Identifying Markov Chain Models from Time-to-Event Data: An Algebraic Approach.

Many biological and medical questions can be modeled using time-to-event data in finite-state Markov chains, with the phase-type distribution describing intervals between events. We solve the inverse problem: given a phase-type distribution, can we identify the transition rate parameters of the underlying Markov chain? For a specific class of solvable Markov models, we show this problem has a unique solution up to finite symmetry transformations, and we outline a recursive method for computing symbolic solutions for these models across any number of states. Using the Thomas decomposition technique from computer algebra, we further provide symbolic solutions for any model.

Synthesis and structures of cobalt-expanded zirconium- and cerium-oxo clusters as precursors for mixed-metal oxide thin films.

Transforming current complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology to fabricate memory chips and microprocessors into environmentally friendlier electronics requires the development of new approaches to resource- and energy-efficient electron transport and switching materials. Metal and multi-metal oxide layers play a key role in high-end technical applications. However, these layers are commonly produced through high-energy and high-temperature procedures.

Benchmarking the Quality Practices of Global Pharmaceutical Manufacturing to Advance Supply Chain Resilience.

Over the past several decades, pharmaceutical manufacturing has become increasingly global and supply chains have become longer, more complex, and fragmented. While pharmaceutical products available to patients and customers typically conform with appropriate standards, supply chains are often affected by disruptive events and shocks that impact public health. One approach to assuring the availability of quality pharmaceutical products is to encourage drug manufacturers to invest in quality management maturity (QMM) and promote continual improvement.

Synthesis and crystal structure of a one-dimensional chain-like strontium(II) coordination polymer built of -methyldi-ethano-lamine and isobutyrate ligands.

The one-dimensional coordination polymer () [Sr(ib)(Hmda)] (Hib = isobutyric acid, CHO, and Hmda = -methyldi-ethano-lamine, CHNO), namely, -poly[[(-methyldi-ethano-lamine-κ ,,')strontium(II)]-di-μ-isobutyrato-κ ,':;κ :,'], was prepared by the one-pot aerobic reaction of [ZrO(OH)(ib)(HO)]·3Hib with Sr(NO) and Hmda in the presence of MnCl and EtN in aceto-nitrile. The use of MnCl is key to the isolation of as high-quality colorless crystals in good yield. The mol-ecular solid-state structure of was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Close Cassini flybys of Saturn's ring moons Pan, Daphnis, Atlas, Pandora, and Epimetheus.

Saturn's main ring system is associated with a set of small moons that either are embedded within it or interact with the rings to alter their shape and composition. Five close flybys of the moons Pan, Daphnis, Atlas, Pandora, and Epimetheus were performed between December 2016 and April 2017 during the ring-grazing orbits of the Cassini mission. Data on the moons' morphology, structure, particle environment, and composition were returned, along with images in the ultraviolet and thermal infrared.