cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of surface treatment and manufacturing process on the shear bond strength of veneering composite resin to polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

Abstract Statement of problem Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) are high-performance polymer materials in which polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) are the most used. Although mechanical and shear bonding strength tests have been performed on the 2 materials, studies on the influence of processing on bonding are scarce. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the influence of the surface treatment and the manufacturing process on the shear bond strength of veneering composite resin to PEKK and PEEK. Material and methods Thirty pressed PEKK, 30 milled PEKK, and 30 milled PEEK specimens were distributed in 6 groups (n=13) as per the manufacturing process and treatment surface. The specimens were either treated with airborne-particle abrasion with 110-μm aluminum oxide, or no surface treatment was applied. Moreover, the PEKK specimens were grouped regarding their manufacturing process, as either milled or heat-pressed. The specimens were all bonded by using a methyl methacrylate–based adhesive (visio.link), and composite resin (Gradia Revolution 2) was bonded to the specimens. An Instron universal machine was used to calculate the shear bond strength between the PEEK or PEKK and the composite resin. Two specimens from each group had their topography modification assessed with a scanning electron microscope. Statistical analysis was performed by using a 3-way ANOVA for multiple comparisons (α=0.05) Results The groups that were surface treated with 110-μm aluminum oxide (Al2O3) before bonding showed significantly higher shear bond strength (P=.001) than the other groups. However, no statistically significant difference was observed among the groups, regardless of the manufacturing process (milled or heat-pressed) (P=.607). Conclusions PEEK and PEKK surfaces treated with 110-μm aluminum oxide airborne-particle abrasion displayed better shear bond strength to composite resin. The manufacturing process (milled or heat-pressed) did not significantly affect the bond strength of PEKK when subjected to the same bonding process.
Photonic Topological Insulators: A Beginner's Introduction [Electromagnetic Perspectives]

The control and manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves has reached a new level with the recent understanding of topological states of matter. These metamaterials have the potential to revolutionize many areas in traditional EM design, from highly robust cavities to small-footprint waveguides. Much of the past literature has been on the cutting edge of condensedmatter physics, but there are now ample opportunities to explore their usage for practical microwave and optical devices.
Certification-Driven Platform for Multidisciplinary Design Space Exploration in Airframe Preliminary Design

Airworthiness certification is a mandatory but expensive process in aircraft development. To reduce certification cost, it is desired to incorporate certification considerations into aircraft early...
What patients want to know about shoulder arthroplasty: a Google search analysis

Abstract Background People are increasingly turning to online search engines for health information. We analyzed Google search queries to determine the most frequently asked topics and questions related to shoulder arthroplasty and the sources of the websites provided to address these questions. Methods Search terms for shoulder arthroplasty were entered into Google. Machine learning–based natural language processing algorithms within Google were used to mine search logs to identify frequently asked questions about shoulder arthroplasty. These questions with their associated websites were extracted and categorized by two independent reviewers. Results A total of 300 questions were extracted with 156 associated websites. The most popular question topics were related to the timeline of recovery (16.3%), ability to perform specific activities (15.7%), technical details of surgery (14.3%), and activity restrictions (12%). Frequently asked questions had to do with the fastest means of recovery, duration of physical therapy, sling use, time spent sleeping upright in a recliner, time off work, location of surgical incision, resumption of sports, and the ability to use the bathroom. The most common websites provided to address the questions were academic (25.3%), private practice (23%), and government (20.3%). Conclusion The most frequently asked questions on Google about shoulder arthroplasty centered around postoperative rehabilitation and restrictions, with information originating from variable sources. Our data can be used to counsel patients and set expectations about recovery and serve as a framework for the development of targeted patient education materials. Level of evidence Level VI; Descriptive Study
Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress and Sexual Concerns: The Intermediary Effects of Executive Functioning on Profiles of Youth Who Have Sexually Harmed.

There are demonstrated links in the general population between developmental adversity, associated trauma symptoms, and executive functioning difficulties in children and youth. However, research o...
A US State Index of Successful Aging: Differences Between States and Over Time.

Policy Points The focus of successful aging is on the social contexts that enable individuals to be productively engaged and secure, with an emphasis on equity. There is currently no index to measure progress towards this goal at the US state level. We developed an empirical index for the evaluation of US state adaptation to societal aging across five critical domains that support successful population aging: (1) productivity and engagement, (2) security, (3) equity, (4) cohesion, and (5) well-being. Our index shows substantial variability over time and is not overly influenced by the performance of an individual domain. This suggests that it can be used to monitor state progress over time toward the goal of supporting successful aging. Rather than a major national trend, there are large between-state differences and changes in our index over time. This suggests individual US state policies and programs, as well as local economic conditions, may have a substantial impact on adaptations to societal aging. Context Although it is recognized that aspects of US state environments impact the likelihood that older adults age successfully, there is currently no reliable and comprehensive measure of contexts that best support successful aging at a state level. The current project adapts a multidimensional index previously used to assess adaptation to successful aging in developed countries and applies it to the 50 US states and the District of Columbia. Methods We obtained data from multiple sources for all 50 US states and the District of Columbia from 2003 to 2017 in order to measure five distinct domains that define successful population aging: (1) productivity and engagement, (2) security, (3) equity, (4) cohesion, and (5) well-being. We created a ranking of states for the year 2017 based on these domains, and also examined how individual US state rankings changed over time from 2003 to 2017. Findings The level of adaptation to successful aging varied substantially between states and over time. The highest-ranked states in 2017 were Vermont, Hawaii, Iowa, Colorado, and New Hampshire, and the lowest-ranked states were Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Mississippi. Mississippi, South Carolina, Iowa, Arizona, and Delaware had the greatest improvement in their ranking over the period of 2003 to 2017. Our findings were generally robust to the weighting scheme used and were not overly influenced by any particular domain. Conclusions The US State Index of Successful Aging can be used to monitor US state progress in promoting the well-being and health of aging populations. Factors driving the changes in the index remain to be elucidated.
Nanoscale track-following for tape storage

Track-density scaling is projected to be the key driver for increasing the areal density and cartridge capacity in future tape storage systems. To achieve very high track densities, positioning control down to the nanometer scale will be essential. In this paper, the positioning accuracy of the tape track-following control system is investigated and advances in several elements of the system are presented. First, we introduce an optimized servo channel that combined with an experimental timing-based servo pattern provides lateral position estimates with nanoscale resolution. Second, a newly developed prototype head actuator and an experimental tape transport system were developed. The lateral tape motion (LTM) disturbance in the experimental tape path and the measurement noise in the position estimate were fully characterized and used to optimize the design of the track-following controller using the H ∞ control framework. Finally, the hardware platform used to implement the servo channel and track-following control loop was optimized to minimize loop delay. Combining these technologies with a high-SNR magnetic tape based on perpendicularly-oriented barium ferrite (BaFe) particles, we were able to demonstrate a position error signal (PES) with a standard deviation of less than 10 nm over a wide range of tape velocities.
Quadriceps activation failure as a moderator of the relationship between quadriceps strength and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis

Objective To determine if quadriceps activation failure (QAF) moderates the relationship between quadriceps strength and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Quadriceps strength and QAF were measured in 105 subjects (80 females) with radiographically confirmed knee OA using a burst-superimposition maximum voluntary isometric quadriceps torque test procedure. Subjects performed the Get Up and Go test as a physical performance measure of function and completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) as a self-report measure of function. A principal component analysis was performed to combine the Get Up and Go score and the WOMAC subscores into a single function score. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to examine the ability of 3 models to predict physical function (strength = function; strength + QAF = function; strength + QAF + [strength × QAF] = function). Partial F tests were used to compare differences in R2 values between each model. Results Each model independently predicted the principal component score for function. Adding the strength × QAF interaction term with strength to the model resulted in the highest prediction of function. The strength × QAF interaction indicated that subjects with lower levels of quadriceps strength and higher levels of QAF had lower levels of function than those with comparable levels of weakness but low levels of QAF. Conclusion The magnitude of QAF serves to moderate the relationship between quadriceps strength and physical function. Physical function may be more severely affected by weakness of the quadriceps muscles in individuals with knee OA who have higher degrees of QAF than those who may have quadriceps weakness, but do not have QAF.
Financial Management Practices in Utility Construction Firms

In the spring of 1980, a survey was conducted with utility contrators concerning cash flow and financial management. Emphasis of the survey was placed on the policies and practices of owner agencies, banks, and bonding companies as they influence the financial position of contractors. Additional information was obtained regarding specific company management practices which influence or are affected by the financial position of the firm. A few key financial ratios were also obtained. The data were analyzed to develop a general profile of contractor financial characteristics and experiences. The data were studied further to determine the differences between the effect on contractors of public versus private owners' practices, bank policies for long-standing clients as opposed to relatively new ones, and bonding company practices in dealing with financially sound versus weak contractors.
Alcoholism Treatment in a Nursing Home

Abstract This article describes a unique interdisciplinary alcoholism treatment program created to provide treatment to alcoholics with severe health problems. There is evidence that severely ill alcoholics may be placed in nursing homes because it is the only available form of care. It is estimated that up to 49% of patients in nursing homes have an alcohol problem. This high representation may be due to a lack of treatment programs, which are able to manage or treat an alcoholic who also requires skilled nursing care. One nursing home's response to this unmet need was to create an alcohol treatment program within its own facility. Working with the State alcohol-treatment-licensing agency, a 10-bed unit was established for the primary treatment of alcoholism for patients who were also medically appropriate for skilled nursing care. The 30-day program was staffed by licensed alcohol counselors and consisted of alcohol education; individual, group and family counseling; and skilled nursing care for co-exis...
Mechanisms of Bile Secretion and Hepatic Transport

Bile is a complex aqueous secretion that is elaborated by the liver of all vertebrate species, stored in the gallbladder, and discharged into the common hepatic duct and intestine. Its primary source is formed from transport processes in the liver parenchymal cell. This hepatic bile originates at the bile canaliculus (Fig. 1) but can be modified by absorption or secretion at more distal sites along the bile ductules and ducts (Fig. 2). Not all of these transport phenomenon are clearly understood but together they generate an isosmotic electrolyte solution into which a variety of organic and inorganic solutes are also excreted. (Table I) These solutes comprise 5% of the weight of bile by volume in man, and include mixed lipid micelles composed of bile acids, cholesterol, and phospholipid, as well as amino acids, hormones, enzymes, metals, vitamins, prophyrins, and other miscellaneous endogenous and exogenous drugs, xenobiotics, and toxins.
Large DNA restriction fragment polymorphism in the Mycobacterium avium-M. intracellulare complex: a potential epidemiologic tool.

Mycobacterium avium-M. intracellulare complex (MAI) isolates were studied by comparing the large restriction fragment (LRF) patterns produced by digesting their DNAs with infrequently cutting restriction endonucleases and separating the resultant large fragments by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Four reference strains and 35 randomly selected clinical MAI isolates gave highly diverse LRF patterns when their DNAs were digested with XbaI or AsnI. The LRF patterns of random isolates identified to be the same species by DNA probe analysis were not similar. The LRF patterns of random isolates of the same serotype were also different. In contrast, all isolates recovered from the same patient gave identical patterns. This included 28 isolates from nine patients. One isolate from sputum, one isolate from bone marrow, and two isolates from blood recovered over a 27-month period from a patient with AIDS were identical. Seven isolates recovered from the sputum of a second patient over 37 months also had identical patterns. The LRF patterns of unrelated MAI strains are highly polymorphic, appear to be strain specific, are relatively stable, and offer exciting promise as epidemiologic markers for the study of MAI infections. Images
Hypersonic research at Stanford University

The status of the hypersonic research program at Stanford University is discussed and recent results are highlighted. The main areas of interest in the program are the numerical simulation of radiating, reacting and thermally excited flows, the investigation and numerical solution of hypersonic shock wave physics, the extension of the continuum fluid dynamic equations to the transition regime between continuum and free-molecule flow, and the development of novel numerical algorithms for efficient particulate simulations of flowfields.
Tailoring the nanoantenna geometry to improve efficiency and bandwidth

Following our recent results on plasmonic nanoantennas of different geometry and shape, here we explore how geometry, size and loading techniques may affect and improve efficiency, bandwidth and sensitivity of various optical nanoantennas. We show how it may be possible to operate various nanoantenna geometries as efficient optical nanoradiators, and how their tuning and matching properties may be tailored with large degrees of freedom by designing suitable nanoloads placed at their gap. In this way, we successfully apply nanocircuit concepts to model the loading nanoparticles and in matching them to suitable optical lines. High levels of optical radiation efficiency may be achieved, even considering the realistic absorption of optical metals, by properly selecting specific geometries, size and design.
A Fast Neutron-Gamma Detector for Space Research

The unique features of this instrument are the following: 1. The charged particle shield (NE 102) uses only two P. M. tubes. 2. The 4? charged particle shield encloses completely the neutron-gamma detector, all P. M. tubes and associated sensor electronics. 3. The pulse shape discriminator (P. S. D.) is passive and miniature, with "M" > 3.1 at the Co60 Compton edge. 4. The separate spectra of neutrons (1 < En < 20 Mev) and gammas (1 < E? < 7 Mev) are extracted. 5. The I. F. C. (4% resolution) with P. S. D. on NaI(Tl & Am241) is also displayed with (4). 6. The quality of data is checked by parity bits, and data are transmitted by a parallel, redundant FM-FM TM system.
Turbulence anisotropy and near-wall modeling in predicting three-dimensional shear-flows

Three-dimensional turbulent flow in a circular-to-rectangular transition duct is studied to assess the role of near-wall modeling and turbulence anisotropy in predicting the origin and growth of longitudinal vorticity and the secondary motion with which it is associated. Calculations are carried out using the standard k-e model and the Reynolds stress transport closure of Gibson and Launder (GL), both of which use wall functions. The computed solutions are compared with experimental data and with calculations previously reported by the authors which employed the near-wall version of the GL model proposed by Launder and Shima (LSH). These comparisons lead to the conclusion that accurate description of most three-dimensional turbulent flows, regardless of their origin, would require turbulence models that 1) resolve the near-wall flow and 2) account for anisotropy of the Reynolds stresses. Further evidence to support the latter conclusion is provided by employing the LSH solution to evaluate the various terms in the mean longitudinal-vorticity equation. It is shown that, vortex stretching, vortex skewing, and generation and destruction of vorticity by Reynolds stresses are all dominant in one region or another.
Regulatory Restructuring and Incumbent Price Dynamics: The Case of U.S. Local Telephone Markets

Prior to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, many U.S. states restructured their regulatory framework by replacing rate-of-return regulation with competition in both the local exchange service and local long-distance markets and adopting price regulation (price caps and price freezes). Using a panel data set of incumbent firm prices for three services, I investigate whether price regulation and differences in entry conditions affect incumbent operators' rate structures. I find that competition has prompted a significant amount of rate rebalancing by reducing the amount of cross-subsidization present in local telephone markets. In addition, the added flexibility of price cap regulation speeds the rate rebalance effects of competition.
Cast-saw injuries: assessing blade-to-skin contact during cast removal. Does experience or education matter?

AbstractBackground: Cast-saw injuries are sustained during cast removal or splitting of a cast when a hot cast-saw blade touches the patient's skin inadvertently during cast removal. Other studies have evaluated risk factors associated with saw-blade temperature, however, none have documented the number and duration of blade-to-skin contacts during cast removal. Methods: Using a pediatric long-arm model capable of detecting cast-saw blade contact, we tested the ability of health care providers to apply and remove casts before and after a brief education module. The total number and duration of “touches” between the saw and the model's “skin” were recorded. Correlations between user “touches,” and experience and comparisons between pre- and post-education “touches” were performed. Results: Of the 18 study participants, 16 touched the model surface with the cast saw; 7 of the 18 participants maintained blade contact with the skin for > 1 second 22 times during the testing process. Participants with less exp...
Renin-Angiotensin Role in Thirst: Paradoxical Enhancement of Drinking by Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor

A competitive angiotensin converting enzyme antagonist SQ 20, 881 (SQ), was used to examine the role of the renin-angiotensin system in putative renin-dependent thirst in the albino rat. Significant enhancement of "renin-dependent" as well as renin-independent drinking was observed in the presence of peripheral SQ. Intraventricular SQ obviated this enhancement of drinking but did not affect the water intake caused by the original stimulus itself, whereas it sharply reduced drinking evoked by peripheral renin in nephrectomized rats. Prior renin depletion likewise had no influence on so-called renin-dependent thirst.
Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor in response to venous hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Experimentally, a fistula created surgically between the carotid artery and jugular vein, together with occlusion of venous sinuses, generate venous hypertension, which can induce dural arteriovenous fistula formation intracranially in rats. Our aim was to study the effect of nonischemic venous hypertension on the elaboration of the angiogenic signal, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), and its downstream signal, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). METHODS: Sixty rats were exposed to venous hypertension for periods ranging from 4 hours to 3 weeks. Western blot analysis, transbinding assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and immunohistochemistry quantified HIF-1 and VEGF expression in brain. Forty-eight control rats underwent similar surgical procedures without creating venous hypertension. Cerebral blood flow was measured at baseline, after surgery, and before sacrifice. RESULTS: Venous hypertension did not impair cerebral blood flow. Relative to controls, HIF-1 expression increased fivefold in response to venous hypertension (P < 0.005), with peak expression 1 day later localized to endothelial cells in venules next to the sagittal sinus. VEGF expression also increased threefold in response to venous hypertension (P < 0.05), with peak expression 7 days later localized to parasagittal astrocytes. HIF-1 and VEGF were minimally expressed in rat normal venous pressures. CONCLUSION: In this model, venous hypertension stimulates angiogenesis by a mechanism other than ischemia. HIF-1 expression may result from dilation of parasagittal veins and endothelial deformation. HIF-1 and VEGF seem to be molecular agents that convert venous hypertension into intracellular signals and angiogenesis activity.
The demand for episodes of treatment in the Health Insurance Experiment.

Abstract This paper analyzes claims data from the RAND Health Insurance Experiment, which were grouped into episodes of treatment. The insurance plans in the experiment have coinsurance and a cap on out-of-pocket spending. Using new statistical techniques to adjust for the increased sickliness of those who exceed the cap, the effects of coinsurance on cost per episode and number of episodes are estimated. Cost sharing reduced the number of episodes but had little effect on cost per episode. People in the experiment responded myopically as their current insurance status changed through the year. The price elasticity of spending was about -0.2 throughout the range of coinsurance studied. When data permit it, the study of episodes complements analyses of annual medical spending by revealing more about how decisions to spend are made within the year.
The MacNeill-Lichtenberg Decision Tree: a unique method of triaging mental health problems in older medical rehabilitation patients.

Abstract MacNeill SE, Lichtenberg PA. The MacNeill–Lichtenberg Decision Tree: a unique method of triaging mental health problems in older medical rehabilitation patients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000;81:618-22. Objective: Evaluation of the utility of a "decision tree" that identifies potential mental health problems in older medical patients and guides decision making for referrals. Design: Measures of utility including sensitivity, specificity, and predictive power were examined. Independent t tests and nonparametric statistics were used to evaluate group differences where appropriate. Setting: The stroke and geriatric unit of a freestanding urban medical rehabilitation hospital. Subjects: In study 1, 173 older, consecutively admitted medical rehabilitation patients completed all cognitive measures. In study 2, a separate sample of 313 older adults completed the Geriatric Depression Scale during admission. Main Outcome Measure: The MacNeill–Lichtenberg Decision Tree (MLDT) was compared with the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale, and the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: Study 1: The decision tree accurately triaged 87% of mental health problems and allowed for deferral of 41% of cases, for whom further assessment was unnecessary. The MLDT was superior to the MMSE, with higher sensitivity and a lower failure rate. Study 2: The emotional status component of the MLDT was useful in triaging cases for depression evaluation. Conclusion: The MLDT was useful in prioritizing cases with regard to mental health problems (eg, dementia, depression) and making quick referral decisions. The MLDT is a unique instrument that not only evaluates cognitive status, but also considers psychosocial factors and emotional status in older adults. © 2000 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Evaluation of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure condition and energy allocated to reproduction in marine fishes

Reliable estimates of fish energy density at specific times prior to spawning may provide suitable proxies for egg production, and thereby help to explain some of the observed annual variation in recruits per spawner. Our goal is to develop and test modifications of BIA technology to measure energy allocation to reproduction for a variety of marine fishes. To date, a newly developed measuring board and probe system stabilized readings, which was demonstrated by a significant reduction in the coefficients of variation for impedance measures. Total body water, wet and dry weights could be predicted with very good precision (r2 = 0.92–0.99) using BIA measures of reactance or resistance for a number of finfish species. While constituent relationships (e.g. body water- body mass functions) did not differ seasonally, we did find that BIA measures are sensitive to body composition changes related to the seasonal spawning cycle. In an examination of monthly samples of tilefish, phase angle decreased below 15° in post-spawning (regressed) females. Such a monthly trend, which suggests available energy had decreased following the spawning season, was not evident from other, more traditional measures of condition including body-muscle water content, Fulton's K or ordinal measures of fat deposition (such as mesenteric fat). These preliminary results show that BIA technology is a promising application for tracking and efficiently predicting energetic condition of marine fishes.
AN INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEM FOR STUDYING FEEDING AND DRINKING BEHAVIOR OF INDIVIDUAL POULTRY

This article describes an instrumentation system that was developed to study the dynamic feeding and drinking behavior of individual birds. The system, consisting of 24 feeding and drinking stations interfaced via an RS 485 communication network to a central PC, provides continuous recording of feeding and drinking events. Each feeding/drinking station includes a precision electronic balance (1210–g capacity and 0.1–g resolution) for the feeder and a temperature–controlled drinking water reservoir (1500–mL capacity and 1000– to 1500–mL operating range) whose height and thus volume was sensed with a differential pressure transducer (0 – 2.5 VDC output). The system was tested using growing broiler chickens subjected to constant or cyclic thermal conditions. Sample data are presented to demonstrate how researchers can use the system to examine and understand the effects of environmental modification on feeding and drinking behavior of individual birds. A series of subsequent studies have been planned that will use the system to investigate the interactive effects of environmental and dietary nutrition manipulations on ingestion behavior and poultry performance.total P.
Top-surface imaging resists for EUV lithography

The strong attenuation of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation by organic materials necessitates the use of a thin layer imaging (TLI) process for EUV lithography. Several TLI processes have been identified for potential use for EUVL, and the common theme in these approaches is the transfer of the aerial image to a thin layer of refractory-containing material, which is then used as a dry O 2 etch mask during a subsequent pattern transfer to the device layer. One TLI process that has been extensively examined for EUVL is the silylated top-surface imaging (TSI) technology, which is discussed in this paper. Using a new disilane silylation reagent, dimethylaminodimethyldisilane (DMDS) and 13.4 nm exposure, the TSI process has been used to print 100 nm lines and spaces at equal pitch and 70 nm lines and spaces at a higher 1:2 pitch. The line edge roughness for the printed lines has been determined using a custom image analysis program and, as expected, varies with the particular EUV exposure system and numerical aperture. Exposures done with 193 nm lithography and the TSI process using DMDS are also shown for comparison to the EUV results.
Comments on "A unified and efficient approach for determining Thevenin (Norton) equivalent circuits

The commenters suggest that the unified approach of L. Jin and S. Chan in the above-titled work (ibid., vol.32, no.3, pp.408-410, 1990) has inefficiencies and limitations. The r model approach, which eliminates the inefficiencies and limitations of the unified approach is discussed. >
Direct-current vector control of three-phase grid-connected rectifier–inverter

Abstract The three-phase grid-connected converter is widely used in renewable and electric power system applications. Traditionally, control of the three-phase grid-connected converter is based on the standard decoupled d–q vector control mechanism. Nevertheless, the study of this paper shows that there is a limitation in the conventional standard vector control method. Some of the limitations have also been found recently by other researchers. To overcome the shortage of the conventional vector control technique, this paper proposes a new direct-current d–q vector control mechanism in a nested-loop control structure, based on which an optimal control strategy is developed in a nonlinear programming formulation. The behaviors of both the conventional and proposed control methods are compared and evaluated in simulation and laboratory hardware experiment environments, both of which demonstrates that the proposed approach is effective for grid-connected power converter control in a wide system conditions while the conventional standard vector control approach may behave improperly especially when the converter operates beyond its PWM saturation limit.
Negative effects of diuretic drugs on metabolic risk factors for coronary heart disease: Possible alternative drug therapies

The results of 8 major hypertension treatment trials, all using diuretics as first-line therapy, show a clear-cut reduction in stroke and congestive heart failure, but coronary heart disease (CHD) is not consistently benefited. It is unclear why CHD is not controlled, but diuretics can subtly upset metabolic risk factors for CHD, among which are lipid and glucose concentrations. Although these metabolic disturbances appear clinically unimpressive, risk table analysis reveals that they can offset or even reverse the benefits of reducing blood pressure. A link between glucose intolerance and increased serum lipid concentrations during diuretic-based therapy is suggested by multiple correlations between them. Replacement of diuretics as first-line therapy for mild and moderate hypertension should therefore be considered. Spironolactone seems to counter the adverse metabolic effects, but its effect on lipoproteins needs more study. A drug that does not disturb glucose and lipid metabolism would seem preferable. Thus prazosin is a promising candidate.
Reaction of phenoxy radical with nitric oxide

The associationof C6H5O with NO was studied with the cavity-ring-down method by directly monitoring the decay of C6H5O in the presence of varying, excess amounts of NO. The biomolecular rate constant determined in the temperature range 297-373 K can be effectively rate constant determined in the temperature range 297–373 K can be effectively represented by k1 = 10 cm3 molecule−1 with a negative activation energy of 0.8 kcal mol−1 (1 kcal = 4.184 kJ). In order to understand better the mechanism of the reaction, ab initio molecular orbital calculations were also carried out at the MP4(SDQ)/6-31G* level of theory using the HF optimized geometries. The molecular structues and energetics of five C6H5N1O2 isomers were calculated. Among them, the most likely and stable association product, phenyl nitrite (C4H5ONO), was found to be 17 kal mol−1 below the reactants, C6H5O + NO. Combining the measured rate constant and the calculated equilibrium constant for the association reaction, C6H5O + NO = C6H5ONO the rate constant for the unimolecular decomposition of C6H5ONO was obtained as k−1 = 4.6 × 1015E−8580/Ts−1. The relatively large frequency factor suggests that a loose transition state was involved in the reaction, akin to those of its alkyl analogs (RONO, R CH3, C2H5, etc.).
Review: Cholinesterase inhibitors do not reduce progression to dementia from mild cognitive impairment

Source Citation Russ TC, Morling JR. Cholinesterase inhibitors for mild cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(9):CD009132. 22972133
Note, advance refunding and municipal bond market efficiency

Abstract This study uses the public announcement of an advance refunding to examine the informational efficiency of the secondary market for municipal bonds. The data show that bond yields respond quickly and in the direction predicted. The text discusses methodological considerations and the data sources used in the tests. The results of the study indicate that even for infrequently traded bonds, yields can be expected to reflect fully changes in default risk.
The recovery of agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract This paper presents a new view of cross-country agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. For the first time, the “wheat units” approach to output aggregation is applied to Africa. This approach avoids many of the problems caused by exchange rate distortion and related problems when international output comparisons are based on agricultural value added. Measures of agricultural productivity based on the wheat unit aggregates reveal a striking recovery of growth in agricultural productivity during the mid-1980s. These results contrast sharply with those derived from standard output aggregates based on agricultural value added. This contrast is true for both partial and total factor productivity analyses. Technical change, measured by expenditures for agricultural research, and macroeconomic reform, which leads to improved economic incentives for agriculture, might account for up to two-thirds of this recovery. If this explanation is correct, it raises concerns for the sustainability of Africa's recent gains. Reduced public investment in agricultural research, for example, reduces current fiscal deficits at the expense of future growth in productivity.
Characterization of the COQ5 Gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae EVIDENCE FOR A C-METHYLTRANSFERASE IN UBIQUINONE BIOSYNTHESIS

Abstract Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q or Q) is a lipophilic metabolite that functions in the electron transport chain in the plasma membrane of prokaryotes and in the inner mitochondrial membrane of eukaryotes. Q-deficient mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fall into eight complementation groups (coq1-coq8). Yeast mutants from the coq5 complementation group lack Q and as a result are respiration-defective and fail to grow on nonfermentable carbon sources. A nuclear gene, designated COQ5 was isolated from a yeast genomic library based on its ability to restore growth of a representative coq5 mutant on media containing glycerol as the sole carbon source. The DNA segment responsible for the complementation contained an open reading frame (GenBank™ accession number Z49210[GenBank]) with 44% sequence identity over 262 amino acids to UbiE, which is required for a C-methyltransferase step in the Q and menaquinone biosynthetic pathways in Escherichia coli Both the ubiE and COQ5 coding sequences contain sequence motifs common to a wide variety of S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferases. A gene fusion expressing a biotinylated form of Coq5p retains function, as assayed by the complementation of the coq5 mutant. This Coq5-biotinylated fusion protein is located in mitochondria. The synthesis of two farnesylated analogs of intermediates in the ubiquinone biosynthetic pathway is reported. These reagents have been used to develop in vitro C-methylation assays with isolated yeast mitochondria. These studies show that Coq5p is required for the C-methyltransferase step that converts 2-methoxy-6-polyprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone to 2-methoxy-5-methyl-6-polyprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone.
Expression and purification of a functionally active class I fungal hydrophobin from the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana in E. coli

Hydrophobins represent a class of unique fungal proteins that have low molecular mass, are cysteine rich, and can self-assemble into two-dimensional arrays at water/air interfaces. These highly surface-active proteins are able to decrease the surface tension of water, thus allowing fungal structures to penetrate hydrophobic–hydrophilic barriers. Due to their unusual biophysical properties, hydrophobins have been suggested for use in a wide range of biotechnological applications. Here we describe a simple method for producing a functionally active class I hydrophobin derived from the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, in an E. coli host. N-terminal modifications were required for proper expression and purification, and the hydrophobin was expressed as a fusion partner to a cleavable N-terminus chitin-binding domain-intein construct. The protein was purified and reconstituted from E. coli inclusion bodies. Self-assembly of the recombinant hydrophobin was followed kinetically using a thioflavin T fluorescence binding assay, and contact angle measurements of purified recombinant hydrophobin protein (mHyd2) films on a variety of substrata demonstrated its surface modification ability, which remained stable for at least 4 months. Filament or fibril-like structures were imaged using atomic force and transmission electron microscopy. These data confirmed the functional properties of the purified protein and indicate amino acid flexibility at the N-terminus, which can be exploited for various applications of these proteins.
Pyriform sinus malformations: a cadaveric representation.

Background/Purpose: The most important aspects in management of pyriform sinus malformations are awareness of the diagnosis, familiarity with the clinical manifestations, and complete surgical excision of the entire tract. Pyriform sinus anomalies are the least common branchial apparatus malformations and present anatomically as sinus tracts with or without cystic dilatation. The clinical presentations can include lateral neck mass, thyroid abscess, suppurative thyroiditis, retropharyngeal abscess, neonatal airway obstruction, and even carcinoma. Recurrent symptoms after surgery suggest incomplete identification and excision of the tract. Methods: Cadaveric dissections were performed to show both the proposed embryologic course and clinical manifestations of third and fourth branchial apparatus pyriform sinus anomalies. Results: Illustrations and digital camera images of the cadaveric models are presented to explain the course of pyriform sinus fistula tracts. Conclusions: The authors discuss 3 case presentations of pyriform sinus anomalies with emphasis on their proposed embryologic origin and anatomic basis for surgical management. Surgical excision is the mainstay of therapy. Understanding the embryologic basis for pyriform sinus malformations aids in recognition of the diagnosis despite the myriad of clinical presentations. Laryngoscopy with sinus cannulation facilitates removal of the entire sinus tract with preservation of the recurrent and superior laryngeal nerves.
Fine-needle aspiration of an unusual case of poorly differentiated insular carcinoma of the thyroid.

Poorly differentiated insular carcinoma of the thyroid is a rare thyroid malignancy that is intermediary in biological behavior between well-differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma. We used fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to diagnose a poorly differentiated insular carcinoma with unusual cytological features in a 53-yr-old woman with a history of goiter and hypothyroidism, who presented with a massively enlarged thyroid gland and a large liver metastasis. The hypercellular aspirates were comprised predominantly of individually dispersed tumor cells. The tumor cells were small, monotonous, round to oval, and often plasmacytoid with eccentric hyperchromatic nuclei and occasional binucleation; finely granular, ill-defined cytoplasm; and smooth nuclear contours, with hyperchromasia, and small to inconspicuous nucleoli. There were no identifiable microfollicles, necrosis, and mitotic figures. The differential diagnosis included poorly differentiated insular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, and low-grade lymphoma. Immunocytochemical staining for thyroglobulin, calcitonin, and CD45 yielded negative findings. The insular pattern and scattered microfollicles were appreciated only focally in the specimen from the total thyroidectomy, which also showed other histological patterns including solid, trabecular, and papillary forms. In addition to small, uniform cells, Hurthloid, columnar, and clear cells were focally noted. Thyroglobulin immunoreactivity was recognized only in areas with well-formed follicles. In view of the aggressive nature of insular carcinoma, preoperative recognition is important in planning appropriate therapy. Familiarity with the cytomorphological features, a high index of suspicion, and consideration of appropriate differential diagnoses can greatly aid in reaching a definitive preoperative diagnosis. The limitations of FNA in the sampling of a large tumor with heterogeneous patterns should be kept in mind when interpreting the cytomorphological and immunocytochemical results. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:103–107. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Coupled two-phase mass transfer to spherical drops — Trace gas absorption and oxidation by a single drop

Mass transfer across gas and liquid boundary layers into the core of drops with liquid phase first order chemical reaction has been analyzed for spherical drops in the Reynolds number range of 50 < Reg < 400. The realistic and computationally efficient simulation of this gas absorption system is applicable in a variety of engineering fields including gas-liquid mass transfer in drops and sprays. The present paper deals with the fluid mechanics and mass transfer with chemical reaction of a single drop. In computer experiments good predictive agreement has been achieved with measured data. The theoretical results were generalized to show the influence of three major system parameters: Peclet number Peg or Pel Damkohler number Da and the distribution coefficient at the gas-liquid interface, M, on mass transfer and to demonstrate the importance of coupled gas- and liquid-phase resistances to gas absorption under practical conditions. On a analyse le probleme du transfert de matiere au travers des couches limites gazeuse et liquide, vers l'interieur d'une goutte avec une reaction chimique de premier ordre dans la phase liquide, pour des gouttes spheriques et pour des nombres Reynolds 50 < Reg, < 400. Une simulation realiste et efficace en termes de calcul, de ce systeme d'adsorption gazeuse est d'interet pour toute une variete de domaines du genie incluant le transfert de matiere gaz-liquide dans les systemes a gouttes ou a jets. L'article traite de la mecanique des fluides et du transfert de matiere avec reaction chimique dans une goutte unique. Dans les essais de calcul, on a obtenu un bon accord entre les predictions et les valeurs mesurees. On generalise les resultats theoriques afin de montrer l'effet des trois parametres majeurs du systeme: le nombre de Peclet Peg, ou Pel, le nombre de Damkholer Da et le coefficient de distribution a l'interface gaz-liquide M, sur le transfert de matiere et pour montrer l'importance du couplage des resistances de la phase gazeuse et de la phase liquide pour l'adsorption du gaz dans les conditions de la pratique.
New agents in the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukaemia

The overall prognosis of adult patients with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) has improved significantly over the past few decades. Combined modality strategies (e.g. chemotherapy used with targeted therapies such as monoclonal antibodies or tyrosine kinase inhibitors) may improve long-term disease-free survival. Still, most patients succumb to complications of disease progression, with current long-term disease-free survival rates of 30-45% overall. Thus, either new strategies or refinements of old ones are needed to improve the long-term prognosis. An increasing number of unique active new chemotherapeutic and biological agents are available for study. This chapter reviews new agents with the potential to be incorporated into therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ALL.
Trace Expansions for the Zaremba Problem

Abstract We consider a Laplace operator for sections of a vector bundle on a manifold M, with mixed boundary conditions, the so-called Zaremba problem. The boundary consists of three disjoint parts, ∂MD , ∂MN , together with Σ, their common boundary relative to ∂M. Dirichlet conditions are imposed along ∂MD and Neumann conditions along ∂MN . It turns out that a condition must be imposed along Σas well. In order to apply earlier work (Bruening J, Seeley R. The expansion of the resolvent near a singular stratum of conical type. J Funct Anal 1991; 255–329), we impose Dirichlet conditions along Σ, giving the Friedrichs extension of the operator with the given conditions along ∂MD and ∂MN . We obtain a complete asymptotic expansion of the trace of an appropriate power of the resolvent, and hence also the heat trace, with the usual powers of t. The coefficients are given as integrals over M, over ∂M, and over Σ. The logarithmic terms which might be expected are absent in this case; this is the main new result. ...
Nonlinear stability for advective systems

We consider partial differential equations of “advective” type, in the sense defined in Shvydkoy (Comm Math Phys 265:507–545, 2006). We establish rigorous results that allow to infer nonlinear stability for small perturbations from linearized stability results.