cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
QbD-Based Development of Pharmaceutical Parenteral Drug Products: An Overview

Abstract Pharmaceutical industry is one of the most regulated sectors as it deals with life of myriad patients. This chapter describes and clarifies the historical evolution and need of quality systems in pharmaceutical drug product development especially focused on parenteral products. Quality by design (QbD)-based product development involves the following elements: (a) identification of quality target product profiles (QTPPs) followed by critical quality attributes (CQAs) for various parenteral products, (b) process design and identification of critical process parameters (CPPs), (c) design space, and (d) control strategy and continuous improvement. In addition, this chapter includes explanation of six-sigma methodology with detailed explanation of few six-sigma tools such as quality function deployment (QFD), process capability analysis, and failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) that can be used during pharmaceutical drug product development. Author has added few case studies at the end to make reader understand that how various pharmaceutical organizations have benefitted with implementation of best practices of QbD and six sigma.
The poetics of sonic thinking

In this collection, editor Bernd Herzogenrath has brought together 20 new essays by philosophers, theorists, composers and artists with the goal of defining and demonstrating “sonic thinking”. The ...
Reproductive management of dairy cattle

Abstract Fertility programs for dairy cows and heifers are essential to maximize dairy herd profitability. The platform for fertile timed insemination (TAI) is based on strategic usages of GnRH, Prostaglandin F2α (PGF) and Progesterone (P4). The platform is targeted to enhance pregnancy/TAI at first and second TAI postpartum, in heifers and lactating cows with anovular and cystic ovarian conditions. Proven strategies to maximize fertility entail: presynchronization to increase ovulation to initial GnRH of OvSynch in presence of diestrous P4 concentrations; P4 supplement in absence of CL at GnRH; two PGF injections 24 h apart to complete regression of developing CL in order to attain basal concentrations of P4 (
Lowering of T c in Van Der Waals Layered Materials Under In-Plane Strain

The dependence of electromechanical behavior on strain in ferroelectric materials can be leveraged as parameter to tune ferroelectric properties such as the Curie temperature. For van der Waals materials, a unique opportunity arises because of wrinkling, bubbling, and Moire phenomena accessible due to structural properties inherent to the van der Waals gap. Here, we use piezoresponse force microscopy and unsupervised machine learning methods to gain insight into the ferroelectric properties of layered CuInP2S6 where local areas are strained in-plane due to a partial delamination, resulting in a topographic bubble feature. We observe significant differences between strained and unstrained areas in piezoresponse images as well as voltage spectroscopy, during which strained areas show a sigmoid-shaped response usually associated with the response measured around the Curie temperature, indicating a lowering of the Curie temperature under tensile strain. These results suggest that strain engineering might be used to further increase the functionality of CuInP2S6 through locally modifying ferroelectric properties on the micro- and nanoscale.
Improving Efficiency and Safety in Teleoperated Robotic Manipulators using Motion Scaling and Force Feedback

Recent surges in global construction spending are driving the need for safer, more efficient construction methods. One potential way of improving construction methods is to provide user interfaces that allow human operators to control machinery in a more intuitive and strategic manner. This paper explores the use of motion scaling and haptic feedback to improve task completion speed and force control during construction-related teleoperated robotic manipulation tasks.In this study, we design a bench-top Teleoperated Motion Scaling Robotic Arm (TMSRA) platform that allows the human operator to control the motion-mapping rate between the master (haptic console) and slave (robotic excavator) devices, while also providing force feedback and virtual safety functions to help prevent excessive force application by the slave device. We experimentally evaluated the impact of motion scaling and force feedback on human users' ability to perform simulated construction tasks. Experimental results from simulated robotic excavation and demolition tasks show that the maximum force applied to fictive buried utilities was reduced by 77.67% and 76.36% respectively due to the force feedback and safety function. Experimental results from simulated payload pushing/sliding tasks demonstrate that the provision of user- controlled motion scaling increases task efficiency, reducing completion times by at least 31.41%, and as much as 47.76%.
Reconstructing Complex Open Back Wounds with a Modified Minimal-Access Keystone Flap: A Case Report.

CASE A 61-year-old patient was referred 12 days postoperative with complex, infected, and dehisced paraspinal wound. After debridement and revision of hardware, deep dead space was eliminated through bilateral paraspinal muscle flap advancement. After hardware coverage, a large skin and tissue defect remained. The defect was reconstructed using a modified Keystone flap, eliminating the lateral cutaneous incision. Our patient healed without complication. CONCLUSION The modified Keystone flap is an option for reconstructing spinal wound defects, yielding excellent tissue coverage and advancement, grants additional flap advancement if necessary because of elimination of the lateral cutaneous incision, and an overall pleasing aesthetic result.
Mechanochemically activated bottom ash-fly ash geopolymer

Abstract A source of sub-bituminous coal bottom ash was mechanochemically activated by co-grinding fly ash and a sodium silicate powder for use in a geopolymer application. A total of nine different mixes were considered to study the effects of the mechanochemical treatment, mixing procedure, and bottom ash loading. The compressive strength, reactivity, rate of geo-polymerization and morphology were investigated using isothermal calorimetry, nano-indentation, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The solid-state mechanochemical activation attacks the fly and bottom ash particles producing small sheet-like activated agglomerates. The activation enhances the dispersion of the activated particle, alters the sodium silicate and aluminosilicate reaction kinetics and intensifies the interconnectivity of geopolymer structure, decreases pore size, and significantly increases compressive strength (between 60% and 80%). When treated in this manner, the bottom ash serves as an effective extender to fly ash in geopolymer systems up to 50% replacement of fly ash without significant reduction in mechanical strength or significant alteration to the microstructure.
A Virtual Reality Meditative Intervention Modulates Pain and the Pain Neuromatrix in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder.

Objective Standard-of-care for opioid use disorder (OUD) includes medication and counseling. However, there is an unmet need for complementary approaches to treat OUD patients coping with pain; furthermore, few studies have probed neurobiological features of pain or its management during OUD treatment. This preliminary study examines neurobiological and behavioral effects of a virtual reality-based meditative intervention in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Design Prospective, non-blinded, single-arm, 12-week intervention with standardized assessments. Setting Academic research laboratory affiliated with an on-site MMT clinic. Methods Fifteen (11 female) MMT patients completed a virtual reality, therapist-guided meditative intervention that included breathing and relaxation exercises; sessions were scheduled twice weekly. Assessments included functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of pain neuromatrix activation and connectivity (pre- and post-intervention), saliva cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) at baseline and weeks 4, 8 and 12; and self-reported pain and affective symptoms before and after each intervention session. Results After each intervention session (relative to pre-session), ratings of pain, opioid craving, anxiety and depression (but not anger) decreased. Saliva cortisol (but not CRP) levels decreased from pre- to post-session. From pre- to post-intervention fMRI assessments, pain task-related left postcentral gyrus (PCG) activation decreased. At baseline, PCG showed positive connectivity with other regions of the pain neuromatrix, but this pattern changed post-intervention. Conclusions These preliminary findings demonstrate feasibility, therapeutic promise, and brain basis of a meditative intervention for OUD patients undergoing MMT.
Lower female partner live birth rate in male cancer survivors: An age-matched cohort analysis of the Utah Population Database.

We determine the time to first live birth for female partners of males after a cancer diagnosis. Our group performed a retrospective, population-based, age-matched cohort study of Utah male residents diagnosed with cancer at age 18 years or later between 1956 and 2013 (exposed) matched to male Utah residents without cancer diagnosis (unexposed). Using stratified Cox proportional hazard models, we adjusted for race, ethnicity and number of live births prior to cancer diagnosis, to estimate the effect of time to a partner live birth following cancer diagnosis. Our study cohort included 19,303 men diagnosed with cancer (exposed) and 93,608 age-matched men without cancer diagnoses (unexposed). Exposed men were less likely to have a live birth prior to first cancer diagnosis (60.7% vs. 65.4%, p < 0.001) and after first cancer diagnosis (10.9% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.001) compared to unexposed men. Exposed men had a fertility hazard rate that was 31% lower after cancer diagnosis date than unexposed men (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.65-0.72). This was most profound for men aged 18-30 years (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.55-0.63). Male cancer survivors have a 31% lower female partner live birth rate after cancer diagnosis. These findings are important for patient counselling regarding fertility preservation at the time of cancer diagnosis.
Rising rates of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Hispanic children: trends in incidence from 1992 to 2011.

To the editor: Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children younger than 20 years, with an age-adjusted incidence rate (AAIR) of 4.9 cases per 100 000 children for all leukemia types diagnosed between 2007 and 2011 in the United States.[1][1] The highest rates of childhood leukemia have
Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Modulation by Caudate Dopamine During a Working Memory Task in Parkinson Disease (P6.317)

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the relationship between striatal dopamine synthesis and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) activation during working memory in Parkinson disease (PD ) BACKGROUND: In PD, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) rCBF is reduced during working memory tasks. Working memory is impaired in PD and the impairment may be associated with reduced striatal dopamine synthesis. To further clarify this issue, we used positron emission tomography (PET) to measure directly striatal dopamine synthesis and cortical activation by working memory in PD patients and in controls well matched by age, sex and performance. DESIGN/METHODS: The N-back working memory task was performed by PD patients off PD drugs (N=15; mean age±SD=60±7; 25% women; average 2-back correct performance=65±18%) and by healthy controls (HC, N=24; age=60±9; 26% women; 66±15% correct performance). Brain activation was determined with H 2 15 O rCBF PET and presynaptic dopamine synthesis with 18 F-fluorodopa (FDOPA) PET. Voxel-wise values were calculated for both modalities. The general lineal model implemented in SPM5 was used to compare both rCBF activation and FDOPA Ki values between the PD and HC groups and to test for between-group differences in the correlation between FDOPA uptake and activation. RESULTS: PD patients had lower striatal FDOPA uptake (p -3 , uncorrected). Caudate-FDOPA / rCBF-activation correlation analysis showed a positive relationship in the DLFC of patients contrasted with a negative relationship in controls (e.g., in a 3mm-radius sphere centered at MNI x,y,z: 40,34,30, r=0.51, p=0.047, for PD but r=-0.48, p=0.014, for HC) resulting in an interaction at p=5x10 -4 , uncorrected. CONCLUSIONS: The observed diagnosis-by-dopamine interaction effect on DLPFC activation supports a link between striatal dopamine depletion and working memory dysfunction in PD and demonstrates a pattern reminiscent of the inverted U associated with dopamine D1 responses in the DLPFC documented in experimental animals. Study Supported by: Intramural research program of the National Institutes of Health Disclosure: Dr. Masdeu has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for the Journal of Neuroimaging. Dr. Eisenberg has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hegarty has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cropp has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rubinstein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kohn has nothing to disclose. Dr. Berman has nothing to disclose.
β-Arrestin, a Two-fisted Terminator

-arrestin escorts enzymes to activated receptors, catalyzing the demise of signals that are generated. This may be a common theme among G protein-coupled receptors.
How to reconstruct the original shape of a radar signal

The shape of the radar signal can provide us with the additional information about the reflecting surface. However, to decrease the noise, radars use filtering, and filtering changes the shapes of the radar signal. It is therefore necessary to reconstruct the original shape of the radar signal.
Effect of menstrual cycle phase on background parenchymal uptake at molecular breast imaging.

Rationale and Objectives The level of Tc-99m sestamibi uptake within normal fibroglandular tissue on molecular breast imaging (MBI), termed background parenchymal uptake (BPU), has been anecdotally observed to fluctuate with menstrual cycle. Our objective was to assess the impact of menstrual cycle phase on BPU appearance. Materials and Methods Premenopausal volunteers who reported regular menstrual cycles and no exogenous hormone use were recruited to undergo serial MBI examinations during the follicular and luteal phase. A study radiologist, blinded to cycle phase, categorized BPU as photopenic, minimal mild, moderate, or marked. Change in BPU with cycle phase was determined, as well as correlations of BPU with mammographic density and hormone levels. Results In 42 analyzable participants, high BPU (moderate or marked) was observed more often in luteal phase compared to follicular (P = .016). BPU did not change with phase in 30 of 42 participants (71%) and increased in the luteal phase compared to follicular in 12 (29%). High BPU was more frequent in dense breasts compared to nondense breasts at both the luteal (58% [15 of 26] vs. 13% [2 of 16], P = .004) and follicular phases (35% [9 of 26] vs. 6% [1 of 16], P = .061). Spearman correlation coefficients did not show any correlation of BPU with hormone levels measured at either cycle phase and suggested a weak correlation between change in BPU and changes in estrone and estradiol between phases. Conclusions We observed variable effects of menstrual cycle on BPU among our cohort of premenopausal women; however, when high BPU was observed, it was most frequently seen during the luteal phase compared to follicular phase and in women with dense breasts compared to nondense breasts.
Simulation of particle/fluid flows in vertical circular pipes

Abstract A two fluid continuum model is applied to the simulation of steady fully developed particle/fluid flow in a vertical circular pipe. Both closed form and numerical solutions are obtained to the associated governing equations. These solutions are compared to the predictions of another two fluid continuum model. These comparisons are used to illustrate the differences in the predictions of two widely used models, even in the fundamental problem of steady flow in a circular pipe.
The fragmentation of SH(A2Σ+): Ab initio calculations of spin‐orbit and coriolis interactions

The electronic structure aspects of the fragmentation of the A2Σ+ state of SH via the predissociation and photodissociation processes, SH(A2Σ+, v, N, F1/F2) S(3PJ) + H(2S) and SH(X2Π, v, N, e/f) SH(A2Σ+, v, N, F1/F2) S(3PJ) + H(2S) are considered by ab initio configuration interaction (CI) calculations. All the relevant interstates A2Σ+, X2Π, 14Σ−, 12Σ−, and 14Π spin-orbit induced matrix elements, treated within the full microscopic Breit-Pauli approximation, and Coriolis (electronic orbital angular momentum) couplings are determined based on wavefunctions comprised of 680000-860000 configuration state functions. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Theory of the detection of current-induced spin polarization in a two-dimensional electron gas

The k-dependent spin-orbit splitting of the spin degeneracy of electronic states of electrons confined to an asymmetric well leads to a number of interesting phenomena. One is the existence of a spin polarization in association with an electric-field-induced drift current. We develop a theoretical model, in the diffusive transport regime, for the detection of this spin polarization via electrical measurements on a junction between a two-dimensional electron gas carrying such a drift current and a magnetized ferromagnetic film. The predictions are in plausible agreement with experiments, but more extensive results would be of interest in confirming the proposed interpretation.
Characterization of a pyrene-degrading Mycobacterium sp. strain CH-2

Mycobacterium sp strain CH-2 was isolated from a manufactured gas plant contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and was identified by analysis of 16S rDNA sequences. Strain CH-2 was capable of mineralizing 3- and 4- ring PAHs, including phenanthrene, pyrene, and fluoranthene. In addition, strain CH-2 could utilize phenanthrene, pyrene and a wide range of alkanes as a sole carbon and energy source. Primers based upon the sequences of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) dioxygenases nidAB (from Mycobacterium vanbaalenii strain PYR-1) and pdoA2B2 (from Mycobacterium sp. Strain 6PY1) were used as molecular probes to amplify the dioxygenases. Degenerate primers were used to amplify a portion of an alkane monooxygenase gene. Mineralization assays and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis indicated that the alkane monooxygenase was constitutively expressed, while nidAB and pdoA2B2 were expressed only in the presence of PAHs. A genomic library of strain CH-2 was created and then screened for the presence of biodegradative operons using the amplified PAH dioxygenases. The pdolocus included a partial pdoF, as well as pdoA2, pdoB2, orf 72, and putative genes for a ferredoxin, an araC-type regulator, and a reductase. The nid locus included a partial nidC, as well as nidB, nidA, and a putative promoter. Primer extension analysis of the nidlocus located the transcriptional start site 68bp upstream of the nidB start codon. The putatively identified promoter region and a promoter fragment lacking the -10 region were amplified, and the products were cloned into pRW50. This plasmid carries the lac operon without a promoter. The plasmid containing the full length promoter expressed the lacZ reporter gene, while expression by the promoter fragment was equivalent to the expression of cells carrying pRW50.
The moderating role of substance abusers’ personal attributes in predicting relapse and partner persuasiveness

In relationships where one partner is dependent on substances, the non-dependent, or “functional” partners use a variety of strategies to stop the abuse and prevent relapse. Inconclusive research r...
Osteogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells Alters Vitamin D Receptor Expression

Pluripotent and multipotent stem cells adopt an osteoblastic phenotype when cultured in environments that enhance their osteogenic potential. Embryonic stem cells differentiated as embryoid bodies (EBs) in osteogenic medium containing β-glycerophosphate exhibit increased expression of bone markers, indicating that cells are osteoblastic. Interestingly, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitaminD3 (1,25D) enhances the osteogenic phenotype not just in EBs but also in multipotent adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). 1,25D acts on osteoblasts via classical vitamin D receptors (VDR) and via a membrane 1,25D-binding protein [protein disulfide isomerase family A, member 3 (PDIA3)], which activates protein kinase C -signaling. The aims of this study were to determine whether these receptors are regulated during osteogenic differentiation of stem cells and if stem cells and differentiated progeny are responsive to 1,25D. mRNA and protein levels for VDR, PDIA3, and osteoblast-associated proteins were measured in undifferentiated cells...
Deformation of spherical cavities and inclusions in fluid-infiltrated elastic materials

Abstract The problem of a spherical cavity which is embedded in a linear, fluid-infiltrated, elastic porous medium and which is subjected to the sudden quasi-static application of a stress at the cavity boundary is solved. It is demonstrated that the deformation of the cavity is homogeneous regardless of the boundary condition imposed on the pore fluid at the cavity wall. For the case in which the pore pressure vanishes at the cavity wall, the time dependence of the cavity strain is evaluated explicitly and is shown to vary between the limits of the ordinary linear elastic response based on the short-time (undrained) and on the long-time (drained) properties of the fluid-saturated solid. The results are then used to obtain a relation between the uniform stress or strain applied at infinity and the stress and strain in a highly permeable, possibly non-linear spherical inclusion. The application of this relationship to a study of earthquake premonitory processes based on the deformation of a rock mass with a spherical weakened zone is outlined. It is argued that the fluid coupling effects serve to stabilize the weakened rock against rapid fracture, and give rise instead to a precursory period of accelerating but initially quasi-static straining which ultimately leads to dynamic instability.
Effect of Mechanical Stimulation on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Seeded Cartilage Constructs

Articular cartilage is a specialized tissue with a restricted capacity for self-repair. Thus, there is a need for a functional tissue replacement product for cartilage due to the ever-increasing occurrence of cartilage injuries and osteoarthritis. Engineering a cartilage replacement construct entails a combination of source cells, cytokines/growth factors, differentiation factors, and a supportive structure to mimic the native environment [1]. An abundant source of cells, isolated from adult bone marrow, are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which when isolated can be a rich cell source given their capacity for chondrogenic differentiation [2].Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Variational Bayesian inference for point process generalized linear models in neural spike trains analysis

Point process generalized linear models (GLMs) have been widely used for neural spike trains analysis. Statistical inference for GLMs include maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation. Variational Bayesian (VB) methods provide a computationally appealing means to infer the posterior density of unknown parameters, in which conjugate priors are designed for the regression coefficients in logistic and Poisson regression. In this paper, we develop and apply VB inference for point process GLMs in neural spike train analysis. The hierarchical Bayesian framework allows us to tackle the variable selection problem. We assess and validate our methods with ensemble neuronal recordings from rat's hippocampal place cells and entorhinal cortical cells during foraging in an open field environment.
Cold Molecule Spectroscopy for Constraining the Evolution of the Fine Structure Constant

We report precise measurements of ground-state, Lambda-doublet microwave transitions in the hydroxyl radical molecule (OH). Utilizing slow, cold molecules produced by a Stark decelerator we have improved over the precision of the previous best measurement 25-fold for the F'=2-->F=2 transition, yielding (1 667 358 996 +/- 4)Hz, and by tenfold for the F'=1-->F=1 transition, yielding (1 665 401 803 +/-12)Hz. Comparing these laboratory frequencies to those from OH megamasers in interstellar space will allow a sensitivity of 1 ppm for Delta(alpha/alpha) over approximately 10(10) yr.
Optimal design of beams for moving loads with a deflection constraint

Abstract The problem of minimizing the volume (weight) of an elastic beam subjected to moving loads and to an imposed maximum deflection is the subject of this paper. Specifically, by means of the calculus of variations, the necessary conditions for the minimum volume are established for beams consisting of longitudinal segments of constant cross-sectional area. Two examples are considered, one for a moving concentrated load and the second for a moving distributed load. The results, at optimum, are the load location, the location of the maximum prescribed displacement, the segment lengths, and areas, and consequently the volume of the beam. For the case of the concentrated load, additional results are obtained for predetermined segment lengths. The results are presented for beam cross sections that are of the sandwich type, and for solid cross sections of different widths or depths.
A simple way to construct a two-sample sequential confidence interval

On presente une methode generale simple pour construire un intervalle de confiance de longueur bornee pour la difference des medianes de population. On obtient un intervalle a deux echantillons
Electron transport and photophosphorylation in chloroplasts as a function of the electron acceptor. II. Acceptor-specific inhibition by KCN

Abstract 1. 1. Dark pretreatment of chloroplasts with high concentrations of KCN in the presence of a trace of ferricyanide completely blocks subsequent transfer of electrons from water to hydrophilic acceptors such as ferricyanide and methylviologen. In the KCN-treated chloroplasts there is still a largely uninhibited electron flow from water to lipophilic oxidants such as p-benzoquinonediimide (oxidized p-phenylenediamine), duroquinonediimide (oxidized diaminodurene) and 2,5-dimethyl-p-benzoquinone. The cyanide-insensitive electron transport supports phosphorylation with a P/e2 ratio of 0.3 to 0.4. It is concluded (a) that these lipophilic oxidants can accept electrons from an unknown intermediate carrier, X, which precedes the KCN-inhibition site and is inaccessible to hydrophilic oxidants, and (b) that a phosphorylation site is associated with the electron pathway H2O→X. 2. 2. Electron transport from diaminodurene to methylviologen and the associated phosphorylation are both inhibited by KCN. The same is true of cyclic photophosphorylation reactions catalyzed by diaminodurene, reduced dichlorophenolindophenol, pyocyanine, and low concentrations of N-methylphenazonium methosulfate. However, cyclic photophosphorylation can be largely restored by high concentrations of PMS. 3. 3. Isolated plastocyanin reacts readily with high concentrations of KCN (> 10 mM) but only at the relatively high pH values (> 7.5) required for effective KCN treatment of chloroplasts. It is suggested that this copper protein is the site of KCN inhibition in chloroplasts. 4. 4. Photoreduction of p-benzoquinonediimide is extremely sensitive to Photosystem II inhibitors, such as 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea, and the inhibition is completely independent of light intensity. In contrast, although the reduction of ferricyanide is almost equally sensitive at very low light intensities, the sensitivity decreases as the light intensity increases. It is suggested that the lipophilic reduction site, X, may be located close to Photosystem II.
Response to Nelson and Schwartz

Abstract In responding to Nelson and Schwartz's [2008. The impact of Milton Friedman on modern monetary economics: setting the record straight on Paul Krugman's “Who was Milton Friedman?”. Journal of Monetary Economics 55, this issue] critique of my “Who Was Milton Friedman”, I focus on three central economic topics: (i) whether it is reasonable to claim that the Federal Reserve caused the Great Depression; (ii) whether monetary policy had the power to engineer an economic recovery after the onset of the depression; and (iii) whether monetarism succeeded or failed. On all these key points, I reject the criticisms of Nelson and Schwartz.
Systemic Barriers to Progress in Academic Social Psychology.

Abstract Many social psychologists have expressed general dissatisfaction with the style, focus, originality, and caliber of much research within the discipline. But the emergence during the past two decades of a large critical literature has not resulted in a significant metamorphosis of the field. One source of failed reform is intellectual disagreement; however, many forces involved in maintaining the status quo are nonintellectual. An understanding of knowledge production in academic social psychology needs to include at least three categories of nonintellectual influence on the research act: (a) broad extradisciplinary forces such as Zeitgeist, social movements, and prevalent political ideologies of professors; (b) student selection and socialization processes; and (c) systemic survival demands. Any recommendations for reform should consider the impact of these nonintellectual factors.
Enhanced helical folding of ortho-phenylenes through the control of aromatic stacking interactions.

The ortho-phenylenes are a simple class of foldamers, with the formation of helices driven by offset aromatic stacking interactions parallel to the helical axis. For the majority of reported o-phenylene oligomers, the perfectly folded conformer comprises perhaps 50–75% of the total population. Given the hundreds or thousands of possible conformers for even short oligomers, this distribution represents a substantial bias toward the folded state. However, “next-generation” o-phenylenes with better folding properties are needed if these structures are to be exploited as functional units within more complex architectures. Here, we report several new series of o-phenylene oligomers, varying both the nature and orientation of the substituents on every repeat unit. The conformational behavior was probed using a combination of NMR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and X-ray crystallography. We find that increasing the electron-withdrawing character of the substituents gives oligomers with substantially improved fol...
Digital archiving of biomedical recordings for off-line computer analysis

Abstract This article describes a new procedure for archiving biomedical recordings on industry standard digital magnetic tape. Familiar computer methodology is employed for data-banking heartbeat patterns in a format which has been optimized for later analysis. Recordings are made through an encoder-controller unit coupled to a four channel FM cassette data recorder. This unit produces FM analog magnetic tape with square wave identification and calibration code preceding each sample of biomedical data. Code bits and data sample are timed out sequentially in repetitive standardized format. Digital images of these specially formatted analog tape cassettes are then processed by an edit program on an IBM 370 145 . Here, the identifiers are decoded and data sections located. Identification, calibration, and biomedical recordings are then archived on a directory tape which may be efficiently and repeatedly accessed for future computations.
The effect of gestational age, birth weight, and disease on troponin I and creatine kinase MB in the first year of life.

Abstract Objectives: To determine the effect of gestational age and birth weight (BW) on troponin I (TnI) and creatine kinase MB fraction (CKMB) levels during the first year of life. Methods: Troponin I and CKMB levels were determined in infants less than 1 year of age using the Immuno I (Bayer Corp.). Results: Troponin I fractions were greatest in the preterm infant; the levels decreased significantly with increasing gestational age and BW, (p = 0.008 and p = 0.005, respectively). The CKMB levels did not exhibit a significant difference between the preterm and term infant groups when assessed for the effects of gestational age or BW (p = 0.12 vs. p = 0.35). Neither TnI nor CKMB levels were significantly different between preterm survivors and nonsurvivors (p = 0.31; p = 0.34, respectively). TnI levels were elevated in critically ill patients without documented myocardial infarction, and without a comparable rise in CKMB. Conclusion: The higher TnI levels during the first 3 months of life may indicate programmed cell death, or apoptosis. This may be especially true in the preterm infant in which the greatest values were documented.
Circadian and Noncircadian Modulation of Autophagy in Photoreceptors and Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Purpose. Autophagy in photoreceptors and the RPE promotes homeostasis and survival. The purpose of this study is to determine the daily pattern of changes in autophagy and factors contributing to its regulation in the outer retina.
Continuous, simultaneous and instantaneous tissue gas and blood flow measurements using the mass spectrometer.

Using a membrane permeable to gases it has been demonstrated in our laboratory that partial pressures of O2, CO2 and N2 can be monitored continuously, simultaneously and instantaneously employing a mass spectrometer. Physiologic studies in experimental animals have been carried out recording tissue gases from kidney, liver, skin and brain. Responses in these organs to changes in blood flow, blood gases, surgical trauma, and isolated perfusion have been conducted. Blood flow can be calculated by adding an inert gas (Argon) to the ventilation mixture, and recording its washout time. Simultaneous pO2, pCO2 and PAr permits focal metabolic studies previously impossible to record.
Influence of water vapor pressure on the apparent capacity for physiological thermoregulation in reptiles

The rate of body temperature change was determined as lizards,Dipsosaurus dorsalis, were heated and cooled between 20 and 40 ° C, at various ambient water vapor pressures (WVP). While changes in WVP did not affect the rate of cooling, the rate of temperature change during heating increased exponentially with increasing WVP (Fig. 4). The ratio of the rate of body temperature change during cooling to the rate of change during heating was reduced 48% in dead animals and 36% in live animals by increasing the WVP during heating from 8 to 47 mm Hg (Fig. 5). The implication of these observations for studies of physiological thermoregulation in reptiles is discussed.
On the statistics of the product of a Gaussian noise process and a pseudorandom binary code

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The spectrophotometric determination of molybdenum and phosphorus by carminic acid method

Abstract A spectrophotometric method for the determination of molybdenum based on the use of carminic acid is proposed. Conformity to Beer's law was observed with an optimum concentration range of 1.5 to 8 ppm of molybdenum when absorbance measurements are made at 565 nm. The molar absorptivities for the determination of molybdenum are 1.4 × 104 mol l−1 cm−1 at 565 nm and 5.1 × 103 mol l−1 cm−1 at 336 nm. An indirect spectrophotometric procedure for the determination of orthophosphate based on the determination of the equivalent molybdenum in 12-molybdophosphoric acid was developed suitable for the determination of 0.03 to 0.18 ppm of phosphorus.
Joining the literacy flow: Fostering symbol and written language learning in young children with significant developmental disabilities through the four currents of literacy

This article is both an ethnographic and an action-based description of how excellent early childhood teachers in seven inclusive preschool and kindergarten classrooms fostered the developing liter...
Successes and Failures in the Implementation of a Manualized Treatment for Childhood Depression in an Outpatient Setting

This article describes successes and failures in the implementation of a manualized treatment for childhood depression. The use of treatment manuals is controversial because most have been derived from lab-based treatments and may not be transportable into real-world settings. A manualized cognitive-behavioral treatment was utilized to treat a 9-year-old boy who presented with multifaceted problems (e.g., depressed mood, eating and sleeping difficulties, crying, bedwetting). The outcome was favorable yet underscored the importance of being flexible and using functional analysis. Numerous challenges were encountered, including the lack of a clear-cut diagnosis, difficulties sustaining the pace of treatment, assessing client progress, and motivating both the child and parents. Challenges are discussed with respect to implications for managed care, debates surrounding manualized treatment, and suggestions for utilizing treatment manuals.
Chromatographic separations of serum proteins on immobilized metal ion stationary phases

Abstract The separation of proteins on stationary phases consisting of a bound organic chelator and a chelated divalent transition metal has been studied as a function of (A) metal ion species; (B) mobile phase composition and pH; and (C) anion and cation concentration. Optimun separation was observed at alkaline pH on chelated nickel stationary phases. Ammonium and Tris salts reduced the affinity of the metal chelate packing for serum proteins. Halide ions caused the proteins to be more strongly bound to the stationary phase. High salt concentrations had only a small effect on the binding of serum proteins in the absence of amine containing buffers or salts. It was also observed that the ease of elution and the recovery of protein were dependent on pH and upon the presence of halides. The general order of elution of serum proteins, based on isoelectric focusing, was independent of metal ion species and elution conditions, suggesting that a single mechanism or a unique sequence of mechanisms was operative. The results suggest that ligand exchange is the major mechanism of separation under basic conditions and that hydrophobic effects are the result of the competition of nonnitrogen ions with ammonium ions or amines for ligand binding sites modifying or participating in protein binding. Protein binding studies under weak acidic conditions are also presented although the mechanism responsible for protein binding is unclear.
On Random Correlation Matrices. 2. The Toeplitz Case

The problem of generating random Toeplitz correlation matrices is considered. Several methods are proposed, of which the most promising, as determined by both computational complexity and spectral randomness, seems to be that based on the characteristic function of random discrete probability measure. A number of interesting theoretical issues are recorded for further investigation. This report follows an earlier one devoted to general random correlation matrices. In both cases the intent is to use such matrices to simulate random data for the testing of certain group-theoretic signal processing algorithms.
ORGANIZATIONAL JUSTICE THEORIES AND LANDMARK CASES

The paper examines various organizational justice theories and three landmark cases which illustrate that with enabling legislation, the violations of organizational justice (distributive, procedural, and interactional justice) give rise to lawsuits on the part of the unfairly treated employees. These lawsuits, if successful, bring about various remedies. Violations of each justice component have unfavorable consequences. As Folger and Cropanzano's (1998) fairness theory integrates prior organizational justice theories and various justice concepts such as distributive, procedural, and interactional justice, each case's justice violations are assessed in accordance with fairness theory. Each successful case results in a landmark monetary settlement and court‐mandated remedial initiatives.
Engineering the nonlinear phase shift using multistage autoregressive moving-average optical filters

In this paper, we propose and demonstrate the application of concepts from digital filter design to optimize artificial optical resonant structures to produce a nearly ideal nonlinear phase shift response. Multi-stage autoregressive moving average (ARMA) optical filters (ring resonator based Mach-Zehnder interferometer lattices) are designed and studied. The filter group delay is used as an alternate measure instead of finesse or quality factor to study the nonlinear sensitivity for multiple resonances. The nonlinearity of a 4-stage ARMA filter is 17 times higher than that of the intrinsic material. We demonstrate that the nonlinear sensitivity can be increased within the same bandwidth by allocating more in-band phase or using higher-order filter structures and that the nonlinear enhancement improves with increasing group delay. We also investigate some possible ways to pre-compensate the nonlinear response to reduce the occurrence of optical bistabilities. The impact of optical loss, including linear absorption and two-photon absorption, and fabrication tolerance are discussed in post-analysis.
Modeling vibration response and damping of cables and cabled structures

Abstract In an effort to model the vibration response of cabled structures, the distributed transfer function method is developed to model cables and a simple cabled structure. The model includes shear effects, tension, and hysteretic damping for modeling of helical stranded cables, and includes a method for modeling cable attachment points using both linear and rotational damping and stiffness. The damped cable model shows agreement with experimental data for four types of stranded cables, and the damped cabled beam model shows agreement with experimental data for the cables attached to a beam structure, as well as improvement over the distributed mass method for cabled structure modeling.
Cost-effective management of common bile duct stones: a decision analysis of the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), intraoperative cholangiography, and laparoscopic bile duct exploration.

There are a variety of approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Decision modeling was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of four strategies for managing CBD stones around the time of LC: (a) routine preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (preoperative ERCP), (b) LC with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), followed by laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCDE), (c) LC with IOC, followed by ERCP (postoperative ERCP), and (d) expectant management (LC without any tests for CBD stones). Local hospital data were used to estimate costs. Cost-effectiveness was expressed in terms of the cost per case of residual CBD stones prevented (in excess of the cost of LC alone). Diagnostic test characteristics, procedure success rates, and adverse event probabilities were derived from a systematic review of the literature. Sensitivity analysis was used to explore the effect of uncertainty on the results of the model. LC alone was the least costly strategy, but it was also the least effective. Of the more aggressive strategies, LCDE and preoperative ERCP were associated with marginal costs of $5993.60 and $299,259.35, respectively, per case of residual CBD stones prevented. Postoperative ERCP was more costly and less effective than LCDE, but it had a lower cost-effectiveness ratio than preoperative ERCP when the prevalence of CBD stones was 80%).
Global outsourcing of information systems and processing services

Abstract Outsourcing, selectively turning over some junctions of information systems and processing services to a subcontractor, has recently captured the imagination of both information systems and corporate executives. With increasing cost‐reduction pressures, management sees outsourcing as an important option, which allows them to better leverage resources, contain costs, and focus on strategic and value‐added activities. Several countries have large pools of information systems professionals and clerical staff who are well‐trained and whose salary expectations are significantly less than those of their U.S. counterparts. The pricing advantage held by these countries and the advances in information technology have made global outsourcing a small but rapidly growing sector of the overall outsourcing market. Adopting the viewpoint of a business from a developed country such as the United States, the article analyzes the opportunities and challenges of global outsourcing, develops managerial guidelines fo...
Discussion Paper: Strong Dependence of Whole Animal Absorption on Polarization and Frequency of Radio-Frequency Energy

A two-plate stripline is used to determine wide-band radio-frequency (285-4000 MHz) absorption characteristics of 96-390-g rats and brain-phantom prolate spheroidal bodies. The results compare well to those for free space irradiation. At resonance, for E along the long dimension (â), a power deposition nine times higher than that for the H parallel â orientation is observed. For rats in the k parallel â configuration, the frequencies of peak absorption and the maximum absorption at these values demonstrate W-1/3 and W 2/3 dependencies, respectively, upon the weight W of the animal. This finding implies that whole animal absorption is a size- and shape-dependent phenomenon.
Female athletes, women's sport, and the sport media commercial complex: Have we really “come a long way, baby”?

The 2012 London Olympic Games were heralded as the “Year of the Woman” as every delegation sent a female athlete to compete in the games, and nearly 45% of all athletes were women. Indeed, sport participation amongst girls and women is currently at an all-time high, and these sportswomen deliver remarkable athletic performances. However, female athletes and women's sport still receive starkly disparate treatment by the sport media commercial complex compared to male athletes and men's sport. This review documents these qualitative and quantitative differences and discusses the negative impact this differential coverage has on consumer perceptions of women's sport and female athletes. Additionally, the author examines explanations for these differences. The review concludes with suggestions for future research and strategies for change.
Stereoselective synthesis of 6β-substituted penicillanates

Abstract Reduction of 6-substituted-6-halopenicillanates with tri-n-butyltin hydride can produce stereoselectively 6β-substituted derivatives.
Some nonlinear dispersive waves arising in compressible hyperelastic plates

Abstract In this paper we study finite deformations in a pre-stressed, hyperelastic compressible plate. For small-amplitude nonlinear waves, we obtain equations that involve an amplitude parameter e. Using an asymptotic perturbation technique, we derive a new family of two-dimensional nonlinear dispersive equations. This family includes the KdV, Kadomtsev–Petviashvili and Camassa–Holm equations.