cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrated Structure/Control Design Using Finite Element Models-Preliminary Results

A new methodology for the integrated structure and control design is developed and applied to flexible robot arms. To maximise performance from an electromechanical system, the structure design and controller design should be performed concurrently. The final design of structure is thus better suited for control. The finite element method is used to model the system for dynamic analysis. Various system characteristics including poles and seros are described as functions of design variables, which are geometric parameters describing the finite element model of the structure. The relationship between the design variables and the system characteristics are linearised by using the generalized jacobian. The inverse problem, that is to find design variables that provide specified system characteristics, is then solved by using the pseudo-inverse of the jacobian. The example of a single link flexible structure is considered and the structure is optimised with respect to the first natural frequency. The moment of inertia about the actuator axis is reduced and the end-point deflection is kept within a given bound. Some of the critical issues of the design process are highlighted.
Leveraging context for adaptive multimedia retrieval: a matter of control

Adaptive systems have not been adopted because people prefer stability and predictability for high-level interactions and because such systems have not been robust enough to handle the variety of goals and tasks that people bring to them. Adaptive features at fine grains of activity have been successfully adopted and this paper considers the possibilities of using a variety of contextual features for adaptive multimedia retrieval. It argues that people must gain trust in such systems and be provided with control over the adaptive features within a more general human-computer information retrieval framework.
Stockholders' Ownership and Control

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by M. Useem, G.F. Davis, volume 22, pp. 15133–15137, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Characterization of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis by gas-liquid and thin-layer chromatography and rapid demonstration of mycobactin dependence using radiometric methods.

Thirty-six Mycobacterium paratuberculosis isolates of bovine, caprine, and ovine origins were evaluated by using gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and BACTEC 7H12 Middlebrook TB medium (12A; Johnston Laboratories, Inc., Towson, Md.) in an effort to more rapidly differentiate this group of organisms from other mycobacteria. Bacterial suspensions (0.1 ml) were inoculated by syringe into 7H12 broth containing 2 micrograms of mycobactin P per ml and control broth without mycobactin P. Cultures were incubated at 37 degrees C and read daily with a BACTEC Model 301 (Johnston Laboratories). After 8 days of incubation, the growth index readings for the test broths containing mycobactin P were twice those of the control broths without mycobactin P. Sixty-five isolates of mycobacteria other than M. paratuberculosis were also examined. No difference was noted between the growth index readings of control and mycobactin-containing broths. Except for Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare, TLC studies differentiated M. paratuberculosis from the other mycobacterial species tested. The GLC data reveal that all M. paratuberculosis isolates had a distinctive peak (14A) which was not found among M. avium-M. intracellulare complex organisms. These data indicate that 7H12 radiometric broth was able to rapidly demonstrate the mycobactin dependence of M. paratuberculosis and GLC and TLC procedures were capable of rapidly differentiating this organism from the other mycobacteria studied. Images
Toward Large-Scale Shared Memory Multiprocessing

We are currently investigating two different approaches to scalable shared memory: Munin, a distributed shared memory (DSM) system implemented entirely in software, and Willow, a true shared memory multiprocessor with extensive hardware support for scalability. Munin allows parallel programs written for shared memory multiprocessors to be executed efficiently on distributed memory multiprocessors. Unlike existing DSM systems, which only provide a single mechanism for memory consistency, Munin provides multiple consistency protocols, matching protocol to data object based on the expected pattern of accesses to that object. We call this approach type-specific coherence. Munin also employs a relaxed consistency model to mask network latency and to minimize the number of messages required for keeping memory consistent. Willow is intended to be a true shared memory multiprocessor, providing memory capacity and performance capable of supporting over a thousand commercial microprocessors. These processors are arranged in cluster fashion, with a multi-level cache, I/O, synchronization, and memory hierarchy. Willow is distinguished from other shared memory multiprocessors by a layered memory organization that significantly reduces the impact of inclusion on the cache hierarchy and that exploits locality gradients. Willow also provides support for adaptive cache coherence, an approach similar to Munin’s type-specific coherence, whereby the consistency protocol used to manage each cache line is selected based on the expected or observed access behavior for the data stored in that line. Implementation of Munin is in progress; we are still designing Willow.
Single Particle Cryo-electron Microscopy and 3-D Reconstruction of Viruses

With fast progresses in instrumentation, image processing algorithms, and computational resources, single particle electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) 3-D reconstruction of icosahedral viruses has now reached near-atomic resolutions (3-4 A). With comparable resolutions and more predictable outcomes, cryo-EM is now considered a preferred method over X-ray crystallography for determination of atomic structure of icosahedral viruses. At near-atomic resolutions, all-atom models or backbone models can be reliably built that allow residue level understanding of viral assembly and conformational changes among different stages of viral life cycle. With the developments of asymmetric reconstruction, it is now possible to visualize the complete structure of a complex virus with not only its icosahedral shell but also its multiple non-icosahedral structural features. In this chapter, we will describe single particle cryo-EM experimental and computational procedures for both near-atomic resolution reconstruction of icosahedral viruses and asymmetric reconstruction of viruses with both icosahedral and non-icosahedral structure components. Procedures for rigorous validation of the reconstructions and resolution evaluations using truly independent de novo initial models and refinements are also introduced.
Constrained Structure Control of Periodic Systems Using Generalized Sampled-Data Hold functions

In this paper "Generalized Sampled-Data Hold Functions" (GSHF) are used in the Constrained Structure Control (CSC) of periodic systems. For clarity, we first consider the case of a single system. An algorithm for finding a generalized sampled-data hold function to achieve pole assignment or optimal noise rejection is proposed. The solution is nonunique. The freedom is used for simultaneous pole assignment or optimal noise rejection in several systems. Some examples are given.
High performance electrical power systems for unmanned airborne vehicles

It is noted that unmanned vehicles initially draw power from the launch platform for preflight diagnostics, go/no-go status, and the programming of an initial flight plan. The onboard power system consists of two sources: batteries are used for preflight checkout, postlaunch sequences, and emergency power for autorecovery sequences; and a generator/regulator system is utilized after launch to supply power for all avionics modules. System trade studies on the development of high-performance electrical power systems are discussed. Test results are then presented on four programs: phase control with shaft position sensing; a high-frequency resonant converter, which lowers electromagnetic emissions and system size and weight by using high-frequency sinusoidal resonance as the power conversion vehicle; a hybrid shunt regulator; and switched reluctance systems, a solution for high-temperature (>500 degrees F) power systems on next generation high-performance turbine engines. >
Near-Field Imaging of Infrared Antennas

The electric near-field distribution on a dipole-coupled co-planar strip line is measured at 28.3 THz. The attenuation and propagation constants are determined by fitting the standing wave equation to the measured data.
In vitro study of boric acid and activated charcoal.

AbstractAn in-vitro study utilizing a titration assay was performed to evaluate the degree of adsorption of one gram of boric acid by 7.5 g, 15.0 g and 30.0 g of activated charcoal. The mean percentage adsorbed was 5.7 ± 1.6% for 7.5 g of activated charcoal, 17.6 ± 3.5% for 15.0 g of activated charcoal and 38.6 ± 6.3% for 30.0 g of activated charcoal. Analysis of variance showed a significant difference from the control (no activated charcoal) for the 15.0 and 30.0 g samples (p<0.05). Although binding of boric acid by activated charcoal increased as the proportion of activated charcoal to boric acid increased, this finding is not clinically significant since the amount of activated charcoal required for 38% adsorption is 30 times the amount of boric acid ingested. Considering the toxic and potentially fatal doses of boric acid in children (5 g) and adults (20 g), doses of activated charcoal of greater than 150 g in children or 600 g in adults would be impractical for the clinical situation.
A low-angle X-ray diffraction study of the swelling behavior of peripheral nerve myelin

SUMMARY The swelling behavior of peripheral nerve myelin has been studied by recording low-angle X-ray diffraction patterns of nerve after various chemical treatments. Peripheral myelin swells in distilled water, hypotonic Ringer's solution and sucrose solutions. The resulting low-angle pattern is called a swollen pattern (by comparison, the normal pattern is obtained from live nerve). The swelling of myelin is reversed by a reimmersion of the nerve in salt solutions and the resulting low-angle pattern is called a subnormal pattera. A relationship between these three kinds of patterns is given in terms of the width of the membrane pair. The forces between the adjacent membrane pairs in swollen myelin are likely to be long-range attractive Van der Waals' and long-range electrical repulsive forces. However, an equilibrium between the attractive and repulsive forces has not been observed.
Comparative analysis of NBS domain sequences of NBS-LRR disease resistance genes from sunflower, lettuce, and chicory

Plant resistance to many types of pathogens and pests can be achieved by the presence of disease resistance (R) genes. The nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat (NBS-LRR) class of R-genes is the most commonly isolated class of R-genes and makes up a super-family, which is often arranged in the genome as large multi-gene clusters. The NBS domain of these genes can be targeted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using degenerate primers. Previous studies have used PCR derived NBS sequences to investigate both ancient R-gene evolution and recent evolution within specific plant families. However, comparative studies with the Asteraceae family have largely been ignored. In this study, we address recent evolution of NBS sequences within the Asteraceae and extend the comparison to the Arabidopsis thaliana genome. Using multiple sets of primers, NBS fragments were amplified from genomic DNA of three species from the family Asteraceae: Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Lactuca sativa (lettuce), and Cichorium intybus (chicory). Analysis suggests that Asteraceae species share distinct families of R-genes, composed of genes related to both coiled-coil (CC) and toll-interleukin-receptor homology (TIR) domain containing NBS-LRR R-genes. Between the most closely related species, (lettuce and chicory) a striking similarity of CC subfamily composition was identified, while sunflower showed less similarity in structure. These sequences were also compared to the A. thaliana genome. Asteraceae NBS gene subfamilies appear to be distinct from Arabidopsis gene clades. These data suggest that NBS families in the Asteraceae family are ancient, but also that gene duplication and gene loss events occur and change the composition of these gene subfamilies over time.
The prevalence of autoantibodies in T-cell, B-cell, and phagocytic immunodeficiency disorders.

Abstract Patients with a spectrum of T-cell, B-cell, and phagocytic disorders were studied to correlate the specific immunodeficiency associated with autoantibody and autoimmune disease. Disorders investigated included X-linked hypo-γ-globulinemia, common variable onset hypo-γ-globulinemia, selective IgA deficiency, cellular immunodeficiency with abnormal immunoglobulin synthesis, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, severe combined immunodeficiency, chronic granulomatous disease, and female carriers of chronic granulomatous disease. Autoantibody was detected in all groups except X-linked hypo-γ-globulinemia. Clinical autoimmune disease was observed in patients with X-linked hypo-γ-globulinemia, common variable onset hypo-γ-globulinemia, selective IgA deficiency, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, chronic granulomatous disease, and female carriers of chronic granulomatous disease. No autoantibodies were found in only one immunodeficiency disorder, X-linked hypo-γ-globulinemia. Partial B-cell dysfunction, T-cell dysfunction, and phagocytic dysfunction predispose to autoantibody formation. Clinical autoimmune disorders were found in all types of immunodeficiency except severe combined immunodeficiency. Alternatively, patients with partial deficiencies of both B- and T-cell immunity may have regulator cell defects of helper versus suppressor cell populations which may result in enhanced autoantibody formation. It is of interest that two of the patients with cellular immunodeficiency and abnormal immunoglobulin synthesis who were initially negative for autoantibodies, developed positive autoantibodies after partial reconstruction of T-cell function following treatment with bovine thymosin fraction 5 and fetal thymus transplantation, suggesting that under certain circumstances, enhanced T-cell function may result in autoantibody formation.
Assessment of Chromosomal Trisomies in Prostate Cancer Using Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization

In a previous study, we observed a low frequency of HER-2/neu oncogene amplification in prostate cancer using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). In our continued effort to identify prognostic biomarkers in prostate cancer, we analyzed 74 cases of prostate cancer to assess the presence of chromosomal trisomies in this cohort of patients. Previous results from this laboratory have implicated a role of chromosomal trisomies in various cancers. FISH using a chromosome 7 and a chromosome 8 centromere probe was utilized to study abnormal chromosome copy numbers together with data from a chromosome 17 control. The frequency of trisomy 7 was found to be 58.1% (43 of 74 informative cases), while the frequency of trisomy 8 was found to be 9.5% (7 of 74 informative cases). The frequency of cells showing chromosome 17 trisomy was 18.5% (15 of 81 cases successfully studied). While chromosome 8 trisomy did not seem to play as significant a role here as in other cancers that we studied, the results of chromosome 7 trisomy are consistent with those reported in the literature. Further exploration of selected trisomies as biomarkers in prostate cancer using a larger study sample size is warranted to establish their clinical utilities.
Über anomalen Vektoreffekt und Vielquantenanregung bei der Photoemission von Halbleitern

Die Untersuchung betrifft die Frage, inwieweit bei der lichtelektrischen Elektronenanregung in einem Halbleiter ein Mehrquantenprozes im Gegensatz zu einer einfachen Photon-Elektron-Wechselwirkung vorliegt. Als experimenteller Hinweis wird die aus Polarisationsmessungen der Photoemission gefundene Erscheinung angesehen, das beim lichtelektrischen Anregungsprozes in Halbleitern eine zum 𝔈-Vektor der Photonen senkrechte Vorzugsrichtung erhalten wird (wie beim Comptoneffekt) im Gegensatz zu der zu 𝔈 parallelen Vorzugsrichtung beim Rontgenphotoeffekt, welcher durch einfache Photon-Elektron-Wechselwirkung beschreibbar ist. Zur weiteren Erhartung dieser Folgerung wird in vorliegender Arbeit eine genauere reflexionsoptische Umrechnung der fruheren Messungen des anomalen Vektoreffektes an Cs3Sb-Kathoden ausgefuhrt.
Protofibrillar islet amyloid polypeptide permeabilizes synthetic vesicles by a pore-like mechanism that may be relevant to type II diabetes.

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) and insulin are copackaged and cosecreted by pancreatic islet β-cells. Non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is characterized by dysfunction and...
Why do regulators regulate? The case of the southern California gas market

Cross-subsidies often accompany entry regulation. Because cross-subsidies may be efficient or inefficient, they make it harder to find out whether regulation is motivated by “public interest” or “public choice” considerations. This paper uses case study methods to illuminate the motives and intentions of California state regulators in a battle over bypass of state-regulated gas utilities during the 1980s. Detailed study reveals that wealth redistribution, rather than economic efficiency, dominated regulators' motives.
Separation of liquids by mass diffusion

Mass diffusion studies were carried out in a diaphragm diffusion cell with the liquid system methyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol. Experiments were conducted over a wide range of separating agent counterflow. The separation factor was approximately doubled and the yield decreased three orders of magnitude when the counterflow was increased one order of magnitude. Using the four ternary diffusion coefficients for the system and a diaphragm geometry based on previous calibration, the concentration and separation factors could be predicted within the range of experimental error. The theory indicates that at high counterflow considerably larger separation factors would be obtained if the diaphragm were uniform.
Multifocal renal cortical tumors: frequency, associated clinicopathological features and impact on survival.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We determined the frequency of tumor multifocality in patients with renal cortical tumors, characterized clinical and pathological features associated with multifocality and evaluated its effect on patient survival.Materials and Methods: Between July 1989 and July 2002, 1,071 radical nephrectomies were performed at our institution. Specimens were examined grossly and microscopically for multifocal tumors. Preoperative imaging was reviewed to determine whether multifocality was suspected prior to operation. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify clinical and pathological factors associated with multifocality.Results: Of 1,071 radical nephrectomy specimens 57 (5.3%) had pathological evidence of tumor multifocality. Bilateral synchronous renal cortical tumors were present in 6 of the 57 multifocal cases (11%). A total of 19 cases (33%) had evidence of multifocality on preoperative imaging and, therefore, occult multifocality undetected on preoperative imaging was present in 3.5% of ...
Self-handicapping in competitive sport: influence of the motivational climate, self-efficacy, and perceived importance

Abstract Objectives To examine the influence of perceptions of the motivational climate, self-efficacy, and perceived importance on athletes' claimed situational self-handicaps in a competitive sport setting. Perceptions of a task involving climate and self-efficacy were expected to be negatively related and perceptions of an ego-involving climate to be positively related to situational self-handicapping. Design Given the centrality of perceived ability in the self-handicapping literature, basic tenets derived from achievement goal theory provided the rationale for the present cross-sectional field study. Methods Male 70 and 70 female elite collegiate golfers completed a questionnaire prior to participating in a prestigious national golf tournament ( M age=20.61; SD=1.52) assessing claimed situational self-handicaps in the week prior to the tournament, perceptions of the team motivational climate, perceived event importance, and self-efficacy. Results Preliminary analyses revealed no significant gender differences in regard to the perceived importance of the event or situational claimed self-handicaps. Participants who perceived the event to be of low personal importance reported significantly more claimed self-handicaps during the week prior to the tournament than high importance individuals. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed perceptions of a task-involving motivational climate, self-efficacy, and perceived event importance to be negatively related to claimed self-handicaps. Conclusions The findings of the present study suggest that in addition to enhancing self-efficacy, coaches should increase the salience of task-involving cues in the athletic context to attenuate the situational claimed self-handicaps of elite collegiate athletes.
Disposition of IgA-Containing Circulating Immune Complexes

Two fundamentally different mechanisms may account for the glomerular immune deposits in IgA nephropathy (IgAN): (1) deposition of circulating immune complexes and (2) the in situ formation of immune complexes. In this review the experimental evidence for and against an important role of circulating IgA-containing immune complexes in the pathogenesis of IgAN is summarized. Several physical characteristics, including size, lattice composition, and electrical charge, may influence the deposition of immune complexes in the renal mesangium. Furthermore, the likelihood of deposition of circulating IgA-containing immune complexes in vulnerable locations (such as the kidney) may be increased because of their impaired removal from the circulation by macrophages of the liver and spleen and the erythrocyte-immune complex clearing mechanism. However, the relative contributions of these factors to the pathogenesis of IgAN remain speculative.
Complementary and integrative medical therapies, the FDA, and the NIH: definitions and regulation

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) presently defines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as covering "a broad range of healing philosophies (schools of thought), approaches, and therapies that mainstream Western (conventional) medicine does not commonly use, accept, study, understand, or make available. The research landscape, including NCCAM-funded research, is continually changing and subject to vigorous methodologic and interpretive debates. Part of the impetus for greater research dollars in this arena has been increasing consumer reliance on CAM to dramatically expand. State (not federal) law controls much of CAM practice. However, a significant federal role exists in the regulation of dietary supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates foods, drugs, and cosmetics in interstate commerce. No new "drug" may be introduced into interstate commerce unless proven "safe" and "effective" for its intended use, as determined by FDA regulations. "Foods", however, are subject to different regulatory requirements, and need not go through trials proving safety and efficacy. The growing phenomenon of consumer use of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other "dietary supplements" challenged the historical divide between drugs and foods. The federal Dietary Supplements Health Education Act (DSHEA) allows manufacturers to distribute dietary supplements without having to prove safety and efficacy, so long as the manufacturers make no claims linking the supplements to a specific disease. State law regulates the use of CAM therapies through a variety of legal rules. Of these, several major areas of concern for clinicians are professional licensure, scope of practice, and malpractice. Regarding licensure, each state has enacted medical licensing that prohibits the unlicensed practice of medicine and thereby criminalizes activity by unlicensed CAM providers who offer health care services to patients. Malpractice is defined as unskillful practice which fails to conform to a standard of care in the profession and results in injury. The definition is no different in CAM than in general medicine; its application to CAM, however, raises novel questions. Courts rely on medical consensus regarding the appropriateness of a given therapy. A framework for assessing potential liability risk involves assessing the medical evidence concerning safety and efficacy, and then aligning clinical decisions with liability concerns. Ultimately research will or will not establish a specific CAM therapy as an important part of the standard of care for the condition in question. Legal rules governing CAM providers and practices are, in many cases, new and evolving. Further, laws vary by state and their application depends on the specific clinical scenario in question. New research is constantly emerging, as are federal and state legislative developments and judicial opinions resulting from litigation.
Controlling the Relative Orientation of Reactants with Intermolecular Forces: Intermolecular State-Dependent Structure in Prereactive H2−OH Complexes

A theoretical study has been carried out to examine the orientation distribution functions of the OH and H 2 diatoms in various intermolecular states of the prereactive H 2 -OH complex. Multidimensional quantum calculations have been conducted on a high-quality ab initio intermolecular potential energy surface to obtain the energies and body-fixed wave functions for the rovibrational states of H 2 -OH. These calculations show that the H 2 and OH diatoms undergo nearly free internal rotation within the complex. However, the angular anisotropy of the intermolecular potential orients the OH and aligns the ortho-H 2 internal rotational motions within the complex. The relative orientation of the reactants is found to be well-defined and strongly intermolecular-state-dependent. Thus, by accessing different intermolecular states, the relative orientations of the reactants can be systematically manipulated. The degree of body-fixed orientation of OH in some bound states of H 2 -OH, including the ground state of ortho-H 2 -OH, approaches the highest degree of space-fixed orientation that has been achieved in hexapole orientation studies of OH. The experimental implications of the results are discussed.
Reversible injury after mild hyperthermia.

Abstract Skin contraction and leg contracture resulted from immersion of mice legs in a water bath at temperatures of 42.5° to 43.7°C for 45 to 90 minutes. The maximum contracture was observed between 5 and 15 days after treatment, but little damage remained after about 30 days. After healing of the early tissue damage, there was no progression of residual damage in skin up to 490 days after treatment. In contrast, radiation-induced contracture develops rapidly after 14 days, and may continue to progress for 100 days or more. In the present studies, leg contracture could be attributed primarily to injury in the skin, because skinning the legs before measuring eliminated most of the contracture. Temperature differences between subcutaneous tissue and deep muscle were not consistently observed or statistically significant, and probably made little or no contribution to the difference in thermal response of these tissues.
The APC/C inhibitor, Emi1, is essential for prevention of rereplication

Emi1 (early mitotic inhibitor) inhibits APC/C (anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome) activity during S and G2 phases, and is believed to be required for proper mitotic entry. We report that Emi1 plays an essential function in cell proliferation by preventing rereplication. Rereplication seen after Emi1 depletion is due to premature activation of APC/C that results in destabilization of geminin and cyclin A, two proteins shown here to play redundant roles in preventing rereplication in mammalian cells. Geminin is known to inhibit the replication initiation factor Cdt1. The rereplication block by cyclin A is mediated through its association with S and G2/M cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks), Cdk2 and Cdk1, suggesting that phosphorylation of proteins by cyclin A–Cdk is responsible for the block. Rereplication upon Emi1 depletion activates the DNA damage checkpoint pathways. These data suggest that Emi1 plays a critical role in preserving genome integrity by blocking rereplication, revealing a previously unrecognized function of this inhibitor of APC/C.
Patterns of parent perception differentiating clinic from nonclinic children.

The responses of 393 parents of clinic-referred and welladjusted children to the Children's Behavior Checklist were analyzed. Of 154 items, 66 proved to discriminate between clinic and nonclinic groups. Many of these items were reflective of the general dimensions of Competence and Impulsivity yielded by an overall factor analysis. More specific patterns of factors emerged for subgroups of parents. Interparent agreement in perception was found to be a complex function of a child's age, sex, and adjustment level. The implications of the results for clinical assessment of children and families and for studies of parentchild relations are discussed.
Managing risks in a relief supply chain in the wake of an adverse event

Catastrophes cause significant physical damage and destruction, potential loss of life and disruption to the structure of society. However, many times, the relief efforts, although well-intentioned, fail to efficiently and effectively reach the intended victims. The evidence of supply chain effectiveness is examined and highlighted instances when the supply chain has failed. Key stages identified within the relief supply chain, and these stages must be connected through communication and collaboration. The failure mode effects and critical analysis method was used to assess the reliability of a relief supply chain system and its critical components. This research suggests the structure that seems to achieve the most effective results is one that involves authority derived from a network or industry expertise. This structure makes use of expertise in each area of the supply chain, as well as, taking advantage of the relationships and trust that local NGO's have built in areas throughout the world.
Microwave Radiation Protective Suit

The use of a Navy-developed microwave radiation protective suit in a JPL project is described. The composition of the suit material is analyzed, and the amount of radiation absorbed by the various parts of the suit is measured. The effects of microwave radiation on the human body are considered, and the degree of protection provided by the suit during actual entry into a microwave field is evaluated.
Optical counterpart of 2A0311–227

Spectrophotometric observations of the optical counterpart of the X-ray source 2A0311-227 are reported. A 1.3-m telescope associated with a photon-counting spectral scanner was used for observations in the range 4000 to 5800 A. Strong emission features are noted for H I, He II at 4686 A and the C III-N III blend at 4640-4650 A. Analyses of radial velocities show the star to be a spectroscopic binary with a period of 81.04 + or - 0.01 min, while blue and yellow light curves reveal variations in stellar color. Similarities between this binary and AM Herculis are noted and a model of a 1.2-solar mass white dwarf with a 0.2-solar mass companion at a separation of 0.7 solar radii is suggested.
The boundary between simple and complex descriptions of membrane reactors: The transition between 1-D and 2-D analysis

Abstract Studies of the steam reforming of methane were carried out at high temperature (773–923 K) and pressure (0.1–2.0 MPa (1–20 atm)) using a commercial Ni/MgAl2O4 catalyst in a reactor equipped with a tubular hydrogen-selective silica–alumina membrane. The membrane was prepared using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method which gave a H2 permeance of 1.6 × 10−7 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 with a H2/CH4 selectivity of 710 at 923 K. Operation as a membrane reactor gave improved methane conversions and hydrogen yields compared to use as a packed-bed reactor at all temperatures and pressures. One-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) models without adjustable parameters were developed to describe the performance of the two reactors. The 2-D model gave a slightly better fit to the membrane reactor results than the 1-D model, which predicted higher conversion at high pressure than observed experimentally. This was because the 2-D model correctly accounted for decreased permeant concentrations in the vicinity of the membrane (concentration polarization) which reduce the driving force for permeation and give lower conversions. A general criterion, denoted as the Order-Hierarchy Criterion, is developed for predicting when a 2-D model should be applied instead of a 1-D model for describing reactor performance. The 2-D description is necessary when both deviations from plug-flow behavior occur and when the rate of permeation > the rate of reaction, calculated at entrance conditions.
Self-sustaining wireless neighborhood area network design for smart grid

Neighborhood area network (NAN) is one of the most important sections in smart grid communications. It connects residential customers as part of a two-way communication infrastructure responsible for transmitting power grid sensing and measuring status as well as the control messages. In this paper, we propose a cost-effective, flexible, and sustainable NAN design using wireless technologies such as IEEE 802.11s and IEEE 802.16, as well as renewable energy such as solar power. We provide analysis to select the optimum number of gateways in a NAN. We also discuss the general way to compute real time power usage for a NAN gateway. In addition, we set the boundary of the gateway power usage under two extreme scenarios to ensure the NAN can be self-sustaining while meeting the critical transmission criteria.
Phase error estimation algorithm: theory, applications, and examples

A range-Doppler image is corrupted when each pulse in the corresponding range-time array contains a single time-dependent phase error. An algorithm is developed to estimate these phase errors; the errors are removed, and range-Doppler imaging proceeds in the usual manner. The iterative algorithm works homogeneously across the range-time array (no bright scatterers are necessary for focusing). The estimation technique is model based, but image recovery is successful for images that do not fit the model. The technique promises to be a valuable tool for phase recovery in many cases. These may include image recovery for radar data that: (1) were recorded by a system incapable of maintaining coherence; (2) have been corrupted by uncalibrated sensor or target motion; (3) were collected using frequency- jumped center frequencies; (4) have been corrupted due to the ionosphere; or (5) are bistatic radar data received from a noncooperative transmitter. Illustrations of case (1) are provided, using simulations, postmission corrupted field data, and data that are inherently noncoherent.
How the world votes: The political consequences of ballot design, innovation and manipulation

Abstract There has been limited research into the impact of some aspects of voting procedure but very little research into ballot paper design and the act of voting in itself. This article gives a historical overview of the evolution of voting procedures from ancient times to the modern day, describes the results of a survey of 134 paper ballots used over the last decade for national legislative, executive and referenda elections in 107 countries, and gives the findings of a laboratory experiment testing the impact of ballot paper design. The evidence suggests three things: first, elaborate ballots (incorporating colors, symbols and photographs) are more likely to be found where literacy is lower and competitive multi party elections are a new phenomenon. But elaborate ballots are not significantly related to the level of democracy, the effective number of parties, or the type of electoral system. Second, there is little evidence to suggest that elaborate and costly ballots reduce spoilt ballot rates or are essential tools for illiterate voters. Rather, the negative correlation between ballot design and spoilt ballots, combined with the weight of historical evidence which shows that ballots are often a highly manipulative tools of political symbolism, implies that ballot papers symbols, photographs, layout, and color are of most interest as political cues (for both literate and illiterate voters). This intuition is confirmed by the results of a vote simulation experiment conducted on 401 students in which ballot design had a pronounced effect on voting behavior.
Studies on the uptake of (3H) thyrotropin-releasing hormone and its metabolites by synaptosome preparations of the rat brain.

ABSTRACT. The ability of synaptosomes prepared from rat brain tissue to accumulate pglu-his-[2,3-3H]pro-NH2 ([3H]TRH), a possible peptidergic neurotransmitter, was investigated. The uptake of [3H]- dopamine, a proven neurotransmitter, was evaluated in parallel experiments. When a synaptosome preparation derived from homogenates of male rat hypothalamic or cerebrocortical tissue was diluted with an equal volume of Hanks' balanced salt solution and incubated with [3H]TRH, uptake of a radiolabeled substance(s) by subcellular particles was demonstrated. Similar results were obtained in mixtures containing [3H]dopamine. The particles accumulating radiolabeled compounds were identified as synaptosomes on the basis of size, ultrastructural profiles, and sedimentation characteristics on continuous and discontinuous sucrose density gradients. The uptake of a radiolabeled compound(s) from incubation media containing [3H]TRH was dependent on temperature, duration of the incubation period, presence of glucose and ele...
Do as I say, not as I do (or did).

The article by Joyner et al1 is effective in pointing out that in our office waiting rooms and clinics, 64% of magazine pictures that show sleeping infants who are not being held by an adult are in the prone position. In addition, many more of our waiting-room magazine pictures show infants sleeping together with another person. Neither is considered a safe sleep environment by the American Academy of Pediatrics.2 Although we pediatricians verbally urge parents to use proper and safe prone sleep positions, these cited examples were in articles and ads in magazines kept in our own offices and waiting rooms. Many of the photographs were of celebrities and their infants and children, particularly those … Address correspondence to Richard L. Saphir, MD, 55 E 87th St, 1-G, New York, NY 10128. E-mail: richard.saphir{at}verizon.net
On-Line Monitoring System for Real-Time Traffic Management Applications

This paper is concerned with the problem of on-line monitoring of a traffic network. The problem was motivated by the need of real-time dynamic traffic assignment systems to maintain an internal representation of the traffic network consistent with that of the actual network. Potential error sources that can cause inconsistencies between the internal and the actual state of the network are identified and classified. The issues of observability and state variable definition of traffic networks are discussed. A framework for a monitoring system is sketched that aims to maintain a representation of the state of a network consistent with that of the actual network by applying on-line and off-line adjustments. Some solution approaches and computational results are presented for the main modules of the framework.
Detection and differentiation of MHC related products by limited trypsin digestion and immunospecific isolation.

Limited trypsin digestion of labeled lymphocyte surface antigens in non-ionic detergent solution produces major cleavage products which remain reactive with antibodies specific for the native cell bound or solubilized antigens. This procedure has been adapted in the structural study of H-2K, H-2D and Ia as well as thymus-leukemia antigens (TLA). Under the conditions used, tryptic cleavage products of differing size are produced from native antigens of a similar size coded by the Tla -locus or the murine major histocompatibility complex (MHC). These products can be distinguished by one dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE). This technique regularly distinguishes between several Tla haplotype products and H-2K or H-2D antigens. H-2K and H-2D antigens from different haptotypes, while always distinct from Tla products, display unexpected variability in apparent native mol. wt as well as heterogeneity in the size of trypsin cleavage products. The results presented suggest that TLA possess similar regions of great trypsin sensitivity, probably in their carboxy terminal domains.
Intraneural perineurioma of the sciatic nerve: An under-recognized nerve neoplasm with characteristic MRI findings

Intraneural perineurioma is a benign peripheral nerve neoplasm that typically affects teenagers and young adults and tends to result in a motor-predominant neuropathy. The lesion is rare, but has likely been underdiagnosed due to a lack of familiarity among both clinicians and radiologists. There have been few reports in the radiology literature despite the lesion having a fairly characteristic imaging appearance. We report a case of a 26-year-old woman with an intraneural perineurioma of the left sciatic nerve confirmed with excisional biopsy and pathologic analysis.
Environmental monitoring with TLD

Abstract CaSO 4 :Dy has advantages for environmental TLD: It can easily be prepared, is ≈30 times as sensitive as LiF:Mg,Ti, and exhibits considerably less fading than previously used CaF 2 :Dy.
Effects of a vertical magnetic field on chimney convection in a mushy layer

Abstract Non-linear compositional convection in cylindrical chimneys within a mushy layer during alloy solidification is investigated under an externally imposed magnetic field in the vertical direction. These chimneys produce freckles in the final form of the solidified materials. Freckles are imperfections that reduce the quality of the solidified materials. The undesirable effects of the chimneys can be reduced by reducing the effects of convection within the chimneys. Asymptotic and scaling examinations on weakly non-axisymmetric convection in the chimneys are carried out. The effects of the externally imposed magnetic field are represented by the Chandrasekhar number Q . It is found that for sufficiently large values of Q , convection and the volume flux in the chimneys decrease with increasing Q . Conditions on Q and other parameters are determined under which the walls of the chimneys can or cannot be in the vertical direction.
Effect of innate glutathione levels on activity of redox-responsive gene delivery vectors

Redox-responsive polyplexes represent a promising class of non-viral gene delivery vectors. The reducible disulfide bonds in the polyplexes undergo intracellular reduction owing to the presence of high concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH). Available evidence suggests improved transfection activity of redox-sensitive polyplexes upon artificial modulation of intracellular GSH. This study investigates the effect of innate differences in GSH concentration in a panel of human pancreatic cancer cell lines on activity of reducible polyplexes of the four major classes of nucleic acid therapeutics: plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AON) and siRNA. In general, reducible polyplexes of linear poly(amido amines) (PAA) show improved activity compared to non-reducible polyplexes of PAA. Results demonstrate that increased GSH levels are associated with improved transfection of mRNA polyplexes but no clear trend is observed for pDNA, AON and siRNA polyplexes.
The treatment of depression in patients maintained on dialysis.

There has been an epidemic of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which is apparent from the recent annual reports of the US Renal Data System [1]. The number of patients starting dialysis has more than doubled in the last 11 years [1]. The high mortality and rising expense in providing care for these patients place an increasing burden on the US health care system [1]. This has resulted in an expansion of research exploring and understanding those factors that impact on the outcome of patients with ESRD, and designing therapeutic strategies to effectively intervene in those conditions and problems that negatively impact on patient outcomes and quality of life. The psychosocial problems presented by patients with ESRD have interested a variety of investigators since dialysis therapy was first introduced [2–8]. Recently, there has been more attention focused on these psychosocial problems as researchers have become more aware of the relationship between some of these areas of psychosocial difficulty and patient outcomes [4–8]. However, developing therapeutic strategies to deal with areas of psychosocial difficulty has presented challenges to physicians, nurses, and mental health workers caring for patients maintained on dialysis. The health care team needs to coordinate not only the dialysis regimen, but also the complex care required by patients with multiple medical problems receiving many medications. The team then needs to develop strategies to better understand the impact that the dialysis treatment has, not only on the patient, but also on the patients’ activities of daily life, and ability to function in a family. How to effectively assess this impact presents a major challenge. How does a clinical treatment team develop practical therapeutic strategies to assess and treat the many psychosocial problems that are the result of living with this chronic illness? The problem of depression
Numerical simulation of solidification in a horizontal cylindrical annulus charged with an aqueous salt solution

A computational study of solidification of a binary Na2CO3 solution in a horizontal cylindrical annulus is performed using a continuum formulation with a control-volume based, finite-difference scheme. The initial conditions were selected to facilitate the study of counter thermal and solutal convection, accompanied by extensive mushy region growth. Numerical results are compared with experimental data with mixed success. Qualitative agreement is obtained for the overall solidification process and associated physical phenomena. However, the plume thickness calculated for the solutally-driven convective upflow is substantially smaller than the observed value. Evolution of double-diffusive layers is predicted, but over a time scale much smaller than that observed experimentally. Good agreement is obtained between predicted and measured results for solid growth, but the mushy region thickness is significantly overpredicted.
A new device for feeding infants during fluoroscopy.

Summary A rapidly assemenble device is described for use in feeding infants during fluoroscopy. It permits controlled feeding of the infant without the need for anyone to put thier hands under a fluoroscope.