cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supporting HPC Analytics Applications with Access Patterns Using Data Restructuring and Data-Centric Scheduling Techniques in MapReduce

Current High Performance Computing (HPC) applications have seen an explosive growth in the size of data in recent years. Many application scientists have initiated efforts to integrate data-intensive computing into computational-intensive HPC facilities, particularly for data analytics. We have observed several scientific applications which must migrate their data from an HPC storage system to a data-intensive one for analytics. There is a gap between the data semantics of HPC storage and data-intensive system, hence, once migrated, the data must be further refined and reorganized. This reorganization must be performed before existing data-intensive tools such as MapReduce can be used to analyze data. This reorganization requires at least two complete scans through the data set and then at least one MapReduce program to prepare the data before analyzing it. Running multiple MapReduce phases causes significant overhead for the application, in the form of excessive I/O operations. That is for every MapReduce phase, a distributed read and write operation on the file system must be performed. Our contribution is to develop a MapReduce-based framework for HPC analytics to eliminate the multiple scans and also reduce the number of data preprocessing MapReduce programs. We also implement a data-centric scheduler to further improve the performance of HPC analytics MapReduce programs by maintaining the data locality. We have added additional expressiveness to the MapReduce language to allow application scientists to specify the logical semantics of their data such that 1) the data can be analyzed without running multiple data preprocessing MapReduce programs, and 2) the data can be simultaneously reorganized as it is migrated to the data-intensive file system. Using our augmented Map-Reduce system, MapReduce with Access Patterns (MRAP), we have demonstrated up to 33 percent throughput improvement in one real application, and up to 70 percent in an I/O kernel of another application. Our results for scheduling show up to 49 percent improvement for an I/O kernel of a prevalent HPC analysis application.
Novel prototype Si detector development and processing at BNL

Abstract A variety of Si detectors have been developed and processed at BNL with its unique detector fabrication facility. These detectors include Si drift detectors (SDD); Si micro- and mm-strip detectors; Si pad detectors; and Si pixel detectors with a variety of configurations. In this paper, the details of the design and processing technology of large area SDD for the STAR SVT at RHIC, micro- and mm-strip detectors for CERN RD39/NA60 experiments; and radiation tolerant n/n, n/p pixel detectors for LHC experiments will be given. In addition, simulation results of new types of Si strip/pixel detectors with improved radiation tolerance will be presented for the first time.
Retinal rivalry and Troxler’s effect

The proposition that Troxler’s effect is an interactive process, that is, retinal rivalry between the occluded and non-occluded eye, was tested. It was assumed, that, in one-eyed individuals, binocular interaction was eliminated. Troxler disappearances were measured in monocular Ss and normal Ss. Monocular Ss reported fewer disappearances at each of eight visual meridians. Neither a strong interactive interpretation, nor a strong non-interactive interpretation is supported by these data.
Ribosome accumulation in 3-methylcholanthrene-induced liver growth in adult male rats

Abstract One injection of 20 mg/kg body weight of 3-methylcholanthrene results in liver growth, as evidenced by increases in liver wet weight, total protein, and total RNA. DNA does not increase. Total ribosomal RNA also accumulates, but changes in free and membrane-bound ribosome fractions are proportionately different from changes in total ribosomal RNA. Within 12 hr after injection, there is an increase in free ribosomal RNA which then decreases to control levels between 48 and 72 hr. In contrast, membrane-bound ribosomal RNA shows no immediate change, but between 48 and 72 hr the membrane-bound ribosomal RNA increases markedly above control levels, at the same time that free ribosomal RNA is decreasing to control levels. Thus, ribosomal RNA accumulation observed after 3-methylcholanthrene injection is not due to a coordinate increase in free and membrane-bound ribosomal RNA.
Algorithms and Software for Meteor Detection

An ever increasing variety of electronic instrumentation is being brought to bear in meteor studies and analysis, with unique meteor detection challenges arising from the attempt to do automated and near real-time processing of the imagery. Recent algorithm developments in the literature have been applied and implemented in software to provide reliable meteor detection in all-sky imagers, wide-field intensified video, and narrow field-of-view telescopic systems. The algorithms that have been employed for meteor streak detection include Hough transforms with phase coded disk, localized Hough transforms with matched filtering, and fast moving cluster detection. They have found application in identifying meteor tracks in the Spanish Fireball Network all-sky images, detailed analysis of video recordings during the recent Leonid meteor storms, and development of a detection/cueing technology system for rapid slew and tracking of meteors.
Discrete matrix Schrodinger equation equivalents of discrete two-component matrix wave systems

Multichannel discrete lossless two-component wave systems describe physical scattering for multiple coupled transmission lines, for elastic media, and for electromagnetic wave propagation in layered media. Such a wave system is transformed into an equivalent discrete matrix Schrodinger equation that includes the effects of transmission losses and transmission scattering. These effects are not included in the continuous Schrodinger equation, so that discretisation of the latter omits significant effects. Applications include fast algorithms for synthesis and inversion of the reflection responses of multichannel scattering media. These algorithms require roughly half as many matrix multiplications as previous algorithms that employ the multichannel two-component wave system.
Locating specialized service capacity in a multi-hospital network

Abstract Multi-hospital systems have become very common in today’s healthcare environment. However, there has been limited published research examining the opportunities and challenges of pooling specialized services to a subset of hospitals in the network. Therefore, this paper considers how hospital networks with multiple locations can leverage pooling benefits when deciding where to position specialized services, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transplants, or neonatal intensive care. Specifically, we develop an optimization model to determine how many and which of a hospital network’s hospitals should be set up to deliver a specialized service. Importantly, this model takes into account both financial considerations and patient service levels. Computational results illustrate the value of optimally pooling resources across a subset of hospitals in the network versus two alternate approaches: (1) delivering the service at all locations and requiring each site to handle its own demand, or (2) locating the service at one hospital that handles all network demand.
Prostaglandin J2 Inhibition of Mesangial Cell iNOS Expression

Mesangial cells from MRL/lpr mice, a model of lupus, overproduce nitric oxide (NO) compared to controls. J series prostaglandins (PG) and thiazolidinediones block LPS stimulation of NO production via the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) in macrophages but utilize an alternative mechanism in microglial cells. We investigated the mechanism by which PGJ(2) inhibits NO production in LPS/IFN-gamma-stimulated MRL/lpr mesangial cells. Our results demonstrated that LPS/IFN-gamma addition to MRL/lpr mesangial cells stimulated iNOS activation, expression of p-38 kinase and p44/42 MAPK, and NF-kappaB translocation to the nucleus. Both pioglitazone, a specific PPAR-gamma agonist, and PGJ(2) blocked NO production, iNOS protein expression, and iNOS mRNA transcription. PGJ(2) failed to inhibit nuclear NF-kappaB translocation or p44/42 MAPK or p-38 kinase induction in stimulated mesangial cells. These data suggest that PGJ(2) blocks iNOS expression and subsequent NO production in mesangial cells via a PPAR-gamma-mediated mechanism either by interfering with NF-kappaB transcriptional activity or by an NF-kappaB-independent mechanism.
Time domain modeling of DC-DC switching converters

This paper introduces a simple and fast method of time domain simulation for switching converters. Different discrete time modeling like Forward, Backward and Trapezoid rules are used. It is shown that the discrete time equations can be derived using dual or oversampling techniques. The methods can be implemented using any computer language programs or mathematical tools. These methods are useful for IC controller designers, application engineers and the end-users. Simulation results are shown for a synchronous and a dual phase buck converter. It is shown that the proposed method can successfully model a switching converter in the time domain.
Student Performance in an Introductory Business Statistics Course: Does Delivery Mode Matter?

Approximately 600 undergraduates completed an introductory business statistics course in 2013 in one of two learning environments at Suffolk University, a mid-sized private university in Boston, Massachusetts. The comparison group completed the course in a traditional classroom-based environment, whereas the treatment group completed the course in a flipped-hybrid environment, viewing lecture material online prior to once-a-week, face-to-face meetings. After controlling for observable differences, students in the hybrid environment performed better on the common final exam; however, there were no significant differences in the final grades or student satisfaction between the two environments.
Effect of higher multipole transitions in the two-photon decay spectrum of metastable hydrogen

It is pointed out that inclusion of the effects of higher multipole transitions leads to an asymmetry in the angular distribution of the two-photon decay spectrum of metastable hydrogen.
Leader Flows and Organizational Process

With the aim of exploring magnitudes of relationship, causality, and curvilinearity, rates of succession from 1945 to 1965 in the corporate presidencies of 54 petrochemical companies are considered...
Components of a decision support system for computer integrated manufacturing

Abstract In this paper the primary components of a Decision Support System (DSS) for on line control of various activities of a Computer Integrated Manufacturing System (CIMS) will be delineated. More specifically, the interrelationships among various decision making components of such a system will be discussed.
Catalase activity at high concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract 1. 1. Using a two-mixer method, the over-all reaction of catalase was investigated from the kinetic point of view. The relationship between the rate of reaction and the substrate concentration fitted the Michaelis theory. The Michaelis constant was obtained as 1.1 M at 30 °. 2. 2. It is assumed that the inhibitions at acid and alkaline pH are caused by H + and OH − ions. These inhibitions seem to be reversible and non-competitive with the substrate. 3. 3. The inhibitions caused by cyanide, fluoride, and formate were competitive with the substrate. The Michaelis constant was calculated also from the mutual effects expected to occur between inhibitor and substrate and gave a mean value that was in good accord with the one above mentioned. 4. 4. Based on the data obtained, the two different mechanisms, which may be considered as the possible explanation of catalase reaction, are discussed. It is suggested that a compound ESS is formed in the reaction by another molecule of H 2 O 2 reversibly to complex I.
Some observations on the distribution of radioactive zinc in prostatic and other human tissues.

SUMMARY Intravenous injections of 65Zn containing 50 to 100 μc. of radioactivity and 50 to 100 μg. of carrier zinc have been given to fifteen patients suffering from various forms of malignant disease and the radioactive content of blood and other tissues estimated twenty to ninety-six hours later. Results expressed as 65Zn organ/blood ratios have been compared with zinc organ/blood ratios calculated from data reported by other workers from chemical determinations on similar tissues. The radioactive and chemical ratios are generally of the same order with the exception of muscle which had a much lower, and liver and certain samples of carcinomatous prostatic tissue which had a much higher 65Zn ratio than Zn ratio. Carcinomatous prostatic tissue from one patient had a 65Zn tissue/blood ratio of 40, which is twice as much as the highest ratio found in any other tissue. This study was supported by the New York Cancer Committee and the Lerner Fund. The writers gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Miss Eva Simmel in preparing the autoradiographs.
A MODAL-BASED REDUCED-ORDER MODEL OF BWR OUT-OF-PHASE INSTABILITIES

A low-order model of BWR out-of-phase instabilities is developed via modal analysis. The modal point kinetics equations are derived using the fundamental and first harmonic modes of the neutron diffusion equation. Parameter estimation in the frequency domain is used to determine the coefficients of the transfer functions (or differential equations) representing the necessary BWR feedback characteristics. Combined with well-known non-linear reactor kinetics, the resulting simple structure of the model provides physical insight into the mechanisms behind the out-of-phase coupled thermal-hydraulic/neutronic BWR instability. This investigation is specifically oriented toward the LaSalle Unit II BWR. An out-of-phase simulation of the LaSalle BWR illustrates the ability of these equations to effectively reproduce the phenomenon. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Character in Epistemology

This paper examines the claim made by certain virtue epistemologists that intellectual character virtues like fair-mindedness, open-mindedness and intellectual courage merit an important and fundamental role in epistemology. I begin by considering whether these traits merit an important role in the analysis of knowledge. I argue that they do not and that in fact they are unlikely to be of much relevance to any of the traditional problems in epistemology. This presents a serious challenge for virtue epistemology. I go on to examine the work of two other virtue epistemologists in light of this challenge and then sketch an alternative approach that reveals how the intellectual virtues might merit a substantial role in epistemology even if not a role in connection with more traditional epistemological projects.
Multimodal Treatment of ADHD in the MTA: An Alternative Outcome Analysis

ABSTRACT Objective To conduct a post hoc investigation of the utility of a single composite measure of treatment outcome for the NIMH Collaborative Multisite Multimodal Treatment Study of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (MTA) at 14 months postbaseline. Background Examination of multiple measures one at a time in the main MTA intent-to-treat outcome analyses failed to detect a statistically significant advantage of combined treatment (Comb) over medication management (MedMgt). A measure that increases power and precision using a single outcome score may be a useful alternative to multiple outcome measures. Method Factor analysis of baseline scores yielded two “source factors” (parent and teacher) and one “instrument factor” (parent–child interactions). A composite score was created from the average of standardized parent and teacher measures. Results The composite was internally consistent (α = .83), reliable (test-retest over 3 months = 0.86), and correlated 0.61 with clinician global judgments. In an intent-to-treat analysis, Comb was statistically significantly better than all other treatments, with effect sizes ranging from small (0.28) versus MedMgt, to moderately large (0.70) versus a community comparison group. Conclusions A composite of ADHD variables may be an important tool in future treatment trials with ADHD and may avoid some of the statistical limitations of multiple measures.
Effects of treatment for childhood cancer on vital organ systems

Advances in treatment have dramatically increased the survival rate of children and adolescents with cancer. These treatments, however, may be associated with damage to vital organ systems, which may not be evident until many years after the initial diagnosis of cancer and may adversely affect long-term survival and/or the quality of life of former patients. The effects of treatment on three specific organ systems, heart, lungs, and kidneys, are reviewed here.
THE NEED FOR FEDERAL OVERSIGHT OF ALTERNATIVE BOND SYSTEMS UNDER SMCRA

The 1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) requires mine operators to post reclamation bonds before mining begins. The Federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has approved alternative bond systems in seven states. These systems, rather than requiring bond amounts at the full cost of reclamation, require operators t o submit only a flat rate, acreage specific bond. Additional reclamation costs should be covered by a supplemental fund composed generally of permit fees, taxes, or penalties. In many cases, alternative bond systems fail to ensure that funds will be available to reclaim coal mined land in the event of operator default, as required by SMCRA. OSMRE needs to take a more active role in oversight of existing state alternative bond systems to ensure that reclamation occurs.
Waiting Time Paradoxes and Order Statistics

Abstract It is well known that we tend to have to wait longer than we expect. Special cases of this paradox have been discussed by Feller and by Zelen. Here the paradox is further explored, and generalizations are considered to describe the effect of the observer on the expected length of an interval between successive events in a life test.
Organizational culture and faculty use of empowering teaching behaviors in selected schools of nursing.

Administrators and nursing faculty at colleges have a responsibility to prepare nurses who are empowered and able to think critically, promote change, and generate creative problem-solving approaches. The findings of the study described in this article suggest that nursing faculty members in colleges of nursing reassess their degree of involvement in decision-making activities so they can create a learning environment that is beneficial for themselves as well as the students.
Development of a brief diagnostic screen for panic disorder in primary care.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of a brief screening tool for panic disorder in the primary care setting. Methods A total of 1476 primary care outpatients in three primary care medical clinics on the West Coast of the United States were studied. Patients completed a brief self-report measure, the five-item Autonomic Nervous System Questionnaire (ANS), while in the waiting room. The presence of DSM-IV panic disorder was subsequently determined in groups of "screen-positive" and "screen-negative" subjects using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. A subset of patients (N = 511) also completed the 21-item Beck Anxiety Inventory. Indices of diagnostic utility were calculated using receiving operating characteristic analyses to guide the selection of optimal cutoff levels. Results The two-question version of the ANS had excellent sensitivity (range = 0.94-1.00 across the three clinic sites) and negative predictive value (0.94-1.00) but low specificity (0.25-0.59) and positive predictive value (range 0.18-0.40). The three- and five-question versions of the ANS had only modestly improved specificity, and this was achieved at the cost of reduced sensitivity and increased respondent burden to complete the questionnaire. The 21-item Beck Anxiety Inventory had maximal clinical utility at a cutoff level of > or =20, but sensitivity was lower than desirable for a screening instrument (0.67). Conclusions The two-question version of the ANS shows promise as a screening instrument for panic disorder in the primary care setting.
Microcomputer-aided design analysis of evaporating liquid waste from the Melton Valley Storage Tanks (MVSTS)

Abstract A microcomputer software package, SFWS (Software for Water Sparging) Version 1.10, has been developed to analyze the sparging of water from the Melton Valley Storage Tanks (MVSTs) located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). SFWS is a menu-driven, user-friendly software package and does not require any previous experience with computer operating systems. The main menu is divided into four submenus consisting of: (a) evaporation of MVSTs, using thermodynamics analysis, (b) evaporation of MVSTs, using heat- and mass-transfer analyses, (c) comparison of the accuracy of this software against the experimental setup at ORNL, and (d) exit. The analysis is carried out based on the mathematical modeling of bubble formation, velocity of rise, and the Nusselt and Sherwood correlation obtained and used for heat- and mass-transfer analysis of gas/liquid two-phase flow (Perry & Green, 1984). The software is developed for the IBM or IBM compatible personal computer and is written in the GW-BASIC language.
Adherence to K/DOQI Bone Metabolism Guidelines

Objective Guidelines for the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease recommend laboratory testing of markers of bone metabolism, including intact parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus. The authors sought to evaluate the concordance of contemporary clinical practice with treatment recommendations. Trends were evaluated (2002 to 2005) in testing for bone metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease, and the relation between bone metabolism markers, severity of chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular hospitalizations were examined. Design Retrospective cohort. Setting Large United States health-maintenance organization. Patients Chronic kidney disease. Results Little variation was found in testing rates over time. Testing frequency was positively correlated with severity of kidney disease, referral to nephrology, and test type (annual testing was most likely for intact parathyroid hormone, and least likely for calcium). Patients with higher intact parathyroid hormone values had a greater risk of cardiovascular-related hospitalization; after adjusting for potential confounders, those with an intact parathyroid hormone value of 200 and greater had a relative risk of 2.16 (95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 4.29). Conclusions This study supports the hypothesized association between disorders of bone metabolism and cardiovascular disease, but it does not address whether increased testing for disorders of bone metabolism will improve outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease. Nor does our analysis imply that controlling parathyroid hormone will prevent cardiovascular hospitalizations. Future studies should more fully explore those critical clinical questions.
Transcatheter embolization of the internal pudendal artery for control of massive perineal bleeding

Massive perineal bleeding due to trauma was successfully controlled by superselective embolization of the internal pudendal artery with a stainless steel mini coil. While in the standard selective procedure the internal iliac artery is embolized, the superselective technique allows preservation of the blood supply from the uninjured branches of the internal iliac artery.
Impact analysis of cable-stayed bridges

Abstract An impact analysis of cable-stayed bridges due to a vehicle moving across rough bridge decks is presented. In the study, the vehicle was simulated by a nonlinear vehicle model with seven degrees of freedom according to the HS20-44 truck. The cable-stayed bridge was modeled as a planar bar system. The road surface roughness of the approach roadways and bridge decks was generated from power spectral density function for very good, good, and average roads according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specification. The geometric nonlinearities arising from cable sag and the effect of the axial forces on the stiffness of members were taken into account. The dynamic behavior and impact percentages of these different types of bridges were studied. Furthermore, the influence of damping ratio was discussed. The results obtained are applicable to the design of cable-stayed bridges.
On-Line Estimation of Laser Weld Penetration

High-power CO{sub 2} laser welding has been widely used in the industry because of its high productivity and excellent weld quality. In order to tap the potential of this process completely, it is important to have on-line weld quality inspection methods to improve the process productivity and reliability by achieving 100 percent weld inspection. Weld penetration is one of the most important factors critical to the quality of a laser weld. However, it is very difficult to directly measure the extent of penetration without sectioning the workpiece. In this paper a model-based penetration depth estimation technique suitable for the production environment is developed. The proposed model relates the temperature measured on the bottom surface of the workpiece, weld bead width, laser beam power and welding speed to penetration depth. The closed-loop depth estimator combines the model and a model-error compensator to compensate for the uncertainty in the measurement of the laser power and absorptivity. Other effects considered are the averaging due to the finite size of the sensor, delay based on the sensor location and the process and sensor dynamics. Several bead-on-plate and butt welds were made on low carbon steel plates to validate the static process models and themore » depth estimation scheme. Temperatures on the bottom surface of the workpiece during welding were measured using infrared thermocouples. The welds were sectioned longitudinally to obtain the penetration profile. The penetration profiles estimated by the depth estimator matched satisfactorily with the measured penetration profiles. The results validate the capability of the proposed depth estimator to estimate penetration depth and its ability to trace the dynamic changes in penetration depth.« less
Mean airway pressure: Physiologic determinants and clinical importance - Part 1: Physiologic determinants and measurements

Purposes To discuss the theoretical relationship of mean alveolar pressure to its most easily measured analog, the mean airway pressure, and to describe the key determinants, measurement considerations, and clinical implications of this index. Data sources Relevant articles from the medical and physiologic literature, as well as mathematical arguments developed in this article from first principles. Study selection Theoretical, experimental, and clinical information that elucidates the physiologic importance, measurement, or adverse consequences of mean airway pressure. Data extraction Mathematical models were used in conjunction with data from the published literature to develop a unified description of the physiological and clinical relevance of mean airway pressure. Synthesis Geometrical and mathematical analyses demonstrate that shared elements comprise mean airway pressure and mean alveolar pressure, two variables that are related by the formula: mean alveolar pressure = mean airway pressure + (VE/60) x (RE-RI), where VE, RE, and RI are minute ventilation and expiratory and inspiratory resistances, respectively. Clear guidelines can be developed for selecting the site of mean airway pressure determination, for specifying technical requirements for mean airway pressure measurement, and for delineating clinical options to adjust the level of mean airway pressure. Problems in viewing mean airway pressure as a reflection of mean alveolar pressure can be interpreted against the theoretical basis of their interrelationship. In certain settings, mean airway pressure closely relates to levels of ventilation, arterial oxygenation, cardiovascular function, and barotrauma. Because mean airway pressure is associated with both beneficial and adverse effects, a thorough understanding of its theoretical and practical basis is integral to formulating an effective pressure-targeted strategy of ventilatory support. Conclusions Mean airway pressure closely reflects mean alveolar pressure, except when flow-resistive pressure losses differ greatly for the inspiratory and expiratory phases of the ventilatory cycle. Under conditions of passive inflation, mean airway pressure correlates with alveolar ventilation, arterial oxygenation, hemodynamic performance, and barotrauma. We encourage wider use of this index, appropriately measured and interpreted, as well as its incorporation into rational strategies for the ventilatory management of critical illness.
KINETICS OF THERMAL INACTIVATION FOR A PECTIC ENZYME IN SWEET CHERRY BRINES1

The manufacturing of several sweet cherry products involves the use of calcium bisulfite brines and generates significant amounts of the brine for disposal. One of the primary concerns preventing the reclamation and reuse of these brines is the enzymatic softening of product caused by polygalacturonase enzymes that may be present in spent brine. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the thermal stability of the polygalacturonase enzyme in cherry brine so that thermal inactivation processes can be designed. The first-order rate constants to describe thermal inactivation of polygalacturonase in cherry brine were measured over a range of typical pasteurization temperatures (68°to 72°C). The results were used to characterize thermal resistance of the enzyme in terms of Z-value ( 8.4°C) and activation energy (271kJ/mole). The thermal stability of the enzyme was maximum between pH 2.8 and 3.5 and at sugar concentrations above 12%. A pasteurization system for cherry brine should be designed with all of the thermal stability characteristics considered in order to assure maximum product quality.
The AMPA antagonist NBQX provides partial protection of rat cerebellar Purkinje cells after cardiac arrest and resuscitation

Purkinje cell loss in adult rats resuscitated following cardiac arrest is analogous to that seen following human cardiac arrest. Administration of the competitive AMPA antagonist NBQX to rats resuscitated after 10 min duration cardiac arrest rescued 21.5% of the vulnerable Purkinje cell population. These results support the hypothesis that sustained postischemic overexcitation of AMPA receptors may be a driving force in the process of Purkinje cell degeneration.
Crystallization Process Development for a Stable Polymorph of Treprostinil Diethanolamine (UT-15C) by Seeding

Process development of treprostinil diethanolamine salt (UT-15C) involved the development of crystallization and slurry protocols to address the polymorph and morphology control issues. Two forms of UT-15C were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Two crystallization solvent systems were developed to produce the thermodynamically stable form in high quality and yield. One solvent system gave dense particles while the other gave lighter and fly-away particles. Slurrying the lighter particles in heptane converted them to denser particles. The protocol was executed successfully on large-scale cGMP batches.
Effect of cold storage on proteinase and chorismate mutase activities inSolanum tuberosum L. Genotypes differing in blackspot susceptibility

Potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum) from genotypes differing in chemical susceptibility to the physiological disorder blackspot bruise (TXA 763-5, Atlantic, Ranger Russet, Russet Burbank, and Lemhi Russet) were stored for eight months at 3 C. Protein extracts from each cultivar were assayed for proteinase and chorismate mutase (CM) activities. During cold storage, three of five genotypes tested increased in their ability to develop melanintype pigments responsible for blackspot. Concurrent with this were increases in either endopeptidase, aminopeptidase, or CM activities or combinations of enzyme activities specific to genotypes. These increases in enzyme activity may be responsible for the increase in levels of the melanin precursor tyrosine, associated with cold storage of potato tubers.
Corneal transplantation for inflammatory keratopathies in the horse: visual outcome in 206 cases (1993-2007).

Objective To evaluate the visual outcome of three techniques of corneal transplantation surgery in treating severe inflammatory keratopathies in the horse. Design Retrospective medical records study. Animals studied Medical records of 206 horses that received corneal transplantation surgery at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center from 1993 to 2007 were reviewed. Procedure Data collected from the medical records included signalment, types of ocular lesions, type of transplant surgery performed, length of follow-up, complications, and visual outcomes. Results Full thickness penetrating keratoplasty (PK) was performed in 86 horses for melting ulcers, iris prolapse/descemetoceles, and medically nonresponsive full thickness stromal abscesses (SA). Posterior lamellar keratoplasty (PLK) and deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) are split thickness penetrating keratoplasties that were utilized for medically nonresponsive deep stromal abscesses (DSA) in 54 and 66 eyes, respectively. The most common postoperative surgical complication was graft rejection and varying degrees of graft opacification. Wound dehiscence and aqueous humor leakage was also a common postoperative problem. A positive visual outcome was achieved for PK, PLK, and DLEK in 77.9%, 98.1%, and 89.4%, respectively. Conclusions Corneal transplantation is a tectonically viable surgery in the horse with an overall success rate of 88.5% in maintaining vision when treating vascularized and infected corneal disease in the horse.
Ultraviolet photoemission studies of the oxidation of thin Bi films using synchrotron radiation

Three aspects of photoelectron spectroscopy are used to examine the oxidation process in thin Bi films with cleaved layered crystals of $\mathrm{V}B$-$\mathrm{VI}B$ compounds used as substrates. Valence-band emission, $5d$ core emissions, and the conduction-band density of states are all examined separately. The changes in the electronic structure shows that oxidation occurs in three stages as oxygen exposure increases: (i) a precursor stage of weak chemisorption; (ii) a sudden onset of strong rapid oxidation and growth of a two-dimensional oxides; and (iii) a slower growth of the oxide layer. Bi $5d$ core-level shifts, the opening of a band gap at the Fermi level, and spin-orbit splitting in the conduction band in the oxide are all discussed.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Acellular Collagen Matrix Augmented Achilles Tendon Repair in Sheep

Abstract The rate of rerupture of repaired Achilles tendon in young and athletic populations remains high despite improvement in surgical techniques, suture design, and postsurgical management. Acellular biological matrices can be used to enhance the immediate strength of repaired tendons and to serve as scaffolds for cell in-growth and constructive tissue remodeling. A number of commercially available matrices have been used clinically, albeit with varying degrees of success and failure. The disparity is likely attributable to the different physical and biochemical properties of individual matrices. In this study, we investigated the biomechanical characteristics of 2 different acellular collagen matrices, namely TissueMend ® and GraftJacket ® , using a sheep Achilles tendon repair model. Static and cyclic creep, cyclic and linear construct stiffness, maximum load to failure, and displacement at maximum load were determined at time zero. We found that the maximum load to failure, displacement, and ultimate failure mode were similar between tendons augmented with either acellular collagen matrix; however, TissueMend augmentation yielded lower creep and smaller construct elongation than did GraftJacket. The results indicated that the strength of TissueMend-augmented tendons and GraftJacket-augmented tendons was not statistically significantly different, although tendons augmented with TissueMend displayed greater stiffness, which may be clinically advantageous in the restoration of ruptured tendons.
Selenoprotein P regulates 1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-benzo-2,5-quinone-induced oxidative stress and toxicity in human keratinocytes

Polychlorinated biphenyls and their metabolites are environmental pollutants that are believed to have adverse health effects presumably by inducing oxidative stress. To determine if 1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-benzo-2,5-quinone (4-ClBQ; metabolite of 4-monochlorobiphenyl, PCB3)-induced oxidative stress is associated with changes in the expression of specific antioxidant genes, mRNA levels of 92 oxidative stress-response genes were analyzed using TaqMan Array Human Antioxidant Mechanisms (Life Technologies), and results were verified by performing quantitative RT-PCR assays. The expression of selenoprotein P (sepp1) was significantly downregulated (8- to 10-fold) in 4-ClBQ-treated HaCaT human skin keratinocytes, which correlated with a significant increase in MitoSOX oxidation. Overexpression of Mn-superoxide dismutase or catalase or treatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine suppressed 4-ClBQ-induced toxicity. Sodium selenite supplementation also suppressed 4-ClBQ-induced decrease in sepp1 expression, which was associated with a significant inhibition in cell death. Furthermore, HaCaT cells overexpressing sepp1 were resistant to 4-ClBQ-induced oxidative stress and toxicity. These results demonstrate that SEPP1 represents a previously unrecognized regulator of PCB-induced biological effects. These results support the speculation that selenoproteins can be an attractive countermeasure for PCB-induced adverse biological effects.
Male breast cancer.

Treatments for men with breast cancer are based largely on accepted regimens for women with the disease. Surgical treatment of the primary tumor should be a mastectomy. Lymph node assessment can be done by conventional axillary node dissection or, similar to selected women with small primary tumors, by sentinel node dissection. Decisions regarding adjuvant systemic treatment should be made on the same basis as for women. Axillary node status, tumor size, hormone receptor status, and the health of the patient are important considerations in determining what adjuvant treatment is offered. The role of radiation after mastectomy in men is not well defined, but radiation should be used in patients at high risk for local recurrence. For patients with metastatic disease, treatment is based on the hormone receptor status of the tumor and is similar to the treatment for women. Because most men with breast cancer have hormone receptor-positive disease, hormonal therapy is a mainstay of treatment and tamoxifen remains the front-line drug of choice, although the latest generation of aromatase inhibitors have supplanted tamoxifen as a first-line therapy for women. As a second-line hormonal therapy for men, orchiectomy or a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist with or without an antiandrogen are reasonable alternatives. There are no reports regarding the use of the antiestrogen fulvestrant in men, but its mechanism of action and efficacy in women suggest that it will be a useful agent in hormone receptor-positive male breast cancer. For men with hormone-resistant disease, palliative chemotherapy with the same agents used for treatment of women with breast cancer is appropriate.
Predicting Incident Reports for IT Help Desk

Costs associated with IT help desk operations present challenges to profitability goals in an organization. Minimizing software failures in an operational environment is important to customer experience, but more practically to the cost model for offering IT services. The user-facing behavior of software systems such as unscheduled downtime, slow performance and anomalous behavior affect the overall perception of a software product. Critical business applications and systems with human life at stake demand reliability and continuous availability of services. Software failures are costly. In this case study we investigate software reliability models and their applicability to improvement processes at an IT help desk. We propose a model selection process and demonstrate its success using real help desk incident data from eighteen desktop software applications. Our results show direct applicability to meeting cost challenges in IT help desk operations.
Effects of vagotomy on lipopolysaccharide-induced brain interleukin-1β protein in rats

The production of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in brain is thought to be a critical step in the induction of central manifestations of the acute phase response, and the vagus nerve has been implicated in immune-to-brain communication. Thus, this study examined the effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on brain IL-1beta protein levels in control and subdiaphragmatically vagotomized rats. In the first experiment, vagotomized and sham-operated male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected i.p. with one of three doses (10, 50, 100 microg/kg) of LPS or vehicle (sterile, pyrogen-free saline) and sacrificed 2 h after the injection. In the second experiment, vagotomized and sham-operated rats were injected i.p. with 100 microg/kg LPS or vehicle and sacrificed 1 h after the injection. The i.p. injection of LPS dose-dependently increased IL-1beta protein levels in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, dorsal vagal complex, cerebellum, posterior cortex, and pituitary 2 h after the injection. Brain and pituitary IL-1beta levels were also significantly increased 1 h after the injection of 100 microg/kg LPS. There were no significant differences in brain IL-1beta levels between sham-operated and vagotomized rats at either the 2 h or 1 h time points. The current data are consistent with previous studies showing increases in brain IL-1beta after peripheral injections of LPS, and support the notion that brain IL-1beta is a mediator in the illness-induction pathway. Furthermore, these data indicate that, at the doses and times tested, subdiaphragmatic vagal afferents are not crucial for LPS-induced brain IL-1beta protein.
Thermal stresses in the microchannel heatsink cooled by liquid nitrogen

Microchannel heatsink reliability can be affected by thermal stresses that arise due to temperature gradients between the base and fin and along the fin length. These stresses are combined with the bonding stresses that arise in attaching components at elevated temperatures to the silicon heatsink and then cooling the structure to the cryogenic operating temperatures. These bonding stresses are potentially large because of the differences in the values of the coefficients of thermal expansion in silicon heatsink material, and the attached component materials. The stress results shown are for a 17:1 aspect ratio heatsink cooled in liquid nitrogen. The temperature gradients are a result of a surface heat flux of 1.3 kW/cm2, approximating the heat dissipation of an rf power chip. The chip is connected to an aluminum nitride substrate, then the chip and substrate module are attached to the heatsink at a bonding temperature of 600 degree(s)K, as for a gold-tin eutectic bond. The stresses are shown to be within the allowables of the materials involved.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Clinical complications of osseointegrated implants

Abstract Statement of problem. There is no comprehensive review of the literature that identifies the complications reported in clinical dental implant studies. Purpose. This article attempted to determine the types of complications that have been reported and to provide data regarding their frequency. Methods. All available clinical studies from 1981 to 1997, published in English or with English abstract, that presented success/failure data regarding implant treatment were evaluated to determine the types of reported complications and to quantify implant loss as it relates to type of prosthesis, arch, time, implant length, and bone quality. Results. Greater implant loss occurred with overdentures than with other types of prostheses. There was greater loss in the maxilla than mandible with fixed complete dentures and overdentures, whereas little arch difference was noted with fixed partial dentures. Implant loss increased with short implants and poor bone quality. The time of implant loss (preprosthetic vs postprosthetic) varied with type of prosthesis. Surgical complications included neurosensory disturbance, hematoma, mandibular fracture, hemorrhage, and tooth devitalization. Initial and long-term marginal bone changes were identified. Peri-implant soft tissue complications included dehiscence, fistulas, and gingival inflammation/proliferation. Mechanical complications were screw loosening/fracture, implant fractures, framework, resin base and veneering material fractures, opposing prosthesis fractures, and overdenture mechanical retention problems. Some studies also presented phonetic and esthetic complications. Conclusions. Although the literature presents considerable information on implant complications, variations in study design and reporting procedures limited the available data and therefore precluded proper analysis of certain complications. (J Prosthet Dent 1999;81:537-52.)
On the Ergodic Secrecy Rate of Cooperative Decode-and-Forward Relay Networks

In this article, we develop a unified analytical framework for investigation of the ergodic secrecy rates of cooperative decode-and-forward relay networks in a myriad of fading environments. We utilized an exponential-type integral representation for the logarithmic function to derive an approximate expression for the ergodic secrecy rates of cooperative decode-and-forward relay networks only in terms of the moment generating function (MGF) of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We show that cooperative relays can be exploited to enhance the wireless physical layer security of the classical Wyner wire-tap channel. Numerical results are presented to investigate the impact of channel fading statistics, location of the relays, number of eavesdroppers as well as power allocation on the achievable ergodic secrecy rate.
Relative likelihood of bronchopulmonary dysplasia based on pulmonary mechanics measured in preterm neonates during the first week of life.

We studied 143 low birth weight infants (≤1500 gm) with respiratory distress syndrome who required mechanical ventilation, and determined the efficacy of using the alterations in pulmonary mechanics (measured at 1 to 3 days, 4 to 7 days, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks) as possible predictors for the subsequent diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The sensitivity and specificity of pulmonary compliance and resistance as predictors of BPD were ascertained by logistic regression correlation ( p
Communication and control for distributed microsystems

The authors introduce communication and control issues in the design of systems composed of distributed microsensors and microactuators. They examine reliability and bandwidth in the context of distributed microsystem design and suggest areas for further research and development. It is shown that communication networks for closed-loop microsystems must exhibit high speed while having a minimum number of wires and a simple interconnection scheme. Until such networks are constructed, the performance of distributed microsystems will fall short of expectations. The lessons learned from robot sensing are discussed. >