cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applications of front tracking to the simulation of resin transfer molding

Abstract Resin Transfer Molding, as a method for the manufacture of advanced fiber reinforced composite materials, is attractive because it offers the possibility of lower manufacturing costs and more complex shapes than the traditional manufacturing methods. A major issue in this new manufacturing process is the elimination of void spaces in the resin fill operation, so that products with high quality are manufactured. In this paper, we present a two-phase, two-component air solubility model to study the formation and migration of the macro and micro-voids. The numerical solutions of the model are obtained through a front tracking code. The front tracking method has the distinguishing feature of preserving sharp interfaces throughout the simulation. The results demonstrate that the model proposed here has desirable qualitative agreement with experimental results. Based on these results, we make numerical predictions to show how modeling could improve the manufacturing process and, hence, enhance product quality.
Familial Aggregation of Adolescent Personality Disorders

ABSTRACT Objective A family study of DSM-III-R personality disorders was conducted in the families of 66 clinically referred adolescents to examine the validity of personality disorder diagnoses in adolescents. Method Semistructured Interviews of Axis I and II disorders, including the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-lII-R Personality Disorders, were used to directly interview 66 clinically referred adolescents and their adult first-degree family members, combining family study and family history data. Results The relatives of adolescents with avoidant personality disorder had an increased prevalence of avoidant and cluster A (schizoid, schizotypal, and paranoid) personality disorders. The relatives of adolescents with borderline personality disorder demonstrated increased rates of borderline and avoidant personality disorders, even after adjusting for comorbidity. Conclusions The results of this study support the validity of Axis II diagnoses, particularly avoidant and borderline disorders, in adolescents. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1995, 34, 6:798–804
Recent developments in discontinuous metal thin film devices

Abstract 1. (1) Traditional conduction models for island films on insulating substrates are based on electrostatically activated tunneling, but under-estimate actual conductances by orders of magnitude. A modified model has made significant headway with this problem, as demonstrated by simulations. 2. (2) Strain gauges and gas sensing are briefly discussed as examples of sensor applications based on tunneling between islands. 3. (3) Practical applications are impeded, however, by the difficulty of fabricating reproducible, stable structures, particularly for low TCR films which are the most susceptible to drift. Two efforts to manufacture stable films are described, with emphasis on the reproducibility of one. 4. (4) The simplest discontinuous “film” is the single island coulomb block which forms the basis of the single-electron transistor. Room temperature “SETs” employ chains of islands, i.e. 1-D discontinuous films.
Perturbation in eigenvalues

Abstract We study the dependence of the eigenvalues of a tridiagonal matrix upon off-diagonal entries. The change in the eigenvalues when a cross-diagonal product approaches zero or infinity is estimated.
Treatment options for patients with chronic hepatitis C not responding to initial antiviral therapy.

Pegylated interferon alfa-2a or alfa-2b plus ribavirin for 24 or 48 weeks, depending on genotype, is the standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, up to 50% of patients are nonresponsive or experience relapse after treatment ends. Consequently, effective retreatment approaches for this population are urgently needed. Retreatment strategies aimed at viral eradication have included retreatment with the same or higher doses of the first pegylated interferon alfa used plus the same or higher doses of ribavirin, switching from one pegylated interferon alfa to the other, increasing the duration of therapy, or using other interferon formulations. Recent studies have demonstrated that sustained virologic response can be attained in 10% to 20% of patients retreated with pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin after previous nonresponse to standard interferon plus ribavirin and in 6% to 8% of prior nonresponders to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin retreated for 48 weeks. Extending the duration of retreatment to 72 weeks increases sustained virologic response rates. Prior relapsers to interferon-based therapy have higher rates of sustained virologic response with retreatment than prior nonresponders. Three large multicenter studies evaluating the capacity of long-term, low-dose, maintenance interferon-based therapy to delay or halt disease progression have been conducted, demonstrating no significant impact on overall clinical outcomes in the intent-to-treat analyses. Finally, specifically targeted antiviral therapies for hepatitis C have shown promising results in preclinical and early-stage clinical trials when combined with pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin. Novel approaches, including combinations of direct antiviral agents, are needed to achieve major improvements in the treatment of nonresponders.
Biochemical and toxicological effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) congeners in female rats.

The capability of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)2 and six congeners to induce toxic and biochemical changes in rats was investigated. In addition to TCDD, the following compounds were administered at a dose of 40 or 400 μg/kg/day for three days P.O.: 2,7-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (DCDD); 1,2,4-trichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TrCDD); 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin; l,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin; 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB); and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB). Six days after treatment the animals were killed. Lipid peroxidation and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity were determined in liver and kidney. Hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity was determined 48 hr following the administration of 400 μg/kg of each congener or 40 μg/kg of TCDD. With the exception of PCB and TCDD, the other congeners produced no toxic or biochemical changes at the doses given as determined by the above parameters. PCB (400 μg/kg) resulted in a 4-fold increase in lipid peroxidation and a 69% decrease in GSH-PX activity. These results were comparable to the effects of a 40 μg/kg dose of TCDD. PCB treatment resulted in a 80% decrease in thymus weight, and a 3.8-fold increase in AHH activity which were comparable to the effects of TCDD. A correlation appears to exist between the ability to induce hepatic AHH activity, enhance lipid peroxidation. inhibit GSH-PX activity, and decrease body and thymus weights.
Kinetics of the delayed luminescence decay of 1,2-benzanthracene in polystyrene films

Abstract Phosphorescence, delayed fluorescence (DF) and delayed excimer fluorescence (DEF) have been observed from thin films of 1,2-benzanthracence in polystyrene at ambient temperatures. No prompt excimer fluorescence is observed. At long modulation times of the excitation pulses, the phosphorescence decay is exponential with an average decay time of 225 ms. Under similar conditions, the DF decay is also exponential but τDF 1 2 τphos. The DEF lifetime approaches that of the phosphorescence as the modulation time is increased. The DF intensity is found to depend on the square of the excitation intensity but both DEF and phosphorescence intensities demonstrate a linear dependence. The intensity ratios IDF/Iphos and IDEF/Iphos depend approximately on the square of the solute concentration quite apart from the dependence which these ratios have on the intensity of absorbed light. It is proposed that both DF and DEF arise from the interaction of mobile triplet excitons with molecular pair species previously excited to the triplet level by energy transfer. For DF to occur, it is assumed that the pair species are simply any two solute molecules with intermolecular separation distances less than some critical value. For DEF to occur, the pair species must not only be close together but also must have the correct relative orientation.
Juvenile Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum: Recognition and Management

: An 8-year-old girl had pseudoxanthoma elesticum (PXE) with the characteristic skin and ocular findings. She had no associated systemic symptoms and no family history of PXE. The disease was most likely Inherited In an autosomal recessive fashion. It is reviewed with regard to etiology, Inheritance, diagnosis, and, particularly, management
Improved MOSFET characterization technique for single channel length, scaled transistors

Abstract The MOSFET characterization technique proposed here permits parameter extraction from ultra-short channel single length devices. The technique is based on an improved charge correction which allows extension of the gate overdrive to lower range and leads to better accuracy of extracted quantities such as effective mobility, threshold voltage, and effective parasitic resistance. The method is applicable to both planar and non-planar technologies at highly scaled gate lengths.
Goal orientation and self-efficacy in relation to memory in adulthood

The achievement goal framework (Dweck, 1986, American Psychologist, 41, 1040) has been well-established in children and college-students, but has rarely been examined empirically with older adults. The current study, including younger and older adults, examined the effects of memory self-efficacy, learning goals (focusing on skill mastery over time) and performance goals (focusing on performance outcome evaluations) on memory performance. Questionnaires measured memory self-efficacy and general orientation toward learning and performance goals; free and cued recall was assessed in a subsequent telephone interview. As expected, age was negatively related and education was positively related to memory self-efficacy, and memory self-efficacy was positively related to memory, in a structural equation model. Age was also negatively related to memory performance. Results supported the positive impact of learning goals and the negative impact of performance goals on memory self-efficacy. There was no significant direct effect of learning or performance goals on memory performance; their impact occurred via their effect on memory self-efficacy. The present study supports past research suggesting that learning goals are beneficial, and performance goals are maladaptive, for self-efficacy and learning, and validates the achievement goal framework in a sample including older adults.
Preliminary feasibility studies on total synthesis of the unusual marine bryozoan alkaloids chartellamide A and B

A strategy for synthesis of the chartellamide marine alkaloids has been tested in a model, leading to the polycyclic ring system of the natural product, but which unfortunately does not provide the requisite C-9,20 relative stereochemistry.
Managerial labor-market discipline and the characteristics of merger and acquisition transactions ☆

Abstract This study evaluates how state regulation of noncompetition agreements affects merger and acquisition activity. Noncompetition agreements put restrictions on postemployment activities, thereby reducing management mobility and forcing top managers to bear the long-term consequences of their corporate decisions. In this sense, state regulation of noncompetition agreements functions as a mechanism to align management's interests with those of the shareholders when management makes major corporate decisions. To examine this hypothesis empirically, this study tests whether the legal enforcement of noncompetition agreements across states affects the choice of payment methods, the premium paid for targets, and the acquirers' abnormal returns on their merger or acquisition activity. The results suggest that stricter enforcement of noncompetition agreements significantly reduces the likelihood of using stock in takeovers and the premiums paid for targets. In addition, the study documents that stronger enforcement of noncompetition agreements is related with more favorable market reactions for large acquirers.
Shoulder arthroscopy with the patient in the beach-chair position

We evaluated the use of the beach-chair, or sitting, position for arthroscopic shoulder surgery in 50 consecutive patients. Routine arthroscopy, arthroscopic subacromial decompression, and arthroscopic shoulder stabilizations were performed, with no complications. The advantages of this position include ease of setup, lack of brachial plexus strain because no traction is used, excellent intraarticular visualization for all types of arthroscopic shoulder procedures, and ease of conversion to the open approach if needed. The positioning technique is described.
Removal and Reconstitution of the Carotenoid Antenna of Xanthorhodopsin

Salinixanthin, a C40-carotenoid acyl glycoside, serves as a light-harvesting antenna in the retinal-based proton pump xanthorhodopsin of Salinibacter ruber. In the crystallographic structure of this protein, the conjugated chain of salinixanthin is located at the protein–lipid boundary and interacts with residues of helices E and F. Its ring, with a 4-keto group, is rotated relative to the plane of the π-system of the carotenoid polyene chain and immobilized in a binding site near the β-ionone retinal ring. We show here that the carotenoid can be removed by oxidation with ammonium persulfate, with little effect on the other chromophore, retinal. The characteristic CD bands attributed to bound salinixanthin are now absent. The kinetics of the photocycle is only slightly perturbed, showing a 1.5-fold decrease in the overall turnover rate. The carotenoid-free protein can be reconstituted with salinixanthin extracted from the cell membrane of S. ruber. Reconstitution is accompanied by restoration of the characteristic vibronic structure of the absorption spectrum of the antenna carotenoid, its chirality, and the excited-state energy transfer to the retinal. Minor modification of salinixanthin, by reducing the carbonyl C=O double bond in the ring to a C-OH, suppresses its binding to the protein and eliminates the antenna function. This indicates that the presence of the 4-keto group is critical for carotenoid binding and efficient energy transfer.
Human inference behavior in abstract and meaningful environments

Abstract The effects of abstract and meaningful environments on subjects' achievement, consistency, and matching in an MCPL task were examined at two levels of system predictability; re = .52 (Experiment One) and re = .92 (Experiment Two). In the meaningful environment, subjects were instructed to predict a loan applicant's “credit score” from the cues “average monthly debt” and “average number of creditors.” In the abstract environment the stimuli were simply referred to as “criterion,” “cue 1,” and “cue 2.” Results showed that subject performance was significantly superior in the meaningful environment, with the exception of consistency in Experiment Two. As has been demonstrated in previous MCPL research, subjects made significantly superior predictions with cues of positive validity in the abstract environment. However, in the meaningful environment, cues of positive and negative validity evoked comparable levels of subject achievement. The results were discussed in the context of human inference behavior in abstract and meaningful environments employing ecologically congruent and incongruent tasks.
Rational combination therapy of vintafolide (EC145) with commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs

Purpose: When evaluated in patients with ovarian and other cancer, vintafolide (EC145), a potent folate-targeted vinca alkaloid conjugate, displayed a toxicity profile that seemed to be nonoverlapping with many standard-of-care cancer therapeutics. It was, therefore, hypothesized that combining vintafolide with certain approved anticancer drugs may afford greater therapeutic efficacy compared with single-agent therapy. To explore this concept, vintafolide was evaluated in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD; DOXIL), cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, topotecan, and irinotecan against folate receptor (FR)–positive models. Experimental Design: FR-expressing KB, M109, IGROV, and L1210 cells were first exposed to graded concentrations of vintafolide, either alone or in combination with doxorubicin (active ingredient in PLD), and isobologram plots and combination index values generated. The vintafolide combinations were also studied in mice bearing various FR-expressing tumors. Results: Vintafolide displayed strong synergistic activity against KB cells when combined with doxorubicin, and no less-than-additive effects resulted when tested against M109, IGROV, and L1210 cells. In contrast, when either desacetylvinblastine hydrazide (DAVLBH; the vinca alkaloid moiety in vintafolide) or vindesine (the vinca alkaloid most structurally similar to DAVLBH) were tested in combination with doxorubicin, less-than-additive antitumor effects were observed. In vivo , all vintafolide drug combinations produced far greater antitumor effect (complete responses and cures) compared with the single agents alone, without significant increase in overall toxicity. Importantly, these benefits were not observed with combinations of PLD and DAVLBH or vindesine. Conclusions: On the basis of these encouraging preclinical results, clinical studies to evaluate vintafolide drug combination therapies are now under way. Clin Cancer Res; 20(8); 2104–14. ©2014 AACR .
Activity associated with individual subunits of pig heart NAD-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase.

Abstract NAD-specific pig heart isocitrate dehydrogenase is composed of three distinct types of subunits: α, β, and γ, which have molecular weights of about 40,000 but differ in amino acid composition and in isoelectric points. When the native enzyme is subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions, two major protein bands with M r values of about 360,000 (band 1) and 100,000 (band 2) and two minor bands (bands 3 and 4) with M r values of about 40,000 are consistently present. Enzymatic activity, as detected from NADH fluorescence, is distributed throughout the protein-staining region. Analytical isoelectric focusing in urea reveals that band 1 is composed of all three subunits in roughly the normal ratio of 2α:1β:1γ, and is probably an octamer, band 2 of an equal amount of α and β and is probably dimer, while bands 3 and 4 each consist of only the monomeric α subunit. The highest enzymatic specific activity is associated with a region intermediate between octamer and dimer, which includes the 160,000 tetramer. The protein pattern resulting from isoelectric focusing under nondenaturing conditions consists of protein bands comparable in pattern to those in the presence of urea along with bands of intermediate p I values, many of which are associated with enzymatic activity. Analysis of the subunit composition of these bands supports the activity of the α species in isolation and establishes the activity of the separated β component. No activity of the isolated γ subunit species has thus far been demonstrated. However, the highest apparent specific activity is observed when at least two types of subunits are present. These studies indicate that a range of oligomeric species of the enzyme are enzymatically active and that at least three of the four subunit chains comprising the minimum complete enzyme molecule (2α:1β:1γ) possess an active site.
Cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease (CKD): the CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD)

Recent advances in our understanding of the excess mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to cardiovascular complications, obtained through observational studies, demonstrate that vascular calcification and hyperphosphatemia are major cardiovascular risk factors. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that these two risk factors are related and that hyperphosphatemia directly stimulates vascular calcification. The role of hyperphosphatemia in stimulating vascular calcification in CKD is associated with a block to the skeletal reservoir function in phosphate balance due to excess bone resorption. This has led to the realization that renal osteodystrophy is linked to vascular calcification by disordered mineral homeostasis (phosphate) and that a multiorgan system fails in CKD, leading to cardiovascular mortality. In children with renal disease, the multiorgan system fails, just as in adults, but the outcomes have been less well studied, and perceptions of differences from adults are possibly incorrect. Vascular calcification and cardiovascular mortality are less prevalent among pediatric patients, but they are present. However, CKD-induced vascular disease causes stiffness of the arterial tree causing, in turn, systolic hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy as early manifestations of the same pathology in the adult. Because of the role of the skeleton in these outcomes, renal osteodystrophy has been renamed as the CKD mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). This review, which focuses on the pediatric patient population, describes our current state of knowledge with regards to the pathophysiology of the CKD-MBD, including the new discoveries related to early stages of CKD. As a new necessity, cardiovascular function issues are incorporated into the CKD-MBD, and new advances in our knowledge of this critical component of the disorder will lead to improved outcomes in CKD.
The triplet state of a platinum acetylide chromophore examined by time-resolved infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory

Abstract To understand platinum acetylide molecular structure changes upon conversion to the triplet state, we measured time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectra of the platinum acetylide complex trans-bis(tributylphosphine)bis(4-ethynyl-1-(2-phenylethynyl)benzene)platinum (abbreviated as PE2). We used density functional theory (DFT) methods to calculate the geometry, molecular orbitals and vibrational spectra of the ground and lowest energy triplet state of PE2. Solutions of PE2 were excited upon ns pulsed laser excitation at 355 nm and TRIR spectra were collected. The TRIR data show cumulenic vibrations in the triplet state as well as evidence for photoproduct formation. The DFT results support the experimental data, suggesting PE2’s triplet state has quinone character.
Characterization and partial purification of an ATPase and inorganic pyrophosphate of the archaebacterium Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum

Abstract ATPase and inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPase) activities have been detected in several methanogenic bacteria. These activities are believed to play a crucial role in energy metabolism. In the present study we have investigated some characteristics of the ATPase and the inorganic PPase activities of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum . Although these proteins migrate identically on non-dissociating gels, they are catalyzed by distinct enzymes which are separable by biochemical purification methods. The partially purified enzymes are composed of at least two subunits. The ATPase subunits have molecular masses of about 43 and 33 kDa and the inorganic PPase such of about 31 and 25 kDa. After purification, the PPase and the ATPase did not hydrolyze ATP, and PP i , respectively. The membrane-bound ATPase and PPase activities are distinguished in response to sodium fluoride, by the effects of divalent cations, by the temperature ranges for activities and the solubilization behaviour by different extractants. Most investigated catalytic and structural properties of the ATPase do not suit the current criteria for classifying this enzyme under the F-, V- or P-ATPases.
A challenging time in the history of lamaze international: an interview with francine nichols.

Dr. Francine Nichols—President of Lamaze International from 1988 to 1991 (when the organization was known as “the American Society for Psychoprophylaxis in Obstetrics” or “ASPO/Lamaze”) and the founding editor of The Journal of Perinatal Education in 1990—is a woman with many skills that have contributed to her success throughout her career. Dr. Nichols is a knowledgeable leader in maternal-newborn nursing, a respected nurse and childbirth educator, a researcher, and an author. However, these skills were not the abilities she relied upon the most to lead the Lamaze organization through a challenging period in the 1980s; rather, Dr. Nichols's tenacity, business savvy, and willingness to face controversy helped guide Lamaze International back on track so that it was able to grow into the strong organization it remains today. This interview took place by telephone on June 12, 2006, when Dr. Nichols was in Washington, D.C., for the summer to coordinate the National Institute of Nursing Research's Summer Genetics Institute, a doctoral-level course cosponsored by Georgetown University.
Stratified flow in pyroclastic surges

Stratified flow theory is applied to pyroclatic surges in an effort to gain insight into transport dynamics during explosive eruptions. Particle transport is assumed to be by turbulent suspension, and calculations contained herein show that this is likely for many cases including the 18 May 1980 blast at mount St. Helens. The discussion centers on the Rouse number (Pn), which represents a ratio of particle settling velocity to scale of turbulence; the Brunt-Vaisala frequency (N), which is the maximum possible frequency of internal waves; the Froude number (Fr), representing the ratio of inertial forces to gravitational forces; and the Richardson number (Ri), a ratio of buoyant restoring forces to turbulent mixing forces. The velocity or flow power dependence of bed-form wavelength in surge deposits is related to a velocity dependence of wavelength of internal waves in the turbulent surge. This produces a decrease in dune wavelength with increasing distance from vent. Migration direction of bed forms is related toFr as it is defined for a continuously stratified flow. Proximal to distal facies variations in surge deposits reflect increasingPn andRi as the flows move away from their sources. This produces the progression from sandwave to massive to planar facies with increasing distance from vent. Where the long axis of topography is at low angles to the flow direction, massive facies in topographic lows may from concurrently with sandwave facies on highs, due to the higher particle concentration in the lows. Where long axis of topography is at high angles to flow direction, denser lower parts of the surge may be dammed or “blocked”. Blocked material tends to form massive flows that may move down slope independent of the overriding surge. A model incorporating turbulent transport, stratified flow, and time evolution of pyroclastic surges is proposed for deposits which have been attributed to both pyroclastic flow and pyroclastic surge transport by various workers. During the initial high energy (waxing) phase of the eruptive event,Pn is sufficiently low that only coarse, but poorly sorted, material is deposited to form relatively coarse bottom layers. As the event wanes, remaining finer material is deposited through a thin bed load to produce overlying bedded and cross-bedded veneer deposits. Throughout most of the event, blocking occurs to produce relatively thick and massive deposits in valley bottoms.
Economic Man in the Garden of Eden

It has always been a puzzle why nineteenth century political economists were quite so gloomy. Why did they picture economic actors as motivated so single-mindedly by self-interest? Why did they see ahead the negative effects of diminishing returns, especially falling profit rates and rising rent shares, while all around them the evidence was pointing in the other direction? Why did they go on about the stationary state at a time when technical change was everywhere the norm? This gloom was hardly foreshadowed by the eighteenth century founders of political economy—Hume, Smith, and the Physiocrats (although for a contrary view see Robert Heilbroner 1973). It seems to have begun with Malthus and Ricardo, but it remained strong in the marginalist economists as well. Alfred Marshall and his followers rested their case for the necessity of careful marginal allocation of resources, and the intolerability of the costs imposed by trade unions and other rent seekers, on the ground that there were just not enough goods and services to go around. The notion of scarcity legitimized gloom.
New synthetic routes to a disulfidodinickel(II) complex: Characterization and reactivity of a Ni2(μ-η2:η2- S2) core

Activation of elemental sulfur by the monovalent nickel complex [PhTt tBu ]Ni(CO) [PhTt tBu = phenyl{tris[(tert-butylmethyl)thio]-methyl}borate] generates the disulfidodinickel(ll) complex 2. This species is alternatively accessible via thermal decomposition of [PhTt tBu ]Ni(SCPh 3 ). Spectroscopic, magnetic, and X-ray diffraction studies establish that 2 contains a μ-η 2 :η 2 -S 2 ligand that fosters antiferromagnetic exchange coupling between the Ni ΙΙ ions. This observation is in contrast to the lighter congener, oxygen, which strongly favors the bis(μ-oxo)dinickel(lll) structure. 2 oxidizes PPh 3 to SPPh 3 and reacts with O 2 , generating several products, one of which has been identified as [(PhTt tBu )Ni] 2 (μ-S) (3).
Augmentation of Thyrotropin Responses to Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Following Small Decreases in Serum Thyroid Hormone Concentrations

To determine whether slight decreases in serum thyroid hormone concentrations resulted in augmentation of the thyrotropin (TSH) response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), TSH responses to TRH were determined before and after 13 days of iodide treatment in 20 normal subjects. Slight reductions in serum thyroxine (t4) and/or triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations and slight increases in basal serum TSH concentrations occurred in normal subjects treated with 50 or 250 mg iodide daily, though serum T4, T3 and TSH concentrations remained within their respective normal range. In contrast, TSH responses to TRH were significantly greater at the end of the iodide treatment period. In the subjects who received 50 mg iodide daily, mean basal serum TSH concentrations were 3.1 and 3.2 muU/ml before and 4.9 and 4.6 muU/ml after iodide. Post-TRH mean peak serum TSH concentrations were 14.2 muU/ml before and 27.4 muU/ml after iodide (P smaller than 0.01). A very similar augmentation of peak serum TSH was found in the subjects who received 250 mg iodide daily (before iodide, peak TSH 17.2 muU/ml; after iodide, peak TSH 28.7 muU/ml). No changes in serum T4, T3 or TSH concentrations or TSH responses to TRH followed iodide administration in 4 thyroxine-treated hypothyroid patients. These results indicate that slight reductions in serum T4 AND T3 concentrations result in increased pituitary sensitivity to TRH, just as small increases in serum T4 and T3 concentrations decrease sensitivity to TRH.
Template-Based Target Identification and Confusion Matrices [AESS Tutorial IV]

One-dimensional high-range-resolution (HRR) and two-dimensional range-Doppler-imaging (RDI) radar represent possible sensor technologies where template-based techniques can be applied to perform combat identification (CID). The majority of the research reported in these areas consists of empirical studies. This article provides a theoretical basis for understanding some of the fundamental trade-offs associated with these CID techniques, such as the following: What are the relative advantages of RDI over HRR radar or of finer versus coarser resolution in the HRR process? What is the relative advantage of coherent over noncoherent processing? How do target correlations, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and target scintillation affect the ability to identify targets? Because confusion matrices are often used to characterize the performance of CID systems, we provide analytical methods for calculating the entries in confusion matrices as a function of the issues cited above. These formulations provide analytical bases to guide system trade-off decisions. The organization of this paper is as follows. We begin with a short overview of HRR and RDI and then explore a number of ways to process the associated target templates that range from an ideal, theoretical approach to an approach that would be more feasible to implement within current-day radars. We first develop analytic template-based methodologies for constructing confusion matrix entries for nonscintillating targets for both coherent and noncoherent processing assumptions. The confusion matrix entries in these cases are conditional probabilities obtained from a simple rule: find the probability that among m (in general, correlated) random variables, each associated with a possible target, that any one is the largest. For the noncoherent case, the successful application of this rule requires the target template values to explicitly include the effects of thermal noise (noise-adjusted templates). We conclude by showing how to calculate theoretically optimum results (e.g., using maximum likelihood techniques) for noncoherent processing of targets that exhibit uncorrelated Swerling 1 scintillation in ail resolution bins as a function of the SNR. This approach allows us to include overall target intensity (e.g., total radar cross section (RCS)) as a further factor in the target decision process.
Correlates of Sexual Self-Esteem in a Sample of Substance-Abusing Women

Abstract An exploratory study was conducted to investigate the construct of sexual self-esteem of women in substance abuse (SA) treatment. Demographical and abuse data were collected from 99 women in SA treatment centers in New York State in 2006 to explore relationships between demographic, addiction, abuse, and treatment variables and sexual self-esteem. Correlation of scores from the SSEI-W and its subscales and abuse variables were conducted to examine relationships between variables. T-tests showed significant differences between the mean scores of the physical abuse and physical/sexual abuse variables, relationship variables and sexual orientation. Regression analyses examined the effects of abuse, sexual orientation, relationship variables and treatment characteristics. Abuse and sexual orientation remained significant in all of the models and their affect is not influenced by controlling for the other variables. The results are discussed with regard to treatment implications. This study provides e...
From Columbus to Acosta: Science, Geography, and the New World

Abstract What is called the Age of Discovery evokes images of voyages, nautical skills, and maps. Yet the European encounter with the Americas also led to an intellectual confrontation with the natural history and ethnography of a “new’ world. Contrary to the prevailing view of intellectual stasis, this confrontation provoked novel methods of empirical description, organization, analysis, and synthesis as Medieval deductivism and Classical ontogenies proved to be inadequate. This essay demonstrates how the agents of that encounter—sailors, soldiers, government officials, and missionaries—made sense of these new lands and peoples; it highlights seven methodological spheres, by examining the work of exemplary individuals who illustrate the diverse backgrounds, abilities, and interests characteristic of the period. These examples include the observational skills of Columbus in 1492, the landscape taxonomy of his son Fernando, the biotic taxonomy of Oviedo, the cultural recording of Sahagun, the regional geog...
Role of cGMP in natriuresis and pressure-natriuresis

Cyclic GMP (cGMP) is synthesized by renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells and is exported from these cells into the renal interstitial (RI) compartment by an organic anion transporter system. We have demonstrated that RI gGMP inhibits renal Na+ reabsorption at the renal tubule. We have further demonstrated that cGMP-induced natriuresis can be blocked by intrarenal pharmacological inhibition of protein kinase G (PKG). In order to demonstrate that RI cGMP is a potent physiological regulator of Na+ excretion, we selectively decreased RI cGMP using an RI infusion of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE), which does not cross the cell membrane and is confined to the extracellular space because of its molecular size. cGMP PDE selectively decreased extracellular RI cGMP levels, without influencing cAMP levels, and caused significant antinatriuresis. On the other hand, blockade of cGMP degradation with selective cGMP PDE inhibitor, zaprinast, increased both RI cGMP and sodium excretion, independently of systemic or renal hemodynamic changes. Therefore, extracellular RI cGMP plays an important role in the regulation of renal Na+ excretion.
MEMS Inertial Technology for Aerospace Applications

The aerospace industry has guidance, navigation, and control needs which make use of a number of inertial technology systems. MEMS based solutions can offer several advantages over conventional technologies and are being developed for a wide range of applications. This paper will review the broad inertial applications that exist for the aerospace industry, identify some of the current non-MEMS technologies used to meet those needs, and then discuss what advantages MEMS based solutions can provide. This will be followed by a high level explanation of the general operating principles of a MEMS gyroscope, as well as identification of key performance metrics and error terms that are used for sensor evaluation. Finally, there will be a discussion of some basic design considerations, a review of the current state of the art for performance, and future goals and directions for inertial MEMS technologies. NOTICE: High performance inertial technology is subject to restrictions imposed by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITARS), and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The use of these technologies, or information pertaining to these technologies, may be restricted from foreign nationals of the United States.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Akt-phosphorylated mitogen-activated kinase-activating death domain protein (MADD) inhibits TRAIL-induced apoptosis by blocking Fas-associated death domain (FADD) association with death receptor 4.

MADD plays an essential role in cancer cell survival. Abrogation of endogenous MADD expression results in significant spontaneous apoptosis and enhanced susceptibility to tumor necrosis factor α-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. However, the regulation of MADD function is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that endogenous MADD is phosphorylated at three highly conserved sites by Akt, and only the phosphorylated MADD can directly interact with the TRAIL receptor DR4 thereby preventing Fas-associated death domain recruitment. However, in cells susceptible to TRAIL treatment, TRAIL induces a reduction in MADD phosphorylation levels resulting in MADD dissociation from, and Fas-associated death domain association with DR4, which allows death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation leading to apoptosis. Thus, the pro-survival function of MADD is dependent upon its phosphorylation by Akt. Because Akt is active in most cancer cells and phosphorylated MADD confers resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, co-targeting Akt-MADD axis is likely to increase efficacy of TRAIL-based therapies.
Infrared spectrum of solid Ni(CO)4

Abstract The infrared absorption spectrum of solid Ni(CO)4 has been observed. It is shown to correlate well with the crystal structure. The frequency, v9, which is inactive for the isolated molecule, has been observed at 303 cm−1 in the solid. The most recent previous assignment for v3 the Ni-C-O bending vibration of E symmetry, at 600 cm−1, is shown to be in doubt, and this frequency remains unknown.
Coherence properties of a doubly resonant monolithic optical parametric oscillator

We describe a doubly resonant optical parametric oscillator (DRO) pumped with the second harmonic of a narrow-linewidth Nd: YAG laser. The linewidth of the DRO signal was less than 13 kHz, the DRO was shown to generate a phase-locked subharmonic of the pump at degeneracy, and the signal and the idler were shown to be mutually coherent with the pump and to be phase anticorrelated with each other away from degeneracy. The signal–idler heterodyne linewidth was 500 Hz, and pump phase modulation was shown to transfer to the DRO phase at degeneracy.
Bounds on two-element-kind impedance functions

Four types of two-element-kind networks are considered: R, ±C; R, ±L; ±R, C; and ±R,L networks. Regions in the Zplane are found within which the impedance function Z(jω) must lie.
Minimum description length modelling of musical structure

This article presents a method of inductive inference whose aim is to build formal quantitative models of musical structure. The models are constructed by statistical extraction of significant patterns from a musical corpus. The minimum description length (MDL) principle is used to select the best model from among the members of a non-parametric model family characterized by an unbounded parameter set. The chosen model achieves optimal compromise between goodness-of-fit and model complexity, thereby avoiding the over-fitting normally associated with such a family of models. The MDL method is illustrated through its application to the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) framework. We derive an original mathematical expression for the MDL complexity of HMMs that employ a finite alphabet of symbols; these models are particularly suited to the symbolic modelling of musical structure. As an illustration, we use the proposed HMM complexity expression to construct a model for a common melodic formula in Greek church chant...
Development of a leanness monitoring system via RFID: an industrial case study

A leanness monitoring system (LMS) is presented in this paper to evaluate, in real time, the leanness of a manufacturing facility. This LMS has two major components, an online RFID-based lead-time monitoring system (ORLMS) and a leanness assessment system (LAS). The ORLMS determines how much time a product spends in the system’s inventory, and the LAS uses this information to determine the company’s leanness score. Following laboratory testing, this LMS was successfully implemented in a local manufacturing facility to demonstrate its effectiveness for real-world manufacturers. This local manufacturer received a low leanness score upon the initial implementation of this system, causing the managers of the company to review their current system. Their review identified substantial sources of waste in the current system that had to be eliminated or minimised in order to improve the overall efficiency. A series of Kaizen events were then initiated to minimise those sources of waste. After successfully implementing those Kaizen events, the LMS was used to generate a new leanness score showing significant improvements in their manufacturing process.
Chaotic motions of a parametrically excited pendulum

Abstract The shooting method is applied to prove that a pendulum with oscillatory forcing makes chaotic motions for certain parameters. The method is more intuitive than an using the Poincare’ map and provides more information about when the chaos occurs. It proves that more chaotic solutions exit.
Clinical application and evaluation of the Bien diagnostic criteria for Rasmussen encephalitis.

Summary Purpose The 2005 diagnostic criteria for Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) are based on seizures, clinical deficits, electroencephalography (EEG), neuroimaging, and pathology (Brain, 128, 2005, 451). We applied these criteria to patients evaluated for RE and epilepsy surgery controls to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPVs, NPVs) using pathology as the gold standard. Methods We identified patients evaluated for RE based on medical records from 1993 to 2011. Fifty-two control patients with refractory epilepsy, unilateral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes, and biopsies were selected from an epilepsy surgery database from matching years. Patients meeting all three of group A and/or two of three group B criteria were classified as meeting full criteria (positive). Patients not meeting full criteria were classified as negative. When available, pathology findings were re-reviewed with neuropathologists, and MRI imaging was re-reviewed with a neuroradiologist. Key Findings RE was considered in the differential diagnosis for 82 patients, of whom 35 had biopsies. Twenty patients met full criteria (positive) without another explanation, including seven for whom biopsy was required to meet criteria and one in whom another etiology was identified. Two patients met full criteria but had another explanation. Thirty-five met partial criteria (negative), of whom 14 had another etiology identified. Twenty-five met no criteria (negative). The diagnostic criteria had a sensitivity of 81% with four false negatives (criteria-negative, biopsy-positive) when compared to pathology as a gold standard. Five false positives (criteria positive, biopsy negative) had identifiable alternate diagnoses. Significance The 2005 Bien clinical diagnostic criteria for RE have reasonably high sensitivity and specificity and good clinical-pathologic correlation in most cases. We suggest modification of the criteria to allow inclusion of cases with well-described but less common features. Specifically we suggest making the diagnosis in the absence of epilepsia partialis continua (EPC) or clear progression of focal cortical deficits or MRI findings if biopsy is positive and two of the A criteria are met (B3 plus two of three A criteria). This would improve the sensitivity of the criteria.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors. Synthesis of a Series of Isopropylidine and Isopropyl Derivatives of Some Aryl and Arylalkyl Acid Hydrazides

Six isopropylidene hydrazides and six isopropyl hydrazides were prepared. This investigation was undertaken since recent derivatives of hydrazines and hydrazides have shown considerable activity as monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The hydrazides were synthesized from the aryl and arylalkylesters and hydrazine. From these hydrazides the isopropylidene derivatives were prepared by refluxing with acetone. Reduction of the isopropylidene hydrazides, using hydrogen and 5 per cent platinum-on-charcoal catalyst, gave the isopropyl hydrazides. The hydrazides prepared were of benzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, α-naphthoic acid, β-naphthoic acid, α-naphthylacetic acid, and β-naphthylacetic acid.
The Effect of Molding Processes on Some Properties of Denature Resins

Any technic for the construction of arti­ ficial dentures from synthetic resins must meet three requirements. The technic must produce dentures which (1) ac­ curately conform to the supporting oral tissues, (2) are dimensionally stable and (3) have the best possible physical and chemical properties obtainable in the resin used. A number o f procedures, all of which are based on either compression or in­ jection molding or some modification of these methods, have been proposed to meet these three requirements. Advocates of each method make certain claims for their procedures over those of other methods. Much of the confusion which exists in this controversy rises from the fact that sufficient data are not available on the various methods of processing under con­ trolled conditions, therefore, a compari­ son cannot be made. It was the purpose o f this investigation to obtain data on some of the more commonly used meth­ ods of molding and to utilize these data in evaluating the merits and faults of these processes.