cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of Single‐Pill Combination Therapy in Optimizing Blood Pressure Control in High‐Risk Hypertension Patients and Management of Treatment‐Related Adverse Events

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;14:718–726. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors in combination with other antihypertensive drugs (eg, calcium channel blockers [CCBs] and/or diuretics) are a preferred treatment option for managing uncontrolled hypertension in high-risk patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, or heart failure because RAAS inhibitors provide cardiorenal benefits in addition to lowering blood pressure (BP). However, when prescribing antihypertensive therapies to high-risk patients, physicians must be aware of the risks of treatment-related adverse events of hyperkalemia and peripheral edema associated with RAAS inhibitors and CCBs, respectively. This review discusses the use of single-pill combination antihypertensive therapy to optimize BP control in high-risk patients with CKD, diabetes, and/or heart failure and provides strategies for preventing and managing hyperkalemia and peripheral edema in this group. Single-pill combination therapy can utilize different classes of antihypertensive drugs to reduce BP while mitigating the risks of treatment-related adverse events, reducing pill burden, lowering medical cost, and improving patient compliance.
Optimum sensing of a time-varying random event with energy harvesting power sources

In this paper, we study the optimum estimation of a continuous-time random process by using discrete-time samples taken by a sensor powered by energy harvesting power sources. The system employs a best-effort sensing scheme to cope with the stochastic nature of the energy harvesting sources. The best-effort sensing scheme defines a set of equally-spaced candidate sensing instants, and the sensor performs sensing at a given candidate sensing instant if there is sufficient energy available, and remains silent otherwise. It is shown through asymptotic analysis that when the energy harvesting rate is strictly less than the energy consumption rate, there is a non-negligible percentage of silent symbols due to energy outage. For a given average energy harvesting rate, a larger sampling period means a smaller energy outage probability and/or more energy per sample, but a weaker temporal correlation between two adjacent samples. Such a tradeoff relationship is captured by developing a closed-form expression of the estimation MSE, which analytically identifies the interactions among the various system parameters, such as the ratio between the energy harvesting rate and energy consumption rate, the sampling period, and the energy allocation between sensing and transmission. It is shown through theoretical analysis that the optimum performance can be achieved by adjusting the sampling period and sampling energy such that the average energy harvesting rate is equal to the average consumption rate.
Alcohol intoxication impairs mesopic rod and cone temporal processing in social drinkers

BACKGROUND: Alcohol-related driving accidents and fatalities occur most frequently at nighttime and at dawn, that is, a mesopic lighting condition in which visual processing depends on both rod and cone photoreceptors. The temporal functions of the rod and cone pathways are critical for driving in this lighting condition. However, how alcohol influences the temporal functions in the rod and cone pathways at mesopic light levels is inconclusive. To address this, this study investigated whether an acute intoxicating dose of alcohol impairs rod- and/or cone-mediated critical fusion frequency (CFF; the lowest frequency of which an intermittent or flickering light stimulus is perceived as steady). METHODS: In Experiment I, we measured the CFFs for 3 types of visual stimuli (rod stimulus alone, cone stimulus alone, and the mixture of both stimuli types), under 3 illuminant light levels (dim illuminance: 2 Td; low illuminance: 20 Td; and medium illuminance: 80 Td) in moderate-heavy social drinkers before and after they consumed an intoxicating dose of alcohol (0.8 g/kg) compared with a placebo beverage. In Experiment II, we examined whether the illuminance level (dark vs. light) of the visual area surrounding the test stimuli alters alcohol's effect on the temporal processing of rods and cones. RESULTS: The results showed that compared with placebo, alcohol significantly reduced CFFs of all stimulus types at all illuminance levels. Furthermore, alcohol intoxication produced a larger impairment on rod-pathway-mediated CFFs under light versus dark surround. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that alcohol intake slows down rod and cone-pathway-mediated temporal processing. Further research may elucidate whether this effect may play a role in alcohol-related injury and accidents, which often occur under low-light conditions. Language: en
Precursor langerhans cell histiocytosis

Background. Langerhans cell precursors are considered to be identical to their mature counterparts except for the lack of Birbeck granules. Proliferations composed of such histiocytes appear to be uncommon. Methods. Standard immunophenotypic, molecular genetic, and DNA content studies were used to characterize various hematopoietic disorders, including a proliferation of precursor Langerhans cells, which arose sequentially in a patient. Results. The patient studied initially had a low-grade, B-cell, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and subsequently had an unusual histiocytic proliferation (precursor Langerhans cell histiocytosis) in cutaneous and lymph node sites. The patient eventually died of acute myelogenous leukemia (FAB, M5). Conclusions. A larger series is required to determine the significance of the precursor Langerhans cell phenotype, particularly with respect to the development of acute myelogenous leukemia. Cancer 1992; 70: 547-553.
Structural proteins of Rauscher leukemia virus and Harvey sarcoma virus.

Abstract Radioactively labeled structural proteins of Rauscher leukemia virus (RLV) were separated by polyacrylamide electrophoresis into five major peaks (I–V). Three components are characterized: component I (MW 15,000) has a relatively high arginine content; component III (MW 28,000), the main protein, was shown to be a group-specific (gs) antigen by reaction with a serum specific for gs-1. The largest component (V; MW 80,000) was found to contain glucosamine. A pulse-chase experiment suggested that the viral glycoproteins are regulated in a manner different from other components. Harvey sarcoma virus showed an electrophoretic pattern very similar to that of RLV.
A new look in representations for mathematics and science learning

Representations such as formal notations and diagrams routinely figure in students' learning of mathematics and science. However, in light of the extensive research on students' misunderstanding in these subject matters, it is reasonable to ask whether other kinds of representations might help students to reach better understandings. Indeed, a number of educators have developed innovative representations, typically on computers, that supposedly foster understanding through suggestive visual analogies and ‘microworlds’ to manipulate. Evaluative research on these ‘new look’ representations as we call them suggests that they indeed can help students to understand. In this review, we focus on exactlyhow these representations aid understanding. We propose that they do so by facilitating the learner's construction of explanations, justifications, predictions, and the like. These constructions require search in problem spaces, in the sense of Newell and Simon (1972). The representations in question reduce the cognitive load of such searches, clarify the structure of the problem spaces that need to be searched, and make certain moves in the problem spaces more immediate. We invoke Gentner's (1983) theory of ‘structure mapping’ to explain how these advantages are attained. We also examine several characteristic pitfalls of representations in this style.
Distribution of submental fat in relationship to the platysma muscle

The results of submental lipectomy often remain suboptimal, and in some cases this may be due to the presence of residual fat deep to the platysma muscle. This study was undertaken to determine the relative amounts of fat superficial and deep to the platysma muscle. A dissection of the submental region of 20 cadavers revealed a mean weight of fat lying superficial to the platysma muscle of 8.4 grams. The mean weight of fat lying deep to the platysma muscle but superficial to the mylohyoid muscle was 3.7 grams. In three cases (15%), the weight of fat deep to the platysma muscle was greater than 50% of the total fat. This is of significance with respect to those submental lipectomy procedures that normally address only the fat superficial to the platysma.
General nonlinear variational inclusion problems involving A-monotone mappings

Based on the notion of the A-monotonicity, the solvability of a class of nonlinear variational inclusions using the generalized resolvent operator technique is given. The results obtained are general in nature.
Violence for goodness' sake

Most violence doesn't arise from a breakdown of morality – quite the opposite, say Alan Page Fiske and Tage Shakti Rai
An NMR Investigation of H Cluster Configurations in A-SI:H

In this work the characteristics of hydrogen clusters in hot filament assisted CVD and conventional glow discharge a-Si:H films are discussed. Computer simulations of the observed free-induction decays of the 1H NMR signals indicate that the distribution of the nearest-neighbor distances between H atoms in the H clusters is quite narrow in hot filament assisted CVD a-Si:H whereas the distribution is larger in glow discharge a-Si:H. This is clear evidence of improved structural order in hot filament assisted CVD a-Si:H. The relaxed hydrogenated divacancy and multi-vacancy models reproduce the main features of the observed free-induction decay in hot-wire a-Si:H very well. Computer simulations of the multiple-quantum NMR spectra indicate that a relaxed hydrogenated divacancy configuration leads to good agreement with experimental observations in device quality glow discharge a-Si:H. Results of simulations based on other H cluster configurations are also discussed. These results provide restrictions on the possible models for H clusters in a-Si:H.
Unionism and the public sector

It is incorrect and misleading to speak of unionization as a ‘human right’. The only human right is ‘self-ownership’, i.e. to pursue goals with one's own abilities but with no force or fraud against others. Government cannot dispense rights, only privileges and protections to some at the expense of others. A minimal degree of coercion exercised by government is unavoidable. But labor unions are not governments. Government has granted significant privileges to unions in the private sector, but such are not appropriate for public sector unions.
EXPLORING THE ETIOLOGY OF DELINQUENCY ACROSS COUNTRY AND GENDER

ABSTRACT Dimensions employed by Elliott et al. (1985) to test strain, control, and social learning theory are employed in a cross-national/gender analysis of their relative ability to explain the delinquent behavior of American and Indian high-school boys and girls. Significant differences across countries and genders are found in self-reported delinquency rates as well as most of the variables used to measure theoretical dimensions. As found generally, of the three theories social learning appears to be the only argument consistently related to delinquency across both countries and genders, although the relative explanatory ability of these variables varies by country, but not gender. The implications of these findings for explaining the etiology of delinquent behavior around the world as well as casting light on understanding world-wide variations in offense rates are discussed.
Subgroups exposed to systematically different elemental compositions of PM2.5

Abstract Identification of exposure subgroups is important for both health-based assessments where health effects are linked to the elemental composition of PM 2.5 mixture to which participants are exposed, and for development of population exposure models where population exposures to PM 2.5 mass are modeled generally using fixed site ambient monitoring. Here we demonstrate that workplace sources dominate PM 2.5 mass in the upper end of the distribution for EXPOLIS participants in Athens, Basel, Helsinki and Oxford, resulting in poor performance of models that use ambient concentrations to predict exposures when predicting higher exposures, where adverse health impacts would be more likely. Further, since different microenvironments reflect differing contributions from local PM 2.5 sources, personal PM 2.5 exposures for participants whose exposures are dominated by different microenvironments show systematically different elemental personal compositions. Perhaps a more significant complication for epidemiologic associations is that the proportion of participants whose exposures are dominated by each microenvironment varies across the exposure distribution to PM 2.5 . Participants exposed predominantly in the outdoor or personal microenvironments are a greater fraction of the lower end of the PM 2.5 exposure distribution while participants with dominant workplace environments are a greater fraction of the upper end of the distribution, with corresponding differences in elemental compositions of PM 2.5 exposures across the exposure distribution.
C–H bond activation versus ring cleavage in the gas phase ion-molecule reactions of Nb+ and Ta+ with toluene and picoline

Abstract The reactions of Nb + and Ta + with toluene and picoline and their deuterium-labelled analogues were studied in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Methyl substitution completely changes the reactivities relative to benzene and pyridine. Both metals react to dehydrogenate toluene exclusively. In contrast to benzene, no ring cleavage is observed in the Ta + /toluene reaction. A simple explanation for this difference in reactivities is proposed based on the relative energies of the Huckel orbitals of benzene and toluene. The ( b 1 ) symmetric antibonding orbital is higher in energy for toluene. Population of this orbital is necessary for formation of the metallanorbornadiene intermediate and does not occur at thermal energies. Reaction with ring labelled toluene- d 5 shows exclusive H 2 or D 2 elimination in reaction with Nb + and H 2 , HD, and D 2 elimination in reaction with Ta + . Reactions with the picolines show both dehydrogenation and ring cleavage. Isotope labelling studies show facile H/D scrambling occurs in the intermediate ion-molecule complexes with HCN and DCN both eliminated from the methyl- d 3 -2-picoline and 4-picoline. The metals react with picoline and pyridine by different mechanisms. The isotope labelling results suggest a metal-hydrido-azepinium structure for the intermediate complex.
An evaluation of the effects of Tai Chi exercise on physical function among older persons: A randomized controlled trial

This study was designed to determine whether a 6-month Tai Chi exercise program can improve self-reported physical functioning limitations among healthy, physically inactive older individuals. Ninety-four community residents ages 65 to 96 (Mage = 72.8 years, SD = 5.1) volunteered to participate in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either a 6-month experimental (Tai Chi) group (n = 49), which exercised twice per week for 60 min, or a wait-list control group (n = 45). A 6-item self-report physical functioning scale, assessing the extent of behavioral dysfunction caused by health problems, was used to evaluate change in physical functioning limitations as a result of Tai Chi intervention. Results indicated that compared to the control group, participants in the Tai Chi group experienced significant improvements in all aspects of physical functioning over the course of the 6-month intervention. Overall, the experimental group had 65% improvement across all 6 functional status measures ranging from daily activities such as walking and lifting to moderate-vigorous activities such as running. It was concluded that the 6-month Tai Chi exercise program was effective for improving functional status in healthy, physically inactive older adults. A self-paced and self-controlled activity such as Tai Chi has thepotential to be an effective, low-cost means of improving functional status in older persons.
A comparison of the characteristics of injuries between obese and non-obese inpatients.

Objective: The objective was to compare characteristics of injuries between a sample of U.S. obese and non-obese inpatients. Methods: Discharge records from the 2002 Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Use Project were analyzed to identify records including an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification injury diagnosis code (ICD-9-CM). Records with an exclusive obesity comorbidity were isolated, and proportionate injury ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare the demographics and injury characteristics between obese and non-obese persons hospitalized for an injury. Results: A total of 160,707 discharge records were analyzed. Type and cause of injury that required hospitalization were significantly associated with obesity status (p < 0.001). Sprains, strains, and dislocations represented significantly higher proportions of injury-related hospitalizations among obese persons compared with non-obese persons. By cause of injury, injuries among obese persons were more frequently due to falls, overexertion, and poisonings compared with non-obese persons. Discussion: Injuries that required hospitalization among obese persons may have injury characteristics distinct from injuries among non-obese persons.
Co-evolution of human consciousness and language.

This article recalls Cajal's brief mention of consciousness in the Textura as a function of the human brain quite distinct from reflex action, and discusses the view that human consciousness may share aspects of "animal awareness" with other species, but has its unique form because humans possess language. Three ingredients of a theory of the evolution of human consciousness are offered: the view that a precis of intended activity is necessarily formed in the brain of a human that communicates in a human way; the notion that such a precis constitutes consciousness; and a new theory of the evolution of human language based on the mirror system of monkeys and the role of communication by means of hand gestures as a stepping-stone to speech.
Transfer of PbSe/PbEuSe epilayers grown by MBE on BaF2-coated Si(111)

Abstract Epitaxial growth of PbSe/PbEuSe/BaF 2 /CaF 2 heterostructures was carried out by a molecular beam epitaxy on Si(111) wafers. Successful transfer of 3-μm thick PbSe/PbEuSe epilayers was accomplished by bonding the MBE-grown samples face down to polished copper plates followed by the removal of the silicon substrate by dissolving the BaF 2 buffer layer in water. Nomarski microscopy and surface profile characterization showed that the transferred PbSe/PbEuSe layer had mirror-like morphology. High-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements demonstrated that the PbSe/PbEuSe epilayers maintained high crystalline quality after transfer, and surface analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated complete removal of BaF 2 buffer layer. The above results indicate that bonded PbSe/PbEuSe could be used as a new substrate material for regrowth of high quality PbSe-related heterostructure devices.
FEMINISM AND CRITICAL THEORY

Synopsis This is a taped transcript of a talk given from notes. I have edited lightly. I wanted to preserve the informality and the bravado. The detail of my present research concerns itself with what I propose here in tentative and broad outline.
Comparison of three inverse Fourier transform techniques to determine the second-order optical nonlinearity profile of thin films

We compare the predictions of three inverse Fourier transform (IFT) Maker fringe techniques that we have developed over the last 2 years to measure uniquely and accurately the second-order nonlinearity spatial profile of thin films. These techniques involve clamping two wafers with unknown nonlinearity profiles together to form a sandwich structure and measuring its Maker fringe (MF) spectrum. As a result of interference between the two nonlinear films, these spectra contain information on both the magnitude and phase of the FT of the two unknown profiles. These FT magnitude and phase can be processed numerically and the full FT is inverted to recover the profiles. In the first method the samples are different, in the second one they are identical, and in the third technique one of the two wafers has a known profile. The latter methods are advantageous because they require a single MF measurement, and consequently, their algorithms are simpler, and data processing is much faster. We present experimental evidence using thermally poled silica samples showing that when all three techniques are applied to the same sample, they yield very similar profiles, which gives credence to all three techniques.
Effects of catecholamine releasing agents on synaptosomal dopamine biosynthesis: multiple pools of dopamine or multiple forms of tyrosine hydroxylase.

Abstract The effects of agents, which are known to induce release of catecholamines from synaptosomes, were assessed on the synthesis of dopamine from tyrosine, as reflected in the evolution of 14CO2 from L-[1-14C]-tyrosine, in intact rat striatal synaptosomes. At a time when release had occured, whereas reserpine inhibited the synthesis of dopamine from tyrosine, with an ED50 of 1 × 10 −8 M , tyramine (ED50 of 1 × 10 −5 M ) and (+)-amphetamine (ED50 of 1·4 × 10 −6 M ) enhanced the rate of synthesis. The presence of nialamide (10−4 M ) or pargyline (10−3 M ) had no effect on synaptosomal dopamine synthesis in the absence or presence of amphetamine, tyramine, or reserpine. Neither reserpine, tyramine, nor amphetamine effected the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase or DOPA decarboxylase in the absence of synaptosomal structural integrity. Nor did these drugs effect the accumulation of [3H]-tyrosine into synaptosomes. The data are consistent with the existence of at least two pools of synaptosomal dopamine, one of which can interact with tyrosine hydroxylase. Two hours after pretreatment of rats with 5 mg/kg (+)-amphetamine, the level of synaptosomal dopamine biosynthesis was decreased by 39%. The rate of dopamine synthesis in synaptosomes from amphetamine-pretreated rats was assessed in the presence of reserpine and tyramine. The data are not consistent with alterations in pool size being the only mechanism affecting synaptosomal dopamine synthesis. A mechanism is discussed involving an equilibrium of tyrosine hydroxylase between active and inactive conformers in the presence of an inhibitory pool of dopamine.
An empirical analysis of assortative mating in India and the U.S.

This paper uses a conditional logit model to analyze empirically how individuals sort themselves through marriage into households in India and the U.S. The results support positive assortative mating of spouses with respect to age and schooling. We find no evidence in favor of Becker's theory of labor market specialization in couples. Moreover, while similarity in age is the strongest predictor of marital choice in India, education of a prospective spouse plays a more important role in the U.S. Finally, we find that while dowry increases the likelihood of women marrying men with characteristics dissimilar to their own, availability of a mate has a positive effect on the degree of stratification in India.
Monte Carlo analysis of sensitivity of threshold voltage in small geometry MOSFETs

A Monte Carlo technique is used to investigate the effects of process variations on the threshold voltage of a small geometry MOSFET. Results indicate that by controlling the variation of process parameters to ±10%, the threshold voltage variation is limited to ± 110 mV at 0.739 V (15%).
Singular solutions in elasticity

General solutions of the time-independent equations of motion for linear elasticity with couplestresses are studied. The completeness of a displacement potential similar to theGalerkin-Somigliana representation is proved. The fundamental singular solution of the field equations is defined with the aid of the reciprocal work theorem.
Fitting a distance model to homogeneous subsets of variables: Points of view analysis of categorical data

An approach is presented for analyzing a heterogeneous set of categorical variables assumed to form a limited number of homogeneous subsets. The variables generate a particular set of proximities between the objects in the data matrix, and the objective of the analysis is to represent the objects in lowdimensional Euclidean spaces, where the distances approximate these proximities. A least squares loss function is minimized that involves three major components: a) the partitioning of the heterogeneous variables into homogeneous subsets; b) the optimal quantification of the categories of the variables, and c) the representation of the objects through multiple multidimensional scaling tasks performed simultaneously. An important aspect from an algorithmic point of view is in the use of majorization. The use of the procedure is demonstrated by a typical example of possible application, i.e., the analysis of categorical data obtained in a free-sort task. The results of points of view analysis are contrasted with a standard homogeneity analysis, and the stability is studied through a Jackknife analysis.
Address block location on envelopes using Gabor filters

Abstract The large volume of mail and the increased cost of handling it has made postal automation an important domain for pattern recognition and computer vision research. A substantial amount of work is being done to design an automatic mail sorting system which can read and interpret the destination address on a mail piece and direct it to the appropriate bin. Robust optical character recognition (OCR) systems are now available which can read printed characters with great accuracy (> 99%). But, in order to read the destination address, the region in the image containing the address must first be located. Even though several approaches to address block location have been proposed in the literature, it remains a difficult problem. A simple method is presented for automatically identifying regions in envelope images which are candidates for being the destination address. The envelope image is considered to contain different textured regions, one of which corresponds to the text-content in the image. Thus, a texture-based segmentation method is used to identify the regions of text in the image. The method for texture discrimination is based on Gabor filters which have been successfully used earlier for a variety of texture classification and segmentation tasks. It is shown that only a small number of even-symmetric Gabor filters are needed in this application. The success of the texture-based segmentation algorithm for identifying address blocks is demonstrated on a number of test images. These results also demonstrate the invariance of the method to the orientation of text in the envelope image and the variations in the size and font of the text.
In Vivo Identification of Inducible Phosphoacceptors in the IKKγ/NEMO Subunit of Human IκB Kinase

Transcription factor NF-kappaB plays a pivotal regulatory role in the genetic programs for cell cycle progression and inflammation. Nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB is controlled by an inducible protein kinase called IKK, which earmarks cytoplasmic inhibitors of NF-kappaB for proteolytic destruction. IKK contains two structurally related catalytic subunits termed IKKalpha and IKKbeta as well as a noncatalytic subunit called IKKgamma/NEMO. Mutations in the X-linked gene encoding IKKgamma can interfere with NF-kappaB signaling and lead to immunodeficiency disease. Although its precise mechanism of action remains unknown, IKKgamma is phosphorylated in concert with the induction of NF-kappaB by the viral oncoprotein Tax and the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF). We now demonstrate that TNF-induced phosphorylation of IKKgamma is blocked in cells deficient for IKKbeta but not IKKalpha. Phosphopeptide-mapping experiments with metabolically radiolabeled cells indicate that IKKbeta phosphorylates human IKKgamma at Ser-31, Ser-43, and Ser-376 following the enforced expression of either the Tax oncoprotein or the type 1 TNF receptor. Inducible phosphorylation of IKKgamma is attenuated following the deletion of its COOH-terminal zinc finger domain (amino acids 397-419), a frequent target for mutations that occur in IKKgamma-associated immunodeficiencies. As such, IKKbeta-mediated phosphorylation of IKKgamma at these specific serine targets may facilitate proper regulation of NF-kappaB signaling in the immune system.
Safety of metallic surgical clips in patients undergoing high-field-strength magnetic resonance imaging

Use of metallic clips with ferromagnetic properties in patients undergoing a large variety of surgical procedures, and in particular, in coronary artery and other vascular reconstructions, has become increasingly popular. The safety of these commonly used surgical clips when subjected to high-intensity diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging fields is still debated. Commonly used hemostatic metallic clips manufactured by the Weck and US Surgical Corporations were tested in an in vitro system to assess their safety with regard to migration and displacement. The two tested hemostatic metallic clips proved safe and did not migrate or become dislodged when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans. This is in direct contrast to multiple cerebral aneurysm clips, also tested, which have highly ferromagnetic properties and were previously shown to migrate with disastrous results in patients undergoing diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging scans. This study supports the continued widespread use of small metallic hemostatic clips in the myriad of procedures in which they are presently used and illustrates the need for methods of evaluating such devices before they are clinically implanted.
Memorable Messages as Discursive Formations: The Gendered Socialization of New University Faculty

New university faculty are often socialized haphazardly or left to figure out organizational and occupational roles on their own. Further, female faculty often encounter an academic environment which can be hostile, discriminatory, and marginalizing for women. This study examines the impact of gender on the messages new faculty report receiving during socialization and finds gender-based differences among the memorable messages reported. Further, this study puts forward implications for universities as they socialize new faculty, especially women.
Which Risks Have Been Best Rewarded

An empirical study examines the consistency of rewards for bearing various types of risks in U.S. asset markets between 1985 and early 2002. Bearing duration risk and equity market risk was amply rewarded, while bearing long-dated credit risk buying credit-risky bonds versus governments realized puny average profits. Bearing short-dated credit risk gave the most consistent profits of all static overweight strategies, with an information ratio near one. Wide break-even spread cushions may be one explanation for the superior reward for risk at short maturities. More fundamentally, market segmentation seems to be the main explanation, because the most consistent profit opportunities involve switching from Treasuries to top-rated non-government bonds.
Attenuated total reflection spectra from surfaces of anisotropic, absorbing films

Abstract A theoretical treatment is given of attenuated total reflection (ATR) of partially polarized and linearly polarized radiation from the surface of an anisotropic, absorbing film. Approximate expressions for the reflectivity are derived for the special case of oriented organic polymer films, and a method is given for determining the absorption indices along all three principal film axes. ATR measurements of anisotropic films are found to be sensitive to film orientation even with unpolarized light, although the errors can be minimized by using a “light pipe” with a very large refractive index, e.g. germanium.
Multiple independent genetic factors at NOS1AP modulate the QT interval in a multi-ethnic population.

Extremes of electrocardiographic QT interval are associated with increased risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD); thus, identification and characterization of genetic variants that modulate QT interval may elucidate the underlying etiology of SCD. Previous studies have revealed an association between a common genetic variant in NOS1AP and QT interval in populations of European ancestry, but this finding has not been extended to other ethnic populations. We sought to characterize the effects of NOS1AP genetic variants on QT interval in the multi-ethnic population-based Dallas Heart Study (DHS, n = 3,072). The SNP most strongly associated with QT interval in previous samples of European ancestry, rs16847548, was the most strongly associated in White (P = 0.005) and Black (P = 3.6×10−5) participants, with the same direction of effect in Hispanics (P = 0.17), and further showed a significant SNP × sex-interaction (P = 0.03). A second SNP, rs16856785, uncorrelated with rs16847548, was also associated with QT interval in Blacks (P = 0.01), with qualitatively similar results in Whites and Hispanics. In a previously genotyped cohort of 14,107 White individuals drawn from the combined Atherosclerotic Risk in Communities (ARIC) and Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) cohorts, we validated both the second locus at rs16856785 (P = 7.63×10−8), as well as the sex-interaction with rs16847548 (P = 8.68×10−6). These data extend the association of genetic variants in NOS1AP with QT interval to a Black population, with similar trends, though not statistically significant at P<0.05, in Hispanics. In addition, we identify a strong sex-interaction and the presence of a second independent site within NOS1AP associated with the QT interval. These results highlight the consistent and complex role of NOS1AP genetic variants in modulating QT interval.
Ion monitoring of ion beam dynamic mixing process

Abstract In the ion beam dynamic mixing process, the measurement of mass spectra and energy distribution of ions are only tried during ion radiation and during syntheses of boron nitride films. The in situ secondary ions measurement is possible, and a potential on the surface charged by ion irradiation can be directly estimated from a shift of the ion energy distribution. It is found that secondary ionization yield of growth surface by boron evaporation changes according to irradiation current.
Change in surface properties of solids caused by grinding

Abstract The surface properties (i.e. the values of the Lifshitz-van der Waals ( γ LW ) components and Lewis acid ( γ + ) and base ( γ − ) parameters) of talc, calcite, dolomite, silica and zirconia, untreated and as ground powders, were determined by contact angle measurements (directly on flat surfaces and by thin layer wicking for powders). The values of γ LW , γ + and γ − for these solids tend to change after grinding; γ LW and γ − decreased for all these solids and γ + often increased, depending on the material.
PREPARATION OF MEMBRANE FILTER SAMPLES FOR DIRECT EXAMINATION WITH AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPE

A simple apparatus is described for transferring samples of suspended matter collected on Millipore filters to specimen grids for examination with an electron microscope. The apparatus is made from glassware available in most laboratories and is relatively inexpensive. Distributions of nanoorganism remains and clay minerals have been studied using samples prepared by this method.
Intradural hemangiopericytoma of the thoracic spine: a case report.

Abstract Background context Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) occurs infrequently in the central nervous system. Spinal involvement is particularly uncommon; and intradural localization is rare. Here, we describe an intradural extramedullary thoracic HPC that went undiagnosed initially on computed tomography scan of the abdomen. Purpose To describe the clinical presentation and operative management of a patient diagnosed with an intradural extramedullary thoracic HPC that was missed on initial workup. We also describe the pathologic features of HPC. Study design Case report. Methods Chart review and literature search. Case A 58-year-old man presented with acute weakness of the lower extremities and bladder and bowel incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging of his spine revealed a T10 intradural extramedullary lesion that displaced the cord to the right. Results The patient was taken emergently to surgery for T9–T11 laminectomy and en bloc resection of the tumor. The lesion was identified and resected. Histology revealed randomly oriented tumor cells with irregular capillaries consistent with HPC. Postoperatively, the patient had an improved neurological examination, and he continued to do so with intense physical therapy. Conclusion The standard treatment for HPC is surgery when the lesion is resectable. Despite gross total resection, there is still a high risk of recurrence and metastasis; therefore, patients should be followed up closely by their physicians with serial postoperative clinical examinations and radiographic imaging.
Organization of geodetic and precise data for national defense

The plan to assemble geodetic and precise control-data for general military use embraces the United States and possessions, Mexico, Central and South America, and islands of strategic importance for Hemisphere Defense. All the data for first-, second-, and third-order triangulation, traverse, and leveling will be arranged in pamphlet or bulletin form. Each unit will contain all the control available in an area covered by a United States Geological Survey 15-minute quadrangle sheet. The area of the United States will require about 13,000 of these quadrangle sheets. Certain areas, involving about 28 States, have been given first priority and will require control-information to cover about 3,000 quadrangles.
Oblique incidence reflectometry: optical models and measurements using a side-viewing gradient index lens-based endoscopic imaging system

A side-viewing, 2.3-mm diameter oblique incidence reflectometry endoscope has been designed to obtain optical property measurements of turbid samples. Light from a single-mode fiber is relayed obliquely onto the tissue with a gradient index lens-based distal optics assembly and the resulting diffuse reflectance profile is imaged and collected with a 30,000 element, 0.72 mm clear aperture fiber bundle. Sampling the diffuse reflectance in two-dimensions allows for fitting of the reflected intensity profile to a well-known theoretical model, permitting the extraction of both absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of the tissue sample. Models and measurements of the endoscopic imaging system are presented in tissue phantoms and in vivo mouse colon, verifying the endoscope’s capabilities to accurately measure effective attenuation coefficient and differentiate diseased from normal colon.
Morphology and intracortical projections of functionally characterised neurones in the cat visual cortex

The neuronal structure and connectivity underlying receptive field organisation of cells in the cat visual cortex have been investigated. Intracellular recordings were made using a micropipette filled with a histochemical marker, which was injected into the cells after their receptive fields had been characterised. This allowed visualisation of the dendritic and axonal arborisations of functionally identified neurones
Experimental and Theoretical Studies of the Photoreduction of Metal Ion−Dendrimer Complexes: Observation of a Delocalized Organic Radical

Following complexation with certain dendrimer functionalities, metal ions can be reduced to zerovalent metal nanoparticles via UV irradiation and with the dendrimer oxidized to a radical cation. EPR-silent Zn(II) ions can serve as the oxidizing agent, enabling the nature of the dendrimer radical cation to be examined. Spectral simulations and quantum chemical calculations were carried out to elucidate the nature of the free radicals. Spectral simulations in conjunction with electronic structure calculations suggest that the electron spin density is localized on the central N−C−C−N core structure and delocalized over the N and C atoms in the core. The radical cations of model structures with the ethylenediamine (EDA) core and that of the G0-NH2 polyamidoamine (PAMAM) were found to have a weak central one-electron C−C bond. The description of the molecular structure of the cation falls between the limit of two iminium-type ions with a charge of +0.5 e on each (1/2+R2N = CH21/2•) interacting by a one-electro...
The interval nature of an ordinal scale for measuring the marginal fracture of amalgam.

The clinical performance of amalgam alloys over time has been assessed by measuring the extent of marginal fracture of restorations made from these alloys. Scales of photographs of restorations exhibiting varying degrees of marginal fracture have been used to make these assessments. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the ordinal scale numbers of five photographs composing a commonly used scale (Mahler and Marantz, 1979) and the average width in micrometers of marginal fracture of the restorations in the photographs of this scale. In addition, a comparison was made between parametric and non-parametric statistical methods when applied to marginal fracture data. The results showed that four of the five photographs of this scale demonstrated a significant linear regression with marginal fracture width (R2 = 0.997; p = 0.002). The last photograph of the scale, which proved to be an outlier, was not used in the regression and was accommodated by an extrapolation procedure. Using previously gathered clinical data on the marginal fracture behavior of five amalgam alloys, the use of parametric statistical procedures (ANOVA and Scheffe's multiple comparison test) proved to be more discriminatory than the use of nonparametric procedures (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's Multiple comparison test) when tested at the same overall confidence level. Thus, having a photographic scale of an interval nature removes any doubt about using the more powerful technique of parametric statistics to evaluate the marginal fracture behavior of dental amalgams.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Context-specific middleware specialization techniques for optimizing software product-line architectures

Product-line architectures (PLAs) are an emerging paradigm for developing software families for distributed real-time and embedded (DRE) systems by customizing reusable artifacts, rather than hand-crafting software from scratch. To reduce the effort of developing software PLAs and product variants for DRE systems, developers are applying general-purpose -- ideally standard -- middleware platforms whose reusable services and mechanisms support a range of application quality of service (QoS) requirements, such as low latency and jitter. The generality and flexibility of standard middleware, however, often results in excessive time/space overhead for DRE systems, due to lack of optimizations tailored to meet the specific QoS requirements of different product variants in a PLA.This paper provides the following contributions to the study of middleware specialization techniques for PLA-based DRE systems. First, we identify key dimensions of generality in standard middleware stemming from framework implementations, deployment platforms, and middleware standards. Second, we illustrate how context-specific specialization techniques can be automated and used to tailor standard middleware to better meet the QoS needs of different PLA product variants. Third, we quantify the benefits of applying automated tools to specialize a standard Realtime CORBA middleware implementation. When applied together, these middleware specializations improved our application product variant throughput by ~65%, average- and worst-case end-to-end latency measures by ~43% and ~45%, respectively, and predictability by a factor of two over an already optimized middleware implementation, with little or no effect on portability, standard middleware APIs, or application software implementations, and interoperability.
The importance of amorphous intergranular films in self-reinforced Si3N4 ceramics

Abstract High-fracture-strength and high-toughness β-Si 3 N 4 ceramics can be obtained by tailoring the size and number of the elongated bridging grains. However, these bridging mechanisms rely on debonding of the reinforcing grains from the matrix to increase toughness. Interfacial debonding is shown to be influenced by sintering aids incorporated in the amorphous intergranular films. In one case, the interface strength between the intergranular glass and the reinforcing grains increases with the aluminum and oxygen content of an interfacial epitaxial β-SiAlON layer. In another, the incorporation of fluorine in the intergranular film allows the crack to circumvent the grains. Atomic cluster calculations reveal that these two debonding processes are related to (1) strong Si–O and Al–O bonding across the glass/crystalline interface with an epitaxial SiAlON layer and (2) a weakening of the amorphous network of the intergranular film when difluorine substitutes for bridging oxygen.
Hand infections: A retrospective analysis

Purpose. Hand infections are common, usually resulting from an untreated injury. In this retrospective study, we report on hand infection cases needing surgical drainage in order to assess patient demographics, causation of infection, clinical course, and clinical management. Methods. Medical records of patients presenting with hand infections, excluding post-surgical infections, treated with incision and debridement over a one-year period were reviewed. Patient demographics; past medical history; infection site(s) and causation; intervals between onset of infection, hospital admission, surgical intervention and days of hospitalization; gram stains and cultures; choice of antibiotics; complications; and outcomes were reviewed. Results. Most infections were caused by laceration and the most common site of infection was the palm or dorsum of the hand. Mean length of hospitalization was 6 days. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic Streptococcus and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus were the most commonly cultured microorganisms. Cephalosporins, clindamycin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, penicillin, vancomycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were major antibiotic choices. Amputations and contracture were the primary complications. Conclusions. Surgery along with medical management were key to treatment and most soft tissue infections resolved without further complications. With prompt and appropriate care, most hand infection patients can achieve full resolution of their infection.