cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design, development, and testing of real-time feedback controllers for semiconductor etching processes using in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry sensing

Real-time feedback controllers for two semiconductor etching processes are developed. Both controllers rely upon in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements of sample thickness for their feedback variables. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) is a commonly used nondestructive, noninvasive in situ sensor for dry etching. The first etching process we consider is the thermal chlorine etching of gallium arsenide. An empirical/first principles physics-based model for the etching process is developed. A linear-quadratic controller based on the model is designed and tested. The second etching process is the electron cyclotron resonance freon-14/oxygen (CF/sub 4/O/sub 2/) plasma etching of silicon nitride thin films. An adaptive etch rate controller for the fluorocarbon plasma etching process is designed, implemented, and tested.
Forecasting: Exercises to Enhance Learning from Business Simulations

Forecasting the outputs of dynamic systems develops a richer understanding of relevant inputs and their interrelationships than merely observing them ex post. Academic business simulations foster students’ development of this critical competency, but learning outcomes can be significantly augmented with relatively simple, complementary exercises in forecasting. We introduce an in-class forecasting exercise that is easily added to simulations or in any course where students gain from untangling the determinants of quantitative outcomes. The exercise also enhances opportunities for team-building and spirited competition. Implementation details, evidence of effectiveness, and implications are discussed.
The New Geography of Work: Power to the Precarious?

This article describes the emergence of a prized labor market in sectors that policymakers have designated as the creative industries. Statistics generated about these sectors have been legion. By contrast, there has been precious little attention to the quality of work life with which such livelihoods are associated. The article considers several features of creative work that have a qualitative dimension and recommends a policy-minded approach to each. The second half of the article examines the case for a cross-class coalition of the sort proposed by the anti-precarity movement. Though they occupy opposite ends of the labor market hierarchy, workers in retail and low-end services and the `creative class' temping in high-end knowledge sectors share certain elements of precarious, or nonstandard employment. While these different segments have existential conditions in common, is there any reason to imagine that they interpret or experience them in similar ways? And, even if they do, is there enough commo...
Measuring and tracking distributed software development projects

Visualizing a distributed software development project is difficult. We have been experimenting with creating Intelligent Agent (IA) tools to assist project administrators in managing and controlling large distributed software development projects. A PAMPA 2 Knowledge Base is created by gathering information from project CASE tools supplied by an), vendor. While the IA tools are independent of a specific vendor's CASE tools, we have built a prototype based on Rational Corporation and Microsoft Corporation tools. A number of IAs have been developed to work with the PAMPA 2 Knowledge Base. An IA is described that tracks cost driver dominators to determine if a project may fail and tells managers how to modify project plans to reduce probability of project failure. An Internet based prototype of the PAMPA Knowledge Base and associated IAs has been developed.
Circadian rhythms in the feeding behaviour of laboratory monkeys

SummaryTwo rhesus monkeys were trained on a lever-pressing task (35 lever presses for one pellet of food) and placed into isolation. Water was available ad lib. and the animals could 'work' for food at anytime they chose. Both animals exhibited a single major feeding period which repeated itself approximately every twenty-four hours, and while their individual performance curves were almost identical, their peaks were three hours apart.
In Vitro Migration of Human Alveolar Macrophages: Effects of Cigarette Smoking

The responsiveness of alveolar macrophages lavaged from healthy volunteers to migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was tested by using the capillary-tube assay method. In every instance, macrophages from nonsmokers responded to MIF as demonstrated by a depression in migration of at least 30%, whereas MIF did not inhibit migration of macrophages from smokers. Cells from smokers migrated at a rate three times faster than cells from nonsmokers. Migration of macrophages from nonsmokers with delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions to Candida albicans antigen was inhibited when antigen was present in the tissue culture medium. Antigen did not inhibit macrophages from subjects who lacked delayed hypersensitivity to the antigen, or from subjects who were cigarette smokers. Since alveolar macrophages can respond to MIF in vitro, they may play a role in cell-mediated immune reactions in the lung. Cigarette smoking may interfere with this participation.
Sensor Selection for Minimizing Worst-Case Prediction Error

We study the problem of choosing the "best" subset of k sensors to sample from among a sensor deployment of n > k sensors, in order to predict aggregate functions over all the sensor values. The sensor data being measured are assumed to be spatially correlated, in the sense that the values at two sensors can differ by at most a monotonically increasing, concave function of their distance. The goal is then to select a subset of sensors so as to minimize the prediction error, assuming that the actual values at unsampled sensors are worst-case subject to the constraints imposed by their distances from sampled sensors. Even selecting sensors for the optimal prediction of the mean, maximum or minimum is NP-hard; we present approximation algorithms to select near-optimal subsets of k sensors that minimize the worst-case prediction error. In general, we show that for any aggregate function satisfying certain concavity, symmetry and monotonicity conditions, the sensor selection problem can be modeled as a k-median clustering problem, and solved using efficient approximation algorithms designed for k-median clustering. Our theoretical results are complemented by experiments on two real-world sensor data sets; our experiments confirm that our algorithms lead to prediction errors that are usually less than the (normalized) standard deviation of the test data, using only around 10% of the sensors.
UVB phototherapy of the pruritic papular eruption of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Background: Pruritic papular eruption (PPE) is a chronic dermatosis frequently seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. UVB phototherapy has been successfully used to treat a similar inflammatory condition (Ofuji disease) as well as pruritus of systemic origin. Objective: We describe the successful treatment with UVB of seven of eight patients with PPE. Methods: Eight HIV-positive patients with PPE were treated. The number of papules in a specified area of skin and the intensity of pruritus were monitored before, during, and after UVB phototherapy given three times a week. Biopsy specimens were taken before and after therapy and systemic immune function was evaluated. Results: Both the number of papules as well as pruritus decreased after UVB treatment in all but one patient. Immunoperoxidase staining showed a relative decrease in CD4+, CD8+, and CD2+ cells in all samples studied except for the patient noted to be unresponsive to the therapy. Conclusion: UVB phototherapy is effective in the treatment of patients with PPE. This is associated with a significant decrease in inflammation and number of T cells from various subsets within the dermis, thereby implicating these cells in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Reduced effect of microtubule inhibitors on hepatic protein secretion in the fetal rat

Abstract Drugs that block the assembly of microtubules inhibit protein secretion by mature hepatocytes. In this study, we ascertained the effects of these drugs on hepatic protein secretion during development. Slices prepared from adult and late-gestation (day 21) fetal rat livers were incubated with colchicine, vinblastine, or podophyllotoxin, and the secretion of [ 14 C]leucine-labeled proteins was then determined. Colchicine (10 μM) decreased trichloroacetic acid-precipitable protein secretion by 65% in adult liver, but only by 31% in fetal liver. A higher (50 μM) concentration of colchicine caused minimal further impairment of secretion in both age groups. Colchicine (10 μM) impaired the secretion of immunoprecipitable albumin to about the same degree as trichloroacetic acid-precipitable proteins in both adult and fetus. Determinations of [ 3 H]colchicine uptake into slices indicated that reduced hepatocellular levels of the drug were not the cause of the diminished effect on protein secretion observed in the fetus. Like colchicine, various concentrations of vinblastine and podophyllotoxin inhibited trichloroacetic acid-precipitable protein and albumin secretion consistently less from the fetal liver (30%–50%) than from the adult liver (50%–75%). These results indicate a reduced dependence on normal microtubule function for protein secretion in the developing liver.
Value of high-density endocardial and epicardial mapping for catheter ablation of hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia

Background Percutaneous epicardial mapping has been used for ablation of recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT). Objectives The purpose of this study was to use a combined epicardial and endocardial mapping strategy to delineate the myocardial substrate for recurrent VT in both ischemic (n = 12) and nonischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 8), and to define the role of epicardial ablation. Methods Electroanatomic mapping was performed in 20 patients. High-density voltage maps were obtained by acquiring both endocardial and epicardial electrograms. Electrograms derived from six patients with structurally normal hearts were used as controls. A total of 26 VTs were targeted in the 20 patients. Results Most VTs (23/26 [88.5%]) were hemodynamically unstable. In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, the extent of endocardial scar was greater than epicardial scar. A definable pattern of scar could not be demonstrated in nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Pathologic examination of explanted hearts in two patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy demonstrated that low-voltage areas were not always predictive of scarred myocardium. A substrate-based approach was used for catheter ablation. Catheter ablation was performed on the endocardium in all patients; additional epicardial delivery of radiofrequency energy was required in 8 (40%) of 20 patients for successful ablation. During follow-up (12 ± 4 months), 15 (75%) of 20 patients have been arrhythmia-free. Conclusion Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy tend to have a larger endocardial than epicardial scar. Use of epicardial and endocardial electroanatomic mapping to define the full extent of myocardial scars allows successful catheter ablation in patients with hemodynamically unstable VTs.
Closed-loop structural stability for linear-quadratic optimal systems

This paper contains an explicit parametrization of a subclass of linear constant gain feedback maps that will not destabilize an originally open-loop stable system. These results can then be used to obtain several new structural stability results for multi-input linear-quadratic feedback optimal designs.
Incidence of Transmitted Antiretroviral Drug Resistance in Treatment-Naive HIV-1-Infected Persons in a Large South Central United States Clinic:

Background: Transmitted drug resistance (TDR) can limit effective treatment options to antiretroviral-naive HIV-infected persons and increase the risk of treatment failure. Limited estimates of TDR have been reported from the South Central United States. Objective: To describe the incidence of TDR in Oklahoma and to examine whether TDR rates have increased with time. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of antiretroviral-naive patients at the Infectious Diseases Institute, a large infectious diseases clinic in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who had received baseline antiretroviral resistance testing. Mutations were screened using the 2011 International Antiviral Society-USA Drug Resistance Mutation (DRM) update, and categorized using the 2009 World Health Organization (WHO) Surveillance Drug Resistance Mutation (SDRM) list. Results: Genotypic sequences from 428 patients revealed a 6.0% to 13.6% incidence of SDRMs between 2007 and 2011, though no progression in the frequency was apparent during ...
Fabrication, assembly, and characterization of molecular electronic components

One of the ultimate miniaturizations in nanotechnology is molecular electronics, where devices will consist of individual molecules. There are many complications associated with the use of molecules in electronic devices, such as the electronic perturbations in the molecule associated with being bonded to an electrode, how electrons traverse the metal-molecule junction, and the difficulty of macroscopically addressing single to very few molecules. Whether fabricating a test structure or a usable device, the use of self-assembly is fundamental to the fabrication of molecular electronic devices. We will discuss how to fabricate self-assembled monolayers into test assemblies and how to use intermolecular interactions to direct molecules into desired positions to create nanostructures and to connect functional molecules to the outside world. These assemblies serve as test structures for measurements on single or bundled molecules. The development of several experimental techniques, including various scanning probes, mercury drop junctions, break junctions, nanopores, crossed wires, and other techniques using nanoparticles have enabled the ability to test these structures and make reproducible measurements on single molecules. Many of these methods have been developed to test molecules with potential for integration into devices such as oligo (phenylene-ethynylene) molecules and other /spl pi/-conjugated molecules, in ensemble or single-molecule measurements.
Body MR Angiography

This issue of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics of North America is the latest of three on body MR angiography. Each issue represents a snapshot of state-of-the-art body MR angiography by recognized experts. The initial issue (December 1993) highlighted the ability of MR to illustrate vessels based on their blood flow characteristics, namely using time-of-flight and phase contrast pulse sequences. In practice, these techniques were often time-consuming and fraught with flow-related artifacts, which greatly hampered their wide clinical appeal. However, in the mid-1990s, with the introduction of contrast-enhanced (CE) MR angiography, high-performance gradient subsystems, and improved three-dimensional image processing workstations, MR angiography made a monumental leap into clinical radiology. By the second issue (May 1998), body MR angiography was well on its way into mainstream clinical radiology. Today body MR angiography has become routine in most practices. CE MR angiography continues to be the centerpiece of most protocols but has greatly improved in its reliability and
Full waveform inversion of marine reflection data in the plane-wave domain

Full waveform inversion of a p‐τ marine data set from the Gulf of Mexico provides estimates of the long‐wavelength P‐wave background velocity, anisotropic seismic source, and three high‐frequency elastic parameter reflectivities that explain 70% of the total seismic data and 90% of the data in an interval around the gas sand target. The forward simulator is based on a plane‐wave viscoelastic model for P‐wave propagation and primary reflections in a layered earth. Differential semblance optimization, a variant of output least‐squares inversion, successfully estimates the nonlinear P‐wave background velocity and linear reflectivities. Once an accurate velocity is estimated, output least‐squares inversion reestimates the reflectivities and an anisotropic seismic source simultaneously. The viscoelastic model predicts the amplitude‐versus‐angle trend in the data more accurately than does an elastic model. Simultaneous inversion for reflectivities and source explains substantially more of the actual data than d...
Defining Economic Injury Levels for Sea Lamprey Control in the Great Lakes Basin

Abstract We estimated economic injury levels (EILs) and associated optimal control budgets for sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus for each of the Great Lakes using common assumptions and consistent methods. The lake-specific EILs are defined as equilibrium sea lamprey abundances below which incremental increases in control expenditures do not pay for themselves in terms of benefits (in the form of increased harvest of desired host species). We assume that sea lamprey control efforts result in an increase in the availability of adult hosts for fishery harvest, which provides economic value to society. We used a stochastic population model to simulate the sea lamprey life cycle as well as management actions (e.g., treatment of streams with lampricide) over a range of potential control budgets. Prior to running simulations, the model was calibrated for each Great Lake so that resulting forecasts were consistent with recent observed adult (spawning-phase) sea lamprey abundance levels given recent control budgets....
Long-term utilization and continuation of intrauterine devices

Objective We compared the 48 and 60 month continuation rates of levonorgestrel (LNG) and copper (Cu) intrauterine devices (IUDs) among women enrolled in the Contraceptive CHOICE Project (CHOICE). Our primary outcome was continuation at 48 months. Study Design This is a prospective cohort study of women who received an IUD through CHOICE. We randomly selected women who had either LNG or Cu IUDs inserted between January 2008 and June 2009 and contacted them by telephone. Once contacted and consented, they were asked whether they were still using their IUD. Women who reported discontinuation of the IUD were asked for the reasons and subsequent contraceptive use. Survival analysis using Cox proportional hazards was performed to assess for factors associated with discontinuation and to calculate hazard ratios. Results Of the 460 women we attempted to contact, 321 (70%) were reached for interviews. Continuation data on the remaining 139 women were available from CHOICE and its substudies. Continuations at 48 and 60 months were 62.3% and 51.7% for LNG IUD and 64.2% and 55.9% for the Cu IUD, respectively. Continuation at 48 months was highest among women older than 29 years of age at insertion (LNG IUD, 72.5%; Cu IUD, 77.1%). Women younger than 24 years of age had the lowest 48 month continuation (LNG IUD, 55.4%, and Cu IUD, 53.2%). In univariable and multivariable analysis, demographic characteristics, menstrual profile, and pregnancy history were not associated with discontinuation. Age older than 29 years was associated with less discontinuation than those 24–29 years of age (hazard ratio, 0.67, 95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.96). Conclusion IUD continuation remains high (> 60%) at 48 months with no difference between Cu and LNG IUDs.
Scatter-hoarding corvids as seed dispersers for oaks and pines: A review of a widely distributed mutualism and its utility to habitat restoration

ABSTRACT Seed dispersal mutualisms with scatter-hoarders play a crucial role in population dynamics of temperate large-seeded trees. These behaviors shape seed dispersal patterns, which can be applied to conservation of populations, communities, and even ecosystems dominated by large-seeded trees. We draw on a growing body of literature to describe the ecological context and consequences of scatter-hoarding as a seed dispersal mechanism. We synthesize the quantitative literature on the interaction between members of the avian family Corvidae (crows, ravens, jays, magpies, and nutcrackers) and nut-bearing trees such as pines (Pinus spp.) and oaks (Quercus spp.) to examine unique aspects of avian scatter-hoarders as seed dispersers. During the scatter-hoarding process, seed selectivity, transportation distance, hoarding frequency, and cache placement affect seed dispersal effectiveness, a measure of the quantity and quality of dispersal. Case studies from around the world highlight the role of corvid seed d...
Exploring the Dimensions of Nonprofit Competition through its Supplementary, Complementary, and Adversarial Relationships with Government

Nonprofits contribute to communities and society through service delivery, innovation, knowledge-building, and civic engagement. They frequently partner with and push government to better serve its citizens through relationships that have been characterized as supplementary, complementary, and adversarial (Young 2006). In all of these roles and relationships, nonprofits must compete for resources, time, and attention with other nonprofits, government entities, and for-profit organizations within communities, nationally, and internationally. Competition sometimes shapes and sometimes is shaped by public policies that affect the rules of the game. In this conceptual paper, we explore the dimensions of nonprofit competition and the implications for the nonprofit–government supplementary, complementary, and adversarial relationships.
Angular Distribution of Fragments from Fission of Au 197 with Carbon Ions

The kinetic energy and angular distribution of fragments from fission of ${\mathrm{Au}}^{197}$ with 123- and 93-Mev carbon ions have been determined by observation of the fragments in gas scintillation and solid-state detectors. Between 20 deg and 160 deg in the center-of-mass system, both angular distributions lie slightly above a $\frac{1}{sin\ensuremath{\theta}}$ curve, falling below it beyond those angles. The anisotropies [$\frac{\ensuremath{\sigma}(0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})}{\ensuremath{\sigma}(90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})}$] are 4.7 and 3.8 for 123-and 93-Mev carbon ions, respectively. The most probable fragment kinetic energies in the center-of-mass system are 73\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3 Mev and 71\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3 Mev.
Efficacy of Retigabine on Acute Limbic Seizures in Adult Rats.

Background and Purpose: The efficacy of retigabine (RGB), a positive allosteric modulator of K+ channels indicated for adjunct treatment of partial seizures, was studied in two adult models of kainic acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus to determine it’s toleratbility. Methods: Retigabine was administered systemiclly at high (5 mg/kg) and low (1-2 mg/kg) doses either 30 min prior to or 2 hr after KA-induced status epilepticus. High (1 µg/µL) and low (0.25 µg/µL) concentrations of RGB were also delivered by intrahippocampal microinjection in the presence of KA. Results: Dose-dependent effects of RGB were observed with both models. Lower doses increased seizure behavior latency and reduced the number of single spikes and synchronized burst events in the electroencephalogram (EEG). Higher doses worsened seizure behavior, produced severe ataxia, and increased spiking activity. Animals treated with RGB that were resistant to seizures did not exhibit significant injury or loss in GluR1 expression; however if stage 5-6 seizures were reached, typical hippocampal injury and depletion of GluR1 subunit protein in vulernable pyramidal fields occurred. Conclusions: RGB was neuroprotective only if seizures were significantly attenuated. GluR1 was simultaneously suppressed in the resistant granule cell layer in presence of RGB which may weaken excitatory transmission. Biphasic effects observed herein suggest that the human dosage must be carefully scrutinized to produce the optimal clinical response. (2015;5:46-59)
Targeted proteomics identify metabolism-dependent interactors of yeast cytochrome c peroxidase: implications in stress response and heme trafficking

Recently we discovered that cytochrome c peroxidase (Ccp1) functions primarily as a mitochondrial H2O2 sensor and heme donor in yeast cells. When cells switch their metabolism from fermentation to respiration mitochondrial H2O2 levels spike, and overoxidation of its polypeptide labilizes Ccp1's heme. A large pool of heme-free Ccp1 exits the mitochondria and enters the nucleus and vacuole. To gain greater insight into the mechanisms of Ccp1's H2O2-sensing and heme-donor functions during the cell's different metabolic states, here we use glutathione-S-transferase (GST) pulldown assays, combined with 1D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to probe for interactors of apo- and holoCcp1 in extracts from 1 d fermenting and 7 d stationary-phase respiring yeast. We identified Ccp1's peroxidase cosubstrate Cyc1 and 28 novel interactors of GST-apoCcp1 and GST-holoCcp1 including mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) and cytosolic Sod1, the mitochondrial transporter Pet9, the three yeast isoforms of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Tdh3/2/1), heat shock proteins including Hsp90 and Hsp70, and the main peroxiredoxin in yeast (Tsa1) as well as its cosubstrate, thioreoxin (Trx1). These new interactors expand the scope of Ccp1's possible roles in stress response and in heme trafficking and suggest several new lines of investigation. Furthermore, our targeted proteomics analysis underscores the limitations of large-scale interactome studies that found only 4 of the 30 Ccp1 interactors isolated here.
Preparation of pseudocapacitor electrodes via electrodeposition of polyaniline on nonwoven carbon fiber fabrics

Aniline has been polymerized via electrodeposition onto various nonwoven carbon fiber fabric (CFF) substrates for use as a pseudocapacitive electrochemical capacitor. Four types of CFF were initially tested for double layer capacitance before polyaniline deposition, and again for specific capacitance after deposition. A binder-free CFF was selected for further analysis due to its high capacitance change following PANI deposition (three orders of magnitude). The aniline monomer concentration, deposition potential, and deposition time were varied and resulting materials were characterized using chrono-potentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The deposition potential range yielding highest capacitance was found to be between 0.744 and 0.777 V. A solution concentration of 0.5M aniline at a 20 min deposition time resulted in the highest specific capacitance (>80 F/g based on total electrode mass and >300 F/g based on PANI mass) within this study. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43315.
Effect of Sulfhydryl Inhibitors on Platelet Agglutinability.

Summary1. In the presence of Ca++ or Mg++, ADP induces agglutination of platelets washed at 4°C. 2. The sulfhydryl inhibitors PCMB, NEM, and MMN inhibit the ability of washed canine platelets to agglutinate with thrombin or ADP in the presence of Ca++. 3. The effectiveness of PCMB in inhibiting platelet agglutinability is dependent upon thrombin concentration used to induce agglutination. The inhibitory action of PCMB is independent of changes in ADP concentration. 4. MMN causes deagglutination of platelets from clumps formed in the presence of 1.0 U/ml thrombin and Ca++, if the MMN is added to the platelet clumps within 30 seconds of agglutination. 5. MMN, at non-inhibitory concentrations (2.0 × 10-5 m or less), induces rapid and intense platelet agglutination in the presence of Ca++.
Multivariate Analysis of the Risk Factors for First-Time Noncontact ACL Injury in High School and College Athletes A Prospective Cohort Study With a Nested, Matched Case-Control Analysis

Background:Multivariate analysis that identifies the combination of risk factors associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) trauma is important because it provides insight into whether a variable has a direct causal effect on risk or an indirect effect that is mediated by other variables. It can also reveal risk factors that might not be evident in univariate analyses; if a variable’s effect is moderated by other variables, its association with risk may be apparent only after adjustment for the other variables. Most important, multivariate analyses can identify combinations of risk factors that are more predictive of risk than individual risk factors.Hypothesis:A diverse combination of risk factors predispose athletes to first-time noncontact ACL injury, and these relationships are different for male and female athletes.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Athletes competing in organized sports at the high school and college levels participated in this study. Data from injur...
Granular cell myoblastoma of the esophagus. Incidence and surgical treatment.

Granular cell myoblastoma (Abrikossoff's tumor), although certainly a rare, almost always benign lesion, is being encountered with increasing frequency in areas of particular interest to the otolaryngologist or surgeon in the upper aerodigestive tract. Although such lesions have been found frequently in the oral cavity and larynx, only one case has been reported of such a lesion originating in the esophagus. The detailed clinical and pathologic findings of three additional patients with esophageal lesions are described. Conservative surgical removal of granular cell myoblastoma may be preferable to endoscopic dilatation.
A comparison of beclomethasone, salmeterol, and placebo in children with asthma. Canadian Beclomethasone Dipropionate-Salmeterol Xinafoate Study Group.

Background An inhaled glucocorticoid is currently the medication of choice for long-term control of persistent asthma in children. The role of long-acting β2-adrenergic–receptor agonists, such as salmeterol, needs to be defined. Methods We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, one-year study of 241 children (mean [±SD] age, 9.3±2.4 years) with clinically stable asthma and less than one month of prior glucocorticoid use. We compared inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (200 μg twice daily) with salmeterol xinafoate (50 μg twice daily) and placebo (lactose). The primary outcome measure, airway responsiveness (as assessed with a methacholine challenge), was evaluated before treatment; after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment (12 and 36 hours after study medications had been withheld); and 2 weeks after the end of treatment. Spirometry, symptoms, use of rescue medication (200 μg of albuterol inhaled as needed), and adverse effects were also assessed. Results During months 1...
Suicidal ideation and attempts among court-involved, non-incarcerated youth

Over the past decade, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among adolescents and a public health priority. Court-involved non-incarcerated juvenile justice youth frequently present with risk factors for suicide. Among these court-involved youth, 14% (n=50) endorsed a lifetime history of suicide ideation and attempts. Three main factors were associated with increased risk: prior offense, substance use, and childhood sexual abuse histories. This study highlights the importance of understanding suicidal behavior among non-detained juvenile justice populations. Community-based court involvement provides a rare opportunity to coordinate screening and suicide prevention efforts for youth and their families.
Methods for micromanipulation of human somatic cells in culture.

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the methods for micromanipulating individual, living cells depend upon: (1) cell type, (2) equipment available to make and control the microtools used to operate on cells, and (3) time required observing the cells during and after microoperations. The methods described are parts of a methodology designed as the simplest available means of providing the greatest number of options for studying individual, intact and living, human somatic cells for the purpose of isolating and then analyzing operated cells or their progeny. Cells of normal or abnormal origin and of epithelioid or fibroblastic morphology are used. These include HeLa, HeLa clone (HC), a subline of HeLa (ERK), human embryonic lung (HEL), human fetal (HF), Lesch-Nyhan (LN), and mouse L (L) cells. The size and shape of glass microtools depend upon: (1) cell size and shape, (2) microoperations to be performed, (3) diameter and length of microtool holder, (4) adjustability of microtool holder clamp on micropositioner, (5) range of motion of fine controls of micropositioner, (6) distance between micropositioner and optical axis of microscope, (7) microscope and type of optics, (8) size and shape of microsurgical chamber, and (9) clearance required for unobstructed movements and replacement of microtools.
Shaft Fractures of the Radius and Ulna

Fractures of the radius and ulna are difficult to manage nonoperatively. When surgical intervention is selected and plates or intramedullary devices are used, good functional outcomes can be expected. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) can be performed, and patients may resume unrestricted use in many cases. Anterior and dorsoulnar approaches are demonstrated.
Preweaning growth rate and weaning traits of Angus, zebu and zebu-cross cattle.

A 4-yr study was conducted on the preweaning growth rate and weaning traits of 620 calves from: (1) Angus (A), Brahman (B), Brangus (BR) and Africander-Angus (AF) dams sired by A and B bulls; (2) BR dams mated to BR sires and (3) AF dams mated to AF sires. Heifers were placed in the breeding pastures as 2-yr-olds and exposed to bulls for 75 d. Breed groups differed (P less than .01) in weaning age (WA), average daily gain to weaning (ADG), 205-d weight (WW), conformation score and condition score. The reciprocal (A x B and B x A) crossbred calves exceeded (P less than .01) the straightbred A and B calves by 161 g (25.2%) in ADG, 36.6 kg (23.1%) in WW and 1.3 (16.7%) in condition score, but were not different in WA or conformation score. The WW of the A x B and B x A crossbred calves were similar, 194.6 and 194.2 kg, respectively. Calves sired by A bulls were born earlier (P less than .01) in the year and had higher conformation and condition scores than calves sired by B bulls. Calves sired by B bulls from BR and AF dams exceeded (P less than .01) the ADG and WW of calves sired by A bulls by 50 g and 15.6 kg, respectively. Calves from A dams were older (P less than .01) at weaning and had higher conformation scores but gained less rapidly than calves from B dams. The BR calves exceeded (P less than .01) the AF calves in WW by 14.5 kg, and the crossbred calves from BR dams exceeded (P less than .01) the crossbred calves from AF dams by 12.3 kg. Mating BR or AF dams to A sires to obtain crossbred calves did not improve calf rate of gain or weaning weight.
Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Genitourinary Organs

AbstractWe report on 14 patients with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the genitourinary organs treated with combined modality therapy. Six patients with paratesticular lesions are free of tumor 7 to 72 months (mean 44) after diagnosis, while 6 of 8 with pelvic lesions are free of tumor 18 to 132 months (mean 61) following diagnosis. Two patients died of metastases. Over-all, 2-year survival free of relapse was obtained in 9 of 11 patients (81 per cent). Of 4 patients with pelvic lesions who were treated with primary radiation-chemotherapy without exenteration 3 were managed successfully but 1 required urinary diversion for vesical fibrosis. Current concepts in the management of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma are discussed.
Diastereoselectivity in the Mukaiyama-Michael Reaction Employing alpha-Acyl beta,gamma-Unsaturated Phosphonates.

The unique electronic and structural nature of the α-acylphosphonate functional group affords both dimeric and chelated complexes of diethyl crotonyl phosphonate (1; DECP) with stannic chloride (SnCl4). The dimeric complex, SnCl4·(DECP)2 (5) results from the coordination of two DECP molecules, ligated via the phosphoryl oxygens to the tin atom. The chelated complex, SnCl4·(DECP) (6), is best represented with both phosphoryl and carbonyl oxygens coordinated to the metal center. Both metal ligated and chelated complexes have unique 13C 31P, and 119Sn NMR spectra. In complex 5, the 13C NMR resonances attributed to the carbonyl carbons were shifted upfield of free DECP. A monocoordinating Lewis acid, BF3·OEt2, produced a similar chemical shift trend in both the 13C and 31P NMR spectra of the BF3·DECP complex. Essentially quantitative yields and moderate diastereomeric excesses favoring anti (or trans) diethyl 6-phenyl-4,5-dimethyl-6-(trimethylsilyloxy)-2-dihydropyranphosphonate (3) and diethyl 5-phenyl-3,4-di...
Legality of mandatory continuing professional education

The legality of state requirements that professionals participate in continuing professional education is discussed. The historical development of the requirement in pharmacy is reviewed, and the legal doctrine of police power is considered as the basis for legal requirements in this area. The need for a statutory basis for this condition is presented, and court cases wherein such requirements have been challenged are reviewed. There must be statutory authorization for imposing continuing education requirements for professionals, and the statute and regulations affecting the rule must not infringe on an individual's constitutional rights.
Fraud and Froth: Free-Riding the 3D Printing Wave

Turning an idea into a working technology is one step to commercialization. Behind every successful technology is successful funding to develop and produce it. If finding funding challenges inventors, investors have the challenge of determining where, how, and with whom to invest. Just because an emerging technology profits some that does not mean that any investor will profit. Standing between entrepreneurs and investors are fraudulent and frothy—speculative, likely-to-fail—firms, a sign of a growing market, reflecting the enthusiasm of promoters and the reality of technological and market uncertainty. Such firms can harm an entire industry by creating distrust and doubt, discouraging investment, and forcing legitimate firms to expand more resources to secure funding. Will fraud and froth adversely affect 3D printing? This chapter offers a historical perspective on people eager to invest in the emerging technologies of independent telephony in the 1890s–1910s, radio in the 1900s, oil in the 1910s–20s, and penny stocks. Although fraud and froth were rife in relation to all these technologies, demand proved so great that the losses comprised only a small part of the market. Similarly, 3D printing will suffer from fraud and froth, but the overall harm should be minimal.
The Classification of Substance Use Disorders: Historical, Contextual, and Conceptual Considerations

This article provides an overview of the history of substance use and misuse and chronicles the long shared history humans have had with psychoactive substances, including alcohol. The practical and personal functions of substances and the prevailing views of society towards substance users are described for selected historical periods and within certain cultural contexts. This article portrays how the changing historical and cultural milieu influences the prevailing medical, moral, and legal conceptualizations of substance use as reflected both in popular opinion and the consensus of the scientific community and represented by the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Finally, this article discusses the efforts to classify substance use disorders (SUDs) and associated psychopathology in the APA compendium. Controversies both lingering and resolved in the field are discussed, and implications for the future of SUD diagnoses are identified.
The Genetics of Abnormal Protamine Expression

During spermiogenesis, the sperm chromatin undergoes dramatic remodeling. The testis-specific protamine proteins facilitate these nuclear changes by replacing the somatic cell histones, a process that produces highly condensed, transcriptionally silent chromatin. In humans, there are two forms of sperm protamine: protamine 1 (P1) and protamine 2 (P2), which occur in a strictly regulated 1:1 ratio. Sperm protamine-deficiency and P1:P2 ratio deregulation have been implicated in male infertility. The details of the underlying genetic basis of abnormal protamine expression are just emerging. This chapter summarizes our current knowledge of the sperm protamines, their relationship with male infertility, and what is currently understood regarding the genetic basis of abnormal protamine expression.
Rheology Modifiers for the Management of Dysphagia

Dysphagia is the medical term used to describe swallowing problems resulting from a disorder in the mechanics of swallowing which can lead to impairment in the safety, efficiency or quality of eating and drinking. Dysphagia can be caused by many disorders including neurological disorders, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy. Many of these conditions are associated with the elderly and, with the continuing demographic shift, dysphagia is a growing problem.
A Game-Theoretic Approach to Secure Control of Communication-Based Train Control Systems Under Jamming Attacks

To meet the growing railway-transportation demand, a new train control system, communication-based train control (CBTC) system, aims to maximize the ability of train lines by reducing the headway of each train. However, the wireless communications expose the CBTC system to new security threats. Due to the cyber-physical nature of the CBTC system, a jamming attack can damage the physical part of the train system by disrupting the communications. To address this issue, we develop a secure framework to mitigate the impact of the jamming attack based on a security criterion. At the cyber layer, we apply a multi-channel model to enhance the reliability of the communications and develop a zero-sum stochastic game to capture the interactions between the transmitter and jammer. We present analytical results and apply dynamic programming to find the equilibrium of the stochastic game. Finally, the experimental results are provided to evaluate the performance of the proposed secure mechanism.
Regulation of Viral Transcription and DNA Replication by the SV40 Large T Antigen

Simian Virus 40 (SV40) provides a particularly useful model for studying gene regulation at the molecular level because it is one of the simplest and most thoroughly characterized (Tooze 1980) viral systems known to undergo a well-defined developmental cycle in mammalian cells. The entire nucleotide sequence of the 5243 base pair genome of SV40 has been determined (Reddy et al. 1978; Fiers et al. 1978) and important regions such as the origin of replication, transcriptional promoters, structural gene boundaries, splice junctions, and positions of mutations have been located. The small double-stranded circular genome of SV40 encodes only five or six genes and consequently relies in large part on the host cell machinery to carry out complex regulated processes such as transcription and replication. During lytic infection of monkey cells, SV40 undergoes a temporal pro-gram of gene expression that is controlled in part by viral coded proteins (Tegtmeyer1972; Cowan et al. 1973; Tegtmeyer et al. 1975; Reed et al. 1976). Immediately after infection, the SV40 A and F genes, encoding the large T (Black et al. 1963; Tegtmeyer1975) and small t (Prives et al. 1978; Crawford et al. 1978; Sleigh et al. 1978) antigens respectively, are expressed. Transcription of these early viral genes by the host RNA polymerase II originates from a region of the genome located at approximately 0.67–0.70 fractional units on the conventional genome map (Fig. 1) (Sambrook et al. 1973; Khoury et al. 1973; Jackson and Sugden 1972; Khoury et al. 1975). During this early phase of the lytic cycle, SV40 DNA replication does not occur (Tegtmeyer 1912) and expression of the structural capsid proteins is detectable only at very low levels (Cowan et al. 1973; Alwine et al. 1977).
Affect and Narratology

This chapter provides an overview of the different ways in which the category of affect has been used in narratological discourses and contextualizes these uses in relation to the broader contemporary field of affect studies. This overview uncovers a conceptual rift along with missed opportunities. While Deleuzian work in particular in affect theory and studies remains anti-narrative, current (dominantly cognitive) narratological work on emotion does not do justice to the conceptual promises of Deleuzian approaches to affect. In response to this situation, the later part of the chapter outlines a suggestion for a syncretic conceptualization, which combines impulses from Deleuzian, cognitive, and phenomenological approaches into a layered notion of affective narrative worldmaking assemblages.
Thyroid Hormone Regulation of Thyrotropin Gene Expression

Thyroid hormones suppress the synthesis and release of thyrotropin from thyrotropes in the anterior pituitary gland, a feature that is critical in the classic negative-feedback loop of the pituitary-thyroid endocrine axis. The major effect of thyroid hormones in this system is exerted at the transcriptional level. The molecular mechanisms by which there is negative regulation of TSH subunit gene expression by thyroid hormone have been elucidated. The TSH subunit genes have isolated and characterized. Structure-function analyses using fusion genes and DNA transfection approaches have defined the putative negative TREs among the promoters of the rat, mouse, and human alpha and TSH beta genes. These sequences are either largely overlapping direct TRE half-sites, TRE half-sites as direct repeats gapped by two nucleotides, or single TRE half-sites. These arrangements are distinct from those seen in positive TREs. Recent knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms of thyroid action in general forces consideration of multiple TR isoforms, TR heterodimer partners (TRAPs), and thyroid hormones in the ultimate mechanisms of negative action. Several models have been proposed, but none has yet been proved. In addition, the role of thyroid hormone in the regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level is beginning to be addressed. Future work should continue to illuminate these important facets of gene regulation.
An Initial Characterization of the Emu Chick

The Emu Chick is a prototype system designed around the concept of migratory memory-side processing. Rather than transferring large amounts of data across power-hungry, high-latency interconnects, the Emu Chick moves lightweight thread contexts to near-memory cores before the beginning of each memory read. The current prototype hardware uses FPGAs to implement cache-less "Gossamer" cores for doing computational work and a stationary core to run basic operating system functions and migrate threads between nodes. In this initial characterization of the Emu Chick, we study the memory bandwidth characteristics of the system through benchmarks like STREAM, pointer chasing, and sparse matrix vector multiply. We compare the Emu Chick hardware to architectural simulation and Intel Xeon-based platforms. While it is difficult to accurately compare prototype hardware with existing systems, our initial evaluation demonstrates that the Emu Chick uses available memory bandwidth more efficiently than a more traditional, cache-based architecture. Moreover, the Emu Chick provides stable, predictable performance with 80% bandwidth utilization on a random-access pointer chasing benchmark with weak locality.