cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disposition of Biological Therapeutics: Monoclonal Antibodies, Proteins, and Peptides

Over the past decade, advances in molecular biology and immunology has brought about a significant growth in the number of biotherapeutic agents, including peptides, proteins, and monoclonal antibodies, available for clinical use to treat a variety of diseases. Similar to traditional small-molecule drugs, the role of pharmacokinetics (PK) and drug metabolism contributes to the clinical success of a large-molecule therapeutic drug candidate. However, while underlying PK principles are consistent between large-molecule biotech drugs and small-molecule drugs, the mechanisms that govern processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of large-molecule drugs are quite different from that of small-molecule drugs. To this end, a good understanding of the ADME processes of large-molecule drugs is essential in support of the development of therapeutic biologics. The focus of this chapter is to highlight various aspects and dispositional features that govern the PK of large-molecule therapeutics. Keywords: biopharmaceuticals; catabolism; half-life extension; antibody; peptide
The third subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a 55-kilodalton protein which is apparently substituted for by T antigens in complexes with the 36- and 63-kilodalton PP2A subunits, bears little resemblance to T antigens.

The small and middle T (tumor) antigens of polyomavirus have been shown previously to associate with the 36-kDa catalytic subunit and the 63-kDa regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase type 2A, apparently substituting for a normal third 55-kDa regulatory subunit (D.C. Pallas, L.K. Shahrik, B.L. Martin, S. Jaspers, T.B. Miller, D.L. Brautigan, and T.M. Roberts, Cell 60:167-176, 1990). To facilitate a comparison of the normal regulatory subunit and T antigens, we isolated a 2.14-kb cDNA clone encoding this 55-kDa subunit from a rat liver library. Using a probe from the coding region of this gene, we detected a major 2.4-kb mRNA transcript in liver and muscle RNAs. The 55-kDa protein phosphatase 2A subunit purified from rat skeletal muscle generates multiple species when analyzed on two-dimensional gels. Transcription and translation of the clone in vitro produced a full-length protein that comigrated precisely on two-dimensional gels with three of these species, indicating that the 55-kDa protein is apparently modified similarly in vivo and in reticulocyte lysates. Additional species in the purified preparation were not found in the translate, suggesting that there are probably two or more isoforms of this protein in rat muscle. Somewhat surprisingly, there was no clear homology with T-antigen amino acid sequences.
Ambiguity, Pessimism, and Religious Choice

Using a relatively mild restriction on the beliefs of the MMEU-apreference functional, in which the decision maker’s degree of ambiguity and degree of pessimism are each parameterized, we present a rather general theory of religious choice in the decision theory tradition, one that can resolve dilemmas, address the many Gods objection, and address the inherent ambiguity. Using comparative static analysis, we are able to show how changes in either the degree of ambiguity or the degree of pessimism can lead a decision maker to “convert” from one religion to another. We illustrate the theory of religious choice using an example where the decision maker perceives three possible religious alternatives.
Sensitivity and bandwidth of low-gain active antennas below 100 MHz

Below 100 MHz, external noise from natural and man-made origins is typically strong enough to be the limiting factor in the sensitivity of active antennas. As a result, even antennas with very narrow impedance bandwidth may have large effective bandwidth in a signal-to-noise ratio sense. Although this principle has been known and exploited for many years, the theoretical limits of performance are not well established. In this paper, this problem is studied in the context of a simple but realistic system model which is applicable to low-gain antennas and which yields deterministic predictions of sensitivity and effective bandwidth. This has implications for the design of elements for future low-frequency radiotelescope arrays as well as frequency-agile and ultrawideband radios operating at these frequencies. The analysis is demonstrated using a simple dipole-like antenna.
Difference Schemes with Local Numerical Bases for Multiparticle Interactions

The recently developed flexible local approximation method (FLAME) incorporates accurate local approximations of the solution into the difference scheme. When analytical approximations are too complicated or unavailable, numerical ones can be used instead. In this paper, this strategy is applied to multiparticle simulations; the FLAME basis is constructed by solving small local finite element problems
In vivo administration of recombinant IFN-gamma induces macrophage activation, and prevents acute disease, immune suppression, and death in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infections.

Recombinant murine IFN-gamma (rMu-IFN-gamma) was demonstrated to be a potent in vivo activator of mouse peritoneal macrophages to kill Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro and to be capable of conferring protection against death from acute T. cruzi infection. Following i.p. injections of rMu-IFN-gamma, resident peritoneal macrophages were cultured and infected with T. cruzi in vitro. Numbers of intracellular parasites were determined at different times thereafter. Ten or 100 micrograms (1 microgram = 6.5 X 10(5) U) of Mu-IFN-gamma, injected both 24 and 4 h before macrophage harvest, induced up to 99% inhibition of T. cruzi. One microgram of rMu-IFN-gamma was not effective under these conditions. In vitro inhibition of T. cruzi by peritoneal macrophages occurred by 24 h after infection and continued until at least 120 h after infection. There were no significant differences in initial parasite uptake by macrophages from IFN-gamma-treated or control mice, indicating that the rMu-IFN-gamma induced parasite killing. One i.p. dose of 10 micrograms was as effective as two doses if the single injection was given 24 h before macrophage harvest. In subsequent experiments, mice were given multiple injections of 10 micrograms rMu-IFN-gamma beginning 24 h before or 2 h after infection with virulent T. cruzi. Mice treated with rMu-IFN-gamma had significantly lower parasitemias and decreased morbidity compared with control mice. Proliferative responses to Con A and antibody responses to SRBC were not significantly lowered in IFN-gamma-treated mice, in contrast to untreated infected controls. All of the IFN-gamma-treated mice survived acute T. cruzi infection, whereas 100% of saline-treated infected mice died. It was demonstrated in this study that rMu-IFN-gamma activated mouse macrophages in vivo to kill T. cruzi and that rMu-IFN-gamma significantly reduced morbidity and immune suppression, and eliminated mortality resulting from acute infection with this parasite.
GENETIC CONTROL OF EXPERIMENTAL AUTOIMMUNE MYASTHENIA GRAVIS IN MICE

ABSTRACT To determine the role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene products in susceptibility to experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) in mice, torpedo acetylcholine receptor was injected with adjuvants into congenic mice expressing the different independent and recombinant H-2 haplotypes. The animals were screened for 1) autoantibodies to mouse muscle receptor by radioimmunoassay; 2) degree to which acetylcholine receptor in muscle was complexed with antibodies; 3) amplitude of miniature endplate potentials (a measure of postsynaptic membrane response to acetylcholine); 4) clinical signs of EAMG; and 5) T cell in vitro proliferative responses to torpedo acetylcholine receptor. The results suggest that H-2 linked gene(s) influence susceptibility to EAMG.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy in Two Red Wolf (Canis rufus) Pups

A 6-month-old red wolf (Canis rufus) pup presented for evaluation of progressive thoracic and pelvic limb lameness, joint swelling, and decreased body condition. Radiographic evaluation revealed medullary sclerosis centered at the metaphyses of multiple long bones, well-defined irregular periosteal proliferation, and ill-defined lucent zones paralleling the physes, consistent with hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). Biopsies of affected bone revealed medullary fibrosis and new bone formation. The pup improved following treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, opioids, and supportive care over the course of 4 weeks. Metaphyseal periosteal bone proliferation persisted until the animal was humanely euthanized several years later for poor quality of life associated with bilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture. A second red wolf pup of 4.5 months of age presented for evaluation of lethargy, kyphotic posture, and swollen carpal and tarsal joints. Radiographs revealed bilateral medullary sclerosis and smooth periosteal reaction affecting multiple long bones, suggestive of HOD. Further diagnostics were not pursued in this case to confirm the diagnosis, and the clinical signs persisted for 4 weeks. In light of these two case reports, HOD should be recognized as a developmental orthopedic disease in growing red wolves.
Initiation of stress-corrosion cracking on gas transmission piping

This paper explores the initiation of stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) on the exterior of gas transmission piping. Initiation is taken here to include processes leading to the formation of a crack-like feature as well as early growth. Initiation is characterized in terms of the microstructural factors and the mechanics conditions that influence initiation and subsequent growth. Field and laboratory data are introduced to identify features typical of, but somewhat unique, to SCC initiation on gas-transmission pipelines. It is shown that the cracking behavior can be grouped as a function of the crack spacing perpendicular to the maximum principal stress. Patches of cracks are defined as sparse or dense in terms of this spacing, with a circumferential crack spacing on the order of 0.2x (wall thickness) separating these two cracking patterns. These results show that cracks with dense spacings tend to dormancy whereas the sparse spacings continue to grow. Fracture mechanics analysis is used to rationalize the field cracking patterns. It is shown that compliance changes due to the presence of adjacent crack tips account for the field cracking behavior. The results show that initiation patterns, which lead to closely spaced crack arrays, will tend to a dormant state as the cracks grow, because this growth leads to shielding of the tips from the service stresses. In contrast, growth can continue in arrays where the conditions at initiation give rise to sparse crack spacings. In addition, the fracture mechanics results are used to evaluate the suitability of the tapered-tension test-a commonly used procedure to characterize SCC initiation. Laboratory and modeling results are shown to be consistent with the field behavior.
Sequential MR enhancement pattern in normal pituitary gland and in pituitary adenoma

PURPOSE To measure and evaluate the temporal enhancement characteristics of the normal pituitary gland and pituitary adenoma. METHODS Thirty healthy subjects and 10 patients with sellar pituitary adenomas were studied prospectively using dynamic MR imaging with a 5- or 10-sec temporal resolution during a bolus injection of gadolinium. RESULTS Qualitative visual analysis demonstrated a consistent sequential pattern of pituitary enhancement in which the posterior lobe enhanced earlier than the anterior lobe by approximately 35 sec. Quantitative analysis revealed that posterior lobe enhancement occurred 9.8 +/- 1.5 sec (mean +/- SEM) before the anterior lobe in healthy subjects, whereas tumor enhancement occurred significantly before the anterior lobe but only slightly before the posterior lobe in patients with adenomas. CONCLUSION The sequential enhancement pattern of the normal pituitary gland was found to be consistent with its vascular anatomy. In contrast to previous reports, pituitary adenomas were found to enhance earlier than the anterior lobe. These results suggest that pituitary adenomas have a direct arterial blood supply, similar to that of the posterior pituitary lobe.
The Big Bang Theory: Mad Geniuses and the Freak Show of Higher Education

This essay discusses the television comedy series The Big Bang Theory . Through lead characters including physicist Sheldon Cooper, the series portrays higher education as a metaphorical freak show, and academics as geeky mad genius freaks. Implications for constructions of disability in higher education are discussed, with recommendations for future research.
Shut up and calculate

I advocate an extreme "shut-up-and-calculate" approach to physics, where our external physical reality is assumed to be purely mathematical. This brief essay motivates this "it's all just equations" assumption and discusses its implications.
Recruitment, Training Outcomes, Retention, and Performance of Community Health Advisors in Two Tobacco Control Interventions for Latinos

Community Health Advisors (CHAs) are indigenous lay health advisors who, with training, can create health awareness, disseminate health information and support behavior change in their communities. Little data are available that describe the characteristics, recruitment, training, retention, and performance of CHAs. The present study described the characteristics, recruitment process, training outcomes, retention activities, and performance of two sets of CHAs who delivered tobacco-related interventions in the local Latino community. The Tobacco Control in Latino Communities (TCLC) Center trained 35 CHAs to conduct either a smoking cessation program for Spanish-speaking adult smokers or a behavioral problem-solving intervention to reduce environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure among low-income Latino children. Theoretical psychosocial constructs related to behavior change, general self-esteem, general self-efficacy, and demographics were collected from CHAs before and after training. Additional measures captured the level of professionalism exercised and effort undertaken by the CHAs, as well actual outcomes of their efforts. Of the 33 women and 2 men CHAs recruited, 86% were originally from Mexico, most had a high school education, most were married, and the average monthly household income was $1,100-$1,400. Mean participant age was 42 years, and level of acculturation was relatively low. There were changes in the desired direction pre-to-post training for both ETS and smoking cessation program CHAs for most of the psychosocial constructs. Expert ratings of CHA performance were good, and recipients of the CHAs' efforts showed positive changes in behavior. This information may aid in planning for recruitment and evaluation of CHAs for future tobacco control programs.
Asymmetrical Molecular Aggregation in Spherulitic Dye Films

A recently developed method of spherulitic crystallization was used for the preparation of highly ordered 80 nm thin films of the dye 1.7-bis(dimethylamino)heptamethinium perchlorate (BDH+ClO4-). Depending on the crystallization temperature, the film color and surface topography varied widely, while the crystal structure and film thickness remained the same. At low undercooling, two homogeneous regions were obtained. One showed in-plane symmetrical and the other asymmetrical growth behaviors. At high undercooling, a banded spherulitic structure with rainbow-like colors developed, whose formation is attributed to the out-of-plane asymmetrical growth. The spherulitic growth kinetics, microstructure, and optical properties were investigated by optical microscopy, atomic force, and scanning tunneling microscopy in static and real time mode. A molecular mechanism is proposed which originates from different directions of macroscopic growth and microscopic molecular attachment dictated by the three-dimensional c...
The pharmacologic meaning of successful antipsychotic-antidepressant combinations.

Abstract We have attempted in this article to underline the value of a two-way inter-change between pharmacologically knowledgeable clinicians and clinically astute pharmacologists. From our vantage point as clinicians with a working knowledge of basic pharmacologic research, we thought that certain commonly accepted clinical observations would be of interest to the pharmacologist. The clinical observation that antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs may exert their respective therapeutic effects independently when used in combination in patients displaying mixed symptomatology seems to have important pharmacologic implications. Considered in light of current pharmacologic concepts, this clinical observation argues that the mechanisms of action of antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs involve different biogenic amines at different anatomic sites. This argument reinforces current data from the laboratory and the clinic suggesting that dopamine systems are crucial to the etiology and therapy of schizophrenic psychosis and that norepinephrine systems are crucial to the etiology and therapy of depression.
High-Level Design and Validation of the BlueSPARC Multithreaded Processor

This paper presents our experiences in using high-level methods to design and validate a 16-way multithreaded microprocessor called BlueSPARC. BlueSPARC is an in-order, high-throughput processor supporting complex features such as privileged-mode operations, memory management, and a nonblocking cache subsystem. Using a high-level design language called Bluespec System Verilog (BSV), our final implementation achieves comparable synthesis quality to a similar commercial microprocessor developed using conventional register transfer level flows, and is capable of running unmodified commercial applications while hosted on a Xilinx XCV2P70 field-programmable gate array (FPGA) at 90 MHz. To validate our implementation, an FPGA-accelerated approach was developed to efficiently check the correct execution of real, nondeterministic multithreaded programs running on the BlueSPARC processor. Together, the high-level language features of BSV along with our validation approach enabled us to achieve a working FPGA-based implementation in less than one man-year.
Vibrational anharmonicity in methyl bromide

Abstract The vibrational spectra of the methyl halides have been extensively studied and for many of these studies some estimate of the vibrational anharmonicity has been desirable. Accordingly, we have used a simple model for the anharmonic force field to calculate the anharmonic corrections to the observed fundamental wavenumbers and the cubic normal-coordinate force constants. The latter are important in the interpretation of vibrational resonances, in the interpretation of the intensities of overtone, combination and difference bands and in the calculation of vibrational averages of molecular physical observables.
Intracavity laser absorption spectroscopy of AuO: Identification of the b4Π3/2–X2Π3/2 transition

Abstract The visible electronic spectrum of AuO has been recorded at rotational resolution using intracavity laser absorption spectroscopy. Five vibrational bands have been analyzed and assigned as the (0, 0), (1, 0), (2, 0), (3, 0), and (4, 0) bands of the b 4 Π 3/2 – X 2 Π 3/2 transition of AuO. The molecular parameters for the newly identified b 4 Π 3/2 state are presented.
Use of unbound drug concentrations to determine neonatal anticonvulsant exposure

Unbound and total concentrations of several anticonvulsant drugs were measured by liquid chromatography in maternal and neonatal cord serum collected at birth from 16 women being treated for epilepsy and their newborns. Maternal and neonatal unbound drug concentrations agreed closely for phenobarbital (n = 6), phenytoin (n = 7), carbamazepine (n = 8), and its epoxide metabolite. Mean maternal total drug concentrations were higher than neonatal concentrations in the cases of phenobarbital, carbamazepine, its epoxide and diol metabolites. The differences were due to greater protein binding in maternal serum. Measurement of total anticonvulsant concentrations in newborns may be misleading, because of altered protein binding in the neonate. For the medications tested, neonatal and maternal exposures to unbound drug appear to be equivalent.
Oil demand shocks reconsidered: A cointegrated vector autoregression

Abstract We reconsider the conclusions about the importance of oil demand shocks and the unimportance of supply shocks reported by Kilian (2009). We investigate whether the proxy for worldwide real economic activity, dry bulk maritime freight costs, represents anything more than transportation costs by analyzing the relation between these costs and oil prices. The meaning of this variable is critical because transportation costs appear on both sides of the equations estimated by Kilian, directly as dry bulk maritime freight costs and as part of the measure for oil prices. We also investigate the effects of representing oil supply with an aggregate of OPEC and non-OPEC production because they likely use different criteria to chose output. Finally we investigate Kilian's use of the first difference of supply while the other variables in his model are represented as levels. The results suggest that OPEC and nonOPEC nations use different criteria to set output and that reductions (increases) in OPEC production raise (lower) oil prices. The elements of the cointegrating relations, their loadings, and impulse response functions suggest that the positive relation between dry bulk maritime freight costs and oil prices simply represents the effect of higher oil prices on transportation costs. Sensitivity analyses suggest that these differences are caused by including transportation costs in the measure of oil prices, aggregating OPEC and non-OPEC productions, and using a very long lag length to estimate the VAR. Together, these results suggest that conclusions about the importance of demand shocks and the unimportance of supply shocks are not robust to alternative specifications that are consistent with many empirical findings about the world oil market.
Linear Space-Time Codes with Optimal Diversity-Multiplexing Tradeoff

In an effort to construct space-time codes (STC) that enjoy both optimality with respect to the diversity-multiplexing tradeoff (DMT) and encoding simplicity, we consider linear dispersion codes and establish a necessary and sufficient condition, in terms of the dispersion matrix, such that the resulting STC is DMT-optimal. We also present a simple construction that satisfies this condition, and is therefore DMT-optimal, for arbitrary number of transmit and receive antennas.
Interleukin interrupted: a new strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

![Figure][1] Insight from Steven Leach Pancreatic cancer is an aggressively metastatic cancer with a high mortality rate, but the mechanisms underlying this aggression are not yet fully understood. In this issue, [Wu et al.][2] shed some light on this subject. They report that pancreatic
The influence of melt processing on the spatial organization of polymer chains in a crystallizable diblock copolymer of nylon 6 and PDMS

Crystallized chains of nylon 6 lie parallel to the interfaces of the microphase-separated morphology of a nylon 6/PDMS diblock copolymer. Orienting the morphology in the melt using plane strain compression enabled the nylon chain direction to be determined through a combination of transmission electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering and wide-angle X-ray scattering pole figure analysis. Processing at temperatures above the nylon 6 melting point serves to orient the microphase-separated morphology of the melt; the nylon 6 chain orientations are then largely dictated by thermodynamic considerations that apply to chains crystallizing within the confines of a microphase separated melt.
Decay of deformed and superdeformed nuclei formed in heavy ion reactions

The importance of considering the deformation of nuclei at high angular momenta in computing transmission coefficients for their decay is the major topic of this work. Deformations based on the rotating liquid drop model were used to generate transmission coefficients versus compound nucleus angular momentum. The results were then used in a Hauser-Feshbach code which included fission competition to assess the ultimate importance of deformation modified transmission coefficients. It was found that for a broad range of prolate nuclei (superdeformed) the course of deexcitation predicted changes totally from predominant fission to predominant ..cap alpha.. decay because of a new mechanism called ..cap alpha..-decay amplification. The phase space relationships responsible for this new mechanism are presented. It is shown that this predicted new decay mode of superdeformed nuclei is consistent with a large body of existing experimental results, though more explicit experiments must be completed to confirm the new mechanism.
Viewing television: The metapsychology of endless consumption

(1984). Viewing television: The metapsychology of endless consumption. Quarterly Review of Film Studies: Vol. 9, Telivision/Film: Cultural Perspectives on History and Theory, pp. 183-195.
The Value of Topoi

Despite Vancil’s (1979) proclamation over twenty years ago that topoi have been abandoned in argument theory, this essay contends that topoi should have a vital role in contemporary argumentation theory. Four key areas are identified where topoi are (or can be) essential tools for argumentation: Locating argument, building argument, development of critical thinking, and argument pedagogy. As a result, teachers and students of argument can both benefit from a (re)discovery of topoi.
New Developments in Hereditary Hemochromatosis

The iron content of the body is normally tightly controlled by regulation of iron absorption. In hereditary hemochromatosis, mutation of an HLA class 1 gene, designated HFE, results in excessive iron absorption. Over many years, accumulating iron produces tissue damage, most notably cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, diabetes, and arthropathies. Hereditary hemochromatosis is the most common hereditary disease of Northern Europeans with a prevalence of approximately 5 per 1000. The most sensitive screening test for hemochromatosis is saturation of the transferrin with iron; a fasting value greater than 50% is strongly suggestive of the disease. Confirmation of increased iron storage can be achieved most readily by serial phlebotomy. We do not regard liver biopsy to be indicated, except in unusual circumstances. Early diagnosis and treatment by phlebotomy before tissue damage has occurred is essential, because life span seems to be normal in treated patients but markedly shortened in those who are not. Therefore, genetic counseling with evaluation of first-degree relatives is mandatory.
Raman study of molecular motions in organic charge-transfer complexes: Durene:TNB system☆

Abstract Molecular motions in the crystalline charge-transfer complex durene:sym-trinitrobenzene have been investigated using laser Raman spectroscopy. Isotopic substitutions of the donor and the acceptor are used to study relative amplitudes of various modes on the donor and the acceptor molecules. The low frequency motions comprised of phonons and intracharge-transfer modes appear to follow the giant molecule model with appreciable amplitude on both the donor and the acceptor molecules. The internal vibrations, on the other hand, can be characterized as totally a donor mode or an acceptor mode and show no observable exciton splittings. Splittings are found on the degenerate vibrations of the trinitrobenzene which suggest an appreciable distortion from D3h symmetry of this molecules in the complex.
A TNA explosives-detection system in airline baggage

Abstract Existing technologies that are applied to explosives-detection in passenger baggage are briefly discussed. A system based on thermal-neutron analysis (TNA) is described. The actual performance of the system in the field on passenger bags is given. The application of the TNA in an integrated airport security system is discussed in view of the intense public debate on this issue.
The detrimental effects of physical restraint as a consequence for inappropriate classroom behavior

Functional analyses produced inconclusive results regarding variables that maintained problem behavior for 2 students with developmental disabilities. Procedures were modified to include a contingent physical restraint condition based on in-class observations. Results indicated that tinder conditions in which physical restraint (i.e., basket-hold timeout) was applied contingent on problem behavior, rates of these behaviors increased across sessions for both subjects. Implications for the use of physical restraint in the classroom are discussed.
An Analysis of Peer Ratings as Predictors and Criterion Measures and a Proposed New Application

The article focuses on peer ratings, which can be used as predictors of performance and sources of performance evaluation or criterion measures. Doubt about the utility of peer-ratings analysis comes from past research which found that peer ratings are not in alignment with other sources such as self-report or superiors' performance reports. Friendships, sub-group effects, and stereotypes are validity factors in the analysis of employee job behavior. Peer rating information can be used as a source of feedback and self-development tool.
Biaxial Mechanics of Musculoskeletal Tissue and Fiber-Reinforced Scaffolds

Biaxial tensile testing is the primary experiment used to functionally evaluate cardiovascular fiber-reinforced tissues [1, 2], but has not been widely applied to musculoskeletal tissues. The in situ geometry of many musculoskeletal tissues does not meet uniaxial tensile boundary conditions of freely contracting edges and large aspect ratios. In addition, biaxial tests load the sample through a larger domain of strain configurations as are experienced in situ. In contrast, uniaxial tests represent just a single path within that domain. It has been shown in cardiac tissue and grafts that model parameters determined from biaxial experiments can be used to predict uniaxial behavior, but that uniaxial tests do not predict the biaxial behavior well [1, 2]. Therefore, biaxial mechanical testing is important to address musculoskeletal tissue function.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Thermoelectric and Structural Properties of High-Performance In-based Skutterudites for High-Temperature Energy Recovery

The temperature-dependent thermoelectric (TE) and structural properties of n-type filled skutterudites were measured from 300–625 K. In0.2Co4Sb12, and In0.2Ce0.05Yb0.1Co4Sb12 exhibited figure of merit (ZT) values as high as 1.2 at 625 K and In0.2Ce0.15Co4Sb12 showed ZT values of ∼1.4 at 625 K. The room temperature Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and coefficient of thermal expansion (at 298–673 K) of In0.2Ce0.15Co4Sb12, In0.2Co4Sb12, and In0.2Ce0.05Yb0.1Co4Sb12 compositions were found to be lower than that for the unfilled Co4Sb12 skutterudite material. It was discovered that thermal cycling of n-type In0.15Ce0.1Co4Sb12 and In0.2Ce0.17Co4Sb12 materials from 323–673 K (200 cycles) actually increased their power factors by 13.6–36% at 510–525 K without appreciably changing the Young’s modulus or the Poisson’s ratio. The transport and structural properties characterized in this work are critical to transitioning these materials into operating TE devices and systems.
Design and evaluation of a linear algebra package for Java

paper describes the design of a high-performance linear al- gebra library for Java. Linear algebra libraries such as ESSL and LAPACK are important tools of computational science and engi- neering, and have been available to C and Fortran programmers for quite a while. If Java is to become a serious language for the de- velopment of large scale numerical applications, it must provide equivalent functionality. From the many possible alternatives to accomplish this goal, we took the approach of designing a linear algebra library entirely in Java. This approach leads to good porta- bility and maintainability of the code. It is also a good test of how far we can push Java performance. We adopted an object-oriented design in which the linear algebra operations are implemented as strategy design pattems. The higher level algorithms, optimized for the memory hierarchies of present-clay machines, are described in a type independent manner. Type specific methods capture the lower level optimizations for operations on matrices of single-precision, double-precision, or complex numbers. We evaluate the perfor- mance of our linear algebra package on three different machines. Our preliminary results show that our Java library achieves up to 85% of the performance of the highly optimized ESSL.
Geography and the Medicaid mental health care infrastructure: implications for health care reform.

Importance Medicaid is the largest payer of mental health (MH) care in the United States, and this role will increase among states that opt into the Medicaid expansion. However, owing to the dearth of MH care providers who accept Medicaid, expanded coverage may not increase access to services. Facilities that provide specialty outpatient MH services and accept Medicaid compose the backbone of the community-based treatment infrastructure for Medicaid enrollees. For states that opt into the expansion, it is important to understand which local communities may face the greatest barriers to access these facilities. Objective To examine the availability of outpatient MH facilities that accept Medicaid across US counties and whether specific types of communities are more likely to lack this infrastructure. Design, Setting, and Participants Data from the 2008 National Survey of Mental Health Treatment Facilities and Area Resource File were merged. A generalized ordered logistic regression with state fixed effects was estimated to examine determinants of accessibility of these facilities. Covariates included the percentages of residents who are black, Hispanic, living in poverty, and living in a rural area. Main Outcomes and Measures An ordered variable assessed whether a county had no access to outpatient MH facilities that accept Medicaid, intermediate access to these facilities (ie, ≥1 facility, but not top quintile of facility to Medicaid enrollee per capita ratio), or high access (ie, top quintile of facility to Medicaid enrollee per capita ratio). Results More than one-third of counties do not have any outpatient MH facilities that accept Medicaid. Communities with a larger percentage of residents who are black (marginal effect [ME] = 3.9%; 95% CI, 1.2%-6.6%), Hispanic (ME = 4.8%; 95% CI, 2.3%-7.4%), or living in a rural area (ME = 27.9%; 95% CI, 25.3%-30.4%) are more likely to lack these facilities. Conclusions and Relevance Many communities may face constraints on the MH safety-net system as Medicaid is expanded, especially rural communities and communities with a large percentage of black or Hispanic residents.
Iterative joint detection, decoding, and synchronization with a focus on frame timing

The concept of an iterative receiver has gained attention as a means of performing reliable synchronization, especially at the low signal-to-noise ratios enabled by error correction codes. In this paper, we consider joint detection of the information bits and estimation of the channel gain, carrier phase, symbol timing, frame timing, and noise power. Our particular focus is on the frame timing where we evaluate the complexity of the iterative receiver by characterizing the frame offset distribution. A method for dynamically choosing the set of frame offsets processed by the iterative receiver is presented. The receiver utilizes the expectation-maximization algorithm to perform estimation and the sum-product algorithm to perform soft demodulation and decoding. Numerical results are presented to characterize the frame offset distribution and to demonstrate the receiver's performance.
Drainage - tillage effects on Crosby-Kokomo soil association in Ohio I. Effects on stand and corn grain yield

Abstract Moldboard plowing, ridge-till, permanent beds and no-till systems of seedbed preparation were compared for corn yield at different distances from a sub-surface drain on a Crosby-Kokomo soil association near Columbus, Ohio. Sub-surface drainage was by means of a 100 mm diameter drainpipe installed at about 90 cm depth. Corn stand and grain yield were monitored for a 5 year period from 1983 through 1987. Combined analyses of the corn grain yield for the 5 year period indicated that the relative grain yield was 100, 98, 97 and 91, for 0, 9, 18, and 27 meter distances from the drain, respectively. Ridge-tillage significantly out yielded other tillage methods in 2 out of 5 years. No significant interaction was found between drainage and tillage treatments.
Importance of continental margins in the marine biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen

THE continental margins occupy less than 20% of the surface area of the world ocean, and it is widely assumed that they do not play a significant part in the oceanic biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen. Data from 32 sediment-trap moorings, 16 in the deep sea and 16 on the continental slope1, suggest that at an average depth of 2,650 m on the slope, the combined rain of surviving shelf and slope particles yields a mean carbon flux of 6.9 g C m−2 yr−1—about ten times that at the same average depth in the deep sea (0.8 g C m−2 yr−1). Because the area of the deep sea is about ten times greater than that of the continental slopes, using the sediment-trap data and assuming a carbon/nitrogen ratio of 5:1, the equivalent total particulate offshore nitrogen loss is 0.5 × 1014 g N yr−1 at 2,650 m. If these trap observations are generally representative of the oceans and continental margins, then the supply of dissolved nitrate to the overlying euphotic zones should also be similar. Here I provide an independent estimate of the annual supply of onwelling nitrate from the deep sea to the shelves and find that it may balance the offshore flux of carbon, suggesting that the continental margins and deep sea are equally important in the carbon and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles.
Dependence of nonproportionality in scintillators on diffusion of excitons and charge carriers

The dipole-dipole and free-carrier Auger quenching processes that are generally regarded to be at the root of nonproportionality depend respectively on the 4th or 6th power of the electron track radius if modeled as cylindrical. In an initial time interval τ when nonlinear quenching and diffusion compete to reduce the density of excited states, the track radius expands as (Deffτ)1/2 where Deff is the effective diffusion coefficient for the mixture of excitons and charge carriers. The range of Deff across semiconductor and scintillator radiation detectors is large, illustrated by 8 decades between mobilities of self-trapped holes in CsI:Tl and holes in high purity Ge. We present the functional form of nonlinear quenching predicted by diffusive track dilution and show that the simple model provides a surprisingly good fit of empirical nonproportionality across a wide range of semiconductor and oxide radiation detectors. We also show how diffusion drives nonlinear branching between excitons and free carriers in the track when electron and hole mobilities are unequal, and that this nonlinear branching coupled with linear trapping on defects can produce the "halide hump" seen in electron yield data for activated halide scintillators. Picosecond time-resolved spectroscopy in alkali halides, as well as quantitative comparison of recently measured 2nd order quenching rate constants K2 and results of K-dip spectroscopy, provide experimental benchmarks for consideration of carrier thermalization and the initial track or cluster radius r0 from which (nearly thermalized) diffusion is assumed to commence. The ratio of initial rate of 2nd order quenching to that of dilution by diffusion in a cylindrical track is proportional to K2/Deff and does not depend on r0 in lowest order; however, the absolute rates of both processes decrease with increasing r0.
Means of increasing the effectiveness of use of refractories for teeming of steel through slide gates

The optimum pressure on the contact surface of the slide plates in assembly of a gate is 0.8–1.2 MPa. It is necessary to install elastic compensating elements in the plate-bolts system for the purpose of limiting the unavoidable change in the specific pressure in manipulation of the gate. Before repeated use of the slide gate without replacement of the refractories the optimum pressure between the plates must be restored. It is necessary to increase the travel of the movable plate in the gate in order to provide a relative neck length of 3–5 mm for each shut-off. The use of a stepped variable travel of the gate increasing from heat to heat and during a single teeming is possible.
Catalytic Aminomethylation of Alkenoic Compounds: I. Reaction of monoolefins with secondary amines, carbon monoxide, and water in the presence of rhodium and iron catalysts

Reactions, in the presence of rhodium oxide and/or iron pentacarbonyl, of cyclic or acyclic higher olefins with carbon monoxide, water, and secondary amines to give the corresponding aminomethyl-cycloalkanes or -alkanes (equ. 1) are described. As catalyst rhodium oxide is by far superior to iron carbonyl; however, optimum results are obtained with combinations of the two. The method can be applied to synthesis of long-chain alkylamines, which are valuable as intermediates for synthetic detergents.
The somatically preoccupied patient in primary care: use of attachment theory to strengthen physician-patient relationships

Individuals with somatic preoccupation constitute a substantial number of primary care patients. Somatically preoccupied patients are challenging to primary care physicians for several reasons including patient complaints consuming a great deal of physician time, expense to diagnose and treat and strain on the physician-patient relationship. This paper examines and discusses how disruptions in early attachment relationships such as often occurs when a female is a victim of child sexual abuse may result in somatic preoccupation in adulthood. Attachment theory provides a useful framework for primary care physicians to conceptualize somatic preoccupation. Utilization and containment techniques grounded in an understanding of attachment dynamics aid the physician in developing a sound physician-patient relationship. Successfully engaging the patient in treatment prevents misunderstandings that frequently derail medical care for somatically preoccupied patients.
Finding a roadmap to achieve large neuromorphic hardware systems.

Neuromorphic systems are gaining increasing importance in an era where CMOS digital computing techniques are meeting hard physical limits. These silicon systems mimic extremely energy efficient neural computing structures, potentially both for solving engineering applications as well as understanding neural computation. Towards this end, the authors provide a glimpse at what the technology evolution roadmap looks like for these systems so that Neuromorphic engineers may gain the same benefit of anticipation and foresight that IC designers gained from Moore's law many years ago. Scaling of energy efficiency, performance, and size will be discussed as well as how the implementation and application space of Neuromorphic systems are expected to evolve over time.
The Role of Trade and International Economic Policy in Indian Economic Performance

India’s economic policies have undergone major reforms since the early 1990s. Before that,government regulation and control of economic activity was pervasive, and the trade sector did verypoorly. One consequence was that imports were highly restricted and their scarcity was itself a majorconstraint on growth. After the crisis of the early1990s, trade policy was substantially liberalized. Inthis paper, the pre-1990s regime is ﬁrst brieﬂy described. Thereafter, the economic policy reformsthat impinged most directly on the trade sector are set forth, and the response of exports and importsto those changes is outlined. Exports have grown rapidly, from about 5% of the gross domesticproduct to around 15%, and they continue to grow at an average annual rate of 20%. Improvedperformance of the trade sector has been a major contributing factor to India’s dramaticallyaccelerated growth performance. A ﬁnal sectio n of this paper assesses the current situation, and setsforth the major policy challenges that will need to be met if that performance is to be sustained, ifnot improved upon.Key words economic policy reform, Indian economic policy, Indian exports and imports, India’s trade, trade liberalizationJEL codes F1, O1, O2, O5
Lateral Variations in Suspended Sediment Concentration over Dunes

A series of laboratory flume experiments were conducted to characterize lateral variations of suspended sediment over dunes. Forty experimental runs were made using flow depths of 0.328 and 0.127 m in a 1.2-m-wide channel. The Froude number was 0.47 and the median diameter of the bed material was 0.52 mm. Point samples of suspended sediment and depth-integrated values calculated using acoustic backscatter data were collected simultaneously at two lateral positions at spacings of 0.41, 0.20, 0.10, and 0.05 m. Root mean square differences between the paired samples increased from 30 to 94% and from 20 to 45% of the mean concentration for point samples and depth-integrated samples, respectively, as the lateral spacing between samples was increased. Lateral variations in the concentration of suspended sediment should be considered when designing sediment sampling strategies over dune beds.
Characteristics of grid zone heat transfer in a gas-solid fluidized bed

The grid zone in a gas-solid fluidized bed reactor has been observed to play a critical role in governing the reactor performance, particularly in shallow and large beds with fast reactions. However, despite its importance the grid zone behavior is far from completely understood, due mainly to its complexity and the few efforts to study it. One of the important aspects on the grid zone behavior is the heat transfer between the bed and immersed horizontal tubes. Although this subject has been under intensive study in the bubbling zone and freeboard area, no systematic work has been performed in the grid zone. Others examined the phenomenon and concluded that the existing heat transfer correlations for the bubbling zone give erroneous results when applied to the grid zone, especially at high velocities. The finding is expected since the two zones are significantly different in their hydrodynamic characteristics. An example of a process involving grid zone heat transfer is the shallow fluidized bed heat exchanger. The exchanger is operated at an extremely low bed height (6-10 cm) with horizontal fin tubes in the grid region. The authors reported a higher than expected heat transfer rate (compared to the bubbling bed heat transfermore » rate).« less