cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface transport kinetics in low-temperature silicon deposition determined from topography evolution

In this article, surface transport kinetics during low-temperature silicon thin film deposition are characterized using time dependent surface topography and dynamic scaling models. Analysis of surface morphology indicates that diffusion of adsorbed species dominates surface transport, with a characteristic diffusion length that increases with surface temperature. A diffusion activation barrier of $\ensuremath{\sim}0.2 \mathrm{eV}$ is obtained, consistent with hydrogen-mediated adspecies diffusion on the growth silicon surface. Samples are compared over a range of deposition temperatures (25 to $350\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C})$ and film thickness (20 to $5000 \AA{})$ deposited using silane with helium or argon dilution, on glass and silicon substrates. Self-similar surface structure is found to depend on detailed film growth conditions, but is independent of film thickness after nuclei coalescence. For films deposited using helium dilution, static and dynamic scaling parameters are consistent with self-similar fractal geometry scaling, and the lateral correlation length increases from 45 to 150 nm as temperature increases from 25 to $150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}.$ These results are discussed in relation to current silicon deposition models and with topography evolution observed during low temperature growth of other amorphous material systems.
Gaseous Iodine Measurements and Their Relationship to Particulate Lead in a Polluted Atmosphere

Abstract Gaseous iodine and particulate iodine and lead samples were collected simultaneously in a polluted atmosphere using activated charcoal and membrane filters. Concentrations of gaseous iodine varied from 10–18 ng m−3 and particulate iodine from 2–15 ng m−3 as determined by neutron activation analysis. The total iodine concentration found in this work is approximately twice that found in the unpolluted marine atmosphere. Lead concentrations varied from 0.4–3.7 µg m−3 as determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. There is an apparent relationship between the concentration of total particulate matter in the air and the ratio of particulate iodine to gaseous iodine. This relationship is consistent with laboratory investigations of gaseous I2 adsorption onto combustion aerosols reported by other investigators. Calculations indicate that the concentrations of gaseous iodine measured in this work should be sufficient to activate all lead containing particles to ice nuclei in a polluted atmosphere....
Luminous intensity measurements of sources using a new detector-based illuminance scale

Until recently, the source-based photometric scale of NIST had been derived from the gold- point black-body using a long derivation chain resulting in a scale uncertainty of about 1%. In order to improve the accuracy of the photometric scale, a new detector-based illuminance scale has been realized with an uncertainty about twice as small as that of the previous source- based scale. The realization of the new illuminance scale was made by photometers calibrated for absolute spectral response, traceable to NIST primary standard detectors using a short derivation chain. The luminous intensity scale is derived from the illuminance scale. With the introduction of the new photometric scale, the photometric calibration services of NIST will include luminous intensity and luminance calibration of different kinds of light sources, measured with standard photometers. Luminous intensity measurements of LEDs are discussed as an example to illustrate the new calibration services. In addition, the new photometric scale will allow calibration of illuminance and luminance meters with standard photometers, using different kinds of light sources.
Dynamic structure of networks updated according to simple, local rules

While most studies of deterministic network growth have been of one- or two-case models, here a more diverse and comprehensive method of deterministic network evolution is presented. The range of observed behavior is classified and the underlying causes of the various types of growth are investigated. The potential for prediction of the different types of network growth is also examined. It is discovered that a wide variety of behavior can be produced by a simple evolutionary setup and that the networks resulting from this method of evolution warrant further study.
A sedimentary facies model for glacial-age sediments in Baldwin Lake, Southern California

Abstract A combined sedimentological and high-resolution petrographic analysis was conducted on a glacial-age (20,000–65,000 cal yr BP) sediment core from Baldwin Lake, Southern California. The results of this research represent the most complete glacial-age, terrestrial climate record from Southern California to date. These results are used to characterize the different sediment types and to investigate the difference in depositional processes and environments between the core's three predominant sediment types: massive, semi-laminated, and laminated sediments. Massive sediments are commonly associated with a blocky texture and/or desiccation cracks, are organic-poor, have high magnetic susceptibility values, and are coarser-grained. Thin-sections from massive sediments reveal a homogenous sediment fabric. Sub-centimeter-scale laminated and centimeter-scale semi-laminated sediments are generally organic-rich, have low magnetic susceptibility values, and are finer grained. Thin-sections from laminated and semi-laminated sediments reveal diffuse sub-millimeter- to millimeter-scale laminae. This combination of sedimentological and high-resolution petrographic data enabled us to characterize four sediment facies, each related to specific depositional processes and environments: (1) a playa lake; (2) a perennial shallow lake; (3) an intermediate lake with variable lake level; and, (4) a perennial deep lake. At centennial-to millennial-timescales, lower lake levels are represented by deposition of massive to semi-laminated sediments in a playa to a perennial shallow lake environment. At similar timescales, higher lake levels are recorded by semi-laminated to laminated sediments deposited in an intermediate lake to a perennial deep lake environment. These results provide an additional sedimentological study for comparison to similar arid environment basins, and for comparison to existing regional paleoclimatic reconstructions.
Normal Human Serum Fluoride Concentrations

RESULTS from a new method of analysis of fluoride from serum indicate that the generally accepted value for normal humans is too high by as much as a factor of ten. The average serum fluoride concentration of sixteen non-fasting individuals, all presumably drinking fluoridated water, was found to be 0.7 µM ± 0.4 S.D. (0.013 p.p.m.) and the average difference in duplicates was 0.18 µM. (The very low values found here for serum fluoride make p.p.m. an awkward unit. Therefore the shift has been made to the more useful and acceptable chemical concentration terms, mµmole (millimicromole) and µM (micromolar).) The generally accepted average serum fluoride value is 8 µM (0.15 p.p.m.) as found by Singer and Armstrong, regardless of the concentration of fluoride in the drinking water up to 130 µM (2.5 p.p.m.)1.
Telecommunications reform in developing countries after the WTO agreement on basic telecommunications services

This paper studies the main consequences and lessons of the WTO Agreement on Basic Telecommunications Services for economic reforms in developing countries. Our analysis emphasizes that the Agreement changed market and policy expectations about the supply, pricing, and demand growth of communications services. We show that WTO-enforced regulatory code in telecommunications (the 'Reference Paper') has considerably lowered the risks for domestic and foreign investors. One of the main conclusions of the paper is that an enforceable regulatory code can be an important tool for developing countries when reconciling the needs for policy consistency and flexibility during the introduction of competition in telecommunications. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High-sensitivity (25-μm pitch) microbolometer FPAs and application development

Raytheon Infrared Operations (RIO) has achieved a significant technical breakthrough in uncooled FPAs by reducing the pixel size by a factor of two while maintaining state-of-the-art sensitivity. Raytheon has produced high-quality 320 X 240 microbolometer FPAs with 25 μm pitch pixels. The 320 X 240 FPAs have a sensitivity that is comparable to microbolometer FPAs with 50 micrometers pixels. The average NETD value for these FPAs is about 35 mK with an f/1 aperture and operating at 30 Hz frame rates. Good pixel operability and excellent image quality have been demonstrated. Pixel operability is greater than 99% on some FPAs, and uncorrected responsivity nonuniformity is less than 4% (sigma/mean). The microbolometer detectors also have a relatively fast thermal time constant of approximately 10 msec. This state-of-the-art performance has been achieved as a result of an advanced micromachining fabrication process. The process allows maximization of both the thermal isolation and the optical fill-factor. The reduction in pixel size offers several potential benefits for IR systems. For a given system resolution (IFOV) requirement, the 25 μm pixels allow a factor of two reduction in both the focal length and aperture size of the sensor optics. The pixel size reduction facilitates a significant FPA cost reduction since the number of die printed on a wafer can be increased. The pixel size reduction has enabled the development of a large-format 640 X 512 FPA array applicable to wide-field-of-view, long range surveillance and targeting missions, and a 160 X 128 array where applications for miniaturization and temperature invariance are required as well as low cost and low power.
Calibration curves for thermistors

Abstract A function for use in interpolating thermistor calibrations has been found which is suitable for use with a wide variety of thermistors for ranges of a few degrees to a few hundred degrees. It is T −1 = A + B log R + C (log R ) 3 where T is the Kelvin temperature, R the resistance, and A , B and C constants. This function possesses a number of desirable properties and fits thermistor data considerably better than many such functions now in use.
Comparing Networks Across Space and Time, Size and Species

We describe and illustrate methodology for comparing networks from diverse settings. Our empirical base consists of 42 networks from four kinds of species (humans, nonhuman primates, nonprimate mammals, and birds) and covering distinct types of relations such as influence, grooming, and agonistic encounters. The general problem is to determine whether networks are similarly structured despite their surface differences. The methodology we propose is generally applicable to the characterization and comparison of network–level social structures across multiple settings, such as different organizations, communities, or social groups, and to the examination of sources of variability in network structure. We first fit a p* model (Wasserman and Pattison 1996) to each network to obtain estimates for effects of six structural properties on the probability of the graph. We then calculate predicted tie probabilities for each network, using both its own parameter estimates and the estimates from every other network in the collection. Comparison is based on the similarity between sets of predicted tie probabilities. We then use correspondence analysis to represent the similarities among all 42 networks and interpret the resulting configuration using information about the species and relations involved. Results show that similarities among the networks are due more to the kind of relation than to the kind of animal.
Separation of mixed signals in dynamic environments: formulation and some implementation

We describe algorithms and some chip implementations for separating unknown, but independent, mixtures of temporal signals in static and dynamic environments. One algorithm is a modified HJ algorithm; the other is derived based on optimal control theory so as to maximize a functional which characterizes the linear independence of temporal signals. Moreover, we present some chip results and computer simulations and quantify the performance in static and dynamic environments.
Dispersing palladium nanoparticles using a water-in-oil microemulsion—homogenization of heterogeneous catalysis

Palladium nanoparticles dispersed by a water-in-oil microemulsion are very effective catalysts for hydrogenation of olefins in an organic solvent.
Quantitative characteristics of a laminar, unsteady necklace vortex system at a rectangular block-flat plate juncture

The unsteady laminar necklace vortex system formed at the junction of a rectangular bluff body and a flat plate was studied experimentally using hydrogen bubble flow visualization and particle image velocimetry (PIV). The vortex system was found to exhibit unsteady behaviour similar to that described by other investigators for cylinder-flat plate junctures, and is characterized by the periodic formation of necklace vortices upstream of the body that subsequently break away and advect towards the block. Detailed analysis of PIV measurements on the plane of symmetry indicates that the dominant mechanism for vorticity balance in the vortex system is the cross-cancellation of the vorticity of the necklace vortex with vorticity of opposite sign generated by interaction of the necklace vortex with the approach surface to the body.
Modeling and Control of the Static Synchronous Series Compensator under Different Operating Modes

This paper evaluates the dynamic performance of the static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) functioning under different operating modes. The SSSC uses a voltage source inverter to inject a series voltage in to the transmission line which is kept in quadrature with the line current. By adjusting the magnitude of this injected voltage, the active power flow through the line can be manipulated at will. The magnitude of the injected voltage can be set by commanding a value for the power through the line, a value of the injected voltage itself, or a value for the equivalent impedance seen by the line. This leads to three different operating modes, namely power mode, voltage mode and impedance mode. A dynamic model that allows controller design and performance evaluation under different modes is developed. Detailed computer simulations are used to contrast the performance of the SSSC under these three forms of operation.
Clitic Placement and the Projection of Functional Categories

Instances of verb-clitic order in Galician and European Portuguese main clauses are taken in recent work to be the product of overt verb and clitic movement to a position high in the clause. The verb and clitic move to Co according to Madeira (1992) and Manzini (1994), and to Uriagereka’s (1988) F node according Uriagereka (1995a, 1995b), while Martins (1994) proposes that the verb moves to Laka’s (1990) Σ node and the clitic to the highest Infl head. Assuming that any of these is correct, the alternation in languages such as Spanish and Standard Italian between [cl-V] order in fmite clauses and [V-cl] in infmitivals, as well as the alternation between [cl-V] in fmite clauses and [V-cl] in gerunds in Standard Italian and Greek, might be due to the features on the verb to be checked against C, Σ, or F being strong on infinitival verbs (and gerunds), but weak on fmite verbs. Or the alternations in Spanish, Standard Italian, and Greek might reflect an Infl-orientation of the clitic, realised in the Minimalist framework of Chomsky (1993, 1995a, 1995b) as a need for the clitic to check agreement N-features against an inflectional head, with the alternation resulting from different orders of adjunction of V and the clitic to I in finite clauses versus infinitives (and gerunds) along lines laid out in Madeira (1992) and Manzini (1994); specifically, these alternations might reflect an Agro-orientation of the clitic, realised as a need for the clitic to check agreement N-features against Agro.2
‘Technology Determines Tactics’: The Relationship between Technology and Doctrine in Chinese Military Thinking

Abstract Does ‘doctrine drive technology’ or does ‘technology drive doctrine’? For the United States with its advanced industrial and technological base, many examples of ‘doctrine driving technology’ can be found. For the People's Liberation Army (PLA), however, most evidence from military sources indicates that ‘technology drives doctrine’ or, as the Chinese say, ‘technology determines tactics’ (but not necessarily strategy). Within an overarching Chinese strategic framework, tactics and doctrine will be developed appropriate for (a) the weapons and technologies that are actually in the Chinese armed forces and (b) the people who must operate and maintain them. The Chinese civilian and military leadership has designated 2049 for completion of the modernization of the Chinese armed forces, a date selected in conjunction with the target for achieving China's main strategic priority, national economic modernization. Barring a major change in the strategic or domestic environment, we can expect that Beijing...
Allosteric Inhibition of the Epithelial Na+ Channel through Peptide Binding at Peripheral Finger and Thumb Domains

The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) mediates the rate-limiting step in transepithelial Na+ transport in the distal segments of the nephron and in the lung. ENaC subunits are cleaved by proteases, resulting in channel activation due to the release of inhibitory tracts. Peptides derived from these tracts inhibit channel activity. The mechanism by which these intrinsic inhibitory tracts reduce channel activity is unknown, as are the sites where these tracts interact with other residues within the channel. We performed site-directed mutagenesis in large portions of the predicted periphery of the extracellular region of the α subunit and measured the effect of mutations on an 8-residue inhibitory tract-derived peptide. Our data show that the inhibitory peptide likely binds to specific residues within the finger and thumb domains of ENaC. Pairwise interactions between the peptide and the channel were identified by double mutant cycle experiments. Our data suggest that the inhibitory peptide has a specific peptide orientation within its binding site. Extended to the intrinsic inhibitory tract, our data suggest that proteases activate ENaC by removing residues that bind at the finger-thumb domain interface.
Between Public and Private Action: Neighborhood Organizations and Local Governance

Recent decades have witnessed shifts in the division of labor among actors in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors, leading in part to new forms of governance. Indeed, some recent scholarship argues that nongovernmental organizations may go beyond their provisional and advocacy functions to play a much more central role in actually governing by contributing directly to public decision-making and action as part of the governing process. This article examines the governance roles of neighborhood organizations acting to shape community action in Chicago and their relationships with local government. It finds that while engaging in governance processes in both direct and indirect ways, neighborhood organizations often function at the interstices of public and private action created by absences or gaps in state policy or by local action. Developing these liminal spaces may be important to increase the influence of neighborhood organizations and their capacity to contribute directly to governing.
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in patients with prior myocardial revascularization surgery

Direct myocardial revascularization surgery using either the saphenous vein or internal mammary artery has become the definitive surgical treatment for coronary artery occlusive disease. Certain patients who have undergone these procedures, however, have recurrent myocardial ischemia due to progression of disease in unbypassed vessels, to obstruction in the arteries distal to the insertion of the bypass conduit, or to disease of the conduit itself. Balloon angioplasty may be used to relieve myocardial ischemia in these situations; however, initial studies suggested a low primary success rate coupled with excessive mortality and morbidity. Improvements in patient selection, equipment and technical expertise now allow angioplasty to be performed in this patient population with results comparable to that in the general coronary angioplasty population. Of the 3,016 angioplasty procedures performed between September 1980 and June 1987, 236 patients had previously undergone revascularization surgery. The primary success rate was 93% (390 of 419 stenoses successfully dilated). Overall, clinical restenosis was observed in 39%, including a 43% restenosis rate in patients undergoing only saphenous vein graft angioplasty. This did not differ appreciably from the restenosis rate in postbypass patients undergoing angioplasty of only native vessels (37%) or internal mammary arteries (42%). Emergency revascularization surgery was required in 7 of 236 patients (3%), each of whom had myocardial infarction. One of 236 patients (0.4%) died. Thus, angioplasty may be used to relieve recurrent myocardial ischemia in patients with prior direct myocardial revascularization procedures with a high initial success rate and acceptable risk. Early (
Public insurance and child hospitalizations: access and efficiency effects

Abstract The 1983–1996 period saw enormous expansions in access to public health insurance for low-income children. We explore the impact of these expansions on child hospitalizations. While greater access to inpatient care may increase hospital utilization, improved efficiency of care for children who are also newly eligible for primary care could lower hospitalization rates. We use a large sample of child discharges from the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) to assess the net impact of Medicaid expansions on hospitalizations during this period. We find that total hospitalizations increased significantly, with each 10 percentage-point rise in eligibility leading to an 8.4% increase in hospitalizations. Thus, the access effect strongly outweighs any efficiency effect produced by expanded coverage. However, we find some support for an efficiency effect: the increase in hospitalizations for unavoidable conditions is much larger than that for avoidable conditions that are most sensitive to outpatient care. Indeed, the increase in avoidable hospitalizations is less than half that of unavoidable hospitalizations, and it is not statistically significant. We also find that expanded Medicaid eligibility reduced the average length of stay, but increased the utilization of inpatient procedures, so that the net impact on total costs per stay is ambiguous.
Empathy Is Associated With Dynamic Change in Prefrontal Brain Electrical Activity During Positive Emotion in Children

Empathy is the combined ability to interpret the emotional states of others and experience resultant, related emotions. The relation between prefrontal electroencephalographic asymmetry and emotion in children is well known. The association between positive emotion (assessed via parent report), empathy (measured via observation), and second-by-second brain electrical activity (recorded during a pleasurable task) was investigated using a sample of one hundred twenty-eight 6- to 10-year-old children. Contentment related to increasing left frontopolar activation (p < .05). Empathic concern and positive empathy related to increasing right frontopolar activation (ps < .05). A second form of positive empathy related to increasing left dorsolateral activation (p < .05). This suggests that positive affect and (negative and positive) empathy both relate to changes in prefrontal activity during a pleasurable task.
Testing the Effect of Level and Importance of Pay Referents on Pay Level Satisfaction

Using 162 pharmaceutical managers in a longitudinal research design, this study tested whether level and importance of a pay referent interacted to affect pay level satisfaction. Five pay referents (financial, historical, organization, market, and social) and three standardized pay level satisfaction scales (Job Descriptive Index, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Pay Satisfaction Questionnaire) were used. After controlling for employee salary, job inputs, job characteristics, pay system administration, and level and importance pay referent main effects, interactive effects were found which varied by pay satisfaction scale. Results and limitations of this study are discussed.
Test-Ordering Strategy in the Intensive Care Unit

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of an intervention designed to reduce utilization of portable chest x-rays (CXRs) in the intensive care unit (ICU). In this prospective observational study, patients representing 2734 consecutive admissions over a 35-month period were studied. Data collected from the comprehensive ICU database included patient days, ventilator days, number of admissions to the unit, number of CXRs ordered, costs for CXR, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (Apache II) scores, ICU length of stay (LOS), length of mechanical ventilation, inadvertent extubations from mechanical ventilation, and reintubation within 48 hours of planned extubation. There was a 22.5% reduction in the rate CXR utilization during the study period, resulting in a $109,968 cost savings, and these savings were not associated with any adverse clinical outcomes.
Uniform strain in broad muscles: active and passive effects of the twisted tendon of the spotted ratfish Hydrolagus colliei.

SUMMARY A muscle9s force output depends on the range of lengths over which its fibers operate. Regional variation in fiber shortening during muscle contraction may translate into suboptimal force production if a subset of muscle fibers operates outside the plateau of the length–tension curve. Muscles with broad insertions and substantial shortening are particularly prone to heterogeneous strain patterns since fibers from different regions of the muscle vary in their moment arms, with fibers further from the joint exhibiting greater strains. In the present study, we describe a musculotendon morphology that serves to counteract the variation in moment arm and fiber strains that are inherent in broad muscles. The tendon of the anterior jaw adductor of the spotted ratfish Hydrolagus colliei is twisted such that the distal face of the muscle inserts more proximally than the proximal face. Using quantitative geometric models based on this natural morphology, we show that this inversion of insertion points serves to equalize strains across the muscle such that at any gape angle all fibers in the muscle are operating at similar positions on their length–tension curves. Manipulations of this geometric model show that the natural morphology is `ideal9 compared to other hypothetical morphologies for limiting fiber strain heterogeneity. The uniform strain patterns predicted for this morphology could increase active force production during jaw closing and also decrease passive resistance to jaw opening. This divergence from `typical9 tendon morphology in the jaw adductors of H. colliei may be particularly important given the demands for high force production in durophagy.
A unified inference procedure for a class of measures to assess improvement in risk prediction systems with survival data

Risk prediction procedures can be quite useful for the patient's treatment selection, prevention strategy, or disease management in evidence-based medicine. Often, potentially important new predictors are available in addition to the conventional markers. The question is how to quantify the improvement from the new markers for prediction of the patient's risk in order to aid cost-benefit decisions. The standard method, using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, to measure the added value may not be sensitive enough to capture incremental improvements from the new markers. Recently, some novel alternatives to area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, such as integrated discrimination improvement and net reclassification improvement, were proposed. In this paper, we consider a class of measures for evaluating the incremental values of new markers, which includes the preceding two as special cases. We present a unified procedure for making inferences about measures in the class with censored event time data. The large sample properties of our procedures are theoretically justified. We illustrate the new proposal with data from a cancer study to evaluate a new gene score for prediction of the patient's survival.
How Do Cities and Counties Respond to Changes in Their Property Tax Base

Over the past decade, the per capital property tax bases of local governments have experienced large upward and downward movements as the result of the boom and bust in real estate markets. This paper provides some evidence on how local governments balance their budgets as their tax base changes. The results suggest that millage rates are adjusted in an attempt to stabilize property tax revenues. The millage rate offset is nearly complete for counties, but less than complete for cities. Cities alter selected expenditures to keep total expenditures in line with total revenues. Key Words: Local government budgets, Property tax base JEL classification: H11, H72
Using ethyl glucuronide in urine to detect light and heavy drinking in alcohol dependent outpatients

Aims This study investigated which ethyl glucuronide immunoassay (EtG-I) cutoff best detects heavy versus light drinking over five days in alcohol dependent outpatients.
Online planning for a material control system for liquid crystal display manufacturing

The hyper-modular printer control project at PARC has proven that a tightly integrated model-based planning and control framework can effectively control a complex physical system. Recently, we have successfully applied this framework to another application: planning for the Material Control System (MCS) of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) manufacturing plant in a joint project between the Embedded Reasoning Area at PARC and the Products Development Center at the IHI Corporation. The model-based planner created at PARC was able to successfully solve a diverse set of test scenarios provided by IHI, including those that were deemed very difficult by the IHI experts. The short project time (2 months) proved that model-based planning is a flexible framework that can adapt quickly to novel applications. In this paper, we will introduce this complex domain and describe the adaptation process of the Plantrol online planner. The main contributions are: (1) introducing a successful application of general-purpose planning; (2) outline the timeline-based online temporal planner; and (3) description of a complex warehouse management problem that can serve as an attractive benchmark domain for planning.
Modeling Boron Diffusion in Polycrystalline HfO 2 Films

We present ab-initio modeling results including formation, migration, and activation energies for B diffusion through bulk and grain boundaries in polycrystalline HfO 2 films. Modeling results clearly indicate that B can penetrate through a 40 A HfO 2 film via grain boundary diffusion, but not by bulk diffusion. SIMS analysis of B concentration profiles for polysilicon/HfO 2 /Si gate stacks after different anneals showed double B peaks at the interfaces and thus confirmed the modeling prediction.
Substance P and IL-33 synergistically stimulate mast cells to release IL-1β and TNF-α implicated in psoriasis; inhibition by the flavonoid methoxyluteolin (THER2P.960)

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and inflammation. The pathogenesis of psoriasis appears to involve interactions among keratinocytes, mast cells (MC) and cytokines. MC are immune cells that secrete various cytokines and chemokines including interleukin (IL)-1 family of cytokines (IL-1β, 18, 33), which can stimulate keratinocyte activation. IL-33 also augments activation of MC with further release of several mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, and prostaglandin D2. Also, IL-33 has synergistic effect with a neuropeptide substance P (SP) on VEGF release in MC. Both IL-33 and SP are upregulated in psoriatic skin. Moreover, SP stimulates keratinocytes to secrete IL-1β. Our findings show that SP and IL-33 synergistically stimulate MC to produce and release IL-1β and TNF-α, pro-inflammatory mediators involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. The combination of SP and IL-33 also significantly up-regulates IL-1β and TNF-α gene expression. The natural flavonoid methoxyluteolin (Metlut) is a potent inhibitor of both keratinocyte and MC activation. Here we report that Metlut significantly inhibits IL-1β and TNF-α gene expression, production and release triggered by SP and IL-33 combination. Therefore, Metlut-based formulations could be a novel treatment for psoriasis.
Energy Efficient Design for Hotels in the Tropical Climate using Modelica

For hotels located in the tropical climate, a significant amount of energy is attributed to the domestic hot water (DHW) usage and the space cooling. To improve the energy efficiency of hotels in the tropical climate, we proposed a heat recovery system that could utilize the waste heat from the space cooling system to preheat the city water supplied to the DHW system. To support the system design, we selected Modelica to model the heat recovery system and its control, which is difficult to be simulated by conventional building simulation tools. The Modelica Buildings library and the Modelica_StateGraph2 library were employed to build the system model. A hotel in Miami, Florida, U.S. was selected for the case study. The simulation results showed that the proposed heat recovery system could save up to around 30% boiler energy use in the DHW system.
The ala-tragus line as a guide for orientation of the occlusal plane in complete dentures.

AIM The use of the ala-tragus line (ATL) to orient the occlusal plane (OP) is controversial because there is a lack of agreement on the exact points of reference for this line. This study determined the relationship between the natural OP and ATL which was established by using the inferior border of the ala of the nose and (1) the superior border of the tragus (ATL1), (2) the tip (ATL2), and (3) the inferior border of the tragus (ATL3). MATERIALS AND METHODS Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken of each subject by a standard method and tracings were obtained on acetate paper to show the OP and the three ala-tragus lines. The relationship between the OP and each of ATL was measured for each subject. Mean and standard deviation values were then calculated for the relationship. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measure analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni pairwise comparisons and Student's t-test (α = 0.05). RESULTS Significant differences were noted between the three mean angles (p = 0.046). The mean angle (3.275 degrees ± 2.54) formed by OP and ATL2 was significantly the smallest (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The ala-tragus line, extending from the inferior border of the ala of the nose to the tip of the tragus of the ear presented the closest relationship to the natural occlusal plane.
E-learning. A practical solution for training and tracking in patient-care settings.

E-learning, online computer (Web)-based educational training, may be the solution to keeping health care staff abreast of new technologies, information, and regulations. Compared with traditional classroom teaching, e-learning can deliver content faster to the entire staff, be individualized to meet pace, language, and reading level. Additionally, an e-learning system provides accurate and automatic tracking. Although some teaching methodologies are key to ensuring learning (i.e., skills' demonstration or practicing negotiation skills), e-learning can decrease time away from work by providing essential information and content.
Eloquent silences: A musical and lexical analysis of conversation between oncologists and their patients

Abstract Objective Silences in doctor-patient communication can be “connectional” and communicative, in contrast to silences that indicate awkwardness or distraction. Musical and lexical analyses can identify and characterize connectional silences in consultations between oncologists and patients. Methods Two medical students and a professor of voice screened all 1211 silences over 2 s in length from 124 oncology office visits. We developed a “strength of connection” taxonomy and examined ten connectional silences for lexical and musical features including pitch, volume, and speaker turn-taking rhythm. Results We identified connectional silences with good reliability. Typical dialog rhythms surrounding connectional silences are characterized by relatively equal turn lengths and frequent short vocalizations. We found no pattern of volume and pitch variability around these silences. Connectional silences occurred in a wide variety of lexical contexts. Conclusion Particular patterns of dialog rhythm mark connectional silences. Exploring structures of connectional silence extends our understanding of the audio-linguistic conditions that mark patient-clinician connection. Practice implications Communicating with an awareness of pitch, rhythm, and silence – in addition to lexical content – can facilitate shared understanding and emotional connection.
New Record Species of Ophiostoma in China

3 isolates of the genus Ophiostoma on blue-stained pinewood were studied morphologically and identified. The results showed that these three new record species of Ophiostoma in China were:Ophiostoma davidsonii,O. abietinum and O. franke-grosmanniaer.
Subgraph Queries over Dynamic Graph Data

Subgraph query has attracted wide attention of scholars as an important topic of graph database management in recent years. In real life most of the graph data are frequently updated,and maintenance cost of the existing methods for frequently updated graph data is higher. Subgraph query is a NP complete problem,while frequently updated subgraph queries will become more difficult. In light of the above problem,this paper proposes the method of subgraph queries over dynamic graph data. Firstly the method constructs every graph's topological hierarchical sequence as index,then filters out the candidate set according to the sequence matching relationship,and finally uses graph isomorphism algorithm to verify the candidate set and gets final result set. The index is constructed easily and its size is small. The method doesn't need to rebuild index after database updating,and it not only supports subgraph queries on dynamic graph data,but also shows good performance on static graph data.
Influence of groundwater on distribution of dwarf wedgemussels ( Alasmidonta heterodon ) in the upper reaches of the Delaware River, northeastern USA

Abstract. The remaining populations of the endangered dwarf wedgemussel (DWM) (Alasmidonta heterodon) in the upper Delaware River, northeastern USA, were hypothesized to be located in areas of greater-than-normal groundwater discharge to the river. We combined physical (seepage meters, monitoring wells and piezometers), thermal (fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing, infrared, vertical bed-temperature profiling), and geophysical (electromagnetic-induction) methods at several spatial scales to characterize known DWM habitat and explore this hypothesis. Numerous springs were observed using visible and infrared imaging along the river banks at all three known DWM-populated areas, but not in adjacent areas where DWM were absent. Vertical and lateral groundwater gradients were toward the river along all three DWM-populated reaches, with median upward gradients 3 to 9 times larger than in adjacent reaches. Point-scale seepage-meter measurements indicated that upward seepage across the riverbed was faster and more consistently upward at DWM-populated areas. Discrete and areally distributed riverbed-temperature measurements indicated numerous cold areas of groundwater discharge during warm summer months; all were within areas populated by DWM. Electromagnetic-induction measurements, which may indicate riverbed geology, showed patterning but little correlation between bulk streambed electromagnetic conductivity and areal distribution of DWM. In spite of complexity introduced by hyporheic exchange, multiple lines of research provide strong evidence that DWM are located within or directly downstream of areas of substantial focused groundwater discharge to the river. Broad scale thermal-reconnaissance methods (e.g., infrared) may be useful in locating and protecting other currently unknown mussel populations.
Invasive Giant Cell Tumor of the Lateral Skull Base: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Case Illustration

Background The current literature regarding cranial giant cell tumor (GCT) management includes scattered case reports and small case series. We present a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis on this subject, along with a case report describing our management of a patient with temporal GCT. Methods A systematic literature review of all reports on GCTs of the skull was performed, followed by a meta-analysis examining the effect of radiation and degree of resection on tumor recurrence. Results Fifty-nine abstracts published between 1945 and 2015, reporting 110 cases of GCT, were reviewed. After exclusions were applied, 31 reports, covering 67 patients, were selected for meta-analysis. Average patient age was 33.7 years, and the male:female ratio was roughly 1:1. Tumor locations were temporal in 37 patients, sphenoid in 20 patients, occipital in 6 patients, frontal in 2 patients, and the temporomandibular joint in 2 patients. Treatments were surgery plus radiation in 25 patients, surgery alone in 41 patients, and radiation alone in 1 patient. In the 66 patients who underwent surgery, the degree of resection was gross total resection (GTR) in 34 patients, subtotal resection (STR) in 31 patients, and not recorded in 1 patient. The mean follow-up time was 36 months. Recurrence occurred in 8.8% of patients in the GTR group and in 32.3% of those in the STR group (odds ratio, 0.203; 95% confidence interval, 0.033–0.937; P = 0.018). The odds ratio for STR alone compared with STR plus radiation was 14.01 ( P = 0.0038). Conclusion GCTs of the skull commonly affect young adults, with an equal sex distribution, and are most often centered in temporal bone. GTR is associated with the lowest recurrence rate and should be the goal of treatment. If GTR cannot be achieved, the combination of STR and radiation results in a similar recurrence rate. With the advent of denosumab, there is now a role for chemotherapy in the treatment of GCTs.
Microsatellite loci for Symbiodinium goreaui and other Clade C Symbiodinium

The genus Symbiodinium comprises a diverse group of dinoflagellates known for their obligate relationship with reef–building corals. Members of the sub-genus ‘clade C’ are abundant, geographically wide-spread, as well as genetically and ecologically diverse. Coral colonies harboring clade C are often the most exposed to physical stressors. The genotypic diversity, dispersal and genetic connectivity exhibited by these Symbiodinium are the subjects of an increasing number of population genetic studies utilizing microsatellites. Here we describe 18 new microsatellite loci and test their utility across four common clade C types. We obtained multi-locus genotypes with individual level resolution in each of these types. Our results indicate that multi-locus genotypes can be obtained for many members of clade C using a subset of these markers. Data from these markers may assess population dynamics during coral bleaching and recovery as well as resolve boundaries to genetic recombination among these closely related, yet ecologically distinct, lineages.
Novel Wireless Systems for Telemedicine and Body Area Networks Applications

The demand for novel wireless system solutions is increasing exponentially in today’s world. Wireless systems are extremely beneficial and applied in a wide spectrum of fields such as: personal communication, medicine, military, firefighting, entertainment, aeronautics, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). In this chapter, the design and analysis of two compact antennas aimed for telemedicine and Body Area Networks (BAN) are presented. The first design is based on a MIMO antenna array utilizing µ-negative metamaterial (MNG) structures that lead to low correlation between antennas when placed closely on a user’s body. The antenna array resonates at 5.2 GHz. The second design is a mechanically flexible directional Yagi-Uda antenna resonating at 2.5 GHz for on-body communication. Both designs have the merits of light weight, low profile, mechanical robustness, compactness, and high efficiency. Such properties suggest that the proposed designs would be reasonable candidates for telemedicine and BAN applications that are constrained by limited physical space.
Making Threats: Investigating Causes of State Strategy

Current nuclear deterrence research limits our understanding of strategy by equating nuclear possession with a deterrent capability; this fails to capture the variation in why states make different types of threats, including differentiating between why states threaten others with nuclear versus non-nuclear capabilities. Returning to early scholars' attention on the strategy of making threats, this approach aims to understand when states will employ different strategies during crises. I draw from existing rational deterrence, constructivism, and prospect theory literatures to understand nuclear threats. Rational deterrence theories would expect that states employ threats to send a signal of their commitment to fight and alter the costs of fighting for the other side. Relative capabilities and a leader's risk disposition should determine whether states make threats. This lies in contrast to constructivists, which rely on explanations of regulative and permissive effects of norms. The growing importance of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty should limit the nuclear threats made against non-nuclear states, but is likely to allow states to justify making threats against potential nuclear powers. Prospect theory would expect that states make threats based on the structural conditions of the crisis. States in a domain of gain should be less likely to make risks, whereas states in a domain of loss should be more risk-acceptant and more likely to make threats. Furthermore, preferences for strategies are likely to change over time. This paper outlines the theoretical foundation for a larger research program and takes the first steps in investigating nuclear weapon state threat-making behavior.
Association Between Infant Feeding Modes and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Repeated Measurement Analysis of the Infant Feeding Practices Study II:

Background:Gastroesophageal reflux in neonates is frequently reported by parents, potentially motivating changes in infant feeding mode and/or addition of solid food.Objective:The authors prospectively analyzed associations between repeated measurement of feeding modes and reflux in infancy.Methods:The Infant Feeding Practices Study II, conducted between 2005 and 2007 (2,841 infants), provides data on reflux and feeding modes at nine time points from months 1 to 12. Feeding modes were defined based on direct breastfeeding, feeding of bottled human milk, formula feeding, their combinations, and use of solid food. Repeated measurements were investigated using 1-month delayed models to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Risk ratios of different feeding modes were estimated for reflux; addressing a reverse association, RRs for feeding mode were estimated as responses to prior reflux.Results:Compared to direct breastfeeding, combinations with formula feeding showed a statistic...