of which is reparable. 3. 3. Since the radiosensitivity and survival kinetics of certain non-dividing cells are similar to those of dividing cells, one cannot implicate exclusively mutations or effects on DNA synthesis, chromosome duplication, and mitosis in radiation-induced cell killing. Such effects, nevertheless, occur in response to small amounts of radiation and may be presumed to play an important role in the response of cells surviving other injuries. 4. 4. It is not yet possible to define the mechanisms of radiation-induced cell death, and it is likely that they vary in importance from one type of cell to another. Furthermore, direct effects of radiation on cancer cells in vivo are complicated by the interaction of irradiated cells with one another and with the host. 5. 5. Growing knowledge of factors influencing cellular injury and repair encourages hope for increasingly selective and favorable modification of the radiation response of neoplastic and host cells, with resulting gains in radiotherapy. 6. 6. Recognition of multistage mechanisms in mutagenesis and of viral factors on radiogenic leukemia calls for further study of the effects of radiation on genes and viruses in relation to radiation-induced neoplasia.
Met, IGF1R, and Other New Targets in Upper GI Malignancies

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies comprise some of the most aggressive human cancers. Expanding knowledge of molecular mechanisms is finally translating into clinical application, and this has occurred at a relatively rapid rate in the past several years. However, despite recent advances in targeted therapies in upper GI cancers our overall success with targeted therapeutics in this disease area remains dismal. This statement is particularly troubling given some sobering facts: upper GI malignancies are prevalent as well as aggressive with a high morbidity and mortality. Esophagus and gastric cancer combined have an annual global incidence of over 1.2 million new cases annually while median survival is less than 1 year for most patients with metastatic disease. Progress has been limited due to several factors including: disease heterogeneity and variance of phenotype across the globe, clinical trial design strategies that have not yet incorporated selective mechanisms to afford individualized matching of drug to tumor molecular profile and last, a lack of validated predictive markers. Nevertheless there is evidence that many targeted agents can be administered safely at doses that achieve the required effect at the protein level. Several drugs that have negative early trial results can be potentially vital therapeutic agents if patient selection is appropriate.
Effect of Diuretics on Cardiac Arrhythmias and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertension

Ventricular arrhythmias pose a serious risk in patients with high blood pressure. The concept that diuretics predispose to life-threatening arrhythmias, however, was originally based solely on observa
N-modular redundancy using the theory of error correcting codes

Using redundancy is basic to fault-tolerant computing. N-modular redundancy (NMR) is in some ways analogous to the use of a repetition code where an information symbol is replicated as parity symbols in a codeword. Linear error-correcting codes (ECC) use linear combinations of information symbols as parity symbols to generate syndromes for error patterns. In this paper, ECC theory has been applied to derive redundant circuits that tolerate faults in both the modules and checkers. Circuits using comparators for diagnosis are derived with a non-graph-theoretic approach. Coding theoretic principles are applied directly to NMR, so that extensive diagnosis of the fault-tolerant system is achieved.
The crystal and molecule structure of tetraphenylphthalic anhydride, C32H20O3

Tetraphenylphthalic anhydride has been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography: triclinic,P¯1,a=13.386(4),b=13.563(4),c=16.185(6) A,α=71.70(3),β=109.32(3), λ=116.17(3)°,V=2439(1) A3,Z=4,Dx=1.23 g cm−3,μ=0.73 cm−1,T=295 K, andR=0.065 for 3910 observed reflections. The asymmetric unit consists of two crystallographically independent molecules of tetraphenylphthalic anhydride (TPPA). Crowding from four adjacent phenyl substituents produces large average displacements of the substituents from the central ring (av. ~0.08 A, max. 0.17 A) and distortions in the central aromatic ring. The torsion angles relating the plane of the substituent phenyl rings to the central ring plane (av. ∼62°) is consistent with other polyphenylated aromatic structures.
Unraveling the structures and modes of action of bacterial toxins

The mechanism by which a soluble protein converts into a protein that spans a membrane remains a central question in understanding the molecular mechanism of toxicity of bacterial protein toxins. Using crystallographic structures of soluble toxins as templates, the past year has seen a number of experiments that are designed to probe the membrane state using other structural methods. In addition, crystallographic information concerning the clostridial neurotoxins has emerged, suggesting a novel mechanism of pore formation and new relationships between toxin binding domains.