cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on nucleotide diphosphate diacylglycerol specificity of acidic phospholipid biosynthesis in rat liver subcellular fractions

Abstract 1. (1) Cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol, uridine diphosphate diacylglycerol, adenosine diphosphate diacylglycerol and guanosine diphosphate diacylglycerol were synthesized chemically and their purity assessed. The activity of these compounds in acidic phospholipid synthesis was examined in rat liver mitochondria and microsomes. 2. (2) Phosphatidylglycerol synthesis in rat liver mitochondria exhibited considerable activity with CDPdiacylglycerol (V 7.0 nmol · mg−1 · h−1), UDPdiacylglycerol (V 5.4) and ADPdiacylglycerol (V 4.2). GDPdiacylglycerol activity was detectable but very low. 3. (3) Diphosphatidylglycerol formation in mitochondria and phosphatidyl-inositol synthesis in microsomes exhibited considerable more specificity for CDPdiacylglycerol. However, at high concentrations, measurable diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol synthesis was observed with the other liponucleotides. 4. (4) Although considerable phosphatidylglycerol formation was observed with UDPdiacylglycerol and ADPdiacylglycerol, it is unlikely that these compounds are of physiologic importance, at least in rat liver, since CTP:phosphatidic acid cytidyltransferase in microsomes and mitochondria was shown to be specific for cytidine triphosphate. The lack of specificity of phosphatidylglycerol synthesis for CDPdiacylglycerol is currently unexplained but may be of some importance in other tissues or in other organisms.
Moral Responsibility, Manipulation, and Minutelings

This article explores the significance of agents’ histories for directly free actions and actions for which agents are directly morally responsible. Candidates for relevant compatibilist historical constraints discussed by Michael McKenna and Alfred Mele are assessed, as is the bearing of manipulation on free action and moral responsibility.
Solubilities of some organic solutes in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate. Chromatographic measurements and predictions from COSMO-RS

Abstract Infinite-dilution activity coefficients and Henry’s constants for several organic solutes in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [EMIM][Ac] were measured from T = 313 K to T = 413 K using two types of gas–liquid chromatography columns: packed columns and an open tubular wall-coated (OTWC) column. The organic solutes include n-hexane, 1-hexene, cyclohexane, heptane, benzene, toluene, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, acetonitrile, nitromethane, 1,2-methoxyethane, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, t-butanol and t-amyl alcohol. Results using packed columns are in good agreement with those using the OTWC column. However, there is a useful advantage associated with an OTWC column: for solutes such as alcohols, that have strong interactions with the stationary phase, measurements are faster due to their shorter retention time compared to those in packed columns.
A physical design grammar: A production system for layered manufacturing machines

This paper addresses the need to generate functionally large geometries/objects for layered manufacturing machines. Novelty is found in the translation from an initial shape in CAD to subdivision as interlocking objects that are further subdivided into slicing layers using traditional layered manufacturing software. Translation from an initial shape to individual component geometry is guided by shape rules as a set grammar that generate a 2D drawing of interlocking shapes. Mechanical rules further shape the 3D geometry of each object, resulting in a virtual model that complies with measures of structural stability, assembly, and machine manufacturing. Three models are constructed to illustrate the translation process from the virtual shape to a manufactured artifact.
High-performance inverted solar cells with a controlled ZnO buffer layer

ZnO is a versatile cathode buffer layer for organic photovoltaics (OPV) due to its appealing optical and electronic properties. Using the sol–gel method, we find that the processing temperature of ZnO cathode buffer layers significantly influences the device performance of inverted polymer OPVs composed of blended films of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). In particular, ZnO processed at relatively low temperatures results in better device performance than those processed at higher temperatures despite the improved crystallinity and electron mobility of the latter. We attribute this finding to the tuning of the ZnO work function with the annealing temperature, which determines the interface energetics at the cathode and thus influences the open circuit voltage, series resistance and fill factor.
Electron-Impact Desorption of Ions from Polycrystalline Tungsten

A cylindrical magnetic spectrometer has been constructed to study the electron-impact desorption of ions and neutrals from solid surfaces. The instrument has high-energy resolution and sensitivity and allows the determination of the charge-to-mass ratio of the emitted ions. The apparatus has been applied to the study of polycrystalline tungsten with ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, CO, C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O adsorbed. The ions which have been observed are ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ from ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$/W, CO/W, and C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$/W; C${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ from CO/W; and ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ from ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$/W and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O/W. The ion energy distributions, ionic and total desorption cross sections, threshold energies, and other experimental results are presented and discussed.
Improvement of the selectivity of an FIA amperometric biosensor system for glucose

Abstract A flow injection analysis (FIA) biosensor system has been developed for the determination of glucose from urine, blood plasma and foodstuffs. Glucose oxidase was immobilized onto porous, aminopropyl glass beads via glutaraldehyde activation to form an enzyme column. The hydrogen peroxide released from the conversation of glucose to gluconic acid was monitored by a platinum electrode vs. silver/silver chloride poised at +700 mV. As a novel aspect to the improvement of the selectivity of the biosensor system, an anion exchange column was placed upstream to remove uric acid, ascorbic acid or acetaminophen, three major electroactive interfering substances which usually occur in urine and blood plasma. Among several resins tested, the effective adsorption of uric and ascorbic acids could be accomplished using an acetate anion exchanger, and the selectivity coefficient was pH dependent. The binding of acetaminophen to the resin was much less efficient and, in all cases, the selectivity coefficient was independent of the operating temperature up to 37°C. When applied to real samples, the data obtained by the biosensor system compared well with those of the standard hexokinase assay. The immobilized glucose oxidase could be reused for at least 2000 repeated analyses without loss of its original activity.
Tutorial: Phased array antennas for radio astronomy

This tutorial presentation will provide a basic introduction to recent applications of phased array antennas for radio frequency astronomical observations. Antenna arrays of four basic types are used for astronomical observations: (1) synthesis imaging arrays, (2) horn cluster feeds, (3) phased array feeds, and (4) aperture arrays. Synthesis imaging arrays are highly sparse arrays of dish antennas with extremely large separation between antennas relative to the electromagnetic wavelength. These kinds of arrays have been used for many decades and are routinely used at various RF and microwave bands at sites around the world. The focus of this presentation is on more recent research and development work on the third and fourth types of array antennas, which involve dense phased arrays combined with digital beamforming for astronomical observations.
The vibration spectrum of the ammonia molecule

Abstract 1. 1. The infra-red absorption spectrum of ammonia in carbon tetrachloride and aqueous solutions has been studied with a registering quartz spectrograph. The visible spectrum in aqueous solution has also been examined with a Hilger El spectrograph. 2. 2. The absorption bands obtained are quite analogous to those usually observed with ammonia gas. The positions of certain of the bands depend upon the solvent while others do not. 3. 3. Of particular interest is a series of bands, 2.916, 1.51, 1.035, 0.795 0.652 and 0.556 μ, whose positions are apparently independent of the presence or nature of the solvent. The frequencies of these bands obey the equation: vn = 97 ± 3400n − 70n2. They are believed to arise from anharmonic vibrations within the NH bond for the following two reasons: 3.1. a. The energy of the oscillator, S.i equivalent volts, calculated from the above equation agrees approximately with the energy of a single NH linkage, 3.99 equivalent volts, computed chemically. 3.2. b. This series of bands persists, with systematic minor shifts, in the spectra of primary and secondary organic derivatives of ammonia. 4. 4. The appearance of the constant term, 97 cm−1, in the equation is unusual. It is interpreted as arising from a change in potential energy of the molecule, before or while absorption by vibration takes place, arising from a slight inter-nuclear rearrangement. 5. 5. The whole infra-red and visible vibration spectrum of the NH3 molecule can be correlated on the basis of three fundamental bands, 10.55, 6.132 and 2.916 μ. 6. 6. The second, as well as the last, of these bands is believed to be associated with the NH bond, inasmuch as it persists in the spectra of many of the organic derivatives of ammonia. It possibly has non-harmonic overtones of a positive deviation type.
Predicting EDC concentrations in a river mixing zone.

Abstract The fate and transport of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in ambient river waters is a major concern associated with effluents from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This paper presents a methodology for quantifying the spatial distribution of EDCs in a river mixing zone. The core of the technical analysis is based on a two-dimensional steady-state analytical model characterized by ambient turbulence in the receiving water. This model was first calibrated with mass transport data from field measurements for a conservative substance (electrical conductivity) and then used to predict aqueous-phase EDC concentrations throughout a WWTP mixing zone. To demonstrate the usefulness of this methodology for water quality management purposes, the modeling framework presented in this paper was used to determine a lumped in-stream attenuation rate constant ( k d = 3 d −1 ) for 17β-estradiol under natural conditions. This rate constant likely accounts for the combined contributions of physical sorption, photolysis, microbial and chemical degradation, and the measured value is highly consistent with previously published results from bench-scale removal experiments.
The John Henry Wars

In this academically eclectic essay, I look at the complex role of oral literature in society through a case study of the famous American legend of John Henry. I am chiefly concerned with (a) the multiple claims of the hero's origin, b) the conflicting opinions of folklorists, (c) the question of the legend's historicity, and finally, d) how all three areas intersect. In the end, I find that much is at stake in the answer to my initial question: Who was John Henry? Scholars have devoted their careers to this query. African Americans and labor unions, among other groups, have each claimed him as their representative. American cities have built monuments to him, held festivals to celebrate his feats, and released postage stamps with his likeness, all with the intention of engraining the legend into the lore of their particular jurisdictions. Meanwhile, musicians and storytellers have grappled fiercely with academics, the former accusing the latter of ruining the legend through endless analysis. As the title suggests, these ‘wars' over this national icon unearth the subtleties of the political economy of labor, the ironies of racial identity, and the intricate relationship between folklore and fiction. Keywords :folklore, John Henry MARANG: Journal of Language and Literature Vol. 17 2007: pp. 71-82
An optimization technique applied to experiments measuring reaction gamma-ray angular distributions☆

Abstract A general mathematical technique is presented for optimization of any experiment whose data is fit with a model. As an example, this technique is applied to the optimization of experiments measuring the angular distribution of reaction gamma-rays.
Heavy quark production at CDF

The contribution summarizes the latest results from CDF on heavy quark production. Results from top, bottom and charm production are included. Some new analysis using Run I (1991-1994) data have become available. More importantly there are a number of results using Run II data which began in April 2001. The data indicate the potential of CDF for bottom and charm production physics in the near future.
Whisking Pattern Generation

The delineation of central mechanisms underlying the generation and modulation of rhythmic movement patterns in vertebrates [Central Pattern Generators: CPGs]—including respiration and locomotion, swallowing, chewing and licking—has been an important goal of systems neuroscience.
Three-dimensional object feature extraction and classification using computational holographic imaging

This paper deals with 3D object classification using computational holographic imaging. A 3D object can be reconstructed at different planes using a single hologram. We apply Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Fisher Linear Discriminant (FLD) analysis based on Gabor-wavelet feature vectors to classify 3D objects measured by digital interferometry. Experimental and simulation results are presented for regional filtering concentrated at specific positions, and for overall grid filtering. The proposed technique substantially reduces the dimensionality of the 3D classification problem.
Corrosion process and abatement in reinforced concrete wrapped by fiber reinforced polymer

Abstract The corrosion performance of steel reinforcement embedded in concrete samples encased by carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) wraps was investigated experimentally. Concrete samples were wrapped with 0−3 fabric layers impregnated with one of two different epoxies. To accelerate corrosion, samples were subjected to an impressed current and a high salinity solution. Current flow measurements dynamically monitored corrosion activity during exposure, while reinforcement mass losses were measured following exposure. Theoretical predictions of total mass loss were compared with actual corrosion mass loss values. Test results indicated that CFRP wrapped specimens had prolonged test life, decreased reinforcement mass loss, and lower corrosion rates. The performance of wrapped specimens was superior to that of either control samples or those coated only with epoxy. Results indicated that the level of corrosion abatement provided by the CFRP wraps was influenced both by the type of epoxy used and the number of wrap layers.
Structural basis of spectral shifts in the yellow-emission variants of green fluorescent protein.

Abstract Background: Because of its ability to spontaneously generate its own fluorophore, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria is used extensively as a fluorescent marker in molecular and cell biology. The yellow fluorescent proteins (YFPs) have the longest wavelength emissions of all GFP variants examined to date. This shift in the spectrum is the result of a T203Y substitution (single-letter amino acid code), a mutation rationally designed on the basis of the X-ray structure of GFP S65T. Results: We have determined the crystal structures of YFP T203Y/S65G/V68L/S72A and YFP H148G to 2.5 and 2.6 a resolution, respectively. Both structures show clear electron density for nearly coplanar π - π stacking between Tyr203 and the chromophore. The chromophore has been displaced by nearly 1 a in comparison to other available structures. Although the H148G mutation results in the generation of a solvent channel to the chromophore cavity, intense fluorescence is maintained. The chromophore in the intact protein can be titrated, and the two variants have pK a values of 7.0 (YFP) and 8.0 (YFP H148G). Conclusions: The observed red shift of the T203Y YFP variant is proposed to be mainly due to the additional polarizability of the π -stacked Tyr203. The altered location of the chromophore suggests that the exact positions of nearby residues are not crucial for the chemistry of chromophore formation. The YFPs significantly extend the pH range over which GFPs may be employed as pH indicators in live cells.
Influence of Exchange and Correlation on Electron Transport in Metals

A result of the collective treatment of Bohm and Pines is that the dependence of electron energy $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ on the wave vector $k$ differs from that for noninteracting free electrons. It follows that the expressions for those properties, such as conductivity and thermoelectric power, which depend on the relationship between $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ and $k$ must be suitably modified. Electrical and thermal conductivity are altered in the same manner, suffering slight changes because of changes of the density of states at the Fermi energy and of the relaxation time. The Wiedemann-Franz ratio remains unaltered. For the alkali metals the calculated thermoelectric power is reduced slightly below the free-electron value. The changes in both conductivity and thermoelectricity are too small to permit quantitative comparison with experiment.
Comparison of the Nutritive Value of Different Heat-Treated Commercial Soybean Meals: Utilization by Chicks in Practical Type Rations

Abstract Four commercially heat-treated soybean meals (Subnormal, Normal, Over, or Rumen Escape) were evaluated on the basis of their nutritive quality using proximate analysis, amino acid composition, in vitro tests (trypsin inhibitor activity, urease activity, protein dispersibility index, nitrogen solubility index), Hunterlab color values, and a chick bioassay. Each soybean meal (SBM) was incorporated into a practical-type broiler diet, formulated to contain 100% (Experiment 1) or 85% (Experiment 2) of the protein requirement. Compared to the Normal meal, excessively heat-treated SBM (Over or Rumen Escape) had lower crude protein (essential and nonessential amino acids); less trypsin inhibitor and urease activities; reduced protein dispersibility and nitrogen solubility indices; and was darker in color (redness). The nutritive profile of the Subnormal SBM was nearly identical to that of the Normal meal except that trypsin inhibitor activity, urease activity, nitrogen solubility index, and color scores (lightness and yellowness values) were reduced in the Normal meal due to processing. The protein dispersibility index was highest in the Normal meal, followed by the Subnormal, Over, and Rumen Escape. Performance data (body weight gain, feed conversion, relative pancreas weight) among broiler chicks fed either Subnormal, Over, or Rumen Escape SBM did not differ significantly compared to birds fed Normal SBM in Experiment 1 or Experiment 2. Moreover, supplementing diets containing Over or Rumen Escape heat-treated SBM with lysine (Experiment 2) did not significantly improve performance. These results indicate that the nutritive quality of commercially processed SBM should be assessed not only on the basis of in vitro tests but also on the basis of a chick bioassay.
Electron-beam-induced polymerization of epoxides

Abstract By use of IR spectroscopy, it has been possible to monitor the rate of polymerization of 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3′,4′-epoxycyclohexane carboxylate when subjected to electron beam radiation provided precursors of Lewis/Bronstead acids are present. The efficiency of the precursors in promoting the polymerization of the epoxides was found to be iodonium > sulphonium > iron arene complex (as their hexafluorophosphate salts), which is to be expected if their decomposition is triggered by electron capture. It was also found that the rate of polymerization was mirrored by the rate of decomposition of the hexafluorophosphate anion, suggesting that the latter plays an important role in the polymerization process.
Manual discrimination of force using active finger motion.

In these experiments, two plates were grasped between the thumb and forefinger and squeezed together along a linear track. An electromechanical system presented a constant resistance force during the squeeze up to a predetermined location on the track, whereupon the force effectively went to infinity (simulating a wall) or to zero (simulating a cliff). The task of the subject was to discriminate between two alternative levels of the constant resistance force (a reference level and a reference-plus-increment level). Results of these experiments indicate a just noticeable difference of roughly 7% of the reference force using a one-interval paradigm with trial-by-trial feedback over the ranges 2.5≤Fo≤10.0 newtons, 5≤D≤30 mm, 45≤S≤125 mm, and 25≤V≤160 mm/sec, whereFo is the reference force,D is the distance squeezed,S is the initial finger-span, andV is the mean velocity of the squeeze. These results, based on tests with 5 subjects, are consistent with a wide range of previous results, some of which are associated with other body surfaces and muscle systems and many of which were obtained with different psychophysical methods.
A cost-benefit stopping criterion for statistical testing

Determining when to stop a statistical test is an important management decision. Several stopping criteria have been proposed, including criteria based on statistical similarity, the probability that the system has a desired reliability, and the expected cost of remaining faults. This paper proposes a new stopping criterion based on a cost-benefit analysis using the expected reliability of the system (as opposed to an estimate of the remaining faults). The expected reliability is used, along with other factors such as units deployed and expected use, to anticipate the number of failures in the field and the resulting anticipated cost of failures. Reductions in this number generated by increasing the reliability are balanced against the cost of further testing to determine when testing should be stopped.
GALO: A DEPLOYABLE FRAMEWORK FOR PROVIDING BETTER THAN BEST-EFFORT QUALITY OF SERVICE

In this paper we propose a deployable approach to improving QoS by using a generic, extendable, overlay architecture; the Generalized Application Layer Overlay (GALO). The goals of this work are to 1) create an overlay architecture which allows us to sample specific path quality metrics among different paths; 2) utilize the proposed overlay architecture in order to implement our proposed QoS-based routing schemes, Application Layer Switching (ALSW) and Application Layer Striping (ALST). Perhaps the most significant contribution of this research is that we are able to achieve better than best-effort QoS without modifying intermediate nodes (i.e., routers), thus encouraging immediate deployment. Additionally, this research is performed on an actual wide area network (WAN) testbed, comprised of universities across the nation. Also, we assemble this architecture as a peer-to-peer framework, encouraging collaborating individuals with average workstations to improve the QoS of their traffic.
Bicyclic dinuclear tris-(ditopic diphosphane) complexes of zerovalent group 10 metals

Selective formation of bimetallic group 10 complexes using the Cs symmetric, bicyclic diphosphane P2C12H20 is reported herein. With its eclipsed lone pairs disposed at a relative angle of ca. 45°, the diphosphane framework is ideally suited to form multiple bridges between two metal centers. The complexes contain {M2P6} cages with three diphosphane bridges and a pair of trans-axial ligands such as EPh3 (E = P, As, Sb) or η1-P2C12H20. X-Ray crystallography experiments revealed that the cages have a pseudo-D3h symmetry, with metal–metal distances in the 3.9–4.1 A range. The complexes were isolated in 48–91% yield as crystalline, bright yellow or orange powders. Substitution of the axial ligands with the {M2P6} cages remaining intact was also observed.
Body mass index and perioperative complications after oesophagectomy for adenocarcinoma: a systematic database review

Objective Given the increasing rate of obesity, the effects of excessive body weight on surgical outcomes constitute a relevant quality of care concern. Our aim was to determine the relationship between preoperative body mass index (BMI) on perioperative complications after oesophagectomy for adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. Design Retrospective database review. Setting Single institution high volume oncological tertiary care referral centre. Participants From our comprehensive oesophageal cancer database consisting of 709 patients, we stratified patients according to BMI: 155 normal-weight (BMI 20–24), 198 overweight (BMI 25–29) and 187 obese (BMI ≥30) patients. Interventions All patients underwent oesophagectomy for cancer. Primary and secondary outcome measures Incidences of preoperative risk factors and perioperative complications in each group were analysed. Results The patient cohort consisted of 474 men and 66 women with a mean age of 64.3 years (28–86). They were similar in terms of demographics and comorbidities, with the exception of a younger age (65.2 vs 65.4 vs 62.5 years, p=0.0094), and a higher incidence of diabetes (9.1% vs 13.2% vs 22.7%, p=0.001), hiatal hernia (16.8% vs 17.8% vs 28.8%, p=0.009) and Barrett oesophagus (24.7% vs 25.4% vs 36.2%, p=0.025) for obese patients. The type of surgery performed, overall blood loss, extent of lymphadenectomy, R0 resections and complications were not influenced by BMI on univariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusions In our experience, patients with an elevated BMI and oesophageal adenocarcinoma do not experience an increase in morbidity and mortality after oesophagectomy as stated in previous reports, when performed at a high volume centre. Additionally, BMI did not affect the quality of oncological resection as determined by number of harvested lymph-nodes and rates of R0 resections. Trial Registration MCC 15030, IRB 105286.
NOD Dendritic Cells Stimulated with Lactobacilli Preferentially Produce IL-10 versus IL-12 and Decrease Diabetes Incidence

Dendritic cells (DCs) from NOD mice produced high levels of IL-12 that induce IFNγ-producing T cells involved in diabetes development. We propose to utilize the microorganism ability to induce tolerogenic DCs to abrogate the proinflammatory process and prevent diabetes development. NOD DCs were stimulated with Lactobacilli (nonpathogenic bacteria targeting TLR2) or lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Staphylococcus aureus (TLR2 agonist). LTA-treated DCs produced much more IL-12 than IL-10 and accelerated diabetes development when transferred into NOD mice. In contrast, stimulation of NOD DCs with L. casei favored the production of IL-10 over IL-12, and their transfer decreased disease incidence which anti-IL-10R antibodies restored. These data indicated that L. casei can induce NOD DCs to develop a more tolerogenic phenotype via production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Evaluation of the relative production of IL-10 and IL-12 by DCs may be a very useful means of identifying agents that have therapeutic potential.
Distal ulnar growth arrest

Four cases of arrest of distal ulnar physeal growth occurring in children ages 7 to 13 years had follow-up for 2 to 10 years. Each patient developed bowing of the radial diaphysis, ulnar translation of the distal radial epiphysis, and increased ulnar angulation of the distal radiocarpal joint surface. Growth discrepancies were documented in both the ulna (range 2.2 to 3.9 em) and to a lesser extent the radius (range 0.2 to 1.6 em) when compared to the opposite forearm in each patient. The progression of deformity appeared to be greatest during adolescence. Radial deviation and pronation were limited to varying degrees in each case. No patient had significant pain or functional impairment, but the cosmetic appearance was always displeasing. Indications for surgical treatment include increasing ulnar angulation of the distal radial articular surface, progressive loss of motion, and displeasing cosmetic appearance.
Model-based, event-driven programming paradigm for interactive web applications

Applications are increasingly distributed and event-driven. Advances in web frameworks have made it easier to program standalone servers and their clients, but these applications remain hard to write. A model-based programming paradigm is proposed that allows a programmer to represent a distributed application as if it were a simple sequential program, with atomic actions updating a single, shared global state. A runtime environment executes the program on a collection of clients and servers, automatically handling (and hiding from the programmer) complications such as network communication (including server push), serialization, concurrency and races, persistent storage of data, and queuing and coordination of events.
Robust Stability via Sign-Definite Decomposition

This paper considers the problem of robust stability of a polynomial family whose coefficients are polynomial functions of the parameters of interests. The problem occurs in the design of a fixed order or fixed structure multivariable feedback controller , parametrized by a real design parameter vector , for a plant , containing a vector of uncertain parameters. The characteristic polynomials of such systems often contain coefficients which depend polynomially on and . Using results on sign-definite decomposition, a new stability test is developed that gives a sufficient condition for Hurwitz stability of the family of closed loop systems that result when and vary over prescribed boxes. This test is reminiscent of Kharitonov's Theorem, even though the family of polynomials considered here is certainly not restricted to be interval or even convex. Moreover the test does reduce to Kharitonov's Theorem for the special case of interval polynomials. Using this criterion recursively and modularly, sets of controllers that stabilize the family of uncertain plants are determined.
Carbon dioxide increase: the implications at the ecosystem level

Abstract Possible effects of increased atmospheric concentrations of CO2 on forest ecosystems are discussed and as an example a simulation case study using a set of mixed-age and mixed-species forest stand models is presented. The responses of the models to a simple scenario (uniform growth increase of all trees as a response to CO2 enrichment) include increases in biomass that are considerably less than the increases in growth rate of the trees. These simulations and more general discussion of the possible effects of increased photosynthetic production identify the problem of scaling-up small time-scale and space-scale measurements of plant responses to CO2 enrichment to the ecosystem level.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Based on US Cohort Studies Findings From a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Workshop

This report was derived from a workshop on cardiovascular risk assessment sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, which addressed whether risk equations developed in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) for predicting new-onset coronary heart disease (CHD) apply to diverse population groups. Preparation for the workshop included a reanalysis and comparison of prospective studies in several different populations in which risk factors were related to cardiovascular outcomes. Some studies included fatal and nonfatal CHD end points, whereas others contained only CHD mortality. Extensive collaboration provided as much uniformity as possible with respect to both risk factors and CHD end points. The FHS has led in defining the quantitative impact of risk factors.1 Many potential risk factors were measured and related to cardiovascular outcomes. Several risk factors proved to be strong, largely independent predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). These factors—advancing age, cigarette smoking, blood pressure (particularly systolic), cholesterol in total serum and HDL, and diabetes—served as the basis for the development of risk prediction equations.1 If FHS risk estimates are to be widely used, they must apply widely in the US population. To document their transportability, they must be compared with prospective studies in other populations. Although the FHS is the longest running prospective study, there are other major studies. The cardiovascular end points of these other studies have varied. Some include cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; others have only cardiovascular mortality. Among the end points, CHD is the most extensively reported; for this reason, CHD was the primary focus of the workshop. ### Multivariate Relative Risk Comparisons In preparation for the workshop, multivariate regression coefficients for each risk factor were compared in different populations with those of the FHS. Adjusted relative risk estimates make it possible to determine whether each independent risk factor confers a similar or different relative risk among different …
Late dissemination of pulmonary blastomycosis during ketoconazole therapy.

We report a patient with pulmonary blastomycosis who suffered relapse with dissemination of her disease after five months of apparent response to therapy with ketoconazole, 400 mg daily. Common causes of drug failure, including noncompliance and failure of absorption, were excluded, and there was no evidence of altered host immunity. Previous reports of relapse during and after ketoconazole therapy are reviewed; no previous case was found with recurrence near the end of a six-month period of apparently effective therapy. Close followup during the entire course of ketoconazole therapy for blastomycosis and following its completion is recommended. (Chest 1989-95-240-42)
Perspectives: The Realities behind the Polls

I believe quite strongly, as does Daniel Yankelovich, that we have to do a better job of informing and engaging the public on big policy issues like health care reform, welfare reform, and the budget debate. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, of which I am president, has directed a major share of its work to this challenge. However, I do not necessarily think that the outcome of the reform debate would have been changed with better public deliberation, because the obstacles to public support are more basic than information and communication. I believe that even if we moved smoothly and sequentially through Yankelovich’s seven steps to public judgment, it would be a long time until the public arrived at that allimportant “step eight,” the stage when people are ready to say: “I want Congress to change my medical care, and I’m ready to pay more in taxes.” Here I make several points to build on the foundation Yankelovich has laid. Underlying trends. There are broad underlying trends that no amount of deliberation or better communication is likely to quickly change. The most important trend in the surveys over the past several years is a decline in concern about social issues and social welfare, and a rise in concern about economic issues and, most especially, in distrust and frustration with government. The health care reform debate both contributed to and was victimized by these broad underlying trends. It was the most visible example people took with them to the polls
An energy approach to controllability

The authors formulate an energy approach to the control of linear systems. Recent ideas developed for balancing coordinate transformations motivate this approach. Specifically, the geometry of the controllability Gramian and its relationship to the system eigenstructure underlie the controllability of a system from an input energy perspective. After detailing these ideas, the authors describe an algorithm for constructing state feedback to achieve a desired Gramian geometry in a minimum-norm sense. This provides a means of eigenstructure improvement without direct eigenstructure assignment. >
TV and FM Broadcast Antennas

Television and fm broadcasting in the United States is assigned to major portions of the vhf and uhf spectrum. Television is assigned to three bands at vhf and one at uhf, namely:
Negotiating Dangerous Fields: Pragmatic Strategies for Fieldwork amid Violence and Terror

As anthropology turns toward the cultural issues of the 21 st century, more and more ethnographic fieldwork is and will continue to be conducted in regions fraught with conflict, instability, and terror. Despite a growing literature that seeks to develop new theories and perspectives for the study of violence, little mention is made of the practical matters of survival in perilous field sites and how the anthropologist's experience of violence in the field should be considered. What is needed is a pragmatic strategy for dealing with threats to the safety, security, and well-being of anthropologists and informants who work amid the menace of violence. Drawing on my own fieldwork in Haiti, I suggest the adoption of new tactics for ethnographic research and survival in dangerous fields—strategies that challenge the conventional ethics of the discipline, reconfigure the relationship between anthropologist and informant, and compel innovation in negotiating the exchange of data under hazardous circumstances. [Keywords: fieldwork, violence, methodology, ethics, Haiti]
Emerging Clinical Decision Support Technology for the Twenty First Century

Chapter 1 reviewed key aspects of the history of Clinical Decision Support (CDS), describing the significant progress achieved as well as calling out some of the limitations that have diminished the expected benefits of CDS despite increasingly widespread use of EHR technology. This chapter will describe emerging approaches and new technologies that show promise for addressing some of the current limitations of the field, and which hold hope for more widespread realization of the benefits of CDS.
Definition of Coherence

The idea of coherence dates to Young’s Experiment where is was shown that two beams of light could interact and produce an interference pattern on a distant screen. While this phenomena supported the wave nature of light, another more interesting fact was uncovered. It was found that in order to produce an interference pattern, the two beams had to come from the same source. Also, light from some sources would not produce interference at all. The term coherent was applied to describe light that would produce interference in an experiment like Young’s. As our understanding of electro-magnetic radiation grew, the idea of coherence developed beyond this original definition. This manuscript will provide a brief overview of the concept of coherence, from a classical description of Young’s experiment, to a quantum mechanical definition of coherence.
An Analysis of Inpatient Rehabilitation Approval Among Private Insurance Carriers at a Cancer Center

Abstract Background Acute inpatient rehabilitation is often used by cancer patients to assist with discharge home and/or preparation for further treatment. Private insurance patients often require approval before transfer to acute inpatient rehabilitation. Objective To analyze the approval rate of private insurance carriers for acute inpatient cancer rehabilitation. Design Retrospective analysis. Setting Tertiary referral-based cancer center. Patients A total of 96 consecutive patients with private insurance who had acute inpatient rehabilitation authorization requests made between April 1, 2014, and September 17, 2014. Intervention Patient cases were assessed by a physiatrist, deemed clinically appropriate for acute inpatient rehabilitation, and submitted to private insurance payers for an approval request. Results In all, 84 of 96 requests (87%) for private insurance authorization for inpatient rehabilitation transfer were approved. Of the 96 cases, 14 cases (14.6%) were initially denied. Nine of 96 (9.4%) progressed to a peer-to-peer appeal, of which only 2 of 9 (11.1%) resulted in approval for inpatient rehabilitation transfer ( P = .222). The insurance carriers represented were designated as insurance A (46 patients, 48%), insurance B (18 patients, 19%), insurance C (12 patients, 13%), and other insurances (20, 21%). Two of 46 insurance A requests were initially denied, as compared to 7 of 18 for insurance B, 0 of 12 for insurance C, and 4 of 20 for other insurances ( P = .001). Patients with insurance B ( P = .002, odds ratio=14) and other insurances ( P = .062, odds ratio=5.50) were more likely to be denied inpatient rehabilitation approval compared to patients with insurance A. No significant difference between mean Functional Independence Measure scores for approved and denied patients were found for transfers ( P = .239) and mobility ( P = .129), respectively. Conclusion Access to acute inpatient rehabilitation is unfortunately limited by insurers rather than clinical indicators. Future multicenter studies and universally accepted guidelines regarding inpatient rehabilitation criteria are needed.
Three cases of women with HPV-related squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary in the pelvis and retroperitoneum: A case series

Background Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) of the pelvis is a challenging entity for the oncologist. The role of human papilloma virus (HPV)/p16 in carcinogenesis and prognosis is more established in the head and neck than in the pelvis. In the case of an HPV positive occult primary of the pelvis the radiation therapy target coverage is not well established.
Frailty Trajectories in an Elderly Population‐Based Cohort

Objectives To identify distinct frailty trajectories (clusters of individuals following a similar progression of frailty over time) in an aging population and to estimate associations between frailty trajectories and emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality. Design Population-based cohort study. Setting Olmsted County, Minnesota. Participants Olmsted County, Minnesota residents aged 60–89 in 2005. Measurements Longitudinal changes in frailty between 2005 and 2012 were measured by constructing a yearly Rockwood frailty index incorporating body mass index, 17 comorbidities, and 14 activities of daily living. The frailty index measures variation in health status as the proportion of deficits present of the 32 considered (range 0–1). Results Of the 16,443 Olmsted County residents aged 60–89 in 2005, 12,270 (74.6%) had at least 3 years of frailty index measures and were retained for analysis. The median baseline frailty index increased with age (0.11 for 60–69, 0.14 for 70–79, 0.19 for 80–89). Three distinct frailty trajectories were identified in individuals aged 60–69 at baseline and two trajectories in those aged 70–79 and 80–89. Within each decade of age, increasing frailty trajectories were associated with greater risks of emergency department visits, hospitalization, and all-cause mortality, even after adjustment for baseline frailty index. Conclusion The number of frailty trajectories differed according to age. Within each age group, those in the highest frailty trajectory had greater healthcare use and worse survival. Frailty trajectories may offer a way to target aging individuals at high risk of hospitalization or death for therapeutic or preventive interventions.
Fabrication of 2-D and 3-D photonic bandgap structures using laser-assisted imprinting of self-assembled particles

Fabrication of 2-D and 3-D photonic bandgap (PBG) structures on silicon substrates using laser-assisted nanoimprinting of silica particles has been investigated. Monolayers of silica particles, with different diameters ranging from 160 nm to 5 νm, were deposited on silicon substrates by self-assembly. A quartz plate, which is transparent to the laser wavelength of 248 nm, was tightly placed on the substrate surface. A KrF excimer laser beam with the wavelength of 248 nm was vertically irradiated on the quartz/nanoparticle/silicon structure. The silica particles were imprinted into silicon substrates by the quartz to form a 2-D PBG structure due to the transient Si surface melting during the laser pulse. 3-D PBG structures can be fabricated by directly imprinting multilayer self-assembled silica particles into Si substrates. They can also be fabricated by repeating a process cycle of silica nanoparticles self-assembly, amorphous Si layer deposition, and simultaneous laser melting, imprinting and recrystallization.
On Local and Global Species Conservation Errors for Nonlinear Ecological Models and Chemical Reacting Flows

Advection-controlled and diffusion-controlled oscillatory chemical reactions appear in various areas of life sciences, hydrogeological systems, and contaminant transport. In this conference paper, we analyze whether the existing numerical formulations and commercial packages provide physically meaningful values for concentration of the chemical species for two popular oscillatory chemical kinetic schemes. The first one corresponds to the chlorine dioxide-iodine-malonic acid reaction while the second one is a simplified version of Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction of a non-linear chemical oscillator. The governing equations for species balance are presented based on the theory of interacting continua. This results in a set of coupled non-linear partial differential equations. Obtaining analytical solutions is not practically viable. Moreover, it is well-known in literature that if the local dynamics becomes complex, the range of possible dynamic behavior in the presence of diffusion and advection becomes practically unlimited. We resort to numerical solutions, which are obtained using two popular stabilized formulations: Streamline Upwind/Petrov Galerkin and Galerkin/Least Squares. In order to make the computational analysis tractable, an estimate on the range of system-dependent parameters is obtained based on model reduction performed on the strong-form of the governing equations. Finally, we quantify the errors in satisfying the local and global species balance for various realistic benchmark problems. Through these representative numerical examples, we shall demonstrate the need and importance of developing locally conservative non-negative numerical formulations for chaotic and oscillatory chemically reacting systems.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Visual similarity index for image quality assessment

Low level features are widely used in computer vision for acquiring information from outside circumstance and responding to it.Considering that low level features provide a rich source of information about luminance distribution,object organization and foreground/background configuration,their difference reflects the structural change of images.Based on the fact that the human vision system always focuses on the local neighborhoods around gazing positions,similarity between corner and edge of images is estimated locally and combined into an image quality metric,namely low-level features based similarity measure(LFSIM).Extensive experiments based upon five publicly-available image databases with subjective ratings demonstrate that LFSIM performs much better than traditional peak signal noise ratio(PSNR) and structural similarity measure(SSIM),and is even competitive to the state-of-the art image quality assessment algorithms information fidelity criteria(IFC) and visual information fidelity(VIF),which are developed on the basis of natural scene statistics.