cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance of Functionally Graded Thermoelectric Materials and Devices: A Review

Direct energy conversion using thermoelectric generators (TEGs) is a research area of growing interest because of its potential for increasing energy efficiency. Bulk thermoelectric modules are used widely in industry as Peltier cooling devices. Currently, only bismuth telluride modules are commercially available for power generation. Significant efforts have been put into exploring promising materials and techniques to improve the figure of merit (zT) at laboratory scale (5–20 g). A variety of techniques have been investigated to improve the output and useful temperature range for common industrial TEGs made from bulk polycrystalline materials including segmentation, geometric pinning, and property gradients. However, the improvement in zT at device level (500–1000 g and up) is exceptionally limited. In addition, the thermal degradation of TEGs occurs when cracks form due to thermal stresses that arise from transient heat sources, which consequently lead to a decreased lifetime. Functionally graded material (FGM) thermoelectrics in bulk and polycrystalline form have been developed to mitigate some of these issues by improving the temperature bandwidth, current output range, and lifetime. The present work provides a review of functionally graded TEGs, including their manufacturing, usage and current techniques for improving their performance. This article also provides a pathway to additional research and approaches for improving the efficiency and temperature range, as well as reducing the property degradation of bulk polycrystalline TEGs.
The Contribution of Hope and Affectivity to Diabetes-Related Disability: An Exploratory Study

This study examined the relationships of the dispositional variables of hope, positive affectivity (PA), and negative affectivity (NA) with disease status and illness-related psychosocial functioning in a sample of 45 young adults with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Canonical analyses revealed one significant canonical function between the dispositional and psychosocial outcome variables. Primary contributors to the relationship were higher NA and lower PA and maladaptive emotional behavior. A linear multiple regression analysis using hope and affectivity as predictors failed to account for a significant proportion of variance in objective disease status as measured by hemoglobin A 1C (HbA1C). The results support previous findings that affectivity may relate to self-reported, disease-related outcome, but not necessarily to objective measures of health status. Future studies of adaptation to chronic illness should consider including measures of illness-related behaviors (e.g., adherence), as well as subjective and objective measures of health status.
A Class of Uniform Chains

A chain (that is, a linear ordering) is said to be uniform if all of its principal ideals are isomorphic. A chain is scattered if it does not contain a subchain which is isomorphic to the chain of the rational numbers. We shall construct a class of pairwise non-isomorphic scattered uniform chains.
Characterization and Design Optimization of FRP Composite Modular System for Slab-on-Girder Bridges

This paper presents the analytical and experimental characterization results of a modular slab-on-girder bridge system consisting of a steel-free concrete slab reinforced by fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite deck panels and composite rectangular girders. The analytical predictions using finite element method compared well with the full-scale experimental results of the components and system tests.
Ontogeny of the Two Major Classes of Lymphocytes

The complexity of immune systems of higher animals is perhaps best exemplified by the variety of differentiation pathways open to primordial stem cells. Obviously, the ultimate control mechanisms at the genetic level are intriguing mysteries to be solved in the future; nevertheless, much has been learned about the pathways themselves and, perhaps more importantly, about the phenotypic expressions of lymphocyte differentiation which, in the few years since our previous review (1051), have been found to correlate with distinct functional properties of lymphocyte classes and subclasses. In this chapter, I will summarize pertinent points about lymphocyte ontogeny with particular emphasis on the surface markers that provide phenotypic tools to identify functional subsets of certain lymphocytes.
Predictive Value of Stock Message Board Sentiments

Online brokerages and message board providers have introduced community stock sentiments to influence investors in their trading decisions. Community stock sentiments reflect the average opinions of investors to either buy (bullish) or sell (bearish). However, it is unclear if these sentiments have informational value. This paper studies the predictive power of message board sentiments over future abnormal stock returns. The results show that message board sentiments have a negative but insignificant impact on stock abnormal returns in the subsequent two weeks. However, the negative impacts become both statistically and economically significant in the third week. Moreover, sentiments of investors who have correctly predicted recent stock movements are more negatively associated with future stock movements. The findings are consistent with psychological theories suggesting investors overreact to news and those who happen to predict correctly in the past are more likely to overreact. Based on the analysis, a trading strategy that involves buying stocks with low sentiments while selling stocks with high sentiments was implemented. The results indicated weekly returns ranging from 0.44% to 0.66%. [Note: We discovered an error in coding in the earlier paper with the same title. The abstract and paper have been updated.]
The Pacific Sector Hadley and Walker Circulation in Historical Marine Wind Analyses

We investigate the historical variation of the wintertime Pacific marine sector meridional atmospheric circulation, using simple diagnostics calculated from a statistical analysis of 140 years of surface wind data. Intensity of the wintertime expression of the Hadley circulation, as expressed by a wind divergence index, varies interannually and secularly. In agreement with previous studies, interannual variation is associated with variations in the Walker circulation; e.g., El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) activity. The secular variation, most likely affected by systematic measurement biases, is nevertheless consistent with results from simulation of the Indo-Pacific-sector Hadley circulation variability in the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis (see Chapter 3, “Change of the Tropical Hadley Cell since 1950,” Quan et al., this volume; and Chapter 5, “Interannual to Interdecadal Variations of the Hadley and Walker Circulations,” Minobe, this volume) and model simulations of the global atmospheric response to anthropogenic forcing (see Chapter 14, “The Response of the Hadley Circulation to Climate Changes, Past and Future,” Rind and Perlwitz, this volume; and Chapter 17, “Mechanisms of an Intensified Hadley Circulation in Response to Solar Forcing in the Twentieth Century,” Meehl et al., this volume). A proxy network tracking Hadley intensity as mirrored in sea surface temperature (SST), precipitation, surface winds, and/or ocean upwelling might be used to further study processes underlying long-term variability in the Hadley circulation over the past several hundred years.
Case of Proteinuria, Worsening Hypertension, and Glomerular Endotheliosis With Erlotinib and Gefitinib.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations promote tumoral cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis.1 Mutations at the receptor are found in several tumors, especially non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC),2 occurring in 10% to 15% of NSCLC in Europe and 30% to 40% in Asia.3 The available oral EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs) are erlotinib, gefitinib, and afatinib. Erlotinib monotherapy is indicated for first-line treatment and for maintenance therapy in patients with activating mutations of the EGFR who have locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC,4, 5 and locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC after failure of at least 1 prior chemotherapy.6 Gefitinib is authorized for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with activating mutations of EGFR across all disease stages.7, 8 Skin rashes and diarrhea are the most commonly reported adverse effects with erlotinib (75% and 54% of patients, respectively)6 and gefitinib (58% and 35%, respectively).9 Kidney dysfunction is rare with EGFR TKIs. In the phase III studies that established erlotinib and gefitinib for their current treatment indications, 1 patient on erlotinib had any grade kidney failure10 and 1.5% of patients treated with gefitinib had an elevation in creatinine (Cr).9 Elderly patients with chronic kidney disease have been safely treated with gefitinib.11 Outside of clinical trials, there are case reports of 2 patients treated with gefitinib who developed minimal change disease and 1 patient with tubulointerstitial nephritis with IgA nephropathy12, 13 on kidney biopsy. One patient on erlotinib was reported with a pauci immune glomerulonephritis14 on kidney biopsy.
Animal maltreatment law: Evolving efforts to protect animals and their forensic mental health implications

Animals have long formed an important part of human communities and served various roles in human activities. Some of the earliest human civilizations developed laws that protected animals for assorted reasons, including their economic value, religious beliefs pertaining to animals, and societal concerns about cleanliness. In the 1800s, Western thinkers began to view animals as having rights of their own and proposed legislation that changed the legal landscape regarding animal maltreatment. In the United States today there are widely varying laws designed to address the various forms of animal maltreatment. Each state's laws are different. Some states have modern statutes designed to identify and punish animal maltreatment, and others are relatively lax in their consideration of what constitutes abuse. The purpose of this article is to review the development of animal maltreatment legislation from ancient civilization to the present day in the United States; to identify current legislative reforms designed to assist in investigating and prosecuting animal abusers; to describe the role that forensic mental health experts may play in evaluating abusers for a variety of related concerns, including violence risk, sexual violence risk, and fitness for guardianship of an animal; and to delineate areas requiring further research to improve the forensic evaluation of animal abusers.
Coherent Vibrational Spectroscopy in the Single Molecule Limit

We discuss the latest developments in advancing the use of nonlinear optical spectroscopy for the purpose of studying vibrational dynamics of single molecules. In particular, we focus on surface-enhanced coherent Raman scattering measurements in the single molecule limit.
A forced-vibration technique for measurement of material damping: Internal damping of beam specimens in resonant flexural vibration is found from measurements of input acceleration and resulting specimen-bending strain

This article describes a technique for measuring material damping in specimens under forced flexural vibration. Although the method was developed for testing fiber-reinforced composite materials, it could be used for any structural material.
Testing the effects of a role model intervention on women’s STEM outcomes

Female role models show promise for inoculating women against the harmful impact of stereotypes impugning their ability in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM, e.g., Dasgupta in Psychol Inq 22(4):231–246, 2011). We conducted a test of an intervention to leverage the benefits of STEM role models. Female STEM majors (N = 72) in their first year of college were exposed to same-sex role models on two occasions. They completed measures of stereotypes and other STEM outcomes at the beginning of their first semester (pre-manipulation) and again at the end of their first semester (post-manipulation). Women who were assigned to engage in a process of reflective identification with the STEM role models (i.e., reflect on their similarity in a writing passage) showed greater change in implicit and explicit stereotypes compared to women who were exposed to STEM role models, but did not engage in reflection. Among women exposed to role models, role model identification was negatively related to explicit stereotypes and positively related to STEM outcomes including GPA in STEM courses.
Klassisches Bedienkonzept plus Touchscreen

Bisher einmalig in der Automobilindustrie ist eine neue HMI-Konfiguration (Human Machine Interface), die Vorteile zweier bis dato konkurriender Bedienstrategien — Bedienelement steuert den Displaydialog (klassisch) und Touchscreen-Technologie — in idealer Weise erganzt. Entwickelt wurde es von Ford of Europe: Das System tragt den Namen FordConvers+. Der Konzern beschreibt den Weg von „der Vision der Einfachheit“ bis zur ersten Serienintegration. Ford zeigt zudem Losungen fur eine weitere Optimierung des Arbeitsplatz-Managements.
A Formative Approach in Applying a Meta-Ethnography across the Qualitative Professional Criminal Literature

This paper aims to introduce and teach readers step-by-step how to conduct a meta-ethnography within the field of criminology. In order to accomplish this, we purposefully selected a very narrow area of study, professional criminals as presented in well-known classic criminological monographs and then further restricted it to a rational choice perspective, a theoretical rubric easily addressed via the meta-ethnography. These limiting decisions were done so that readers would not get lost in the substance of the meta-ethnography. A search of qualitative research monographs and related online bibliographic databases identified a total of 32 research monographs, 6 of which met the inclusion criteria for the critical appraisal process. Following the methodological approach offered by Noblit and Hare’s (1988) traditional meta-ethnography analytical framework, 24 of the most prevalent rational choice concepts were identified and collapsed into a Line of Argument Synthesis of 11 metaphors highlighting the intrinsic and nuanced connections among taken-for-granted rational choice concepts (e.g., rationality, perceptions of risks/costs/benefits, etc.), criminal decision-making processes, and related lifestyle. The implications of meta-ethnography as a methodological tool for theoretical assessment in criminology and criminal justice are discussed.
Technology for Educational Purposes Among Low-Income Latino Children Living in a Mobile Park in Silicon Valley: A Case Study Before and During COVID-19

Our case study explored the role of technology in education among low-income Latino residents living in a mobile park in Silicon Valley. Through surveys and in-person interviews with parents and ch...
Inclusive Instruction for Students With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders: Service in the Absence of Intervention Research:

Various stakeholders continue to have concerns regarding the school performance of students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). In an effort to improve student outcomes, schools may rely...
Research Needs, Challenges, and Strategic Approaches for Natural Hazards and Disaster Reconnaissance

Natural hazards and disaster reconnaissance investigations have provided many lessons for the research and practice communities and have greatly improved our scientific understanding of extreme events. Yet, many challenges remain for these communities, including improving our ability to model hazards, make decisions in the face of uncertainty, enhance community resilience, and mitigate risk. State-of-the-art instrumentation and mobile data collection applications have significantly advanced the ability of field investigation teams to capture quickly perishable data in post-disaster settings. The NHERI RAPID Facility convened a community workshop of experts in the professional, government, and academic sectors to determine reconnaissance data needs and opportunities, and to identify the broader challenges facing the reconnaissance community that hinder data collection and use. Participants highlighted that field teams face many practical and operational challenges before and during reconnaissance investigations, including logistics concerns, safety issues, emotional trauma, and after-returning, issues with data processing and analysis. Field teams have executed many effective missions. Among the factors contributing to successful reconnaissance are having local contacts, effective teamwork, and pre-event training. Continued progress in natural hazard reconnaissance requires adaptation of new, strategic approaches that acquire and integrate data over a range of temporal, spatial, and social scales across disciplines.
Duck, duck, goose: Benchmark bird surveys help quantify counting errors and bias in a citizen-science database

Abstract The growth of biodiversity data sets generated by citizen scientists continues to accelerate. The availability of such data has greatly expanded the scale of questions researchers can address. Yet, error, bias, and noise continue to be serious concerns for analysts, particularly when data being contributed to these giant online data sets are difficult to verify. Counts of birds contributed to eBird, the world’s largest biodiversity online database, present a potentially useful resource for tracking trends over time and space in species’ abundances. We quantified counting errors in a sample of 1406 eBird checklists by comparing numbers contributed by birders (N=246) who visited a popular birding location in Oregon, USA, with numbers generated by a professional ornithologist engaged in a long-term study creating benchmark (reference) measurements of daily waterbird counts. We focused on waterbirds, which are easily visible at this site. We evaluated potential predictors of count differences, including characteristics of contributed checklists, of each species, and of time of day and year. Count differences were biased toward undercounts, with more than 75% of counts being below the daily benchmark value. When only checklists that actually reported a species known to be present were included, median count errors were −29.1% (range: 0 to −42.8 %; N=20 species). Model sets revealed an important influence of each species’ reference count, which varied seasonally as waterbird numbers fluctuated, and of percent of species known to be present each day that were included on each checklist. That is, checklists indicating a more thorough survey of the species richness at the site also had, on average, lower counting errors. However, even on checklists with the most thorough species lists, counts were biased low and exceptionally variable in their accuracy. To improve utility of such bird count data, we suggest three strategies to pursue in the future. One is to assess additional options for analytically determining how to select checklists that have the highest probability of including less biased count data, as well as exploring options for correcting bias during the analysis stage. Another is to add options for users to provide additional information that helps analysts choose checklists, such as an option for users to tag checklists where they focused on obtaining accurate counts. We also recommend exploration of opportunities to effectively calibrate citizen-science bird count data by establishing a formalized network of marquis sites where dedicated observers regularly contribute carefully collected benchmark data.
Jewish and American Inheritance Law: Commonalities, Clashes, and Estate Planning Consequences

Jewish inheritance law and American inheritance law share significant similarities. Each prescribes specific distributive rules for those who die intestate and each permits a person the autonomy to elect different distributive rules through a variety of estate planning vehicles. At the same time, each imposes parameters – obligatory in the case of American law and largely hortatory in the case of Jewish law – on the exercise of such autonomy. In America, the Jewish and secular legal systems can interact with, or contradict, each other in ways that produce unanticipated and undesired results. As a result, effective estate planning requires Jews, and the legal and financial professionals who advise them, to acquire a working knowledge of both the Jewish and American rules. This article provides this background by exploring Jewish inheritance law not only through the lens of comparative law but also from an estate planning perspective, particularly, but not exclusively, with respect to planning for spouses and children.This article discusses a number of planning options. Depending on the circumstances of a specific case, practical considerations may recommend one technique over another. Nevertheless, Jewish law authorities disagree as to the efficacy of the various alternatives. Therefore, in order to best advise a given client, it may be necessary, with the client’s consent, to consult with the particular religious authorities upon whom the client and his or her intended beneficiaries.
Studies on Energy, CO2s and Water on the African Continent

African nations share a common situation in that they pollute little in terms of CO2s globally speaking, but at the same time global warming will likely have terrible consequences for the continent, set to face a sharp population increase. African governments have promised to contribute towards the COP21 objectives of decarbonisation by transforming their energy systems. They have now access to few energy resources, which is conducive to their poverty. New renewables belong to the future (solar, wind, geo-thermal), whereas old renewables -wood, coal-– are a thing of the past. The coal or oil and gas dependent giants must start energy transformation, as must the many countries relying upon traditional biomass, or charcoal. The use of wood coal is simply too large for the survival of the African forests. Africa need lots of energy to handle the coming crisis of potable water, as lakes and rivers are shrinking and degraded by pollution, dams and overfishing.
Arch Dams: Stress Studies for Ross and Diablo Dams

Representative results of long time study of stress from strain meters at Ross Dam, Wash; included is outline of method followed in deriving stress from embedded strain meters; preliminary results obtained from stress study on Diablo Dam, Wash, by strain relief measurements.
SEL: Robotic sensor/Effector programming language

This paper describes SEL (Sensor Effector Language), a High Level, Concurrent, Sensor/Effector Control Language designed for programming devices peripheral to Robots, such as linear actuators, positioning tables, force/torque sensors, tactile sensors and instrumented grippers. SEL applies Concepts derived from ADA and Concurrent Pascal to provide the high degree of flexibility and functionality required for industrial applications. In addition, the SEL package contains several application development utilities which can simplify and speed up industrial programming.
Inactivation of Both APC Alleles in Human and Mouse Tumors

Germline mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene lead to multiple intestinal tumors in familial adenomatous polyposis patients and in multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mice. Current models predict that inactivation of the remaining normal allele of a tumor suppressor gene is rate limiting for tumor formation, but this has been difficult to prove. While examination of colorectal adenomas from familial adenomatous polyposis patients identified somatic inactivating mutations of the second allele in the majority of tumors (19 of 24), the absolute requirement for an early inactivating event could not be demonstrated. In contrast, inactivation of the remaining allele of the murine APC (Apc) could be demonstrated in 100% (30 of 30) of tumors from Min mice. Moreover, inactivation was observed in the earliest recognizable phase of tumors, including some lesions containing as few as two dysplastic crypts. These results suggest that the mutation of the second APC allele is an early event in Min and familial adenomatous polyposis tumorigenesis, supporting Knudson's hypothesis.
Constraint-aware large-scale CMP cache design

Within the next decade, we expect that large-scale CMP (LCMP) platforms consisting of 10s of cores to become mainstream. The performance and scalability of these architectures is highly dependent on the design of the cache hierarchy. In this paper, our goal is to explore the cache design space for LCMP platforms, which can be vast with several constraints. We approach this exploration problem by developing a constraint-aware analysis methodology (CAAM). CAAM first considers two important constraints and limitations -- cache area constraints and on-die / off-die bandwidth limitations. We determine a viable range of cache hierarchy options. We then estimate the bandwidth requirements for these by running server workload traces on our LCMP performance model. Based on allowable bandwidth constraints, we narrow the design space further to highlight a few cache options. Finally, we compare these options based on performance, area and bandwidth trade-offs to make recommendations.
DESIGNING RELIABLE SOFTWARE FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS

The use of microcomputers in automotive applications has placed new requirements on programmers. Programmers must protect their software against flaws in the hardware system in which it is operating. Various techniques for writing "failsafe software" have been developed, and are discussed in this paper.
Interferon at the crossroads of allergy and viral infections

IFN-α/β was first described as a potent inhibitor of viral replication, but it is now appreciated that IFN signaling plays a pleiotropic role in regulating peripheral T cell functions. Recently, IFN-α/β was shown to block human Th2 development by suppressing the transcription factor GATA3. This effect is consistent with the role for IFN-α/β in suppressing allergic inflammatory processes by blocking granulocyte activation and IL-4-mediated B cell isotype switching to IgE. With the consideration of recent studies demonstrating a defect in IFN-α/β secretion in DCs and epithelial cells from individuals with severe atopic diseases, there is an apparent reciprocal negative regulatory loop in atopic individuals, whereby the lack of IFN-α/β secretion by innate cells contributes to the development of allergic Th2 cells. Is it possible to overcome these events by treating with IFN-α/β or by inducing its secretion in vivo? In support of this approach, case studies have documented the therapeutic potential of IFN-α/β in treating steroid-resistant allergic asthma and other atopic diseases. Additionally, individuals with asthma who are infected with HCV and respond to IFN therapy showed a reduction in symptoms and severity of asthma attacks. These findings support a model, whereby allergic and antiviral responses are able to cross-regulate each other, as IgER cross-linking of pDCs prevents IFN-α/β production in response to viral infection. The clinical importance of upper-respiratory viruses in the context of allergic asthma supports the need to understand how these pathways intersect and to identify potential therapeutic targets.
Diet restriction in rhesus monkeys lowers fasting and glucose-stimulated glucoregulatory end points

Male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) of different age groups representing the species life span were fed ad libitum or a 30% reduced calorie diet over a 7-yr period. During the first 2-3 yr of this longitudinal study, glucose and insulin levels were not altered by diet restriction (DR). However, reductions in fasting blood glucose became apparent in DR animals after 3-4 yr. At the end of the 6th yr of study, glycated hemoglobin was measured, and intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTTs) were conducted. Maximum glucose levels reached during IVGTTs increased with age but were lower in DR animals compared with controls. Several measures of the insulin response (baseline, maximum, and integrated areas under curve) increased with age and were lower in DR monkeys. With the exception of glycated hemoglobin, which was not different in monkeys subjected to DR, these findings confirm previous studies in rodents demonstrating that DR alters glucose metabolism and may be related to the antiaging action of this intervention.
Peptides derived from two separate domains of the matrix protein thrombospondin-1 have anti-angiogenic activity

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) is a large modular matrix protein containing three identical disulfide-linked 180-kD chains that inhibits neovascularization in vivo (Good et al., 1990). To determine which of the structural motifs present in the 180-kD TSP1 polypeptide mediate the anti-angiogenic activity, a series of protease-generated fragments were tested using several in vitro and in vivo assays that reflect angiogenic activity. The majority of the anti-angiogenic activity of TSP1 resides in the central 70-kD stalk region which alone could block neovascularization induced by bFGF in the rat cornea in vivo and inhibit both migration in a modified Boyden chamber and [3H]thymidine incorporation stimulated by bFGF in cultured capillary endothelial cells. Although TSP1 has been shown to bind active TGF beta 1, this cytokine could not account for the inhibitory effects of the stalk region of TSP1 on cultured endothelial cells. Peptides and truncated molecules were used to further localize inhibitory activity to two domains of the central stalk, the procollagen homology region and the properdin-like type 1 repeats. Trimeric recombinant TSP1 containing NH2-terminal sequences truncated after the procollagen-like module inhibited endothelial cell migration in vitro and corneal neovascularization in vivo whereas trimeric molecules truncated before this domain were inactive as was the NH2-terminal heparin-binding domain that is present in both recombinant molecules. A series of peptides from the procollagen-like region, the smallest of which consisted of residues 303-309 of TSP1, inhibited angiogenesis in vivo in the rat cornea and the migration of endothelial cells in vitro. A 19-residue peptide containing these sequences blocked vessel formation in the granulation tissue invading a polyvinyl sponge implanted into the mouse. Nineteen residue peptides derived from two of the three type 1 repeats present in the intact TSP1 molecule blocked neovascularization in vivo in the rat cornea and inhibited the migration of cultured endothelial cells with ED50's of 0.6-7 microM. One of these peptides, containing residues 481-499 of TSP1, also inhibited vessel formation in granulation tissue invading sponges in vivo. These results suggest that the large TSP1 molecule employs at least two different structural domains and perhaps two different mechanisms to accomplish a single physiological function, the inhibition of neovascularization. The definition of short peptides from each of these domains that are able to block the angiogenic process may be of use in designing targeted inhibitors of the pathological neovascularization that underlies many diseases.
Moderators of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: Investigate moderators of a randomized clinical trial of group Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder (DBT-BED) compared to an active comparison group control (ACGT) on the post-treatment outcome of binge frequency after twenty 2-h weekly sessions. Method: Moderation analyses. Results: Participants were 101 adults with BED [mean (SD) age, 52.2 (10.6) years and BMI, 36.4 (8.6)]. Analyses identified two moderators of post-treatment outcome. Participants with (1) Avoidant Personality Disorder or (2) an earlier onset of overweight and dieting (<15 years old) evidenced significantly worsened outcome when treated with ACGT versus DBT-BED. Discussion: Participants with certain indicators of higher baseline pathology respond better to DBT-BED than ACGT at post-treatment. © 2011 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2012.
A Political Economy of the Indian State in the Era of Globalisation: A Review

The origins and nature of the post-Independence Indian state have been the subject of much research and debate among scholars and political activists. The state has been contradictorily and colourf...
District Complexity as an Advantage in Congressional Elections

Scholars of congressional elections have argued that an increase in constituent diversity increases the level of electoral competition. Following models of boundedly rational candidates, we argue that there is strong reason to believe that the opposite is true. As the complexity of the electoral landscape increases, challengers will have a more difficult time locating an optimal platform when facing an experienced incumbent. Using data from the 2000 National Annenberg Election Study, we construct a novel measure of district complexity for U.S. House districts and test whether the entry of quality challengers and the incumbent's share of the two-party vote are affected by the complexity of the electoral landscape. We find strong support for the hypothesis that complexity benefits incumbents for both indicators of electoral competition, which stands in contrast to most of the existing literature on diversity and incumbent performance.
The effect of strain rate on the deformational instability of aluminum alloys

Abstract Aluminum alloys in a solid solution initial state possess strain-induced structural instability which can be evaluated quantitatively by strain-rate measurements. On account of the intense interactions of clusters with dislocations at small strains (0.2% e), the K values ( σ=σ 0 +K log e ) for most aluminum alloys are high (K = 16 for an Al-4% Cu alloy at e=0.2%). However, K decreases significantly with increase in strain and at high strain values (10–15%) K reaches 0.5, a value typical of high purity aluminum (99.999%) at the same degree of strain. Different initial structural states of an aluminum alloy (such as solid solution, GP I and GP II zones of an Al-4% Cu alloy) produce different intensities of interaction of configurations with dislocations and subsequently yield different magnitudes of K at small strains (0.2% e). As the degree of strain increases, equivalent barrier structures are produced at a critical degree of strain and equivalent K values are then obtained in the various initial state materials. The overall change of K with strain along with the magnitude of dK/de for any strain increment can be used to ascertain the degree of strain-induced structural instability possessed by a particular aluminum alloy.
An Exploration of the Effects of Dissolved Ionic Solids on Bubble Merging in Water and Its Impact on the Leidenfrost Transition

Theoretical models and MD simulation studies suggest that dissolved salts tend to alter the surface tension at liquid vapor interfaces and affect the stability of the free liquid film between adjacent bubbles. Recent modeling of the Leidenfrost phenomenon also indicates that bubble merging is a key mechanism affecting the Leidenfrost transition conditions. This investigation summarizes the results of an investigation of the effects of dissolved salts on liquid film stability and bubble merging in the aqueous solution. The interaction of pairs of bubbles injected into solution with different dissolved salt concentrations was studied experimentally to determine the probability of merging from statistics for ensembles of bubble pairs. The results of these experiments indicate that very low dissolved salt concentrations can strongly reduce the tendency of adjacent bubbles to merge, implying that the presence of the dissolved salt in such cases strongly enhances the stability of the free liquid film between adjacent bubbles. The trends are compared to predictions of free liquid film stability by wave instability theory and MD simulations. These trends are also compared to experimental data indicating the effects of dissolved salt on the Leidenfrost transition. These comparisons indicate that the suppression of merging due to the effects of some dissolved salts can significantly alter the Leidenfrost transition conditions. The implications of this in quenching of cast aluminum or steel parts using water of variable hardness are also discussed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Biological clocks: endogenous cycles synchronized by subtle geophysical rhythms.

Abstract Organismic sensitivity to atmospheric electromagnetic forces, together with usually asymmetrical phase-response systems, have enabled a simple unified explanation of the biological clocks and their timed rhythms. The clocks, endogenous cycles synchronized by subtle geophysical Zeitgeber, are always accurate. The rhythms, freely phase labile, autophase in “constant conditions” to generate a host of overt frequencies.
Use of immunoferritin and electron microscopy in determining donor-recipient compatibility in platelets

Abstract Platelet crossmatches using electron microscopy and ferritin-conjugated anti-human IgG can be used to assess compatibility of donor platelets prior to transfusing them into patients.
Induction of Cardiomyocyte Differentiation From Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in a Confined Microfluidic Environment

Embryonic stem cell derived cardiomyocytes are deemed an attractive treatment option for myocardial infarction. Their clinical efficacy, however, has not been unequivocally demonstrated. There is a need for better understanding and characterization of the cardiogenesis process. A microfluidic platform in vitro is used to dissect and better understand the differentiation process. Through this study, we find that while embryoid bodies (EBs) flatten out in a well plate system, differentiated EBs self-assemble into complex 3D structures. The beating regions of EBs are also different. Most beating areas are observed in a ring pattern on 2D well plates around the center, self-assembled beating large 3D aggregates are found in microfluidic devices. Furthermore, inspired by the natural mechanical environment of the heart, we applied uniaxial cyclic mechanical stretch to EBs. Results suggest that prolonged mechanical stimulation acts as a negative regulator of cardiogenesis. From this study, we conclude that the culture environments can influence differentiation of embryonic stem cells into cardiomycytes, and that the use of microfluidic systems can provide new insights into the differentiation process.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Inertia-friction welding of SiC-reinforced 8009 aluminium

Inertia-drive friction welding (IFRW) of an 8009 Al alloy (Al-8.5 Fe-1.7 Si-1.3 V, wt%) reinforced with 11 volume per cent SiC particles (8009/SiC/11p) has been investigated. Inertia-drive friction welds were made with constant energy at two levels of axial force. The microstructures of the base material and the welds were characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy, while the mechanical properties were evaluated using microhardness and tensile testing. Examination of weld sections revealed that the hot deformation experienced during welding produced a homogenized microstructure with a uniform distribution of SiC particles along the bond line. No evidence of a chemical reaction between the SiC and the matrix was found in any of the welds, but cracking of some of the larger SiC particles was observed in the base material as well as in the IFR welds. The average microhardness of the various heat-and-deformation affected zones (HDZs) of the welds did not vary greatly from that of the base material, and no weld induced weak regions were discerned. The room-temperature (RT) tensile strength of the IFR welds exceeded 90 per cent of the base material. The weld tensile specimens failed at the outer edge of the HDZ for all of the welds tested. The fracture surface of the 8009 matrix of tensile samples for both the base material and the welds exhibited a dimpled appearance indicating a ductile failure, while fracture through the SiC appeared to occur in a brittle fashion. IFRW has proven effective in joining 8009/SiC/11p with little loss in RT hardness and tensile properties.
A study of the reactions (p, 6Li) and (p, 6He) on 9Be at 45 MeV

Abstract Angular distributions of the reactions (p, 6Li) and (p, 6He) on 9Be at 45 MeV were measured. By comparing them conjectures are made about the reaction mechanisms and the p- 5He interaction.
Prediction of Dissipation in Joints Subject to Oscillating Force

Energy dissipation in mechanical joints occurs as a result of micro-slip motion between contacting rough surfaces. An account of this phenomenon is especially challenging due to the vast differences in the length and time scales between the macro-mechanical structure and the micron-scale events at the joint interface. This paper considers the contact between two nominally flat surfaces containing micron-scale roughness. The rough surface interaction is viewed as a multi-sphere elastic interaction subject to a periodic tangential force. It combines the Mindlin’s formulation [1,2] for the elastic interaction of two spheres with the Greenwood and Williamson’s [3] statistical approach for the contact of two nominally flat rough surfaces so as to develop a model for multi-sphere problem in which sphere radii, contact load and the number of spheres in contact can only be known in a statistical sense and not deterministically.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Random quantiles of the Dirichlet process

We examine the finite-dimensional distributions of the random quantiles of a Dirichlet process and provide an exact decomposition of its bivariate version. While the Dirichlet distributions of probabilities are absolutely continuous, the corresponding distributions of quantiles are not.
Experimental study of effective water spray curtain application in dispersing liquefied natural gas vapor clouds

The installation of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facilities in the United States to meet the demand of natural gas has brought increasing attention to LNG safety issues. Because of its highly flammable nature, one of the major hazards LNG poses is the formation of a flammable vapor cloud from any accidental release, which may result in a massive fire. The safety measures to prevent and mitigate an accidental LNG release are critical to protect employees and the public from injury or harm. The water spray curtain is currently a recognized technique to control and mitigate many toxic and flammable vapors. Much theoretical and experimental work has been carried out to determine the effectiveness of the water spray curtain in dispersing heavier vapor. However, LNG vapor dispersion behaves differently from other dense gases due to its low molecular weight and extremely low temperature. Previous studies show that water spray curtains can enhance LNG vapor dispersion from small spills. However, to develop comprehensive and structured engineering guidelines for the design of an effective water spray curtain for controlling LNG vapor many key questions still remain unanswered. In this context, it is essential to carry out research to understand the effects of water curtain on LNG vapor clouds. An experimental methodology to study the LNG vapor dispersion behaviors with the application of water spray curtain is presented in this article. This field experiment involved the fundamental study of forced dispersion, dilution due to air entrainment, and heat exchange to determine the effectiveness of water spray in reducing the LNG vapor “exclusion zone.” This article discusses and outlines the experimental method and some results based on gas concentration data analysis to emphasize the observed effectiveness of water spray curtain on LNG vapor dispersion. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2008
Molecular markers and targets for colorectal cancer prevention.

Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in the world. If detected at an early stage, treatment often might lead to cure. As prevention is better than cure, epidemiological studies reveal that having a healthy diet often protects from promoting/developing cancer. An important consideration in evaluating new drugs and devices is determining whether a product can effectively treat a targeted disease. There are quite a number of biomarkers making their way into clinical trials and few are awaiting the preclinical efficacy and safety results to enter into clinical trials. Researchers are facing challenges in modifying trial design and defining the right control population, validating biomarker assays from the biological and analytical perspective and using biomarker data as a guideline for decision making. In spite of following all guidelines, the results are disappointing from many of the large clinical trials. To avoid these disappointments, selection of biomarkers and its target drug needs to be evaluated in appropriate animal models for its toxicities and efficacies. The focus of this review is on the few of the potential molecular targets and their biomarkers in colorectal cancers. Strengths and limitations of biomarkers/surrogate endpoints are also discussed. Various pathways involved in tumor cells and the specific agents to target the altered molecular biomarker in biomolecular pathway are elucidated. Importance of emerging new platforms siRNAs and miRNAs technology for colorectal cancer therapeutics is reviewed.
The Golgi Apparatus Maintains Its Organization Independent of the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Under artificial conditions Golgi enzymes have the capacity to rapidly accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These observations prompted the idea that Golgi enzymes constitutively recycle through the ER. We have tested this hypothesis under physiological conditions through use of a procedure that captures Golgi enzymes in the ER. In the presence of rapamycin, which induces a tight association between FKBP (FK506-binding protein) and FRAP (FKBP-rapamycin-associated protein), an FKBP-tagged Golgi enzyme can be trapped when it visits the ER by an ER-retained protein fused to FRAP. We find that although FKBP-ERGIC-53 of the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) rapidly cycles through the ER (30 min), FKBP-Golgi enzyme chimeras remain stably associated with Golgi membranes. We also demonstrate that Golgi dispersion upon nocodazole treatment mainly occurs through a mechanism that does not involve the recycling of Golgi membranes through the ER. Our findings suggest that the Golgi apparatus, as defined by its collection of resident enzymes, exists independent of the ER.
The System MgO‐MgCl2‐H2O at 23°C

Solubilities of MgO in aqueous HC1 solutions at 23°±3°C were measured and combined with analyses of neat magnesium oxychloride cements, cured in sealed containers, to construct an equilibrium phase diagram for the system MgO-MgCl2-H2O. Specific gravities and acidities of solutions saturated with MgO and relative humidities of vapor phases over sealed samples were measured and combined with XRD data to define the compositions in equilibrium with two crystalline phases. Studies of relative reaction rates indicated that the 5–1–8 phase crystallizes more rapidly than the 3·1·8 phase and that cements near the 3·1·8 composition react rapidly with atmospheric CO2 to form the chlorocarbonate phase.