cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of H-mode pedestals in different confinement regimes in DIII-D

A survey of global performance parameters and their correlation with pedestal parameters is performed for standard H-mode, QH-mode and the enhanced confinement regimes of VH-mode, hybrid and advanced tokamak in the DIII-D tokamak. This study shows that there is a trend for global confinement quality or global beta to increase as the pedestal electron pressure or beta increases. However, there are also improvements in core confinement and beta, observed at fixed pedestal pressure or beta, which indicate that factors other than pedestal parameters also contribute to the best core performance. Several other pedestal structure parameters are found to be similar among these regimes. The scale lengths for electron pressure in the pedestal are in the range 0.8-1.6 cm at the outer midplane, most η e values are in the range 1-3 in the middle of the T e pedestal and the T e and n e pedestals tend to penetrate the same distance into the plasma.
Chemical constituents in different particle size fractions of deep-stacked broiler litter☆

The distribution of chemical constituents relating to feeding value for ruminants in different particle size fractions (sieve apertures of 4.75, 2.36, 1.18, 0.6, 0.3, 0.15, 0.075 and 0 mm) using four different sources of deep-stacked broiler litter typical of northwestern Arkansas was determined. Mean particle size of dry matter varied considerably among broiler litter sources. Differences among litter sources in particle sizes at which larger and smaller size fractions each contained 50% of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber did not coincide well with mean particle size of dry matter. Only in dry matter retained on sieves with smallest apertures (i.e. less than 0.15 mm) did concentrations of chemical constituents differ considerably from concentrations in unsieved litter. However, only minimal dry matter was retained on sieves with the smallest apertures, suggesting little potential to enhance feeding value of broiler litter for ruminants by a simple separation into one small and one large fraction if constituting a similar proportion of total dry matter.
Myeloid suppressor cells regulate the adaptive immune response to cancer

Inflammation resultant from tumor growth, infection with certain pathogens, or in some cases, trauma, can result in systemic release of cytokines, especially GM-CSF, that in turn stimulate the abundant production and activation of a population of immature myeloid cells, termed myeloid suppressor cells (MSCs), that have potent immunosuppressive functions. In this issue of the JCI, Gallina and colleagues have illuminated some complex issues concerning the development, activation, and function of MSCs (see the related article beginning on page 2777). They show that activation of MSCs is initiated in response to IFN-gamma, presumably produced in situ by antitumor T cells in the tumor microenvironment. After this triggering event, MSCs express 2 enzymes involved in l-arginine metabolism, Arginase I and iNOS, whose metabolic products include diffusible and highly reactive peroxynitrites, the ultimate biochemical mediators of T cell immune suppression. The multifaceted regulation of this complex suppressive effector system provides several potential therapeutic targets.
Male lifespan and the secondary sex ratio.

Literature speculating on the fetal origins of later life morbidity often invokes the “damaged cohort” theory, i.e., that maternal responses to exogenous shocks induce “stress reactivity” in fetuses and thereby shorten the lifespan of males in utero during stressful times. A rival, or “culled cohort,” theory posits that exogenous shocks to gravid females induce spontaneous abortions of frail male fetuses, leaving relatively hardy survivors who enjoy, on average, lifespans longer than males in less stressed birth cohorts. A recent test based on archival data from Sweden supported the culled cohort theory. Several characteristics of the Swedish data, however, raise questions regarding the external validity of the findings. We repeat the test with data from Denmark, Iceland, and England and Wales. We use time-series methods that control for trends, seasonal cycles, and other forms of autocorrelation that could confound the test. None of the results supports the “damaged cohort” theory. Consistent with the Swedish findings and with evolutionary theory, we find support in Iceland and England and Wales for the “culled cohort” theory. We discuss the implications of our findings for basic research as well as for public health. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 18:783–790, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The prediction of stock returns using financial statement information

Abstract We examine the profitability of a trading strategy which is based on a logit model designed to predict the sign of subsequent twelve-month excess returns from accounting ratios. Over the 1978–1988 period, the average annual excess return produced by the trading strategy ranges between 4.3% and 9.5%, depending on the specific measure of excess return and weighting scheme involved. However, our implementation of the Ou and Penman (1989) trading strategy in the 1978–1988 period, which is based on a logit model that predicts subsequent unexpected earnings- per-share from accounting ratios, does not earn excess returns.
Staphylococcal bacteraemia: the hospital or the home? A review of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia at Concord Hospital in 1993.

Aims: To examine the risk factors for, and the complications and mortality of, Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia. Methods: A retrospective case review of patients with S. aureus bacteraemia in 1993 diagnosed at the Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney. Results: Of 104 cases reviewed, 32 were due to methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), 73 were due to methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and one was a dual infection. Twenty-eight of the bacteraemias were community-acquired, including one case of MRSA, and 76 were hospital-acquired; 38% had an implanted prosthetic device or graft. The average age (68 years), incidence of underlying diseases and hospitalisation in the past month (26%) did not differ between MRSA and MSSA groups. MRSA was more likely in patients with recent broad-spectrum antibiotic use (53% vs 0, p<.01). Vascular access was the commonest source of sepsis (61%) but in community-acquired cases the source was unknown in 50%. Use of central line access was more predictive of MRSA infection (75% vs 49%, p=.018). In hospital-acquired infection, MRSA sepsis occurred later in the course of the admission (26 days vs eight days, p<.01). Directly attributable mortality was highest in MRSA and community-acquired MSSA infection (9% and 11 %) compared with hospital-acquired MSSA infection (1 %). Conclusions: Nosocomial S. aureus bacteraemia, particularly MRSA, is a major source of preventable morbidity, which could be addressed by improved infection control of MRSA, antibiotic use and attention to central line catheter use.
Soil Factors Influencing Suspended Sediment Flocculation by Polyacrylamide

Turbidity in stormwater runoffmay be treated with polyacrylamide (PAM) to flocculate suspended sediment, but the relationships between PAM properties and those of the suspended sediment have not been widely studied. Our objective was to determine how soil physical and chemical properties affected flocculation by PAMs with a variety of characteristics. Subsoil materials were collected from 13 active construction sites around North Carolina. These were tested for flocculation using PAMs with charge densities of 0 to 50% and molecular weights of 14 to 28 Mg mol -1 , at concentrations of 0.025 to 10 mg L -1 . Soil was added to solutions of single and mixed PAMs with various molecular weights and charge densities and the turbidity was measured 30 s after mixing. Five kaolinitic subsoils had linear responses to PAM regardless of molecular weight or charge density, with an optimal dose of 1 to 2 mg L -1 to obtain >96% reduction in turbidity. Increased turbidity indicating stabilization, occurred for two additional soils with anionic PAM concentrations >0.5 mg L -1 , but a neutral or a mixed anionic PAM product reduced turbidity at those concentrations. The remaining six suboils had widely differing patterns of response, including little or no turbidity reduction with any single anionic PAM. Increasing smectite and vermiculite content (>20%) in suboils from the Coastal Plain reduced the effectiveness of single, anionic PAMs for flocculation. The mixed anionic PAM, however, reduced turbidity in most subsoils and did not have a stabilization reaction at higher concentrations (1-5 mg L -1 ). Texture, mineralogy, and extractable Fe were highly correlated with reductions in turbidity with PAM, but most of the differences in flocculation occurred in subsoils with 20% or more smectite or vermiculite.
Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate Induces Protein Kinase Cη-specific Proliferative Response in Astrocytic Tumor Cells

Abstract Protein kinase C (PKC) activation has been implicated in cellular proliferation in neoplastic astrocytes. The roles for specific PKC isozymes in regulating this glial response, however, are not well understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of PKC isozymes and the role of PKC-η expression in regulating cellular proliferation in two well characterized astrocytic tumor cell lines (U-1242 MG and U-251 MG) with different properties of growth in cell culture. Both cell lines expressed an array of conventional (α, βI, βII, and γ) and novel (θ and e) PKC isozymes that can be activated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Another novel PKC isozyme, PKC-η, was only expressed by U-251 MG cells. In contrast, PKC-δ was readily detected in U-1242 MG cells but was present only at low levels in U-251 MG cells. PMA (100 nm) treatment for 24 h increased cell proliferation by over 2-fold in the U-251 MG cells, whereas it decreased the mitogenic response in the U-1242 MG cells by over 90%. When PKC-η was stably transfected into U-1242 MG cells, PMA increased cell proliferation by 2.2-fold, similar to the response of U-251 MG cells. The cell proliferation induced by PMA in both the U-251 MG and U-1242-PKC-η cells was blocked by the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (0.5 μm) and the MEK inhibitor, PD 98059 (50 μm). Transient transfection of wild type U-251 with PKC-η antisense oligonucleotide (1 μm) also blocked the PMA-induced increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation. The data demonstrate that two glioblastoma lines, with functionally distinct proliferative responses to PMA, express different novel PKC isozymes and that the differential expression of PKC-η plays a determining role in the different proliferative capacity.
Extracellular matrix mechanics in lung parenchymal diseases

In this review, we examine how the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the lung contributes to the overall mechanical properties of the parenchyma, and how these properties change in disease. The connective tissues of the lung are composed of cells and ECM, which includes a variety of biological macromolecules and water. The macromolecules that are most important in determining the mechanical properties of the ECM are collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans. We first discuss the various components of the ECM and how their architectural organization gives rise to the mechanical properties of the parenchyma. Next, we examine how mechanical forces can affect the physiological functioning of the lung parenchyma. Collagen plays an especially important role in determining the homeostasis and cellular responses to injury because it is the most important load-bearing component of the parenchyma. We then demonstrate how the concept of percolation can be used to link microscopic pathologic alterations in the parenchyma to clinically measurable lung function during the progression of emphysema and fibrosis. Finally, we speculate about the possibility of using targeted tissue engineering to optimize treatment of these two major lung diseases.
Interendothelial claudin-5 expression depends on cerebral endothelial cell-matrix adhesion by β(1)-integrins.

The hypothesis tested by these studies states that in addition to interendothelial cell tight junction proteins, matrix adhesion by β1-integrin receptors expressed by endothelial cells have an important role in maintaining the cerebral microvessel permeability barrier. Primary brain endothelial cells from C57 BL/6 mice were incubated with β1-integrin function-blocking antibody (Ha2/5) or isotype control and the impacts on claudin-5 expression and microvessel permeability were quantified. Both flow cytometry and immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that the interendothelial claudin-5 expression by confluent endothelial cells was significantly decreased in a time-dependent manner by Ha2/5 exposure relative to isotype. Furthermore, to assess the barrier properties, transendothelial electrical resistance and permeability measurements of the monolayer, and stereotaxic injection into the striatum of mice were performed. Ha2/5 incubation reduced the resistance of endothelial cell monolayers significantly, and significantly increased permeability to 40 and 150 kDa dextrans. Ha2/5 injection into mouse striatum produced significantly greater IgG extravasation than the isotype or the control injections. This study demonstrates that blockade of β1-integrin function changes interendothelial claudin-5 expression and increases microvessel permeability. Hence, endothelial cell–matrix interactions via β1-integrin directly affect interendothelial cell tight junction claudin-5 expression and brain microvascular permeability.
Langmuir-probe measurements of a pulsed and steady-state rf glow-discharge source and of an rf planar-magnetron source

Abstract Langmuir-probe measurements were made of a conventional radio-frequency glow-discharge source (in both pulsed and constant-power modes) and of a radio-frequency planar-magnetron source. The rf-driven oscillations of the plasma were neutralized by tuning the probe impedance with an external circuit. The conventional source, with a copper cathode, exhibited temperatures of roughly 2–5 eV and electron densities of 109–1010 cm−3, with the maximum electron current collected at 1 Torr. Use of a quartz sample resulted in slightly higher temperatures and an approximately 50% lower electron density. The pulsed glow discharge with a conducting cathode featured a current afterpeak (a peak immediately following the plasma termination) that can be attributed to both an expanding collection volume of the probe and to the generation of electrons from metastable-argon ionization. This afterpeak current was 3–4 times greater than the largest current collected during the dc portion of the pulsed plasma. The afterpeak current was greatest at 2–3 Torr, near the pressure at which the emission intensity is greatest for the steady-state source. The afterpeak current was much lower when an insulating sample was analyzed, particularly at higher pressures. The magnetron source exhibited a bimodal distribution of electron energies, with one population centered at 14–19 eV and the other centered at 3–6 eV. Electron densities were greater in the magnetron source, which probably accounts for the high emission and ion levels reported in previous studies.
On epi-reflective hulls

Abstract Let A be a class of Tychonoff spaces1 which is inversely preserved under perfect maps2. Let T2( A ) be the epi-reflective hull3 of A in the category T2 of Hausdorff spaces [9, p. 121], i.e., the full subcategory of T2 whose objects are the A -compact spaces4 [2, 3, 8, 12].
The Macroeconomics of Scaling Up Aid: The Gleneagles Initiative for Benin

This paper assesses the macroeconomic implications of scaling up aid for Benin in line with the Gleneagles commitment to double aid to poor countries over the next three years to reach $85 per capita by 2010 and keep it at that level thereafter. The analysis suggests that the additional aid inflows can be accommodated under Fund-supported programs without major disruptions to macroeconomic stability, provided the inflows are highly concessional and used effectively. There are, however, significant risks that the impact on growth and poverty reduction of the additional aid inflows could fall short of expectations, given Benin's limited absorptive and administrative capacity.
Cerebral Demyelination with 5-Fluorouracil and Levamisole

We report a patient who developed multifocal cerebral demyelination with the use of 5-fluorouracil, levamisole, and leucovorin as adjuvant treatment for intestinal adenocarcinoma. The clinical features were acute confusion, restlessness, ataxia, and slurred speech. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multifocal enhancing white matter lesions. Brain biopsy showed a well-demarcated area of demyelination in cerebral white matter. The patient improved clinically and radiologically after cessation of chemotherapy and a short course of steroids. There have been only 4 previously reported cases of multifocal leukoencephalopathy related to the use of combination 5-fluorouracil and levamisole. The extensive use of these agents as adjuvant treatment for colorectal carcinoma may result in more frequent recognition of this form of neurological toxicity.
Statistical Crosstalk Noise Analysis Using First Order Parameterized Approach for Aggressor Grouping

With decreasing process nodes and increasing design density, crosstalk analysis is a must for getting design closure in the UDSM era. In addition to this, while crosstalk analysis is complex in itself, the new process nodes are showing increasing variations of process parameters for devices and interconnect. This in turn adds more complexity to crosstalk analysis. Standard techniques of factoring in the effects of process variations (corner-based analysis) is particularly ineffective for crosstalk analysis, so we need to look at techniques of statistical analysis of crosstalk in a manner similar to that used for timing. We look at a basic infrastructure for doing statistical crosstalk analysis - and look at how it can incorporate the effects of variations in cell variations and on aggressor slew. We also look at aggressor window clustering as a technique to reduce pessimism in crosstalk - and see how this technique can be modified to take in the effect of process variations. We lay the theoretical framework for these techniques in this paper, and show the results of a prototype implementation on real designs. We show that using this framework and techniques shows a close correlation with Monte-Carlo simulations.
Development of a pulsed electromagnetic micro-actuator for 3D tactile displays

We propose an electromagnetic micro-actuator for tactile displays based on magnetization of the solenoid by a sharp current pulse. By applying DC to the solenoid, the force-current relation in a static configuration of the actuator is determined. An experiment to produce vibrating stimulation on human fingertip is presented using a single actuator unit. Four frequencies (10, 50, 100, and 150Hz) were used to test the perception limit of two volunteer subjects. The results indicated that the perception is not strongly dependent on frequency in the test range. The working frequency of the device was, therefore, limited to 50 Hz to allow the use of relative high charge storing capacitor and larger heat dissipation intervals. The actuator was then actuated as a function of its real-time position to "display" several virtual shapes. The results showed that five out of six simple geometries were perceived correctly.
Runtime performance and virtual network control alternatives in VM-based high-fidelity network simulations

In prior work (Yoginath and Perumalla, 2011; Yoginath, Perumalla and Henz, 2012), the motivation, challenges and issues were articulated in favor of virtual time ordering of Virtual Machines (VMs) in network simulations hosted on multi-core machines. Two major components in the overall virtualization challenge are (1) virtual timeline establishment and scheduling of VMs, and (2) virtualization of inter-VM communication. Here, we extend prior work by presenting scaling results for the first component, with experimental results on up to 128 VMs scheduled in virtual time order on a single 12-core host. We also explore the solution space of design alternatives for the second component, and present performance results from a multi-threaded, multi-queue implementation of inter-VM network control for synchronized execution with VM scheduling, incorporated in our NetWarp simulation system.
Gene expression patterns accompanying a dietary shift in Drosophila melanogaster

The ability of many organisms to switch to new hosts can be critical to their survival in the wild. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying such shifts are poorly understood. In this study, we used complementary DNA (cDNA) microarrays to ask if changes in gene expression are observed in response to a dietary shift in Drosophila melanogaster, a dietary generalist. We found significant and repeatable differential expression in a number of genes related to metabolic function and stress, suggesting that a functional genomics approach will be useful in seeking loci involved in the ability of flies to utilize different resources.
A Cascaded Adaptive Controller for CNC Lathe Spindle Drives

In modern computer numerically controlled (CNC) lathes the spindle drives often have an infinitely variable speed range to allow constant horsepower cutting. Such spindle drives are typically powered by direct current (dc) servo motors which are conventionally controlled by an analog speed regulator in the form of pseudo-derivative feedback (PDF). The PDF controller contains an integral action to compensate for steady state cutting torques and frictional loads on the spindle. The inclusion of the integrator improves the static servo stiffness (steady state load disturbance rejection capability). However, the tansient response characteristics may still vary considerably as a result of any changes in the spindle operating speed for an otherwise constant set of cutting conditions. To improve the consistency of the transient response an alternative control approach is presented which includes a cascaded model reference adaptive controller (MRAC) as an inner loop. The controller uses a robust on-line estimator to determine any changes in the drive's parameters resulting from the changes in the cutting conditions. The adaptive controller is presented in discrete time, and comparative simulation results are provided for a tapering operation where the cutting torque changes continuously.
Sawyer sensor for planar motion systems

Planar motion systems based on commercial Sawyer motors (1969, 1973, 1974) provide uniform performance over their entire workspace, offering fairly high speeds, accelerations, and precision. They also offer mechanical and kinematic simplicity, modularity, large motion ranges, and a short path to mechanical ground. On the other hand, primarily because they are operated as open-loop step motors, they can miss steps, have long settling times, and fall short of their potential capabilities. These motor performances are improved by using a novel, very high resolution (0.4 /spl mu/m), Sawyer planar sensor presented in this paper. >
THE EFFECTS OF LEADER MOTIVATING LANGUAGE ON SUBORDINATE PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION

This article bridges theory and practice to show that superiors’ use of Sullivan’s (1988) “motivating language theory” correlates significantly with subordinates’ performance and job satisfaction. In brief, Sullivan hypothesized that superiors’ use of motivating language (including (1) perlocutionary or direction-giving, (2) illocutionary or sharing feelings, and (3) locutionary or explaining culture) would have positive impact on key worker productivity and process outcomes including performance and job satisfaction. This theory was tested by the authors using a LISREL analysis and found to be true.
Protein Composition and Properties

Before discussing the plasma proteins, it is advantageous to first review the fundamental chemistry of the proteins in general.
A THEORY OF HIGH ELECTRIC FIELD TRANSPORT

The Generalized Quantum Langevin Equation (GLE) approach to the quantum transport of many electron systems is developed to study the high electric field transport. Two GLE equations, one for the center-of-mass momentum and the other for the center-of-mass energy, are obtained. The non-linear transport effects due to the presence of a high electric field are reflected directly in the memory functions of momentum and energy. By including velocity fluctuations, “collision broadening” and the “intra-collision field effect” appear in our transport equations quite naturally. In our theory, these quantum effects are illustrated by the phenomena of the level broadening, the velocity fluctuation relaxation and acceleration effects.
Distinct manifestations of austral summer tropical intraseasonal oscillations

[1] Event-to-event intraseasonal convection is found to be significantly different from a canonical Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO). Nearly half of all austral summer events do not show the same initiation or propagation characteristics of canonical MJOs, although they meet some MJO criteria during their life cycles. Variations of intraseasonal convection fall within three distinct forms: the canonical MJO, an eastward decaying mode, and an eastward intensifying mode. This distinction offers important insights into the overall dynamics and predictability of tropical intraseasonal variability. Sea surface temperature anomalies generated during convective breaks are fundamental for canonical propagation and result from radiative forcing whose modulation is a consequence of large-scale wave dynamics. Eastward propagation seems to rely more on the state of the tropical atmosphere-ocean system before convective triggering than on the trigger itself. Eastward decaying events exhibit weaker wave-related anomalies. Alternatively, mechanisms driving intensification over Indonesia are very different from the first two categories.
A Global Decomposition Algorithm for Reliability Constrained Generation Planning and Placement

This paper presents a method of deciding the best placement of additional generation for long term generation adequacy planning in multi-area power systems. The approach uses evaluation of the prospective scenarios of additional generation, and tie-lines. Maximum number of additional generators in each area will be determined from the cost withn respect to overall budget constraint. The selection criterion is based on improvement in system reliability after unit additions. The reliability indices of different generation combinations will be evaluated utilizing global decomposition approach. Instead of making direct comparison after global decomposition is performed, this paper proposes an algorithm that combines comparison and decomposition phase for better computational efficiency. The best combination will yield maximum reliability with acceptable cost.
Transmembrane Potential Characteristics and Muscarinic and Beta‐Adrenergic Responsiveness in Purkinje Fibers From a Canine Model of Lethal Ventricular Arrhythmias

Autonomic Modulation of Lethal Arrhythmias. Susceptibility to sudden death in dogs with healed myocardial infarction can be defined by the response to transient ischemia during treadmill exercise and can often be predicted by the baroreceptor slope, which is determined from least squares regression of the RR interval, or heart rate, response to increasing systolic pressure during a phenylephrine infusion. We used standard microelectrode techniques to study isolated Purkinje fiber bundles as well as subendocardial Purkinje fibers overlying the infarcted myocardium of dogs classified by treadmill testing as resistant or susceptible to sudden death. We determined the response to isoproterenol (Iso) alone and in the presence of acetylcholine (ACh). Control action potential (AP) characteristics for both groups were similar except for the following: in normal Purkinje fibers, susceptible dogs had a significantly lower AP overshoot and Vmax than resistant dogs. In addition, fibers from the in arct zones of susceptible dogs had lower maximal diastolic potentials than those from the normal Purkinje fibers of susceptible dogs. Iso significantly shortened AP duration in normal and infarct zone fibers of both groups. ACh alone had no effect on AP duration. In the infarct zone, ACh 10−7M did not antagonize Iso-induced shortening of AP duration in susceptible or resistant dogs; but ACh 10−5M completely blocked Iso effects in resistant dogs. In normal Purkinje fibers, ACh antagonism of Iso effects was seen in susceptible and resistant animals. Iso and ACh had no significant effect on other transmembrane potential characteristics. The differences between resistant and susceptible dogs in control transmembrane characteristics and accentuated antagonism may contribute to the substrate that increases the likelihood of sudden death in this model.
Reply to Noordhof on mental causation

In my paper ‘The Properties of Mental Causation’, PQ, 47 (1997), pp. 178–94. I proposed (as others have) a trope-based solution to a problem of mental causation. Noordhof in PQ, 48 (1998), pp. 221–6, has objected that the solution raises new problems just as intractable as the original. Some of his criticisms are based on misunderstandings of the role of tropes in the theory and of my general aim. He does, however, usefully develop an objection I addressed briefly in my paper: even if the trope solution explains how mental properties are causally relevant, does it explain how they are relevant qua mental? That is, does the problem appear again at the level of tropes? This kind of objection can be raised against any proposed solution to the problem, but it depends on the questionable assumption that properties themselves have properties. Noordhof also insists that the trope solution must provide a criterion of trope identity, but this is, I argue, a red herring in this context.
Medication therapy management: Reflecting on the profession's progress

As we prepare to enter the busy holiday season, it is typical to reflect on one’s recent accomplishments, current status and future goals. As an associate editor of JAPhA for publications related to medication therapy management (MTM) and a community pharmacy faculty member, my year-end thoughts reflect on the progress of our profession in the area of MTM. Recently, I came across a publication that aptly described the state of community pharmacy a few short years ago. 1 The report impressed upon me that our profession still faces challenges regarding prescription dispensing but has made great advances in the area of MTM. In 2004, the U.S. community pharmacy marketplace included 55,400 community pharmacies which dispensed 3.2 billion prescriptions. 2,3 In 2007, an es
Optical-standard surfaces of single-crystal silicon for calibrating ellipsometers and reflectometers.

We show that hydrogen-terminated (111) Si wafers prepared with NH4F-based treatments can serve as a calibration standard for ellipsometers and reflectometers.
A new nodosaur specimen (Dinosauria: Nodosauridae) from the Smoky Hill Chalk (Upper Cretaceous) of western Kansas

The right ulna and radius of a small nodosaur were recovered from the Smoky Hill Chalk Member (Upper Santonian) of the Niobrara Formation in October, 2000. Based on the similarity of the specimen in comparison with the holotype of Niobrarasaurus coleii, and the relatively small size of the remains, the bones are considered to be those of a juvenile N. coleii. The presence of two parallel scratch marks on the distal shaft of the radius, and the partially digested appearance of the proximal and distal ends of both bones, suggest that the lower limb had been detached from the carcass as the result of scavenging, most likely by the large lamniform shark, Cretoxyrhina mantelli. Although the remains of terrestrial vertebrates are not unknown from sediments deposited in the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Sea, additional discoveries are infrequent and valuable sources of information regarding the terrestrial fauna of the time.
A pharmacodynamically guided dose selection of PF-00337210 in a phase I study in patients with advanced solid tumors

PF-00337210 is an oral, highly selective vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor. We evaluated a composite of biomarkers in real time to identify the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) and preliminary anticancer activity of PF-00337210. Patients (Pts) with advanced cancers were treated once (QD) or twice daily (BID) with escalating doses. Acute effects on tumor perfusion and vascularity were assessed using DCE-MRI, weekly BP readings, soluble VEGFR-2, and hemoglobin levels. Forty-six pts were treated with 0.67–9 mg QD and 4–6 mg BID of PF-00337210. Nineteen pts (41 %) previously received VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors. Two pts had dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) at 9 mg QD (troponin I increase and hypertension). The MTD at QD dose was 8 mg. Common drug-related adverse events were hypertension, fatigue, proteinuria, and nausea. Hypertension incidence and intensity corresponded with dose, but was well controlled with medication. Two confirmed partial responses and minor regressions (>10 to <30 % reduction in target lesions) were noted. Complete DCE-MRI was acquired in 21 pts (20 evaluable for vascular response). Ten pts were vascular responders, including 5/6 pts at BID doses. Greatest modulation of soluble VEGFR-2 was at 6 mg BID. The maximum change from baseline in diastolic BP was higher at BID doses. There were no significant differences for systolic BP and hemoglobin levels. PF-00337210 has profound VEGFR inhibition effects at well-tolerated doses. Antitumor activity and VEGF inhibition effects were observed across BID doses. The RP2D was 6 mg BID.
Avoidance or boredom

Previous research shows that high Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use is associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and overall psychological distress; however, there are few relevant studies on this topic. The current study was conducted to explore the relationship between Internet and mobile phone use and mental health. In Study 1, participants were given questionnaires to assess their manner of mobile phone and Internet use and their levels of depression and anxiety. There were strong positive relationships between lower mental health and problematic ICT use, especially when people turned to ICTs to avoid negative experiences or feelings. However, when participants used ICTs merely to escape boredom, no link was found between ICT use and mental health problems. Study 2 was completed to observe how students utilize their mobile phones to cope or escape from feelings related to an anxiety-inducing situation. Results indicated that the mobile phone may offer a small "security blanket" effect, lowering the initial negative reaction to stress, although the pattern of stress over the course of the experiment was the same for participants in all groups. Our findings suggest that long term utilization of ICTs as an emotional coping strategy may have a negative influence on mental health and/or exacerbate mental health predispositions. High engagement with cell phones and Internet is linked with anxiety and depression.Using devices to alleviate boredom is not associated with anxiety and depression.Using devices for emotional coping is associated with anxiety and depression.Mobile phones may provide a "security blanket effect" in anxiety-inducing situations.Path of short-term stress was almost the same irrespective of coping mechanism used.
Classification of user interfaces for graph-based online analytical processing

In the domain of business intelligence, user-oriented software for conducting multidimensional analysis via Online- Analytical Processing (OLAP) is now commonplace. In this setting, datasets commonly have well-defined sets of dimensions and measures around which analysis tasks can be conducted. However, many forms of data used in intelligence operations – deriving from social networks, online communications, and text corpora – will consist of graphs with varying forms of potential dimensional structure. Hence, enabling OLAP over such data collections requires explicit definition and extraction of supporting dimensions and measures. Further, as Graph OLAP remains an emerging technique, limited research has been done on its user interface requirements. Namely, on effective pairing of interface designs to different types of graph-derived dimensions and measures. This paper presents a novel technique for pairing of user interface designs to Graph OLAP datasets, rooted in Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) driven comparisons. Attributes of the classification strategy are encoded through an AHP ontology, developed in our alternate work and extended to support pairwise comparison of interfaces. Specifically, according to their ability, as perceived by Subject Matter Experts, to support dimensions and measures corresponding to Graph OLAP dataset attributes. To frame this discussion, a survey is provided both on existing variations of Graph OLAP, as well as existing interface designs previously applied in multidimensional analysis settings. Following this, a review of our AHP ontology is provided, along with a listing of corresponding dataset and interface attributes applicable toward SME recommendation structuring. A walkthrough of AHP-based recommendation encoding via the ontology-based approach is then provided. The paper concludes with a short summary of proposed future directions seen as essential for this research area.
Ureterorenoscopic endopyelotomy. Preliminary report.

SUMMARY In conclusion, the concept of endopyelotomy remains extremely attractive, and the early results appear promising. However, the methodology appears to be far in advance of the actual science. Objective studies with furosemide washout renography or Whitaker tests prior to endopyelotomy and at 1 year following endopyelotomy are lacking. Currently, because of its less-invasive nature, lack of external catheters, and rapid convalescence, we are continuing to use a ureteroscopic approach to endopyelotomy. However, although this method overall represents a less-invasive approach, the reader is cautioned to keep in mind that our patient series is too small and the follow-up is too brief for any conclusions to yet be drawn in favor of this method.
Theory of the adatom-induced reconstruction of the SiC(0001)√3×√3 surface

Based on first-principles total-energy calculations we have determined the chemical identity and adsorption site of the adatoms observed recently in scanning tunneling microscopy on the SiC(0001)\ensuremath{\surd}3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\ensuremath{\surd}3 surface. The calculations indicate that Si adatoms are preferred over C adatoms for the entire allowed range of Si and C chemical potentials. In addition, we find that the adatoms prefer the ${\mathit{T}}_{4}$ site over the ${\mathit{H}}_{3}$ site for both Si and C. Based on these results we propose a model for the C-rich 6\ensuremath{\surd}3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}6\ensuremath{\surd}3 reconstruction.
Experiences and concerns of patients with recurrent attacks of acute hepatic porphyria: A qualitative study

Abstract Background The acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs) are rare inborn errors of heme biosynthesis, characterized clinically by life-threatening acute neurovisceral attacks. Patients with recurrent attacks have a decreased quality of life (QoL); however, no interactive assessment of these patients' views has been reported. We conducted guided discussions regarding specific topics, to explore patients' disease experience and its impact on their lives. Methods Sixteen AHP patients experiencing acute attacks were recruited to moderator-led online focus groups. Five groups (3–4 patients each) were conducted and thematic analyses to identify, examine, and categorize patterns in the data was performed. Results All patients identified prodromal symptoms that began days prior to acute severe pain; the most common included confusion (“brain fog"), irritability, and fatigue. Patients avoided hospitalization due to prior poor experiences with physician knowledge of AHPs or their treatment. All patients used complementary and alternative medicine treatments to avoid hospitalization or manage chronic pain and 81% reported varying degrees of effectiveness. All patients indicated their disease impacted personal relationships due to feelings of isolation and difficulty adjusting to the disease's limitations. Conclusion Patients with recurrent attacks recognize prodromal warning symptoms, attempt to avoid hospitalization, turn to alternative treatments, and have markedly impaired QoL. Counseling and individualized support is crucial for AHP patients with recurrent attacks.
Tandem-modulator generated W-band OCDMA radio-over-fiber system

A tandem dual electrode Mach Zehnder modulator (DE-MZM) generated W-band optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) radio-over-fiber (ROF) system is proposed and the simulation results are presented. We have investigated a method to upconvert a baseband laser signal to the millimeter wave band (W-band in this case) by utilizing two cascaded DE-MZMs driven by lower frequency sine-wave generators and thus eliminated the need for high frequency sine-wave generators for upconversion. This allows two carriers to be generated with frequency difference of 83-GHz. Furthermore, we increased the capacity and security of the system by applying the OCDMA scheme. The signal from each user is encoded utilizing super structure fiber Bragg gratings (SSFBG) and then transmitted through a 30-km length of fiber. At the receiver side, the encoded signal is decoded with another SSFBG with a profile corresponding to the encoder. The simulation results show that the received signal can be easily decoded and coherently detected. The millimeter wave generation is performed by beating of two carriers on the photodiode (PD) having an 83-GHz frequency difference, generating a W-band RF output signal. The RF signal can be retransmitted through an antenna.
Der Einfluss des Salafismus auf den internationalen Terrorismus

Der Einfluss des Salafismus auf den internationalen islamistischen Terrorismus wird derzeit umfassend diskutiert. Zwar ist die Mehrzahl der SalafistInnen quietistischer und apolitischer Natur, indem ihre Konzentration ausschlieslich auf die rechtmasige Durchfuhrung gottesdienstlicher Handlungen gerichtet ist und sie politische Partizipation sowie Interessensbildung dezidiert als Blasphemie und menschlichen Hochmut ablehnen. Doch diese apolitische Haltung weist ebenso eine Schnittmenge zu salafistischen DjihadistInnen auf, die gewaltsam jede Form von politischer Ideenlehre und menschengemachter Gesetze bekampfen, denn ihrer Auffassung nach stehen sie der Implementierung der Scharia und dem Willen Gottes im Wege.
The Directional Neighborhoods Approach to Contextual Classification of Images from Noisy Data

Abstract The directional neighborhoods approach (DNA) to classifying pixels and reconstructing images from remotely sensed noisy data is a newly proposed computer-intensive procedure that is partly Bayesian and partly data analytic. It uses the observational data to select an optimal, generally asymmetric, but relatively homogeneous neighborhood for contextually classifying pixels. A criterion for “homogeneity of neighborhood” is developed. DNA involves two stages: a zero-neighbor preclassification stage, followed by selection of the most homogeneous neighborhood, and then a final classification. We provide Monte Carlo simulations for a two-population image and compare DNA results with those from a reference Bayesian contextual classification. We show that DNA improves substantially on the reference classification procedure.
Pediatric primary care psychologists' reported level of integration, billing practices, and reimbursement frequency.

Introduction Integration of psychological services into pediatric primary care is increasingly common, but models of integration vary with regard to their level of coordination, colocation, and integration. High-integration models may provide some distinct advantages, such as preventative care and brief consultation for subclinical behavior concerns; however, psychologists face barriers to seeking reimbursement for these services. Alternatives to traditional psychotherapy and psychological testing codes, specifically Health & Behavior (H&B) codes, have been proposed as 1 method for supporting integrated care. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between psychologists' reported billing practices, reimbursement rates, and model of integration in pediatric primary care. Method As part of a larger survey study, 55 psychologists working in pediatric primary care reported on characteristics of their practice's model of integration, billing practices, and frequency of reimbursement for consultative services. Results Compared with those who categorized their integrated care model as colocated, psychologists who endorsed working in integrated models reported a significantly higher usage of H&B codes and more frequent reimbursement for consultations. Overall, use of H&B codes was associated with higher reported levels of coordination and integration. Discussion Survey results showed a clear pattern of higher integration being associated with greater utilization of H&B codes and better reimbursement for consultation activities. These results underscore the importance of establishing and maintaining billing and reimbursement systems that adequately support integrated care. (PsycINFO Database Record
Digital forensics of 3D printers

3D printing has revolutionized the world of manufacturing and innovation. This phenomenon has also created a change in criminal activity and the forensic community. There are several discussions on how 3D printing can be used in forensics to help court cases with visual effects to explain items found at the scene of a crime (including fingerprints) and to physically show how the crime scene looked when investigators arrived. Currently there are very little (if any) discussions concerning forensics on the 3D printer itself. Introducing the concept of conducting forensics on a 3D printer can show how a criminal used the device to ‘print’ an item illegally or to conduct an illegal act to exploit or harm others. This foundation will begin a roadmap for forensic investigations concerning the use of 3D printers for illegal activity.
Nanotechnology: Retrospect and Prospect

The predominant economic event of the 20th century was the information revolution. The most powerful engine driving this revolution was the silicon microchip. During the period from 1960 through 2000, the productivity of semiconductor or silicon microchip technology advanced by a factor of approximately 100 million. Concurrently, the performance of the technology advanced by a factor greater than 1000. These sustained simultaneous advances were fueled primarily by sequentially scaling down the minimum feature size of the transistors and interconnects of a microchip thereby both reducing cost and enhancing performance. In 2005 minimum feature sizes of 80 nanometers clearly indicate that microchip technology has entered the 1–100 nanometer domain of nanotechnology through use of a “top-down” approach. Moreover, it is revealing to recognize that the 300-millimeter diameter silicon wafers, which facilitate microchip manufacturing, are sliced from a 1–2 meter long single crystal ingot of hyper-pure silicon. This silicon ingot is produced by a “self–assembly” process that represents the essence of the “bottom-up” approach to nanotechnology. Consequently, modern silicon microchips containing over one billion transistors are enabled by a quintessential fusion of top-down and bottom-up nanotechnology.