cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization and crystallization studies of melt-spun glassy Fe-22.5Al-10Zr Metal by analytical electron microscopy

Abstract Melt-spun glassy Fe-22.5Al-10Zr metal (concentration in atomic percent) is an interesting material for high temperature oxidation study due to its high crystallization temperature, 650°C, and its capacity to form a protective oxide layer. We have applied analytical electron microscopy on cross-section samples to study the composition variation near the two surfaces of the melt-spun ribbon. An aluminum depleted layer was detected using X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy ≈200 nm beneath the He-cooled surface. No composition variation was observed as a function of depth below the wheel-cooled surface. The crystallization behavior of this material both below and above the crystallization temperature was also studied. Crystallization begins with the nucleation of α-Fe particles via a primary crystallization mechanism followed by the formation of a metastable phase, Fe 8 Al 3 Zr, via polymorphic crystallization. At 700°C, above the crystallization temperature, the Fe 8 Al 3 Zr transformed to the equilibrium phase, Fe 10 Al 4 Zr 3 , by solid state reaction.
Perturbation of a turbulent boundary layer by spatially-impulsive dynamic roughness

First experimental measurements of manipulation of the structure of a canonical zero pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer using a low frequency (compared to the viscous frequency) mechanical dynamic roughness are presented. “Dynamic” (or time-dependent) surface roughness is proposed as a method for both control and diagnosis of turbulent boundary layers.
Labor force experience and earnings: Women with children

Abstract Married women with children are observed to earn less than men, and less also than women without children. Differences in the hourly wage rates of individuals of the same age and with the same educational attainment may reflect, in part, differences in labor force experience. While interruption in the work experience of women is recognized as an important cause of lower current wage rates, less attention has been directed to the impact of child-related reductions in hours worked when women are in the labor force. This paper examines the impact of hours worked in all past periods on the current wage rate. Our model, in which the ‘intensity’ of an individual's work experience in any period can vary from 0 (no work) to 100% (full-time work), is contrasted with the standard human capital earnings function, in which intensity is assumed to be 100% in every period subsequent to the completion of school. Using a new data set, both models are estimated for a sample of working mothers. Contrasting the wages of the women in this sample with the wages of their husbands, we find that differences in the intensity of prior work experience account for approximately half of the observed sex-related wage gap.
Data Mining in Nonprofit Organizations, Government Agencies, and Other Institutions

Data mining involves searching through databases for potentially useful information, such as knowledge rules, patterns, regularities, and other trends hidden in the data. Today, data mining is more widely used than ever before, not only by businesses who seek profits but also by nonprofit organizations, government agencies, private groups and other institutions in the public sector. In this paper, the authors summarize and classify the applications of data mining in the public sector into the following possible categories: improving service or performance; helping customer relations management; analyzing scientific and research information; managing human resources; improving emergency management; detecting fraud, waste, and abuse; detecting criminal activities; and detecting terrorist activities.
NUMERICAL INTEGRATION OF THE PRIMITIVE EQUATIONS ON THE HEMISPHERE

Abstract A 48-hr. forecast for the entire Northern Hemisphere of a barotropic hydrostatic atmosphere is made with the “primitive equations.” Overlapping Mercator and stereographic grids are used, together with the finite-difference scheme proposed by Eliassen. Initial data corresponded to a Haurwitz-type pattern of wave number 4. The initial wind field was nondivergent and the initial geopotential field satisfied the balance equation. The computations seem to be stable and well behaved, except for two small temporary irregularities. The amplitude of the gravity-inertia waves present in the forecast geopotential field is about 1/30 that of the large-scale field. It can be shown that this is due to the neglect, in the initial data, of the quasi-geostrophically conditioned divergence field. The computational technique itself therefore does not give any unreal prominence to the “meteorological noise.” The computational characteristics and stability criterion of the Eliassen finite-difference system are invest...
Effects of digitalis on normal and abnormal left ventricular segmental dynamics

Abstract To study the effects of digoxin on regional left ventricular performance, continuous ventricular dynamics were assessed in nine patients with stable coronary disease. Computer-assisted analysis of the fluoroscopic motion of surgically implanted mid wall myocardial markers was used. The markers define six minor ventricular radii and outline the left ventricle. One and one-half hours after administration of 1 mg of intravenous digoxin, mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening for all segments increased 19 percent, from 0.67 ± 0.06 to 0.78 ± 0.06 circumference/sec ( P P
Abiotic and biotic controls on local spatial distribution and performance of Boechera stricta

This study investigates the relative influence of biotic and abiotic factors on community dynamics using an integrated approach and highlights the influence of space on genotypic and phenotypic traits in plant community structure. We examined the relative influence of topography, environment, spatial distance, and intra- and interspecific interactions on spatial distribution and performance of Boechera stricta (rockcress), a close perennial relative of model plant Arabidopsis. First, using Bayesian kriging, we mapped the topography and environmental gradients and explored the spatial distribution of naturally occurring rockcress plants and two neighbors, Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) and Solidago missouriensis (goldenrod) found in close proximity within a typical diverse meadow community across topographic and environmental gradients. We then evaluated direct and indirect relationships among variables using Mantel path analysis and developed a network displaying abiotic and biotic interactions in this community. We found significant spatial autocorrelation among rockcress individuals, either because of common microhabitats as displayed by high density of individuals at lower elevation and high soil moisture area, or limited dispersal as shown by significant spatial autocorrelation of naturally occurring inbred lines, or a combination of both. Goldenrod and dandelion density around rockcress does not show any direct relationship with rockcress fecundity, possibly due to spatial segregation of resources. However, dandelion density around rockcress shows an indirect negative influence on rockcress fecundity via herbivory, indicating interspecific competition. Overall, we suggest that common microhabitat preference and limited dispersal are the main drivers for spatial distribution. However, intra-specific interactions and insect herbivory are the main drivers of rockcress performance in the meadow community.
Threshold Voltage Control through Multiple Supply Voltages for Power-Efficient FinFET Interconnects

In modern circuits, interconnect efficiency is a central determinant of circuit efficiency. Moreover, as technology is scaled down, the importance of efficient interconnect design is increasing. In this paper, we explore an option for low-power interconnect synthesis at the 32 nm node and beyond, using fin-type field-effect transistors (FinFETs) which are a promising substitute for bulk CMOS at the considered gate lengths. We consider a previously-unexplored mechanism for improving FinFET efficiency, called threshold voltage control through multiple supply voltages (TCMS), which is significantly different from conventional multiple-supply voltage schemes. We develop a circuit design for a FinFET buffer using TCMS. We describe a variation of van Ginneken's classic dynamic programming framework for solving the problem of power-optimal TCMS buffer insertion on a given routing tree. We show that, on an average, TCMS can provide power savings of 50.41% and device area savings of 9.17% compared to a state-of-the-art dual-Vdd interconnect synthesis scheme.
Differential Expression of PD-L1 between Primary and Metastatic Sites in Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

PD-L1 expression in primary clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) increases the likelihood of response to anti-PD-1 inhibition, but fails to identify all responders. We hypothesized that PD-L1 levels assessed in randomly selected areas of the primary tumors may not accurately reflect expression levels in metastatic lesions, which are the target of systemic therapy. Therefore, we compared PD-L1 expression in a series of primary ccRCC and their metastases. Tissue blocks from 53 primary ccRCCs and 76 corresponding metastases were retrieved. Areas with predominant and highest nuclear grade were selected. Slides were immunostained with a validated anti-PD-L1 antibody (405.9A11). Membranous expression in tumor cells was quantified using H-score. Expression in tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells (TIMC) was quantified using a combined score. Discordant tumor cell PD-L1 staining between primary tumors and metastases was observed in 11 of 53 cases (20.8%). Overall, tumor cell PD-L1 levels were not different in primary tumors and metastases (P = 0.51). Tumor cell PD-L1 positivity was associated with higher T stage (P = 0.03) and higher Fuhrman nuclear grade (P < 0.01). Within individual lesions, PD-L1 positivity was heterogeneous and almost exclusively detected in high nuclear grade areas (P < 0.001). No difference was found in PD-L1 levels in TIMCs between primary tumors and metastases (P = 0.82). The heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression in ccRCC suggests that its assessment as a predictive biomarker for PD-1 blockade may require analysis of metastatic lesions. Notably, because PD-L1 expression was mostly detected in high nuclear grade areas, to avoid false-negative results, these areas should be specifically selected for assessment.
Cortical control of reach and grasp kinematics in a virtual environment using musculoskeletal modeling software

Recently there has been a major initiative to develop a Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) for dexterous control of an upper-limb neuroprosthesis. This paper describes the use of a virtual environment using Musculoskeletal Modeling Software as a model system to test and evaluate cortical algorithms for predicting reach and grasp kinematics. Simultaneous neural and motion tracking data was acquired from a non-human primate trained to perform a center-out reach-and-grasp task. A Kalman Filter was designed to simultaneously predict kinematics of the arm, hand, and fingers with high accuracy (avg r=0.83; avg RMSE=13.7%). In lieu of an advanced mechanical limb, the decoded output was used to manipulate a fully articulated 18-DoF arm in a virtual environment using MSMS. This platform lays the foundation for future closed-loop experiments with non-human primates to demonstrate a BMI for dexterous control of the hand and fingers.
Hard Drives and Glass Ceilings Gender Stratification in High-Tech Production

The article focuses on the persistent links between workplace stratification and gender ascription in the organization of flexible high-tech production. Using a comparative case study analysis of three multinational electronics firms in the Philippines, it examines three key organizational factors: firm nationality, product characteristics, and existing labor relations—that help drive variation in the gendering and gendered impact of technological upgrading. It also considers three extra-organizational factors—trends in flexible production, the role of the host state, and gender ideologies—that also influence firm choices. The article assesses the variation in gendered processes and outcomes focusing on the fulfillment of workers’ practical needs versus strategic gender interests. The article finds that despite continued variation at the firm level, extra-organizational pressures will likely contribute to continued gender stratification as firms upgrade, leading to the potential masculinization of skilled...
Emerging treatment options for patients with recurrent advanced thymic epithelial tumors

The purpose of this review article is to review recent advances in the treatment of advanced thymic epithelial tumors. These tumors are generally responsive to cytotoxic combination chemotherapy in the first-line setting. While newer agents have shown efficacy in the salvage setting, there is no one standard approach. A multitude of targeted agents have shown promise generally in case reports, though as of yet, nothing has shown consistent benefit. Because of the rarity of thymic epithelial tumors, clinical trial enrollment is difficult but nevertheless essential.
Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium - current and future use in transplant patients

Mycophenolate mofetil, the morpholino ester prodrug of mycophenolic acid, is an effective immunosuppressant, although there are concerns over dose reductions and discontinuations due to gastrointestinal adverse events. Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (Myfortic®) was formulated to improve mycophenolic acid-related upper gastrointestinal adverse events and to deliver effective mycophenolic acid protection. Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium 720 mg and mycophenolate mofetil 1000 mg are therapeutically equivalent in de novo transplant patients. Conversion from mycophenolate mofetil to enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium in maintenance patients can be achieved without compromising safety and efficacy. Recent studies demonstrate the efficacy and tolerability of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium in adult and pediatric renal transplant patients converted from mycophenolate mofetil, and early results also suggest that enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium can provide similar efficacy and safety as mycophenola...
Cooking method and endpoint temperature effects on sensory and color characteristics of pumped pork loin chops.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pumping, cooking method and endpoint temperature on quality of fresh pork chops. The longissimus was removed from 30 paired pork sides. One side was pumped to 110% of original weight (0.4% phosphate, 0.4% salt+added water). Chops were cut (2.5 cm thick) then fried or grilled to 70 or 80 °C. As endpoint temperature increased from 70 to 80 °C, pork flavor increased (P<0.05) from 95 to 104 (on a 150 point scale) for pumped samples but remained constant in unpumped samples. Juiciness decreased when unpumped samples cooked to 80 °C (62) rather than 70 °C (78). Warner–Bratzler shear values were lower (P<0.05) in pumped chops than in unpumped controls. Pork flavor was higher and off-flavor was lower in fried chops. Pumping loins appears to enhance sensory attributes of chops even when cooked to abusive endpoint temperatures with limited detrimental effects on physical characteristics.
Perceived benefit of a telemedicine consultative service in a highly staffed intensive care unit.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a nocturnal telemedicine service improves culture, staff satisfaction, and perceptions of quality of care in a highly staffed university critical care system. Methods We conducted an experiment to determine the effect of telemedicine on nursing-staff satisfaction and perceptions of the quality of care in an intensive care unit (ICU). We surveyed ICU nurses using a modified version of a previously validated tool before deployment and after a 2-month experimental program of tele-ICU. Nurses in another, similar ICU within the same hospital academic medical center served as concurrent controls for the survey responses. Results Survey responses were measured using a 5-point Likert scale, and results were analyzed using paired t testing. Survey responses of the nurses in the intervention ICU (n = 27) improved significantly after implementation of the tele-ICU program in the relations and communication subscale (2.99 ± 1.13 pre vs 3.27 ±1.27 post, P P P P P Conclusion Telemedicine has the potential to improve staff satisfaction and communication in highly staffed ICUs.
Xenoliths of Grenvillian granulite basement constrain models for the origin of voluminous Tertiary rhyolites, Davis Mountains, west Texas

Granulite xenoliths from two recently discovered localities in west Texas provide new information on the age and isotopic composition of the basement, and they furnish important constraints on petrogenetic models for the origin of silicic rocks from a major Tertiary volcanic field. One xenolith locality lies within the Tertiary Davis Mountains volcanic field, and the other lies ∼100 km to the south. The protolith crystallization age, determined by U-Pb zircon geochronology, of a xenolith from the southern locality is 1090 ± 4 Ma, and a Grenvillian age for most other xenoliths from this locality and some from the Davis Mountains was confirmed by Sm-Nd systematics. Pb and Sr isotope compositions of the xenoliths indicate that the basement underwent a Proterozoic granulite-facies metamorphic event that coincided with or postdated the crystallization of the sample dated at 1090 Ma. The Tertiary volcanic series of the Davis Mountains has almost constant Nd and Pb isotope compositions over the range basalt to high-silica rhyolite. The difference in Nd isotopes between the silicic volcanic rocks and the most fusible component of the basement, the intermediate to silicic rocks, was at least six ϵ Nd units. Furthermore, there is a substantial gap in 206 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios between the Proterozoic basement samples (≤16.9) and the volcanic rocks (≥17.6). The documentation of the strong isotopic contrast between the volcanic rocks and the deep crust seriously weakens models advocating a crustal origin for the Tertiary silicic magmas.
Genetic Basis for the New Pneumococcal Serotype, 6C

We have recently reported a new pneumococcal serotype (6C), which is closely related to serotype 6A (I. H. Park et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 45:1225-1233, 2007). To investigate the genetic basis for serotype 6C, we studied the capsule gene loci of 14 6C isolates from three different continents, including one isolated in Alabama 27 years ago. The wciN region of all 6C isolates has a 1,029-bp-long sequence that replaces the 1,222-bp-long sequence of the 6A wciN region. This recombination event has created a new 1,125-bp-long open reading frame which encodes a product that is also homologous to glycosyl transferases. Flanking this introduced gene is 300 bp upstream and 100 bp downstream with only about 90% homology with 6A and which is identical in all 6C isolates. Transfer of the wciN region converts 6A to 6C. Determination of the DNA sequence of the entire capsule gene locus of one 6C isolate showed that the 6C capsule gene locus is almost identical (>98% homologous) to that of 6A except for the wciN region. These findings indicate that the 6C capsule type originated more than 27 years ago by a single recombination event in a 6A locus in which 6A wciN was replaced by a gene of unknown origin.
Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the streak-necked flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis

We have isolated 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the streak-necked flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis from genomic libraries enriched for either (AACC) n , (AAGG) n or (AAAG) n repetitive elements. The number of alleles ranged from four to 14 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.38 to 1.00. These markers will be useful for analysis of questions concerning population genetic structure and models of speciation.
Sequence Stratigraphy of the Upper Pennsylvanian Cleveland Formation: A Major Tight-Gas Sandstone, Western Anadarko Basin, Texas Panhandle

The Upper Pennsylvanian (lower Missourian) Cleveland formation has yielded 459 bcf of natural gas and 18.6 million bbl of oil from low-permeability (<0.10 md) fluvial and deltaic reservoirs in a seven-county tight-gas area of the northeastern Texas panhandle. Regional study of the Cleveland and underlying Desmoinesian Marmaton Group siliciclastics using tight well control and cores established the sequence-stratigraphic framework to clarify the vertical and areal occurrence of Cleveland reservoirs, seals, and possible source rocks. Regionally distinctive facies stacking patterns in the study interval compose a sequence-stratigraphic framework of several westerly sourced systems tracts and three depositional sequences (S). S1 is characterized by landward- and seaward-stepping deltaic and strand plain cycles (parasequences) deposited on the top-of-Oswego type 1 sequence boundary that define (in ascending order) Marmaton late-stage lowstand-wedge (LST:pw) and transgressive systems tracts (TST) and a lower Cleveland highstand systems tract (HST). A regionally correlative, organic-rich marine-condensed section at the top of the Marmaton TST, equivalent to the Nuyaka Creek black shale bed of mid-continent cyclothems, represents maximum flooding conditions during eustatic rise. A relative sea level drop with the onset f S2 deposition initiated development of a lowstand incised-valley system (LST:iv) in the middle to upper Cleveland that extended basinward of the lower Cleveland depositional shelf edge. Subsequent coastal onlap by thin deltaic systems of the overlying TST marks the start of decreased sediment influx during late Cleveland time, resulting in thinning of parasequences and an increase in carbonate beds of high-frequency cycles in upper S2 and S3. Stratigraphic traps and pinch-out of reservoir facies within small, southeast-plunging anticlines make up most traps in the producing area. Proximal delta-front and fluvial sandstones of the Cleveland upper HST and overlying LST:iv, respectively, are the primary reservoirs. The high-total-organic-carbon, top-of-Marmaton marine-condensed section and thick prodeltaic and lower distal delta-front shales within the lower Cleveland HST are the probable source rocks. Distal deltaic shales of the middle Cleveland TST form most reservoir seals. Potential new reservoirs should be targeted at the updip terminations of systems tracts, at lap-out positions of individual sand-rich HST and TST parasequences, and along LST:iv valley-margin stratal terminations.
Tailoring common treatment principles to fit individual personalities.

The American Psychological Association Task Force headed by Castonguay and Beutler (2006) distilled general treatment principles common to all therapies from the empirical literature. As part of this work, Critchifield and Benjamin (2006a, 2006b) summarized principles for treatment of personality disorder. The principles are pragmatic in the sense that they are based on evidence of what works, and clinicians are encouraged to apply them in ways that fit the unique presentation and needs of a given patient. An important element of the recommended approach is that it be coherent, well-coordinated, and agreed upon by the patient. Additional principles emphasize the importance of an individual's attachment and trauma history. A complex case example is presented to illustrate one way in which emphasis on an individual's relational learning history can be used to further refine and extend wisdom inherent in the cross-cutting principles and move in the direction of an integrative treatment that is closely tailor...
Theoretical models of intermediate and inverse AMS fabrics

[1] Multi-domain magnetites display a normal anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) fabric where grain shape axes coincide with AMS axes. By contrast, single-domain magnetite has an inverse magnetic fabric where magnetic axes are interchanged. The mixing of normal and inverse magnetic fabrics results in intermediate fabrics. Theoretical models for intermediate fabrics consider all combinations of normal and inverse fabrics. The minimum amount of inverse component required for intermediate fabrics to form is about 20% in the case of prolate normal (T = -0.50) and prolate inverse (T = -0.42) components. Such a small amount of inverse component may not be noticed. The anisotropy resulting from intermediate fabrics is lower than that of the normal or inverse contribution to AMS. This suggests that whenever intermediate fabrics occur neither the shape factor nor the degree of anisotropy relate to strain in a simple way.
Evolution of Interdecadal Variability in Sea Level Pressure, Sea Surface Temperature, and Upper Ocean Temperature over the Pacific Ocean*

Abstract Interdecadal variability in sea level pressure (SLP) and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the Pacific Ocean was “quasiperiodic” from 1900–91. The coherent variability of this phenomenon is investigated using gridded observational data from the turn of the century (SST and SLP) and of upper ocean heat content (HS) from the recent two and a half decades. The nominal cycle in atmosphere–ocean variables is roughly two decades long, but growth and decay can happen on a shorter timescale (e.g., half a cycle or so). The authors divide the full cycle into four phases: An onset phase, during which a weak SLP anomaly pattern off Japan takes approximately 2–4 yr to expand eastward, leads to large SLP anomalies in the region of the Aleutian low. A quasi-stationary growth phase, with the midlatitude SLP anomaly pattern in the eastern ocean, intensifies over a 2–4-yr period. The persistent SLP anomalies evolve in concert with large SST (and HS anomalies) of the same polarity located to the south-sout...
Competing fracture modes in brittle materials subject to concentrated cyclic loading in liquid environments: Trilayer structures

A preceding study of the competition between fracture modes in monolithic brittle materials in cyclic loading with curved indenters in liquid environments is here extended to brittle layers on compliant substrates. The fracture modes include outer and inner cone cracks and radial cracks that initiate from the near-contact zone and penetrate downward. Outer cone cracks are driven by stresses from superposed Hertzian and plate flexure fields; inner cone cracks also grow within these fields but are augmented by mechanical driving forces from hydraulic pumping into the crack fissures. Radial cracks are augmented by mechanical driving forces from developing quasiplasticity zones beneath the indenter. Basically, the crack-growth rates are governed by a crack velocity relation. However, the hydraulic and quasiplastic mechanical forces can cumulate in intensity with each cycle, strongly enhancing fatigue. Plate flexure generates compressive stresses at the top surface of the brittle layer, somewhat inhibiting the initiation, and tensile stresses at the lower surface, strongly enhancing the far-field propagation. The tensile stresses promote instability in the crack propagation, resulting in through-thickness penetration (failure). Experiments on a model bilayer system consisting of glass plates bonded to thick polycarbonate bases are presented as an illustrative case study. In situ observations of the crack evolution from initial growth to failure reveal that each fracture mode can dominate under certain test conditions, depending on plate thickness, maximum load, and sphere radius. Implications concerning the failure of practical layer systems, notably dental crowns, are discussed.
Biomechanics of stipe elongation in the basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea

Stipe elongation in fruit bodies of Coprinopsis cinerea (syn. Coprinus cinereus) was examined from a biomechanical perspective. Two strains were studied: the self-compatible Amut Bmut homokaryon that produces normal fruit bodies with relatively short stipes, and mutant B1918 that produces abnormally elongated stipes. Measurements of the pressure exerted by developing mushrooms were made using strain gauges, and these data were compared with measurements of the pressures exerted by vegetative hyphae of the same strains. The experiments demonstrate that AmutBmut hyphae elongating within stipe tissue push with the same pressure (approx. 0.5 atmosphere) as vegetative hyphae growing through their food sources. In purely biomechanical terms, the fruit body may therefore be viewed as a relatively uncomplicated sum of its parts. Analysis of the mutant strain B1918 demonstrated that hyperelongation of the stipe is not associated with any difference in the pressure exerted by the fruit body. The fault in the mechanism of stipe extension in B1918 may be reflected in the increased fluidity of the cell wall of vegetative hyphae of this strain, but further work is necessary to resolve this.
A numerical model of friction between rough surfaces

This paper describes a computational method to calculate the friction force between two rough surfaces. In the model used, friction results from forces developed during elastic deformation and shear resistance of adhesive junctions at the contact areas. Contacts occur between asperities and have arbitrary orientations with respect to the surfaces. The size and slope of each contact area depend on external loads, mechanical properties and topographies of surfaces. Contact force distribution is computed by iterating the relationship between contact parameters, external loads, and surface topographies until the sum of normal components of contact forces equals the normal load. The corresponding sum of tangential components of contact forces constitutes the friction force. To calculate elastic deformation in three dimensions, we use the method of influence coefficients and its adaptation to shear forces to account for sliding friction. Analysis presented in Appendix A gives approximate limits within which influence coefficients developed for flat elastic half-space can apply to rough surfaces. Use of the method of residual correction and a successive grid refinement helped rectify the periodicity error introduced by the FFT technique that was used to solve for asperity pressures. The proposed method, when applied to the classical problem of a sphere on a half-space as a benchmark, showed good agreement with previous results. Calculations show how friction changes with surface roughness and also demonstrate the method's efficiency.
Extrachromosomal Elements of Extrachromosomal Elements of Paramecium and Their Extrachromosomal Elements

Members of the bacterial genus Caedibacter (commonly known as kappa particles) are obligate endosymbionts of paramecia. They confer killer traits upon their ciliate hosts, and, if one uses the term loosely, these bacteria can be considered to be extrachromosomal elements of killer paramecia. In fact, Caedibacter members were originally characterized as cytoplasmic genetic elements by T.M. Sonneborn in 1943 (21). In the belief that these bacteria were cytoplasmic genes, Sonneborn designated them as kappa in keeping with the convention at that time for naming cytoplasmic genetic elements. Sonneborn’s work on kappa is considered to be classic and had considerable impact on the development of modern biology, since it influenced researchers to consider the possible existence of extrachromosomal genetic elements in other biological systems. Subsequent cytological and genetic analyses of killer paramecia demonstrated the bacterial nature of kappa particles which now comprise the genus Caedibacter (6,7,9,10,13).
Constructing an Identity Online: Logging-On as “Catholic”

This article explores the nature of Catholic identity, as constructed in a Catholic social media site, PhatMass. This study, a month-long virtual ethnography of PhatMass, took place during the significant global Catholic event in February to March of 2013—the former Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation and the new Pope Francis’s election. James Carey’s (1989) ritual view of communication sheds light on PhatMass participant engagement with social media, popular culture, and Catholic identity during these online discussions. The findings from this ethnography indicate that religion, media, and popular culture meet in the religious, media-using, culture participant who communicates, consumes, or creates meaning through daily ritual on technology. The blend of pop culture content and traditional Catholic beliefs on PhatMass reveals a broader Catholic identity emerging online. The PhatMass conversation provides details about how Catholic identity formation takes place in a world increasingly marked by online communication
Sexworkers and Dope: An Ethnography of Heroin Using Lap Dancers in New York City

(1998). Sexworkers and Dope: An Ethnography of Heroin Using Lap Dancers in New York City. Addiction Research: Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 341-370.
Modeling motivations for non-medical use of prescription drugs

Abstract Introduction Non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) is a growing problem among college-aged individuals. Motivations for use of a substance have been shown to predict consumption behavior across a variety of substances, but research on motivations for engaging in NMUPD is limited. We hypothesize that Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) would support a two-factor latent structure for motivations (self-treatment and recreational) for NMUPD across three classes of drugs (stimulants, tranquilizers and sedatives, and pain relievers). Methods Data were collected from 1016 undergraduates attending a large southeastern university via an online survey. Motivations for use were subjected to a CFA for those participants who reported past-year use of each drug class (tranquilizer and sedative use n = 138, pain reliever use n = 189, and stimulant use n = 258). Results Model fit varied across drug class. A two-factor model emerged for both pain relievers and stimulants, and each factor was positively correlated with one another and with frequency of use for both drug classes. A two-factor model was not a good fit for tranquilizers and sedatives. Conclusions Motives for NMUPD are a relatively understudied construct. Although our initial results suggest that a proposed framework consisting of self-treatment and recreational motives might have some utility in explaining the use of stimulants and pain relievers, more research is needed to characterize motives for tranquilizers and sedatives. Additional research is also needed to develop assessment measures that capture the full range of motives for all three classes of NMUPD.
Plasma for cancer treatment

Plasma medicine is a relatively new field that grew from research in application of low-temperature (or cold) atmospheric plasmas in bioengineering. One of the most promising applications of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is cancer therapy. Convincing evidence of CAP selectivity towards the cancer cells has been accumulated. This review summarizes the state of the art of this emerging field, presenting various aspects of CAP application in cancer such as the role of reactive species (reactive oxygen and nitrogen), cell cycle modification, in vivo application, CAP interaction with cancer cells in conjunction with nanoparticles, and computational oncology applied to CAP.
Nicotine-induced enhancement of glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission in the mouse amygdala.

Presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are thought to mediate some of the cognitive and behavioral effects of nicotine. The olfactory projection to the amygdala, and intra-amygdaloi...
Antipsychotics: Old and New

As the number of older adults worldwide continues to increase markedly, the absolute increase in their numbers means that there also will be a substantial increase in the number of older people with mental disorders. These disorders include several that manifest psychotic symptoms. Many credit the substantial reduction in the number of older people in state mental hospitals over the past 40 years primarily to the advent of antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medication. Although the traditional neuroleptic medications often are effective, they also are associated with troublesome side effects. Newer neuroleptic medications appear to be just as effective but have fewer adverse side effects.
A comparison of three strategies for forecasting warranty claims

The economic necessity for developing accurate forecasts of extended warranty costs on durable goods is established. Three strategies for forecasting warranty failures are outlined. The first strat...
A robust method for the synthesis of colloidal PbS nanosheets

In the synthesis of colloidal PbS nanosheets, acetic acid – either injected externally or produced during the reaction – has a significant effect on the growth of the nanosheets. When the acetic acid to lead molar ratio is above 1:8, no nanosheets are observed in the product. By replacing lead acetate with lead oxide to prepare the lead precursor for the reaction, the effect of acetic acid is avoided, resulting in a robust synthesis with nearly 100% success rate. In the new synthesis, the purity of trioctylphosphine (the co-solvent for sulfur precursor) has no significant effect on the formation of nanosheets. Thickness tunability is achieved in the acetate-free synthesis by tuning the reaction temperature. (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Population Models and Neural Fields

Chapter describes the construction of population-based rate models under the assumption that the spiking of individual neurons is unimportant. The issue of how stochasticity at the single-cell level manifests itself at the population level is discussed, introducing topics such as balanced networks, Poisson statistics, and asynchronous states. Stochastic methods are then used to analyze bistability in a stochastic population model. Finally, the transition from spatially structured neural networks to continuum neural fields is highlighted. The latter take the form of nonlocal integrodifferential equations, in which the integral kernel represents the distribution of synaptic connections.
Effect of block versus random copolyimide structure on hollow fiber membrane spinnability

Abstract Soluble homopolyimides can be made into spinnable dopes; but copolyimides often present challenges. A 6FDA (4,4′-(Hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride)-based copolyimide was used to illustrate these challenges when forming both defect-free and “nodular” skinned fibers. This copolyimide is soluble in strong solvents; but when combined in proportions with non-solvents to allow forming an asymmetric structure, a gel, rather than a flowable dope solution can occur in some cases, making fiber spinning impossible. Analysis of problems and solution are presented to show how varied copolymer chemical structures affect dope formation. Studies were extended to other 6FDA-based copolyimides to show the generality of the problem and solution to the problem. We found a random copolyimide that forms a soluble spinnable dope becomes problematic when a block copolyimide with sufficient insoluble chain segments is present. Branching in copolyimide, impurity, and excessive molecular weight also affect dope formation, but to a less drastic degree.
Abstract 214: Protein Restriction Attenuates Intimal Hyperplasia and Alters Blood Lipid Profiles

IntroductionDietary restriction (DR: reduced enteral intake without malnutrition) diminishes the acute phase response to surgical stress in preclinical models. We hypothesized that short-term preop...
Development of southern stem canker disease on soybean seedlings in the greenhouse using a modified toothpick inoculation assay

Abstract Southern soybean stem canker, caused by Diaporthe aspalathi, has caused major soybean losses for growers in the Southeast U.S. The most effective disease management tool for growers is the use of stem canker resistant soybean varieties. A fast, reliable greenhouse assay for stem canker would facilitate identification of resistance in soybean germplasm. An existing toothpick assay was modified to include culturing D. aspalathi on oxgall agar on toothpicks autoclaved in oxgall liquid medium. Three week-old seedlings were inoculated with toothpicks inserted in the stem between the cotyledon and the first trifoliate leaf. Inoculation sites were sealed with petroleum jelly, and seedlings were incubated in humidity chambers for 72 h. Stem canker disease was highly consistent on susceptible lines four weeks post-inoculation and was not observed on soybean lines with known Rdm genes. High levels of disease (≥98.3%) were observed with cultivars Braxton, Davis, and Centennial previously reported to have resistance in field studies. Isolates of D. aspalathi were observed to differ in virulence. This modified greenhouse assay will assist in the efforts for breeding stem canker resistance and better understanding the differences in disease phenotypes for some cultivars.
Data Warehouse Testing

Abstract Enterprises use data warehouses to accumulate data from multiple sources for data analysis and research. Since organizational decisions are often made based on the data stored in a data warehouse, all its components must be rigorously tested. Researchers have proposed a number of approaches and tools to test and evaluate different components of data warehouse systems. In this chapter, we present a comprehensive survey of data warehouse testing techniques. We define a classification framework that can categorize the existing testing approaches. We also discuss open problems and propose research directions.
A “solution-focused” comparative risk assessment of conventional and synthetic biology approaches to control mosquitoes carrying the dengue fever virus

Emerging technologies often pose various uncertain health risks that cause policymakers to hesitate to allow resultant products and processes to enter the market—but they also may offer large benefits, including the potential to greatly reduce some of the very risks currently most greatly affecting public health and the environment. Synthetic biology serves as one such emerging technology that, despite its potential benefits to various fields, gives policymakers pause until the human and environmental health risks posed by genetically engineered organisms are better characterized and assessed. Given various limitations of our current paradigm for making risk management decisions, some of which are caused by limitations of conventional methods of quantitative risk assessment (QRA), a modified approach to emerging technology characterization and assessment might be a needed step change. This paper demonstrates how one such approach—“solution-focused risk assessment” (Finkel, Hum Ecol Risk Assess 17(4):754–787, 2011)—can help evaluate synthetic biology products against conventional competitors. Specifically, this paper conducts a SFRA for Oxitec’s engineered Aedes aegypti mosquito, which serves as a synthetic biology option for dengue virus vector control.
The Role of Paraoxonase 1 in the Detoxification of Homocysteine Thiolactone

The thioester homocysteine (Hcy)-thiolactone, product of an error-editing reaction in protein biosynthesis, forms when Hcy is mistakenly selected by methionyl-tRNA synthetase. Accumulating evidence suggests that Hcy-thiolactone plays an important role in atherothrombosis. The thioester chemistry of Hcy-thiolactone underlies its ability to form isopeptide bonds with protein lysine residues, which impairs or alters protein function and has pathophysiological consequences including activation of an autoimmune response and enhanced thrombosis. Mammalian organisms, including human, have evolved the ability to eliminate Hcy-thiolactone. One such mechanism involves paraoxonase 1 (PON1), which has the ability to hydrolyze Hcy-thiolactone. This article outlines Hcy-thiolactone pathobiology and reviews evidence documenting the role of PON1 in minimizing Hcy-thiolactone and N-Hcy-protein accumulation.
Imaging linear accelerator output using a high-speed scintillation based electronic portal imaging device (Hi-EPID)

We have developed a high-speed scintillation based electronic portal imaging device (Hi-EPID) to image the fluence output of a linear accelerator as it exits the head. The Hi-EPID consists of a high speed digital camera coupled with a fast terbium-doped gadolinium-oxy-sulfide (Gd2O2S:Tb) scintillator. The camera can record every single radiation pulse out of the accelerator, at up to 500 frames per second. Since the Hi-EPID allows us to simultaneously obtain both the fluence and the field shape in a delivery, it serves as an independent means of verifying treatment delivery. In this study, we used the Hi-EPID to analyze the characteristics of the fluence delivered from a commercial clinical linear accelerator (Synergy® S, Elekta). Both open field and multileaf collimator (MLC) based intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) fields were evaluated. Fluence delivery irregularities were observed with the Hi-EPID device. Fluence was not constant over the duration of a segment, resulting in a varying dose rate. For the open field delivery, the fluence increased with time until it reached a plateau (in approximately 100 ms), remaining constant over the remainder of the delivery. However, in the case of a six segment IMRT field delivery, the fluence variation differed between segments. For some segments, the fluence increased in the beginning and then reached a plateau. For others, the fluence rose and fell sharply, followed by a slower rise to the plateau. The rapid fluence variation before a plateau was as high as 50% of the maximum. Though the total fluence was correctly delivered, this result is intriguing and calls for further investigation. An analysis of field shapes showed no unplanned motion of MLC during step and shoot delivery, as has been reported for another clinical linear accelerator.