cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Introduction of the Cosmological Constant

On February 4, 1917 Albert Einstein writes to Paul Ehrenfest (Kerszberg 1989, p155): “I have... again perpetrated something about gravitation theory which somewhat exposes me to the danger of being confined to a madhouse.” Four days later he revealed these maddening thoughts in the physico-mathematical division of the Royal Prussian Academy of the Sciences to his fellow academicians. A week later the Reichsdruckerei issued the Sitzungsbericht “Kosmologische Betrachtungen zur allgemeinen Relativitatstheorie” (Einstein 1917). Thus began modem cosmology.
Isochronal Annealing of Resistivity in Float Zone and Czochralski NTD Silicon

Resistivity and thermal probe measurements have been used to characterize the isochronal annealing, type conversion, and phosphorus electrical activation of NTD-Si over the temperature range of 20 to 850°C in undoped float zone and pulled silicon. Similar experiments are reported for Ga doped float zone for [P]/[B] ratios of 1 to 3. The annealing associated with fast neutron damage has been isolated using boron shielding during irradiation. The effects of β- recoil damage have been isolated by rapid pre-annealing to 850°C before appreciable 31Si → 31P + β- decay had occurred. Type conversion annealing peaks (p → n) occur at 650–750°C in NTD float zone, at 400°C in NTD Czochralski and at 350°C (n → p) in β- recoil damaged silicon. A dominate acceptor defect dominates the conductivity in the annealing temperature range of 575–650°C in both float zone and Czochralski. Several reverse annealing peaks from 20–550°C are also observed in most samples and heavily irradiated float zone exhibits many annealing features similar to Czochralski.
High-yield paper-based quantitative blood separation system

Interest in developing paper-based devices for point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings has risen remarkably in recent decades. In this paper, we demonstrate what we refer to as "high yield passive rrythrocyte removal" (HYPER) technology, which utilizes capillary forces in a unique cross-flow filtration for the separation of whole blood with performance comparable to centrifuges. As we will demonstrate, state-of-the-art passive blood separation methods implemented in paper-based systems exhibit rapid blood cell clogging on the filtration media or serum outlet and yield only about 10-30% of the total serum present in the sample. Our innovation results from the inclusion of a differentiation pad, which exploits hydrodynamic effects to reduce the formation of a fouling layer on the blood filtration membrane resulting in more than 60% serum yield with undiluted whole blood as direct input. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the HYPER technology we implement it in a lateral flow system and demonstrate the accurate quantification of vitamin A and iron levels in whole blood samples in 15 minutes.
Benefits of Physical Interaction with Array Elements and Code Consolidation on Student Comprehension of Sorting Algorithms

This study was a qualitative analysis of introductory-level computer science students' comprehension of sorting algorithms. We asked six students to read and summarize the code of a sorting algorithm. Next, we asked them to trace through the code, first using a provided array with pencil and paper, then again using sticky-notes to represent the array. Focused analysis of one interview found that a student who struggled to comprehend the algorithm during the pencil-and-paper trace quickly gained understanding when physically tracing the sticky-note array. We hypothesize that physical interaction with a sticky-note representation of an array facilitated student comprehension of sorting algorithms by consolidating multiple lines of code (LOC) into a single repeatable action. This research is relevant to computer science educators who may teach sorting algorithms to introductory-level students.
Hysteretic response of solutes and turbidity at the event scale across forested tropical montane watersheds

Concentration-discharge relationships are a key tool for understanding the sources and transport of material from watersheds to fluvial networks. Storm events in particular provide insight into variability in the sources of solutes and sediment within watersheds, and the hydrologic pathways that connect hillslope to stream channel. Here we examine high-frequency sensor-based specific conductance and turbidity data from multiple storm events across two watersheds (Quebrada Sonadora and Rio Icacos) with different lithology in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico, a forested tropical ecosystem. Our analyses include Hurricane Maria, a category 5 hurricane. To analyze hysteresis, we used a recently developed set of metrics to describe and quantify storm events including the hysteresis index (HI), which describes the directionality of hysteresis loops, and the flushing index (FI), which can be used to infer whether the mobilization of material is source or transport limited. We also examine the role of antecedent discharge to predict hysteretic behavior during storms. Overall, specific conductance and turbidity showed contrasting responses to storms. The hysteretic behavior of specific conductance was similar across sites, displaying clockwise hysteresis and a negative flushing index indicating proximal sources of solutes and consistent source limitation. In contrast, the directionality of turbidity hysteresis was significantly different between watersheds, although both had strong flushing behavior indicative of transport limitation. Overall, models that included antecedent discharge did not perform any better than models with peak discharge alone, suggesting that the magnitude and trajectory of an individual event was the strongest driver of material flux and hysteretic behavior. Hurricane Maria produced unique hysteresis metrics within both watersheds, indicating a distinctive response to this major hydrological event. The similarity in response of specific conductance to storms suggests that solute sources and pathways are similar in the two watersheds. The divergence in behavior for turbidity suggests that sources and pathways of particulate matter vary between the two watersheds. The use of high-frequency sensor data allows the quantification of storm events while index-based metrics of hysteresis allow for the direct comparison of complex storm events across a heterogeneous landscape and variable flow conditions.
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Indications and Techniques

Atrial fibrillation (AF) predisposes to embolic strokes and reduced quality of life. Ablation (catheter-based or surgically performed) can be employed to promote the maintenance of sinus rhythm in a carefully selected subset of patients with AF. The goal of this review is to discuss the indications and techniques for AF ablation, as well as post-procedural outcomes. Atrial fibrillation ablation improves quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation although no clear reduction in stroke or overall mortality has been shown. Familiarity with the indications for AF ablation is important for all cardiologists, as is having a sound understanding of the efficacy of the procedure and potential complications. Furthermore, acquiring a grasp of the different modalities of AF ablation (including percutaneous endocardial techniques and surgical ablation approaches) will help to facilitate effective and appropriate referrals.
Nanoelectropulse therapy for cancer: In vitro and in vivo analysis.

5465 Delivery of short duration electric pulses, known as nanoelectropulse therapy, is being developed as a potential local cancer therapy. In this modality, electric pulses with nanosecond scale duration and high field (MV/m) are applied to cells. Because the pulses are shorter than the charging time constant of the external plasma membrane (30-100 ns), voltage across the cell membrane is limited. Intracellular membranes are smaller, therefore having a shorter charging time constant. As a result, pulses disproportionately affect intracellular membranes. We extended study of these pulses to a range of malignant cells. By assessing viable cells by an MTT assay 96 hours after delivery of pulses, we have characterized elements of the pulse that lead to more effective killing of malignant cells. In the Jurkat T cell leukemia/lymphoma cell line, we show that at equivalent energy, 200 pulses of 20 ns duration lead to more effective cell killing than 570 pulses of 7 ns duration. We also show that increasing the voltage leads to increased cell killing. We demonstrate that many hematologic cell lines are extremely susceptible to nanoelectropulse therapy in vitro, including follicular lymphoma (SUDHL-6), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (SUDHL-16) and multiple myeloma (RPM8226) cell lines. The effects of pulsation on solid tumor cell lines varied more. Of the solid tumor cell lines tested, AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cells were the most effectively killed. Based on these data, we extended our findings to in vivo work. We injected AsPC-1 cells into both flanks of eight athymic nude mice. We designed a catheter capable of delivering 6kV pulses, and pulsed one of the resultant tumors in each mouse, leaving the other tumor as a control. Effective killing occurred when 200 pulses of 20 ns duration were delivered at 20 Hz. Complete clinical responses were found in two of the tumors. One tumor recurred and the other was confirmed to be a pathologic complete response. In summary, we have demonstrated the ability of nanoelectropulse therapy to kill tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. This technology may allow a unique approach to killing of cancer cells.
Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on skeletal muscle size and function in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy

Exercise has numerous benefits for patients with cancer, but implementation is challenging because of practical and logistical hurdles. This study examined whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can serve as a surrogate for classic exercise by eliciting an exercise training response in skeletal muscle of women diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Patients (n = 22) with histologically confirmed stage I, II, or III breast cancer scheduled to receive neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy were randomized to 8 wk of bilateral neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES; 5 days/wk) to their quadriceps muscles or control. Biopsy of the vastus lateralis was performed at baseline and after 8 wk of intervention to assess muscle fiber size, contractility, and mitochondrial content. Seventeen patients (8 control/9 NMES) completed the trial and were included in analyses. NMES promoted muscle fiber hypertrophy (P < 0.001), particularly in fast-twitch, myosin heavy chain (MHC) IIA fibers (P < 0.05) and tended to induce fiber type shifts in MHC II fibers. The effects of NMES on single-muscle fiber contractility were modest, and it was unable to prevent declines in the function in MHC IIA fibers. NMES did not alter intermyofibrillar mitochondrial content/structure but was associated with reductions in subsarcolemmal mitochondria. Our results demonstrate that NMES induces muscle fiber hypertrophy and fiber type shifts in MHC II fibers but had minimal effects on fiber contractility and promoted reductions in subsarcolemmal mitochondria. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the utility of NMES as an exercise surrogate in cancer patients and other conditions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to evaluate whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can be used as an exercise surrogate to improve skeletal muscle fiber size or function in cancer patients receiving treatment. We show that NMES promoted muscle fiber hypertrophy and fiber type shifts but had minimal effects on single-fiber contractility and reduced subsarcolemmal mitochondria.
Political Trust and Native American Electoral Participation: An Analysis of Survey Data from Nevada and South Dakota

Objective. This research analyzes the impact of political trust on Native American electoral participation, using survey responses from roughly 1,500 Native Americans living in South Dakota and Nevada. Method. The in‐person survey taking was conducted at locations in Native communities and with the support of tribal leaders, allowing us to overcome many of the methodological issues that have hampered previous studies. Results. We found much higher levels of electoral participation in tribal elections than in non‐tribal elections. Respondents expressed high levels of distrust in nontribal government and voting methods, and this distrust has a surprisingly powerful impact on the decision to participate in nontribal elections. Conclusion. We suggest that historical trauma and ongoing discrimination are the primary causes of distrust among Native Americans and find support for this in the observed differences in levels of trust between South Dakota and Nevada.
Retiring, Rethinking, and Reconstructing the Norm of Once-Weekly Psychotherapy

Evidence-based psychotherapies hold clear potential to alleviate mental health problems (Cuijpers et al. 2020; Weisz et al. 2017), yet there is no scientifically-driven consensus for how long treatment should last (treatment duration, including total numbers of hours or weeks a treatment might last) or how often sessions should occur (treatment frequency). In practice, once-weekly therapy is the dominant outpatient service available to youths and adults alike, largely due to long-held beliefs and insurance companies’ limiting reimbursable treatment-time to 50-min, weekly sessions. But ubiquity cannot be mistaken for clinical or practical superiority. Indeed, weekly hour-long therapy sessions are among numerous treatment structures that can help patients achieve clinical gains, with recent trials supporting the utility of brief, intensive, and concentrated treatments for widely-varying problem types (Dobias et al. 2020). Further, existing psychological services—dominated by weekly, outpatient options—fall short of meeting population-level mental health needs. Most youths and adults with psychiatric disorders never access care due to financial and logistical constraints, and among those who do, premature drop-out is common (Abel et al. 2020; Burns et al. 1999; McKay and Bannon 2004). Among those who do access psychological support, receipt of evidence-based intervention remains rare, often taking the form of unstructured, brief interactions with physicians (e.g., in primary care settings) or healthcare workers with limited mental health training (Kazdin 2019). Despite repeated calls to diversify treatment options, and to ensure that these diverse options are backed by scientific evidence (Kazdin 2019; Schleider et al. 2020), the “weekly therapy hour”—in many cases, absent of any quality assessment ensuring reliance of evidence-based approaches—remains the practical default. Given limited accessibility of, and significant dropout from, weekly outpatient therapy (suggesting that many are unable to access treatment as it is routinely provided), and the established efficacy of alternative treatment formats (suggesting that treatment may be redesigned to improve accessibility without sacrificing clinical utility), we assert that it is our field’s ethical obligation to retire and rebuild the longstanding “default” to once-weekly outpatient services.Footnote1 To be clear, we do not endorse eliminating weekly psychotherapy as an option for patients; many once-weekly, evidence-based treatments, if delivered as intended, may benefit patients greatly. However, repositioning evidence-based weekly therapy as one of many treatment options, and improving the availability of additional, diverse evidence-based service types, may strengthen the accessibility, flexibility, and potentially the effectiveness of mental health treatment overall.
Effectiveness of onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX) in pediatric patients experiencing migraines: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study in the pediatric pain population.

Introduction OnabotulinumtoxinA (OBTA) is approved for treating chronic headaches and migraines in adults, but there is limited scientific literature on the outcomes in pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to determine if subjects treated with OBTA reported a statistically significant improvement in the primary features (frequency, intensity, duration and disability scoring) associated with migraines compared with placebo at follow-up visits. Methods After obtaining approval by the appropriate local (HS# 2016–3108) and federal institutions, the principal investigator enrolled candidates aged 8 to 17 years old diagnosed with chronic migraines (at least 6 months), and 15 or more headache days in a 4-week baseline period. This randomized control trial consisted of two phases: double-blind and open-label for the first two and last two sets of treatments, respectively. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive a treatment protocol—155 units at 31 injection sites—in 3-month intervals and follow-up visits every 6 weeks. Non-parametric testing (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) was performed using widely available open-source statistical software (‘R’). Results From February 2017 to November 2018, 17 subjects presented for a screening visit; 15 met eligibility criteria. Subjects that received OBTA reported a statistically significant decrease from the following baseline values compared with placebo 6-week post-treatment compared with placebo: frequency (20 (7 to 17) vs 28 (23 to 28); p=0.038), intensity (5 (3 to 7) vs 7 (5 to 9); p=0.047), and PedMIDAS (Pediatric Migraine Disability Score) (3 (2 to 4) vs 4 (4 to 4); p=0.047). There was no statistically significant difference in the duration (10 (2 to 24) vs 24 (4 to 24); p=0.148) of migraines between the two groups. Discussion OnabotulinumtoxinA showed a statistically significant decrease in frequency and intensity of migraines compared with placebo. No adverse effects or serious adverse events related to the use of OBTA were reported. In the future, we aim to evaluate the specific nature of migraines, for example, quality/location of pain presented during an initial consult to predict the likelihood of OBTA being a truly effective modality of pain management for pediatric migraineurs. Trial registration number NCT03055767.
Is organ procurement causing the death of patients

This article offers a philosophical foundation for the Uniform Determination of Death Act as it first examines death per se, and then examines brain death and the non-heart beating donor criteria for determining death. The author suggests that many of the debates over death can be bypassed by changing the terms of the debate: what matters is not whether death is a process or an event, but death as a state. Understanding death as a state allows us to determine death in a functional manner that is compatible with the needs of law and medicine. The second part examines objections that arise from ignoring or rejecting the distinction between killing and letting die and the principle of double effect. By clarifying the lines between life and death, on the one hand, and between intentionally killing and unintentionally hastening death, on the other, the author hopes to restore a sense that the proposals to drop the dead donor rule are radical recommendations to cross lines we have never crossed before.
Solar gamma rays above 8 MeV

Processes which lead to the production of ..gamma..-rays with energy greater than 8 MeV in solar flares are reviewed and evaluated. Excited states which can be produced by inelastic scattering, charge exchange, and spallation reactions in the abundant nuclear species are considered in order to identify nuclear lines which may contribute to the ..gamma..-rays spectrum of solar flares. The flux of 15.11 MeV ..gamma..-rays relative to the flux of 4.44 MeV ..gamma..-rays from the de-excitation of the corresponding states in /sup 12/C is calculated for a number of assumed distributions of exciting particles. This flux ratio is shown to be a sensitive diagnostic of accelerated particle spectra. Other high-energy nuclear levels are not so isolated as the 15.11 MeV state and are not expected to be so strong. The spectrum of ..gamma..-rays from the decay of ..pi../sup 0/ is shown to be sensitive to the energy distribution of particles accelerated to energies greater than 100 MeV.
Clinical Features of Essential Voice Tremor and Associations with Tremor Severity and Response to Octanoic Acid Treatment.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical features, tremor variability, and factors related to octanoic acid (OA) treatment response in essential voice tremor (EVT). STUDY DESIGN Prospective, double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with secondary analysis. METHODS Clinical tremor features in 16 individuals with EVT were comprehensively assessed, and correlations with acoustic tremor severity were determined. Intrasubject and intersubject variability measures were analyzed from 18 repeated measures for each acoustic tremor variable. Clinical correlates of treatment response were evaluated, and cumulative effects over a 2-week period of OA drug dosing were assessed. RESULTS Participants with EVT were 90% female with a mean age of 70.31 (±8.68) years at the time of testing. Neurologist-rated body tremor beyond the vocal tract region was present in 69% of participants, and multiple vocal tract regions contributed to the voice tremor. The mean frequency of amplitude tremor was 4.67 Hz (±0.88). Respiratory tremor was evident in 50% of participants. Participants experienced moderate voice-related disability as assessed on the Voice Handicap Index-10 (19.38, ±8.50), and increased speaking effort. Acoustic tremor severity was significantly associated with severity of tremor affecting vocal tract structures. Overall intrasubject consistency was strong (single measures intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.701, P < .01), with high intersubject variability. Acoustic tremor severity was significantly, positively associated with treatment response, and results suggested a cumulative OA benefit for magnitude of amplitude tremor. CONCLUSIONS This study identified common clinical correlates of EVT and demonstrated positive associations between acoustic tremor severity, severity of affected vocal tract structures, and response to treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 Laryngoscope, 131:E2792-E2801, 2021.
The Role of Public Sector Enterprise in Achieving Sustainable Development through Corporate Social Responsibility: A Case Study

Globally, the business scenario has been changing unprecedentedly leading to evolution of innovative strategies. Organizations are realizing that their operations have a large impact not only on stakeholders like employees, shareholders, suppliers, customers but also on members of communities and environment. It is considered as a moral responsibility for an organization to take care of the people and environment whose lives are being impacted by its operations. As per the new Companies Act 2013 ,companies are obligated to spend two percent of profit in CSR activities which was set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India .The activities that can be undertaken to fulfil CSR obligations includes eradicating hunger and poverty, promoting preventive healthcare, promoting education and gender equality, setting up homes for orphans and the senior citizens, measures for reducing inequalities, ensuring environmental sustainability , ecological balance and animal welfare, protection of national heritage, promotion of sports ,art and culture, training to promote employment , socio economic development ,provision of relief and welfare measures to minorities and women. While determining CSR activities to be undertaken, preference would need to be given to local areas around where the company operates. Thus in recent years Corporates have devoted considerable attention towards the strategic implications of CSR towards a sustainable future. Organizations are making robust changes in the CSR practices and initiatives taken by them to develop the society in which they operate. In this paper an attempt has been made to highlight some of the CSR initiatives undertaken by the BHEL, Trichy.
Cardiotonic Steroid Binding to Na,K-ATPase

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses various aspects of the interaction between cardiac glycosides and Na, K-ATPase. The interaction between cardiac glycosides and Na, K-ATPase is of high affinity and rather slow. As the dissociation rate constant is small and is fairly constant in the presence of various binding ligands, it is primarily the association rate constant that decreases under the conditions of nonoptimal binding; thus equilibrium binding under these conditions may require many hours. Ouabain binding occurs with highest rate and greatest affinity to phosphorylated forms of Na, K-ATPase, those produced in the presence of Na+, Mg2+, ATP, or Mg2+ + Pi; the characteristics of this binding are also discussed in the chapter. Ouabain also binds under conditions in which phosphorylation seems unlikely or impossible and it may be safest to assume that ouabain can interact with any enzyme conformation at a finite, if small, rate. However, it is difficult to prove that a given enzyme conformation is involved in nonoptimal ouabain binding, because in the course of the ouabain-binding experiment, a number of enzyme conformations will be in rapid equilibrium and ouabain will “trap” those that react most readily.
Effects of modeling assumptions on oxygen transport in isolated heart.

The overall goal of our synergistic physiological/ mathematical research efforts is to investigate the mechanisms of regulation of mass transport and its effects on contractility in heart muscle. The mathematical portion complements the physiological work by suggesting the relative significance of physiological phenomena by modeling the oxygen transport characteristics. This will lead to further and more critical experimental study. Examples of this synergism are indicated throughout the paper.
Dysregulation of dysferlin during 7 days mechanical unloading is mediated by ROS in rat soleus muscle (1102.27)

Dysferlin plays an important role in membrane repair of damaged sarcolemma, is bound to neuronal nitric oxide synthase-mu (nNOSµ) during disuse, and can be regulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS...
On alkyl nitrates, O3, and the “missing NOy”

[1] We describe measurements of NO2, total peroxy nitrates (ΣPNs), total alkyl nitrates (ΣANs), and HNO3 using thermal dissociation followed by laser-induced fluorescence detection of NO2 at three continental locations. The ΣAN observations are unique and provide novel constraints on atmospheric photochemistry. At a rural site in California, measurements over a full annual cycle show that ΣANs are routinely 10–20% of NOy. At this rural site, at a suburban site in California and an urban site in Houston, Texas, both the absolute concentration of ΣANs and the fraction of the higher oxides of nitrogen (NOz) represented by ΣANs are greater than or equal to values reported in any prior observations. Although the contrast with prior observations is striking, we show that large abundances of ΣANs are consistent with simple chemical models of tropospheric ozone production and with the few prior comprehensive model studies. We also show that ΣANs are a large part, if not all, of the “missing NOy” reported in many prior experiments and emphasize that the ratios of ΣANs/NOz and of O3/ΣANs are especially useful for evaluating chemical models and comparing observations at different sites.
THE PRO SE LITIGANT'S STRUGGLE FOR ACCESS TO JUSTICE

Just as the growth of pro se litigation is a challenge for the courts, so, too, is the bench and bar's resistance to pro se assistance programs and policies a challenge to court reformers seeking to improve access to justice. Even where progressive courts have been able to implement court-annexed pro se assistance programs, judicial and bar resistance to pro se assistance in the courtroom remains. This paper explores the reasons for such resistance, and argues that pro se litigants have a right to receive—and judges have an obligation to provide—reasonable judicial assistance, particularly in cases involving a represented and an unrepresented party. A set of recommendations is offered which will result in pro se litigants being given more basic legal information than previously provided, better preparation of pro se cases, and a more active judge to ensure that all parties have equal access to justice.
Domestic violence screening: when will we get it right?

ROUSH K. (2011) Domestic violence screening: when will we get it right? International Nursing Review59, 115–116 Domestic violence (DV) is a major health and human rights problem across the globe that causes serious mental and physical health consequences. Regulatory agencies and accrediting organizations include universal screening among required standards for hospitals and ambulatory clinics. Yet we are still failing to identify women suffering from DV and provide them with the resources and care they need. This commentary looks at a study of universal screening in a hospital in Israel and calls for a shift in focus from the question of whether we are screening and why to how we are educating healthcare providers about DV and interventional research for women experiencing DV.
Removal of HLA-A,B antigens from platelets

Recent evidence suggests that HLA-A,B antigens present on human platelets, are acquired from plasma. Using hypertonic acid chloroquine (200 mg/ml, pH 5.0, 1 hr, 4 degrees C), we demonstrate elution of most or all HLA-A2 and HLA-B7,40 immunoreactive material from platelets. Corresponding antigens on human lymphocytes were not affected by this treatment. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that HLA- A,B antigens are adsorbed onto platelet surfaces.
An Experimental Test of Women's Body Dissatisfaction Reduction through Self-Affirmation

Background Body dissatisfaction (BD)--a health concern in its own right-often is positioned early in the causal chain toward eating pathology, and is a practical point of intervention for those aiming to reduce its negative health consequences. One approach to reducing people's resistance to receipt of other unwanted health information (e.g. about smoking) has been through the application of self-affirmation theory. This theory asserts that the self needs to maintain its integrity and, as such, when incoming information is threatening, one's defensive shields are activated and it is deflected. One way to reduce defensiveness, however, is to bolster some other aspect of the self. Method We applied a one-shot, self-affirmation-based manipulation via a randomised controlled design (N=86) to a group of body-dissatisfied college women and compared its effects to a control group. Results All hypotheses predicted by self-affirmation theory were supported: Women who were self-affirmed exhibited (a) greater openness to threatening information about the dangers of BD, (b) lower BD, and (c) greater intention to reduce criticism of their bodies. Conclusions The present study provided an experimental test of a mechanism of action which might prove useful in a comprehensive intervention program.
The Role of Human Resource Management in Cross-Border Technological Acquisitions

To analyze the effectiveness of HRM strategies as a mechanism for achieving synergies, we incorporate the post-acquisition resource flows and the need for structural integration into Aguilera and Dencker’s (2004) framework that considers both national institutional environments and the strategic fit between the acquisition rationale and the human resource management (HRM) strategy. By taking into account the post-acquisition resource flows, we can identify which acquisitions will require greater levels of interdependence between the resources of the acquirer and the target. We also discuss whether and to what degree the acquisition should entail integration since acquirers should implement different HRM strategies contingent on whether structural integration occurs. While Aguilera and Dencker (2004) address acquisitions in a broader sense, here we focus exclusively on technological acquisitions for three primary reasons: 1) unique to technological acquisitions, their success depends on the retention of the target firm’s employees and the acquirer’s ability to not disrupt the routines of the target during integration, 2) HRM strategies play a significant role in the acquirer, both retaining target employees and successfully integrating the target, and 3) technological acquisitions are a newer phenomenon for which there has been little analysis involving HRM strategies.
ODs assessment in the centralized procedure: Conditional and exceptional approvals and follow up measures – Rules and experiences

Having achieved orphan designation, sponsors complete clinical investigations and submit the outcome of these investigations to the regulatory authorities to gain marketing authorisations. The (mandated) centralised review process for such applications is similar to that for non-orphan applications, relying on demonstration of adequate product quality, clinical safety and efficacy. However, due to the rarity of the condition under investigation it is likely that the data package provided with respect to clinical safety and efficacy will be more limited and may lead to the CHMP having to work with the PDCO to assess whether benefit risk has been appropriately demonstrated to the full extent possible and whether conditions should be placed on any marketing authorisation issued due to the limited available evidence. This may lead to conditional or exceptional marketing authorisation approvals where the company is either able or unable (respectively) to eventually provide a complete evidence package. Such approval status for an orphan drug would have to be clearly highlighted in corresponding labelling and would require more regular reporting of safety experience due to a less well documented risk profile for the product. In addition companies may be required to commit to further clinical investigations to the extent permitted by the prevalence of the disease. These post marketing conditions (PMCs) or follow up measures would be reported on a regular basis allowing a more frequent re-assessment of the current benefit risk profile of the product in the disease. Amgen has experience of approval of a non-orphan designated product gaining a conditional approval and of regulatory assessment of a marketing authorisation application for an orphan designated product.
Global survey of concentric gravity waves in AIRS images and ECMWF analysis

Concentric gravity waves (CGWs) are atmospheric phenomena with ring-shape perturbations originating in the troposphere. They can propagate up to the ionosphere and thermosphere and dynamically couple the lower and upper atmosphere. In this study we developed a novel ring detection algorithm to extract CGWs from the Atmosphere Infrared Sounder (AIRS) radiance data and the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) analysis temperature in the stratosphere to produce the first global maps of such phenomena. The algorithm is capable of estimating wave amplitude, wavelength, propagation direction, and source location. Both AIRS and ECMWF data show a significant diurnal variation in wave propagation direction and generation, in addition to strong seasonal variations in wavelength and amplitude. Occurrence of these ring waves is associated not only with tropical deep convections but also with summertime midlatitude convection, wintertime extratropical jets, and topography such as islands. The high-resolution ECMWF analysis data capture most of the CGW features, but the wave amplitude is significantly weaker than AIRS observations, showing few convectively generated CGWs.
Analysis of the switching characteristics of NMOS common drain FET logic (CDFL)

The switching characteristics of a novel NMOS structure, the common drain FET logic (CDFL) is studied. A technique utilizing a load capacitor charging and discharging mechanism to calculate the output waveform of NMOS CDFL buffer and DCFL (direct coupled FET logic) inverter has been used. The results show that a CDFL buffer can be at least twice as fast as a DCFL inverter occupying the same area. Using the buffer to build positive logic gates and the inverter to build negative logic gates leads to at least at 100% increase in the speed of the overall circuit and a 33% decrease in the occupied area. >
Optimal selection of measurement configurations for robot calibration using simulated annealing

Measuring robot positions and orientations is a crucial step in a robot calibration process. Off-line optimal selection of measurement configurations can significantly improve the accuracy of kinematic identification. Since the dimension of the parameter space is very large and the cost function is highly nonlinear, this selection process could be well beyond the capacity of today's computers if a global optimal solution is sought by an exhaustive search. On the other hand, gradient-based algorithms are often trapped into local minima. A simulated annealing (SA) approach is adopted in this paper to obtain optimal or near optimal measurement configurations for robot calibration. Simulated annealing is capable of overcoming local minimum points. It is also very convenient for the inclusion of joint travel limits. The SA algorithm is costly computationally; however, since optimal configuration selection can be performed off-line, this may not be a serious problem. To accelerate the convergence rate, a suitable cooling schedule is devised. Practical implementation considerations are discussed. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. >
The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy for Behaviors That Promote Healthy Weight and Clinical Indicators of Adiposity in a Sample of Early Adolescents

Objective: Examine the relationship between self-efficacy and various measures of adiposity in a sample of teens. Methods: A total of 132 teens were selected from schools participating in an existing research study titled Teen Eating and Activity Mentoring in Schools (TEAMS). Teens completed demographic questionnaires and healthy eating–specific and physical activity–specific measures of self-efficacy. Waist circumference (WC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), and body mass index (BMI) percentile scores were also obtained. Results: Regression analyses indicated that healthy eating–specific and physical activity–specific measures of self-efficacy predicted WC and TSF. ANOVA revealed significant differences in healthy eating–specific self-efficacy levels between students of recommended weight and overweight/obese status. Supplemental analyses showed significant negative relationships between a student’s ideal BMI ratio and self-efficacy. Conclusions: Because self-efficacy may be amenable to change, these f...
Variation in colony structure in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes

The genetic organization of colonies of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes in two subpopulations in Massachusetts was explored using five polymorphic allozymes and double-strand conformation polymorphism (DSCP) analysis of the mitochondrial control region. Empirically obtained estimates of worker relatedness and F-statistics were compared with values generated by computer simulations of breeding schemes to make inferences about colony organization. In one study site (G), worker genotypes indicated the presence of a mixture of colonies headed by monogamous outbred primary reproductives and colonies headed by inbreeding neotenic reproductives, both colony types having limited spatial ranges. A second site (S) was dominated by several large colonies with low relatedness among nestmates. Mixed DSCP haplotypes in three colonies indicated that nestmates had descended from two or three unrelated female reproductives. Computer simulations of breeding schemes suggested that positive colony inbreeding coefficients at site S resulted from either commingling of workers from different nests or different colonies. Such an exchange of workers between nests corresponds to the multiple-site nesting lifetype of many subterranean termites and resembles colony structure in polycalic Formica ants. Our study demonstrates considerable variation in R. flavipes colony structure over a small spatial scale, including colonies headed by monogamous outbred primary reproductives, colonies containing multiple inbred neotenic reproductives and large polydomous colonies containing the progeny of two or more unrelated queens, and suggests that the number of reproductives and nestmate relatedness change with colony age and size.
Hot corrosion of B−1900 in CaSO4/Na2SO4 salt mixtures in reducing atmospheres

Hot corrosion of B−1900 in CaSO4/Na2SO4 salt mixtures was performed at 900 ‡C under a host of reducing/sulfidizing atmospheres. Substantial differences were noted as the oxygen pressure was reduced from 10−7 to 10−15 Pa. In all cases the resulting morphologies were different from those noted under corresponding oxidizing conditions. Substantial alloy sulfidation was noted when thePo2 = 10−15 Pa and thePs2 = 10−3 Pa. Hot corrosion was found to be maximized at higher oxygen potentials,i.e., above 10−3 Pa. In all cases studied, the corrosion was less extensive than pure Na2SO4 at 900 ‡C in air or in pure O2. Segregation of CaSO4 and Na2SO4 was noticed; this contributed to the formation of localized regions of extensive hot corrosion while other regions corroded by simple oxidation.
The impact of access probabilities on the delay performance of Q-CSMA algorithms in wireless networks

It has been recently shown that queue-based carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) algorithms are throughput-optimal. In these algorithms, each link of the wireless network has two parameters: a transmission probability and an access probability. The transmission probability of each link is chosen as an appropriate function of its queue length, however the access probabilities are simply regarded as some random numbers since they do not play any role in establishing the network stability. In this paper, we show that the access probabilities control the mixing time of the CSMA Markov chain and, as a result, affect the delay performance of the CSMA. In particular, we derive formulas that relate the mixing time to access probabilities and use these to develop the following guideline for choosing access probabilities: Each link i should choose its access probability equal to 1/(di+1), where di is the number of links that interfere with link i. Simulation results show that this choice of access probabilities results in good delay performance.
Nanoporous Thermosetting Polymers

Potential applications of nanoporous thermosetting polymers include polyelectrolytes in fuel cells, separation membranes, adsorption media, and sensors. Design of nanoporous polymers for such applications entails controlling permeability by tailoring pore size, structure, and interface chemistry. Nanoporous thermosetting polymers are often synthesized via free radical mechanisms using solvents that phase separate during polymerization. In this work, a novel technique for the synthesis of nanoporous thermosets is presented that is based on the reactive encapsulation of an inert solvent using step-growth cross-linking polymerization without micro/macroscopic phase separation. The criteria for selecting such a monomer−polymer−solvent system are discussed based on FTIR analysis, observed micro/macroscopic phase separation, and thermodynamics of swelling. Investigation of resulting network pore structures by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering following extraction and supercriti...
Assessing bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) diversity of an Illinois restored tallgrass prairie: methodology and conservation considerations

Bee species diversity and the effectiveness of four sampling methods were investigated in a west-central Illinois restored tallgrass prairie. Bees were sampled using malaise traps, ground-level pan traps, elevated pan traps, and vane traps. A total of 4,622 bees representing 31 genera and 111 species were collected. Malaise traps collected the greatest number of bees and species, and ground-level pan traps the least. Among the pan traps and vane traps, blue-colored traps collected the greatest abundance and species richness, and yellow traps the least. Chao1 estimator and rarefaction analyses showed that substantial increases in sample sizes would be necessary to achieve asymptotic species richness levels, particularly if ground-level pan traps alone were used. Elevated pan traps and vane traps collected relatively similar species composition. Different colored pan traps at the same height collected more similar species composition than did those at different heights, but species composition of blue ground-level pan traps was relatively similar to elevated pan traps, regardless of color. Indicator species analysis revealed 22 species that were significantly associated with a specific trap type, and 11 species that were associated with a particular pan trap color/elevation. Results of this study show that elevated traps can increase the effectiveness of bee surveys in tallgrass prairie, and that a combination of trap types gives a more complete picture of the bee fauna than does a single survey method. These results should be considered along with cost, ease of use, and goals when planning and designing bee inventories.
Design and performance of a double-arm 180° spectrometer system for magnetic electron scattering from deuterium

Abstract The design and operation of a double-arm 180° spectrometer system for elastic and inelastic electron scattering from deuterium is described. The system consisted of a chicane of dipole magnets to transport an incident electron beam to a target, an upstream QQQDD spectrometer with a bend angle of 65° to analyze backscattered electrons, a downstream QQQDDDD spectrometer with a bend angle of 66° to detect recoil particles produced at 0°, and a movable beam dump. The large acceptance of the system allowed measurements of the deuteron magnetic elastic B(Q2) and inelastic W1(v, Q2) structure functions at high momentum transfers. The performance is compared to the predictions of a Monte Carlo simulation program.
Kirchhoff's laws and Tellegen's theorem for networks and continuous media

This paper addresses the relation between network theory and quasistatic field theory. The fundamental orthogonality relations (Tellegen's theorem for circuits-a generalization of it given here for fields) are derived by parallel routes for the two disciplines. To illustrate that this parallel development can produce new insights, a standard integral theorem from vector calculus suggests a novel formulation of Tellegen's theorem for N -terminal elements.