cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High rate deposition of VCTiC alloy carbides by activated reactive evaporation

Abstract VC and TiC form a complete series of solid solutions. These alloy carbides have a high strength-to-weight ratio; some of the compositions exhibit extremely high high temperature strengths and thus are of technological importance. We investigated the synthesis of VCTiC alloy carbides using the activated reactive evaporation process. A VTi alloy rod was evaporated in the presence of C2H2. The evaporation rate, the reactive gas pressure and the deposition temperature were the experimental variables. The deposits were characterized by X-ray diffraction, microhardness, scanning electron microscopy and microprobe analysis. It was shown that VCTiC alloy carbides with the same V:Ti ratio as in the evaporant rod can be synthesized by activated reactive evaporation.
Goethite stability and the origin of red beds

Abstract The differential solubility of hematite and goethite in 0.1 M HCl has been determined at 85°C. From this, calculations show that finely divided limonitic goethite is thermodynamical unstable relative to hematite plus water under practically all geological conditions. This indicates that many ancient red sediments could have been originally yellow and that the red color could have developed diagenetically even during shallow burial at low temperatures. The data also indicate that limonitic goethite should be thermodynamically unstable on the surface of Mars.
Endogenous swimming rhythms in estuarine crab megalopae: Implications for flood-tide transport

Up-estuary migration of crab larvae to adult habitats is thought to be accomplished by selective tidal transport in which late-stage larvae enter the water column on flood tides and remain on or near the bottom on ebb tides. This study measured endogenous rhythms in swimming by the last larval stage (megalopa) of blue crabs Callinectes sapidus and fiddler crabs Uca spp. Previous field studies found that megalopae of both species were only abundant in the estuarine water column on nocturnal rising tides. Megalopae were collected from the Newport River Estuary, North Carolina (34°41′N; 76°40′W) during August–September 1992 and swimming activity was recorded for 4.5 to 7 d under constant conditions with a video system. Rhythms exhibited by both genera in the laboratory were not identical to those recorded in the field. Uca spp. displayed a circatidal rhythm, with maximum swimming occurring near the time of high tide in the field. Rhythm amplitude increased when crushed oyster shells were present, which suggested that megalopae bury or cling to the substrate during quiescent periods. In contrast, C. sapidus had a circadian rhythm in which maximum swimming coincided with the day phase in the field. In most trials, the activity of blue crab megalopae was unrelated to the expected tidal cycle. It was concluded that a tidal rhythm in swimming was the behavioral basis of flood-tide transport for fiddler crab larvae. The endogenous rhythm in blue crabs does not participate in transport, which probably results from behavioral responses to environmental cues associated with flood tide.
The effect of contact resistance in a broadband semiconductor optical amplifier using SAG techniques

Ultra-broadband gain materials can be made by using selected area growth (SAG) techniques. Material gain peak along the waveguide can vary as much as 300nm (from 1300nm to 1600 nm) in InGaAsP/InP quantum well waveguides. This gain peak variation is obtained by both material composition changes and quantum well width changes. This kind of broad band materials can be used to make ultra broad tunable lasers, amplifiers, and wavelength converters. Due to large band gap variation, the current injection will not be constant along the waveguide. The average serial resistance perpendicular to the waveguide direction will play an important role in the current distribution. In our simulation, a large serial resistance device will have a uniform current injection, therefore a uniform carrier distribution. But for a small serial resistance device, the carrier distribution along the waveguide is mainly decided by the local waveguide material bandgaps.
Investigating into mask contribution to device performance and chip functionality

Device performance and functionality can be impacted by many factors, both physical and electrical. Close interaction between the lithographer and mask maker is useful in the deconvolution of the mask contributions to device speed and functionality. Across plate image size variation, linearity, orientation and proximity effects (both local and global) influence the Across Chip Linewidth Variation (ACLV). ACLV, in turn, has a strong correlation to overall device performance. Several situations in which integrated circuit functionality and performance were correlated to mask systematics will be presented along with resolution of the described issues. Methodologies for separating the mask components from the wafer level process components will also be discussed. Mask specifications are often derived by simply scaling the previous technology, rather than basing the specifications on technical requirements. A methodology will be derived which links technological device specifications and the anticipated mask exposure conditions to the required mask specifications.
P01-147 Functional and quality of life impairment in generalized anxiety disorder: Effect of short-term treatment with pregabalin and venlafaxine-XR

Aims To determine the incidence and clinical correlates of functional and quality of life (QoL) impairment in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and to evaluate the efficacy of pregabalin and venlafaxine-XR in improving functional outcomes. Methods A double-blind trial in adults who met DSM-IV criteria for GAD, with a HAM-A total score ≥20, randomized to 8-weeks of flexible-dose treatment with pregabalin (300-600 mg/d, N=121), venlafaxine-XR(75-225 mg/d, N=125), or placebo (N=128). Anxiety-related impairment in QoL was evaluated using the Quality of Life, Enjoyment, and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q) and impairment in functioning using the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). Results At baseline, a similar proportion of patients in the 3 treatment groups met criteria for impairment on the Q-LES-Q (70.1%-77.6%) and SDS (74.1%-82.7%). For all groups combined, baseline impairment was more highly correlated with psychic than somatic anxiety on both the Q-LES-Q and SDS (Spearman r-values, -0.32 vs. -0.28 and 0.27 vs. 0.14,respectively). On the SDS but not on the Q-LES-Q, significantly more subjects in the pregabalin (67.2%) and venlafaxine-XR (59.5%) groups had improvement into the normative range compared with placebo (42.9%; p Conclusion At baseline, approximately 75% of GAD patients reported moderate-to-severe impairment in QoL and functioning which was modestly correlated with severity of GAD symptomatology. Pregabalin produced improvement in QoL and functioning that was correlated with reduction in anxiety symptom severity.
One-dimensional Kapitza conductance: Comparison of the phonon mismatch theory with computer experiments

We present the analog of the Khalatnikov theory for the Kapitza conductance ${h}_{\ensuremath{\kappa}}$ at the boundary between two dissimilar classical one-dimensional harmonic chains of atoms. We then perform steady-state molecular-dynamics computer experiments to determine ${h}_{\ensuremath{\kappa}}$ directly. The phonon mismatch theory gives only order-of-magnitude agreement with the computer experiments. Preliminary calculations indicate that anharmonicity increases the Kapitza conductance.
“Get Therapy and Work on It”: Managing Dissent in an Intentional Community

Based on two years of fieldwork in an intentional community that was officially both egalitarian and therapeutic, we examine how community founders used a discourse of liberation psychotherapy to maintain power over newcomers. When newcomers expressed their desire for more financial accountability or for limiting the expression of anger, the founders managed such dissent by (1) reframing community problems as psychological issues, (2) discrediting critics as psychologically troubled, and (3) emotionally attacking recalcitrant newcomers. In contrast to those who argue that a discourse emphasizing emotions fosters equality within social movement and utopian communities, we show that it depends on how people use the discourse. Our study points to the importance of interaction for research on discourse as well as the importance of discourse for an interactionist approach to power.
Electrostatic ion-cyclotron waves driven by parallel velocity shear

Using a fluid treatment, it is shown that electrostatic waves with angular frequencies ∼ωci (ion cyclotron frequency) propagating at large angles to the ambient magnetic field can be excited in a magnetized plasma by perpendicular shear in the magnetic field aligned plasma flow. The role of density gradients in determining the stability of shear-driven electrostatic ion-cyclotron (EIC) modes is also considered. These shear-driven modes may provide an explanation for observations of high frequency waves in the ionosphere.
The differential effects of 5-HT1A receptor stimulation on dopamine receptor-mediated abnormal involuntary movements and rotations in the primed hemiparkinsonian rat

Serotonin 1A receptor (5-HT(1A)R) agonists have emerged as valuable supplements to l-DOPA therapy, demonstrating that they can decrease side effects and enhance motor function in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) and human PD patients. The precise mechanism by which these receptors act remains unknown and there is limited information on how 5-HT(1A)R stimulation impacts striatal dopamine (DA) D1 receptor (D1R) and D2 receptor (D2R) function. The current study examined the effects of 5-HT(1A)R stimulation on DA receptor-mediated behaviors. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were rendered hemiparkinsonian by unilateral 6-OHDA lesions and primed with the D1R agonist SKF81297 (0.8 mg/kg, i.p.) in order to sensitize DA receptors. Using a randomized within subjects design, rats received a first injection of: Vehicle (dH(2)O) or the 5-HT(1A)R agonist +/-8-OH-DPAT (0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.), followed by a second injection of: Vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide), the D1R agonist SKF81297 (0.8 mg/kg, i.p.), the D2R agonist quinpirole (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.), or l-DOPA (12 mg/kg+benserazide, 15 mg/kg, i.p.). On test days, rats were monitored over a 2-h period immediately following the second injection for abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs), analogous to dyskinesia observed in PD patients, and contralateral rotations. The present findings indicate that 5-HT(1A)R stimulation reduces AIMs induced by D1R, D2R and l-DOPA administration while its effects on DA agonist-induced rotations were receptor-dependent, suggesting that direct 5-HT(1A)R and DA receptor interactions may contribute to the unique profile of 5-HT(1A)R agonists for the improvement of PD treatment.
Science, Technology, and Society A Compelling Context for United States-Canada Collaboration

This article explores avenues for fostering collaborations between the United States and Canada in science and technology in the context of the Science, Technology, and Society (STS) movement. STS deals with real-world applications and issues of science and technology, and by taking a real-world approach to science in schools and colleges in the United States and Canada, both nations would benefit. Benefits significantly outnumber drawbacks by solving problems stemming from a common border. The United States and Canada are better served by joining forces in regard to a multitude of science and technology concerns that cannot be solved singularly by either country. STS is not a panacea but a platform for fostering long-term collaborations between the United States and Canada in science and technology via secondary and postsecondary institutions.
Practical Synthesis of an l-Fructose-Derived Ketone Catalyst for Asymmetric Epoxidation of Olefins

An L-fructose-derived ketone catalyst for asymmetric epoxidation of trans- and trisubstituted olefins was efficiently prepared from L-sorbose in five steps.
A low-cost, high-resolution, video-rate imaging optical radar

Sandia National Laboratories has developed a unique type of portable low-cost range imaging optical radar (laser radar or LADAR). This innovative sensor is comprised of an active floodlight scene illuminator and an image intensified CCD camera receiver. It is a solid-state device (no moving parts) that offers significant size, performance, reliability, and simplicity advantages over other types of 3-D imaging sensors. This unique flash LADAR is based on low cost, commercially available hardware, and is well suited for many government and commercial uses. This paper presents an update of Sandia`s development of the Scannerless Range Imager technology and applications, and discusses the progress that has been made in evolving the sensor into a compact, low, cost, high-resolution, video rate Laser Dynamic Range Imager.
Traumatic calcinosis cutis in a dialysis patient

Abstract A patient with end-stage renal disease and refractory hyperparathyroidism was evaluated for acute-onset thickening and hardening of the skin of the lower extremities. Her clinical course and physical examination findings were consistent with the recently described entity of nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy. However, skin biopsy results showed metastatic and dystrophic calcification, without calcific uremic arteriolopathy (calciphylaxis). The patient reported a history of self-inflicted trauma; the authors postulate that trauma, in the setting of hyperparathyroidism and an elevated serum calcium phosphorous product, resulted in the subcutaneous deposition of calcium salts. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of metastatic and dystrophic calcification, without calciphylaxis, in a patient with refractory hyperparathyroidism. This case underscores both the rich variety of skin conditions seen in patients undergoing dialysis and recent developments in the field of dermatologic disorders associated with end-stage renal disease.
Tamm states in superlattices

Abstract We present experimental results on the localized “surface” states, known as Tamm states, in superlattices. A terminating layer of Al y Ga 1− y As on GaAs/Al x Ga 1− x As As superlattices produced Tamm states at the states at the interface, which are observed by interaband optical transitions. Results clearly show the presence of localized Tamm states, either above or below the miniband states depending on the composition of the terminating layer, and their interaction with other extended superlattice states.
Extended subtemporal transtentorial approach to the anterior incisural space and upper clival region: experience with posterior circulation aneurysms.

BACKGROUND Although most posterior circulation aneurysms are currently treated by endovascular means, some are not amenable to this treatment modality. The narrow working window afforded by the anterolateral and lateral surgical approaches often translates into suboptimal visualization and limited maneuverability. OBJECTIVE We present a modified technique of tentorial incision and reflection that optimizes the exposure achieved with the traditional subtemporal approach and report our clinical experience in a series of posterior circulation aneurysms. METHODS Retrospective review of patients operated via an extended subtemporal transtentorial approach for posterior circulation aneurysms. The modified tentorial incision implies dissection of the trochlear nerve along its dural canal up to its entrance into the cavernous sinus and incision of a tentorial flap that extends up to Meckel cave, which is then reflected far anterolaterally. Clinical and radiological data were reviewed. RESULTS This series comprises 18 patients (21 procedures). Ten patients presented (56%) with a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Aneurysms most frequently arose from the basilar tip (61%) and were of small size (50%) and saccular morphology (72%). Two patients underwent surgery following unsuccessful endovascular treatment. Aneurysm treatment was successful on the first attempt in 90% (19/21) and after a second attempt in 10% (2/21). Documented postoperative palsies of the oculomotor (n = 3) and trochlear (n = 1) nerves were all transient. No procedure-related mortality occurred. CONCLUSION This modified technique of tentorial incision and reflection optimizes visibility, anatomic orientation, and maneuverability by increasing the rostrocaudal and anterolateral exposure obtained via the extended subtemporal transtentorial route without permanent postoperative trochlear nerve deficit.
L-Glutamine D-fructose 6-phosphate amidotransferase from bovine retina.

l -Glutamine d -fructose 6-phosphate amidotransferase (EC 2.6.1.16) which catalyzes the formation of glucosamine 6-phosphate has been isolated from bovine retina as a relatively stable preparation. The Michaelis constant (Km) for glutamine is 0·35 m m and that for fructose 6-phosphate is 0·4 m m . The enzyme exhibits feedback inhibition by uridine diphosphate-N-acetyl- d -glucosamine but not by other related compounds. The Km for fructose 6-phosphate is not affected by variations in the concentrations of either uridine diphosphate-N-acetyl- d -glucosamine or l -glutamine, the latter in the presence or absence of uridine diphosphate-N-acetyl- d -glucosamine. An analog of l -glutamine, 6 diazo-5-oxo- l -norleucine exhibits competitive inhibition with respect to l -glutamine. This analog also partially relieves the inhibition produced by uridinediphosphate-N-acetyl- d -glucosamine at high glutamine concentrations.
Unimodal and multimodal response properties of neurons in the cat's superior colliculus.

Abstract Cells in the upper layers of the superior colliculus of the cat were found to be exclusively responsive to visual stimuli, whereas neurons responsive to visual or nonvisual stimuli (or both) were encountered in the deeper laminae. Bimodal and trimodal units were located and their response and receptive field properties were described. The response probabilities and receptive field characteristics of neurons located in the deeper laminae differed from those usually encountered in the upper laminae of the superior colliculus and in primary sensory projection nuclei. Visual receptive fields of multimodal units were often large and, in many instances, did not even approach the high response probability to successive identical stimuli, which was characteristic of neurons in the upper laminae. The somatic receptive fields of both unimodal and multimodal units were large, sometimes discontinuous, and appeared to have properties strikingly different from those described in the lemniscal system. The effects of cooling the visual cortex upon unimodal and multimodal unit response properties were investigated and were found to selectively depress responsiveness to visual stimuli while responsiveness to auditory and somatic stimuli remained unaltered.
Role of mitochondria in control of calcium content of liver slices.

INTRACELLULAR Ca2+ is thought to be important in the control of metabolic activity1,2. In liver cells, three energy-dependent transport activities capable of modifying the cellular distribution of this ion have been described—its accumulation by mitochondria3,4 and endoplasmic reticulum5 and its extrusion from the cell6,7. Mutual interactions, however, between these activities and their relative importance in determining total cell Ca2+ have so far been little studied in intact cells. One reason for this has been the difficulty of avoiding redistribution of Ca2+ between organelles when the cells are broken for isolation procedures, although Chen et al.8 used ruthenium red, added to the homogenisation medium, to prevent such redistribution in crab hepatopancreas. We now show that redistribution of Ca2+ into the mitochondria of rat liver can also be largely prevented by adding La3+ (another inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+ transport; ref. 9) to the homogenisation medium. We have also studied the contribution of mitochondria to the Ca2+ content of rat liver slices incubated in conditions in which total cell Ca2+ varies greatly.
Structural basis of the different gating kinetics of fetal and adult acetylcholine receptors.

Summary Structure-function studies have identified key functional motifs in the acetylcholine receptor, including residues that contribute to the ion channel and to the ligand-binding sites. Little is known, however, about determinants of channel gating kinetics. To identify structural correlates of gating, we examined the structual basis of the fetal-to-adult decrease in channel open time conferred by the presence of the e subunit in place of the γ subunit. By constructing chimeras composed of segments of the e and γ subunits, we show that the main determinant of this kinetic change is a 30 residue segment of a predicted amphipathic helix located between transmembrane domains M3 and M4. Further subdividing the amphipathic helix revealed that either multiple residues or its overall conformation confers this regulation of channel kinetics. We also show that L440 and M442, conserved residues within M4 of the γ subunit, contribute to long duration openings characteristic of the fetal receptor.
13CO AND C18O observations of the SGR B2 molecular cloud molecular abundances and column densities

We have observed the J=1-)»0 transition of 13CO and C18O in the Sagittarius B2 molecular cloud. The observations yield the average 13CO to C18O abundance ratio of 9.5 ± 2.2 . The peak H2 column density corresponds to the position of the SgrB2(M) continuum source (α = 17h44m10.5s, δ = −28°22′05″. Comparison of molecular column densities with H2 column densities derived from 1300 μ continuum data leads to the conclusion that the fractional abundances of CO isotopes in the region are lower than the typical values characteristic of the disk. With a 13CO to H2 fractional abundance of 10−6, the total mass of the region mapped is 4 x 106 M⊙.
Freeze‐fracture observations on the membranes and junctions in human prostatic carcinoma and benign prostatic hypertrophy

In human prostatic carcinomatous acini, the columnar cells possessed a loosely organized meshwork of ridges and grooves and many isolated, short, and disorganized strands of tight junctions, unlike those of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), where the tight junctional ridges and grooves were numerous and compact. Desmosomes were more irregular in size, shape and distribution in cancerous cells than in BPH. Our observation indicated that the junctional complexes were altered and defective in cancerous cells and probably facilitated migration of some acinar cells into the stroma. In addition, we have also shown that the membranes including the intramembranous particles of Golgi complexes, mitochondria, secretory granules and vacuoles, lipofuscin granules and nuclei, were essentially similar in cancerous and BPH columar cells.
Pantoprazole reduces the size of postbanding ulcers after variceal band ligation : a randomized, controlled trial

Elective esophageal variceal ligation (EVL) is performed to decrease the risk of variceal hemorrhage. Side effects of EVL include hemorrhage, chest pain, dysphagia, and odynophagia. Because gastric acid may exacerbate postbanding ulcers and delay healing, proton pump inhibition may decrease side effects associated with EVL. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, as an adjunct to elective EVL. We performed a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of pantoprazole after elective EVL. Subjects in the pantoprazole arm received 40 mg pantoprazole intravenously after EVL followed by 40 mg oral pantoprazole for 9 days. Control subjects received intravenous and oral placebo. Subjects underwent upper endoscopy 10 to 14 days after banding. Primary outcomes included the size and number of ulcers and the subjects' reports of dysphagia, chest pain, and heartburn. Forty-four subjects were randomized: 42 completed the protocol. At follow-up endoscopy, the mean number of ulcers was similar in the two groups. However, the ulcers in the pantoprazole group were on average half as large as in the placebo group (37 mm(2) vs. 82 mm(2), P < .01). Chest pain, dysphagia, and heartburn scores were not significantly different. Four subjects, all in the placebo group, had adverse outcomes, including 3 who bled from postbanding ulcers and 1 with sepsis. In conclusion, subjects receiving pantoprazole after elective EVL had significantly smaller postbanding ulcers on follow-up endoscopy than subjects receiving placebo. However, the total ulcer number and patient symptoms were not different between the groups.
Impact of body mass index on perioperative outcomes and survival after resection for gastric cancer

Abstract Background Among patients undergoing resection for gastric cancer, the impact of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes is not well understood. We sought to define the impact of non-normal BMI on short- and long-term outcomes after gastric cancer resection. Methods We identified 775 patients who underwent gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma between 2000 and 2012 from the multi-institutional US Gastric Cancer Collaborative. Clinicopathologic characteristics, operative details, and oncologic outcomes were collected, and patients were stratified according to BMI. Results Most patients in the cohort were classified as having normal BMI ( n = 338, 43.6%), followed by overweight ( n = 229, 29.6%), obese ( n = 153, 19.7%), and underweight ( n = 55, 7.1%). After stratifying by BMI, there were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative blood transfusions, perioperative morbidity, postoperative infectious complications, length of stay, perioperative 30-d in-hospital death, or readmission across groups (all P > 0.05). BMI did not impact overall or recurrence-free survival after stratifying by stage (all P > 0.05). However, underweight patients with low preoperative albumin levels had worse overall survival (OS) compared with that of patients of normal BMI. Conclusions BMI did not impact perioperative morbidity, recurrence-free, or OS in patients undergoing gastric resection for adenocarcinoma. Underweight patients with BMI 2 and low preoperative albumin levels, however, had a significantly decreased OS after gastrectomy for cancer. These high-risk patients should have their nutritional status optimized both before and after gastrectomy in an attempt to modify this risk factor and, in turn, achieve better outcomes.
Capturing treatment decision making among patients with solid tumors and their caregivers.

The development of decision aids for patients with cancer has helped to engage patients in decision making. Engaging in a shared decision-making process may reduce decisional conflict when making a choice regarding cancer treatment and may set the stage for more positive outcomes. Decision aids, which prepare patients to participate and share in their health care, use specific health information related to a particular decision (O’Connor et al., 2003). Decision aids seem most effective when they are interactive, capture values, and are tailored to the individual patient’s history, as well as elicited by a shared decision process (O’Connor et al., 2003; Skinner et al., 2002). Shared decisions are the ability to actively understand and influence health status through interaction with healthcare professionals. Shared decision making involves open communication between the patient, their caregiver, and the healthcare provider about the advantages and disadvantages of a particular treatment, taking into account the patient’s personal values (Bowen et al., 2006; Jones, Steeves, & Williams, 2010). Visual aids that assist patients to share in decision making can help healthcare providers offer more efficient health care and, potentially, lead to improved quality of life for the patient (Dauer et al., 2011; Hahn et al., 2004). Although several decision aids for patients with early or localized cancers exist, they provide information only on the disease, generally are not theoretically driven, and are not always interactive (Fiset et al., 2008). Very few decision aids focus on advanced-stage cancers, particularly advanced-stage prostate and lung cancers. The current study examined the feasibility and acceptability of using a decision aid and an interactive decision-making process with patients with solid tumors (newly diagnosed breast cancer, advanced-stage prostate cancer, and advanced-stage lung cancer) attending a regional cancer center with their caregiver during cancer-related treatment.
The quadratic Zeeman effect in the Caii H and K lines

The effects of a large magnetic field on the H and K lines of Caii are investigated incorporating both the linear and quadratic Zeeman effects for fields in the range 106–108 G. For these fields the linear term is the dominant one, resulting in a Paschen-Back effect with a smaller quadratic Zeeman shift superimposed on all components. Due to the partial cancellation of the quadratic effect between the upper and lower states of the lines, a much smaller quadratic Zeeman shift occurs than in the lines of other atoms previously studied at similar fields.
Commercializing Successful Biomedical Technologies: Basic Principles in the Development of Drugs, Diagnostics, and Devices (S.S. Mehta; 2008) [Book Review]

This textbook is a nicely laid out logical road map to the development of drugs, devices, and diagnostics in the United States. Some of the topics covered include: an overview of the industry; market research; intellectual property law as practiced in the United States; new product development; an overview of Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations and the Food and Drug Administration operations; manufacturing; marketing and sales; and product liability. Each chapter begins with a bullet listing of the learning points involved in the chapter. Each chapter concludes with an overall summary, exercises as appropriate, a reference listing, and appendices as necessary. The book is a well-written introduction to the field of drug and device development and commercialization in the United States.
On the Height of the Warm Core in Tropical Cyclones

AbstractThe warm-core structure of tropical cyclones is examined in idealized simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. The maximum perturbation temperature in a control simulation occurs in the midtroposphere (5–6 km), in contrast to the upper-tropospheric (>10 km) warm core that is widely believed to be typical. This conventional view is reassessed and found to be largely based on three case studies, and it is argued that the “typical” warm-core structure is actually not well known. In the control simulation, the height of the warm core is nearly constant over a wide range of intensities. From additional simulations in which either the size of the initial vortex or the microphysics parameterization is varied, it is shown that the warm core is generally found at 4–8 km. A secondary maximum often develops near 13–14 km but is almost always weaker than the primary warm core. It is demonstrated that microwave remote sensing instruments are of insufficient resolution to detect this ...
DBT Self-Help Application for Mobile Devices

DBT Self-Help is a mobile application serving as a companion to structured skills training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It is available for both Android and iOS and works on various mobile devices. This application affords users a private, easily portable way to access information and practice key DBT skill sets such as Core Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Although this app is affordable and contains a great deal of information, it can be difficult to navigate, especially for someone new to DBT concepts. The content is strong, but restructuring the presentation style would enhance clarity. This application is recommended for those already involved in a DBT-based program, and may be appropriate for those who wish to learn additional coping skills as an adjunct to other forms of treatment. Unfortunately, this app is not user-friendly enough to be easily followed by the average consumer wanting to learn new ways of managing uncomfortable emotions.
Literacy and Learning Lessons From a Longtime Teacher: by Regie Routman. Newark, DE: International Reading Association. © 2012. 174 pages. ISBN: 978-0-87207-479-8.

In her book Literacy and Learning Lessons From a Longtime Teacher, Regie Routman provides a calm voice which reassures teachers that at the heart of teaching there can still be joy and empowerment....
Lipid Metabolism in Human Diploid Cells

The human diploid cell lines presently available provide a unique system for studying human tissue at the cellular level. In addition, the limited capacity for doubling displayed by these cells has been interpreted as senescence at a cellular level. Hence, human diploid cells present an interesting system for the study of aging in vitro.
Product Quality Design Based on CSCW under Networked Manufacturing

To cope with the challenges of quality design system applied in the production mode of networked manufacturing enterprises, a new design mode of product quality is proposed, and a collaborative product quality design system is developed on computer-supported-collaborative work (CSCW) basis to adapt to not only a manufacturer but several collaborative ones. Each and every part, especially the support technologies for implementing collaboration are analyzed and studied. Applying Java, JSP and JavaServlet to the system with the open WWW platforms used to enhance the communication function, improve working efficiency and shorten the development cycle so as to respond to the fluctuation of market demands as quick as possible. The quality function deployment (QFD) analysis of some automobile is introduced as an example to verifies that the system developed will meet efficiently the requirements of networked manufacturers.
Oscillation Sand Ripples Generated by Laboratory Apparatus

ABSTRACT Laboratory data on the geometry of oscillation ripples, collected by a number of investigators using a variety of experimental devices, have been compared to determine differences among oscillating bed, wave flume and water tunnel devices. Additional data have been obtained employing a wave flume that generates large waves. It was found that ripples formed in oscillating-bed devices do not correspond well with those developed under progressive waves in flumes and in water tunnels. The remaining vortex ripple data, the class of ripples primarily formed under ocean waves, are found to correspond to the linear relationship, = 0.65do, where is the ripple spacing and do is the near-bottom orbital diameter. The data depart from this relationship as the orbital diameter increases, the departure occurring at higher orbital diameters as the grain size increases. A tentative diagram is developed relating the maximum possible tipple spacing to the median sand diameter.
The heterodoxy of student voice: challenges to identity in the sociology of disability and education

This article explores the contributions of students’ voices in order to highlight some issues that have been central to disability studies – issues of identities, and their correlations to power, temporality, inclusivity, and place among the most salient to contemporary theories in the sociology of disability and education. Building on previous work that recognizes students’ insights through the metaphors of street‐wise philosophers, image‐makers, and jazz improvisationists, I then chart a course for assessing theoretical frameworks in sociology and their applications to education, as well as to disability studies. Essentially, student voices offer opportunities for critical self‐reflection as a disability studies scholar, as well as for reflection on the contributions of disability studies and sociology as a whole, leading to a transformative vision of the central tenets and tasks before us. The approach taken throughout this analysis is informed by Len Barton’s call for a politics of hope.
Modeling Functional Data With Spatially Heterogeneous Shape Characteristics

Summary. We propose a novel class of models for functional data exhibiting skewness or other shape characteristics that vary with spatial or temporal location. We use copulas so that the marginal distributions and the dependence structure can be modeled independently. Dependence is modeled with a Gaussian or t-copula, so that there is an underlying latent Gaussian process. We model the marginal distributions using the skew t family. The mean, variance, and shape parameters are modeled nonparametrically as functions of location. A computationally tractable inferential framework for estimating heterogeneous asymmetric or heavy-tailed marginal distributions is introduced. This framework provides a new set of tools for increasingly complex data collected in medical and public health studies. Our methods were motivated by and are illustrated with a state-of-the-art study of neuronal tracts in multiple sclerosis patients and healthy controls. Using the tools we have developed, we were able to find those locations along the tract most affected by the disease. However, our methods are general and highly relevant to many functional data sets. In addition to the application to one-dimensional tract profiles illustrated here, higher-dimensional extensions of the methodology could have direct applications to other biological data including functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The SprayList: a scalable relaxed priority queue

High-performance concurrent priority queues are essential for applications such as task scheduling and discrete event simulation. Unfortunately, even the best performing implementations do not scale past a number of threads in the single digits. This is because of the sequential bottleneck in accessing the elements at the head of the queue in order to perform a DeleteMin operation. In this paper, we present the SprayList, a scalable priority queue with relaxed ordering semantics. Starting from a non-blocking SkipList, the main innovation behind our design is that the DeleteMin operations avoid a sequential bottleneck by ``spraying'' themselves onto the head of the SkipList list in a coordinated fashion. The spraying is implemented using a carefully designed random walk, so that DeleteMin returns an element among the first O(p log^3 p) in the list, with high probability, where p is the number of threads. We prove that the running time of a DeleteMin operation is O(log^3 p), with high probability, independent of the size of the list. Our experiments show that the relaxed semantics allow the data structure to scale for high thread counts, comparable to a classic unordered SkipList. Furthermore, we observe that, for reasonably parallel workloads, the scalability benefits of relaxation considerably outweigh the additional work due to out-of-order execution.
Glucose Regulates the Transcription of Human Genes Relevant to HDL Metabolism: Responsive Elements for Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor Are Involved in the Regulation of Phospholipid Transfer Protein

Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) plays an important role in human plasma HDL metabolism. Clinical data have recently indicated that plasma PLTP activity and mass were both higher in diabetic patients concomitant with hyperglycemia. The present study shows that high glucose increases both PLTP mRNA and functional activity in HepG2 cells, due to a significant increase in the promoter activity of human PLTP gene. The glucose-responsive elements are located between -759 and -230 of the PLTP 5'-flanking region, within which two binding motifs (-537 to -524 and -339 to -327) for either peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor or farnesoid X-activated receptor are involved in this glucose-mediated transcriptional regulation. This finding suggests that high glucose upregulates the transcription of human PLTP gene via nuclear hormone receptors. In addition, high glucose increases mRNA levels for several genes that are functionally important in HDL metabolism, including human ATP-binding cassette transporter A1, apolipoprotein A-I, scavenger receptor BI, and hepatic lipase. The functional promoter activities of these genes are enhanced by high glucose in three cell lines tested, indicating that glucose may also regulate these genes at the transcriptional level. Our findings provide a molecular basis for a role of hyperglycemia in altered HDL metabolism.
Trends in Medication Choices for Hypertension in the Elderly The Decline of the Thiazides

Abstract We studied the evolution in choice of antihypertensive therapy in the elderly over a seven-year period and defined factors associated with such prescribing. To accomplish this, we performed a retrospective analysis of 8428 enrollees older than 65 years of age in the New Jersey Medicaid and Medicare programs newly begun on antihypertensive therapy between 1982 and 1988. Diuretics were the most common agents prescribed (51%), followed by calcium channel blockers (14%), β-blockers (13%), central adrenergic antagonists (11%), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (5%). However, the use of diuretics declined sharply during the latter part of the time interval studied. Using logistic regression modeling, we determined that the odds of a subject being started on a diuretic compared with any other antihypertensive drug decreased from 1.0 during the referent years 1982 to 1984 to 0.75 in 1985 to 1986 and to 0.41 in 1987 to 1988, after controlling for demographics, comorbidity, and hospital and physician visits ( P P
An empirical investigation of salespeople’s performance, effort and selling method during a sales contest

This article examines goal theory in conjunction with sales contests. Specifically, the study examines goal difficulty, goal clarity, and goal acceptance and their association with performance, effort and selling method. The results of the study are based on a sales contest of a Fortune 500 industrial sales organization. A theoretical base for goal theory is reviewed. Results indicate that difficult goals and increased acceptance of goals are important attributes in a sales contest. Other results are presented and managerial implications are discussed.
CEMENTATION OF THE FOOTPRINT TUFF, LAETOLI, TANZANIA

As re-interpreted in this paper, the Pliocene Footprint Tuff in Tanzania records a series of rapidly deposited air falls of crystal-vitric melilite nephelinite ash, rather than carbonatite as previously held. Footprints made by insects, birds, hominim and other mammals occur on ten bedding surfaces. Preservation of tracks in a succession of thin layers, totaling only 15 cm thick, required rapid cementation of each air-fall layer before the next was deposited. Calcite cement fills the interstices between pellets of altered glass and crystal fragments. The earliest calcite cement is botryoidal microcrystalline, and is relatively enriched in Fe, Sr, and Ba. Precipitation of microcrystalline calcite cement was sufficient to preserve the footprints. This early calcite predates the formation of root traces or burrows and through-going fractures that, in turn, predate the growth of the phillipsite cement. The final stage of cementation by sparry calcite predates the substantial alteration of the ash particles to clay. The sequence of diagenetic events in the ash points to an early history characterized by largely water-saturated conditions, followed by drying and shrinking of clays. There is no clear evidence for the involvement of carbonatite ash in the Footprint Tuff.
Real-time SNP analysis in secondary-structure-folded nucleic acids.

Hybridization of two complementary nucleic acid strands is extensively used in the analysis of specific DNA/RNA sequences in real-time PCR, DNA microarrays and the techniques for RNA monitoring in living cells. The design of the hybridization probes is based on A-T and G-C complementarity and may seem straightforward. However, single-stranded DNA and RNA analytes often form stable secondary structures under assay conditions. The analysis of such folded analytes is often complicated since a region of interest may be involved in intramolecular hybridization and become inaccessible for hybridization with a probe. This complication severely limits sensitivity and creates and insurmountable obstacle for the detection of single nucleotide differences between two analytes.[1] This study demonstrates an approach that allows analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in folded analytes in real time at room temperature.
A 'systolic array' formulation of the optimal bounding ellipsoid algorithm

A previously published recursive estimation algorithm (ibid., vol.ASSP-34, p.1331-4, 1986), which updates the parameter vector for a linear system only when incoming data are sufficiently informative, is reformulated to be implementable using well-known systolic array processing schemes. In particular, the optimal bounding ellipsoid algorithm (OBE) for identifying an autoregressive moving-average (ARMA) system is formulated as a conventional weighted recursive least squares (WRLS) estimator with special weights. In this framework, OBE can be implemented using algorithms developed for LS solutions on systolic machines. Adaptation by a sliding window is easily added to this formulation. A simulation example is given to illustrate the results. >
Influence of Spray-Drying Conditions on Size and Size Distribution of Nonfat Dry Milk Particles

Abstract Particle size and size distribution of nonfat dry milk was determined by microscopic, sieve, and Coulter Counter methods. Data obtained by using the microscopic method indicated the smallest mean particle size, while data from the sieve method indicated the largest mean size. Results of the Coulter Counter method were changed slightly by the aperture size, but usually the curve was located between the results of the microscope and sieve. The distribution of particle size increased with an increase of total solids (30 to 50%) or a decrease in pump pressure (245 to 106 kg/cm 2 ). Particle size was not significantly affected within the range of 121 to 177C inlet air temperature and 63 to 85C preheat treatment. An accurate evaluation of the particle size distribution of nonfat dry milk requires measurements by at least two methods: Coulter Counter and sieve or microscope methods.
Closure of an iatrogenic bariatric gastric fistula with an over-the-scope clip

With the rising number of obese persons in the United States undergoing surgical management for correction of obesity, more gastroenterologists will be collaborating with bariatric surgeons to assist in managing iatrogenic gastric fistulas from these restrictive and malabsorptive procedures. With the advent of larger, more powerful endoscopic clips, bariatric patients may be able to avoid urgent surgery and instead be managed with a minimally invasive, endoscopic approach.
Improving Organizational Password Policy Compliance via Open Source Tools

This study demonstrated two open source applications that can readily be customized and used by organizations to improve compliance with password policies and to ensure the quality of passwords within organizations. The tools address both ends of the password spectrum, in that one tool consists of CGI server code used to generate secure random passwords, while the other tool exemplifies techniques that can be used within a password complexity filter to ensure password quality and compliance with organizational policies.