cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feed-forward guided generalized predictive control of PMSM drive

The aim of this paper is a design of a linear state controller of the PMSM drive. Popular generalized predictive control (GPC) approach can yield a simple controller, however it has difficulty with meeting hard constraints that are imposed on the drive (specifically, the drive must secure powerful limitation of motor current and keeps demand for ultimate drive dynamics). We propose to resolve this difficulty by smart design of set-points in the GPC criteria. Specifically, we design a feed-forward controller based on model of the drive that is capable to respect the above mentioned hard constraints. The result of this feed-forward controller is then used as a set-point for the GPC. Hence, with properly chosen penalization matrices, the GPC control operates only in close proximity of the set-point and improves over the feed-forward controller. The feedforward control is based on a mathematical model of PMSM and the whole control strategy is designed to be as simple as possible. The theoretical conclusions are verified by experiments made on developed drive prototype of rated power of 10.7kW. The results of experiments show excellent behavior of proposed GPC based controller with feedforward link and the data are compared with conventional PI based vector control. Furthermore, this paper also discusses and presents solution for optimization of proposed drive controller.
Firearm suicides and homicides in the United States: regional variations and patterns of gun ownership.

Among industrialized countries, the United States has the highest rates of firearm suicide and homicide, as well as the highest rate of gun ownership. The present study compares the differential impact of gun availability on firearm suicides and homicides in the U.S. Using data from the NCHS Mortality Detail Files (1989-1991), the 1990 U.S. census population estimates, and the General Social Surveys (1989-1991) for nine geographic divisions, we computed rates of firearm and non-firearm suicides and homicides as well as rates of gun ownership for four gender-race groups. We tested the strength of the associations between gun availability and firearm suicide and homicide rates by computing the Spearman correlation coefficients. To help elucidate the role of method substitution, we conducted similar analyses on non-firearm suicide and homicide. The results show that gun ownership has a stronger impact on firearm suicides than homicides. These findings held up after stratifying by gender and race. The study suggests that reducing the aggregate level of gun availability may decrease the risk of firearm-related deaths.
Integrating property management into overall business and financial planning

Property is often treated as integral to an organisation's core business needs, but rarely as being integral to business or financial planning. The current surge in real estate values, driven primarily by the sheer amount of capital chasing property-related investment, is bringing the real estate debate into sharp focus for operating businesses that are property-heavy.
The use of in situ simulation to evaluate teamwork and system organization during a pediatric dental clinic emergency.

Introduction: The purpose of this exercise was to use in situ simulation training to assess a pediatric dental clinic's emergency response protocol, specifically evaluating overall team and system process effectiveness as well as clinical performance. Methods: Two high-fidelity simulation scenarios were developed to evaluate an existing clinic-wide multidisciplinary emergency code response for a freestanding pediatric dentistry clinic. Participants included all clinic faculty, trainees (dental residents), and staff (dental assistant and clerks). Each scenario was based on a routine patient care issue experienced by the clinicians in practice. The scenarios were executed in a regular patient care room with all clinical faculty and staff. A facilitated group debrief occurred after each scenario to identify areas of vulnerability and process failures. Key issues were recorded and evaluated by the investigators to determine potential causes and solutions. Results: Primary areas of vulnerability identified included (1) team communication, (2) equipment availability, (3) dosing errors, and (4) role assignment. Failure to stock needed equipment and ineffective use of a preexisting radio system was noted. Participants reported that they learned from the experience and that they would revisit the current system and address these issues. Implementation of mandatory simulation training was the most immediate outcome from the experience. Conclusions: In situ simulations can be leveraged to evaluate critical teamwork processes and system-based operations, both of which can impact dental team function during adverse patient events.
To evaluate the change in release from solid dispersion using sodium lauryl sulfate and model drug sulfathiazole

The solubility of drugs remains one of the most challenging aspects of formulation development. There are numerous ways to improve the solubility of drugs amongst which the most promising strategy is solid dispersion. Different ratios of sulfathiazole: PVP-K29/32: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) were prepared (1:1:0.1, 1:1:0.5, 1:1:1) and various methods were employed to characterize the prepared solid dispersions, namely modulated differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy and dissolution studies. Lack of crystallinity was observed in internal and external systems suggesting a loss of crystallinity, whereas the physical mixtures showed a characteristic peak of sulfathiazole. In vitro dissolution results clearly showed that the incorporation of a relatively small amount of surfactants (5, 20 or 33% w/w) into a solid dispersion can improve its dissolution rates compared to binary solid dispersion (SD) alone and pure sulfathiazole. In all ratios solid dispersion internal shows a higher dissolution rate compared to a physical mixture and solid dispersion external which suggests that the way that the surfactant is incorporated into the solid dispersion plays an important role in changing the solubility of a drug. The solubilization mechanism is mainly responsible for this higher dissolution rate when we incorporate the SLS in SD.
Festum Asinorum : A Trickster at Play

In January 2000, I was diagnosed with cancer. This story tells of my relationships with the medical professionals who treated me. Like Arthur Frank, my goal was to receive the treatment I needed wi...
No Starobinsky inflation from self-consistent semiclassical gravity

The same theory of semiclassical gravity that predicts Starobinsky inflation (de Sitter-like solutions driven only by higher-order curvature terms) also predicts flat space to be unstable to small perturbations. When semiclassical gravity is modified in a way suggested by and consistent with the perturbative nature of its derivation, flat space is predicted to be stable, in accord with observation, but Starobinsky inflation is no longer a solution. The modified semiclassical theory, constrained to only solutions perturbatively expandable in {h bar}, has the same dynamical degrees of freedom as the clasical gravitational field, despite the presence of fourth-order derivatives in the field equations. There are no de Sitter or de Sitter-like self-consistent solutions except in the presence of a cosmological constant, so inflation generated purely by curvature is not predicted. Furthermore, linearized gravitational perturbations in a de Sitter background (with a cosmological constant) show no signs of instability from quantum effects.
A common SCN5A polymorphism modulates the biophysical defects of SCN5A mutations

Background Defects in the cardiac sodium channel gene, SCN5A, can cause a broad spectrum of inherited arrhythmia syndromes. After genotyping of a proband who presented with syncope, the SCN5A mutant P2006A and the common polymorphism H558R were identified. Objective The main objective of this study was to determine whether the SCN5A-H558R polymorphism could modify the defective gating kinetics observed in the P2006A mutation and therefore explain why this gain-of-function mutation has been identified in control populations. Methods Mutations were engineered using site-directed mutagenesis and heterologously expressed transiently in HEK293 cells. Whole-cell sodium currents were measured at room temperature using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Results In HEK293 cells, P2006A displayed biophysical defects typically associated with long QT syndrome by increasing persistent sodium current, producing a depolarizing shift in voltage dependence of inactivation, and hastening recovery from inactivation. Interestingly, when coexpressed either on the same or different genes, P2006A and H558R displayed currents that behaved like wild type (WT). We also investigated whether H558R can modulate the gating defects of other SCN5A mutations. The H558R polymorphism also restored the gating defects of the SCN5A mutation V1951L to the WT level. Conclusions Our results suggest that H558R might play an important role in stabilization of channel fast inactivation and may provide a plausible explanation as to why the P2006A gain-of-function mutation has been identified in control populations. Our results also suggest that the SCN5A polymorphism H558R might be a disease-modifying gene.
The phonological correlates of social stratification in the Spanish of Costa Rica

Abstract This study examines Costa Rican Spanish phonology, relating linguistic variation to differences in socio-economic status, as well as to differences in speech formality levels. The study finds that as the level of formality increases the use of prestige phonological forms increases. Of the wide range of socio-economic variables measured, a particular subset, consisting of household artifacts, house construction materials, and education, as grouped together using factor analysis, are shown to be the strongest measures of linguistic performance. Finally, using multiple regression, it is found that the level of formality which most highly correlates with S.E.S. factors is the most formal level.
A primal–dual algorithm for computing a cost allocation in the core of economic lot-sizing games

Abstract We consider the economic lot-sizing game with general concave ordering cost functions. It is well-known that the core of this game is nonempty when the inventory holding costs are linear. The main contribution of this work is a combinatorial, primal–dual algorithm that computes a cost allocation in the core of these games in polynomial time. We also show that this algorithm can be used to compute a cost allocation in the core of economic lot-sizing games with remanufacturing under certain assumptions.
Maternal salivary bacterial challenge is associated with oral infection among children and predicts early childhood caries (ECC) incidence in a high-risk cohort of 36-month-old children.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Maternal oral bacterial levels predict early childhood caries development. Chaffee BW, Gansky SA, Weintraub JA, Featherstone JDB, Ramos-Gomez FJ. J Dent Res 2014;93(3):238-44. Reviewer Dorota T. Kopycka-Kedzierawski, DDS, MPH Purpose/Question The authors measured the association of maternal salivary bacterial challenge (mutans streptococci [MS] and lactobacilli [LB]) from pregnancy through 24 months postpartum with ECC incidence at age 36 months. Source of Funding Government, grant numbers: U54DE014251 and U54DE019385 Type of Study/Design Prospective observational cohort nested in the randomized clinical trial Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Computational investigation of the competition between the concerted Diels-Alder reaction and formation of diradicals in reactions of acrylonitrile with nonpolar dienes.

The energetics of the Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions of several 1,3-dienes with acrylonitrile, and the energetics of formation of diradicals, were investigated with density functional theory (...
Role of indirect-ionization processes in the electron-impact ionization of Fe15+

We have investigated the contributions of excitation-autoionization and resonant-excitation-double-autoionization indirect-ionization processes to the electron-impact ionization of Fe/sup 15+/ using a close-coupling approximation. The total ionization cross sections are obtained by adding the cross sections for these indirect processes to the direct-ionization cross sections. Eleven autoionizing levels arising from the 2p/sup 5/3s/sup 2/, 2p/sup 5/3s3p, 2p/sup 5/3p/sup 2/, and 2p/sup 5/3s3d configurations, together with the ground 2p/sup 6/3s state, are included in the close-coupling expansion. Large numbers of bound terms of appropriate symmetry are included in the expansion to account for the resonant-excitation-double-autoionization process. The present results are in good agreement with the recent crossed-beam measurement.
Criminal thinking and recidivism: Meta-analytic evidence on the predictive and incremental validity of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS)

Abstract Two meta-analyses were performed on the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS: Walters, 1995) as a predictor of recidivism. Seven samples from six different studies (5 published, 1 unpublished) were included in the first meta-analysis. The results revealed a pooled mean effect size ( r ) of .20 for the reconstructed General Criminal Thinking score (GCT rc ), a pooled mean effect size of .17 for the reconstructed Proactive Criminal Thinking score (P rc ), and a pooled mean effect size of .17 for the reconstructed Reactive Criminal Thinking score (R rc ). Data from three of these studies (4 samples) were sufficient to perform a meta-analysis of the incremental validity of the GCT rc . In all four samples, the GCT rc score predicted recidivism above and beyond the contributions of age and criminal history, with a mean effect size (odds ratio) of 1.27. Whereas the PICTS GCT rc score satisfied two of the three criteria for dynamic risk (i.e., dynamic risk factors are statistically and clinically significant predictors of outcome and are incrementally valid relative to well-established static risk factors), there is a need for additional data to assess its standing on the third criterion (i.e., changes in dynamic risk factors predict outcome and changes in outcome risk).
High-dimensional data and linear models: a review

The need to understand large database structures is an important issue in biological and medical science. This review paper is aimed at quantitative medical researchers looking for guidance in modeling large numbers of variables in medical research, how this relates to standard linear models and the geometry that underlies their analysis. Issues reviewed include LASSO-related approaches, principal-component based analysis, and issues of model stability and interpretation. Model misspecification issues related to potential nonlinearities are also examined, as is the Bayesian perspective on these issues.
Stratification of a Population of Intracranial Aneurysms Using Blood Flow Metrics

Indices of the intra-aneurysm hemodynamic environment have been proposed as potentially indicative of their longitudinal outcome. To be useful, the indices need to be used to stratify large study populations and tested against known outcomes. The first objective was to compile the diverse hemodynamic indices reported in the literature. Furthermore, as morphology is often the only patient-specific information available in large population studies, the second objective was to assess how the ranking of aneurysms in a population is affected by the use of steady flow simulation as an approximation to pulsatile flow simulation, even though the former is clearly non-physiological. Sixteen indices of aneurysmal hemodynamics reported in the literature were compiled and refined where needed. It was noted that, in the literature, these global indices of flow were always time-averaged over the cardiac cycle. Steady and pulsatile flow simulations were performed on a population of 198 patient-specific and 30 idealised ...
Diversionary War and Argentina's Invasion of the Falkland Islands

Why do states launch diversionary conflicts? In particular, why did Argentina invade the Falkland Islands in 1982? The existing literature tends to analyze diversionary conflict by examining the direct relationship between domestic unrest (the independent variable) and the use of force (the dependent variable). But such an approach ignores critical variables that shape the likelihood of diversionary conflict. When states face domestic unrest, they have a number of options: they can launch a diversionary conflict, they can reform, or they can repress. We therefore need to consider which variables alter the attractiveness of each of these options, employing what I term “the policy alternatives approach.” The decision to launch a diversionary conflict may result more from the inability to reform or repress, than it does from the perceived utility of using force to rally the public. An important variable that facilitates or constrains a state's ability to reform or repress is state extractive capacity. The po...
Further evaluation of idiosyncratic functions for severe problem behavior: Aggression maintained by access to walks

The results of functional analyses of problem behavior can sometimes be undifferentiated. This lack of differentiation might be due to methodological problems or the absence of variables relevant to problem behavior in the assessment. The current case example provides a clarification of undifferentiated functional analysis results through the inclusion of a particular reinforcer that was not a part of the initial functional analysis. In addition, treatment data showed a decrease in problem behavior when the putative reinforcer was provided response-dependently or response-independently. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NEOICHNOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE TRACES AND BURROWING BEHAVIORS OF THE WESTERN HARVESTER ANT POGONOMYRMEX OCCIDENTALIS (INSECTA: HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE): PALEOPEDOGENIC AND PALEOECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract New observations of burrowing behaviors, nest construction, and sediment-mixing patterns of the western harvester ant Pogonomyrmex occidentalis are described from a neoichnological laboratory study and compared with ichnofossil evidence. Fifty ants burrowed for six weeks in a glass-sided enclosure filled with silty clay simulating a soil with A, C, Ab, and Cb horizons. The galleries, chambers, and mound were mapped and digitally recorded every 12 hours to monitor nest development and changes in architecture. After six weeks the nest was cast with dental plaster to study above- and belowground architectural and surficial nest morphologies. Numerous, intricately interconnected galleries and chambers were constructed, with galleries averaging ~0.9 cm in diameter and chambers varying from ~3 to 10 cm long and up to 1.5 cm high. Burrowing behaviors included pulling, raking, pushing, forcing, cutting, and carrying. Sediment was removed from all horizons and deposited at the surface, resulting in a larg...
Maternal malnutrition does not affect fetal hepatic glycogen synthase ontogeny.

Maternal malnutrition late in pregnancy results in the reduced storage of fetal hepatic glycogen in the final days of gestation and an accentuation of normal birth-related hypoglycemia. It was of interest to determine whether or not low glycogen levels resulted when maternal malnutrition disrupted the normal ontogeny of fetal hepatic glycogen synthase, an important glycogenic enzyme. A defect in this enzyme would be expected to seriously affect prenatal and postnatal glycogen synthesis. For this study, livers were removed from fetuses from malnourished (50% of normal dietary intake) mice, as well as fromad libitum-fed mice, and used for the determination of hepatic glycogen, glycogen synthase activity, and glycogen synthase protein levels. In this paper we report that maternal dietary restriction late in pregnancy produces growth-retarded fetuses with severely reduced hepatic glycogen levels, but the normal ontogenic changes in the quantity and activity of hepatic glycogen synthase were not affected. It is especially significant that the accumulation of glycogen synthase occurred despite the minimal level of natural substrate available for the enzyme. These results suggest that the accumulation and activity of hepatic glycogen synthase during late gestation is related to developmental events rather than levels of substrate or glycogen.
The Circulating Level of Endothelial Progenitor Cells After Transcatheter Closure of Congenital Heart Disease in Children

Data have shown that circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) closely correlate with the vascular endothelial layer state. The present study was designed to describe the evolution of EPCs in children before and 24 h after transcatheter closure surgery for occluding congenital heart disease. Three groups of patients were studied: the transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) group (group 1), the transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) group (group 2), and the transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD) group (group 3). The circulating EPC level was detected using flow cytometry measuring CD34 and kinase insert receptor double-positive mononuclear cells. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The fluoroscopy time was correctly recorded during the surgery. All of the data were collected before and 24 h after surgery. EPC level and VEGF concentration did not change significantly before and at 24 h after surgery in groups 1 and 2. In group 3, the level of circulating EPCs and VEGF concentration increased significantly 24 h after surgery. The fluoroscopy time in group 3 was significantly longer than in groups 1 and 2. The increased volume of EPCs and VEGF were positively correlated in group 3. Our results showed that transcatheter closure of PDA and ASD in children does not lead to increased circulating level of EPCs. Transcatheter closure of VSD may result in vascular endothelium injury as indicated by increased circulating EPC level.
Association between Technical Performance Scores and neurodevelopmental outcomes after congenital cardiac surgery

Objectives Technical Performance Score (TPS) has been shown to have a strong association with early and late outcomes after congenital cardiac surgery, with greater morbidity and reintervention in children with major residual lesions (TPS class 3). We sought to explore the effect of TPS on the neurodevelopmental outcomes. Methods All infants undergoing cardiac surgery, excluding those with trisomy 21, were offered neurodevelopmental testing at 1 year of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd edition. TPSs from the discharge echocardiograms were graded as class 1 (optimal), class 2 (minor residual), or class 3 (major residual). Multivariate regression analysis was performed using patient characteristics and preoperative variables. Results Neurodevelopmental testing was performed in 140 patients at a median age of 16 months. Of these, 28 (20%) had single ventricle palliation; 39 (28%) were in Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category 4 to 6. Significant differences between the groups were found in the cognitive ( P = .01) and motor ( P = .05) domains, with subjects in TPS class 3 having significantly lower cognitive and motor composite scores. The scores did not vary significantly according to single ventricle versus biventricular repair or Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery categorization. In multivariate modeling, class 3 TPS remained significantly associated with a lower Bayley cognitive score ( P = .02), with a trend toward a lower Bayley motor score ( P = .08). Conclusions We found that TPS is an independent predictor of neurodevelopmental outcomes after infant heart surgery. Future research should explore whether a structured program of intraoperative recognition and intervention on residual lesions can improve the TPS and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Cortical gamma-oscillations modulated by visuomotor tasks:: Intracranial recording in patients with epilepsy

We determined how visuomotor tasks modulated gamma-oscillations on electrocorticography in epileptic patients who underwent epilepsy surgery. Each visual-cue consisted of either a sentence or hand gesture instructing the subject to press or not to press the button. Regardless of the recorded hemisphere, viewing sentence and gesture cues elicited gamma-augmentation sequentially in the lateral-polar occipital and inferior occipital-temporal areas; subsequently, button-press movement elicited gamma-augmentation in the Rolandic area. The magnitudes of gamma-augmentation in the Rolandic and inferior occipital-temporal areas were larger when the hand contralateral to the recorded hemisphere was used for motor responses. A double dissociation was found in the left inferior occipital-temporal cortex in one subject; the lateral portion had greater gamma-augmentation elicited by a sentence-cue, whereas the medial portion had greater gamma-augmentation elicited by a gesture-cue. The present study has increased our understanding of the physiology of the human visuomotor system.
The effect of the “Inert” support on relative photocatalytic activity in the oxidative decomposition of alcohols on irradiated titanium dioxide composites

Reduced quantum efficiencies for the photocatalytic degradation of cyclohexanol, cyclododecanol, 2-hexanol, and benzyl alcohol are observed on TiO2 particles included within small pore zeolitic supports suspended in acetonitrile. A modest reduction in photocatalytic activity observed with TiO2 included within large pore zeolites and pillared clays is attributed to reflective and refractive losses of incident light. No appreciable substrate size selectivity could be observed in this series of supported TiO2 composites. TS-1, a titanium-containing zeolite with Ti in tetrahedral lattice sites, was photoactive, although ETS-10, a titanium-containing zeolite with Ti in octahedral lattice sites, was less so. The low quantum yield residual photoactivity observed with these alcoholic substrates on unmodified zeolites may derive from surface charge transfer complexation, as suggested by diffuse reflectance absorption measurements.
TEACHING ADMINISTRATION IN THE TRAINING OF CHILD PSYCHIATRISTS.

We are, at the outset, inclined to agree with the impression of those of similar opinion in our field that administration is an aspect of the functioning of a psychiatric clinic for children which is difficult to include in the training program of a child psychiatrist, at least with sufficient adequacy in addition to all other training requirements, for any attainment of its mastery. While there may be some question about what is included in the teaching of administration, it is an inseparable aspect of clinic practice; hence, something about administration needs to be taught and learned by the trainee. What, how, and how much may be the difficult questions. One may argue both that administrative competence is a core skill of the staff child psychiatrist or director of a clinic, and that administrative functions are in large measure peripheral to his professional or technical judgment and ability, and should be as far as possible delegated to clerical or more or less trained administrative assistants. Perhaps there will arise a more or less clearly recognized profession of clinic administrators comparable to those in hospital administration.
Recalculation of bond moments and bond derivatives in deuterated methanes

The bond moments and bond derivatives in methane have been recalculated using force constants recently reported by Jones and McDowell. The use of these constants has confirmed the previous conclusion that the bond moment and the bond derivative have opposite signs. The indicated values are: μCHγCH = ± 0.30 debyeangstrom and ∂μ∂γCH = ± 0.65debyeangstrom The conclusion of Coulson that the CH bond moment has a polarity of C+H− leads one to favor the upper combination of signs.
Holographic lens for wide-FOV laser receiver

Light weight and compactness are critical requirements in the design of many optical systems and the use of holographic optics often provides an ideal solution to the size and weight problem. In this paper, the design and fabrication of a wide field-of-view (FOV) holographic lens for use in a laser receiver are described. The holographic lens is designed to image incominlaser radiation at 850nm onto a solid state detector array over a field of view of x (±26.7 in the diagonal direction). Over the limiting aperture, the effective f/number of the holographic lens for each incident angle is f/2.5. Over the entire lens aperture, however, the f/number of the holographic lens is f/0.7 in order to accommodate the 53.4 FOV. Experimental results obtained with the holographic wide FOV laser receiver are presented. The location of the focussed spot can be determined to within one pixel of the detector array, providing the laser receiver with an angular resolution better than 1 mrad.
Fast restoration of PMMW imagery without boundary artifacts

In applications of PMMW imaging such as real-time video, fast restorations are needed to keep up with the frame rate. FFT-based restoration provides a fast implementation, but it does so at the expense of assuming that the blurring and deblurring are based on circular convolution. Unfortunately, when the opposite sides of the image do not match up well in intensity, this assumption can create significant artifacts across the image. The mathematically correct way to avoid boundary artifacts is to model the pixels outside the measured image window as unknown values in the restored image. However, this approach destroys the structure that makes the use of the FFT possible, since the unknown image is no longer the same size as the measured image. Thus, the restoration methods available for this problem no longer have the computational efficiency of the FFT. We propose a new restoration method for the unknown boundary approach that can be implemented in a fast and flexible manner. We decompose the restoration into a sum of two independent restorations. One restoration yields an image that comes directly from a modified FFT-based approach. This image can be thought of as a type of FFT restoration containing the usual boundary artifacts. The other restoration involves a set of unknowns whose number equals that of the unknown boundary values. This restoration represents the artifact correction image. By summing the two, the artifacts are canceled. Because the second restoration has a significantly reduced set of unknowns, it can be calculated very efficiently even though no circular convolution structure exists.
Steric Gearing used to Preorganize Hydrogen Bonding Sites around half of a Benzene Scaffold. Applications in Cyclitol Molecular Recognition

Abstract Three preorganized receptors incorporating a series of amides and ditopic phenanthroline-based hydrogen-bonding motifs were designed, synthesized, and studied for binding cyclitols in low dielectric media. The preorganization was achieved with a steric gearing strategy. The designs were developed in an attempt to overcome the inhibition of binding which results from the intramolecular hydrogen bonds present in cyclitols and saccharides. However, the design motif was only moderately successful, in that the binding constants were only slightly improved relative to those obtained for other earlier systems. Yet, the steric gearing design motif represents a novel approach to aligning hydrogen-bonding groups in a convergent manner, thereby forming a small compact cleft. A crystal structure confirms the gearing, and this general design motif is discussed as a means to preorganize binding groups on only one portion of a benzene ring.
Cummingtonite: A reversible, nonquenchable transition from P21/m to C2/m symmetry

Abstract Cummingtonite from the Gouverneur, New York, talc district (Sample No. U.S.N.M. 115046) with the composition, (Ca 0.36 Na 0.06 Mn 0.96 Mg 0.57 ) Mg 5 Si 8 O 22 (OH) 2 , unit cell parametersa = 9.550 ± 0.001, b = 18.007 ± 0.003, c = 5.298 ± 0.001A, β = 102°39′ ± 1′, and space groupP2 1 /m, has been used in a high-temperature, single-crystal, X-ray diffraction study. When diffraction patterns are taken of the crystals heated in a sealed silica capillary to 45°C or higher, these reflections disappear, indicating a transition toC2/m symmetry. The transition appears to be analogous to theP2 1 /ctoC2/c transition between 700° and 800°C discovered recently in (Mg 0.30 Fe 0.70 ) SiO 3 clinopyroxene. In addition to the cummingtonite transition, we have also found a transition in pigeonite at higher temperatures. The transition occurs in this pigeonite (Gunflint Iron Formation, Minnesota, (Ca 0.04 Fe 0.78 Mg 0.18 )SiO 3 ) at about 670°C. This is a significantly lower temperature than was found for the Ca-poor clinopyroxene.
MK801—a neuroprotectant in rat hypertensive eyes

Excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian CNS and retina is mainly mediated through l-glutamate. The effect of MK-801, a non-competitive antagonist of the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor was studied on rat retinal ganglion cells in hypertensive eyes. MK-801 was administered intraperitoneally to the first group, 1 day before the increase, and in the second group, 2 days after the intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. Phosphate-buffered saline was administered to the control group. Animals were sacrificed 2 and 4 weeks post-IOP increase. The retinal ganglion cells were counted and compared between control (right) and experimental (left) eyes. The data presented here suggests that MK-801 has neuroprotective properties.
Potentiometric titration studies on xanthan solutions

The potentiometric behavior of xanthan solutions was analyzed as a function of ionic strength, polymer concentration and temperature. For a given value of the polymer dissociation constant, α, pKa was linearly correlated with Cs1/3 (salt concentration). At polymer concentrations below 7.5 g liter-1, pKa was a function of polymer concentration. However, when the polymer concentration was higher than this value, pKa was independent of polymer concentration. Potentiometric titration confirmed the significance of the hydrogen bond and the carboxylate group on the secondary structure of xanthan which suggested that the ordered xanthan conformation is stabilized mainly by hydrogen bonds. These can be disrupted by increasing the electrostatic potential of the molecule or by increasing the solution temperature. Neither the ionic strength nor the polymer concentration affected the secondary structure of xanthan at 25°C. However, ionic strength should reduce the repulsive force between charged groups in xanthan; this would explain the salt stabilization of the secondary structure observed at the higher test temperatures (35–70°C).
Mass spectrometric analysis of pharmaceutical adulterants in products labeled as botanical dietary supplements or herbal remedies: a review

The increased availability and use of botanical dietary supplements and herbal remedies among consumers has been accompanied by an increased frequency of adulteration of these products with synthetic pharmaceuticals. Unscrupulous producers may add drugs and analogues of various classes, such as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, weight loss, hypoglycemic, antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory agents, or anabolic steroids, to develop or intensify biological effects of dietary supplements or herbal remedies. The presence of such adulterated products in the marketplace is a worldwide problem and their consumption poses health risks to consumers. Analytical methods that allow rapid and reliable testing of dietary supplements for the presence of synthetic drugs are needed to address such fraudulent practices. Mass spectrometry (MS) and hyphenated techniques such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) have become primary tools in this endeavor. The present review critically assesses the role and summarizes the applications of MS in the analysis of pharmaceutical adulterants in botanical dietary supplements and herbal remedies. The uses of MS techniques in detection, confirmation, and quantification of known pharmaceutical adulterants as well as in screening for and structure elucidation of unexpected adulterants and novel designer drugs are discussed.
Multiple dimensions of resource limitation in tropical forests

The study of environmental resource constraints on plant life was born from humanity’s quest for food security (1). Along with breakthroughs in plant breeding, identifying and then alleviating water and nutrient limitations to crop growth allowed a 20th century explosion in agricultural production (2). Yet, successes in both agriculture and industry have come at a price: massive transformations of biogeochemical cycles, which in turn alter climate and nutrient availability throughout the biosphere (3). How will Earth’s ecosystems respond? In part, the answers depend on an improved understanding of resource limitation in natural communities. In a recent issue of in PNAS, Condit et al. (4) report their progress in one of the most challenging systems on Earth: tropical forests.
What Did the Fed Do When Inflation Died?: An Empirical Investigation

What does the Federal Reserve do? What should the Federal Reserve do? These questions span a research field, with, as they suggest, both positive and normative elements. The Federal Reserve operates under a legal mandate that explicitly targets balanced growth and full employment, yet officials stress their higher preoccupation with price stability, as can be seen in many statements and minutes. Do their actions reflect their stated beliefs, and do they do so in every circumstance? This is an empirical question, open to statistical investigation. A large literature addresses the determinants of the Federal Reserve policy decisions. The "Taylor rule," named after John B. Taylor, is no doubt the most famous of those rules (see Taylor 1993, 1999, for a survey, as well as Clarida, Gali, and Gertler 1997, 1999; Rotenberg and Woodford 1998). The rule predicts that the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) official target variable sets the federal funds rate as a function of the discrepancy between
Pressure dependence of the super conducting transition temperature for ternary molybdenum sulfides

The variation of the superconducting transition temperature for some ternary molybdenum sulfides (Chevrel phase) has been investigated as a function of hydrostatic pressure up to 22 kbar. The effects of pressure on T/sub c/ are the largest yet reported for any set of compounds. 12 references.
Transverse splitting of intense heavy-ion beams in the IRE and in an HIF driver

Abstract In the planned heavy-ion Integrated Research Experiments (IRE), final beam kinetic energy will be low compared to a driver, giving perveance significantly larger than the driver, and making final focus to a small spot comparatively much more difficult. Splitting of beams ahead of the final focus system would allow economical transport of large beams through the IRE accelerator, while maintaining focusability. Since splitting decouples the number of beams transported in the accelerator from what is required at final focus, it could also lower the cost of a driver. In this paper we consider the effects on beam quality of transverse beam splitting. The system of most interest consists of one or more consecutive magnetic septa. PIC simulations of this case are discussed, along with engineering considerations.
The graded doped trench MOS Barrier Schottky rectifier: a low forward drop high voltage rectifier

Abstract A novel high voltage Schottky rectifier, called the Graded Doped Trench MOS Barrier Schottky (GD-TMBS) rectifier, is described in this paper. It is shown to have very low forward drop with excellent reverse blocking characteristics through device simulation and electrical characterization of fabricated devices. A linearly graded drift region doping profile is shown to result in an uniform electric field in the drift region resulting in the ability to support blocking voltages proportional to the trench depth. Two-dimensional device simulations have shown that breakdown voltages of upto 200 V can be achieved with a very low forward drop of 0.54 V. The measured on-state drop of fabricated 60 and 100 V GD-TMBS are about half those of conventional Schottky rectifiers. Power dissipation analysis indicates higher operating temperatures (150°C) with reduced heat sink sizes when compared to conventional Schottky barrier diodes.
Bio-inspired, efficient, artificial lung employing air as the ventilating gas

Artificial lungs have recently been utilized to rehabilitate patients suffering from lung diseases. However, significant advances in gas exchange, biocompatibility, and portability are required to realize their full clinical potential. Here, we have focused on the issues of gas exchange and portability and report a small-scale, microfabricated artificial lung that uses new mathematical modeling and a bio-inspired design to achieve oxygen exchange efficiencies much larger than current devices, thereby enabling air to be utilized as the ventilating gas. This advancement eliminates the need for pure oxygen required by conventional artificial lung systems and is achieved through a device with feature sizes and structure similar to that in the natural lung. This advancement represents a significant step towards creating the first truly portable and implantable artificial lung systems for the ambulatory care of patients suffering from lung diseases.
Genetic stability of the thermal, trypsin, rabbit and mouse markers of Aujeszky's disease (pseudorabies) virus in the pig

Abstract The heat, trypsin, rabbit and mouse markers of three wild and one vaccine strain of Aujeszky's disease virus were evaluated for genetic stability in the pig. A cloned population of each virus was serially passaged in nasal cavities of five to nine pigs. At the end of serial passage, virus was re-isolated and produced in cell culture. The individual markers of the cloned pre-passaged and the non-cloned post-passaged populations of each virus were then evaluated for change. No significant changes occured and the markers were considered to be genetically stable.
A transitional denture

Abstract Only the dentist is trained capably to provide scientific dentures for his patients. Transitional dentures offer a type of service to patients which involves a minimal time loss and fulfills a great need for business and socially active persons. Only the dentist can provide a service such as the transitional denture, which helps to preserve maximal ridge contour. Stress and poor nutrition destroy ridge contour. Stress and poor nutrition result in severe periodontal problems. If teeth are extracted and these mouths are left alone to heal, the resorption is great. Transitional dentures are ideally suited for solving the periodontal problem because maximal alevolar contour can be maintained. Because of the nontraumatic surgery without flaps and sutures, there is minimal swelling and discomfort. The patient is never without teeth, even during the construction of the second set of dentures or subsequent repair on the dentures, and the dentist can be more certain of the vertical dimension of occlusion, jaw positioning, tissue response, and the psychologic attitude of the patient toward dentures during this early period. Transitional dentures provide a fine springboard from which to construct the second set of dentures. They are the best solution of modern dentistry for one of our greatest problems, the too busy individual with the too loose teeth!
A neural dissociation within language: Evidence that the mental dictionary is part of declarative memory, and that grammatical rules are processed by the procedural system

Language comprises a lexicon for storing words and a grammar for generating rule-governed forms. Evidence is presented that the lexicon is part of a temporal-parietalhnedial-temporal “declarative memory” system and that granlmatical rules are processed by a frontamasal-ganglia “procedural” system. Patients produced past tenses of regular and novel verbs (looked and plagged), which require an -ed-suffixation rule, and irregular verbs (dug), which are retrieved from memory. Word-finding difficulties in posterior aphasia, and the general declarative memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease, led to more errors with irregular than regular and novel verbs. Grammatical difficulties in anterior aphasia, and the general impairment of procedures in Parkinson's disease, led to the opposite pattern. In contrast to the Parkinson's patients, who showed sup pressed motor activity and rule use, Huntington's disease patients showed excess motor activity and rule use, underscoring a role for the basal ganglia in grammatical processing.
Effect of nm-Thin Inorganic Layered Fillers on the Crystallization of Polymer Nanocomposites

The crystallization behavior of polymers in nanocomposites with inorganic fillers (montmorillonite layered silicate, MMT) is reviewed. Various different polymers are comparatively discussed [poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polypropylene (PP), syndiotactic-polystyrene (sPS), and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)] representing three types of filler/matrix interactions: strong specific interactions (PVA/MMT), weak/negligible interactions (sPS and PP/o-MMT), and “unfavorable” (PEO/MMT). In the case of PVA/MMT, crystallization of PVA is strongly promoted by MMT, also stabilizing a new crystal form not found in bulk PVA. For sPS and PP/o-MMT, crystallization is only moderately affected, exhibiting traces of simple heterogeneous nucleation and mostly bulk-like crystal structures, with very small traces on non-bulk crystals. For PEO, crystallization is impeded near the MMT surfaces, due to coordination of the surface cations to the PEO. In all cases smaller spherulite sizes develop when filler is added, independent of the size of the bulk polymer spherulites, whereas the crystallization temperature changes reflect the strength of the polymer/surface interactions.
HD 8801: A Unique Single Am Star with γ Doradus and δ Scuti Pulsations

We have discovered the first example of a star pulsating intrinsically with both γ Doradus and δ Scuti frequencies. The star, HD 8801, is an Am metallic-line star that appears to be single. Since the vast majority of Am stars are members of binary systems with periods less than 1000 days and also do not pulsate, HD 8801 possesses a very unusual, if not unique, combination of physical properties. Our photometry, acquired with an automatic telescope at Fairborn Observatory, resolves six independent pulsation periods between 0.048 and 0.404 days. The two longest periods lie within the range of γ Dor variables, while the four shorter periods are within the range of δ Sct stars. Eleven radial velocities, obtained over an 11 month period, have a mean of 0.8 ± 0.3 km s-1, providing no evidence for a spectroscopic companion. The star is on the main sequence and lies within both the γ Dor and δ Sct instability strips. Pulsation constants computed for the six periods agree with pulsation constants computed for other γ Dor and δ Sct variables. HD 8801 is also the first confirmed case of a metallic-line star pulsating with γ Dor frequencies. Its projected rotational velocity of 55 km s-1 is typical for Am stars, which, as a group, rotate more slowly than normal A stars. HD 8801's slow rotation compared to normal A stars does not appear to arise from either a binary companion or evolutionary expansion and thus remains a puzzle. The coexistence of metallicism and pulsation in several main-sequence stars near the red edge of the δ Sct strip contradicts recent models that predict pulsations only in more evolved stars.