cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Model for Calculating Electrostatic Interactions between Colloidal Particles of Arbitrary Surface Topology.

Abstract A numerical model for calculating the electrostatic interaction between two particles of arbitrary shape and topology is described. A key feature of the model is a generalized discretization program, capable of simulating any desired analytical shape as a set of flat, triangular elements. The relative sizes of the elements are adjusted using a density function to better match the desired shape and the spatial variation of the electrical surface properties on each particle. The distribution of either surface potential or surface charge density is then calculated using a boundary element approach to solve the linearized Poisson–Boltzmann equation. Example interaction energy profiles are calculated for three different types of roughness—bumps, pits, and surface waves. It is found that the interaction energy between rough particles remains different from that between two equivalent smooth spheres at all separations, even for gap widths much larger than either the solution Debye length or the characteristic roughness size. This behavior at large gap widths arises from the nature of the decay of the electric potential away from each particle. In addition, the magnitude of the roughness effect is found to depend greatly on the size and shape of the nonuniformity as well as the electrostatic boundary conditions. For example, for a sphere containing asperities of height equal to 0.2 times the particle radius, the interaction energy can be as much as 50% greater than that between two equivalent spheres under the condition of constant surface potential. At constant surface charge density, the ratio of the interaction energies between rough and smooth spheres was found to either diverge or become zero as contact between the two particles is approached, depending on the nature of the roughness. Changes of this magnitude could clearly have a substantial impact on the stability behavior of a dispersion of such particles.
Differential normal pulse voltammetry-theory

Abstract The theory is presented of a modified form of differential pulse voltammetry, in which two potential steps with similar short duration are superimposed on the rest potential. Expressions for the current response to the double potential step are derived for quasireversible and totally irreversible charge-transfer processes of simple electrode reactions at stationary electrodes. Some approximate equations are given for i-E curves, peak currents, peak half-widths, peak potentials and potentials at zero current.
Studies on peroxidase-catalyzed formation of progesterone.

Abstract Subcellular fractions of pregnant rabbit ovary at day six of gestation catalysed the formation of progesterone from pregnenolone (3β-hydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one). The microsomal fraction was found to have maximum activity. The enzyme needed hydrogen peroxide for its activity. In vitro studies using horseradish peroxidase also showed similar conversion and this was stimulated 200% in the presence of ascorbic acid. Ascorbate thus appears to perform a catalytic role in this conversion. The importance of peroxidase in luteal steroidogenesis is indicated.
The Mediating Role of Executive Functioning in the Relation Between Difficult Temperament and Physical Aggression

The present investigation tested the hypothesis that executive functioning (EF) would mediate the relation between difficult temperament (DT) and aggressive behavior. This model was tested in 310 adult men and women. DT was measured using the Dimensions of Temperament Scale—Revised, EF was measured using 7 well-established neuropsychological tests, and aggression was assessed using the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire. EF successfully mediated the DT–aggression relation for men, however, the model did not hold for women. Results are discussed with regard to how they influence current models of aggressive behavior as well as their implications for future violence prevention efforts.
Integrating self-control with physical attractiveness and cognitive ability to examine pathways to career success

Physical attractiveness, cognitive ability, and self-control predict many important outcomes but are rarely examined in combination, particularly in the context of career success. Drawing from Judge et al.'s (2009, J. Appl. Psychol., 94, 742) model of income antecedents and Caspi et al.'s (1989, J. Pers., 57, 375) concepts of cumulative and interactional continuity, this study investigated the pathways leading from these characteristics to career outcomes. Specifically, we developed a model with links involving (1) attractiveness, intelligence, and self-control; (2) self-evaluations, delinquent behaviours, educational attainment, and job complexity; and (3) income and job satisfaction. The model was examined with data from three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Results supported a slightly modified model, with major findings indicating attractiveness, intelligence, and self-control measured during adolescence predicted later self-evaluations or delinquent behaviour; these variables predicted later education level; education level predicted job complexity; and job complexity predicted income and job satisfaction. Implications related to this integrated model are discussed. Practitioner points Interventions might focus on enhancing self-control-related skills in adolescents in an effort to improve later work-related outcomes. Core self-evaluations and delinquent tendencies could also be targeted during adolescence to influence life pathways relevant to career outcomes.
Adaptive sampling in the COlumbia RIvEr observation network

The Columbia River (CoRie) Observation Network includes an extensive array of fixed stations monitoring the Columbia River estuary and nearby coastal ocean. At each station, variable combinations of in-situ sensors measure one or more physical properties of water or atmosphere. Using a multi-scale data assimilation model, the CORIE modeling system integrates models and field controls to produce a simulation of 3D circulation, in a region centered in the estuary and plume. The CORIE data assimilation framework [1] combines observational data with numerical data models to produce an estimated system state for the physical process. To augment the fixed observational network, additional data is collected during periodical cruises of a mobile sensor station. Because these cruises are expensive and rare, an important goal for scientists is to sample data at points that most reduce the uncertainty of the data assimilation model. This is challenging, since the estuary environment is very dynamic, and therefore the optimal cruise path cannot be determined in advance. The goal of our system is to move the mobile station as the data assimilation proceeds in order to maximally reduce the uncertainty in the data assimilation process.
Novel zinc ion conducting polymer gel electrolytes based on ionic liquids

Abstract We report novel zinc ion conducting polymer gel electrolytes (PGEs) based on non-volatile room temperature ionic liquids. The PGEs consist of an ionic liquid, with a zinc salt dissolved in it, blended with a polymer matrix, poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP). The resultant electrolyte membranes are freestanding, translucent, flexible and elastic, with excellent mechanical integrity and strength. They possess exceptional thermal stability, exhibit essentially no weight loss under dynamic vacuum or upon heating to 200 °C, and remain the same gel phase in wide temperature ranges, with ionic conductivities on the order of 10 −3 S/cm at room temperature, 10 −4 S/cm at −20 °C and 4–5 × 10 −3 S/cm at 80 °C. Electrochemical tests show that zinc ions are mobile in the membranes and zinc metal is capable of dissolution into and deposition from the membranes. The membranes also exhibit wide electrochemical stability windows. The results of this study demonstrate the promise of developing PGEs based on ionic liquids for potential application in next-generation non-aqueous zinc battery systems.
Does preemptive stellate ganglion blockage increase the patency of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula

Objective. Radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) have high early failure ratio. Increased sympathetic activity and spasm of radial artery during the surgery may responsible for early occlusion rate. Design. Fifty patients were randomized to two groups (each containing 25 patients). Stellate Ganglion Blockade (SGB) was performed in Group 1. Another group was considered as control group (Group 2) to make statistical comparisons. All AVFs were performed under local anesthesia in both groups. Results. Average fistula flow was 201.4±40.4 ml/min in Group 1 and 155.6±27.4 ml/min in Group 2 (p < 0.001). While average peak velocity of radial artery was 167.1±31.3 cm/sec in Group 1, it was 107.8±15.8 cm/sec in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Thrill was found in all Group 1 patients, but there was thrill only 13 of the Group 2 patients (p < 0.001). Mean maturation time was 41.4±6.8 days after surgery in Group 1 and 77.1±10.5 days in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Adequate vascular access was obtained 19 patients in Group 1 and 12...
Simulation Followed by a Reflection and Feedback Session in Medical Education

This research study examines surgical residents' perception of their learning after participation in a simulation followed by a reflection and feedback session. Eight first-year surgical residents participated in this study. A survey was administered prior their participation in the simulation, and individual interviews were conducted with all participants after the reflection and feedback session. Results of this study indicated that surgical residents make connections between prior knowledge and experiences while engaged in actions during the simulation and upon reflection after the simulation. Also, three areas of perceived learning were identified: 1 dealing with complexity; 2 dealing with distractions; and, 3 improvement of teamwork skills. The residents indicated that they were able to learn new strategies to address these complexities, distractions and improve teamwork for future, similar situations.
Influence of glycerol on molecular mobility and hydrogen bond network in amorphous glucose matrix

Abstract The effect of glycerol on molecular mobility and hydrogen bonding in amorphous glucose matrix was studied. Phosphorescence from erythrosin B (Ery B) was used to characterize the temperature dependence of mobility in glucose/glycerol films over the temperature range from 100 °C down to −10 °C. Analysis of emission energy and excited state decay kinetics from Ery B provided information about thermally activated modes of matrix dipolar relaxation around and collisions with the excited triplet state of the probe. Both the average rate of matrix mobility and the width of the distribution of matrix mobility rates largely scaled with the effect of glycerol on the glass transition temperature of the glucose/glycerol mixture. The IR hydrogen bond bandwidth increased at higher glycerol content, suggesting that the strength of the bond became more widely distributed with the added glycerol. An increase with temperature in the hydrogen bond peak frequency indicated the transformation of associated hydroxyl to free hydroxyl. These results support a model in which glycerol plasticizes the glucose matrix at mole ratios of 0.1 and above while providing no evidence for the antiplasticization seen in other sugar matrices.
Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on transformed rat Schwann cells

Cultured rat Schwann cells transformed by Simian Virus 40 (SV40) have previously been shown to retain their ability to synthesize myelin-associated galactosylceramide and sulfatide. Little is known about the mechanism regulating galactosphingolipid synthesis in Schwann cells. We have found that growing the transformed Schwann cells in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) markedly inhibits the incorporation of [35S]sulfate into sulfatide, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The concentration of DMSO which resulted in a half-maximal inhibition after 6 days of incubation was 0.5%, and the incubation time required for a half-maximal effect at 1.0% DMSO was approximately 4 days. In contrast, DMSC did not affect the incorporation of [35S]sulfate into glycosaminoglycans. In addition, DMSO treatment has little effect on the synthesis of cellular DNA, proteins and lipids. When transformed Schwann cells were treated with DMSO, a substantial decrease in the incorporation of [3H]galactose into galactosylceramide was observed. The concentration of DMSO which resulted in a half-maximal inhibition of galactosylceramide synthesis was approximately 0.5%, similar to the concentration required for a similar effect on sulfatide synthesis. However, the incubation time required for a half-maximal inhibitory effect on galactosylceramide synthesis at 1.0% DMSO was less than 1 day, which was substantially shorter than the time required for the inhibition of sulfatide synthesis at this concentration. This finding is consistent with the interpretation that treatment with DMSO inhibits the synthesis of galactosylceramide, a precursor of sulfatide, which results in a decrease in the synthesis of sulfatide during a prolonged incubation of DMSO.
Effect of catheter diameter on resting pressures in anal fissure patients.

PURPOSE: Controversy exists as to whether fissure patients have elevated resting pressures when compared with control patients. The diameter of manometry catheters used in past studies varies widely (1.5–25 mm) and may have contributed to differences observed in resting pressures. A prospective study was undertaken to determine the influence of manometry catheter diameter on maximum resting pressure in patients with idiopathic chronic anal fissures. METHODS: A total of 28 fissure patients and 28 control patients had manometry performed with both a 1.8-mm and a 4.8-mm (external diameter) water-perfused catheter. RESULTS: Mean maximum resting pressure (RP) for fissure patients as measured with the 1.8-mm catheter was 86 (range, 65–115) mmHg and 83 (range, 47–117) mmHg with the 4.8-mm catheter (P=0.65). Mean maximum RP for control patients with the 1.8-mm catheter was 70 (range, 30–108) mmHg and 72 (range, 35–109) mmHg with the 4.8-mm catheter (P=0.07). When fissure and control patients were compared, a significantly higher mean RP was observed in the fissure group for both the 1.8-mm catheter (86 vs.70 mmHg, respectively;P=0.01) and the 4.8-mm catheter (83 vs.72 mmHg, respectively;P=0.03). There was no significant difference in length of the high-pressure zone within each group or when the fissure group and controls were compared, regardless of catheter used. For both groups of patients, there was a significantly higher incidence of ultraslow waves (USWs) observed with the 4.8-mm catheter when compared with the 1.8-mm catheter. The USW frequency was not significantly different when fissure and control groups were compared with either catheter type. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter size did not influence measured maximum RP in fissure patients. The maximum RP was significantly greater for fissure patients overall when compared with the control group, regardless of catheter used. There was an increased frequency of USWs noted with the larger catheter size in all patients; however, these USWs only became apparent when catheter was left at each station until a true baseline RP was obtained.
Quantifying opportunity costs associated with adding manufacturing flexibility

SUMMARY Opportunity costs associated with adding manufacturing flexibility are one of the most important manufacturing performance measures of factory automation. Opportunity costs consist of the nonconventional costs of set-up, part waiting, equipment idle and inventory, which measure product, process, equipment and demand flexibility, respectively. The nonconventional costs are estimated using a computer simulation. An example shows the cost estimation procedure.
Effects of animate vs. inanimate stimuli on curiosity behavior in greater galago and slow loris

Captive prosimians housed in a semi-natural laboratory environment were exposed to novel stimuli, both animate (cat, snake) and inanimate (empty box). Observations were made by means of closed circuit TV. Animate stimuli elicited considerably more interest (about 42% of a test session) than the inanimate stimulus (about 12% of the test session). The more vulnerable species, the slow loris, displayed as much curiosity as the less vulnerable species, the greater galago; but, in the presence of live stimuli, lorises were more cautious. They moved slowly and silently, employed contact as a mode of investigation significantly less often than galagos, spent significantly less time than galagos investigating from within 3 ft, took significantly longer than galagos to make their first approaches to within the 3 ft zone, and, once there, stayed for significantly shorter visits than galagos. The data demonstrate: (1) that prosimians are highly responsive to novelty if the stimuli are appropriate; and (2) that it is important to take into account not just whether animals investigate but also how they investigate.
Social ranking for spoken web search

Spoken Web is an alternative Web for low-literacy users in the developing world. People can create audio content over phone and share on the Spoken Web. This enables easy creation of locally relevant content. Even on the World Wide Web in developed regions, the recent increase in traffic is due to the locally relevant content created on social networking sites. This paper argues that content search and ranking in the new scenario needs a re-look. The generic model of using in-links for ranking such content is not an appropriate measure of the content relevance in such a collaborative Web 2.0 world. This paper aims to bring the social context in Spoken Web ranking. We formulate a relationship function between the query-creator and the content-creator and use this as one measure of the content relevance to the user. The relationship function uses the geographical location of the two people and their prior browsing preferences as parameters to determine the relationship between the two users. Further we also determine the trustability of the content based on the content creator's acceptance measure by the social network. We use these two features in addition to the term-frequency - inverse-term-frequency match to rank the search results in context of the social network of the query-creator and provide a more specific and socially relevant result to the user.
Uterine trauma associated with midtrimester abortion induced by intra-amniotic prostaglandin F2α with and without concomitant use of oxytocin

Abstract Five of 80 (6.2%) nulliparous women sustained uterine trauma in association with midtrimester abortion induced by intra-amniotic prostaglandin F2α and intravenous oxytocin. All five women suffered cervical lacerations, one extending to the lower uterine segment of the corpus and another associated with myometrial necrosis caused by cornual sacculation and ischemia. No uterine trauma was observed among 95 parous women aborted in the same fashion during this study. The different mechanisms of cervical dilatation in the parous woman and the nullipara are offered as an explanation for this difference. Thirty-nine other cases of uterine injury associated with the use of intra-amniotic prostaglandin F2α from the literature were reviewed, and found to indicate that midtrimester abortion induced by intra-amniotic prostaglandin F2α is associated with a significant risk of uterine trauma in the nullipara. The risk seems to increase with the use of oxytocin and with increasing gestational age.
Impact of an independent-study programme upon professional careers

Summary A survey of graduates of the Independent-Study Programme (ISP) at the College of Medicine, University of Illinois, was conducted in order to assess the impact of the ISP on their subsequent careers. Responses from ninety-nine of these graduates, when compared with their classmates, lend strong support to the idea that such an independent study programme has long-lasting effects on the participants. The ISP graduates are selecting a medical subspecialty in a much higher percentage than their classmates or the national average. They also are engaging in more research, administration, and teaching. Differences between the ISP and the traditional graduates are explained in terms of unique educational opportunities, contact with teachers and peers, orientation towards independent learning and curricular requirements.
RHALE: A MMALE shock physics code written in C++

Abstract This paper describes RHALE, a multi-material arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (MMALE) shock physics code. RHALE is the successor to CTH, Sandia's 3-D Eulerian shock physics code, and will be capable of solving problems that CTH cannot adequately address. We discuss the new Lagrangian capabilities of RHALE, which include arbitrary mesh connectivity, superior artificial viscosity, and improved equations of state. We also discuss some of the issues we have encountered in the choice of an axisymmetric element technology and our resolution of these issues. We discuss the MMALE algorithms that have been extended for arbitrary grids in both two and three dimensions and present the results of calculations that are of interest to the hypervelocity impact community. The MMALE addition to RHALE provides the accuracy of a Lagrangian code while allowing a calculation to proceed under very large distortions. Coupling an arbitrary quadrilateral or hexahedral grid to the MMALE solution facilitates modeling of complex shapes with a minimum number of computational cells. RHALE allows regions of a problem to be modeled with Lagrangian, Eulerian or ALE meshes. In addition, regions can switch from Lagrangian to ALE to Eulerian based on user input or mesh distortion. For ALE meshes, new node locations are determined with equipotential schemes. Element quantities are advected with donor, van Leer, or Super-B algorithms. Nodal quantities are advected with the second order SHALE or HIS algorithms. Currently, material interfaces are determined with the SLIC algorithm; however, both two and three dimensional versions of Youngs' interface tracker are being investigated. To facilitate the development of such a lengthy code, we choose to write in the C++ programming language. We feel that object-oriented programming techniques are superior to conventional programming techniques. However, we discuss a few of the efficiency problems we have encountered using these techniques and how we have addressed these problems.
Product Design Support: Exploring a Design Repository System

This paper reports on a knowledge rich design repository system. Current design tools and methodologies are reviewed and used to identify necessary design knowledge to populate a design repository. Building on previous research, an operational design repository is reviewed. The design repository system demonstrated includes a single point of entry application for product information, a relational database for archiving design knowledge and web-based tools. Web services are used to support design knowledge retrieval through search, browse and real-time design tool generation. From the repository interface, design tools such as bills of materials and design structure and function component matrices are generated. The output design tools are tested in real world design applications and validated. The result is a useful tool — applicable to several phases of product design.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
A population based study of epilepsy in children from a Swedish county

Abstract Background Epidemiological studies of childhood epilepsy are of importance to compare incidence and prevalence rates, age distribution, inheritance, seizure types, epilepsy syndromes and treatment strategies. Aim To perform an epidemiological study on children with epilepsy in a Swedish county using current ILAE classifications and a recent proposal. Methods A population-based study was performed using the hospital data register to select children aged 1 month to 16 years with the diagnosis ‘convulsions’ or ‘epilepsy’ recognized between January 1996 and December 2000. Only patients with active epilepsy were included. Results Two hundred and five children met the study criteria on the prevalence day 31st December, 2000. The total prevalence rate was 3.4/1000 with a peak prevalence in the age group 8–11 years. The incidence year 2000 was 40/100,000. Additional neuroimpairments were registered in 47.3%. A majority of the patients, 54.0%, had focal or focal plus secondarily generalized seizures. A named syndrome could be diagnosed in 49.4%. The most common syndrome was rolandic epilepsy occurring in 17.0%. Childhood absence epilepsy occurred in 5.9%. Different disorders associated with epilepsy were found in 31.7%. The most common associated phenomenon was malformation of cortical development. Antiepileptic drug treatment was used in 81.0%, the most common first choice being valproate. Conclusions The prevalence and incidence rates in this strictly delineated study are lower than those found in other epidemiological studies. Together with many divergences between reported studies concerning frequencies of different items, the results apparently depend on design, e.g. differences in age groups included, inclusion criteria used, and general methodology.
Impending Paradoxical Embolus

A 61-year-old man was admitted for evaluation of progressive dyspnea several months after coronary artery bypass surgery. Ventilation-perfusion lung scanning revealed perfusion defects compatible with multiple pulmonary emboli. Transthoracic echocardiography was remarkable for normal left ventricular function, dilated right heart chambers, elevated pulmonary pressures, and a free-floating right atrial thrombus. Transesophageal echocardiography …
Topics in bone marrow biopsy pathology: role of marrow topography in myelodysplastic syndromes and evaluation of post-treatment and post-bone marrow transplant biopsies.

The role of bone marrow biopsy is expanding. Bone marrow biopsy is considered a "gold standard" for assessing cellularity and infiltrative process. More recently, biopsies are increasingly used for immunohistochemical stains and molecular studies such as in situ hybridization and laser microdissection, further augmenting morphologic interpretation. Biopsies are playing a greater role in early diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Both primary and secondary MDS are increasing (5% to 12%), and can present a significant challenge in early diagnosis. Present MDS diagnostic criteria are based purely on marrow aspirate smears, peripheral blood smears, and ancillary studies, and may not be adequate in some instances. With the current understanding of marrow topography and hematopoietic microenvironment, bone marrow biopsies are greatly useful in early diagnosis and grading of MDS. Marrow biopsies also are helpful in evaluation of postchemotherapy and post-bone marrow transplant patients. Assessment of topographic alteration and certain corroborating immunohistochemical and molecular studies can only be performed on bone marrow biopsies, and these ancillary studies will contribute significantly to the understanding of hematopoietic disorders. Bone marrow biopsy, in conjunction with other modalities such as flow cytometry, will play a significant role in diagnostic hematopathology. Ann Diagn Pathol 5:110-120, 2001.
Older Adults’ Preferences For Religion/Spirituality In Treatment For Anxiety And Depression

Objectives: To examine patient preferences for incorporating religion and/or spirituality into therapy for anxiety or depression and examine the relations between patient preferences and religious and spiritual coping styles, beliefs and behaviors. Method: Participants (66 adults, 55 years or older, from earlier studies of cognitive-behavioral therapy for late-life anxiety and/or depression in primary care) completed these measures by telephone or in-person: Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, Client Attitudes Toward Spirituality in Therapy, Patient Interview, Brief Religious Coping, Religious Problem Solving Scale, Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith, and Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness and Spirituality. Spearman's rank-order correlations and ordinal logistic regression examined religious/spiritual variables as predictors of preferences for inclusion of religion or spirituality into counseling. Results: Most participants (77–83%) preferred including religion and/or spirituality in therapy fo...
The Hematocrit Level in Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: Safety of Endoscopy and Outcomes

Abstract Objective In patients with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, standard practice is to transfuse packed red blood cells, often to an arbitrary level of hemoglobin or hematocrit (typically 10 g/dL and 30%, respectively) before endoscopy. Therefore, we aimed to determine first whether performing endoscopy in patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and a low hematocrit is safe and whether it predicts outcomes. Methods This cohort study included patients with carefully defined upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage captured in our gastrointestinal Healthcare Registry who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Patients were placed into 2 groups: low hematocrit ( 30%). Clinical variables and outcomes, including cardiovascular events, intensive care unit transfer, and death, were measured. Results A total of 920 patients meeting entry criteria were identified. Baseline features among those with a low and high hematocrit were identical. Eight cardiovascular events occurred during or after esophagogastroduodenoscopy, including 5 of 587 (1%) in the less than 30% hematocrit group and 3 of 333 (1%) in the greater than 30% hematocrit group ( P =.29). Blood transfusions were more common in the low hematocrit group (74% vs 24%, P Conclusion Most patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage presented with a hematocrit less than 30%. Performing endoscopy in patients with a low hematocrit was clearly safe; these data strongly imply that waiting for the hematocrit to reach a certain level before endoscopy is not necessary.
Behavior of octupole states near mass 150 and the collapse of the Z=64 subshell gap.

It is shown that the energy shift of the \ensuremath{\pi}${h}_{11/2}$ orbit near N=90, which results in the collapse of the Z=64 subshell gap, affects the behavior of low-energy octupole states in the vicinity of Gd.
Effects of etanercept on C-reactive protein levels in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Summary Background C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation biomarker, indicates cardiovascular risk and is elevated in psoriasis. The effect of etanercept on CRP in psoriasis has not been previously examined. Objectives The primary objective was to examine the effect of etanercept on CRP levels from baseline to week 12 compared with placebo. Secondary objectives included assessment of baseline CRP and relationships between CRP and body mass index (BMI), statin drug use, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of CRP levels from patients with psoriasis who participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, U.S. registrational study. Data were analysed separately if patients self-reported psoriatic arthritis. Results Baseline CRP levels were elevated in patients with psoriasis with and without psoriatic arthritis. CRP was significantly reduced in both groups after 12 weeks of etanercept treatment. Patients with psoriasis with psoriatic arthritis and patients with higher BMIs had higher median baseline CRP values and greater reduction of CRP values compared with those without psoriatic arthritis and those with lower BMIs. Etanercept lowered CRP levels in statin users and nonusers. Regression analyses revealed an association between baseline PASI score and baseline CRP independent of BMI in patients with psoriasis. Conclusions Patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, with or without psoriatic arthritis, have increased systemic inflammation demonstrated by elevated CRP levels. In psoriasis without psoriatic arthritis, skin disease activity is associated significantly with CRP elevation, independent of BMI, age and sex. Etanercept reduced CRP levels in all but the normal weight psoriasis group without psoriatic arthritis.
Time reversal communication in a time-varying sparse channel

Recently time reversal (TR) communications has been extended to time-varying channels. The basic idea is to implement it on a block-by-block basis such that within each block the channel remains time-invariant and subsequently is updated using detected symbols (decision-directed mode). Using experimental data (12–20 kHz) collected in shallow water, this letter investigates three different block-based TR approaches: (1) without explicit phase tracking, (2) with phase tracking, and (3) exploiting channel sparsity. The TR approaches then are compared to a conventional adaptive multichannel equalizer. It is found that approach (3) generally provides the best performance and robustness.
Closed-form inversion of the reflection ellipsometric function of a film–substrate system: absorbing-substrate optical constant

A closed-form inversion expression for obtaining the optical constant (complex refractive index) of the substrate of an absorbing-film–absorbing-substrate system from one reflection ellipsometry measurement is derived. If, in addition, the film thickness is to be determined, a second measurement at another angle of incidence may or may not be used. The derived formula does not introduce errors itself, and tolerates errors in input variables very well. Random and systematic errors in the measured ellipsometric parameters do not affect the value obtained for the optical constant of the substrate: it is always the true value to two decimal places. Two examples in ellipsometry and in the design of reflection-type optical devices, one each, are presented and discussed. In addition, experimental results for a commercially available wafer are also presented. Two other closed-form inversion expressions for obtaining the optical constant of the substrate from two and three measurements are also presented and briefly discussed.
Time-optimal control of web-winding systems with air entrainment

Models of web-winding systems such as tape drives often ignore the phenomenon of air entrainment, in which friction can draw a thin layer of air many layers deep into the web media wrapped on the takeup reel. Air entrainment allows a greater length of the media to vibrate freely and thus changes the spring and damping characteristics of the system and results in nonlinearities. This paper first explores the structure of nonlinear models for air entrainment and proposes one such model for tape systems. Without specifying a particular air entrainment model, time-optimal inputs for transient maneuvers are explored for the cases of constant- and varying-tension trajectories. These inputs are useful for determining the effect of air entrainment (and the utility of modeling it) on a given system and for establishing bounds on performance for a given system. Simulations illustrate these results on an example tape system.
Integrated simulation and gaming architecture for incident management training

The simulation-based training systems that are available or under development today for incident management are typically focused on macro level sequence of events. A few systems targeted at individual responders are under development using a gaming environment. Separate uses of such systems provide disparate experiences to decision makers and individual responders. There is a need to provide common training experiences to these groups for better effectiveness. This paper presents a novel approach integrating gaming and simulation systems for training of decision makers and responders on the same scenarios preparing them to work together as a team. An integrated systems architecture is proposed for this purpose. Major modules in gaming and simulation subsystems are defined and interaction mechanisms established. Research and standards issues for implementation of the proposed architecture are discussed.
Mixed Messages on Blood Pressure Goals

See related article, pp 1061–1068 The management of hypertension has represented one of the most important therapeutic successes of the past 50 to 60 years. The capability now exists to lower blood pressure (BP) effectively and with relatively minimal adverse effects in most hypertensive individuals. The debate regarding therapy has shifted from whether lowering BP is beneficial to such issues as the relative benefits and risks of individual antihypertensive medications, their long-term effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic renal disease outcomes, and the optimal BP goals of therapy in different clinical conditions. Based on extensive clinical trial data, general agreement has existed that lowering elevated BP to <140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic BP is beneficial. Lower BP goals have been suggested on the basis of epidemiological and observational data indicating that CVD risk increases progressively from BP levels as low as 115/75 mm Hg.1 The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure recommended a goal BP of ≤130/80 mm Hg in hypertensive patients with chronic renal disease or diabetes mellitus,2 consistent with the recommendations of the National Kidney Foundation and the American Diabetes Association. Subsequently, the American Heart Association expanded this list by recommending BP targets <130/80 mm Hg for patients with preexisting coronary heart diseases, angina pectoris, and acute coronary syndromes or those at high risk for CVD, and BP <120/80 mm Hg for those with left ventricular dysfunction.3 Generally similar recommendations have been made by other national or international groups as well. However, the available evidence may not justify such an aggressive approach. For example, the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension compared the effects of goal BP of ≤140/90 …
Data conversion considerations for software radios

Software radios are an attractive alternative to conventional designs. However, they place rather extreme demands upon the analog to digital and digital to analog converters in the signal processing chain. This paper explores the detailed requirements of data converters in software radios.
Calculating Maximal Flows in a Network with Positive Gains

This paper looks at the maximal-flow-with-gains problem from a new point of view. We with to discover the maximum output possible for any input. This approach leads naturally to a two-step parametric solution procedure: The first step finds the maximum output for zero input, and resolves all difficulties with flow-generating loops; the second determines how the maximum output increases as input is increased.
Religious Nationalism and Collective Violence

. The objective of this essay is to trace relations between religion and nationalism leading to collective violence. One type of interaction involves nationalist movements seeking political dominance for movements lacking legal authority. They often resort to clandestine violence, i.e. terrorism. Although traditional religions have been reluctant to endorse such violence, when ensorsement is given it may lead to especially intense outbreaks. Much more extensive violence arises from ‘patriotism’ inculcated by established states. Religious establishments aligned with the status quo have usually found it easier to condone such use of force. Regardless of the relations between religion and nationalism in initiating violence, a major question is whether moral tenets of traditional religious bodies ultimately act as curbs on escalating violence.
Divalproex sodium: A potential therapy for scleroderma digital ulcers.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that involves the skin and internal organs for which there are few reliably effective treatments.1 The cutaneous manifestations of scleroderma include fibrosis and sclerodactyly, calcinosis cutis, digital ulcers, pigmentary changes, and mat telangiectasias. Three major pathways are thought to be important in the pathogenesis of scleroderma: autoimmunity and inflammation, microvascular alteration, and fibrosis.2 Although immunosuppression (eg, methotrexate3) and vasodilatory therapy (eg, nifedipine4) are commonly used to address the inflammatory and microvascular components, respectively, therapy directed at tissue fibrosis has remained elusive. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) may have antifibrogenic effects in the skin and other organs via mediation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β).5, 6, 7 Divalproex sodium has known activity as an HDACi.8 We report the therapeutic outcome of a patient treated with the HDACi, divalproex sodium.
Thyroid carcinoma and Graves' disease.

Abstract Objective To describe an unusual patient with thyroid carcinoma who had metastatic pulmonary nodules that regressed transiently during the active phase of Graves’ disease. Methods The clinical, pathologic, and laboratory findings in a female patient with thyroid carcinoma, pulmonary lesions, and Graves’ ophthalmopathy are presented. In addition, the patient’s clinical course and results of serial studies are reviewed. Results A 62-year-old woman underwent excision of a follicular carcinoma of the thyroid and then total thyroidectomy in 1984. Two years later, chest radiography disclosed multiple pulmonary lesions; open-lung biopsy revealed follicular carcinoma. Thyroglobulin determinations continued to increase, and computed tomography of the chest showed an increase in the size and number of pulmonary nodules. Clinically, the patient remained unchanged until 4 years postoperatively, when she noted rapid onset of diplopia, proptosis, and diminished visual acuity. During this time, a thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin assay was strongly positive, thyroglobulin levels were decreased, and computed tomography and radiography of the chest showed evidence of tumor regression. Orbital decompression partially restored vision, and the inflammatory signs decreased gradually. Concurrently, the thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin level declined, the thyroglobulin level increased, and the pulmonary lesions increased in size and number. The patient ultimately died of metastatic disease. Conclusion The reduction in size of the pulmonary nodules and decrease in thyroglobulin levels when the thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin level was high and the regrowth of lesions when it declined suggest a causal relationship. The hypothesis of an operative autoimmune factor cannot be substantiated without serologic evidence in this case but should prompt physicians to search for other such occurrences. (Endocr Pract. 2000;6:264-267)
Some Reservations About a “Rational Choice” Model Predicting Employee Turnover

Professor Russell proposes a decision model of turnover in which the attractiveness of the current job is compared with that of an alternative. In turn, an employee chooses the option with the highest judged attractiveness. For example, “Employees make decisions to quit based on the relative attractiveness of their current job compared to alternative jobs or activities” (2013, p. 163). The attractiveness of one's current job and alternative are estimated by a regression equation assessing various attributes of the two targets (i.e., current job and alternative). Evoking March and Simon (1958) for a theoretical foundation, Professor Russell offers a subjectively “rational model” for the choice to stay or leave based on expectancy and expected value type decision models. In his empirical work, he uses a “policy capturing” simulation to identify how new hires personally weigh various job attributes when deciding whether they would quit hypothetical jobs varying in those attributes (Russell & Van Sell, 2012). When these weights are applied to employees' actual survey perceptions of the levels of job attributes, the resulting “simulated turnover intention” score predicts turnover better than a survey measure of quit intentions or job attributes alone. The inference is that turnover scholars can make substantial progress toward the prediction of actual turnover by using this model.
Shape-Based Approximation of Constrained Low-Thrust Space Trajectories Using Fourier Series

Space mission trajectory design using low-thrust capabilities is becoming increasingly popular. However, trajectory optimization is a very challenging and time-consuming task. In this paper, we build upon existing shapebased techniques to present an alternative Fourier series approximation for rapid low-thrust-rendezvous/orbitraising trajectory construction with thrust-acceleration constraint-handling capability. The new flexible representation, along with the constraint-handling capability, makes this method a suitable candidate for feasibility assessment of a whole range of trajectories within the given system propulsive budget. In addition, the solutions present opportunities for direct optimization techniques. A key point in the proposed method is its ability to solve problemswith a greater number of free parameters than in shape-basedmethods. Several case studies are presented: simpleEarth–Mars rendezvous, rendezvous/orbit raising for lowEarth orbit to geostationary orbit, and two phasing problems. Results clearly depict the advantage of the proposed method in handling thrust constraints and its applicability to a wide range of problems.
RIVER BASIN SIMULATION: AN INTERACTIVE ENGINEERING-ECONOMIC APPROACH TO OPERATIONAL POLICY EVALUATION*

Traditionally man has used water for domestic This approach is addressed primarily to management needs, livestock, crop production and navigation; now of existing control facilities, but could be used to he is also concerned with anesthetics, recreation, analyze operations of proposed systems. The decision industrial production, waste disposal, power genera- framework in which policies are developed is contion and aquatic ecological systems. He finds many of sidered first. Next, specific models making up the these uses incompatible and in conflict, river basin model are discussed. Thirdly, use of the Florida is encountering similar conflicts and in model is demonstrated by analyzing three managemany ways is typical of other humid eastern states. ment problems. The situation is especially dramatic because of extreme oscillations in rainfall - torrential tropical THE DECISION FRAMEWORK AND storms to droughts lasting many months. Water
Discordant Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Drug Resistance Mutations, Including K103N, Observed in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma

Discordant resistance mutations were seen in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolated from specimens of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from 3 of 6 patients. To our knowledge, this is the first report of HIV-1 isolated from CSF harboring the K103N mutation, which confers resistance to the nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, and this finding may indicate that virus in the CSF replicates independently from virus in the blood compartment.