cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal Noise in Field-Effect Transistors

The limiting noise mechanism in field-effect transistors is thermal noise of the conducting channel. The noise can be represented by a current generator ?i2 in parallel to the output. The value of i2 is calculated; for zero drain voltage the noise corresponds to thermal noise of the drain conductance, and for other bias conditions the noise at a given gate voltage depends only slightly upon the drain voltage. Because of modulation effects in the channel, i2 is somewhat larger than the thermal noise of the dc drain conductance, except for zero drain bias and beyond saturation. The noise resistance of the device is approximately equal to gmax/g,m2, where gm is the transconductance of the transistor and gmax its maximum value. The approximation becomes even closer if feedback due to the series resistances of the channel must be taken into account.
Speech Segmentation in a Simulated Bilingual Environment: A Challenge for Statistical Learning?

Studies using artificial language streams indicate that infants and adults can use statistics to correctly segment words. However, most studies have utilized only a single input language. Given the prevalence of bilingualism, how is multiple language input segmented? One particular problem may occur if learners combine input across languages: The statistics of particular units that overlap different languages may subsequently change and disrupt correct segmentation. Our study addresses this issue by employing artificial language streams to simulate the earliest stages of segmentation in adult L2-learners. In four experiments, participants tracked multiple sets of statistics for two artificial languages. Our results demonstrate that adult learners can track two sets of statistics simultaneously, suggesting that they form multiple representations when confronted with bilingual input. This work, along with planned infant experiments, informs a central issue in bilingualism research, namely, determining at wh...
Towards optimizing energy costs of algorithms for shared memory architectures

Energy consumption by computer systems has emerged as an important concern. However, the energy consumed in executing an algorithm cannot be inferred from its performance alone: it must be modeled explicitly. This paper analyzes energy consumption of parallel algorithms executed on shared memory multicore processors. Specifically, we develop a methodology to evaluate how energy consumption of a given parallel algorithm changes as the number of cores and their frequency is varied. We use this analysis to establish the optimal number of cores to minimize the energy consumed by the execution of a parallel algorithm for a specific problem size while satisfying a given performance requirement. We study the sensitivity of our analysis to changes in parameters such as the ratio of the power consumed by a computation step versus the power consumed in accessing memory. The results show that the relation between the problem size and the optimal number of cores is relatively unaffected for a wide range of these parameters.
Cluster Analysis of Multimodel Ensemble Data from SAMEX

Short-range ensemble forecasts from the Storm and Mesoscale Ensemble Experiment (SAMEX) are examined to explore the importance of model diversity in short-range ensemble forecasting systems. Two basic techniques from multivariate data analysis are used: cluster analysis and principal component analysis. This 25-member ensemble is constructed of 36-h forecasts from four different numerical weather prediction models, including the Eta Model, the Regional Spectral Model (RSM), the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS), and the Pennsylvania State University‐National Center for Atmospheric Research fifth-generation Mesoscale Model (MM5). The Eta Model and RSM forecasts are initialized using the breeding of growing modes approach, the ARPS model forecasts are initialized using a scaled lagged average forecasting approach, and the MM5 forecasts are initialized using a random coherent structures approach. The MM5 forecasts also include different model physical parameterization schemes, allowing us to examine the role of intramodel physics differences in the ensemble forecasting process. Cluster analyses of the 3-h accumulated precipitation, mean sea level pressure, convective available potential energy, 500-hPa geopotential height, and 250-hPa wind speed forecasts started at 0000 UTC 29 May 1998 indicate that the forecasts cluster largely by model, with few intermodel clusters found. This clustering occurs within the first few hours of the forecast and persists throughout the entire forecast period, even though the perturbed initial conditions from some of the models are very similar. This result further highlights the important role played by model physics in determining the resulting forecasts and the need for model diversity in shortrange ensemble forecasting systems.
Examining the Effectiveness of TouchMath With Students With Physical Disabilities

One of the most fundamental math skills for students to learn is basic computational skills. Students who have difficulty learning math skills may benefit from representational approaches, such as TouchMath. A multiprobe, multiple baseline, across-participants design was used in this study to investigate the use of TouchMath with students with physical disabilities. The study was designed to determine the effectiveness of this strategy on the students’ ability to solve basic addition problems with sums to 20. All students were successful in reaching the criterion, with high percentages of correct responses using the TouchMath strategy to answer simple addition problems. Data were analyzed by graphic visual analysis and calculation of the percentage of nonoverlapping data. Generalization and maintenance data supported the effectiveness of this strategy.
Perceived Sleepiness, Sleep Habits and Sleep Concerns of Public School Teachers, Administrators and Other Personnel.

Abstract Background: Sleep deprivation is a world-wide health concern. Few studies have examined the sleep behaviors of those employed in the education field. Purpose: To describe the sleep habits and concerns of school personnel in a Midwest school corporation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data about demographics, the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Sleep Measure, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and sleep concerns. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate procedures. Results: Almost 25% of teachers reported daily activities were impaired by sleepiness and 43% slept an average of six hours or less per night. Female respondents reported significantly poorer sleep. Overall, school employees experienced more sleep problems than reported by the general U.S. population. Discussion: This study confirmed the existence of sleep deprivation among school personnel. Sleepy teachers are at higher risk of providing insufficient supervision and inferior instruction. They also re...
Multinuclear NMR Study of the Effect of Acid Concentration on Ion Transport in Phosphoric Acid Doped Poly(benzimidazole) Membranes

1H and 31P NMR spectra, line widths, spin–lattice relaxation times (T1), and 1H self-diffusion coefficients (D) were determined for two distinct poly(benzimidazole) (PBI) proton exchange membranes (PEM), para-PBI and dihydroxy-PBI (2OH-PBI), both incorporating varying concentrations of phosphoric acid. The study was performed over the temperature range of 20–180 °C, for phosphoric acid concentrations of 30, 50, and 70 wt %. Of the two samples, less mobility was indicated for the 2OH-PBI compared with the para-PBI at all acid concentrations. It was also observed that increasing the acid content resulted in an increase in the temperature at which the T1 minimum or plateau occurred. 31P spectra reveal the presence of pyrophosphates and in the case of the 50 and 70 wt % para-PBI samples higher oligomers such as tripolyphosphates. 1H D data showed the 30 wt % para-PBI having almost identical values as the 70 wt % 2OH-PBI over the entire temperature range. In general, stronger short- and long-range interactions...
Human Calicivirus Infection in Infants and Young Children of the Metropolitan Washington, DC Area

Sequential serum samples collected from individuals at approximately 3, 8, and 13 months of age who were enrolled in a rotavirus vaccine study conducted in Washington, DC from October 1989 through January 1990, were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to the Norwalk, Hawaii, and Toronto strains of human calicivirus by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibodies were detected to the Hawaii, Norwalk, and Toronto viruses in 29 (85.3%), 24 (70.6%), and 27 (79.4%) of the serum samples, respectively, obtained from 34 children approximately one year following the final dose of rotavirus vaccine. Evidence was found for a high infection rate with these three viruses, with the highest frequency of serologic responses detected between the 8- and 13-month time points. During this period, 14 (42.4%), 13 (39.4%), and 16 (48.5%) of the 33 children tested showed evidence for a serologic response to Hawaii virus, Norwalk virus, and Toronto virus, respectively, as evidence by a 4-fold increase in antibody titer. O...
Inhibition of estrogen receptor signaling

The estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) is a Type I nuclear receptor that is over-expressed in the majority of human breast cancers and plays a significant role in the development and progression of these cancers. As estrogen plays important roles in the etiology of breast cancer and the growth of established ER-α expressing cancers, intense interest has been generated in understanding the mechanisms by which ER-α signaling is regulated physiologically and using this knowledge to develop interventions to inhibit ER-α signaling. These efforts have met with some success in the development of pharmacologic agents that can reduce breast cancer risk, prevent recurrence of established cancers, and treat advanced cancers with considerably less side effects than cytotoxic chemotherapy. Here, we will review some of the mechanisms that operate to inhibit ER-α signaling and describe how pharmacologic agents and dietary factors interact with ER-α to block its activity. In the process of reviewing these mechanisms, we will highlight their clinical implications.
Prediction and Explanation in Historical Natural Science

In earlier work (Cleland [2001], [2002]), I sketched an account of the structure and justification of ‘prototypical’ historical natural science that distinguishes it from ‘classical’ experimental science. This article expands upon this work, focusing upon the close connection between explanation and justification in the historical natural sciences. I argue that confirmation and disconfirmation in these fields depends primarily upon the explanatory (versus predictive or retrodictive) success or failure of hypotheses vis-a`-vis empirical evidence. The account of historical explanation that I develop is a version of common cause explanation. Common cause explanation has long been vindicated by appealing to the principle of the common cause. Many philosophers of science (e.g., Sober and Tucker) find this principle problematic, however, because they believe thatitiseitherpurelymethodologicalorstrictlymetaphysical.Idefendathirdpossibility: the principle of the common cause derives its justification from a physically pervasive time asymmetry of causation (a.k.a. the asymmetry of overdetermination). I argue that explicating the principle of the common cause in terms of the asymmetry of overdetermination illuminates some otherwise puzzling features of the practices of historical natural scientists.
On the prediction of intermittent turbulent flows

A theoretical model is presented which permits the conservation equations of fluid dynamics to be conditioned in a fashion analogous to the experimentalist's technique of "conditioned sampling". The detailed analysis refers to the best-known sampling condition, outer-edge intermittency; but the model equation may be applicable to other flow situations, wherein conditioning exposes details of the physical phenomena. The analysis results in predictions of the flow variables within the turbulent flow and of the intermittency. Comparison is made with two sets of experimental results for the two-dimensional mixing layer and with a boundary layer.
Inhibition of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Prevents Myocardial and Systemic Vascular Barrier Dysfunction During Early Cardiac Allograft Rejection

NO is produced during cardiac allograft rejection by expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in the rejecting heart. Recent evidence indicates that NO modulates vascular permeability under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The present study explored the effects of early acute cardiac allograft rejection, and specifically the effects of NO, on myocardial and systemic vascular barrier function using a quantitative double-tracer permeation method in a rat cardiac transplant model. Early allograft rejection increased albumin permeation twofold to fivefold in the allograft heart and systemic vasculature (brain, lung, sciatic nerve, diaphragm, retina, muscle, kidney, and uvea) compared with isografts and controls. There were no detectable differences in regional blood flow or hemodynamics, suggesting that increased albumin permeation resulted from increased vascular permeability. iNOS mRNA was expressed in the allograft heart and native lung and was associated with increased serum nitrite/nitrate levels. iNOS inhibition with aminoguanidine prevented or attenuated allograft heart and systemic vascular barrier dysfunction and reduced allograft serum nitrite/nitrate levels to isograft values. Aminoguanidine did not affect the mild histological changes of rejection present in allografts. These data demonstrate the novel observations that (1) endothelial barrier function is compromised in the systemic vasculature, particularly in the brain, remote from the site of allograft rejection; (2) allograft vascular barrier dysfunction is associated with increased NO production and iNOS mRNA expression in the affected tissues (eg, native lung and grafted heart); and (3) inhibition of NO production by iNOS prevents vascular barrier dysfunction in the allograft heart and systemic vasculature.
FACTORS AFFECTING EFFICIENCY OF FEEDER CATTLE HEDGING IN KENTUCKY

Recent commodity price volatility and develop- will be more variable than at delivery points and ment of new futures contracts has kindled interest in correspondingly less effective in forward pricing of hedging among farmers in many parts of the country. the commodity in production. Existence and magniDue to the importance of feeder cattle production in tude of location basis variability is an empirical Kentucky and in the South generally, recent develop- question. In previous studies of production hedging in ment of a feeder cattle contract is of special interest. southern markets, Bobst found location basis variThis paper addresses some potential problems asso- ability a significant factor for fed cattle [1] but not ciated with use of feeder cattle futures markets by for hogs [2]. Kentucky producers. Specifically, it tries to: Samuelson [9] has suggested that variability of (1) determine the effect, if any, of location basis futures prices tends to increase as contracts near variability on ex post hedging results in Kentucky maturity. If this principle applies to feeder cattle markets versus delivery markets at Omaha and futures, then it may be possible to reduce the Oklahoma City, (2) assess the ability of hedging to variability of feeder cattle marketing revenue through reduce revenue variability as compared to cash hedging. marketing and (3) determining the presence of bias in During the study period, 1973-1976, the feeder feeder cattle futures prices. cattle futures market was characterized by low open All these factors are important in evaluating interest and trading volume as compared to more effectiveness of production hedging. Location basis established contracts in fed cattle and hogs.' Gray variability is a factor potentially associated with [6] has suggested that thin futures markets exhibit a hedging in areas distant from designated futures characteristic downward bias, i.e. futures prices contract delivery points. Hedgers in such areas would consistently underestimate eventual spot prices. If incur substantial transportation charges if they present in feeder cattle futures, such a bias would be attempted to discharge their contractual obligations an impediment to hedging in that expected hedging by delivery and, so, would seldom find delivery to be revenues would be lower than expected revenues a viable alternative to contract repurchase and sale of from cash marketings. the commodity in local cash markets. Therefore, hedging effectiveness in distant areas depends upon the basis relationship between futures market prices
Isolation of Human Lymphocytes by a Ficoll Barrier Method

Lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear granulocytes locate in Ficoll gradients at widely different densities. A method for the isolation of peripheral lymphocytes of human blood by centrifugation over a low-ionic strength Ficoll barrier has been developed from this characteristic. The yields and serologic reactivities of lymphocytes isolated by the Ficoll method from normal human blood donors were comparable to those isolated by nylon-column separation. However, the Ficoll method has been especially useful in preparing lymphocytes from blood of moribund individuals and others with an altered blood picture, where attempts on nylon columns failed to separate lymphocytes from polymorphonuclear granulocytes.
Validation of an Analytical Expression for the Absorbed Dose from a Spherical β Source Geometry and Its Application to Micrometastatic Radionuclide Therapy

The purpose of this study was to validate an analytical expression for the absorbed-dose calculation from the spherical source of β-emitting radionuclides and to apply it to micrometastases treated with radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies. The self-absorbed fractions from I-131 and P-32 uniform spherical sources were calculated using the analytical expression introduced by P. K. Leichner (J. Nucl. Med., 35; 1721–1729, 1994). The calculated absorbed fractions were compared with previously reported values and were found to be in reasonable agreement, with a maximum difference of 15% for smaller masses and a long-range β emitter. The expression was subsequently applied to estimate the absorbed dose within spheroid models with nonuniform penetration of radiolabeled antibody. The corresponding absorbed dose for I-131 was compared with reported micro-thermoluminescence dosimeter measurements and found to be in good agreement. This work has independently substantiated the methodology outlined by Leichner and may be reliably incorporated into new software developments for radionuclide dosimetry treatment planning.
Petrological models of magma evolution and deep crustal structure beneath hotspots and flood basalt provinces

Seismic experiments imaging the deep crustal structure beneath hotspot tracks and oceanic plateaus indicate unusually high seismic velocities (VP = 7.3–7.8 km/s) at the base of the crust. These high-velocity ‘layers’, up to 10 km thick, are generally interpreted as large igneous intrusions. In this paper we investigate the extent to which plume magmatism affects the crust, and propose a model for the origin and composition of the high-velocity layers. We use the petrological code MELTS [1] to quantify the evolution of primary mantle melts as they ascend to the surface along an imposed pressure-temperature path. Crystal fractionation is an important process for plume volcanism, as suggested by the discrepancy between the composition of the erupted lavas, predominantly tholeiitic basalts, and the expected picritic composition of the parental mantle melts. In our model the initial liquid compositions are taken from melting experiments on spinel lherzolites at 10–30 kbar pressure and span reasonable compositional differences over a depth range of melting. MELTS rigorously calculates the amount and composition of the fractionated solid phases and the major oxide concentration of the residual liquid. For picritic initial liquid compositions (i.e., those formed at 30 and 20 kbar pressure) our petrological model predicts a distinct crustal structure: at the base of the crust (e.g., at P = 3 kbar) the fractionated cumulates are olivine and augitic pyroxene, with variable amounts of plagioclase. The calculated compressional wave velocities of the cumulates are 7.5–7.9 km/s. In the upper crust (P = 1 kbar) intrusions are olivine gabbros (VP ∼ 7.0 km/s). We also find that the coexistence of high-velocity layers at the base of the crust, with high upper crustal velocities is diagnostic of deep (30-20 kbar pressure) melting. Our results indicate that the lower-crustal high-velocity layers beneath oceanic plateaus and hotspot tracks represent fractionated cumulates from picritic mantle melts and are therefore an integral part of plume volcanism. This conclusion suggests that high-velocity layers should be present also beneath continental flood basalt provinces.
Heterogeneity in Costs and Second-Best Policies for Environmental Protection

This paper investigates heterogeneity in the cost of pollution abatement using a simple computable general equilibrium framework. When underlying costs are heterogeneous, aggregation to a sector-level abatement cost function yields qualitatively different findings from a disaggregated representation of costs. Tradable permits that do not raise revenue (grandfathered permits) out-perform command and control approaches over a wide range of emission reductions, reversing a finding in the recent literature. In addition, we identify an opportunity for cost savings by applying incentive-based approaches in a limited way, mixed with traditional approaches applied in other sectors or industries. This finding contradicts standard economic prescriptions that incentive-based instruments perform better if applied broadly. The finding also resembles actual regulatory practice, and perhaps enhances the political acceptability of incentive-based regulations. We find the results to be sensitive in a predictable way to the characterization of heterogeneity in the underlying data, providing guidance about the requisite level of detail for similar modeling efforts.
Propensity Scores in Cardiovascular Research

Propensity scores have been used to reduce bias in observational studies in many fields and are becoming more widely used in cardiovascular research.1 The goal of this statistical primer is to present the definition of propensity scores and to illustrate their use by describing some recent examples found in the cardiovascular disease research literature. Large-scale epidemiological cohort studies such as the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)2 are designed to follow a large sample of participants over time without active administration of any interventions. Within MESA, lack of randomization can complicate potential treatment comparisons such as the impact of β-blocker versus angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor usage. Nonrandomized comparisons may also arise from within a randomized clinical trial. For instance, the Clopidogrel as Adjunctive Reperfusion Therapy - Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 28 (CLARITY-TIMI 28) trial3 is a randomized study that compares clopidogrel with placebo in 3491 ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients aged 18 to 75 years who have undergone fibrinolysis. In addition to the primary end points, investigators wished to compare the effects of low molecular weight heparin with unfractionated heparin on angiographic and clinical outcomes in participants.4 These treatments were not randomly assigned. In studies such as these, the treatment groups may markedly differ with respect to the observed pretreatment covariates measured on participants. These differences could lead to biased estimates of treatment effects. The propensity score for an individual, defined as the conditional probability of being treated given the individual’s covariates, can be used to balance the covariates in the 2 groups and thus reduce this bias. In a randomized experiment, the randomization of participants to different treatments minimizes the chance of differences on observed or unobserved covariates. However, in nonrandomized studies, systematic differences can exist between treatment groups. To control for this potential bias, information on measured …
Ischemic heart disease as deficiency disease

Four classes of agents capable of producing human illness have been identified: toxicity, heredity, infection and deficiency. The leading paradigm for the etiology and pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease in the 20th century was that of intoxication by too much of the wrong kind of dietary fat. This overemphasis on lipid metabolism persists because important data are neglected and because of inattention to details. For example, heart disease risk does not correlate with fat intake within nations in contrast to between nations. Also development of ischemic heart disease involves inter alia arterial spasm, cardiac rhythm, metabolism of connective tissue, glucose and homocysteine, plus paraoxonase activity and thrombus formation which generally are unaffected by dietary fat. Homocysteine thiolactone accumulates when homocysteine is high. This lactone specifically inhibits lysyl oxidase which depends on copper to catalyze cross linking of collagen and elastin in arteries and bone. The lactone is hydrolyzed by paraoxonase, activity of which can be decreased by copper deficiency. Just as cholesterol was an important focus for heart disease as intoxication, homocysteine can become an excellent focus for a paradigm shift to heart disease as deficiency because supplementation with several nutrients can alter homocysteine metabolism and decrease its plasma concentration. These supplements include betaine, copper, folate, pyridoxine and vitamin B-12. Opportunities for research on ischemic heart disease as deficiency disease are plentiful.
Low Temperature, Fast Sintering of Micro-Scale Silver Paste for Die Attach for 300°C Applications

With an increasing demand for SiC and GaN high power devices that operate at high temperature, traditional solder materials are reaching their limitations in performance. In addition, there is a strong desire to eliminate high lead containing solders in Si power device packaging for use over conventional temperature range. Low temperature Ag sintering technology is a promising method for high performance lead-free die attachment. In a previous study, a pressureless sintering process and suitable metallization were demonstrated to provide high reliability die attach by using micro-size Ag sintering. The resulting die attach layer had approximately 30% porosity. In this work, a low temperature pressure-assisted fast sintering process was examined. The porosity was decreased from 30% to 15% with application of a low pressure (7.6MPa) during a one minute sintering process. The shear strength for a 3 mm × 3 mm die was 70 MPa and the 8 mm × 8 mm die could not be sheared off due to a 100 kg shear module force li...
Phase II Randomized Study Of Lenalidomide Or Lenalidomide and Rituximab As Maintenance Therapy Following Standard Chemotherapy For Patients With Intermediate-High/High Risk Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Background DLBCL patients (pts) with an intermediate/high to high risk international prognostic index (IPI) are at an increased risk of disease relapse rate in the first year after completion of standard therapy with R-CHOP. Lenalidomide (len), an immunomodulatory drug, has activity in relapsed diffuse large B cell Lymphoma. Len enhances the natural-killer cell mediated antibody-dependant cellular cytotoxicity of rituximab in lymphoma cell lines and inhibits angiogenesis as well as alters cytokine production. Lenalidomide received FDA approval based on its clinical activity in relapsed mantle cell lymphoma. Methods Intermediate-high/high risk IPI pts with DLBCL were randomized to len (arm A) alone or len and rituximab (arm B). The primary endpoint of the study was to assess the one year disease-free survival. We expected that a 25% difference of relapse will have clinical significance when compared with current standard therapy. Pts in arm A received len at a dose of 25 mg daily for 21 days of 28 days. Patients on arm B received len at a dose of 20mg daily for 21 days of 28 days along with rituximab on day 8 of even cycles. Treatment on both arms was continued for one year. Treatment was discontinued for disease progression. Len dose adjustments are incorporated in the protocol. Results Forty three pts, 21 arm A/ 22 arm B, 21 female/22 male, with a median age of 59 yrs were enrolled. The median IPI was 4 for pts over the age of 60 and the median aa-IPI was 3. Three pts received XRT to areas of bulky disease. At a median follow up of 27 months, the 2 yr DFS and OS was 88%. For patients in arm A and arm B the 2 yr DFS was 90% vs. 86% ([figure 1][1]) and the 2 yr OS was 95.2% vs. 81% ([figure 2][2]) , respectively (P=NS) . Two pts discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Grade 3-4 toxicities include neutropenia (28%), fatigue (16%), diarrhea (6%), DVT (3%), rash (3%), febrile neutropenia (3%). Related grade 1-2 toxicities include hypothyroidism (15%) and rash (54%). ![Figure][3] ![Figure][3] Conclusions Len as maintenance therapy demonstrates clinical activity following standard chemotherapy and improves DFS and OS in DLBCL patients with high risk prognostic features as compared with historical controls. This trial is registered with NCI- #[NCT00765245][4] Disclosures: Reddy: Celgene: Research Funding. Off Label Use: lenalidomide in diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Park: TEVA: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. [1]: #F1 [2]: #F2 [3]: pending:yes [4]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT00765245&atom=%2Fbloodjournal%2F122%2F21%2F3061.atom
Adhesion Properties of Cellulose Films

The adhesion properties were evaluated for untreated and modified cellulose (cellophane) films. Several functional groups were introduced on the film surfaces by plasma based treatments. All the films were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). AFM was employed to study the adhesion properties using both standard silicon nitride tips as well as self-assembled monolayer (SAM) modified gold coated tips containing a variety of specific functional groups. The acetone extracted cellulose films, which are rich in −OH groups, were used as substrates. The adhesion force detected with −COOH terminated AFM tips (∼ 34.8 nN) was much larger than that with −CH3 terminated AFM tips (≈16.7 nN), which was attributed to the hydrogen bonding between −COOH and −OH functional groups. The adhesion force of −NH2 terminated AFM tips on the acetone extracted cellulose film was higher at 42.92 nN. However, after surface modification of the cellulose films with argon and oxygen based plasma treatments, the adhesion force were decreased to 17.4 and 19.4 nN respectively as a result of greatly enhanced surface roughness. Hydrazine plasma treatment also was used to introduce −NH2 groups on the film surfaces, and the strongest adhesion behavior was observed with AFM tips terminated with −COOH groups on the aminated film due to acid-base interaction. The argon and oxygen plasma treatment greatly increased the surface roughness, resulting in poor adhesion properties. Both surface roughness and chemical modification of the cellophane films affected the adhesion properties as measured by AFM force curves.
Comparison of self-administered and rater-administered methods of assessing levels of severity of depression in elderly patients.

Eighty consecutive attenders (M age = 75 years) in a primary care group practice associated with a teaching hospital in New York were assessed for depression using a self-administered questionnaire, the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and a rater-administered interview, the Short-CARE. The sample was 75% female and 85% black or Hispanic. The response rate of completed interviews was 65% for the Zung SDS and 100% for the Short-CARE. Among the reasons indicated by subjects for not filling out the Zung SDS were visual problems (n = 13, 28%), illiteracy (n = 4, 9%), and lack of motivation/wanted it read to them (n = 16, 34%). Additionally, using the Primary Care Physicians' Questionnaire (PCPQ), results from the Short-CARE and the Zung SDS were compared to primary care physicians' judgments regarding the presence of depression in these patients. The convergent validity coefficient for the Zung SDS with the PCPQ was .65 (kappa = .29); the comparable coefficients for the PCPQ and the Short-CARE Depression Scale were .73 and .46 respectively.
Scientific Problems in the Practice of HR Management in China

This paper outlines four great challenges to a more systematic approach to human resource management in China.Of these,the first and most difficult is to link the strategy or approach to managing human resources with a firm's business strategy.HR strategy refers to the processes,decisions,and choices an organization makes regarding its human resources and how they are organized.After presenting a conceptual model that shows the relationship of HR strategy to the broader strategy of a business,the paper shows how that model was actually applied in the largest food marketing and distribution company in North America,SYSCO Corporation.The paper concludes by emphasizing that the alignment of HR and business strategy serves as the basis for addressing each of the three other great challenges to HRM in China.
Microbiology of the Toxic Noble Metal Silver

One of the transition metals without a function in biological systems is silver. Silver interferes with the normal protein function of the organism and is extremely toxic because of its ability to bind to the metal binding sites in proteins. The use of silver as a biocide has long been known and today there is an increasing number of applications for silver, not only in hospitals but also in everyday life. In addition, silver resistant bacteria have been isolated from hospitals, silver mines, and silver-contaminated areas. There are different resistance mechanisms, as strains of Pseudomonas appear to precipitate silver to remove it from the medium. In contrast, silver resistance in Salmonella typhimurium is plasmid-encoded and based on silver binding and export. Genome sequencing projects increasingly reveal the presence of this sil determinant, indicating a more widespread occurrence than previously expected.
On the ionic strength and electrical conductivity of crustal brines

Abstract An empirical model has been developed to depict the ionic strength of concentrated NaCl aqueous solutions at high temperatures and pressures. The model adopts the solvation properties of electrolyte-bearing aqueous solutions that link ionic strength with relative permittivity: Â Ī = 1 / ϵ sol – 1 / ϵ H 2 O where Ī denotes for ionic strength, ϵH2O and ϵsol are the dielectric constants of H2O and NaCl-H2O solution respectively. Aqueous speciation calculations reveal that the parameter Â is strongly dependent on the density of H2O (ρH2O, g cm− 3): ln Â 10 2 = a Â − b Â ρ H 2 O with aÂ = 6.95 ± 0.18 kg mol− 1 and bÂ = 9.51 ± 0.12 kg cm3 mol− 1 g−1. The dielectric constant of the saline solution has been determined by employing the activity coefficient of SiO2(aq), which emerged from published experimental data on quartz solubility in the NaCl-H2O system (0.01–0.4 XNaCl) at 500–900 °C and 5–15 kbar that correspond to H2O density conditions of 0.69–1.0 g cm− 3 (Newton and Manning, 2000). Accordingly, thermodynamic calculations integrate the extent of quartz solubility with the ϵH2O and ϵsol of saline fluids, and result in formulating the dielectric constant of NaCl(aq) as a function of pressure (P, kbar), ϵH2O and ρH2O: ϵ NaC l aq = ϵ H 2 O − exp φ P − 3 ρ H 2 O P 2 − Ψ 2 with Ψ = 2.6 kbar and φ = 22.4 ± 0.3 kbar cm3 g− 1. When compared to the Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers equations of state, the empirical Ī–ϵH2O–ϵsol model appears to better constrain the effect of ion-pairing and multi-ion complexation towards approximating the true ionic strength of highly concentrated NaCl solutions at elevated pressures and temperatures. In effect, the ionic strength conditions depicted by this model exhibit a strong linear correlation with the electrical conductivity (σf) of the electrolyte-bearing aqueous fluids. This relationship is expressed as: σ f = c s Ī with cs = 79.5 ± 0.4 kg S mol− 1 m− 1. This linear regression is applicable within the temperature and pressure range of 500–800 °C, 6–12 kbar and for NaCl concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.4 XNaCl. Following this approach, both the electrical conductivity and the ionic strength of crustal brines can be readily predicted at conditions applicable to the Earth's lower crust and upper mantle.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Low back Pain and Back Schools

Comprehensive rehabilitation for lower back pain and back schools have both been reviewed by systematic reviews and large task-forces. These two topics will be reviewed for changes in management of the patient reporting low back pain in the subacute or chronic stage. There is evidence for back school efficacy in Cochrane reviews (1999 and 2004). There is moderate evidence suggesting that back schools, in an occupational setting, reduce pain and improve function and return-to-work status in the short and intermediate term, compared to exercises, manipulation, myofascial therapy, advice, placebo, or waiting list controls, for patients with chronic and recurrent LBP. However, future trials should improve methodological quality and clinical relevance and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of back schools, and back schools based on traditional biomedical/biomechanical information, advice, and instruction are not recommended for prevention in LBP (strong evidence). High-intensity programs, which comprise both an educational/skills program and exercises, can be recommended for patients with recurrent and persistent back pain (moderate evidence). Back schools based on traditional biomedical/biomechanical information, advice, and instruction are not recommended for prevention in LBP (strong evidence). There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against psychosocial information delivered at the worksite (weak evidence), but information oriented toward promoting activity and improving coping may promote a positive shift in beliefs (weak evidence). The components of comprehensive rehabilitation include exercise, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), education, and others. Few systematic reviews have been carried out as the field is still relatively new in combination treatment. The Cochrane Review (2002) concludes “that there is moderate evidence of positive effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation for sub-acute low back pain and that a workplace visit increases the effectiveness. But because this evidence is based on trials that had some methodological shortcomings, and several expensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs are commonly used for uncomplicated/nonspecific sub-acute low back problems, there is an obvious need for high quality trials in this field.”
Part of the Discussion? Gendered Role of Support Staff in Higher Education

This chapter considers the work and contributions of female support staff whose roles are often overlooked, underexplored, or invisible in the growing body of literature on women in academe. Within the post-secondary setting, the majority of women are found clustered at the bottom of the hierarchy (Allan, Women’s status in higher education: Equity matters. ASHE higher education report, 37 No. 1. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2011; Iverson, NASPA Journal About Women in Higher Education 2(1): 142–168, 2009). While core job responsibilities and expectations of support staff in higher education have evolved considerably since the inception of post-secondary institutions, the recognition and empowerment of female support staff’s contributions to student learning and development is coming up short. Kanter’s (Men and women of the corporation. New York: Basic Books, 1977, Kanter, Harvard Business Review 57(4): 1–12, 1979) Structural Theory of Power in Organizations, combined with work by Acker (Gender & Society 20(4): 441–464, 2006a), Iverson (NASPA Journal About Women in Higher Education 2(1): 142–168, 2009), and Costello (NAPSA Journal About Women in Higher Education 5(2): 99–114, 2012), provides context to examine how gender continues to impact how support staff engage in and perceive their work in higher education. Recommendations are offered to address the status of women in the academe through the inclusion of support staff in discussions on who contributes to the creation and maintenance of holistic learning environments.
Journalists as Communities of Practice: Advancing a Theoretical Framework for Understanding Journalism

In light of changes in the structure of how journalism works due to technological, economic, cultural, and political shifts, we examine the theoretical framework of communities of practice and explore how it can productively be applied to the study of journalists. In evaluating the feasibility of applying communities of practice to journalism, we also consider other theoretical frameworks that have been used for examining journalistic groups, including interpretive communities, professions and organizations, and boundary work. The article provides examples to illustrate how different groups of journalists may constitute communities of practice. Whereas community is often attached to the idea of discourse communities or interpretive communities, we find that focusing on the collaborative learning aspect and development of shared practice through the lens of communities of practice enables us to more fully understand the nature of skill- and practice-building among specific subgroups of journalistic practit...
Energy Impact of Connected Eco-driving on Electric Vehicles

Transportation-related energy consumption and air quality problems have continued to attract public attentions. A variety of emerging technologies have been proposed and/or developed to address these issues. In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) are deemed to be very promising in reducing traffic related fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, due to the use of electric batteries as the only energy source. On the other hand, recent research shows that additional energy savings can be achieved with the aid of Eco-driving system in a connected vehicle environment (e.g., Eco-approach at signalized intersections). However, most of the existing eco-driving research is only focused on the internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles thus far. There is still lack of convincing evidence (especially with real-world implementation) of how these connected eco-driving technologies impacts the energy efficiency of EVs. To fill this gap, this chapter provides a real-world example of quantifying the energy synergy of combining vehicle connectivity, vehicle automation and vehicle electrification, by designing, implementing and testing an eco-approach and departure (EAD) system for EVs with real-world driving data.
Adherence Theories: Review, Critique, and Clinical Implications

A theory is “… a set of general or abstract principles based on experimentally established relationships among events used to explain a phenomenon” (Johnston & Pennypacker, 1993, p. 371).
Comparative effectiveness of dual vs. single-action antidepressants on HIV clinical outcomes in HIV-infected people with depression.

Objective:Depression is highly prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and has deleterious effects on HIV clinical outcomes. We examined changes in depression symptoms, viral suppression, and CD4+ T cells/μl among PLWHA diagnosed with depression who initiated antidepressant treatment dur
A new method for isolating plasma interactions from those of the laser beam during plasma nitriding

Abstract A new method for separating the interactions of a laser plasma from those of a laser beam with a titanium substrate was developed. A laser-sustained plasma (LSP) was generated by striking the plasma on a titanium plate in a flowing nitrogen atmosphere at ambient pressure and subsequently removing the strike plate. The resultant nitrogen plasma was sustained indefinitely around the laser focal plane until the nitrogen gas flow and/or the laser power were switched off. The laser-sustained nitrogen plasma was then used as a “reactor” to study the effects of a nitrogen plasma, independent of the laser beam, when the plasma was brought into close proximity, (2 to 3 mm), parallel to a titanium substrate. There was no interaction of the parallel laser beam with the substrate. Heat, nitrogen and titanium were exchanged between the nitrogen LSP and substrate resulting in melting, nucleation and growth of faceted and dendritic TiN crystals, rectangular hollow TiN morphologies and particulate TiN deposits. Dense TiN layers up to 300 μm thick formed within 5 s. The results demonstrated that compositionally graded layers of nitrogen-enriched titanium, and titanium nitride could be formed very rapidly on model, commercially-pure titanium substrates, with promise for extension to commercial alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V.
Factors That Influence Conservatism vs. Liberalism

Recent studies have shown that genetics have been linked to the influence of conservatism and liberalism in the United States. Evidence has shown that conservatives present more brain matter volume within the anterior cingulate cortex, and liberals present more brain matter volume within the right amygdala. Despite other social and scientific factors that may influence conservatism and liberalism, such as morals, culture, demographics, personality traits, etc., the study conducted determines a correlation between brain structures and conservatism and liberalism. The study conducted consisted of brain studies using MRI evaluations of conservative, liberal and moderate families. These families include a mother, father, and child between the ages of 17 and 19. Results suggest that conservatism and liberalism is influenced by the brain structures of individuals. These results also indicate that conservative and liberal parents have strong influences on the brain structures of their teenage children.
Who Miniaturises China? Treaty Port Souvenirs from Ningbo

Miniature carved wooden figurines from Ningbo were consumed by missionaries, travellers, and occasional museum collectors. Inexpensive, small, lightweight, portable, and well crafted, they were ideal treaty port souvenirs. Miniatures portraying scenes of bucolic rural life, unrelenting toil, or grisly torture replicate scenes also widely circulated in treaty port art and in early photographs of China. As such, these miniatures can easily be interpreted as satisfying an Orientalist appetite for an exoticised China. While not incorrect, this interpretation is limited. In this chapter, Shi and Kendall restore some agency to the carvers themselves, first, in accounting for older woodcarving techniques that were creatively adapted to the production of free-standing miniatures and, second, in adapting images from a Chinese visual imaginary that predated the treaty ports.
Data-driven closures for stochastic dynamical systems

Abstract We develop a new data-driven closure approximation method to compute the statistical properties of quantities of interest in high-dimensional stochastic dynamical systems. The proposed framework relies on estimating system-dependent conditional expectations from sample paths or experimental data, and then using such estimates to compute data-driven solutions to exact probability density function (PDF) equations. We also address the important question of whether enough useful data is being injected into the exact PDF equation for the purpose of computing an accurate numerical solution. Numerical examples are presented and discussed for prototype nonlinear dynamical systems and models of systems biology evolving from random initial states.