cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Saccharin Transformation to Metal Sulfides and Effect of Inclusions on Corrosion Susceptibility of Electroplated CoFe Magnetic Films

The electroplated magnetic alloys 1.0T Ni80Fe20, 1.6T Ni45Fe55, 2.4T Co40Fe60, obtained in the presence of saccharin, and sputtered magnetic alloys of the same composition showed dramatically different corrosion properties at pH 5.9. The higher corrosion susceptibility of electroplated magnetic alloys, known for many years, was generally attributed to sulfur inclusions into the deposit. However, there was no direct evidence of the structure of sulfur-containing molecules included in deposit. We have analyzed electroplated, EP-CoFe, and sputtered, SP-CoFe, magnetic films using electrochemical, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS, and high-pressure liquid chromatography HPLC techniques. The analysis of electroplated CoFe films obtained in the presence of saccharin revealed saccharin, benzamide, o-toluenbenzamide HPLC and metal sulfides XPS in EP-CoFe deposit. The proposed mechanism for saccharin transformation to metal sulfides involves four steps: i a reductive cleavage of C-S bond in saccharin giving rise to benzamido sulfinate, ii a desulfurization step leading to benzamide and sulfur dioxide, iii an electrochemical reduction of sulfur dioxide to hydrogen sulfide, and iv a reaction between H2 Sa nd M +2
Antimicrobial consumption data from pharmacy and nursing records: how good are they?

Objective:To determine whether randomly selected intravenous (IV) antimicrobial doses dispensed from an inpatient pharmacy were administered.Design:This was a prospective, cross-sectional study in which dose administration was confirmed by direct observation and by assessment of the medication administration record (MAR). A retrospective analysis of the return rate of unused IV antimicrobial doses was performed subsequently.Setting:Medical and surgical intensive care units (ICUs) and non-ICUs of a 550-bed urban public teaching hospital.Participants:Hospitalized patients with an order in the pharmacy database for an IV antimicrobial during 9 non-consecutive weekdays in June 1999.Results:Of 397 doses, 221 (55.7%) assessed by bedside observation and 238 (59.9%) assessed by MAR review were classified as administered; 139 doses (35.0%) were dispensed but changes in the drug order or the patient's status prevented their administration. In the subsequent assessment, of 745 IV antimicrobial doses dispensed during 24 hours, 322 (43.2%) were returned to the pharmacy unused; 423 (56.8%) of the doses—consistent with our prior observations—were presumably administered.Conclusions:Because computerized pharmacy data may overestimate actual antimicrobial consumption, such data should be validated when used in studies of hospital antimicrobial use. Dispense-return analysis offers a simple validation method.
Lateral coupling of InxGa1-xAs/GaAs quantum dots investigated using differential transmission spectroscopy

Coupling between quantum dots is investigated using differential transmission spectroscopy. Two-color pump-probe techniques are used to spectrally resolve the carrier dynamics, revealing carrier transfer between quantum dots at room temperature. The time constant for this process is shown to increase from at room temperature to at .
Evidence-based Practice for Childhood Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric conditions in children and adolescents. Empirical evidence suggests that the majority of youth will show clinically meaningful benefits after a short-term course of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This article presents an update on the status of this treatment literature and provides clinicians with a description of specific CBT strategies. A case example illustrating the implementation of these strategies is also included. Tips for managing frequently encountered obstacles and a clinical algorithm for sequencing strategies are discussed.
THE LINEAR APROXIMATION OF THE ALMOST IDEAL DEMAND SYSTEM (LA/AIDS) MODEL: APPLICATION TO AGGREGATED DATA

During the years different models for demand system analysis were developed, but one formulation that avoids many shortcomings encountered in other models is the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) model, developed by A. Deaton and J. Muellbauer in 1980. Several variations of AIDS were used in applied work since 1980 (Linear Approximation of AIDS, Dynamic AIDS, etc). This paper is an application of the Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System (LA/AIDS) model on an aggregated demand system. The data used for this analysis are from a database collected by ACNielsen Co. on sliced packaged luncheon meats, for Canada, during December 2000 - September 2006. Because the data are very detailed some level of aggreg ation needs to be applied. The results will illustrate th at not all the theoretical assumptions of the deman d theory hold in the case of aggregation.
An upper bound on the convergence rate of uplink power control in DS-CDMA systems

Uplink transmit power control is crucial for resource allocation and interference management in DS-CDMA systems. In literature, specific distributed algorithms are proposed and their convergence rates are evaluated. In this letter, we explore the optimal achievable convergence rate. We first understand power control as a channel coding problem and derive an upper bound on the convergence rate. Then we propose coding power control bits across users, suggesting the achievability of the bound. Finally, we use this upper bound to evaluate the uplink power control overhead in IS-95 systems.
A Compact Smart Antenna for WiMAX Radio

In this paper, we present our design and development of a compact, light weight, high gain smart antenna for WiMAX radio systems. The antenna head is an 8-monopole uniform circular array placed on a ground plane with ground skirt. The operation frequency is 5.8GHz. The array is connected to an 8-channel beamforming board via low-loss coax. The 8-channel signal combines through a power splitter/combiner which directs the signal to/from the WiMAX radio. An FPGA chip is on board to control the digital phase shifters, attenuators and switches for T/R synchronization, signal searching, beamforming, and tracking. The test results show that the smart antenna is capable of tracking mobile targets, communicating directionally with desired users, suppressing interference and jamming, and enabling a long range with high throughput and reliable connection.
Sonifying the desktop visually

We are using Sonnet, a visual programming language for developing distributed real time applications, to enhance the user interface experience by allowing audio events to be associated with events that occur during the day to day operation of a computer. Designed originally for writing run time actions for monitoring and debugging running programs using sound, Sonnet is uniquely suited to be an interface "glue" language to connect different subsystems together.
Analytical and semi-analytical solutions of horizontal well capture times under no-flow and constant-head boundaries

Abstract The closed-form analytical solutions and semi-analytical solutions of capture times to horizontal wells are derived for different recovery scenarios. The capture time is the time a fluid particle takes to flow to the well. The first scenario is recovery from a confined aquifer in which the influence of regional groundwater flow upon the capture time is included. The second scenario is recovery from underneath a water reservoir in which the top boundary of the aquifer is constant-head. The third scenario is recovery from a low-permeability layer bounded above and below by much higher permeability media. Closed-form solutions are provided for the cases with: (1) a center or a bottom well for the first scenario; (2) a bottom well for the second scenario; and (3) a center well for the third scenario. Semi-analytical solutions are provided for general well locations for those scenarios. Solutions for both isotropic and anisotropic media are studied. These solutions can be used as quick references to calculate the capture times, and as benchmarks to validate numerical solutions. The limitations of the analytical solutions are analyzed. Our results show that the top and bottom no-flow boundaries of an aquifer constrain the vertical flow, but enhance the horizontal flow, resulting in elongated iso-capture time curves. When constant-head boundaries are presented, water can infiltrate vertically across those boundaries to replenish the aquifers, resulting in less elongated iso-capture time curves.
The Latency-Related Gene of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Inhibits Programmed Cell Death

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) is a significant bovine pathogen, which causes respiratory disease, abortion, genital disease, or occasionally encephalitis (reviewed in reference 29). Like other members of the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily, BHV-1 establishes latent infection in sensory ganglionic neurons (reviewed in reference 29). Viral DNA persists in these neurons for the lifetime of infected cattle but can periodically reactivate and spread. In contrast to the 70 to 80 viral genes expressed during productive infection, latency-related (LR) RNA is the only abundant viral transcript detected in latently infected neurons. A small fraction of LR RNA is polyadenylated and alternatively spliced in trigeminal ganglia (TG), suggesting that this RNA is translated into an LR protein (LRP) (8, 21, 27). LR gene products inhibit S-phase entry, and LRP is associated with cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2)/cyclin complexes (27, 46). Cdk2/cyclin complexes regulate the transition from G1 to S to G2 (reviewed in reference 19) and are required for DNA replication (30). Cdk2 activity is stimulated after herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection (22) and is important for HSV-1 infection (47, 48). It is reasonable to hypothesize that members of the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily utilize Cdk2 and perhaps other Cdks to stimulate viral DNA replication and transcription. Although the functional significance of the interactions between LRP and Cdk2/cyclin is not known, these interactions are likely to be important. Herpesviruses can induce programmed cell death (PCD), or apoptosis, when cultured cells are infected (reviewed in references 18 and 51). BHV-1 also induce PCD after infection of cultured cells (9, 14–17) or calves (53). Neuronal PCD occurs during neurodegenerative disorders, trauma, or imbalances of growth factors and cytokines (reviewed in references 10, 25, and 54). Expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins is frequently observed in neurons undergoing PCD, suggesting that altered Cdk activity initiates PCD (reviewed in reference 49). The HSV-1 US3 kinase plays a role in preventing PCD (1, 33), suggesting that regulation of PCD is crucial for pathogenesis. Inhibiting neuronal damage and/or PCD may also be important because the primary site of latency for BHV-1 is sensory neurons. This study demonstrated that LR gene products inhibit or delay PCD following transient transfection of CV-1 cells, low-passage human fibroblasts, or mouse neuroblastoma cells. Although there was a correlation between LR protein expression and cell survival, we cannot exclude the possibility that LR RNA by itself is important. We hypothesize that LR gene products promote neuronal survival by inhibiting PCD.
Increases in overground gait speed with body weight support in people post-stroke

We studied the effect of body weight support on self-selected overground walking speed in both healthy elderly subjects and subjects post-stroke using the KineAssist, a novel robotic gait and balance device. Body weight support is provided by the robot via a closed-loop system that provides support about the subject's estimated center of mass. Body weight support was tested at 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of the subject's weight. We found that self-selected walking speed decreased with greater levels of body weight support for the healthy elderly subjects. However, the subjects post stroke showed an average increase of 18% in self-selected walking speed at some level of body weight support compared with no body weight support while walking in the KineAssist. Gait speed increases corresponded to an increase in step length. There appears to be a benefit to overground walking speed when providing a small percentage of body weight support for people post-stroke.
Modeling and optimization in anaerobic bioconversion of complex substrates to acetic and butyric acids.

Cheese-processing wastewater was biologically treated to produce short-chain organic acids in laboratory scale continuously stirred tank reactors. A constant inoculum system was used to mimimize the experimental error due to the use of inconsistent inoculum. The inoculum system was operated with dilute cheese-processing wastewater with 5000 mg soluble chemical oxygen demand/L at pH 6.5 and 35°C at 0.5 days hydraulic retention time. Response surface methodology was successfully applied to determine the optimum physiological conditions where the maximum rates of acetic and butyric acid production occurred. These were pH 7.01 at 36.2°C and pH 7.26 at 36.2°C, respectively. The lack of overall predictability for butyric acid production meant that the response surface was much more complicated than that of acetic acid; therefore, a small change in pH or temperature could cause large variations in the response of butyric acid production. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 54:451–460, 1997.
Design and implementation of a neural network building block

A hierarchical connectivity scheme for implementing a totally connected artificial neural network (ANN) is presented. An ANN chip unit (ACU) is the basic building block that implements a 16-input/output net, and the system is easily expandable to a 256-input/output network. The chip uses on-chip static random-access memory (SRAM) for storing weights to reduce off-chip time delays and takes advantage of a large and fast internal bus structure to move weights. The technology exploits InP for its high-speed multipliers and multichip module (MCM) packaging for interconnecting the ACUs. >
Data-dependent bucketing improves reference-free compression of sequencing reads.

Motivation: The storage and transmission of high-throughput sequencing data consumes significant resources. As our capacity to produce such data continues to increase, this burden will only grow. One approach to reduce storage and transmission requirements is to compress this sequencing data. Results: We present a novel technique to boost the compression of sequencing that is based on the concept of bucketing similar reads so that they appear nearby in the file. We demonstrate that, by adopting a data-dependent bucketing scheme and employing a number of encoding ideas, we can achieve substantially better compression ratios than existing de novo sequence compression tools, including other bucketing and reordering schemes. Our method, Mince, achieves up to a 45% reduction in file sizes (28% on average) compared with existing state-of-the-art de novo compression schemes. Availability and implementation: Mince is written in C++11, is open source and has been made available under the GPLv3 license. It is available at http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~ckingsf/software/mince. Contact: ude.umc.sc@klrac Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The geometric mean decomposition

Given a complex matrix H, we consider the decomposition H = QRP* where Q and P have orthonormal columns, and R is a real upper triangular matrix with diagonal elements equal to the geometric mean of the positive singular values of H. This decomposition, which we call the geometric mean decomposition, has application to signal processing and to the design of telecommunication networks. The unitary matrices correspond to information lossless filters applied to transmitted and received signals that minimize the maximum error rate of the network. Another application is to the construction of test matrices with specified singular values.
Ecological Principles Underpinning Invasive Plant Management Tools and Strategies

The broad focus of ecologically based invasive plant management (EBIPM) is to identify and repair the major ecological processes facilitating plant invasion. To be useful, however, EBIPM requires that our application of management tools and strategies be based on ecological principles that determine the rate and direction of plant community change.1 As a working de ni- tion, we can view ecological principles as factors that in uence the relative abundance of desired and invasive plants. For example, one widely identi ed principle may be that more- frequent and intense res favor the spread of invasive, annual grasses over native, perennial grasses. The formulation of this principle is based on detailed knowledge of the differences in seed production, growth rate, and life history of these spe- cies groups. However, we can also think of certain weeds and native plants where this principle may not hold. What this means is that ecological principles are not xed rules but, in- stead, are rules that hold under certain sets of conditions. In the above example of invasive annual grasses and re cycles, these conditions are set by the physiological, developmental, and morphological differences commonly observed between invasive, annual and native, perennial grasses. DOI: 10.2458/azu_rangelands_v34i6_james
Influence of valproic acid on outcome of high-grade gliomas in children.

Background:Chemotherapyhaslimitedeffectsin thetreatmentofhigh-gradegliomas(HGGs).Valproicacid (VPA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, may sensitizeHGGstoradiochemotherapy.Asthedrughasbeen given frequently as an antiepileptic drug, a retrospective analysis was conducted to ensure relevant information was not missed before a prospective study was launched. MaterialsandMethods:Ananalysisof66pediatricpatients (range, 1-19 years of age) with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)(n=40)oranaplasticastrocytoma(AA)(n=26)was retrospectively conducted for predictors of survival and response and for effects of VPA on outcome or toxicity. Results: The overall survival (OS) was better for AA (p=0.0114)andcompleteresection(p<0.00005)andevent- free survival (EFS) was better for complete resection (p=0.0049). Nine patients receivedVPA (for seizure) plus furtheroncologicaltreatment.Themostsevereadverseeffect was a pulmonary embolism (n=1); no other severe side- effects were noted. The response to nonsurgical treatment after 8 weeks was: complete response (CR): 0, partial
Computer numeric control machine tools utilisation by metalworking companies in Brazil

Computer numerical control (CNC) technology has received high level of investment around the world. Considering machine tool for machining operations, almost one third of those installed in Brazilian industrial companies is composed of CNC machines. About 46% of them are less than ten years old and belong to a generation of machine tools that should have a higher density of automation, incorporating features and advanced production techniques that suppose efficient management. However, there is a low rate of utilisation of available resources, such as tool presetting, in-process measurement systems and automatic load and unload to reduce idle time. Additionally, there is a reduced use of techniques to achieve higher maximum cutting speeds and longer tool life. There is also a low rate of use of low environmental-impact techniques such as dry machining, and a very low percentage of companies that treat and reuse cutting oil. [Received 15 March 2015; Revised 4 June 2015; Accepted 13 June 15]
Neuropsychological outcome of children undergoing bone marrow transplantation

The purpose of the study was to prospectively evaluate the neuropsychological functioning of children and adolescents receiving a bone marrow transplant (BMT). One hundred and twenty-two children with malignant or nonmalignant disorders and no previous cranial radiation therapy received a pre-BMT neuropsychological evaluation. Surviving children received a 1 year post-BMT neuropsychological evaluation. Patients were placed in a chemotherapy only (chemo) or a chemotherapy and total body irradiation (chemo + TBI) group for statistical analysis. The data were analyzed by t-tests for paired samples. There were no statistically significant differences. Regression analysis failed to identify treatment, age and gender effects. The results suggest that global and specific areas of neuropsychological functioning 1 year post-BMT were not detrimentally affected by chemotherapy or chemotherapy with total body irradiation.
Microgrid Operation Mode Conversion

In order to realize the mode conversion between the two typical modes of microgrid( grid-connected mode and islanding mode),mode conversion controller is set up in the microgrid and the control logic of microgrid main power is optimized. And the specific control strategy for mode controller and main power converter is elaborated.Three kinds of simulation are made,i. e. the planned conversion from grid-connected mode to islanding mode,the unplanned conversion from grid-connected mode to islanding mode,and the planned conversion from islanding mode to grid-connected mode. The simulation results show the correctness and validity of the mode control strategy.
Auxotrophy-Based Detection of Hyperornithinemia in Mouse Blood and Urine

Gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina (GACR) is a hereditary form of progressive blindness caused by homozygosity for loss-of-function mutations in the ornithine aminotransferase gene (Oat). The...
A phase II study of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for appetite stimulation in cancer-associated anorexia.

Purpose To evaluate the appetite-stimulating properties of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in patients with anorexia due to advanced cancer. Patients and methods Nineteen patients with various malignancies were entered. All had cancer-associated anorexia and a life expectancy greater than four weeks. Patients were started on THC 2.5 mg p.o. t.i.d. one hour after meals for four weeks. Evaluations for side effects, efficacy, acceptability and satisfaction were conducted at two and four weeks. Results 18 patients were evaluable. Ten patients completed the entire 28-day study. Four patients experienced grade I toxicity and three withdrew at their request. Thirteen patients reported an improved appetite. Conclusion THC is an effective appetite stimulant in patients with advanced cancer. It is well tolerated at low doses. Further studies are needed to determine the most appropriate dose and the specific population most likely to respond.
The limits of poverty reduction in support of climate change adaptation

The relationship between poverty and climate change vulnerability is complex and though not commensurate, the distinctions between the two are often blurred. There is widespread recognition of the need to better understand poverty-vulnerability dynamics in order to improve risk management and poverty reduction investments. This is challenging due to the latent nature of adaptive capacities, frequent lack of baseline data, and the need for high-resolution studies. Here we respond to these challenges by analyzing household-level data in Northeast Brazil to compare drought events 14 years apart. In the period between droughts, the government implemented an aggressive anti-poverty program that includes financial and human capital investments. Poverty declined significantly, but the expected reduction in vulnerability did not occur, in part because the households were not investing in risk management strategies. Our findings complement other research that shows that households make rational decisions that may not correspond with policymaker expectations. We emphasize the need for complementary investments to help channel increased household wealth into risk reduction, and to ensure that the public sector itself continues to prioritize the public functions of risk management, especially in areas where the social cost of climatic risk is high.
Non-atherosclerotic Cardiac Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis

First clearly described by Charcot in the 19th century, pericardial disease has been regarded as the most common cardiac manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Physical therapist screening and differential diagnosis for traumatic-onset elbow pain: A case report

ABSTRACTBackground and Purpose: Elbow pain can originate from many sources yet have similar signs and symptoms, thereby presenting differential diagnostic challenges. The elbow is commonly injured, thus requiring all clinicians to possess excellent diagnostic skills. Case Description: A 24-year-old woman slipped and fell on her outstretched left hand, experiencing immediate elbow pain. The same day radiographs were deemed negative by her orthopedist, who referred her to physical therapy with the diagnoses of elbow sprain and contusion. Immediately after examining the patient, the physical therapist consulted with the referring orthopedist. The decision to consult was based on: the mechanism of injury, pain severity out of proportion to the referred diagnoses, significantly limited ROM, abnormal joint end feels, exquisite pain with tactile and tuning fork bony palpation, and positive elbow extension test. Outcomes: The treating physical therapist shared the above-noted findings with the orthopedist, who ov...
Molecular modeling and assignment of IR spectra of the hydrated excess proton in isotopically dilute water

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy of the water O–H stretch has been widely used to probe both the local hydrogen-bonding structure and dynamics of aqueous systems. Although of significant interest, the IR spectroscopy of excess protons in water remains difficult to assign as a result of extensive and strong intermolecular interactions in hydrated proton complexes. As an alternate approach, we develop a mixed quantum-classical model for the vibrational spectroscopy of the excess proton in isotopically dilute water that draws on frozen proton-water clusters taken from reactive molecular dynamics trajectories of the latest generation multi-state empirical valence bond proton model (MS-EVB 3.2). A semi-empirical single oscillator spectroscopic map for the instantaneous transition frequency and transition dipole moment is constructed using potential energy surfaces for the O–H stretch coordinate of the excess proton using electronic structure calculations. Calculated spectra are compared with experimental spectra of ...
A Nonrelational Data Warehouse for the Analysis of Field and Laboratory Data From Multiple Heterogeneous Photovoltaic Test Sites

A nonrelational, distributed computing, data warehouse, and analytics environment (Energy-CRADLE) was developed for the analysis of field and laboratory data from multiple heterogeneous photovoltaic (PV) test sites. This data informatics and analytics infrastructure was designed to process diverse formats of PV performance data and climatic telemetry time-series data collected from a PV outdoor test network, i.e., the Solar Durability and Lifetime Extension global SunFarm network, as well as point-in-time laboratory spectral and image measurements of PV material samples. Using Hadoop/HBase for the distributed data warehouse, Energy-CRADLE does not have a predefined data table schema, which enables ingestion of data in diverse and changing formats. For easy data ingestion and data retrieval, Energy-CRADLE utilizes Hadoop streaming to enable Python MapReduce and provides a graphical user interface, i.e., py-CRADLE. By developing the Hadoop distributed computing platform and the HBase NoSQL database schema for solar energy, Energy-CRADLE exemplifies an integrated, scalable, secure, and user-friendly data informatics and analytics system for PV researchers. An example of Energy-CRADLE enabled scalable, data-driven, analytics is presented, where machine learning is used for anomaly detection across 2.2 million real-world current-voltage (I–V) curves of PV modules in three distinct Koppen–Geiger climatic zones.
Collective bands in /sup 75/Kr

Multiple-particle $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray coincidence techniques have been used to study the high spin structure of $^{75}\mathrm{Kr}$ excited through the $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$($^{39}\mathrm{K}$,3pn) reaction at $E=120$ MeV. From $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray angular distribution and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence experiments two $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=1$ bands were found. These bands are interpreted as being built on the ${\frac{3}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}[301]$ and ${\frac{5}{2}}^{+}[422]$ Nilsson orbitals, which have been identified in adjacent odd-$A$ nuclei in this region.
No sweat: technical problems in the nuclear medicine department: what can be fixed and what requires a service technician: a pictorial review

1968 Learning Objectives We discuss how even with a service contract, the service engineer may not detect all issues with the daily function of the nuclear camera. Poor-quality images can lead to misdiagnosis, additional testing, delays in treatment, and anxiety in patients. We discuss the importance of maintaining camera quality control, and detect when a camera problem occurs and troubleshoot the possible etiology of the problem. In a pictorial review, we demonstrate a variety of camera issues, discuss the etiologies, which problems can be fixed by the technologist and which require the assistance of the Service Technician. Poor-quality images can lead to misdiagnosis, additional testing, delays in treatment, and anxiety in patients, costing the U.S. health care system millions of dollars each year. Daily floods only provide the most basic information regarding a cameras operating performance. Detector performance can deteriorate over time and camera issues can occur at any time. The gradual loss of performance over time is very hard to detect by technologists. When a camera problem is detected, it is important to distinguish which issues can be fixed by the radiology technologist and which issues require a call to the service technician. In a pictorial review, we discuss a variety of issues that can be encountered daily during routine camera use. When there is an image quality problem in nuclear medicine a rapid decision of how to approach the problem must be made. By outlining common image quality problems and whether they can be addressed internally by the technologist vs a service technician a more streamlined method of dealing with these issues is possible.
The Emergence of Quantitative Sintering Theory from 1945 to 1955

Particles flow and pack under stress, allowing shaping of the particles into target engineering geometries. Subsequently, in a process termed sintering, the particles are heated to induce bonding that results in a strong solid. Although first practiced 26,000 years ago, sintering was largely unexplained until recent times. Sintering science moved from an empirical and largely qualitative notion into a quantitative theory over a relatively short time period following World War II. That conceptual transition took place just as commercial applications for sintered materials underwent significant growth. This article highlights the key changes in sintering concepts that occurred in the 1945–1955 time period. This time span starts with the first quantitative neck growth model from Frenkel and ends with the quantitative shrinkage model from Kingery and Berg that includes several transport mechanisms.
Pim Kinases Mediate Viability Signals Downstream of the Tyrosine Kinase Oncogenes BCR-ABL and FLT3-ITD.

Abstract Pim1 and Pim2 belong to a family of serine/threonine kinases that are overexpressed in many leukemias. Pim1 has previously been shown to cooperate with the v-myc oncogene to transform hematopoietic cells with murine transforming viruses and overexpression of Pim2 has been shown to induce growth factor independence in a factor dependent murine BaF3 cell line. Protein expression of both Pim1 and Pim2 is low or absent in non-transformed hematopoietic cells but was found to be rapidly increased upon transformation by BCR-ABL or FLT3 with an internal tandem duplication (ITD). The exact contribution of the Pim kinases to transformation in these cells is unknown. BaF3 cell lines were created that stably expressed either BCR-ABL or FLT3-ITD tyrosine kinases, and in which either Pim1 or Pim2 could be induced with doxycycline. Treatment of BCR-ABL or FLT3-ITD expressing cells with small molecule kinase inhibitors specific for either ABL or FLT3 led to inhibition of cell growth, increased apoptosis, and downregulation of Pim expression as expected. However, if Pim2, and to a lesser extent, Pim1 expression was maintained by doxycycline, there was a substantial increase in both viability and cell growth. The molecular mechanisms by which Pim proteins exhibit their effects on target cells are not known. Using parental growth factor dependent BaF3 cell lines with doxycycline inducible Pim1 and Pim2, we show that expression of either of the Pim proteins is sufficient, by itself, to reduce apoptosis and induce modest cell growth. The effects of Pim overexpression on several pathways known to be associated with viability were studied. We found that while Pim over-expression does not activate Akt, it does result in the phosphorylation of a known Akt target, GSK-3β, a regulator of cell cycle progression by targeting the stability of cyclin D proteins. This suggests that Pim proteins may mediate their biological effects through regulation of components in the phosphatidylinositol-3′ kinase signaling cascade, independent of Akt activation. These results further suggest that upregulation of Pim kinases significantly contributes to transformation. Inhibition of Pim kinases could have beneficial therapeutic effects in leukemias.
Bone Marrow as a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Source for Gene Therapy in Sickle Cell Disease: Evidence from Rhesus and SCD Patients

Steady state bone marrow (BM) is the preferred hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) source for gene therapy in sickle cell disease (SCD) due to the recognized risk of vaso-occlusive crisis during granulocyte colony–stimulating factor mobilization. We previously established clinically relevant HSC gene transfer in the rhesus model following transplantation of mobilized peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cells transduced with lentiviral vectors. In this study, we examined steady state bone marrow (BM) in the rhesus competitive repopulation model and demonstrate similar gene marking in vitro and in vivo, as compared with mobilized PB CD34+ cells. We then evaluated PB and steady state BM in subjects with SCD and observed a higher frequency of CD34+ cells when compared with controls, likely due to enhanced hematopoiesis. However, CD34+ cell counts were reduced in both the PB and BM in patients treated with hydroxyurea, and hydroxyurea treatment strongly inhibited iPS cell generation from SCD subjects. Our data support that ...
Computer-aided holometry in the automotive industry

In the past, holometry methods have been used primarily for problem solving in structures that were already in production, often where limited opportunities existed to make expensive modifications to existing tooling. Infrequently holometry was used by knowledgeable engineers to develop optimized components in the prototype stage even without the current CAE methods. The opportunity and challenge of our day is to closely couple CAE (FEA, EFA, BEA) methods and experimental methods (Computer Aided Holometry (CAH), modal, etc.) to optimize structural performance in the upstream product development process where necessary tooling modifications can and will be made. Holometry is used by American, European and Japanese automobile manufactures and several commercial sources for equipment and software are now available. The capabilities of Ford USA’s CAH system for stepped phase interferometry are presented. Holographic test equipment and facilities are briefly reviewed. Fringe analysis algorithms and procedures for practical semiautomated processing of stepped phase interferograms of complex real life structures for quantitative measurement of deformation and shape are discussed. Several automotive applications illustrating the fringe analysis technique are presented.
The Development of Disordered Eating

An enormous amount of research has been directed toward identifying the social, psychological, and biological correlates of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The goal of these efforts is to elucidate factors that predispose individuals to the development of eating disorders and may influence the course of these disorders. However, as most investigations have involved cross-sectional, concurrent or retrospective approaches with college student samples or eating-disordered patients, they offer little information about risk factors and the developmental course of eating problems and disorders. A developmental approach is critical to the study of these disorders, as eating problems commonly emerge during adolescence and are likely to be linked to the biological, social, and psychological transformations inherent to this period. Moreover, there appears to be a broad spectrum of eating disturbances, with relatively common eating problems such as dieting and binge eating arrayed along a continuum with the more severe clinical eating disorders Finally, considerable change occurs over time, with individuals moving to more or less severe positions along this continuum.
Effects of Climate Change on Snowpack, Glaciers, and Water Resources in the Northern Rockies

Many of the effects of climate change on ecosystems will be mediated through changes in hydrology. Decreasing snowpack and declining summer flows with warming will alter timing and availability of water supply, affecting agricultural, municipal, and public uses in and downstream from national forests. Declining summer low flows will affect water availability during late summer, the period of peak demand for irrigation and power supply. Increased magnitude of peak streamflows will damage roads near perennial streams, ranging from minor erosion to extensive damage, thus affecting public safety, access for resource management, water quality, and aquatic habitat.
Topological controls on the dissolution kinetics of glassy aluminosilicates

Fly ash which encompasses a mixture of glassy and crystalline aluminosilicates is an abundant supplementary cementitious material (SCM), valuable for replacing ordinary portland cement (OPC) in the binder fraction in concrete. Because higher OPC replacement levels are desired, it is critically important to better understand and quantify fly ash reactivity. By combining molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and vertical scanning interferometry (VSI), this study establishes that the reactivity of the glassy fractions in a fly ash with water (i.e., their aqueous dissolution rate) is controlled by the number of constraints placed on atoms within the disordered aluminosilicate network. More precisely, an Arrhenius-like dependence of dissolution rates on the atomic network topology is observed. Such topological controls on fly ash reactivity are highlighted for a range of U.S. commercial fly ashes spanning CaO-enriched and SiO2-enriched compositions. The structure-property relationships reported herein establish an improved framework to control and estimate fly ash-cement interactions in concrete. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
How Well Do Restored Intertidal Oyster Reefs Support Key Biogeochemical Properties in a Coastal Lagoon

The restoration of dead/degraded oyster reefs is increasingly pursued worldwide to reestablish harvestable populations or renew ecosystem services. Evidence suggests that oysters can improve water quality, but less is known about the role of associated benthic sediments in promoting biogeochemical processes, such as nutrient cycling and burial. There is also limited understanding of if, or how long postrestoration, a site functions like a natural reef. This study investigated key biogeochemical properties (e.g., physiochemical properties, nutrient pools, microbial community size and activity) in the sediments of dead reefs; 1-, 4-, and 7-year-old restored reefs; and natural reference reefs of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, in Mosquito Lagoon (FL, USA). Results indicated that most of the measured biogeochemical properties (dissolved organic carbon (C), NH4 +, total C, total nitrogen (N), and the activity of major extracellular enzymes involved in C, N, and phosphorus (P) cycling) increased significantly by 1-year postrestoration, relative to dead reefs, and then remained fairly constant as the reefs continued to age. Few differences were observed in biogeochemical properties between restored reefs of any age (1 to 7 years) and natural reference reefs. Variability among reefs of the same treatment category was often correlated with differences in the number of live oysters, reef thickness, and/or the availability of C and N in the sediments. Overall, this study demonstrates the role of live intertidal oyster reefs as biogeochemical hot spots for nutrient cycling and burial and the rapidity (within 1 year) with which biogeochemical properties can be reestablished following successful restoration.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex inhibits medial orbitofrontal activity in smokers

Background and objective Several studies have shown that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), can reduce cue-elicited craving in smokers. Currently, the mechanism of this effect is unknown. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore the effect of a single treatment of rTMS on cortical and sub-cortical neural activity in non-treatment seeking nicotine-dependent participants. Methods We conducted a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover trial in which participants attended two experimental visits separated by at least 1 week. On the first visit, participants received either active, or sham rTMS (10 Hz, 5 s-on, 10 s-off, 100% motor threshold, 3,000 pulses) over the left DLPFC, and on the second visit they received the opposite condition (active or sham). Cue craving fMRI scans were completed before and after each rTMS session. Results A total of 11 non-treatment seeking nicotine-dependent cigarette smokers were enrolled in the study [six female, average age 39.7 ± 13.2, average cigarettes per day 17.3 ± 5.9]. Active rTMS decreased activity in the contralateral medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) and ipsilateral nucleus accumbens (NAc) compared to sham rTMS. Conclusions This preliminary data suggests that one session of rTMS applied to the DLPFC decreases brain activity in the NAc and mOFC in smokers. Scientific significance rTMS may exert its anti-craving effect by decreasing activity in the NAc and mOFC in smokers. Despite a small sample size, these findings warrant future rTMS/fMRI studies in addictions. (Am J Addict 2017;26:788-794).
A Missionary's Relationship to Sending Churches: Communal and Exchange Dimensions

The relationship between a career missionary and a local church should enable each member in the relationship to better accomplish the purposes to which God has called each one. However, the missionary-church relationship can be very complex, even confusing. The concepts of exchange relationships (where relationship members are expected to provide comparable benefits to each other) and communal relationships (where benefits are given to the one member without expectations of receiving something of equal value in response) provides a framework for understanding some of the dynamics of missionary-church relationships. Although a communal relationship may be a biblically-based goal, many aspects of missionary-church relationships can be understood as exchange relationships, which are also modeled and encouraged in the Bible. Ensuring that each member benefits from this relationship may make the relationship more stable during times of transition and distress.
Holistic School Quality Measurement and the Future of Accountability: Pilot-Test Results:

School accountability systems in the United States have been criticized on a number of fronts, mainly on grounds of completeness and fairness. This study examines an alternative school quality fram...
Comparison of 1.7kV, 450A SiC-MOSFET and Si-IGBT based modular three phase power block

A three phase power block based on novel 1.7 kV/450 A SiC-MOSFET is designed and tested. To benchmark the performance of the power block, a through comparison is done with currently standardized 1.7 kV/450 A Si-IGBT based three phase power block. Key performance indices, including power rating curves at different switching frequencies and power factors; temperature ripple at different fundamental frequencies, are examined. It is shown that the SiC based power block has very promising potentials in various applications. Simulation and experiment results are provided to support the claims for SiC-MOSFET based power block.
Discovery of Selective, Substrate-Competitive, and Passive Membrane Permeable Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Inhibitors: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Modeling of New C-Glycosylflavones.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a key enzyme responsible for tau hyperphosphorylation and is a viable therapeutic target of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We developed a new class of GSK-3β inhibitors based on the 6-C-glycosylflavone isoorientin (1). The new inhibitors are passive membrane permeable and constitutively attenuate GSK-3β mediated tau hyperphosphorylation and amyloid neurotoxicity in an AD cellular model. Enzymatic assays and kinetic studies demonstrated that compound 30 is a GSK-3β substrate-competitive inhibitor with distinct kinase selectivity, isoform-selectivity and over 310-fold increased potency as compared to 1. Structure–activity relationship analyses and in silico modeling suggest the mechanism of actions by which the hydrophobic, π–cation, and orthogonal multipolar interactions of 30 with the substrate site are critical for the GSK-3β inhibition and selectivity. The results provide new insights into GSK-3β drug discovery. The new inhibitors are valuable chemical probes and drug ...
Tightly coupled cooperation among independent agents

Coordination is defined as ”the harmonious functioning of parts for effective results” (Mish 1996). When applied to multiple robot systems, coordination is classified by one of two categories: collaboration or cooperation. Each component contributes to the harmonious functioning aspect of Coordination. Collaboration occurs when multiple robots engage in separate independent tasks to fulfill a higher goal. Collaboration is limited to situations where there is no requirement for synchronization on the tasks. An example of this is in distributed mapping: each robot’s progress on generating its portion of the map is unaffected by the progress of other robots. Cooperation, on the other hand, occurs when multiple robots engage in similar or identical tasks that are mutually dependent (coupled) in pursuit of a higher goal. These tasks require at least some degree of synchronization, and cooperative tasks fall on a spectrum that spans from loosely coupled to tightly coupled tasks. More tightly coupled tasks require a greater degree of synchronization. Cooperative box pushing is an example of a somewhat tightly coupled task, since the synchronization requirements are mostly limited to constraining the deviation from the intendended course. Cooperative lifting is a tightly coupled cooperative task because the robots must keep the item fairly level. This way, the robots avoid an uneven distribution of the weight and minimize the risk of damage to themselves and the item. With highly independent autonomous systems, collaboration and loosely coupled cooperation are readily achieved. This is because each individual task completion is seen as a fulfillment of a subgoal pertaining to the overall goal. Though the apparent progress of a loosely coupled cooperative tasking may vary temporally, delaying the deactivation of the task until it remains complete for a minimum time period can ensure successful completion. However, it is much more difficult to construct a system that can perform