cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dispersal of protoplanetary disks by wind stripping

We present a model for the dispersal of protoplanetary disks by winds from either the central star or the inner disk. These winds obliquely strike the flaring disk surface and strip away disk material by entraining it in an outward radial-moving flow at the disk-wind interface. This interface lies several disk scale heights above the mid plane. The disk dispersal time depends on the velocity at which disk material flows into the mixing layer. If this velocity is ~10% of the sound speed, the disk dispersal time at ~1–10 AU is ~5 Myr for a 0.01 M ๏ disk around a solar mass star, with a spherical wind launched from the inner disk or central star with a typical mass loss rate of 10 -8 M ๏ yr -1 and terminal velocity of v w = 100 kms -1 . We conclude that wind stripping is not a dominant disk dispersal mechanism compared with viscous accretion and photoevaporation. Nevertheless, wind stripping may affect the evolution of the intermediate disk regions.
WE-A-108-10: Using CT/MR Compatible Multichannel Vaginal Cylinder for Vaginal Cuff Treatment Can Reduce Dose to the Bladder and Rectum

Purpose: To compare treatment plans using CT/MR multichannel vaginal cylinder (MC) with traditional plans using a single channel cylinder (SC) for vaginal cuff HDR treatment. Methods: Seven patients with 21 clinical treatment sessions were planned and treated with 6–9 multiple channels. On the CT scan of each session, the bladder and rectum were manually contoured and the planning treatment volume (PTV) was defined as 0.5cm expansion from the cylinder surface with 4cm treatment length. The MC applicators were identified based on a reconstructed model from the treatment planning system. An inverse planning optimization (IPSA) was used for MC plans to achieve the desired objectives. For comparison, a series of corresponding SC plans were generated to achieve a similar PTV coverage as MC plans. The treatment goals were to deliver at least 95% prescription dose (Rx) to 98% (D98%) of the PTV volume for both MC and SC plans, and to limit the maximum dose (D0.1cc) and the maximum dose of 2cc volumes (D2cc) for the rectum and bladder (OARs). Descriptive statistic was used for analysis. Results: When normalized to 95% Rx, D98% for the PTV was 97.7±1.8% and 101±2.3% for MC and SC plans, respectively. For the bladder, the average D0.1cc was significantly lower in MC plans, 88.2±11.8% versus 99.2±13.4% (P <0.05) in SC plans. The average D2cc was also significantly lower in MC plans, 67.5±12.7% versus 75.6±12.4% in SC plans. For the rectum, the average D0.1cc was significantly lower in MC plans, 99.3±3.6% versus 114.0±13.0% (P<0.05) for SC plans. The average D2cc of the rectum was 80.9±5.7% and 90.2±8.5% (p<0.05), respectively. Treatment planning time for MC plans was comparable to that of SC plans. Conclusions: Compared to the traditional SC plans, MC plans significantly reduce the doses to the OARs with adequate dose coverage to the PTVs.
Heightened complement sensitivity of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome lymphocytes related to diminished expression of decay-accelerating factor.

Abstract Although the human immunodeficiency virus can induce cytopathic changes in human lymphocytes in vitro, the mechanism(s) underlying progressive lymphopenia in patients with AIDS and AIDS-related complex has not been elucidated. To investigate this issue, peripheral blood lymphocytes of AIDS and AIDS-related complex patients and healthy control subjects were examined for their ability to resist homologous complement-mediated lysis. Upon sensitization with monoclonal antibodies to major histocompatibility complex class I antigen, as much as 48% lysis of patients' cells was observed in as little as a 1:32 dilution of human serum compared to 18 +/- 8% (mean +/- SD) lysis of controls' cells even in a 1:8 dilution of human serum. To investigate the mechanism of the abnormal complement sensitivity, AIDS and AIDS-related complex cells were analyzed for expression of decay-accelerating factor (DAF), a complement regulatory protein that functions intrinsically in blood cell membranes to prevent complement activation on their surfaces. Flow cytometric assays using anti-DAF monoclonal antibodies demonstrated that patients' lymphocytes and monocytes were DAF-deficient, in contrast to their polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which showed normal DAF levels. Expression of DAF was diminished on CD4+ as well as CD8+ T-lymphocyte subpopulations as opposed to expression of CD3, which was comparable in patients and controls. Incubation of normal lymphocytes with anti-DAF monoclonal antibodies or phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, an enzyme that cleaves DAF, enhanced lysis. Conversely, reconstitution of patients' cells with exogenous DAF reduced their lysis. The findings of heightened complement sensitivity and DAF deficiency of patients' lymphocytes in vitro suggest the possibility that the DAF deficit may contribute to the progressive lymphopenia of AIDS in vivo.
Methodologies for simulating impacts of climate change on crop production

Abstract Ecophysiological models are widely used to forecast potential impacts of climate change on future agricultural productivity and to examine options for adaptation by local stakeholders and policy makers. However, protocols followed in such assessments vary to such an extent that they constrain cross-study syntheses and increase the potential for bias in projected impacts. We reviewed 221 peer-reviewed papers that used crop simulation models to examine diverse aspects of how climate change might affect agricultural systems. Six subject areas were examined: target crops and regions; the crop model(s) used and their characteristics; sources and application of data on [CO 2 ] and climate; impact parameters evaluated; assessment of variability or risk; and adaptation strategies. Wheat, maize, soybean and rice were considered in approximately 170 papers. The USA (55 papers) and Europe (64 papers) were the dominant regions studied. The most frequent approach used to simulate response to CO 2 involved adjusting daily radiation use efficiency (RUE) and transpiration, precluding consideration of the interacting effects of CO 2 , stomatal conductance and canopy temperature, which are expected to exacerbate effects of global warming. The assumed baseline [CO 2 ] typically corresponded to conditions 10–30 years earlier than the date the paper was accepted, exaggerating the relative impacts of increased [CO 2 ]. Due in part to the diverse scenarios for increases in greenhouse gas emissions, assumed future [CO 2 ] also varied greatly, further complicating comparisons among studies. Papers considering adaptation predominantly examined changes in planting dates and cultivars; only 20 papers tested different tillage practices or crop rotations. Risk was quantified in over half the papers, mainly in relation to variability in yield or effects of water deficits, but the limited consideration of other factors affecting risk beside climate change per se suggests that impacts of climate change were overestimated relative to background variability. A coordinated crop, climate and soil data resource would allow researchers to focus on underlying science. More extensive model intercomparison, facilitated by modular software, should strengthen the biological realism of predictions and clarify the limits of our ability to forecast agricultural impacts of climate change on crop production and associated food security as well as to evaluate potential for adaptation.
Trade-offs between rubber production and maintenance of diversity: the structure of rubber gardens in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

The goal of this study was to assess the potential of small-holder rubber cultivation in agroforestry gardens to fulfill simultaneously the goals of conservation and sustainable rural development. I examined the structure and species composition of trees in 11 rubber gardens in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, using a single 0.10 ha plot per garden. Although 41 distinct morphotypes were encountered, rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) dominated the sample of 370 trees. Richness within plots varied (3–15 morphotypes), as did the predominance of rubber (24–97% of all basal area, 24–91% of all individuals). The importance of rubber within a garden was significantly negatively correlated with the number of morphotypes present. This result suggests that tree diversity may limit potential productivity of rubber gardens. Thus, small-holders may not be willing to maintain diversity at the scale of a single garden. Although species-accumulation curves indicate that substantial tree diversity may exist across all rubber holdings, diversity is likely to be lost from the system if individual owners reduce species richness in their gardens. Rubber agroforestry as currently practiced in West Kalimantan is not an ideal model for matching rural development needs with the achievement of conservation goals. Other models, such as tengkawang- and durian-based fruit gardens, do exist in Kalimantan and elsewhere, and should be evaluated for incorporation into policy and development strategies.
Qualitative and quantitative aspects of the epiphytic component in a mixed seagrass meadow from Papua New Guinea

Abstract During 1982, structural and functional aspects of the epiphytic component in a tropical mixed seagrass meadow, have been investigated for each seagrass species separately. This meadow consisted of the seagrasses Thalassia hemprichii (Ehrenb.) Aschers., Cymodocea serrulata (R.Br.) Aschers. et Magnus, C. rotundata Ehrenb. et Hempr. ex Aschers., Halodule uninervis (Forssk.) Aschers. and Syringodium isoetifolium (Aschers.) Dandy. No significant differences were observed in floristic composition, number of algal species, abundance and diversity of the epiphytic component. On an area basis, annual mean above-ground biomass (seagrass leaves and epiphytes), amounted to 82 g ADW, of which 18% could be ascribed to the epiphytic component. The contribution of the epiphytic component to the annual mean above-ground production ranged from 16% on leaves of Thalassia hemprichii to 33% on leaves of Cymodocea serrulata. Total annual mean epiphyte production was 4.6 g ADW m−2 sediment surface day−1 (19%). When including the macroalgal component of this mixed seagrass meadow, total annual mean above-ground plant biomass amounted to 93 g ADW (212 g DW) on an area basis, of which the epiphytes contributed 15.5% (28.5% DW), the macroalgal component 12% (32.5% DW) and the seagrass leaves 72.5% (39.5% DW). Aspects of the epiphytic component (e.g., floristic composition, abundance, biomass and production) in monospecific and mixed seagrass communities are discussed.
Modeling and Stabilization of Rotating Flexible Structures

The design of control systems for flexible spacecraft continues to be an important problem. In the case of spacecraft undergoing large rotations one needs to consider the underlying nonlinear model if we are to adequately model such a system for the purpose of control system design. In this paper we outline the derivation of a linear model for a rotating system and its stabilization.
User exercise pattern prediction through mobile sensing

Even though the health benefits of regular exercising are well known, an average person has difficulty maintaining physical activity on a regular basis. One of the main reasons for this is lack of motivation. With their increasing ubiquity, wireless devices and smartphones and their sensing capabilities now can be involved in solving this issue. Many mobile applications have been developed with which people are able to keep track of their exercises, become more aware of their physical condition, and be more motivated. The collected data is also a good source for researchers in understanding the exercise patterns and the main factors influencing people to exercise. Understanding those factors will allow better applications to be built, which helps motivate people. In this work, we quantitatively analyze a dataset collected from over 10,000 users. To better understand the user exercise patterns, we identify a set of factors influencing their exercise patterns. Based on these insights, we develop a prediction model to predict users' future exercise activities.
Branch-and-Bound Algorithm for Interface-Based Modular Product Design

In our earlier work we have proposed a collaboration system for modular product design. One of the main components of the system is a design repository to which suppliers can upload their component descriptions using machine-readable, interface-based component description language, so that manufacturers can refer to the descriptions during product design phases. A mathematical formulation for modular product design has been proposed based on Artificial Intelligence Planning framework. The proposed Binary Integer Programming formulation generates the optimal design of a product. The optimal design consists of multiple components that are compatible with each other in terms of input and out interfaces. However, the mathematical approach is faced with scalability issue. The development of a heuristic algorithm that generates a high quality solution within a reasonable amount of time is the final goal of the research. In this paper, we propose an algorithmic approach based on branch-and-bound method as an intermediate step for the final goal. This paper describes the details of the proposed branch-and-bound algorithm using a case study and experimental results are discussed.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A software defined testbed for reconfigurable antenna cognitive radio

A cognitive radio is capable of sensing local radio conditions and adapting its transmission and reception parameters to optimize performance in the evolving network environment. The use of software defined radio (SDR) to make communications more flexible has greatly facilitated the design of cognitive radios, by making communications reconfigurable at lower layers of the networking stack. The Cognitive Antenna Testbed described in this paper augments the flexibility of physical layer design through the use of reconfigurable antennas, which are capable of adapting frequency, pattern and polarization electrically, thereby expanding the design space of cognitive radio and networking algorithms. This testbed offers a platform for developing and field-testing reconfigurable antenna algorithms. Representative results of experiments performed with this testbed for antenna state selection, are provided to illustrate its relevance to cognitive networking research. Current research adapting this technology for use in dynamic spectrum access (DSA) applications is also discussed.
A Field Network Evaluation of the Reagan Domestic Program

In fiscal year 1982, Congress accepted President Reagan's proposals to cut federal aid to state and local governments and increase the role of state governments in the administration of federal aid. In field research conducted at Princeton University the extent to which state and local governments replaced lost federal aid with their own revenues or found other ways to continue services previously funded by federal aid was examined. The overall impact of the changes on American federalism was also addressed in the research.
Quantifying the limitations of the use of consensus expert committees in ROC studies

ABSTRACTMany Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) studies rely on establishing "truth" (the gold standard) about lesion absence/presence on the agreement of a panel of experts (consensus expert committees). In addition, in the consensus committee methodology, images where the members of the committee did not reach any agreement aboutthe lesion absence/presence are discarded from the ROC study. But how reliable are "gold standards" established bythese expert committees? And does discarding images where no agreement was reached bias the spectrum ofdifficulty ofthe test image set for the ROC study? Computer simulated lesions (filling defects) of different strengths(signal contrasts) were embedded in real x-ray coronaiy angiogram backgrounds in order to measure the agreementamong the decisions of members of the committee as a function of signal strength, to establish the accuracy of thedecisions ofthe consensus expert conunittee and to compare it to individual more inexperienced readers.Keywords: ROC studies, gold standards, consensus expert committee, assessment of medical image quality
Are the Six-Memberedλ5-Phosphorins Aromatic or Ylidic?

The aromaticity of a series of substituted six-membered λ5-phosphorins, (CH)5PX2, (X=F, Cl, Br, OH, Me, H, and SiH3) has been evaluated by using magnetic criteria (nucleus-independent chemical shifts (NICS), magnetic susceptibility anisotropies and exaltations), as well structural and energetic considerations. The nature of the substituents influences the extent of cyclic electron delocalization significantly. The λ5-phosphorins with electronegative substituents (X=F, OH, Cl, and Br) show aromatic character, e.g., as characterized by NICS computed 1 A above the ring centers: NICS(1)=−7.8, −7.3, −7.1, and −6.6 ppm, respectively, vs. −10.8 for phosphabenzene. The λ5-phosphorins with electropositive substituents (X=H, Me, and SiH3) have small NICS(1) values, −2.6, −2.5, and 1.4 ppm, respectively, and are nonaromatic or only weakly aromatic. Based on these findings as well as geometrical and energetic results, the electronic structures of six-membered λ5-phosphorins with strongly electronegative substituents may be described as hybrids of internal zwitterion (ylid) and `Huckel' aromatic contributors, whereas the compounds having more electropositive substituents may be considered to be basically ylidic in character. The substituent effect on the aromaticity is due to the hyperconjugation (or to the negative hyperconjugation) involving the ring π electron system and the P−X(2) bonds which serve as pseudo π-electron donors (or as acceptors). The more electronegative the substituents X, the more aromatic the molecule. Contradicting early suggestions, no evidence was found for d-orbital participation of phosphorus in cyclic electron delocalization. Similarly, the aromaticity of six-membered λ4-S compounds, (CH)5SX, also is related to the electronegativity of the S-substituents, X. The (CH)5SX derivatives with X=F, Cl, Br, OH, H, and Me have NICS(1), of −10.1, −10.0, −9.7, −8.0, −5.2, and −4.2 ppm, respectively. The same generalizations extend to the six-membered λ5-As and λ4-Se compounds, as well as to cyclohexadienyl anions, (CH)5 (CX (X=H and F) and (CH)5SiX (X=H and F). In the four-membered ring compounds, λ5-(CH)3P(As)X2 and λ4-(CH)3S(Se)X (X=F and H), the substituents weaken the antiaromaticity of cyclobutadiene significantly. Unlike the six-membered ring cases, the electronegativity of X has no significant influence on the degree of antiaromaticity in the cyclobutadienyl analogs.
The BNL multiparticle spectrometer software

Abstract This paper discusses some solutions to problems common to the design, management and maintenance of a large high energy physics spectrometer software system. The experience of dealing with a large, complex program and the necessity of having the program controlled by various people at different levels of computer experience has led us to design a program control structure of mnemonic and self-explanatory nature. The use of this control language in both “on-line” and “off-line” operation of the program will be discussed. The solution of structuring a large program for modularity so that substantial changes to the program can be made easily for a wide variety of high energy physics experiments is discussed. Specialized tools for this type of large program management are also discussed.
MUTATIONS IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE AFFECTING SENSITIVITY TO PHOTODYNAMIC INACTIVATION

— Mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with varying photodynamic sensitivities were isolated in an attempt to help identify the cytoplasmic targets of photodynamic action in yeast.
Cultural Dasymetric Population Mapping with Historical GIS: A Case Study from the Southern Appalachians

There has been a recent flurry of interest in dasymetric population mapping. However, the ancillary coverages that underlie current dasymetric methods are unconnected to cultural context. The resulting regions may indicate density patterns, but not necessarily the boundaries known to inhabitants. Dasymetric population mapping is capable of capturing the cultural commonality and community interaction that define social spaces. Dasymetric mapping may be improved with methodologies that reflect the ways in which social spaces are established. This research applies a historical GIS methodology for identifying early 20th Century agricultural neighborhoods in southern Appalachia. The case study is intended to encourage discovery of additional methods for mapping population on the scale of lived experience.
Circuit implementation of synchronized chaos with applications to communications.

An analog circuit implementation of the chaotic Lorenz system is described and used to demonstrate two possible approaches to private communications based on synchronized chaotic systems.
Failure of atorvastatin to modulate CSF HIV-1 infection: Results of a pilot study

Background: HIV-1 infection of the CSF space is nearly universal in untreated systemic infection, and correlates strongly with intrathecal and systemic immunoactivation and CSF pleocytosis. Based on the potential immunomodulatory and antiviral properties of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), we examined the effect of atorvastatin on CSF HIV-1 infection and associated CSF abnormalities in a small pilot study. Methods: Seven male HIV-1-infected, antiretroviral-naive subjects with a mean blood CD4+ T cell count of 473 cells/μL were studied in an open-label, single-arm pilot study to assess the effects of 80 mg atorvastatin daily for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in CSF HIV-1 RNA levels, both absolutely and relative to plasma HIV-1 RNA, at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Other outcome measures included CSF white blood cell counts and neopterin concentrations as indices of intrathecal immunoactivation, and blood HIV-1 RNA levels, neopterin concentrations, and T lymphocyte counts. Effects on blood lipids were used to monitor the established biologic effects of atorvastatin and treatment adherence. Results: No significant changes in CSF virologic and inflammatory indices or in systemic HIV-1 infection were observed during atorvastatin treatment despite potent reduction of blood lipids. Conclusion: Atorvastatin showed no appreciable effect on CSF HIV-1 infection or intrathecal immunoactivation in this small uncontrolled study and thus appears to have little promise as an immunomodulatory adjuvant therapy for CNS HIV-1 infection, at least in neuroasymptomatic subjects with preserved CD4+ T cell counts.
Abdominal Wagging in the Social Paper Wasp Polistes dominulus: Behavior and Substrate Vibrations

The abdominal wagging behavior of Polistes dominulus foundresses is highly conspicuous and frequently performed, but comprehensive descriptions are lacking. It has been suggested that abdominal wagging is involved in vibratory signaling, but the wagging behavior has not been distinguished from the substrate-borne signal, and nest vibrations have never been described. Here I provide a detailed description of the behavior and the first video-linked accelerometer recordings of nest vibrations. These recordings indicate that an impulsive vibration is produced when the adult female repeatedly strikes its abdomen against cell rims as it swings it across the nest surface. These strong vibrations propagate throughout the nest. Scanning electron microscopy reveals no specialized structures for vibration production on the abdomen or nest. These results provide a foundation for the mechanical playback studies required to experimentally determine the function of abdominal wagging.
On the Equivalence of the Binomial and Inverse Binomial Acceptance Sampling Plans and an Acknowledgement

The author (1957, 1960) has shown that the negative (inverse) binomial distribution function can be evaluated easily through certain identities by using available binomial or incomplete beta-function tables. The identities involved have been established in various forms elsewhere by several authorst. The sum of the first few terms of the negative binomial expansion has been obtained by Pearson and Fieller (1933) as an incomplete beta-function by using Mclaurin Series. Some later references are Katz (1946) and Lieblein (1949). Somewhat related work is that of Finney (1947, 1949) where he discusses the relation between the binomial and the negative binomial in that tables giving confidence limits on p for the binomial can be adopted to the negative binomial. Bahadur$ (1960) obtains the identity between binomial and negative binomial distribution functions using probability argument. Rider (1962) has obtained the identity between the negative binomial and the incomplete-beta-function using the fact that the antiderivative of a derivative gives the original function up to a constant. As an application, the author (1960) showed the connection between the binomial and inverse binomial acceptance sampling plans as reflected in their parameters and suggested that tables and charts available to obtain binomial single-sample plans (BS) can be used to obtain inverse binomial single-sample plans (IBS) for given specifications. It is the purpose of this communication to show that the two types of acceptance sampling plans are equivalent and that when modified slightly they are in fact identical.
The effect of recipient cytokine gene polymorphism on cardiac transplantation outcome

Abstract We determined the association between clinical outcomes after heart transplantation and gene polymorphism in five cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, interleukin-10, interleukin-6, and interferon-γ) reported to influence expression in vitro . Ninety-five patients were studied. Cytokine genotyping was performed by sequence specific priming polymerase chain reaction. Clinical outcomes studied in the first posttransplant year included: (1) documented viral, bacterial, or fungal infection; (2) cytomegalovirus infection; (3) acute cellular rejection (International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation ≥grade IIIA); (4) time to first rejection episode; and (5) the development of allograft vasculopathy. Patients with the TGF-β genotype 10 T/T 25 G/G or 10 T/C 25 G/G had a longer time to first rejection (median time to first rejection episode 321 days) than those with the TGF-β genotype 10C/C 25 G/C or 10 C/C 25 C/C (median time to first rejection 88 days). There was a trend toward a higher frequency of the tumor necrosis factor-α genotype −308 G/A or A/A in patients without infection (19/59, 32%) as compared with patients with infection (5/31, 16%). In both cases, these differences failed to reach significance when adjusted for multiple comparisons. No other significant association was found with clinical outcomes and polymorphisms in the five cytokine genes studied in this population.
Electron Density Projection Map of the Botulinum Neurotoxin 900-kilodalton Complex by Electron Crystallography

The 900-kDa botulinum neurotoxin complex serotype A has been crystallized by the lipid-layer two-dimensional crystallization technique. Based on the binding characteristics of the hemagglutinating portion of the complex, a number of ganglioside/ lipid mixtures were tested but only lactosyl ceramide/1-palmityl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine was found to crystallize the complex. The optimum lipid mixture contained 75 mass % lactosyl ceramide and 25 mass % 1-palmityl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. Using protein concentrations from 5 to 500 micrograms/ml and pH and 5 acetate buffer, we have obtained crystals that diffract to better than 15 A when prepared in negative stain. A projection map with a resolution of 30 A was calculated with unit cell dimensions of a = b = 157 A and P3 symmetry. The complex is triangular in shape with six distinct lobes observed. Additionally, six smaller structures protrude from the triangular core.
Low‐Voltage Arc and Breakdown Effects in Xenon‐Filled Thermionic Diodes

Breakdown phenomena and the low‐voltage xenon arc have been studied in xenon‐filled thermionic diodes. These measurements were made at gas pressures ranging from 1 Torr to atmospheric pressure and with diodes having interelectrode spacings of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.75 cm. Most of the results were obtained on tubes with a unipotential thoriated‐tungsten cathode operating at approximately 1700°C. The results showed that breakdown in xenon leading to the low‐voltage arc can occur at voltages even lower than the first excitation potential of xenon. No minimum spacing effect was observed; the low‐voltage arc occurred for interelectrode spacings down to 0.05 cm. At 0.05‐cm spacing and a cathode temperature of 1700°C, the low‐voltage xenon arc could be induced over the pressure range 1–500 Torr. Under some conditions of pressure and spacing the low‐voltage xenon arc could be sustained at voltages as low as 1–2 V.
Rosiglitazone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a critical review

Objective: This article reviews the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, drug interactions, and dosing of rosiglitazone, the second thiazolidinedione approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Background information for this article was obtained from searches of MEDLINE®, Iowa Drug Information Service, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, as well as from data on file with the manufacturer of rosiglitazone. Results: Rosiglitazone is indicated for use alone or in combination with metformin or sulfonylureas for the maintenance of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Rather than stimulation of insulin secretion, rosiglitazone's primary mechanism of action is sensitization of tissues to insulin through activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and increasing expression of the glucose transporter-4 receptor. Rosiglitazone is administered orally, is absorbed almost completely, and is 99.8% bound to plasma proteins. The majority of a dose is metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 2C8 isozyme, with the inactive metabolites excreted primarily in the urine. Four to 8 mg/d of rosiglitazone given alone or in combination with metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin has produced reductions in baseline fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in studies of up to 1 year's duration. Common adverse effects (occurring in ≥5.0% of patients) include upper respiratory tract infection, injury, and headache. Edema, weight gain, and increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations have also been observed. It is recommended that rosiglitazone be avoided in patients with alanine aminotransferase levels > 2.5 times normal. No clinically relevant drug interactions have been documented with rosiglitazone to date. The initial starting daily dose of rosiglitazone is 4 mg in single or divided doses, without regard to meals, to a maximum of 8 mg. Conclusions: No direct comparative trials of the efficacy and safety of rosiglitazone versus those of the other available thiazolidinedione, pioglitazone, have yet been performed. The role of rosiglitazone as a single agent and in combination with other antidiabetic agents remains to be clarified as additional comparative and long-term data become available.
Chronic thyroiditis: a clinical and pathologic study of 354 patients.

CHRONIC thyroiditis, as evidenced by lymphoid infiltration, fibrosis and epithelial alteration of the thyroid gland, is a poorly defined thyroid disorder. Since the classic descriptions of Riedel (1, 2, 3) and Hashimoto (4), numerous controversial reports on chronic thyroiditis have appeared in the literature (5–24). These have not shown uniform opinions on the etiology, pathogenesis, classification and terminology or treatment of this group of thyroid diseases. The present report is concerned primarily with a pathologic appraisal of 195 thyroid glands which displayed three types of diffuse thyroiditis, 1) lymphadenoid goiter (“Hashimoto” thyroiditis, struma lymphomatosa), 2) granulomatous or giant-cell thyroiditis, and 3) “Riedel” thyroiditis (Table 1). Included in this study were an additional 159 glands in which the chronic thyroiditis of the “Hashimoto” type was either focal or was associated with other diseases of the thyroid gland (Table 2). The purposes of this paper are 1) to describe and illustra...
Use of the Integrated Flexpin Bearing for Improving the Performance of Epicyclical Gear Systems

Epicyclical gear systems have typically been equipped with straddle-mounted planetary idlers having pins supported on the input and output sides of the carrier. Torsional wind-up of the carrier, position accuracy of the pins, machining tolerances of the planetary gear system components and bearings clearances can all contribute to a poor load sharing among the planetary idlers as well as misaligned gear contacts in the deflected state. Use of the double-cantilevered flexible pin concept to achieve better load sharing and gear contact patterns among a multiplicity of planetary idlers, has been used to improve reliability in advanced gear drives for many years. The consequence of this practice is to build a compliant epicyclical system that improves power density in the gear length direction because the probability of achieving a properly centered gear contact is increased. The Integrated Flexpin Bearing, the subject of this paper, is capable of achieving additional power density in the gear diameter direction through integration of bearing components, gearing and shafting. This paper presents one designer’s approach to optimizing an Integrated Flexpin Bearing to improve the reliability of an epicyclical gearbox.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Detecting global variables in denotational specifications

Sufficient criteria are given for replacing all occurrences of the store argument in a Scott-Strachey denotational definition of a programming language by a single global variable. The criteria and transformation are useful for transforming denotational definitions into compilers and interpreters for imperative machines, for optimizing applicative programs, and for judging the suitability of semantic notations for describing imperative languages. An example transformation of a semantics of a repeat-loop language to one which uses a global store variable is given to illustrate the technique.
Endoplasmic reticulum, calciosomes and their possible roles in signal transduction

Recent fluorescence, AVEC-DIC, and confocal laser scanning microscopic studies have revealed the dynamic nature and structural extent of a calcium-sequestering endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in plant cells. Various investigators have proposed different roles for the ER in cell motility. One, the ER plays a direct role in the generation of intracellular particle motions or two, the ER regulates particle motions indirectly. We show that the ER can be extruded fromAcetabularia cells, stains brightly with the fluorescent dye DiOC6(3), and small (ca. 100 nm diameter) fluorescent vesicles are observed to move in or along the ER tubules. Intracellular particle movements in the giant algal cellAcetabularia can be transiently inhibited by IP4, IP3, and IP2, compounds which in animal cells are known to cause the release of free calcium ions. A model is proposed which clarifies the possible relationships between the ER, calciosomes, calcium ions, and the microfilament-generated intracellular particle movements observed in plant cells.
Effect of urea on volatile generation from Maillard reaction of cysteine and ribose.

Urea occurs naturally in many food products, and its presence affects food quality. However, little is known about its impact on flavor generation in food production. In this study, the urea contents in beef, pork, and chicken were determined. The effects of urea and pH on thermal flavor generation were investigated using the model system of cysteine with ribose, which was heated to the roasting temperature of 180 °C for 2 h at pH 5 and pH 8.5. The results revealed relatively large amounts of urea in these meats and demonstrated that pH affects aroma generation. Volatiles identified from the reaction system of ribose and cysteine showed that sulfur-containing compounds such as thiophenes, thiazoles, and thiophenethiols were the most abundant compounds. The addition of urea into the reaction mixture caused the disappearance or reduction in content of some sulfur-containing compounds but resulted in the generation of several important nitrogen-containing volatiles, like pyrazine, methylpyrazine, 2,5- (and 2...
Earthquakes: Tsunamigenic Middle Earth

Violent uplift of western Crete in AD 365 generated a Mediterranean-wide tsunami that tossed boats onto house-tops in Alexandria, Egypt. Although a similar earthquake may not recur for 5,000 years, contiguous fault segments could rupture sooner.
Psychopathology in the Pediatric Hospital: Implications for the Pediatrician

A study of the incidence and range of psychopathology in a random sample of admissions to a pediatric hospital revealed: (a) an unexpectedly high incidence of children manifesting psychopathology or difficulties in emotional adaptation considered by the child psychiatrist to warrant psychiatric consultation (63.7 percent); (b) the pediatric staff requested consultation on nine of fifty-one of these children (17.6 percent) considered to manifest difficulties in emotional adaptation.Factors including the acuteness of medical illness, its treatability, the age of the child, and the nature of the emotional disorder were found to be related to the pediatrician's failure to recognize the need for consultation.The usefulness of random screening procedures is considered as a teaching device to alert pediatricians to the existence of psychopathology which they otherwise might not recognize.
Learning About Assessment An Evaluation of a Ten-State Effort to Build Assessment Capacity in High Schools

In 2006, the State of Delaware and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) partnered with the Consortium for Policy Research in Education (CPRE) to conduct an evaluation of a ten-state initiative that sought to enhance assessment practices at the high school level. This effort aimed to help states, districts, and schools build familiarity with instruction that uses assessment as part of the learning process, a practice known as assessment for learning. This report focuses primarily on the third goal of this project, the creation and function of teacher learning teams focused on assessment for learning. Disciplines Curriculum and Instruction | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Educational Methods | Education Policy | Teacher Education and Professional Development Comments View on the CPRE website. This report is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/cpre_researchreports/52 University of Pennsylvania Teachers College Columbia University
Strategies for Becoming Involved in Policy: What Was Learned When Faculty Opposed a Stand-Alone Course in Phonics

Recent involvement in teacher education policy around a proposed stand-alone phonics course in Mississippi revealed important guidelines for researchers aiming to influence policy, including (a) build relationships with policy makers; (b) help to define problems by framing issues and proactively put forth solutions rather than waiting to respond to proposals; (c) avoid dichotomization, but instead work to build common ground; and (d) use a strategy of small wins to achieve small successes, thereby learning to negotiate the policy environment.
INHIBITION OF PITUITARY ACTH RELEASE: AN EXTRA-ADRENAL ACTION OF EXOGENOUS ACTH11

Pituitary ACTH concentration is approximately doubled after administration of ACTH for one week to adrenalectomized rats, in confirmation of previous studies in intact animals. Attempts to determine the mechanism responsible for this extra-adrenal effect of exogenous ACTH yielded the following results: Pre-treatment with ACTH inhibits the pituitary ACTH depletion observed n adrenalectomized rats after application of a scalding stress. Similarly, ACTH pre-treatment blocks the fall in adrenal ascorbic acid obtained in intact control rats after the stress of ether anesthesia. The data are compatible with the hypothesis that the increase in pituitary ACTH concentration produced by exogenous ACTH is due to inhibition of endogenous ACTH release by the pituitary gland. The possibility that stimulation of ACTH synthesis or pituitary adsorption of exogenous ACTH may also occur after administration of ACTH cannot be excluded.
POOL BOILING HEAT TRANSFER OVER MICROCHANNEL SURFACES WITH ETHANOL AT ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE

The growing trend in miniaturization has brought forth boiling as an important research topic for augmentation of heat transfer in electronic cooling application. Pool boiling has the ability to dissipate a large quantity of heat while maintaining a small temperature difference. The heat dissipation capacity of pool boiling is further augmented through the use of enhanced microchannel surfaces. The objective of this work is to investigate the pool boiling performance of various microchannel structures using ethanol as the fluid medium. Ethanol has higher heat of vaporization compared to refrigerants and lower saturation temperature compared to water. Hence it has the potential to be used as an alternative cooling medium. This investigation will focus on experimentally studying the effect of enhanced surface structures on pool boiling of ethanol at atmospheric pressure.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Interactive Level-of-Detail Selection Using Image-Based Quality Metric for Large Volume Visualization

For large volume visualization, an image-based quality metric is difficult to incorporate for level-of-detail selection and rendering without sacrificing the interactivity. This is because it is usually time-consuming to update view-dependent information as well as to adjust to transfer function changes. In this paper, we introduce an image-based level-of-detail selection algorithm for interactive visualization of large volumetric data. The design of our quality metric is based on an efficient way to evaluate the contribution of multiresolution data blocks to the final image. To ensure real-time update of the quality metric and interactive level-of-detail decisions, we propose a summary table scheme in response to runtime transfer function changes and a GPU-based solution for visibility estimation. Experimental results on large scientific and medical data sets demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our algorithm
A filter compiler for digital sound synthesis

A simple one-pass compiler that translates an intermediate filter language (IFL) into filter code is described. The main motivation is to provide an easy way to experiment with filters for digital sound synthesis. Any realizable, linear, constant-coefficient digital filter can be represented, using two primitive commands. The present version takes less than 250 lines of Pascal and produces Pascal. This compiler is completely portable, requires small computer resources, uses text input that can be generated by other programs, and is easy to modify. As an example of an application, an elaboration of the plucked-string filter is described that produces beat tones in a way similar to FM synthesis. >
Forme fruste of isolated right ventricular endomyocardial fibrosis: a case report

Introduction Endomyocardial fibrosis is a neglected tropical disease of unknown etiology and poor prognosis. It is endemic of tropical climates where it is the most common cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy in the second and fourth decades of life. A forme fruste of the disease is thought to be present in temperate climates where the diagnosis remains exceedingly rare.
ESD phenomena in graded junction devices

The current very large-scale integration (VLSI) chips for sub-2- mu m processes use some form of graded junction devices for process reliability. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) performance for these graded junction processes is examined by studying the process variations. The results show that the ESD protection level can be optimized without significantly compromising the hot carrier reliability or the circuit drive current. The unique failure modes in these devices are also discussed. The results are supported by transient thermal analysis simulations. >
Lessons from badly behaved technology transfer to a professional context

Technology development and transfer to professional practices is explored using the example of dentistry. Oral health in the USA has improved dramatically in the past forty years, but paradoxically, this has been the result of an inexpensive technology, systemic fluoridation, that is outside dental practice. Also paradoxically, the improvement in oral health has been accompanied by increasing demand for dental care and an even greater profit to dentists. Dentists have maintained control over all aspects of technology. This includes technology development, channels for diffusing information regarding innovations and of evaluating their potential value, and adoption and financing decisions. Most innovation is incremental and involves changes of materials and supplies, with capital investments costing over a few thousand dollars being unusual. The criteria used by dentists to evaluate technology are personal and pragmatic. Because they are the principal users of technology, it must "feel right in a dentist's hands". Dentists also seek protection from the environment they cannot control by establishing management mechanisms that are largely outside their practices. It is suggested that technology in dentistry is "pulled" based on professional self-image in a teleological fashion rather than "pushed" in a logical fashion based on the objective characteristics of technology and its potential impact on customers or the environment.
Photonic Molecular Processors

In this study, the impact of gaseous molecules on the line spread function (LSF) and temporal response of optical signals at incremental gas pressures, up to 75 psi, has been explored. This is aimed at enhancing the focusing and pulse-shaping characteristics of the light beam. The experimental results indicate clearly an enhancement of the light beam signal characteristics with increasing gas pressure
Shape memory biomaterials prepared from polyurethane/ureas containing sulfated glucose

Covalently crosslinked polyurethane/urea polymers were synthesized using diamine monomers modified with pendant glucose groups and 2,4-toluene diisocyanate, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane (triol) comonomers. The polymers showed shape memory behavior with a switching temperature dependent on the glass transition temperature. The glass transition temperature is tuned by varying the mole ratio between the glucose-diamine and PEG used in the polymerization. Increasing PEG content resulted in decreasing glass transition temperature, and a glass transition temperature of 39 °C, close to physiological temperatures, was obtained. The fixed shape showed gradual shape recovery behavior, but a fixity of 70% was achieved when the material was stored at 25 °C. The polymer recovered to the permanent shape when heated to 50 °C. Finally, the surface of a film of the polymer can be sulfated to achieve increased blood-compatibility without sacrificing the shape memory properties. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 2252–2257
Anti‐A Production by a Group 0 Spleen Transplanted to a Group A Recipient

A group A1 diabetic received a pancreas-spleen transplant from a group 0 donor. Severe immune hemolysis due to anti-A ensued, requiring graft splenectomy. The transplanted spleen can be a potent source of blood group antibody.