cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti-Windup LPV Control of Magneto-Rheological Dampers

In this paper, we develop a linear parameter varying (LPV) model for the structural systems including the Magneto-Rheological (MR) dampers where the LPV parameter is the MR damper velocity. We then propose an LPV anti-windup control design method to prevent the closed-loop system instability and performance degradation due to the MR damper actuator saturation. The proposed control design method accounts for the actuator nonlinearities by representing the status of the saturated actuator as an additional gain-scheduled varying parameter. The resulting controller is scheduled with respect to the system operating parameter and the actuator saturation parameter. Simulation results demonstrate that the anti-windup compensator scheduled based on the MR damper velocity and the saturation parameter is able to keep the voltage within the specified limits and meets the design requirement of rejecting the effect of the external disturbance signals.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Biochemical changes associated with freezing in ram semen.

Summary The effects of freezing and thawing upon ovine spermatozoal acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and deoxyribonucleic acid were determined. Two bands of seminal acid phosphatase (P-AP 1 and P-AP 2 ) and two bands of spermatozoal acid phosphatase (S-AP 1 and S-AP 2 ) were detected by acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Seven bands of both seminal and spermatozoal lactate dehydrogenase activity were also observed. Freezing and thawing produced a significant increase in the activity of P-AP 2 band of seminal plasma and a concomitant significant decrease in the activity of S-AP 2 band in spermatozoa ( P 2 isozyme leaks out of the sperm into the diluent. The three lactate dehydrogenase isozymes measured did not show alterations in activity following freezing, thawing, or incubation. The deoxyribonucleic acid content of ram spermatozoa remained unaffected by freezing, thawing, or incubation.
Bridging Philosophy of Technology and Neurobiological Research: Interpreting Images From the “Slam Freezer”

The swiftly growing field of neurobiological research utilizes highly advanced technologies (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging, electron microscopy) to mediate between investigators and the brains they investigate. Here, the author analyzes a device called the “slam freezer” that quick-freezes neurons to be studied under the microscope. Employing insights from Don Ihde’s philosophy of technology, work that carefully amalgamates continental philosophy with philosophy of science, the author draws out the practices of interpretation in slam-freezing research. This interdisciplinary approach to understanding scientific methodology sets the stage for further philosophical investigation of research in neuroscience.
Determination of the C-terminal status of rat liver lactate dehydrogenase by an improved selective tritiation method.

Summary Attempts to determine the C-terminal status of rat liver lactate dehydrogenase by the procedures of (a) hydrazinolysis, (b) controlled carboxypeptidase action, and (c) selective tritiation have led to inconclusive results. However, the use of a procedure which involves improved selective tritiation followed by short-term carboxypeptidase action has led to an unequivocal demonstration that phenylalanine is the C-terminal amino acid of rat liver lactate dehydrogenase. The procedure involves: (a) dissolution of the enzyme in tritiated water, (b) sequential addition of pyridine and acetic anhydride, (c) removal of excess reagents by dialysis, (d) short-term carboxypeptidase treatment, and (e) identification of the C-terminal amino acid by chromatography and radioassay.
Relationship between the Coefficients of Determination of Algebraically Related Models

Suppose one is trying to model the relationship between the dependent variable, Y, and the p independent variables, X1, X2, . . ., Xp, using the method of least squares in multiple regression. Let one of the independent variables, say X1 (without loss of generality), and Y be the measurement on the same characteristic under two different conditions. For example, one could think of X1 as volume of the left hemisphere of the brain and Y as volume of the right hemisphere of the brain, or X1 as height of the experimental group of children at the initial stage and Y as height of the same group of children at a later stage, or X1 as the weight of a fish-catch on shipboard and Y as the weight of the same fish-catch in a laboratory. Note that, in the first example a dependent variable could have been y = Y + X1 = total volume of the brain, while in the last two examples, a dependent variable could have been y = Y = growth in height of children or error in fish-catch weight measurement on shipboard, respectively. Notice that, in each case discussed, y incorporates X1 in it. In this note, a general case of y = Y + dXI is considered, where d is any constant. Now suppose the two fitted models based on n observations (to predict Yi and yi) are respectively,
Stoichiometry Effects on a One-Dimensional Flame

Abstract The zeroth- and first-order approximations for the eigenvalue Damkohler number are determined for the steady, one-dimensional isobaric adiabatic combustion of a fuel-lean gaseous premixture under a direct one-step Arrhenius-type exothermic chemical reaction in the physically interesting limit of (1) activation temperature large relative to the hot-boundary temperature; (2) (constant) Lewis-Semenov number of order unity; and (3) fuel and oxidant stoichiometric coefficients of order unity. It is shown that, to zeroth-order of approximation, the bimolecular system behaves as a monopropellant decomposition. The dependence on the parameters of the departure of this system from such behavior, to first-order of approximation, is established.
Researcher–practitioner partnerships and crime analysis: a case study in action research

This paper describes a recent researcher–practitioner partnership designed to address the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies when implementing crime control and prevention strategies. Using an action research methodology, the project embedded a group of trained students within the law enforcement community to assist with local crime problems and supplement existing crime analysis and research capabilities in six agency units. Results of this case study offer several implications for future researcher–practitioner partnerships focused on crime analysis and present an enhanced set of metrics for evaluating success.
Lack of circadian rhythmicity of rat fetal intestinal enzymes as compared to the dams.

The 24-hr activity patterns of intestinal maltase, lactase, leucylnaphthylamine hydrolyzing activity, γ-glutamyltransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were determined in pregnant rats maintained on a 12-12 light-dark cycle, with feeding during the dark period (1800-0600 hr, EST). The activities of these enzymes plus those of lysosomal maltase and lactase were followed during the same time period in 19- to 20-day-old fetuses. The activity patterns in the dams followed circadian rhythms, with peak activities occurring during the feeding-dark period. These rhythms are similar to the feeding schedule-cued rhythms observed in male rats and, therefore, are assumed to be feeding schedule cued also. In the fetuses, which obtained nutrients through the placenta, the activities increased in a somewhat nonlinear manner throughout the entire 24-hr period, but did not display a defined rhythm. It is concluded that endogenous intestinal enzyme rhythms do not exist in utero, and that oral and/or intermittent feeding is necessary for these rhythms to occur.
The role of magnetron sputtering in the manufacture of microelectronics

This talk will explain in detail the role and use of magnetron sputtering in the production of microelectronic devices. It will start with the basics of magnetron sputtering and then trace its evolution in producing the metal lines needed as interconnects. After reviewing the history of why metals are needed, modern day five-level architectures will be described and shown. The review/tutorial will be divided into three parts: First, the sputtering process is described both from an experimental and modeling point of view. The use of a plasma and its confinement in a magnetron are then covered. The next section describes what happens to the metal atoms on the way to the substrate. Collimation, "bread-loafing" and "pinch-off" of features, scattering, ionization and the challenge of high aspect ratios in sub-micron geometries will be discussed and explained. Finally, a detailed look at magnetic configurations and their effects on target utilization, deposition uniformity, system down-time will be presented. The talk will conclude with a look to the future of interconnect and some challenges of Cu and low-k dielectrics.
Relating constraint answer set programming languages and algorithms

Recently a logic programming language AC was proposed by Mellarkod et al. [1] to integrate answer set programming and constraint logic programming. Soon after that, a clingcon language integrating answer set programming and finite domain constraints, as well as an ezcsp language integrating answer set programming and constraint logic programming were introduced. The development of these languages and systems constitutes the appearance of a new AI subarea called constraint answer set programming. All these languages have something in common. In particular, they aim at developing new efficient inference algorithms that combine traditional answer set programming procedures and other methods in constraint programming. Yet, the exact relation between the constraint answer set programming languages and the underlying systems is not well understood. In this paper we address this issue by formally stating the precise relation between several constraint answer set programming languages - AC, clingcon, ezcsp - as well as the underlying systems.
Graphene oxide functionalized with ethylenediamine triacetic acid for heavy metal adsorption and anti-microbial applications

Abstract The development of functionalized nanomaterials that leads to multi-functionality, such as the ability to adsorb heavy metals coupled with anti-microbial properties is very attractive for diverse applications. The present study evaluated for the first time the antimicrobial activity of graphene oxide silanized with N-(trimethoxysilylpropyl) ethylenediamine triacetic acid (GO–EDTA) against Gram-negative, Cupriavidus metallidurans CH4, and Gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis , as well as its cytotoxicity to human corneal epithelial cell line hTCEpi. The results show that GO–EDTA has improved anti-microbial properties when compared to graphene oxide (GO) alone, with 92.3 ± 10% and 99.1 ± 1.3% cell inactivation of B. subtilis and C. metallidurans , respectively. Bacterial inactivation was attributed to an oxidative stress mechanism towards the cells. No cytotoxicity was observed towards human corneal epithelial cell lines hTCEp after 24 h exposure to GO–EDTA, suggesting that this nanomaterial has the potential for applications that have human exposure. This work also evaluated GO–EDTA’s adsorption capacity for two heavy metals, Cu 2+ and Pb 2+ at different concentrations, varying pH and contact time. The maximum adsorption capacity of the GO–EDTA was determined to be 454.6 mg g −1 and 108.7 mg g −1 for Pb 2+ and Cu 2+ , respectively, exceeding the capacity of traditional adsorbent materials, such as activated carbon.
Multiparameter cell affinity chromatography: separation and analysis in a single microfluidic channel.

The ability to sort and capture more than one cell type from a complex sample will enable a wide variety of studies of cell proliferation and death and the analysis of disease states. In this work, we integrated a pneumatic actuated control layer to an affinity separation layer to create different antibody-coating regions on the same fluidic channel. The comparison of different antibody capture capabilities to the same cell line was demonstrated by flowing Ramos cells through anti-CD19- and anti-CD71-coated regions in the same channel. It was determined that the cell capture density on the anti-CD19 region was 2.44 ± 0.13 times higher than that on the anti-CD71-coated region. This approach can be used to test different affinity molecules for selectivity and capture efficiency using a single cell line in one separation. Selective capture of Ramos and HuT 78 cells from a mixture was also demonstrated using two antibody regions in the same channel. Greater than 90% purity was obtained on both capture areas i...
The Last Inch at 70 Miles Per Hour

More recently, personal area network connectivity in vehicles has evolved, bringing with it a new set of challenges and associated opportunities. Principal among these challenges is the last-inch problem. The telecommunications industry uses the term "last mile" to refer to the challenge of bringing high-bandwidth connectivity to individual homes. We use the term "last inch" to characterize the challenges of delivering computing services through in-vehicle human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to users who are sometimes driving at speeds upwards of 70 miles per hour. We focus on the nonfunctional requirements of security, privacy, usability, and reliability (SPUR)). These attributes both encompass safety concerns and offer insight into the consumer experience. We took the SPUR requirements into account in designing our vehicle consumer services interface (VCSI), a service-oriented middleware architecture that we've implemented in a demonstration vehicle
The fate of the retractile testis.

A retractile testis is one that retracts intermittently from the normal scrotal location to an extrascrotal position, usually into the inguinal canal or along the normal pathway of testicular descent. A conservative approach (no treatment) is recommended, and surgery to fix the testis in the scrotum is usually not indicated. However, the testis may be predisposed to certain complications. We report 2 cases of retractile testis, 1 resulting in torsion and necrosis, and 1 resulting in cryptorchidism with ensuing mixed germ cell tumor. CASE REPORTS Case 1. A 21-year-old black male was referred with painful right scrotal swelling 3 days in duration. Physical examination suggested testicular torsion. Testicular scanning confirmed the diagnosis. Right scrotal exploration revealed a twisted necrotic testis, which was managed by orchiectomy. The patient recalled that before this episode the testicle used to move up and down and was occasionally absent from the scrotum, a clear indication of retractile testis. Case 2. A 44-year-old male from Eritrea presented with painful left inguinal swelling. On examination the left gonad was not palpated in the scrotum, and a firm tender, walnut sized mass was palpated in the left inguinal region. The patient recalled that the testis disappeared at times from the scrotum, a sign of retractile testis, until it never returned to its original position. He could not specify the exact time of the final disappearance, perhaps more than 10 years previously. Serum markers -human chorionic gonadotropin and -fetoprotein were increased. The patient underwent left inguinal exploration and radical orchiectomy. Pathological evaluation was consistent with mixed germ cell tumor (choriocarcinoma, teratoma, yolk sac tumor, embryonal carcinoma). DISCUSSION
Sequence Specific Label-Free DNA Sensing Using Film-Bulk-Acoustic-Resonators

A label-free biosensor (for detection of DNA sequences) based on film-bulk-acoustic-resonator (FBAR) is presented in this letter. The FBAR's resonant frequency shifts to a lower value when a complementary single-strand DNA sequence is hybridized with a DNA probe sequence on an Au-coated FBAR surface. The sensor is capable of distinguishing a complementary DNA that is mismatched to a probe DNA by a single nucleotide. The label-free, highly sensitive and selective, and real-time detection of DNA sequence could easily be made into an array for combinatory DNA sequencing, and could possibly help geneticists to detect specific DNA sequences accurately and fast, without any expensive optical scanning or imaging.
An unsupervised protein sequences clustering algorithm using functional domain information

In this paper, we present an unsupervised novel approach for protein sequences clustering by incorporating the functional domain information into the clustering process. In the proposed framework, the domain boundaries predicated by ProDom database are used to provide a better measurement in calculating the sequence similarity. In addition, we use an unsupervised clustering algorithm as the kernel that includes a hierarchical clustering in the first phase to pre-cluster the protein sequences, and a partitioning clustering in the second phase to refine the clustering results. More specifically, we perform the agglomerative hierarchical clustering on protein sequences in the first phase to obtain the initial clustering results for the subsequent partitioning clustering, and then, a profile Hidden Markove Model (HMM) is built for each cluster to represent the centroid of a cluster. In the second phase, the HMMs based k-means clustering is then performed to refine the cluster results as protein families. The experimental results show our model is effective and efficient in clustering protein families.
Perceived Needs of and Support for Puerto Rican Mothers of Young Children with Disabilities

The study compared the family needs and sources of support as perceived by 55 Puerto Rican mothers of young children with disabilities residing in Puerto Rico (PR) and 39 of their counterparts living in Florida (FL). The relationship between (a) perceived family needs and sources of support and (b) mother and child characteristics was also explored. The ABILITIES Index, the Family Needs Survey, and the Family Support Scale were used in the interview process to measure, respectively, mothers' perception of (a) child's extent of delay, (b) family needs, and (c) sources of support. Multiple regression analyses indicated that family needs did not differ in the PR and FL samples. Mothers from the PR sample did, however, perceive significantly more sources of support than mothers in the FL sample. Implications for early interventionists working with Puerto Rican families of young children with disabilities are discussed.
Utilization of Umbilical Cord Blood for the Evaluation of Group B Streptococcal Sepsis Screening

Objective. To evaluate reliability of umbilical cord blood (UCB) for complete blood count (CBC) and blood cultures compared with the infant’s blood from peripheral site for group B streptococcal (GBS) sepsis screening. Methods. A total of 200 neonates, at risk for GBS infection, were studied prospectively. After birth, UCB sample was obtained for CBC and blood cultures from umbilical vein. Peripheral arterial/venous blood was obtained from the neonate. Results. In 200 neonates, CBC counts were similar for clinical significance except for leukopenia (6% in UCB vs 1.2% in peripheral blood, P = .02). One UCB sample grew GBS and another grew microaerophilic streptococcus, a contaminant. A neonatal sample grew Escherichia coli, a pathogen and another neonatal sample grew Staphylococcus auricularis, a contaminant. Conclusion. CBC results were similar from UCB and the infant for the purpose of GBS screening. Contamination of UCB sample for culture is uncommon. Hence, UCB may be used for GBS sepsis screen.
Substance P in Subtotal Nephrectomy-Salt Hypertension

We have previously demonstrated that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a counterregulatory role in subtotal nephrectomy-salt (SN-salt) hypertension through an increase in vascular responsiveness to the dilator activity of this neuropeptide. Substance P (SP) is often co-localized with CGRP in perivascular sensory nerves. To determine the role and mechanism of action of SP in SN-salt hypertension, we induced hypertension in 4- to 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=8) by subtotal nephrectomy and 1% saline drinking water. Sham-operated rats were given either tap water (n=9) or 1% saline to drink (n=9). Eleven to 13 days after each protocol, all rats had intravenous (for drug administration) and arterial (for continuous monitoring of mean arterial pressure [MAP]) catheters surgically implanted and were studied in the conscious and unrestrained state. Baseline MAP was significantly elevated in the SN-salt rats (157±6 mm Hg) compared with tap water–fed controls (128±3 mm Hg) and 1% saline–fed controls (132±5 mm Hg). Vehicle administration did not alter the MAP in any group. In contrast, administration of spantide-II (0.2 μmol/L in saline), an SP receptor antagonist, significantly elevated the MAP in SN-salt rats (13.9±0.8 mm Hg) compared with the tap water (1.7±1.7 mm Hg) and 1% saline controls (2.0±1.9 mm Hg). SP mRNA and peptide levels in dorsal root ganglia were not significantly different between the 3 groups. Administration of exogenous SP (12 and 24 nmol · L −1 · kg −1 intravenously) resulted in a significantly greater decrease in MAP in the SN-salt rats compared with both control groups. Taken together, these data suggest that in SN-salt hypertension, SP plays a counterregulatory role in the absence of an increase in its neuronal expression, thereby suggesting that one possible mechanism of this compensatory vasodilator response is enhanced vascular reactivity to SP.
The Spinal Needle Test Effectively Measures Abdominal Wall Thickness before Cannula Placement at Laparoscopy

Abstract Study Objective To demonstrate the usefulness of the spinal needle test at laparoscopy to correlate abdominal wall thickness at initial entry sites with body mass index (BMI). Design Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification). Setting University-affiliated hospital. Patients One hundred thirty-eight women. Intervention Diagnostic laparoscopy. Measurements and Main Results After CO2 insufflation, the spinal needle test was performed by inserting a spinal needle attached to a partially filled syringe and advancing it perpendicular to the skin until the gas pocket was reached. To improve precision, the distance was measured 3 times at two sites, the umbilicus and Palmer's point (left upper quadrant). Patients' mean BMI was 25.8 kg/m2 (range 17.2–60.0 kg/m2), with 24 (17%) considered clinically obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). A significant correlation was noted between BMI and abdominal wall thickness at the umbilicus (R = 0.69) and left upper quadrant (R = 0.81). Excellent correlation was also noted between body weight and thickness at the two points (R = 0.72 and R = 0.78, respectively). The mean thickness at the umbilicus differed significantly between obese (3.0 ± 1.2 cm) and nonobese women (1.7 ± 0.7 cm, p Conclusion Thickness of the abdominal wall at umbilical and left upper quadrant entry sites correlates well with weight and BMI. Even among obese women, the distance to the pocket of gas after insufflation at either entry site is remarkably small.
POST TRANSPLANT MEDICINE EDUCATION—A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

Purpose We have developed a collaborative post transplant teaching programto enable our children and young people to gain confidence and independence in managing their chronic medication. Method Description of our program development. Results It is widely accepted that adherence with life long transplant medicines is a difficult issue particularly for young adults and for those transplanted as toddlers who grow up lacking in education about their condition. Our medicine education programme was developed following regular discussion within our team about service developments and ways to improve our long term clinical care. The programme is led by the senior paediatric renal pharmacist assisted by a paediatric pharmacist, pharmacy technician, clinical nurse specialist and senior medical staff. Following pre-transplant education sessions, introduction medicine education starts prior to discharge from the inpatient unit. These education sessions continue weekly until the patient, family and senior pharmacist are happy with progress and confidence level. The average number of sessions is 6 per patient, with follow up sessions at 3 and 6 months and annually thereafter. Additional sessions are scheduled if issues arise during the child9s clinical course. Medicines are organised in a dosette box, initially filled jointly by the senior pharmacist and the child, with the child quickly being given responsibility for filling the box initially under supervision moving to independence on an individually planned schedule. A wide range of issues are discussed during these sessions including medicine interactions, over the counter medicines, herbal products, trouble shooting, vaccinations and contraception. An individual medicine sheet is available electronically which can be updated with ongoing changes whilst a progress sheet allows all members of the transplant team to be kept updated. Conclusion The success of our kidney transplant programme is multi-factorial but we feel that empowering our young patients to be proactive in their long term care is a key to this success. This positively impacts on their individual quality of life as they have fewer co-morbidities and less inpatient episodes.
A low-power SRAM using bit-line charge-recycling technique

We propose a new low-power SRAM using bit-line Charge Recycling (CR-SRAM) for the write operation. In the proposed write scheme, differential voltage swing of a bit-line is obtained by recycled charge from its adjacent bit-line capacitance. In order to improve the data retention capability of un-selected cells during write, the power supply lines of memory cells in one column are connected to each other and separated from the power lines of other columns. A test-chip is fabricated in 0.13μm CMOS and measurement results show 88% reduction in total power compared to the conventional SRAM (CON-SRAM) at VDD=1.5V and f=100MHz.
Effects of Buprenorphine on Cardiac Repolarization in a Patient with Methadone-Related Torsade de Pointes

Torsade de pointes is a rare but potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia that is often triggered by drugs that prolong the rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval. This arrhythmia has been attributed to levacetylmethadol and methadone, synthetic opioids used to treat heroin addiction. Levacetylmethadol, a derivative of methadone, is being withdrawn from the United States market because its use waned after a black box warning was issued to require electrocardiographic monitoring. Therefore, methadone and buprenorphine are the only opioids available for the treatment of heroin addiction. To our knowledge, the cardiac safety of buprenorphine in patients with methadone-related QTc prolongation has not been described. We report a patient who developed torsade de pointes while receiving high-dose methadone and was successfully inducted onto buprenorphine under close medical supervision. No clinically important QTc prolongation was observed in the acute setting or during follow-up. This observation suggests that buprenorphine may be a safe alternative to oral methadone in patients with opioid addiction who develop torsade de pointes.
A selective role for right insula—basal ganglia circuits in appetitive stimulus processing

Hemispheric lateralization of hedonic evaluation (‘liking’) and incentive motivation (‘wanting’) in neural networks connecting the basal ganglia and insula (BG-I) in humans was examined. Participants with brain damage restricted to the BG-I of the right (n = 5) or left (n = 5) hemisphere, and 26 healthy participants matched on age, sex and intelligence quotient were tested on positively and negatively valenced pictures drawn from varied stimulus categories (Vijayaraghavan et al., 2008). Liking was assessed with explicit ratings of pleasantness using a nine-point Likert scale. Wanting was quantified as the amount of work (via repeated keypresses) that participants expended to increase (approach) or decrease (withdraw) viewing time. Right-lesion patients showed abnormally low viewing times and liking ratings for positive images. For a subset of positive images depicting sexual content, right-lesion patients exhibited active withdrawal, while the other two groups approached such stimuli. These results suggest that the right basal ganglia–insula complex plays a greater role than the left in supporting hedonic evaluation and motivational approach to positively valenced stimuli. The finding that active avoidance of stimuli that were not ‘liked’ was spared in both right- and left-sided lesion subjects suggests that unilateral damage to insula/basal ganglia circuits may not be sufficient to affect general incentive motivation independent of preference.
Urbanism and Suicide: A Study of American Counties

his study employs data from 3,108 counties in the United States to examine the effects of urbanism and a number of other variables on suicide. Grouping the counties into three categories (most urban, middle urban, rural) reveals a surpris- ing difference in the relative capacity of sociological variables to explain the inci- dence of suicide within each context. Sociological variables in the most urban counties tend to have a much stronger explanatory power than in the rural or middle urban counties. These results suggest that most sociological explanations for suicide apply primarily to urban environments and not rural ones. As Fischer (1982) has shown, types of relations which prevail in urban communities may be better conduits for social structural influences than those in rural environments. Structural explanations for suicide, therefore, may be best suited for urban envi- ronments and may be largely limited to them. Disagreement continues among social scientists about the effects of ur- banism and the extent and nature of differences between rural and urban life in American society. According to Wirth's (1938) influential classic formulation, the concentration of diverse people in large dense settle- ments produces social isolation and disorganization, excessive individual- ism, and other largely negative consequences. Other social scientists have supported an opposing thesis: that few, if any, sociocultural or social psy- chological characteristics are necessarily linked with the size, density, or heterogeneity of settlements (Dewey 1960; Gans 1962). Accordingly, pro- ponents of the latter view regard urban life as quite diverse, but with few
A New Stopping Rule for Computerized Adaptive Testing

The goal of the current study was to introduce a new stopping rule for computerized adaptive testing. The predicted standard error reduction stopping rule (PSER) uses the predictive posterior variance to determine the reduction in standard error that would result from the administration of additional items. The performance of the PSER was compared to that of the minimum standard error stopping rule and a modified version of the minimum information stopping rule in a series of simulated adaptive tests, drawn from a number of item pools. Results indicate that the PSER makes efficient use of CAT item pools, administering fewer items when predictive gains in information are small and increasing measurement precision when information is abundant.
PET/CT today and tomorrow

Accurate anatomic localization of functional abnormalities seen with PET is known to be problematic. Even though nonspecific tracers such as 18F-FDG visualize certain normal anatomic structures, the spatial resolution is generally inadequate for localization of pathology. Combining PET with a high-resolution anatomic imaging modality such as CT can resolve the localization issue, as long as the images from the two modalities are accurately coregistered. However, software-based registration techniques have difficulty accounting for differences in patient positioning and involuntary movement of internal organs, often necessitating labor-intensive nonlinear mapping that may not converge to a satisfactory result. Acquiring both CT and PET images in the same scanner obviates the need for software registration and routinely provides accurately aligned images of anatomy and function in a single scan. Discussion: A CT scanner positioned in tandem with a PET scanner and with a common patient couch and operating console has recently been explored as a solution to anatomic and functional image registration. Axial translation of the couch between the two modalities enables both CT and PET data to be acquired during a single imaging session. In addition, the CT images can be used to generate noiseless attenuation correction factors for the PET emission data. By minimizing patient movement between the CT and PET scans, and after accounting for the axial separation of the two modalities, accurately registered anatomic and functional images can be obtained. Since the introduction of the first PET/CT prototype a little over 5 years ago, several thousand cancer patients have been scanned on combined PET/CT devices. In the past 3 years, a number of commercial designs have become available featuring multidetector spiral CT scanners and high-performance PET devices. Initial experience has demonstrated an increased level of accuracy and confidence in the interpretation of the combined study compared with separate readings, particularly in the ability to distinguish pathology from normal physiologic uptake and to precisely localize abnormal foci. Conclusion: Combined PET/CT scanners represent an important evolution in technology that is helping to bring molecular imaging to the forefront in cancer diagnosis, staging, and therapy monitoring.
A Critique of Typologies in Criminology

(1968). A Critique of Typologies in Criminology. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 356-373.
Effect of thyrotropin on the sensitivity of thyroid nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid to digestion by micrococcal nuclease.

Little is known about the mechanisms of action of polypeptide hormones on chromatin structure and nuclear function. We have employed micrococcal nuclease to examine the effect of TSH on the accessibility of DNA in thyroid nuclei. Brief digestion of nuclear suspensions with 0.05-0.2 U/ml micrococcal nuclease at 26–-28 C decreased their opacity at 600 nm. The decrease in opacity was linear with increasing nuclear concentration up to 0.2 mg/ml DNA. This response to nuclease was enhanced in nuclear suspensions prepared from thyroid slices that had been incubated with TSH (50 mU/ml) for 5 h (P < 0.001). To determine whether TSH also increased the digestion of DNA, we measured the amount of DNA released into 1200 × g supernatants by nuclease treatment of nuclei prepared from control and TSH-treated slices. When TSH-treated nuclei (110 μg/100μl) were digested with 0.2 U micrococcal nuclease/ml at 37 C for 30 sec, a mean of 12.6 μg ± 3.6 (SD) DNA appeared in the upernatant, as compared to 8.4 /×g± 1.9 DNA from co...
Performance comparison of parallel optical interconnects for enterprise servers

There is an emerging need in the computing industry for higher bandwidth, longer distance, and increased density interconnections within clusters of high performance enterprise-class computer systems. Many of these servers share a common set of high level requirements which lend themselves to the use of parallel optical interconnects to either supplement or replace existing copper data buses. In this paper, we describe the results of application testing performed on 12-fiber parallel optical cables and connectors, including a relative comparison between three different multimode cable assembly sources. Assembly loss and effects of both axial and off-axis pull forces are measured for cable samples mated to a laser transmitter array. Significant variations exist in the performance of the same type of cable assembly from different manufacturing sources, particularly concerning their susceptibility to pull forces; we also investigate the effects of fiber strain relief to improve performance of these links. While currently available 12-fiber array connectors are not equivalent in performance to standard duplex connectors, this work suggests areas for future improvement and data communication application requirements which should be considered when using parallel fiber optic arrays.
Allosteric regulation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptors by thiocyanate and cyclothiazide at a common modulatory site distinct from that of 2,3-benzodiazepines

Abstract Allosteric regulators of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate (AMPA) receptors include 2,3-benzodiazepines such as GYKI 52466 and GYKI 53655 and the chaotropic anion thiocyanate that inhibit, and benzothiadiazines such as cyclothiazide that potentiate AMPA receptor currents. Here we sought to determine whether the allosteric regulators modulate AMPA receptors at a common or distinct allosteric sites by comparing their actions on AMPA- and kainate-evoked currents in cultured rat hippocampal neurons and Xenopus oocytes expressing recombinant AMPA receptor subunits. GYKI 52466 and thiocyanate blocked AMPA-evoked currents in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 values, 8.2 μM and 1.1 mM, respectively); in contrast, kainate-evoked currents were blocked by GYKI 52466, but were potentiated by high concentrations of thiocyanate (≥3 mM). Thiocyanate enhanced the rate of desensitization and slowed recovery from desensitization of AMPA-evoked currents, whereas GYKI 52466 failed to affect desensitization. Among neurons in the hippocampal cultures, there was cell-to-cell variability in the sensitivity to block of AMPA-evoked currents by thiocyanate that was correlated with the degree of potentiation by cyclothiazide. Moreover, cyclothiazide caused a parallel rightward shift in the concentration–response curve for thiocyanate block, and slowed the onset of thiocyanate block to a rate that was similar to that of cyclothiazide dissociation. Together, these observations suggest that thiocyanate and cyclothiazide act at non-distinct allosteric sites. GYKI 52466 blocked AMPA receptor responses to a similar extent, irrespective of the degree of cyclothiazide potentiation. Moreover, the kinetics of GYKI 53655 block in the presence of cyclothiazide were not consistent with a competitive interaction. As is the case for cyclothiazide, SCN− exhibited greater affinity for flip than for flop AMPA receptor splice variants. In particular, GluR1flip/GluR2flip was especially sensitive to thiocyanate block. We conclude that thiocyanate, a flip-preferring allosteric modulator like cyclothiazide, appears to act by enhancing desensitization at a site that may overlap the site where cyclothiazide reduces desensitization, whereas 2,3-benzodiazepines act at a distinct site and the block does not involve a modification of desensitization.
Design Evaluation of Multi-Station Assembly Processes by Using State Space Approach

This paper considers the problem of evaluating and benchmarking process design configuration in a multi-station assembly process. We focus on the unique challenges brought by the multi-station system, namely, (1) a system level model to characterize the variation propagation in the entire process, and (2) the necessity to describe the system response to variation inputs at both global (system level) and local (station level and single fixture level) scales. State space representation is employed to recursively describe the propagation of variation in such a multi-station process, incorporating process design information such as fixture locating layout at individual stations and station-to-station locating layout change. Following the sensitivity analysis in control theory, a group of hierarchical sensitivity indices is defined and expressed in terms of the system matrices in the state space model, which are determined by the given process design configuration. Implication of these indices with respect to variation control is discussed and a three-step procedure of applying the sensitivity indices for selecting a better design and prioritizing the critical station/fixture is presented. We illustrate the proposed method using the group of sensitivity indices in design evaluation of the assembly process of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) side panel.
Recent Developments in Double Layer Studies

David Grahame established double layer studies in the United States. At the time of his famous review in 1947, experimental work was limited to ther modynamic studies at liquid mercury. In 1997, Grahame's pioneering work was honored by a symposium of The Electrochemical Society, where three distinct advances over the last 50 years became apparent.
Phantom Shock in a Patient With an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Case Report

1The current devices are capable of monitoring and pacing in both the atria and the ventricles and of delivering antitachycardia pacing and low-energy or high-energy shocks to treat tachycardias. Whereas older versions of the ICD required an open-chest procedure for implantation and leads with epicardial pads, most newer systems are implanted by using transvenous leads, with the device tucked under the skin of the upper part of the chest. Implantation of these devices has resulted in a more effective and efficient method of treating potentially lethal arrhythmias in a wide variety of patients, such as those with primary electrical disturbance, certain cardiomyopathies, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, long QT syndrome, and a history of sudden cardiac death. With estimates of 250 000 to 300 000 ICDs implanted to date worldwide, the benefits of immediate defibrillation for patients’ survival are clearly recognized. 1,2 However, acknowledgment is growing among practitioners about the coexistence of various types and degrees of psychological disorders in these patients. 3-7 The emotional responses after ICD implantation that have been studied most are anxiety and depression, which are common in patients with coronary artery disease. 2,4,6-9 A recently recognized phenomenon that occurs in some patients with ICDs and may be a manifestation of an emotional response is called a “phantom shock.” 10,11 The term phantom shock implies that the patient perceives an ICD discharge with describable sensations, even though the memory of the ICD indicates that no therapy (shock) was delivered. The following case report describes a patient who experienced this phenomenon. Case Presentation
Steady-State Profile for Oil Barriers

The note presents the results of the experiments performed in the Water Resources and Hydrodynamics Laboratory of the Department of Civil Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, concerning the steady-state stick profile and its generation from rest with a vertical barrier, using a vertical flat plate in a flume.
Simulation of Nano Polymer Chain Sensor in Electroosmotic Flow Using Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) Method

In this paper, we simulate the inflation of fixed two ends polymer chain curvature as nano sensor in EOF which it provides a porous media for DPD (dissipative particles dynamics) solvent particles and inflation is resulted. Particles are driven by electroosmotic flow in nanochannel which is as an external force in DPD algorithm and part of particles should move through a non-charged polymer chain which they affect on curvature of polymer chain. Our results for simple nanochannel in EOF are validated with analytical results and we have developed our results when a fixed two ends polymer chain subject in nanochannel as nano sensor in both cases including simple and stenosis nanochannel. Amount of inflation (displacement) of fixed two ends polymer chain is related to electroosmotic forces and interaction between particles. Our aim is that a relation between effective parameters in electroosmotic flow such as electric field, zeta potential, kh parameters and amount of inflation in polymer chain curvature (interaction between particles) is provided for each test case. Based on our results, there is a linear relation between some parameters such as external electrical field, zeta potential and kh parameters (effect of Debye length and channel height) in low electrosmotic forces but non-linear behavior is observed for high electroosmotic forces especially for stenosis channel case. This study opens some new way toward designing proper nano EOF sensors to measure flow characteristics in EOF applications.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Limitations of antiadrenergic therapy for refractory traumatic shock.

ConclusionAntiadrenergic therapy by coe-liac blockade or phenoxybenzamine injected via the upper abdominal aorta prevents death from otherwise lethal endotoxic or hemor-rhagic shock if administered within 30 minutes after onset of the shock state. Phenoxybenzamine intravenously is not effective in twice the dose that is effective when it is administered via the upper abdominal aorta. The failure of antiadrenergic therapy can be accounted for by the speed with which severe ischemia inflicts irreversible injury to vascular muscle and to the endotoxin-detoxi-fying mechanisms in the splanchnic tissues.
Synthesis and Optical Properties of MoS2 Nanoclusters

Highly crystalline nanoclusters of MoS2 were synthesized and their optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra were investigated. Key results include: (1) strong quantum confinement effects with decreasing size; (2) preservation of the quasiparticle (or excitonic) Nature of the optical response for clusters down to ~2.5 nm in size which are only two unit cells thick; (3) demonstration that 3-D confinement produces energy shifts which are over an order of magnitude larger than those due to 1-D confinement; (4) observation of large increases in the spin-orbit splittings at the top of the valence band at the K and M points of the Brillouin zone with decreasing cluster size; and (5) observation of photoluminescence due to both direct and surface recombination.
On Trisection, Quintisection,…, etc

(1982). On Trisection, Quintisection,…, etc. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 89, No. 9, pp. 693-693.
Computational Study of the Resonance Enhancement of Raman Signals of Ligands Adsorbed to CdSe Clusters through Photoexcitation of the Cluster

This paper describes density-functional-theory-based computations of resonance Raman (RR) spectra of ligand molecules adsorbed to the surface of a Cd16Se13 cluster. Signals from asymmetric vibrational modes of ligand binding groups, such as the asymmetric O–C–O stretching modes of carboxylates, are enhanced relative to the symmetric vibrational modes when the excitation energy is on-resonance with the excitonic energy of the cluster. Certain ligand molecules have frontier orbitals with the correct energies and symmetries to mix with the orbitals of the CdSe cluster, and as a result, the wave functions of the electron and the hole delocalize from the cluster onto the ligand molecules; experimentally, this delocalization results in a bathochromic shift of the band edge excitonic absorption. Increased excitonic delocalization results in greater vibronic coupling between the exciton and the ligand vibrations and, on average, preferential enhancements in the RR signals of those vibrations. This work suggests t...
Georgina Green, The Majesty of the People: Popular Sovereignty and the Role of the Writer in the 1790s

Review by Ian Newman (University of Notre Dame) of Georgina Green, The Majesty of the People: Popular Sovereignty and the Role of the Writer in the 1790s. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. Pp. 229. £60. ISBN 9780199689064.