cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
First-principles-driven model-based current profile control for the DIII-D tokamak via LQI optimal control

In tokamak fusion plasmas, control of the spatial distribution profile of the toroidal plasma current plays an important role in realizing certain advanced operating scenarios. These scenarios, characterized by improved confinement, magnetohydrodynamic stability, and a high fraction of non-inductively driven plasma current, could enable steady-state reactor operation with high fusion gain. Current profile control experiments at the DIII-D tokamak focus on using a combination of feedforward and feedback control to achieve a targeted current profile during the ramp-up and early flat-top phases of the shot and then to actively maintain this profile during the rest of the discharge. The dynamic evolution of the current profile is nonlinearly coupled with several plasma parameters, motivating the design of model-based control algorithms that can exploit knowledge of the system to achieve desired performance. In this work, we use a first-principles-driven, control-oriented model of the current profile evolution in low confinement mode (L-mode) discharges in DIII-D to design a feedback control law for regulating the profile around a desired trajectory. The model combines the magnetic diffusion equations with empirical correlations for the electron temperature, resistivity, and non-inductive current drive. To improve tracking performance of the system, a nonlinear input transformation is combined with a linear-quadratic-integral (LQI) optimal controller designed to minimize a weighted combination of the tracking error and controller effort. The resulting control law utilizes the total plasma current, total external heating power, and line averaged plasma density as actuators. A simulation study was used to test the controller's performance and ensure correct implementation in the DIII-D plasma control system prior to experimental testing. Experimental results are presented that show the first-principles-driven model-based control scheme's successful rejection of input disturbances and perturbed initial conditions, as well as target trajectory tracking.
Quantum phases of matter: Room for one more

In YbRh2Si2, the transitions to a heavy Fermi-liquid state and to a magnetic phase occur at a single quantum critical point. But under chemical pressure, these transitions separate, and a new phase of matter appears in between.
4-Ethylsulfonylnaphthalene-1-sulfonamide (ENS): analytical chemical behavior and trace analysis in five substrates.

Abstract Analytical procedures are described for the determination of ENS residues in lab chow by SPF and by flame photometric GC (S-mode) after methylation. Relative efficiencies of several solvent extraction systems were evaluated. SPF methods for trace analysis of ENS in microbiological media, urine, blood, and waste water are also presented. Solubility values for ENS in water and hexane and p -values in 14 solvent systems were determined. The efficacy of the SPF method was demonstrated by the analysis of urine from a dog dosed with 14 C-ENS. Ancillary data concerning the optimization of the methylation reaction of ENS with diazomethane are discussed.
Hybrid artificial intelligence architecture for diagnosis and decision-making in manufacturing

This paper presents an architecture which combines artificial neural networks (ANNs) and an expert system (ES) into a hybrid, self-improving artificial intelligence (AI) system. The purpose of this project is to explore methods of combining multiple AI technologies into a hybrid intelligent diagnostic and advisory system. ANNs and ESs have different strengths and weaknesses, which can be exploited in such a way that they are complementary to each other: strengths in one system make up for weaknesses in the other, andvice versa. There is, presently, considerable interest in ways to exploit the strengths of these methodologies to produce an intelligent system which is more robust and flexible than one using either technology alone. Any process which involves both data-driven (bottom-up) and concept-driven (top-down) processing is especially well suited to displaying the capabilities of such a hybrid system. The system can take an incoming pattern of signals, as from various points in an automated manufacturing process, and make intelligent process control decisions on the basis of the pattern as preprocessed by the ANNs, with rule-based heuristic help or corroboration from the ES. Patterns of data from the environment which can be classified by either the ES or a human consultant can result in a high-level ANN being created and trained to recognize that pattern on future occurrences. In subsequent cases in which the ANN and the ES fail to agree on a decision concerning the environmental situation, the system can resolve those differences and retrain the networks and/or modify the models of the environment stored in the ES. Work on a hybrid system for perception in machine vision has been funded initially by an Oak Ridge National Laboratory seed grant, and most of the system components are operating presently in a parallel distributed computer environment.
The Engineering of Hydraulic Fractures--State of the Art and Technology of the Future

A new age is dawning in the application of computers to precise engineering design and analysis for the optimization of petroleum field operations, particularly hydraulic fracturing. This progress is based on rapid improvements in equipment, materials, model analysis, and computer-based monitoring of operations in the field, allowing real-time evaluation and immediate feedback control of each process as it evolves in each unique set of field circumstances. Much has been written about equipment and materials. This review concentrates on the dramatic changes in technology generated by the power of computer-based analysis and design, based on sound engineering models of the process. Such engineering has gradually replaced guesswork, as research and development have proved their value over the past decade or so. Primary results include more realistic fracture treatment designs, better quality control, and the possibility of largely automatic control for such operations in the near future.
The Association Between Patient Expectations and Prescription of Antibiotics for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

PURPOSE: To determine to what extent patient expectations regarding the need for antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infection symptoms were associated with receiving antibiotics. METHODS: Adult patients complaining of symptoms suggestive of upper respiratory tract infection completed a questionnaire before being seen by a health care provider at the walk-in clinic of an inner-city teaching hospital. They were asked about symptoms, prior antibiotic use for similar symptoms, and how strongly they felt they needed an antibiotic for their symptoms ("definitely," "probably," "maybe," "probably not" or "definitely not"). The subjects' charts were subsequently reviewed to determine whether or not they had been prescribed antibiotics. A Chi Square statistic was used to detect differences between the groups. RESULTS: 200 subjects completed the questionnaire. Demographic characteristics of the study population were a mean age of 35 years, 50% Caucasian, 57% male, 53% uninsured, and 21% with a degree higher than a high school diploma. 52% of the subjects received antibiotics at this visit. Antibiotic prescribing rates varied in relation to how strongly the subjects felt they needed antibiotics. 61% of those responding "definitely" were prescribed an antibiotic compared to 53% of those responding "probably," 40% responding "maybe" and 29% responding "probably not" or "definitely not" (p = .048). Patients with an Associates Degree or higher received antibiotics 56% of the time, while those with less than a high school education received them only 27% of the time (p = .02). Both groups were equally likely to think they needed antibiotics. There was no significant association between gender and receiving antibiotics. Although race was not associated with how strongly patients believed they needed antibiotics, Caucasians were slightly more likely to receive them than non-Caucasians (55% vs 47%, p = .06 NS). However, comparing the combined group of Caucasians and African-Americans to other minorities—primarily Native Americans, Hispanics and native-born Africans—there was a marked difference in antibiotic prescription rates (55% vs 31% p = .02). CONCLUSION: In this patient population, expectations regarding the need for antibiotics, education level, and race were each significantly associated with receiving antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections. Gender was not associated with antibiotic prescription rates.
The international transferability of human capital in nursing

This study examines the transferability of foreign human capital in nursing using the 1988–2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN). In contrast with theoretical predictions and previous studies, this research finds evidence that foreign nursing education commands a higher return than U.S. education, even after controlling for a rich set of covariates. Consistent with the literature, the estimates illustrate foreign experience earns a lower return than domestic experience in nursing. Analysis across subsamples reveals the counter-intuitive foreign education premium is driven by foreign nurses educated in English-speaking countries and those working in hospitals. These estimates suggest future research should take into account the heterogeneity in the returns on foreign education across occupations.
Symmetric centrosymmetric matrix-vector multiplication

Abstract We present a method for the multiplication of an arbitrary vector by a symmetric centrosymmetric matrix, requiring 5 4 n 2 + O (n) floating-point operations, rather than the 2n 2 operations needed in the case of an arbitrary matrix. Combining this method with Trench's algorithm for Toeplitz matrix inversion yields a method for solving Toeplitz systems with the same complexity as Levinson's algorithm.
The structure of the phi 80d3 ilv+ Su+7 transducing phage and the origin of its Su+7 tRNA-gene containing fragment.

The Bam HI, XhoI, and EcoRI sites of the transducing phage ϕ80d3Su+ 7ilv+ are located. The 1.2×106 MD EcoRI fragment which, when cloned, contains tRNAAsp and expresses the mutant tRNATry gene, Su+7, and which also relaxes control of stable RNA synthesis is found immediately adjacent to the rrnC region. Its tRNA genes, tRNAAsp and tRNATry, are transcribed in the same direction as the ribosomal RNA genes, though no mature rRNA sequences are on the fragment. This fragment also exists as such in another F-prime factor derived from the same Hfr host, and therefore presumably also in the Hfr chromosome itself. It is composed of about half ordinary chromosomal and half F DNA sequences, the latter from the γ-δ region of F. The advantages of a novel mapping method used are discussed.
Effect of cyclosporin treatment on luteinizing hormone and prolactin

The effect of cyclosporin A (CsA) treatment on LH and prolactin was investigated. Chronic daily administration of an immunosuppressive dose of CsA (1.5 mg/100g bw) increased serum LH concentrations and pituitary gland LH content. CsA treatment also resulted in increased serum testosterone. Immunosuppressive doses of CsA had no effect on serum prolactin or pituitary gland prolactin content. Acute administration of low doses of 0.12, 1.2, 12 and 120ug CsA/100g bw had no effect on serum LH or prolactin. These results suggest that administration of immunosuppressive doses of CsA alters serum and pituitary LH and serum testosterone but not prolactin.
Impaired morphological development of the dorsal cochlear nucleus in hamsters treated postnatally with α -difluoromethylornithine

Abstract The dorsal cochlear nucleus is a highly organized nucleus in the auditory system in which the ramifications of depletion of specific cell types during development can be studied. Granule cells, small interneurons that are located in all layers of the DCN in the adult hamster, proliferate postnatally and are, therefore, potentially vulnerable to anti-mitotic agents that are administered after birth. The present experiments describe the effects of α-difluoromethylornithine, a drug that inhibits proliferation of cerebellar granule cells, on the granule cells in the dorsal cochlear nucleus. As in the cerebellum, the density of granule cells in the dorsal cochlear nucleus is reduced after α-difluoromethylornithine treatment. In hamsters treated with α-difluoromethylornithine (200 or 500 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.), twice daily on postnatal days 4–14), the numerical density of granule cells was reduced in the superficial dorsal cochlear nucleus at 15 days; by 40 days this effect was also apparent in the deep layer, suggesting that cells located superficially that would have migrated into the deep dorsal cochlear nucleus had either failed to develop or did not arrive at their final location. This evidence suggests that the cells normally migrate down from the superficial proliferative zone into the deeper layers. In the drug-treated animals, a layer of mixed granule cells and fusiform cells was thinner than in controls probably due to the reduction in interspersed granule cells since the number of fusiform cells was unaffected. There was also a dose-dependent effect on cell growth; fusiform cells were affected at both doses, while giant cells were only affected at the highest dose. Granule cells form a major input to the fusiform cells and their depletion may account for some of the effects on fusiform cell growth. There could also be additional direct actions of α-difluoromethylornithine on this population.
Diagnostics for the detection and evaluation of laser induced damage

The Laser Damage and Conditioning Group at LLNL is evaluating diagnostics which will help make damage testing more efficient and reduce the risk of damage during laser conditioning. The work to date has focused on photoacoustic and scattered light measurements on 1064-nm wavelength HfO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} multilayer mirror and polarizer coatings. Both the acoustic and scatter diagnostics have resolved 10 {mu}m diameter damage points in these coatings. Using a scanning stage, the scatter diagnostic can map both intrinsic and laser-induced scatter. Damage threshold measurements obtained using scatter diagnostics compare within experimental error with those measured using 100x Nomarski microscopy. Scatter signals measured during laser conditioning can be used to detect damage related to nodular defects.
Klippel‐Trenaunay‐Weber syndrome associated with a 5:11 balanced translocation

We report on a case of Klippel-Trenaunay Weber syndrome (KTWS) associated with a reciprocal translocation [46,XX,t (5;11) (q13.3;p15.1)]. The patient has developmental delay and minor anomalies in addition to classic findings of KTWS. These data support the notion that Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome may be due to a single gene defect and suggests the possible localization of a Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber gene(s) to 5q or 11p.
Understanding a link between sexual harassment and eating disorder symptoms: A mediational analysis

Using data from 3 samples of working women and men, the present study examines the association between sexual harassment and eating disorder symptoms by studying the processes that may underlie this relationship. The results of structural equation modeling suggest a link between sexual harassment and eating disorder symptoms among women and indicate that this relationship is mediated by psychological distress, self-esteem, and self-blame. Further, sexual harassment was found to predict eating disorder symptoms among women even when experiences of sexual assault were included in the model. No relationship was found between sexual harassment and eating disorder symptoms among men. The theoretical and clinical implications of these results are discussed.
Confronting complexity in late-onset Alzheimer disease: Application of two-stage analysis approach addressing heterogeneity and epistasis

Common diseases with a genetic basis are likely to have a very complex etiology, in which the mapping between genotype and phenotype is far from straightforward. A new comprehensive statistical and computational strategy for identifying the missing link between genotype and phenotype has been proposed, which emphasizes the need to address heterogeneity in the first stage of any analysis and gene-gene interactions in the second stage. We applied this two-stage analysis strategy to late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) data, which included functional and positional candidate genes and markers in a region of interest on chromosome 10. Bayesian classification found statistically significant clusterings for independent family-based and case-control datasets, which used the same five markers in leucine-rich repeat transmembrane neuronal 3 (LRRTM3) as the most influential in determining cluster assignment. In subsequent analyses to detect main effects and gene-gene interactions, markers in three genes--urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU), angiotensin 1 converting enzyme (ACE) and cell division cycle 2 (CDC2)--were found to be associated with LOAD in particular subsets of the data based on their LRRTM3 multilocus genotype. All of these genes are viable candidates for LOAD based on their known biological function, even though PLAU, CDC2 and LRRTM3 were initially identified as positional candidates. Further studies are needed to replicate these statistical findings and to elucidate possible biological interaction mechanisms between LRRTM3 and these genes.
Integration of stereophotogrammetry with image restoration models for distortion-tolerant viewing through the sea surface

Key to the accurate quantification of optical distortions incurred by viewing through a refractive interface is a well-defined knowledge of interfacial structure. We have previously demonstrated [1,2] the feasibility of restoring imagery degraded by simulated viewing through the sea surface. In a companion paper [3] ,we discussed the effect of physical processes such as reflection, scattering, and absorption upon the accuracy of stereophotgrammetric estimation of sea topography. In particular, we analyzed limitations upon the range accuracy of the stereo vision paradigm, and discussed corruption of the disparity computation by backscattered irradiance which was correlated with the interfacial reflectance pattern. In this preliminary paper, we discuss implementational constraints upon the accuracy of restoring trans-MBL (Marine Boundary Layer) imagery, especially when the interfacial topography is erroneous. We summarize results derived in the companion paper, which contains an analysis of the range errors obtained from our proposed stereo vision sensor and disparity computation algorithm. We then discuss how such results are affected by different sensor configurations, and analyze how errors might further arise from the physical processes involved in airborne sensing environments. In particular, we analyze the effect of interfacial ranging error upon feature localization in the reconstructed target. A discussion of implementational techniques for compensating range error emphasizes practical issues of optical and electro-optical sensor design.
Low‐dose preoperative irradiation, surgery, and elective postoperative radiation therapy for resectable rectum and rectosigmoid carcinoma

A regimen of low-dose preoperative radiation therapy (RT), surgery, and elective postoperative RT for resectable carcinomas of the rectum and rectosigmoid is presented. Initial results in a group of 36 patients is discussed. In four patients clinically silent metastatic disease was discovered. Of 16 patients without indications for postoperative RT, only one died with disease. Indications for postoperative irradiation were found in 15 patients and four relapses (26%) subsequently occurred. Since the surgicopathologic stage of the tumor is the best prognostic predictor for rectal cancer, this regimen allows for the delivery of high-dose adjuvant irradiation only to those at high risk of local recurrence. Thus, this combination selects patients likely to benefit from postoperative RT while preserving the advantages of preoperative RT.
The β-Subunit of the Protein-conducting Channel of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Functions as the Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor for the β-Subunit of the Signal Recognition Particle Receptor

Abstract Cotranslational protein transport to the endoplasmic reticulum is controlled by the concerted interaction of three GTPases: the SRP54 subunit of the signal recognition particle (SRP) and the α- and β-subunits of the SRP receptor (SR). SRβ is related to ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)-type GTPases, and the recently published crystal structure of SRβ-GTP in complex with the binding domain of SRα suggested that SRβ, like all ARF-type GT-Pases, requires a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for function. Searching the sequence data base, we identified significant sequence similarity between the Sec7 domain of ARF-GEFs and the cytosolic domains of the β-subunits of the two homologous heterotrimeric protein-conducting channels in yeast. Using a fluorescence nucleotide exchange assay, we show that the β-subunits of the heterotrimeric protein-conducting channels function as the GEFs for SRβ. Both the cytosolic domain of Sec61β as well as the holo-Sec61β, when part of the isolated trimeric Sec61p complex, function as the GEF for SRβ, whereas the same Sec61β, when part of the heptameric complex that facilitates posttranslational protein transport, is inactive as the GEF for SRβ
Trisomy 12-associated, t(11;14)-negative mature B-cell leukemia with gene expression profile resembling mantle cell lymphoma

Trisomy 12 can be seen in many different lymphoid neoplasms. However, many or most mature B-cell leukemias associated with isolated trisomy 12 are reported in the literature as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or 'atypical CLL'. This study reports a case of a mature B-cell leukemia, morphologically and immunophenotypically similar to cases previously published as atypical CLL, in which cytogenetic evaluation revealed an isolated clonal trisomy 12 but no evidence of the mantle cell lymphoma-associated t(11;14)(q13;q32). Further analysis confirmed absence of cyclin-D1 expression. Subsequent lymph node biopsy revealed evidence of large cell transformation of the underlying chronic lymphoproliferative disorder. Gene expression profiling of the initial peripheral blood sample using a cDNA micro-array of approximately 10,000 expressed genes revealed a close resemblance between the reported case and 2 cases of known mantle cell lymphoma. When further compared to 7 known 'typical' CLL cases, the reported case was classified as mantle cell lymphoma by hierarchical cluster analysis. The case reported here raises interesting questions regarding the nature of cases reported previously as trisomy 12-associated CLL and reinforces the fact that other leukemic lymphoproliferative disorders should be included in the differential diagnosis of such cases. Further study is indicated to elucidate the nature and diversity of disorders previously reported as trisomy 12-associated chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Exposure, resistance, and recovery: a three-dimensional framework for the study of mortality from infectious disease.

Abstract It has been suggested by several scholars that debates surrounding the study of mortality could benefit from a framework that integrates social and economic factors with the biological mechanisms of illness and death (Johannson and Mosk, Popul. Stud. 41 (1987) 207–236; Mosley, International Population Conference, Vol. 2, Florence, IUSSP, Liege, 1985, pp. 189–203; Mosley and Chen, in W. H. Mosley, L. C. Chen (Eds.), Child Survival: Strategies for Research, Population Council, New York, 1984, pp. 25–45; Murray and Chen, Soc. Sci. Med. 36(2) (1993) 143–155; Ruzicka, International Population Conference, Vol. 2, Florence, IUSSP, Liege, 1985, pp. 185–187). In this paper, I present a conceptual framework aimed at doing this for infectious disease mortality. The framework is built around three proximate processes: (1) exposure to potentially lethal pathogens, (2) resistance to disease pathogens after exposure, and (3) recovery from disease episodes after contraction. I apply this conceptual framework to morbidity and mortality from cholera across 41 less developed nations.
Moral and Civic Learning

Presentation Made at the Institute on College Student Values, February 8, 2001, Florida State University
Precise Measurement of Thermal Conductivity at High Temperatures (100–1200 K)

Various absolute steady-state methods of measuring thermal conductivity can be made to yield, verifiably, experimental results accurate to within ± 2% from 100 to 1200 K, and for conductivity values from 0.1 to 5 W/cmK. This statement is substantiated by a detailed analysis of the results obtained by eight different systems in three laboratories on ten metals: Cu, Ag, Au, Pd, Pt, W, Cr, Armco Iron, and the alloys Nb-10 W and Inconel 702. The experimental systems by which these results were obtained are also briefly described. The achievement of such accuracy, however, requires that careful attention be paid to the design and operation of the experimental apparatus. In general, the thermal conductivity is computed from three parameters: the power developed in a specific heater; the temperature difference due to that heater; and a geometrical factor relating the two through the geometry of the heat flow pattern. The determination of each parameter presents problems of its own; these we outline, and present solutions to them which are often a matter of judicious compromises. However, because the individual problems are not equally severe for the different methods here discussed, the close agreement of the results that we show provides a gratifying reassurance that the experimental approaches and theoretical analysis, including estimates of error, are basically sound.
The group C adenovirus tumor antigens: identification in infected and transformed cells and a peptide map analysis

Abstract Serum from hamsters bearing group C adenovirus-induced tumors can be divided into two classes: first, a broad spectrum serum that contains antibodies to several early adenovirus proteins, immunoprecipitated from virus-infected cell extracts, with molecular weights of 72,000, 58,000, 44,000 and 17,000 daltons; and second, a narrow spectrum serum that contains antibodies to the 58,000 dalton protein from virus-infected cell extracts. Both types of sera have been used to immunoprecipitate specifically the 58,000 dalton protein from a type 2 adenovirus-transformed hamster cell line and a type 2 adenovirus-SV40 nondefective hybrid (Ad2 + ND-1) transformed hamster cell line. In addition, the broad spectrum serum immunoprecipitates or co-precipitates a late adenovirus protein of 120,000 daltons from virus-infected, but not virus-transformed cells. Peptide maps of the 120,000 dalton antigen and the virus hexon structural protein (120,000 daltons) demonstrate that these proteins are closely related. The 72,000 dalton antigen has been shown to be the adenovirus single-strand-specific DNA binding protein. Peptide maps of this 72,000 dalton antigen demonstrate that it contains all the peptides found in the 44,000 dalton antigen. The 72,000 dalton antigen contains two additional peptide fragments not detected in the 44,000 dalton protein, indicating that this 44,000 dalton antigen is a proteolytic breakdown product of the 72,000 dalton protein. The 58,000 dalton adenovirus tumor antigen has a peptide map which is completely distinct from the 120,000, 72,000 and 44,000 dalton proteins. These data demonstrate that the 58,000 dalton antigen is chemically distinct from the 72,000–44,000 dalton early adenovirus proteins.
Rapid hydrogenation of unsaturated sterols and bile alcohols using microwaves.

Abstract This paper describes an operationally simple, rapid hydrogenation of unsaturated sterols and bile alcohols in a domestic microwave oven. This has been achieved by the addition of catalytic amounts of Pd C in methylene chloride/propylene glycol solvents in the presence of ammonium formate followed by microwave irradiation. It is suggested that this methodology will be helpful in the identification of saturated and unsaturated sterols with different side-chain structures in rare diseases: sitosterolemia, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX), as well as atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Sterols, such as cholesterol, campesterol, sitosterol, and bile alcohols with unsaturated side chains, were converted to their reduced congeners with high yield and purity.
Paleorhodococcus dominicanus n. gen., n sp. (Actinobacteria) in a faecal droplet of Triatoma dominicana (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in Dominican amber

Paleorhodococcus dominicanus n. gen., n sp. (Actinobacteria) is described from a faecal droplet of Triatoma dominicana (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in Dominican amber. The fossil can be distinguished from the species of the closely related extant genus Rhodococcus Zopf 1891 by its spherical–ellipsoidal cocci forming substrate filaments with elementary branching, the clustering of coccoidal elements, the short filaments bearing reduced side branches and its occurrence in a faecal droplet of the extinct triatomine bug, P. dominicanus. This is the first fossil record of an Actinobacter, which shows that these organisms formed symbiotic associations with insects by the mid-Tertiary.
Retail Gentrification and Race: The Case of Alberta Street in Portland, Oregon

Alberta Street is emblematic of Portland’s image as a city that embraces the “creative class,” ranking high in being “bohemian” and embracing “diversity.” It is a street that has had a decline in B...
Is Pd2(DBA)3 a Feasible Precursor for the Synthesis of Pd Nanoparticles

The organometallic reagent tris(dibenzylideneacetone) dipalladium(0) [Pd2(DBA)3] has been used as a reagent for synthesis of hexagonal microstructures ranging from 0.5−10 μm. We have shown elsewhere that Pd2(DBA)3 spontaneously forms hexagonal and cubic microstructures. The results obtained herein confirm that microstructures formed by spontaneous aggregation of Pd2(DBA)3 produce the same morphology and carbonaceous chemical composition as those produced with a process that has been called RNA-mediation by pyridyl-modified RNA (pmRNA). Synthesis products from both methods of preparation were analyzed using a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and selected area electron diffraction. Indexing of electron diffraction patterns from hexagonal molecular crystals and metallic Pd nanoparticles combined with STEM Z-contrast imaging and X-ray dot maps were used to positively differentiate the two materials. On the...
Blood group Tn-active macromolecules from human carcinomas and erythrocytes: characterization of and specific reactivity with mono- and poly-clonal anti-Tn antibodies induced by various immunogens.

Abstract In contrast to healthy and noncarcinoma-diseased tissues, >80% of all carcinomas (CAs) tested express immunoreactive O -(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α- d -galactopyranosyl)-(1→3)-serine/threonine [α- d -Gal p NAc-(1→3)-Ser/Thr] in their glycoproteins. CA cells shed, into the tumor's environment, Tn, which is involved in cancer pathogenesis as adhesion molecule and as autoimmunogen. An increase in density of Tn on primary CA frequently parallels augmented CA aggressiveness. Tn-Active glycoproteins of culture-grown human breast CA DU 4475 cells were isolated from cytoplasm and from spent growth medium, and erythrocyte (RBC) Tn antigen was prepared by (1→3)-β- d -galactosidase treatment of isolated human O RBC MN glycoprotein-derived Thomsen-Friedenreich (T) antigen. Immunochemical, serological, physical, and chemical analyses showed close resemblance of CA- and RBC-derived Tn antigens. The preponderant carbohydrate in both Tn glycoproteins is the α- d -Gal p NAc residue, and the antigens have a qualitatively and quantitatively similar amino acid composition. Highly specific rodent monoclonal (Mo) anti-Tn antibodies (Abs) were elicited with Tn RBC and normal O RBC-derived Tn antigen, and compared with CA-anti-Tn MoAbs unwittingly evoked by others. A sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with Tn antigen as solid phase was developed. In this system, highly purified, “naturally occurring” anti-Tn antibodies, which all humans possess, were more sensitive in quantitating breast CA Tn structures than the anti-Tn MoAbs induced by Tn RBCs, and by RBC- and CA-derived Tn-active antigens. The sensitivity of anti-Tn MoAbs was higher in detecting RBC-Tn.
Combination of Oral Flucytosine and Ketoconazole as Therapy for Experimental Cryptococcal Meningitis

Current therapy for cryptococcal meningitis often is ineffective, toxic, and inconvenient. Ketoconazole has been shown to penetrate into brain tissue of mice and cerebrospinal fluid of humans and to improve the course of human coccidioidal meningitis. Ketoconazole, flucytosine, and amphotericin B, alone and in two-drug combinations, were used to treat cryptococcal meningitis in mice injected intracranially with Cryptococcus neoformans. Mortality was assessed, and numbers of cryptococci in brain and liver were counted. By both of these parameters, the combination of flucytosine and ketoconazole produced results superior to those of either agent used alone. The standard combination of amphotericin B and flucytosine also showed an additive effect in this model. However, the combination of amphotericin B and ketoconazole consistently showed no additive effect. None of the combinations of drugs was antagonistic. Our results indicate a possible role for therapy with a combination of oral flucytosine and ketoconazole as part of the treatment for cryptococcal meningitis.
Processing of insulating thin films and their properties

Abstract The electrical properties of rf-sputter deposited thin film of ZrO 2 doped with 4 mole% of Y 2 O 3 were examined from 296 K to 773 K. The films were deposited in an Ar/O 2 (80/20) atmosphere at a pressure of 2 Pa under various substrate de bias conditions (from −30V to +20V). A Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy techniques was used to determine the thickness of the films. Results showed that the deposition rate increased with applied negative de bias ranging from 0.0486 nm/s for films produced with +20V to 0.0972 nm/s for films produced with -30 V. Current-time measurements as a function of temperature were made in an electric field of 10 3 V/mm. Distinct conduction mechanisms of the ZrO 2 Y 2 O 3 films were observed from the slope change in Arrhenius plots of dc resistivity at 523 K. At low temperatures, the conduction was due to the migration of free oxygen vacancies. At temperatures above 500 K, the conduction was governed by the dissociation of oxygen vacancies trapped by the yttrium cations resulting in a higher activation energy for conduction. The effects of thermal cycling on the electrical behavior of the thin films were also investigated.
The moral basis of Graeco-Roman medical practice.

The physician in the Graeco-Roman world was primarily concerned with perfecting his skills and in establishing his craft as a legitimate profession. The “ethical” treatises in the Hippocratic corpus reflect this need for public acceptance; they stress medical etiquette rather than philanthropic ideals. Overall, philanthropy had no intrinsic connection with the pursuit of medicine. Such works as the Hippocratic oath, which attempt to introduce morality and humanism into the profession, are a rarity. However, as a result of the new morality brought on by Stoic philosophy and the mystery religions, we see medicine in late antiquity frequently identified with humanistic principles.
Convergence issues for iterative deconvolution signal restoration algorithms

Abstract The factors that affect the convergence of various iterative deconvolution algorithms will be presented. Topics covered will include the mathematical basis for convergence, how convergence is affected by the type of algorithm used, the class of data being deconvolved, its noise characteristics, and how distortions and errors in the system function affect convergence. Also discussed are some methods on how convergence can be enhanced. Test data are used to support conclusions.
Constraint-Based Synthesis of Shape-Morphing Structures in Virtual Reality

This manuscript outlines a novel approach to the design of compliant shape-morphing structures using constraint-based design method. Development of robust methods for designing shape-morphing structures is the focus of multiple current research projects, since the ability to modify geometric shapes of the individual system components, such as aircraft wings and antenna reflectors, provides the means to affect the performance of the corresponding mechanical systems. Of particular interest is the utilization of compliant mechanisms to achieve the desired adaptive shape change characteristics. Compliant mechanisms, as opposed to the traditional rigid link mechanisms, achieve motion guidance via the compliance and deformation of the mechanism’s members. The goal is to design a single-piece flexible structure capable of morphing a given curve or profile into a target curve or profile while utilizing the minimum number of actuators. The two primary methods prevalent in the design community at this time are the pseudo-rigid body method (PRBM) and the topological synthesis. Unfortunately these methods either tend to suffer from a poor ability to generate potential solutions (being more suitable for the analysis of existing structures) or are susceptible to overly-complex solutions. By utilizing the constraint-based design method (CBDM) we aim to address those shortcomings. The concept of CBDM has generally been confined to the Precision Engineering community and is based on the fundamental premise that all motions of a rigid body are determined by the position and orientation of the constraints (constraint topology) which are placed upon the body. Any mechanism motion path may then be defined by the proper combination of constraints. In order to apply the CBDM concepts to the design and analysis of shape-morphing compliant structures we propose a tiered design method that relies on kinematics, finite element analysis, and optimization. By discretizing the flexible element that comprises the active shape surface at multiple points in both the initial and the target configurations and treating the resulting individual elements as rigid bodies that undergo a planar or general spatial displacement we are able to apply the traditional kinematics theory to rapidly generate sets of potential solutions. The final design is then established via an FEA-augmented optimization sequence. Coupled with a virtual reality interface and a force-feedback device this approach provides the ability to quickly specify and evaluate multiple design problems in order to arrive at the desired solution.© 2010 ASME
Reduction of suboptimal prescribing and clinical outcome for dementia patients in a senior behavioral health inpatient unit.

Background: Suboptimal prescribing in older psychiatric patients causes iatrogenic morbidity. The objectives of this study were to compare the prevalence of suboptimal prescribing before and after admission to a geropsychiatry inpatient unit and to evaluate a possible correlation between optimal medication use and functional improvement in patients with dementia. Methods: The study sample comprised 118 consecutively admitted patients to a 14-bed university hospital-based geropsychiatry inpatient unit over a period of 20 months who met the DSM-IVTR criteria for an Axis I psychiatric illness and co-morbid dementia. At admission demographic information, Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) Score, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale Score (DRS), and number of active medical illnesses were recorded. At admission and discharge the number and type of medications, number of Revised Beers Criteria (RBC) medications (a published list of potentially inappropriate medications in older adults independent of diagnoses or conditions), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores, and Scale of Functioning (SOF) scores were tabulated. Χ 2 tests, paired t-tests and Pearson correlations were used to test the medication prevalence and associations between measures of clinical function and other variables. Results: The mean age (standard deviation) of the sample was 81.5 (6.2) years. The mean scores on the MMSE and DRS were 22.1 (6.2) and 116.6 (18.7), respectively. From admission to discharge, the mean number of RBC medications per patient decreased significantly from 0.8 (1.1) to 0.4 (0.6). There was also a significant correlation between reduction in Beers criteria medications and improved SOF score from time of admission to time of discharge. Conclusion: Suboptimal medication use is a potential source of decreased function in older patients with dementia.
Picosecond observation of fluorescence from B4 states of diphenylpolyenes

Abstract Picosecond time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) spectroscopy has been used to study transient behavior in 1,6-diphenylhexa-1,3,5-triene (DPH) and 1,8-diphenylocta-1,3,5,7-tetraene (DPO). The observation is reported of short-lived fluorescence lying to shorter wavelengths than the literature spectra for these molecules. From the vibrational structure and the solvent shift of the DPO transient spectrum in benzene with respect to hexane, the pulse-limited feature can be assigned to fluorescence from vibrationally unrelaxed levels of the B u state. In the DPH case, the relaxation time of the transient feature is greater than the laser pulse autocorrelation width, indicating that the decay of B u state fluorescence may be limited by vibrational relaxation in the lowest excited (A g ) state.
Using Business Intelligence for Operational Decision-Making in Call Centers

This paper proposes an operational business intelligence system for call centers. Using data collected from a large U.S. insurance company, the authors demonstrate a decision tree based solution to help the company achieve excellence through improved service levels. The initial results from this study provide insight into the factors affecting this firm's call center service levels, and the solution developed in this paper provides two distinct advantages to managers. First, it enables them to identify key factors and the role they play in determining service levels. Second, a sliding window approach is proposed which allows managers to see the effects of resource reallocation on service levels on an on-going basis.
Proactive interference in rats

Four groups of rats were taught a visual simultaneous discrimination with a non-correction procedure. Two of the groups had previously been trained to make the reverse discrimination, the other two had no prior training. Two groups were given a relearning test one day after training, while two others were tested 32 days after training. There was no retention loss unless prior interference had been provided. Thus, proactive interference was demonstrated.
Contribution of the 80s loop of HIV-1 protease to the multidrug-resistance mechanism: crystallographic study of MDR769 HIV-1 protease variants.

The flexible flaps and the 80s loops (Pro79–Ile84) of HIV-1 protease are crucial in inhibitor binding. Previously, it was reported that the crystal structure of multidrug-resistant 769 (MDR769) HIV-1 protease shows a wide-open conformation of the flaps owing to conformational rigidity acquired by the accumulation of mutations. In the current study, the effect of mutations on the conformation of the 80s loop of MDR769 HIV-1 protease variants is reported. Alternate conformations of Pro81 (proline switch) with a root-mean-square deviation of 3–4.8 A in the Cα atoms of the I10V mutant and a side chain with a ‘flipped-out’ conformation in the A82F mutant cause distortion in the S1/S1′ binding pockets that affects inhibitor binding. The A82S and A82T mutants show local changes in the electrostatics of inhibitor binding owing to the mutation from nonpolar to polar residues. In summary, the crystallo­graphic studies of four variants of MDR769 HIV-1 protease presented in this article provide new insights towards understanding the drug-resistance mechanism as well as a basis for design of future protease inhibitors with enhanced potency.
Polyethylene crystallized from the melt under elevated pressure

Polyethylene of the linear, low-pressure type has been crystallized under pressure (up to 5400 atm.) from the melt. Crystallization conditions of constant supercooling and constant cooling rates were employed. The resulting solid was analyzed at atmospheric pressure. In contrast to solution crystallization under pressure above 2000 atm., extended chain lamellae of increasing thickness become dominant. These show a maximum melting point of 140°C. and in this research, densities of up to 0.994 g./cm.3. Combining these data on large crystals with the experimental maximum melting temperatures and thickness data on low and atmospheric pressure crystallized lamellae yields a surface free energy of 91 ergs/cm.2 for folded chain lamellae crystallized at low pressure.
Glutamate-gated Chloride Channels

Glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) are found only in protostome invertebrate phyla but are closely related to mammalian glycine receptors. They have a number of roles in these animals, controlling locomotion and feeding and mediating sensory inputs into behavior. In nematodes and arthropods, they are targeted by the macrocyclic lactone family of anthelmintics and pesticides, making the GluCls of considerable medical and economic importance. Recently, the three-dimensional structure of a GluCl was solved, the first for any eukaryotic ligand-gated anion channel, revealing a macrocyclic lactone-binding site between the channel domains of adjacent subunits. This minireview will highlight some unique features of the GluCls and illustrate their contribution to our knowledge of the entire Cys loop ligand-gated ion channel superfamily.
Second-order calculation of the isotope effect in the Ca isotopes

Abstract The difference of the charge distributions of 40 Ca and 42 Ca is calculated up to second order in perturbation theory. The Tabakin interaction is used to evaluate the two-body matrix elements. One- and two-body effects are taken into account. One-body renormalization diagrams tend to decrease the rms radius while the calculated two-body effects are found to increase the rms radius, but are much smaller in magnitude than experimental data indicate.
Interactions of the public and private sectors in drug development : Boundaries to protect scientific values while preserving innovation

Industry, academia, and government have developed highly interwoven relationships in the pursuit of biomedical research. Establishing and maintaining boundaries among the public and private sectors at both the institutional level and the individual level is critical to protect core scientific values, preserve innovation, and allow product development to thrive. This article reviews principles that guide the interactions of these different sectors, sharing principles in place at Eli Lilly and Company as an example.