cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physics and mechanisms of dielectric trap profiling by Multi-frequency Charge Pumping (MFCP) method

Multi-frequency Charge Pumping (MFCP) is a widely used technique to characterize bulk trap distribution, N T (x,E), within the SiO x /high-κ dielectric. Thus far, the theoretical interpretation of MFCP has either been based on uncritical generalization of the classical CP theory of electron-hole recombination or has been interpreted as a ‘quasi-geometrical’ component of CP current. Moreover, the recent literature contains variants of the basic MFCP that attempts to rectify various perceived limitations of the ‘other’ MFCP methods. Yet, without a comprehensive theoretical study supported by detailed numerical model of charging/ discharging dynamics during the MFCP process, it is impossible to establish the relative merits of these techniques, let alone the accuracy of back-extracted N T (x,E) by these methods. In this paper, we (i) present a physically-based numerical framework to establish that I CP in long, medium and short channel (L CH ) transistors should be understood in a fundamentally different way — none of which can be interpreted by simple generalization of the classical CP theory, (ii) compare and contrast N T (x,E), back-extracted from different variants of MFCP (e.g., amplitude-sweep, base-level sweep, etc.) for NMOS transistors, and (iii) show that, regardless of the combination of the chosen parameters of V Pulse (e.g., frequency: ƒ hi/low voltage levels: V H /V L ; high/low pulse duration: t H /t L ; rise/fall time: t r /t f ), the back-extracted N T can only be attributed to certain patches within position-energy space, but not to unique x and/or E points. Therefore, other complementary methods must be used for a unique definition of N T (x,E) within the modern gate dielectrics.
Asian Americans' career choices: A path model to examine factors influencing their career choices.

Abstract Research on Asian American career development has found that Asian Americans' occupational interests are typically predominant in the Investigative and Realistic areas and that they may pursue a limited range of occupations. This study investigates factors that might influence Asian Americans' career choices and tests Lent et al.'s model to investigate the relationships among the predicting variables and the outcome variable (career choice) for 187 college students. Variables investigated are level of acculturation, family SES, family involvement, occupational interests, and career self-efficacy. It was hypothesized that career choices are influenced by the predicting variables in such a way that lower acculturated individuals tend to choose more typical occupations (i.e., Realistic and Investigative occupations), that family background is influential on their choices, and that interest may not necessarily be related to their occupational choices. The results generally support the path model in explaining the factors influencing Asian American career choices. Asian Americans are influenced by acculturation, family background, and self-efficacy in choosing occupations. Implications are discussed for working with the Asian American population.
Early Diagnosis and Repair of Popliteal Artery and Vein Injuries Occurring During Arthroscopy of the Knee Case Reports

Injuries to the popliteal vessels during arthroscopic procedures of the knee are rare but may lead to amputation of the extremity. Early recognition and repair of such injuries is essential to avoid this complication. Two cases of patients who sustained injuries to the popliteal artery and vein during arthroscopy and were diagnosed and definitively treated within hours of the injury are reported. Both patients underwent urgent repair of the lacerated artery and vein and had good perfusion and function of the lower limb postoperatively. When the possibility of arthroscopic injury to the popliteal vessels exists, the diagnosis and treatment are straightforward. Early repair may avoid the disastrous complication of amputation of the affected leg.
Observation and modeling of the evolution of Texas power plant plumes

During the second Texas Air Quality Study 2006 (TexAQS II), a full range of pollutants was measured by air- craft in eastern Texas during successive transects of power plant plumes (PPPs). A regional photochemical model is applied to simulate the physical and chemical evolution of the plumes. The observations reveal that SO2 and NOy were rapidly removed from PPPs on a cloudy day but not on the cloud-free days, indicating efficient aqueous processing of these compounds in clouds. The model reasonably represents observed NOx oxidation and PAN formation in the plumes, but fails to capture the rapid loss of SO2 (0.37 h 1 ) and NOy (0.24 h 1 ) in some plumes on the cloudy day. Adjustments to the cloud liquid water content (QC) and the default metal concentrations in the cloud module could explain some of the SO2 loss. However, NOy in the model was insensitive to QC. These findings highlight cloud processing as a ma- jor challenge to atmospheric models. Model-based estimates of ozone production efficiency (OPE) in PPPs are 20-50 % lower than observation-based estimates for the cloudy day.
High host specificity in Encarsia diaspidicola (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), a biological control candidate against the white peach scale in Hawaii.

Pre-introductory host specificity tests were performed with Encarsia diaspidicola, a biological control candidate against the invasive white peach scale, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona. False oleander scale, P. cockerelli, coconut scale, Aspidiotus destructor, cycad scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui, greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, green scale, Coccus viridis, and long-tailed mealybug, Pseudococcus longispinus were tested in quarantine using traditional no-choice tests and examined for wasp emergence. The Hawaiian endemic palm scale, Colobopyga pritchardiae was also tested using no-choice tests and evaluated using species-specific molecular markers. All tests used unexposed non-target cohorts and no-choice exposure of white peach scale to the parasitoid as controls. None of the non-target exotic species yielded wasp emergence, and exposure to wasps had no effect on the mortality of the non-target species examined. Molecular tests with the endemic palm scale showed no evidence of parasitism by E. diaspidicola. These results strongly support that E. diaspidicola has a narrow host range and that its release in Hawaii will have negligible risk of non-target effects.
Projected ℓ 1 -minimization for compressed sensing

We propose a new algorithm to recover a sparse signal from a system of linear measurements. By projecting the measured signal onto a properly chosen subspace, we can use the projection to zero in on a low-sparsity portion of our original signal, which we can recover using l 1 -minimization. We can then recover the remaining portion of our signal from an overdetermined system of linear equations. We prove that our scheme improves the threshold of l 1 -minimization, and we derive an upper bound for this new threshold. We support our theoretical results with numerical simulations which demonstrate that certain classes of signals come close to achieving this upper bound.
Homogeneous populations of Artemia nauplii and their potential use for in vitro testing in developmental toxicology

Efforts have begun to establish test subjects other than the intact pregnant mammal to serve as models for rapid teratology screens. Artemia nauplii transcending instar I to later instars were examined to determine their potential for indicating chemicals as potential developmental hazards and thus prioritizing them for more extensive in vivo testing. Several criteria selected for assessing the system's potential for screening were the ability to: 1) collect homogeneous populations of instar I nauplii; 2) characterize intermediate development by technically simple measurements; and 3) demonstrate development-related differentials in naupliar vulnerability. Homogeneous populations of nauplii were harvested from a flow-through hatching and cold storage system. Nauplii accumulated in the system are stored at 4°C in a quiescent state with little physical (body length, body water volume) and biochemical (DNA and protein levels) change and thus are maintained at instar I. Intermediate development of nauplii transcending instar I to IV was characterized after the onset of 25°C incubation by measuring changes in drinking activity, body length, body water volume, and DNA and protein levels. During the first day of incubation, development was greatest between 6 and 24 hours of incubation. Development-related differentials in naupliar vulnerability were shown by comparing median lethal concentrations (LC50) estimated for cadmium sulfate (CdSO4), mercuric chloride (HgCl2), and sodium azide (NaN3) at various times during incubation. With cadmium and mercury, LC50s decreased as nauplii aged and developed; whereas, with azide, LC50s did not vary. Developing nauplii were differentially vulnerable to cadmium and inorganic mercury. Artemia nauplii transcending instar I to IV appear useful for indicating chemicals that preferentially interact with developmental events.
Agricultural sustainability in the semi-arid Near East

Agriculture began in the eastern Mediterranean Levantine Corridor about 11000 years ago toward the end of the Younger Dryas when aridity had diminished wild food resources. During the subsequent Climatic Optimum, agricultural villages spread rapidly but subsequent climatic changes on centennial to millennial scales resulted in striking oscillations in settlement, especially in marginal areas. Natural climate change thus alternately enhanced and diminished the agricultural potential of the land. Growing populations and more intensive land us, both for agriculture and livestock, have led to changes in the structure of vegetation, hydrology, and land quality. Over the millennia, political and economic interventions, warfare and incursions by nomadic herding tribes all impacted sustainability of agriculture and the ability of the land to supports its populations. In much of the region today, agricultural land use is not sustainable given existing technology and national priorities. The Near Eastern case is instructive because of the quality of information, the length of the record, and the pace of modern change.
Tackling the Combined Effects of Reverberation and Masking Noise Using Ideal Channel Selection

Purpose In this article, a new signal-processing algorithm is proposed and evaluated for the suppression of the combined effects of reverberation and noise. Method The proposed algorithm decomposes...
Current technologies to identify protein kinase substrates in high throughput

Since the discovery of protein phosphorylation as an important modulator of many cellular processes, the involvement of protein kinases in diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and central nervous system pathologies, has been extensively documented. Our understanding of many disease pathologies at the molecular level, therefore, requires the comprehensive identification of substrates targeted by protein kinases. In this review, we focus on recent techniques for kinase substrate identification in high throughput, in particular on genetic and proteomic approaches. Each method with its inherent advantages and limitations is discussed.
Modeling of Fouling of Crossflow Microfiltration Membranes

Abstract Steady-state and transient models are reviewed for predicting flux decline for crossflow microfiltration under conditions in which both external cake buildup and internal membrane fouling are contributing factors. Experimental work is not covered in the scope of this review, although reference is made to a few recent studies which have compared experimental measurements with theory. The steady-state cake thickness and permeate flux are governed by the concentration polarization layer adjacent to the cake of rejected particles which forms on the membrane surface. Depending on the characteristic particle size and the tangential shear rate, Brownian diffusion, shear-induced diffusion, or inertial lift is considered to be the dominant mechanism for particle back-transport in the polarization layer. For typical shear rates, Brownian diffusion is important for submicron particles, inertial lift is important for particles larger than approximately ten microns, and shear-induced diffusion is dominant for...
9 Negotiation of Inalienability and Meanings at the Classic Maya Center of Aguateca, Guatemala

A central issue in Annette Weiner's theory of inalienable possessions is the meaning of objects. This chapter provides a critique of conceptualizations that view objects as repositories of fixed, preexisting meaning from perspectives of practice theory, performance theory, and cognitive sciences. It examines how inalienability and associated meanings are created, negotiated, and contested. Data from the Classic Maya site of Aguateca provide an example of how symbolic objects and their perceived inalienability became points of reference and contestation among the ruler, other elites, and non-elites.
Monocular Vision and Landing Performance in General Aviation Pilots: Cyclops Revisited

Thirteen low-time, but current, private pilots flew 18 monocular landings (with an eyepatch placed over the non-dominant eye during the downwind leg) and 18 normal binocular landings. To assure equal effort under both conditions, pilots were told that they were in a spot landing contest with from $200 to $40 in prizes awarded on the basis of total accuracy on both monocular and binocular trials. No pilot was familiar with any prior research regarding monocular/binocular landing ability. Monocular landings were as accurate as binocular landings, but monocular approaches were flown higher/steeper, those landings tended to be longer and harder, the pilots judged them to be poorer, and they reported greater anxiety during the monocular landings. These results more nearly duplicate one study with military jet pilots but failed to confirm a second study which showed that similar low-time pilots landed significantly better monocularly. The results of that study (Cyclops II) must be considered an artifact of the ...
Families Accommodating to Chronic Stress

The results of prolonged exposure to stressors can be observed in an individual’s emotions, cognitions, behaviors, and social life. Somehow, difficult life circumstances permeate and influence all aspects of psychological functioning. Finding a way to capture that phenomenon—the process by which persistent demands or strains gradually infiltrate and change an individual’s life—is a special challenge facing researchers. We approach that challenge by noting that when even small amounts of variance are explained in particular situations, the underlying processes can account for important long-term outcomes if the situations recur and the effects cumulate (Abelson, 1985). Chronic stress, by definition, recurs, and the effects certainly cumulate. One way to study this process of cumulation, then, is by examining acute responses to short-term increases in common daily stressors.
CRANBERRY PHENOLICS-MEDIATED ELICITATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME RESPONSE IN FAVA BEAN (VICIA FABA) SPROUTS

The antioxidant response mechanism by which phenolic phytochemicals show their positive benefits in plants and animals is not very well understood. The ability of cranberry juice powder (CP), ellagic acid (EA), rosmarinic acid (RA) and their synergies to elicit a phenolic response in germinating fava bean was investigated. Results indicated that elicitation with CP, EA, RA and their synergies resulted in increased endogenous phenolic synthesis linked to the stimulation of pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Further, the stimulation of PPP was linked to the accumulation of free proline, suggesting a possible coupling of proline biosynthesis with PPP. Elicitation also resulted in the stimulation of guaiaicol peroxidase, suggesting a possible involvement in modulating structural development of the germinating sprout. Exogenous phenolic elicitation also resulted in the formation of malondialdehyde, which was gradually reduced because of the activation of antioxidant enzyme systems superoxide dismutase and catalase. The results indicate that the possible mode of action of exogenous phenolic phytochemicals in dark germinating fava bean could be by stimulating the PPP linked to proline biosynthesis and by the activation of the antioxidant enzyme system. The results also suggest that pure exogenous phenolics, EA and RA appeared to be effective when they were present in a cranberry phenolic background, suggesting a possible synergistic mode of action between EA, RA and cranberry phenolics in generating an endogenous fava bean antioxidant enzyme response.
An evaluation of interactive Boolean and natural language searching with an online medical textbook

Few studies have compared the interactive use of Boolean and natural language searching systems. We studied the use of three retrieval systems by senior medical students searching on queries generated by actual physicians in a clinical setting. The searchers were randomized to search on two of three different retrieval systems: a Boolean system, a word-based natural language system, and a concept-based natural language system. Our results showed no statistically significant differences in recall or precision among the three systems. Likewise, we found no user preference for any system over the others. In the course of this study we did find, however, a number of problems with traditional measures of retrieval evaluation when applied to the interactive search setting.
History and Planning: Some Aspects of Economic Development in Asia-I. Chinese National Expenditures in the Nanking Period

It is useful to assess the effect of Nanking fiscal policy on the Chinese economy since we are once again in the strategic position of rendering aid and advice to under-developed areas. (Nanking fiscal policies were predominantly repressive of economic development; they were not designed to alleviate the traditional economic burden on the peasant nor to promote the growth of industry.)
Questioning the need for ICU level of care in pediatric patients following elective uncomplicated craniotomy for brain tumors

OBJECTIVE The object of this study is to address what factors may necessitate the need for intensive care monitoring after elective uncomplicated craniotomy in pediatric patients who are initially managed in a non-intensive care unit setting postoperatively. METHODS A retrospective chart review was undertaken for all patients who underwent elective craniotomy for brain tumor between April of 2007 and April of 2012 and who were directly admitted to the floor postoperatively. Factors such as age, tumor type, craniotomy location, neurological comorbidities, reason for transfer to intensive care unit (ICU) level of care (if applicable), time between admittance to floor and transfer to ICU level of care, and reason for transfer to ICU level of care were assessed. RESULTS Adjusted logistic regression found 2 significant positive predictors of postoperative transfer to the ICU after initial admission to the floor: primitive neuroectodermal tumor pathology (OR 44.10, 95% CI 1.24-1572.16, p = 0.04), and repeat craniotomy during the same hospitalization (OR 13.97, 95% CI 1.21-160.66, p = 0.03). Conversely, 1 negative factor was found: low-grade glioma pathology (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.00-0.87, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Select pediatric patients may not require ICU level of care after elective uncomplicated pediatric craniotomy. Additional studies are needed to adequately address which patients would benefit from initial ICU admittance following elective craniotomies for brain tumors.
Abstract P367: Birth Weight Modifies the Association Between Central Nervous System Gene Variation and Adult Body Mass Index

Background: Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 38 genetic loci associated with variation in body mass index (BMI) and weight. At least eleven of the identified BMI loci may be affecting body weight through their effects on the activity of the central nervous system (CNS). Persons with low birth weight have an increased risk of a series of metabolic disorders as adults, including alterations of CNS activity. We postulate that normal CNS-mediated genetic mechanisms of body weight regulation are disrupted in subjects with low birth weight. Methods: We used general linear models to assess interaction between birth weight and CNS-gene variants in relation to BMI at age 18 and in 1995 in the Black Women’s Health Study (BWHS), an ongoing prospective cohort study that began in 1995. Birth weight was categorized as a binary variable (above and below the median, 3,200 g). We calculated a weighted CNS-gene score by summing the number of BMI-increasing alleles in 11 GWAS-identified CNS genes. Each...
Abstract 586: Ordered Opening of the 4-Helix Bundle in the LDL-Receptor Binding Domain of Human Apolipoprotein E3 as Revealed by Fluorescence Polarization Analysis

Apolipoprotein E3 (apoE3) is an anti-atherogenic protein that helps maintain triglycerides and cholesterol levels in the plasma. It is responsible for binding and cellular uptake of plasma lipoproteins via the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) family of proteins. It is a highly alpha-helical protein that can exist in lipid-free and lipid-bound states, and undergoes a dramatic conformational re-organization when transitioning between the two states. The objective of this study is to understand the mechanism of chemical-induced unfolding of the 4-helix bundle N-terminal (NT) domain housing the LDLr binding sites. The rationale is that the ease of unfolding is a reflection of ease of helix bundle opening during lipid interaction. We tested the hypothesis that the 4-helix bundle undergoes a concerted opening to reveal the hydrophobic interior, analogous to opening an umbrella. Using X-ray and NMR structure guided rational approach, single cysteine-containing constructs were designed; a fluorescent probe was attached to the free -SH groups to serve as a spectroscopic reporter about the microenvironment and mobility of selected segments of the protein: the 4 main helices observed in the X-ray structure (H1 to H4) and the relatively flexible helixes flanking the helix bundle as observed in the NMR structure. We induced unfolding by chemical denaturation and monitored changes in protein secondary structure and tertiary conformation by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. The overall global was relatively unaltered in the labeled variants; however, fluorescence emission and polarization studies revealed that during unfolding, the microenvironment of the probe on H3 and H4 is more polar and that these helices become more mobile at lower denaturant concentrations, compared to probes on H1 and H2. The data suggest that the 4-helix bundle undergoes a sequential unfolding pattern of the main helices in the following order: helix 4/helix 3, helix 2 and lastly helix 1. Our results offer insights into the mechanism of lipid and lipoprotein binding of apoE3 NT domain, with the segment towards the C-terminal end likely triggering lipid interaction.
Aberrant crypts as a biomarker for colon cancer: evaluation of potential chemopreventive agents in the rat

We assessed the effects of 41 potential chemopreventive agents in the F344 rat using the inhibition of carcinogen-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon as the measure of efficacy. ACF were induced by the carcinogen azoxymethane in F344 rats by two sequential weekly injections at a dose of 15 mg/kg. Two weeks after the last azoxymethane injection, animals were evaluated for the number of aberrant crypts detected in methylene blue-stained whole mounts of rat colon. The 41 agents were derived from a priority listing that was based on reports of chemopreventive activity in the literature and/or efficacy data from in vitro models of carcinogenesis. The list of agents included representative examples of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, inhibitors of proliferation, inducers of Phase 1 and Phase 2 metabolism systems, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and differentiation agents. Eighteen agents were positive in the assay, significantly reducing the incidence of ACF at least in one of two doses tested. As a chemical class, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which included ibuprofen, ketoprofen, piroxicam, and indomethacin, were most active; other less potent agents were arginine, butylated hydroxyanisole, curcumin, diallyl sulfide, difluoromethylornithine, 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, indole-3-carbinol, oltipraz, purpurin, rutin, and the sodium salts of butyrate, selenite, and thiosulfate. Twenty-three agents did not inhibit ACF; included among these were several agents that promoted the development of ACF at one or both doses tested: benzyl isothiocyanate,calcium glucarate, catechin, dihydroepiandosterone, fluocinolone acetonide,folic acid, levamisole, 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid, nordihydroguiaretic acid, potassium glucarate, propyl gallate, beta-sitosterol, sodium cromolyn, sodium molybdate, and sulfasalazine. The aberrant crypt assay demonstrates reasonable specificity and sensitivity in predicting which agents are likely to prevent colon cancer.
Interdigitated Color- and Disparity-Selective Columns within Human Visual Cortical Areas V2 and V3

In nonhuman primates (NHPs), secondary visual cortex (V2) is composed of repeating columnar stripes, which are evident in histological variations of cytochrome oxidase (CO) levels. Distinctive “thin” and “thick” stripes of dark CO staining reportedly respond selectively to stimulus variations in color and binocular disparity, respectively. Here, we first tested whether similar color-selective or disparity-selective stripes exist in human V2. If so, available evidence predicts that such stripes should (1) radiate “outward” from the V1–V2 border, (2) interdigitate, (3) differ from each other in both thickness and length, (4) be spaced ∼3.5–4 mm apart (center-to-center), and, perhaps, (5) have segregated functional connections. Second, we tested whether analogous segregated columns exist in a “next-higher” tier area, V3. To answer these questions, we used high-resolution fMRI (1 × 1 × 1 mm 3 ) at high field (7 T), presenting color-selective or disparity-selective stimuli, plus extensive signal averaging across multiple scan sessions and cortical surface-based analysis. All hypotheses were confirmed. V2 stripes and V3 columns were reliably localized in all subjects. The two stripe/column types were largely interdigitated (e.g., nonoverlapping) in both V2 and V3. Color-selective stripes differed from disparity-selective stripes in both width (thickness) and length. Analysis of resting-state functional connections (eyes closed) showed a stronger correlation between functionally alike (compared with functionally unlike) stripes/columns in V2 and V3. These results revealed a fine-scale segregation of color-selective or disparity-selective streams within human areas V2 and V3. Together with prior evidence from NHPs, this suggests that two parallel processing streams extend from visual subcortical regions through V1, V2, and V3. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In current textbooks and reviews, diagrams of cortical visual processing highlight two distinct neural-processing streams within the first and second cortical areas in monkeys. Two major streams consist of segregated cortical columns that are selectively activated by either color or ocular interactions. Because such cortical columns are so small, they were not revealed previously by conventional imaging techniques in humans. Here we demonstrate that such segregated columnar systems exist in humans. We find that, in humans, color versus binocular disparity columns extend one full area further, into the third visual area. Our approach can be extended to reveal and study additional types of columns in human cortex, perhaps including columns underlying more cognitive functions.
Surface Modification and Neural Tissue Culture of Thin Film Electrode Materials

Good interfaces between electrodes and neural tissue are very important in chronic in vivo stimulation/recording. In order to study the effect of electrode materials and surface structure on neural interfaces, we cultured neurons on thin films of electrode materials that are expected to be biocompatible, such as platinum, and iridium oxide. We used both flat film surfaces and laser micro-structured ones. The laser micro-structuring consisted of creating regular arrays of micro-bumps with height of about 1μm and diameter of 2-3 microns. We have found conditions for fabrication of such micro-bumps on platinum and iridium thin films on borosilicate glass substrate (Pyrex 7740) by mask-projection irradiation with single nano-second pulses from a KrF excimer laser (λ=248nm). Laser micro-structured iridium films were coated with IrO 2 by pulsed DC reactive sputtering to obtain micro-structured IrO 2 films. Two types of iridium oxide films were studied: amorphous (reactively sputtered at room substrate temperature) and polycrystalline (reactively sputtered at 300°C). Cortical neurons isolated from rat embryo brain were cultured onto these thin film surfaces. Cells were more than 98% viable as determined by trypan blue exclusion tests. Poly-D-Lysine coated surfaces were used as positive controls for cell. Regular optical and fluorescent microscopy techniques were used to image the cells after they were cultured. To differentiate between live and dead cells a viability test with fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide was carried out. Also, immunocytochemistry analysis of neuron cells was performed using antibody for neuron-specific enolase (NSE) staining. A qualitative and quantitative comparison was carried out between the different types of modified electrode surfaces to study the neuronal growth in order to explore the feasibility of micro-bumps as stimulating/recording neural interfaces. These results are intended for use in optimization of future electrical stimulation/recording experiments that we plan to carry out.
New Pathways to Processing Composites

Compositing routes are reviewed for the fabricaiton of metal and metalceramic matrices combined with ceramic reinforcements and/or ductilizing phases. The important role of micromechanics in elucidating microstructural design principles to guide the processing “pathways” is emphasized. Specific processing techniques are described including incorporation of particles and fibers into melts, melt infiltration into preforms, powder metallurgy and melt oxidation.
Effects of Boiling Water Temperature on Biofilm Formation in PTI Community Potable Water

This study investigated the effects of boiling temperature and associated physico-chemical parameters on the Petroleum Training Institute potable water and the possibility of biofilm formation in its delivery systems. A total of 25 potable water samples were used for this study. The environmental parameters investigated were pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solid (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO1), / DO5, salinity, resistivity, total coliform bacteria (as an indicator of possible biofilm presence in the distribution system) and biofilm . An overall prevalence of <1 of the total coliform bacteria was observed in the plus-boiling and minus-boiling potable water sample, except for the female hostel which showed moderate stain for the qualitative biofilm test. For the minus-boiling water sample, pH values were between 5.04±0.47 to 6.82±0.48; Total suspended solids ranged between 0.09±0.05-0.17±0.02, total dissolved solid ranged between 4.07±0.73 to 5.58±0.70, conductivity values ranged between 8.02±0.90 to 11.54±1.67, dissolved oxygen ranged between 1.97±0.26 to 3.12 ±0.13, the DO5 ranged between 1.91±0.32 to 2.72± 0.29 while resistivity ranged between 7.79±0.13 to 10.88±0.18. Values for the Plus-boiling and filtered samples showed a pH range of 6.02±0.26 to 6.95±0.26; conductivity 7.21±0.10 to 9.88±0.67; DO ranged between 1.01±0.14 to 2.08±0.35, DO5 was 1.02±0.02 to 2.01±0.38, TSS and TDS ranged between 0.02±0.001, 3.74±0.62 to 0.03±0.002 and 4.95±0.42 respectively while resistivity ranged between 1.02±0.11 to 1.98±0.16. For all parameters analyzed, values obtained falls within the WHO limit for potable water except for the qualitative biofilm test on FSH minus-boiling water sample which gave moderate stain with 0.1% crystal violet stain and the pH values which fall below WHO acceptable limits. Boiling and filtration of potable water irrespective of the source is campaigned from this study in order to enhance the prevention and management of water borne diseases within the institute community.
Therapeutic Effect of Inhaled Fluticasone and Budesonide on Infants with Asthma

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of inhaled fluticasone(FP) and budesonide(BUD) on infants with asthma.Methods One hundred and five asthmatic children were selected in this study at the asthma clinic,which consisted of 68 boys and 37 girls,aged from 1 to 35 months.All patients were assigned randomly into 3 groups:FP treated group,BUD treated group and control group,35 patients were recruited in each group.The distribution of sex,age and the severity of patients in each group were not significantly different.The patients in FP group or BUD group received different doses,1,2 and 3 pulses respectively according to the degree of the disease(mild,mode-rate,severe),the control group only received treatment aiming at symptoms.At the first visit,the parents of the asthmatic children were demonstrated how to use the medicine rightly,and corrected by the nurses in the asthma clinic if there were any mistakes in using by the parents at the follow-up visit.All patients were followed up for 2 years,and the effects of inhaled FP and BUD on asthma were compared.Results Thirty-two,28 and 34 patients were available in FP,BUD treated groups and control group respectively after 2 years of follow-up.The effect of FP and BUD group was similar.FP showed certain advantage in reliving cough and wheezing compared with control group after 0.5 year.BUD showed the same effectivity after 1 year as well.FP also reduced the attacks of asthma after 1 year.After 2 years,either FP or BUD reduced the days of cough,wheezing and the attacks of asthma.Conclusion Both FP and BUD demonstrated significant effect in treating asthma and can be used to treat asthma in clinical practice.
Application of DeviceNet Fieldbus Technology in Chemical Industry

The principle and technological characteristics of DeviceNet fieldbus were introduced.The application of DeviceNet fieldbus in chemical industry automobile coating production process was analyzed,and the characteristics of the system were analyzed.The practice indicated that the application of DeviceNet made the system more intelligent,run more reliably,which can improve the production effectively.
Satellite splat II: an inelastic collision with a surface-launched projectile and the maximum orbital radius for planetary impact

Starting with conservation of energy and angular momentum, we derive a convenient method for determining the periapsis distance of an orbiting object, by expressing its velocity components in terms of the local circular speed. This relation is used to extend the results of our previous paper, examining the effects of an adhesive inelastic collision between a projectile launched from the surface of a planet (of radius R) and an equal-mass satellite in a circular orbit of radius r s. We show that there is a maximum orbital radius r s ≈ 18.9R beyond which such a collision cannot cause the satellite to impact the planet. The difficulty of bringing down a satellite in a high orbit with a surface-launched projectile provides a useful topic for a discussion of orbital angular momentum and energy. The material is suitable for an undergraduate intermediate mechanics course.
Abstract P5-01-03: Stratifying triple-negative breast cancer prognosis using 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging

Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly diverse group of cancers, and may benefit from molecular-targeted therapies. This study aims to stratify prognosis of TNBC patients using pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT, alone and with correlation to immunohistochemistry biomarkers. Method: 200 consecutive TNBC breast cancer patients treated between 2008 and 2012 who received lumpectomy or mastectomy as primary treatment were retrieved. Among the full cohort, 79 patients had pre-treatment 18F FDG PET/CT scans. Immunostaining status (percentage and intensity) of basal biomarkers (EGFR, CK5/6), Ki-67, P53, and other clinicopathological variables (age, tumor size, pathological T/N stage, nuclear grade, and lymph node metastasis) were obtained. Three PET image features were evaluated: maximum uptake values (SUVmax), mean uptake (SUVmean) and target volume (SUVvol) defined by SUV>2.5. The relationships among tumor metabolic activities and clinicopathological factors were evaluated. All variables were analyzed versus disease-free survival (DFS) using univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. The optimal cutoff points of variables were estimated using time-dependent survival receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: All PET features significantly correlated with proliferation marker Ki-67 (all p 3.5, AUC=0.654, p=0.006). Basal biomarkers EGFR and CK5/6 and image features SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVvol were significant associated with DFS in univariate Cox analysis, whereas SUVmax (p=0.001) and EGFR (p=0.001) were also significant in multivariate Cox analysis. To integrate prognosis of biological and imaging markers, patients were first stratified by EGFR into low (≤15%) and high (>15%) risk groups. Further, SUVmax was used as a variable to stratify the two EGFR groups. In the high EGFR group, patients with high FDG uptake (SUVmax>3.5) had worse survival outcome (median DFS=7.6 months) than those patients with low FDG uptake (SUVmax≤3.5, median DFS=11.6 months). In the low EGFR group, high SUVmax also indicated worse survival outcome (17.2 months) than low SUVmax (22.8 months). The risk stratification with integrative EGFR and PET was statistically significant with log-rank p Conclusions: Pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging has significant prognostic value for predicting survival outcome of TNBC patients. Integrated with basal-biomarker EGFR, PET imaging can further stratify patient risks in the pre-treatment stage, and help select appropriate treatment strategies for individual patients. Citation Format: Yue Y, Cui X, Bose S, Audeh W, Zhang X, Fraass B. Stratifying triple-negative breast cancer prognosis using 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-01-03.
The Fields of Sociology

Some administratively important sociologists have held that sociology is not a unified field of study but a group of fields of problems loosely held together. These fields presumably are held together by historical ties, or by a common interest in what are called social problems, or by an inability to find any other place for them, or perhaps by sheer lackadaisical conservativism. Those who hold such a position might, if reached under circumstances when they could be extremely frank, claim that they are held together in order that sociology may continue to have the prestige that goes with being a substantive field of knowledge and that it is to the material interest of sociologists not to divulge the great secret of lack of unity, thus not giving aid and comfort to the academic enemies of the discipline and undermining its power. It might also be argued, on the other hand, that sociology need not fear to admit its lack of subject-matter unity since the problem-areas it deals with are of great public importance and hence the public will tolerate the lack of unity because of its need for the aid of specialists in solving the problems. Such problems-areas as crime and delinquency, marriage and the family, minority groups, mass communications, social stratification, rural-urban life, and the like, have become sociology’s provinces and they are areas on which specialists have grown up dressed in the garments of sociology.
Treatment of advanced carcinoma of the prostate (stage D) with infusion of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II NSC 119875): a pilot study.

AbstractA study was done on 21 patients who had advanced carcinoma of the prostate (stage D) treated with 1mg./kg. cis-diamminedichloroplatinum per week for 6 weeks. The infusions were then spaced every 3 weeks thereafter. One patient had never been treated previously and 20 patients were failures of previous therapy with estrogens and/or radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. A partial objective clinical remission was seen in 9 of the 21 patients (43 per cent). This response lasted from 3 to 14 months, with an average of 5.8 months. The responses were evidenced by a 50 per cent or more decrease of lesions in the liver (2 patients), recalcification of a bone lytic lesion (1 patient), disappearance of positive lymph nodes in the neck (2 patients), disappearance of pleural effusion (1 patient), disappearance of lymphatic block of lower extremities (2 patients) and disappearance of lung metastases and ureteral obstruction (1 patient). Six patients (28.5 per cent) had a complete disappearance of the bone pain and ...
ANALYSIS OF HELPER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DIFFERENTIATION OF CYTOTOXIC T CELL PRECURSORS

ABSTRACT The data in this report shows that helper activity not only augments but is required for the generation of murine cytotoxic T cells. Since this helper activity is required in vivo , it may play a physiologic role in the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors (CTL.P). Furthermore, the data demonstrate that unprimed CTL.P in vivo have different helper requirements than antigen primed CTL.P in vitro. In conjunction with data from other laboratories, our findings indicate that the helper activity required for CTL.P is not solely the T cell growth factor, interleukin 2. Our evidence favors a requirement for a second T cell signal, most probably for differentiation.
Intrinsic Fourier Mode Functions

In this paper, we study a class of functions that exhibit properties expected from intrinsic mode functions. A type of an empirical instantaneous frequency, depending on the extrema scale, is introduced and its proximity to the classical analytic instantaneous frequency is discussed. We also obtain a sufficient condition for positiveness of the instantaneous frequency and introduce a method similar in nature to EMD but with an empirical frequency as guide in lieu of empirical envelopes. The method is illustrated in several numerical examples.
Chronic Health Conditions and Key Health Indicators Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older US Adults, 2013–2014

Objectives. To examine disparities in chronic conditions and health indicators among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults aged 50 years or older in the United States.Methods. We used data from the 2013 and 2014 National Health Interview Survey to compare disparities in chronic conditions, health outcomes and behaviors, health care access, and preventive health care by sexual orientation and gender.Results. LGB older adults were significantly more likely than heterosexual older adults to have a weakened immune system and low back or neck pain. In addition, sexual minority older women were more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to report having arthritis, asthma, a heart attack, a stroke, a higher number of chronic conditions, and poor general health. Sexual minority older men were more likely to report having angina pectoris or cancer. Rates of disability and mental distress were higher among LGB older adults.Conclusions. At substantial cost to society, many disparities in chronic conditions, ...
Chemical characterization of proanthocyanidins in purple, blue, and red maize coproducts from different milling processes and their anti-inflammatory properties

Abstract Colored maize cultivars are drawing attention as economically viable sources of polyphenolic pigments, which may be used as a replacement of synthetic food dyes. Ingestion of polyphenolic compounds is also associated with potential health benefits. Proanthocyanidins (PA) are oligomeric and polymeric flavonoids. The objective was to evaluate the effect of dry milling, wet milling, and dry grind processes on coproduct yields of purple, blue, and red corn, and to determine the concentration and type of PA in various coproducts generated from these three processes. Furthermore, to evaluate their anti-inflammatory potential using biochemical assays. Highest PA concentrations were detected in purple maize coproducts. In wet milling process, steepwater contained the highest concentration of PA (170.3 ± 4.4 g catechin equivalent, eq/kg of maize on dry basis, db) followed by gluten slurry. In dry milling, pericarp contained the highest concentration (43.5 ± 2.1 g catechin eq/kg maize db), followed by small grits and large grits. Total PA recovered in wet milling were higher (204.3 ± 6.2 g catechin eq/kg maize db) compared to dry milling coproducts (91.0 ± 8.5 g catechin eq/kg maize db). PA degree of polymerization was below 10. PA from purple maize demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects inhibiting 66% of inducible nitric oxide synthase and 89% of cyclooxygenase-2 activities. Maize processing produces biologically active compounds with anti-inflammatory activity for potential pharmaceutical use.
Parental mediation of US youths’ exposure to televised relational aggression

Exposure to televised relational aggression can negatively influence youths’ well-being. Research shows that parent–child interactions about media – parental mediation – can alter children’s respon...
Evaluation of subgrain formation in Al2O3–SiC nanocomposites

Both theoretical analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) complementary studies have been conducted to evaluate the possible role of subgrain formation as a strengthening mechanism in a nanocomposite consisting of Al2O3 and 5 vol % 0.15 μm SiC particles. The theoretical calculation predicted that the residual stresses due to thermal expansion mismatch between Al2O3 and SiC are insufficient to induce the extensive plastic deformation required for subgrain formation upon annealing. This prediction was consistent with TEM observations that the bulk of the material was completely free from subgrains, and that only a low density of dislocations was present in isolated areas. The results suggest, therefore, that microstructure refinement through subgrain formation cannot account for the superior mechanical behaviour of the nanocomposite reported in previous studies.