cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Accuracy of Monte Carlo Solutions of the Nonlinear Boltzmann Equation

Abstract Nordsieck's Monte Carlo method of evaluating the Boltzmann collision integral made possible, for the first time, solutions of the nonlinear Boltzmann equation for many kinetic-theory problems of interest. This paper summarizes an extensive series of numerical studies directed toward understanding and evaluating the various errors in these solutions. A generally useful technique permits estimation of the random part of the Monte Carlo error in any quantity derivable from the computed values of the velocity distribution function or from the two parts of the Boltzmann collision integral. Some of the systematic errors can be evaluated. The Boltzmann equation has been solved by the Monte Carlo method on the CDC 1604 computer for three problems, the pseudoshock, the shock wave, and heat transfer in a rarefied gas. The errors in the velocity distribution function, in the collision integral, and in moments of each of these functions are discussed in the paper for the first and second problems. In the solution of the shock problem for a Mach number of 2.5, the random errors in the velocity distribution function and the collision integral amount to 2% or less, and random errors in moments of these functions range from 0.03 to 2.7%.
Electrospray ionization of copper—Glycine solutions

We have characterized the electrospray ionization (ESI) spectra of mixtures of the 3d transition metal ion Cu2+ with both a model amino acid (glycine) and a simple peptide system (glycylglycine). We found what appear to be two major classes of ions. We suggest that these apparent classes may offer some further insight into the nature of the ion formation process in ESI. Specifically, we argue that one group of ions is a consequence of gas-phase reactions of the intramolecular charge transfer type. We also argue that the second group of ions has a close association with species that have been identified in the bulk phase, and which therefore may arise in ESI by a direct desorption process.
Restorative proctocolectomy with and without protective ileostomy in a pediatric population

Abstract Purpose This study aim was to review outcomes of pediatric patients after restorative proctocolectomy with or without a protective ileostomy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and polyposis syndromes. Methods All patients who underwent rectal mucosectomy with ileal pouch reservoir and hand-sewn ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) during 19-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Results Eighty-three patients with ulcerative colitis and 7 patients with polyposis syndromes (ages 2.0-21.8 years) were reviewed. Sixty-eight patients underwent IPAA without diverting ileostomy. Fifty-six patients underwent restorative proctocolectomy as single-stage procedures, and 12 had abdominal colectomy and subsequent definitive IPAA without diverting ileostomy. Nineteen patients had IPAA with diverting ileostomy and subsequent closure of ileostomy. Three-stage procedures were performed in 3 cases. An ileal pouch leak or pelvic abscess occurred in 2 patients. Surgical pouch revision for retraction, efferent limb syndrome, prolapse, pouchitis, or perirectal infections occurred in 19 (6/62 J-pouch, 13/28 S-pouch). Fourteen patients (5/22 with diversion, 9/68 without diversion) developed small bowel obstruction. Overall, daytime and nighttime continence was excellent with rare nocturnal evacuations. Conclusions Restorative proctocolectomy without protective ileostomy is not associated with an increased morbidity, even in patients with active colitis, and may be appropriate most patients.
Applications of a spatial extension to CIELAB

We describe computational experiments to predict the perceived quality of multilevel halftone images. Our computations were based on a spatial color difference metric, S-CIELAB, that is an extension of CIELAB, a widely used industry standard. CIELAB predicts the discriminability of large uniform color patches. S-CIELAB includes a pre- processing stage that accounts for certain aspects of the spatial sensitivity to different colors. From simulations applied to multilevel halftone images, we found that (a) for grayscale image, L-spacing of the halftone levels results in better halftone quality than linear-spacing of the levels; (b) for color images, increasing the number of halftone levels for magenta ink results in the most significant improvement in halftone quality. Increasing the number of halftone levels of the yellow ink resulted in the least improvement.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
BRIDGES BETWEEN EVOLUTIONARY PATTERN AND PROCESS

Uc Pinna and Sallcs ask lor clarification on how cladistic analysis tests adaptational hypotheses de Pinna and Sallcs. 1990; Coddington, 1988 . They also [joint out that an alternative optimization exists lor character 3 in my 19881 fig. 2. Ynp. OK, I'll admit it. All readers of the previous paper are hereby instructed to believe that a new laxon has been discovered, identical to taxon D except for some convincing autapomorphies which need not concern us. Based on this new information, the previously reported optimization wins by one and only one step. Hey, close don't count in fladistics! Passing on to a more profound.issue. I have to confess a long-standing difficulty with the allegedly important distinction between "states of becoming" and "states of being". II something already is. I would guess it probably became in order to be. and if it is only becoming, it had to become from somewhere, and probably to somewhere as well, not to mention be while it is becoming. I am not sure whether I view adaptation as becoming rather than being or whether the distinction makes a difference. Mosi of de Pinna and Salles's remaining arguments tend to the same point: however desirable, no amount of mapping characters on cladograms has yet provided an "empirical bridge", "bridge concept", "empirical link", or even "true and empirical relations" to processes such as natural selection or process theories such as adaptation. Although I think the jargon peculiar to theories about theories often obfuscates simple issues anyone care to define "individual" in 50 pages or less. . I hope I understand more or less what they mean by "empirical bridge". In fact. I think the argument reduces to the question. "What is a bridge?" When bushwhacking through chasm-filled forests real or theoretical . people do differ on what ihey accept as trustworthy bridges (e.g. rock hoppers, waders. fallen tree walkers, vine swingers . 11 is a fair question. I will first summarize what I said, and then use the rhinoceratid example, or at least a fictive extrapolation of it. to demonstrate the tests. To review the backbone of the 1988 argument:
Model Identification in Dynamic Regression (Distributed Lag) Models

Dynamic regression models (also known as distributed lag models) are widely used in engineering for quality control and in economics for forecasting. In this article I propose a procedure for specifying such models in practice. The proposed procedure requires no prewhitening and can directly handle the nonstationary series. Furthermore, the procedure cross-validates prior beliefs about causal relationships between variables with empirical findings to ensure the suitability of model structure. An illustrative example is given.
CXP low-power decoupler modification for multiple phase cycling experiments

On decrit une simple modification qui a ete mise en œuvre sur l'unite de decouplage a faible puissance du spectrometre RMN Bruker CXP-200. Cette modification permet d'executer une variete d'experiences a plusieurs impulsions qui necessitent des cycles de phase des impulsions de protons durs avec une impulsion de decouplage de protons attenuee appliquee durant la periode d'acquisition
Portrait of a Future Teacher: Case Study of Learning Styles, Strategies, and Language Disabilities.

Abstract Many individuals persevere through their school and university years with undiagnosed, language-related learning disabilities. This article describes a future teacher who is partially bilingual. Her problems with auditory memory and auditory processing speed were severe, and as a result her performance in reading and writing suffered. Because of her concerns for people such as herself who must deal with language-related learning disabilities, she is now becoming a teacher. This is a portrait of her educational progress.
Trace element analysis using proton-induced X-ray emission spectroscopy

Abstract A system for trace element analysis by proton-induced X-ray emission spectroscopy developed at the T. W. Bonner Nuclear Laboratories at Rice University is presented. Some characteristic problems are discussed and applications to the study of trace element concentrations in environmental and biological targets are described.
SimFlex: Statistical Sampling of Computer System Simulation

Timing-accurate full-system multiprocessor simulations can take years because of architecture and application complexity. Statistical sampling makes simulation-based studies feasible by providing ten-thousand-fold reductions in simulation runtime and enabling thousand-way simulation parallelism
Anticardiolipin Antibodies and Recurrent Coronary Events A Prospective Study of 1150 Patients

Background—The association of anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies with coronary artery disease has been shown in several studies but remains controversial. We evaluated the association of aCL and anti...
Plasma Expansion in a Negative-Polarity Rod-Pinch Diode

The negative-polarity rod-pinch diode is being developed and tested on the RITS-6 accelerator to expand radiographic capabilities. High current densities at the tip of the rod anode generate a plasma which expands at a rate of 2-4 cm/μs. Images of visible light captured with a high-speed intensified charge-coupled device camera show the development and expansion of the plasma.
Preservice Elementary School Teachers' Understandings of Theory Based Science Education

(2003). Preservice Elementary School Teachers' Understandings of Theory Based Science Education. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 147-159.
Design of a singularity-free articulated arm subassembly

Adding a redundant degree of freedom to the shoulder pointing system complex of an articulated arm subassembly makes it possible to achieve a maximal workspace that is free of singularities. This paper derives a functional constraint between three of the four joints of this new type of arm, achieving a singularity-free workspace encompassing the entire reachable volume between the maximal- and minimal-reach surfaces. The large volume of dexterous workspace is verified by animation of the resulting arm design. Graphical results from the animation are presented comparing the dexterous workspace of this new arm to that of the standard nonredundant articulated arm subassembly found in the Puma manipulator. >
Appropriate outpatient treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis

Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB), which are characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), contribute to morbidity and decreased quality of life for patients with COPD. A significant proportion of these exacerbations are due to bacterial infections. The Council for Appropriate and Rational Antibiotic Therapy (CARAT) criteria provide guidance for choosing the optimal drug at its optimal dose and duration for antimicrobial treatment of AECB due to bacterial infection. Evidence-based guidelines recommend stratifying patients according to risk factors to improve selection of targeted antimicrobial therapy. With increasing rates of resistance to some antimicrobials, resistance is also an important consideration for reducing treatment failures and decreasing the need for further pharmacologic treatment. Fluoroquinolones are recommended as first-line therapy for patients with chronic bronchitis who have risk factors; gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, and levofloxacin are highly active against commonly encountered pathogens. Safety profiles are an important consideration because adverse events and poor tolerability can reduce patient adherence rates, which in turn can lead to poorer outcomes. Safety profiles also become an important consideration as shorter-course, higher-dose therapies become more prevalent. First-line therapy with a well-tolerated antibiotic that is active against the predominant pathogens, combined with low resistance rates and a convenient once-a-day dosing regimen, may reduce overall costs. Fluoroquinolones exhibit low resistance, good activity levels, and high respiratory penetration, and they are particularly well suited for shorter-course, higher-dose regimens in selected patients. Shorter-course, higher dose regimens, in turn, may be more effective, cost-efficient, and appropriate for controlling the rise of resistance than standard regimens.
ATP-dependent Translocation of Proteins along Single-stranded DNA: Models and Methods of Analysis of Pre-steady State Kinetics

Processive DNA helicases are able to translocate along single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with biased directionality in a nucleoside triphosphate-dependent reaction, although translocation is not generally sufficient for helicase activity. An understanding of the mechanism of protein translocation along ssDNA requires pre-steady state transient kinetic experiments. Although ensemble experimental approaches have been developed recently for the study of translocation of proteins along DNA, quantitative analysis of the complete time-courses from these experiments, which is needed to obtain quantitative estimates of translocation kinetic parameters (rate constants, processivity, step sizes and ATP coupling) has been lacking. We discuss three ensemble transient kinetic experiments that can be used to study protein translocation along ssDNA, along with the advantages and limitations of each approach. We further describe methods to analyze the complete kinetic time-courses obtained from such experiments performed with a series of ssDNA lengths under "single-round" conditions (i.e. in the absence of re-binding of dissociated protein to DNA). These analysis methods utilize a sequential "n-step" model for protein translocation along ssDNA and enable quantitative determinations of the rate constant, processivity and step size for translocation through global non-linear least-squares fitting of the full time-courses.
Packet size optimization for supporting coarse-grained pipelined parallelism

The emergence of grid and a new class of data-driven applications is making a new form of parallelism desirable, which we refer to as coarse-grained pipelined parallelism. We focus on the problem of choosing packet size, i.e., the unit of transfer between the pipeline units, in exploiting this form of parallelism. We develop an analytical model for this purpose. Because the pipeline includes both communication and computation phases, the frequency and/or volume of communication between different phases can be different. We consider two models, fixed-frequency and fixed-size, and derive mathematical expressions for both. We have carried out detailed evaluation of our models using three applications, executed with different parameters and datasets. Our experiments show that the choice of packet size makes a significant difference in the execution time, and the packet sizes suggested by the model result in the lowest or very close to the lowest possible execution time.
Eothenomys smithi (upper karyotype) / Eothenomys kageus (lower karyotype)

The autosomes of these two species are indistinguishable and are similar to those of Clethrionomys (Folios 119,171,172) and Aschizomys (Folio 370). Identification of the sex chromosomes of E. smithi is equivocal. The X chromosome may be a medium-sized acrocentric since matching is purely arbitrary.
A localized waveform inversion at teleseismic distances: an application to the D″ region beneath the Cocos plate

SUMMARY A localized waveform inversion technique based on hybrid modelling was developed to investigate shear wave velocity structure of the lowermost mantle. Utilizing ray theory and the Kirchhoff integral, the source wavefield from hypocentre and the receiver wavefield recorded at Earth's surface was extrapolated to the subsurface near the core--mantle boundary (CMB). Ray theory solutions are interfaced with the finite difference displacements computed in a local heterogeneous region near the CMB. The velocity structure is updated iteratively by zero-lag cross-correlation of the forward and backward wavefields in region where the finite-difference displacements were computed. As the finite difference method is applied in a small region only, the hybrid method takes much less computer memory when it is implemented to invert localized structures. We applied this method to the broadband waveform data recorded by RISTRA array from a deep south American earthquake. The resulting depth and velocity contrast across the D″ discontinuity agree reasonably well with previous observations, suggesting that the hybrid waveform inversion is a feasible and an effective technique for imaging the heterogeneous D″ region.
Nondestructive Determination of the Depth of Different Texture Components in Polycrystalline Samples

The surface and the center average textures (macrotexture) of plates of many alloys differ substantially, and nondestructive methods for determining the depth of different texture components would be very useful in various applications. This report evaluates one method based on recording microbeam transmission Laue patterns as a function of sample-detector separation and on tracing the diffracted rays back to their physical origin. Polychromatic synchrotron x-radiation and absorption edge filters are used. Results from sections of Al-Li 2090 T8E41 plates are reported, and limitations of the ray tracing technique are discussed
Counseling Patients About Sexual Issues

In recent years, the frequency of antidepressant drug-induced sexual dysfunction has increased, along with the use of new drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. It has thus become common for pharmacists to counsel patients about sexual issues. Pharmacists must not only become knowledgeable about these drugs and their indications, but they must also become skilled and comfortable with counseling patients and answering questions from both patients and other health care providers. In addition to therapeutic information, pharmacists' discussions with patients should take into account factors that contribute to treatment nonadherence and treatment failure. Patient education is essential to ensure optimum outcomes for pharmacologic treatments for both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Improper use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor drugs for erectile dysfunction accounts for most nonresponsiveness and discontinuation of treatment. Drug-induced sexual dysfunction is common with some psychotropic drugs. Up to 50% of men will experience delayed ejaculation, and at least 30% of men and women will experience anorgasmia from antidepressant drugs with serotonin agonist activity. Trazodone is the drug most commonly associated with the rare but very serious adverse effect of priapism. The pharmacist who is both competent and comfortable discussing sexual function and dysfunction with patients can make positive contributions to their therapeutic outcomes as well as their quality of life.
A case study in meta-simulation design and performance analysis for large-scale networks

Simulation and emulation techniques are fundamental to aid the process of large-scale protocol design and network operations. However, the results from these techniques are often view with a great deal of skepticism from the networking community. Criticisms come in two flavors: (i) the study presents isolated and potentially random feature interactions, and (ii) the parameters used in the study may not be representative of real-world conditions. In this paper, we explore both issues by applying large-scale experiment design and black-box optimization techniques to analyze convergence of network routes in the open shortest path first protocol over a realistic network topology. By using these techniques, we show that: (i) the needed number of simulation experiments can be reduced by an order of magnitude compared to traditional full-factorial experiment design (FFED) approach, (ii) unnecessary parameters can easily be eliminated, and (iii) rapid understanding of key parameter interactions can be achieved.
Update: The Clinical Pharmacist as Principal Investigator

This paper summarizes the history of the clinical pharmacist as a principal investigator across a wide range of research venues and disciplines. Clinical pharmacists have served as principal investigators on a wide range of grants and contracts from all available funding sources, including peer-reviewed funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH Conference on Pharm.D. Pathways to Biomedical Research in 2006 (http:www.nigms.nih.govTrainingPharm.D) is a strong endorsement of current and future opportunities for clinical pharmacist-directed research. Both research funding and resultant scholarship have increased during the past decade, primarily in academic settings. Through an American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy database, the number of faculty with a Pharm.D. as their terminal degree who received NIH funding increased from 5 in 1998 to 24 in 2007. Use of www.ClinicalTrials.gov provided a stronger picture of clinical pharmacist research, with 523 studies performed by those with a Pharm.D. degree when searched in 2009. Because of the lack of a central database, it is difficult to discern the true number and extent of clinical pharmacist research funding and scholarship. Scientific efforts are still required to completely understand the impact of research and scholarship by clinical pharmacists. Most important, clinical pharmacist development needs to be an academic and practice priority to ensure an adequate supply of clinical pharmacists as principal investigators to continue making substantial and meaningful contributions in meeting the needs of patients, improving public health, and expanding the roles of clinical pharmacists.
Neuroanatomical predictors of response to donepezil therapy in patients with dementia

Background Patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) respond variably to treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Objective To determine whether measures of hippocampal volume and shape predict the response to donepezil in patients with DAT. Design T1-weighted, magnetic resonance images were obtained from patients with DAT, who subsequently underwent treatment with donepezil. Brain-mapping algorithms were used to quantify hippocampal volume and shape, and growth curves were used to estimate clinical outcome. Setting A referral outpatient center specializing in treatment of dementia. Patients Thirty-seven patients with very mild or mild DAT received donepezil therapy for up to 4 weeks before magnetic resonance imaging and for 24 to 96 weeks after magnetic resonance imaging. Intervention Donepezil, 10 mg/d. Main Outcome Measure Rate of change in the cognitive portion of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale total scores. Results Smaller hippocampal volume and inward variation of the lateral and inferomedial portions of the hippocampal surface were correlated with a poorer response to donepezil therapy. Conclusions Measures of hippocampal volume and surface variation can be used to predict the response of patients with DAT to the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil.
Rod and cone visual cycle consequences of a null mutation in the 11- cis -retinol dehydrogenase gene in man

Vertebrate vision starts with photoisomerization of the 11-cis-retinal chromophore to all-trans-retinal. Biosynthesis of 11-cis-retinal is required to maintain vision. A key enzyme catalyzing the oxidation of 11-cis-retinol is 11-cis-retinol dehydrogenase (11-cis-RDH), which is encoded by the RDH5 gene. 11-cis-RDH is expressed in the RPE and not in the neural retina. The consequences of a lack of 11-cis-RDH were studied in a family with fundus albipunctatus. We identified the causative novel RDH5 mutation, Arg157Trp, that replaces an amino acid residue conserved among short-chain alcohol dehydrogenases. Three-dimensional structure modeling and in vitro experiments suggested that this mutation destabilizes proper folding and inactivates the enzyme. Studies using RPE membranes indicated the existence of an alternative oxidizing system for the production of 11-cis-retinal. In vivo visual consequences of this null mutation showed complex kinetics of dark adaptation. Rod and cone resensitization was extremely delayed following full bleaches; unexpectedly, the rate of cone recovery was slower than rods. Cones showed a biphasic recovery with an initial rapid component and an elevated final threshold. Other unanticipated results included normal rod recovery following 0.5% bleach and abnormal recovery following bleaches in the 2–12% range. These intermediate bleaches showed rapid partial recovery of rods with transitory plateaux. Pathways in addition to 11-cis-RDH likely provide 11-cis-retinal for rods and cones and can maintain normal kinetics of visual recovery but only under certain constraints and less efficiently for cone than rod function.
A Non-linear Information Maximisation Algorithm that Performs Blind Separation

A new learning algorithm is derived which performs online stochastic gradient ascent in the mutual information between outputs and inputs of a network. In the absence of a priori knowledge about the 'signal' and 'noise' components of the input, propagation of information depends on calibrating network non-linearities to the detailed higher-order moments of the input density functions. By incidentally minimising mutual information between outputs, as well as maximising their individual entropies, the network 'factorises' the input into independent components. As an example application, we have achieved near-perfect separation of ten digitally mixed speech signals. Our simulations lead us to believe that our network performs better at blind separation than the Herault-Jutten network, reflecting the fact that it is derived rigorously from the mutual information objective.
QUANTITATIVE NEAR-EDGE STRUCTURE ANALYSIS OF DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON IN THE ELECTRON MICROSCOPE USING A TWO-WINDOW METHOD

SUMMARY To extract quantitative electronic structure information from electron energy-loss near-edge structure typically necessitates the separation of spectra into linearly independent components. For this to be accomplished, certain conditions need to be met concerning the localization of chemical bonding and the linear scaling of fine structure with density of states. The dependence of the processing parameters, such as window widths and positions, of the commonly used ‘two-window intensity-ratio’ method to determine the distribution of π and σ bonding of diamond-like carbon films is investigated. It is shown that, although the selection of the integration windows can lead to very large variations in the resultant bonding fractions, the placement of two small windows centred on the edge structures of interest does permit a robust and reliable estimate of bonding. It is demonstrated that the sp3 variations can be reproducibly monitored with a relative accuracy of about ± 5%, and an absolute concentration given with an accuracy of ± 13% for foils of thickness at least up to twice the inelastic mean free path.
The coronary artery disease Paradox

After effective antihypertensive therapy was introduced in the 1950s, we rapidly showed that lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertensive crises saved lives. In the 1960s, the benefit for those with asymptomatic elevations of diastolic blood pressure levels of > or = 115 mm Hg was proven and, in the early 1970s, the value for those with diastolic levels ranging from 105 to 114 mm Hg was demonstrated. In the early 1990s, the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP) showed benefits for elderly hypertensive patients with isolated systolic hypertension. Because it has been difficult to show that treating hypertensive patients with diastolic elevations from 90 to 99 mm Hg reduces clinical events, metaanalyses were used to pool available clinical trial data to evaluate antihypertensive therapy for such patients. Using this technique, it was clear that active therapy reduced strokes as expected but fell short for coronary artery disease. There are many possible explanations for this "coronary artery disease paradox," including the misclassification and stratification of hypertensive patients, inadequacy of available trial data, unidentified and identified competing cardiovascular risk factors, and limited selection of the antihypertensive agents used in the trials analyzed, which were exclusively diuretics and beta-blockers. This paper will review these possible reasons for the coronary artery disease paradox, concentrating on classification and problems with drug therapy.
Function and Dysfunction of Hypocretin/Orexin: An Energetics Point of View

The basic elements of animal behavior that are critical to survival include energy, arousal, and motivation: Energy intake and expenditure are fundamental to all organisms for the performance of any type of function; according to the Yerkes-Dodson law, an optimal level of arousal is required for animals to perform normal functions; and motivation is critical to goal-oriented behaviors in higher animals. The brain is the primary organ that controls these elements and, through evolution, has developed specialized structures to accomplish this task. The orexin/hypocretin system in the perifornical/lateral hypothalamus, which was discovered 15 years ago, is one such specialized area. This review summarizes a fast-growing body of evidence discerning how the orexin/hypocretin system integrates internal and external cues to regulate energy intake that can then be used to generate sufficient arousal for animals to perform innate and goal-oriented behaviors.
Energy harvesting photodiodes with integrated 2D diffractive storage capacitance

Integrating photodiodes with logic and exploiting on-die interconnect capacitance for energy storage can enable new, low-cost energy harvesting wireless systems. To further explore the tradeoffs between optical efficiency and capacitive energy storage for integrated photodiodes, an array of photovoltaics with various diffractive storage capacitors was designed in TSMC's 90 nm CMOS technology. Transient effects from interfacing the photodiodes with switching regulators were examined. A quantitative comparison between 90 nm and 0.35 μm CMOS logic processes for energy harvesting capabilities was carried out. Measurements show an increase in power generation for the newer CMOS technology, however at the cost of reduced output voltage.
DOE/NREL fundamental and exploratory research into solar cells

The U.S. Department of Energy/National Renewable Energy Laboratory supports fundamental and exploratory research into solar cells. The purpose of the following set of research projects is twofold: (1) to provide fundamental experimental and theoretical foundations to existing photovoltaic (PV)/solar cell technologies, and (2) to explore whole new possibilities in PV/solar cell technologies, however revolutionary or nonconventional they might be. As surely as a number of revolutionary new solar cell technologies will most likely involve high-risk, long-term R&D to bring them to fruition, and may also well be needed as a complement to a future energy portfolio, so we also need timely results. As such, one of the primary driving motives for this effort is the possibility of developing one or more "leapfrog" technologies. These are technologies that have the distinct possibility of "leaping ahead" of existing technologies rather than taking the more characteristic development time of 10 to 20 years.
High- $\kappa$ /Metal-Gate Fully Depleted SOI CMOS With Single-Silicide Schottky Source/Drain With Sub-30-nm Gate Length

Schottky source/drain (S/D) MOSFETs hold the promise for low series resistance and extremely abrupt junctions, providing a path for device scaling in conjunction with a low Schottky barrier height (SBH). A S/D junction SBH approaching zero is also needed to achieve a competitive current drive. In this letter, we demonstrate a CMOS process flow that accomplishes a reduction of the S/D SBH for nFET and pFET simultaneously using implants into a common NiPt silicide, followed by a low-temperature anneal (500°C-600°C). These devices have high-κ/metal gate and fully depleted extremely thin SOI with sub-30-nm gate length.
What's Wrong with Current Chinese College English Assessment System? Reform or Not?.

The author expounds the status quo of college English assessment system in China and objectively points out some major problems that have negative impacts on college English teaching and learning. On the basis of prons and cons towards the issue, the author intends to come up with some effective countermesures, including converting the idea to further strengthen English teaching reform, to reform teaching method, to establish and conduct multi-level English teaching system, and most importantly to establish reasonable assessment and evaluation system.
Infectious disease testing related to organ and tissue transplantation: results from a national laboratory survey.

Abstract Background: The purpose of this national survey in the United States was to determine laboratory practices and policies related to infectious disease testing of tissue and organ donors. Methods: Supplementary questions were asked of the laboratories that subscribe to the College of American Pathologists' 1996 Donor Center (DC-B) and Viral Markers (W1-B and W2-B) surveys. Only the laboratories that perform infectious disease testing for the purposes of organ and tissue transplantation were asked to respond to the survey. Results: A total of 1563 laboratories participated in the 1996 DC-B, W1-B, and W2-B surveys. A total of 203 (13.0%) laboratories indicated that infectious disease testing was performed for purposes of tissue and organ transplantation. The majority (81.1%) of respondents were hospital-based laboratories or regional blood centers. Variances existed in policies regarding type of testing, turnaround times, maintenance of frozen samples, confirmatory testing of positive screening tests, and the reporting of results. Conclusions: Various policies and procedures are practiced by laboratories that perform infectious disease testing related to transplantation, and standard guidelines do not currently exist. More data is needed to assess the variability of infectious disease testing of organ donors, as well as the need for standard guidelines. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 1999;27:275-8)
Politics and Population Control in Latin America

The remarkable change in the United States attitude toward family planning was symbolized last October by President Johnson's acceptance of the Margaret Sanger Award for his “vigorous and farsighted leadership in bringing the United States Government to enunciate and implement an affirmative, effective population policy at home and abroad.” Less than a decade before, when the very mention of Margaret Sanger's name in official circles was considered risque, President Eisenhower had made it clear that family planning was not the business of the U.S. government. Few could have predicted that in 1966 the President of the United States would say, “It is essential that all families have access to information and services that will allow freedom to choose the number and spacing of their children within the dictates of individual conscience.”
Quality-Aware Sensor Data Management

In this chapter, we provide a data management perspective on large-scale sensor environments applications posing non-functional requirements to meet the underlying timeliness, reliability and accuracy needs in addition to the functional needs of data collection. Due to the large-scale regional spread, we need methods that will allow scaling of today’s systems to large-scale deployments. Our data management techniques have solved a fundamental challenge in such situations, that is the ability to handle the explosion of sensor data in sensor networks, either due to scaling of the network or due to increased data generation by highly capable and “media-rich” nodes.
Multivariate arrival rate estimation using semidefinite programming

An efficient method for the smooth estimation of the arrival rate of non-homogeneous, multi-dimensional Poisson processes from inexact arrivals is presented. The method provides a piecewise polynomial spline estimator. It is easily parallelized, and it exploits the sparsity of the neighborhood structure of the underlying spline space; as a result, it is very efficient and scalable. Numerical illustration is included.
Deformation patterns in genotyped patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Aims Echocardiographic strain imaging with two-dimensional speckle tracking is an emerging tool for defining cardiac function and identifying preclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In HCM, a reverse septal contour is a strong predictor of mutation positive sarcomeric HCM. The objective of this study was to determine whether left ventricular (LV) deformation patterns can differentiate between genotype positive and negative patients within a large HCM cohort. Methods and results One hundred and thirty one patients (89 males, age 55 ± 15 years) with clinically diagnosed HCM underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography inclusive of LV strain imaging, LV dimensions and ejection fraction, septal contour and thickness, and identification of obstructive physiology. Longitudinal peak systolic strain was assessed from 17 LV myocardial segments blinded to the patient's genetic test results derived from comprehensive genotyping of nine myofilament HCM-associated genes. Genotyping revealed that 51 of 131 patients (39%) were mutation positive for sarcomeric/myofilament-HCM (genotype positive). Regional strain was lower in genotype-positive patients in mid inferoseptal ( P = 0.004), basal anteroseptal ( P = 0.04), and basal inferoseptal segments ( P = 0.002) compared with HCM patients lacking a mutation (genotype negative). Strain patterns in reverse-curve, genotype-positive HCM differed significantly from genotype negative, sigmoidal HCM in multiple segments. However, when comparing genotype-negative and genotype-positive patients with the same septal morphology, there were no significant regional strain differences. Septal thickness positively correlated with global and basal anteroseptal longitudinal strain ( r = 0.34 and r = 0.54, respectively, P < 0.0001). Conclusion Significant regional strain differences in genotyped HCM patients are dependent upon septal morphology or thickness, not genotype. Phenotypic expression of deformation patterns appears heterogeneous.
Graft versus host disease in the bone marrow, liver and thymus humanized mouse model.

Mice bearing a “humanized” immune system are valuable tools to experimentally manipulate human cells in vivo and facilitate disease models not normally possible in laboratory animals. Here we describe a form of GVHD that develops in NOD/SCID mice reconstituted with human fetal bone marrow, liver and thymus (NS BLT mice). The skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and parotid glands are affected with progressive inflammation and sclerosis. Although all mice showed involvement of at least one organ site, the incidence of overt clinical disease was approximately 35% by 22 weeks after reconstitution. The use of hosts lacking the IL2 common gamma chain (NOD/SCID/γc−/−) delayed the onset of disease, but ultimately did not affect incidence. Genetic analysis revealed that particular donor HLA class I alleles influenced the risk for the development of GVHD. At a cellular level, GVHD is associated with the infiltration of human CD4+ T cells into the skin and a shift towards Th1 cytokine production. GVHD also induced a mixed M1/M2 polarization phenotype in a dermal murine CD11b+, MHC class II+ macrophage population. The presence of xenogenic GVHD in BLT mice both presents a major obstacle in the use of humanized mice and an opportunity to conduct preclinical studies on GVHD in a humanized model.
Outpatient endoscopy: The case for the ambulatory surgery center

Since the late 1970s, there has been a dramatic shift of GI endoscopy services from the inpatient to the outpatient setting. Outpatient GI endoscopy has migrated from the hospital endoscopy unit to the office and then on to the EASC. This evolution has been brought about by many forces, including the drive for health care cost containment, a desire for enhanced service, cost pressure on physicians, and demands for quality assurance. Although there are advantages and disadvantages to each of the outpatient settings (see Tables 5 and 6), the EASC seems to offer the most value to patients, payers, and physician owners. That value is defined as good outcomes, excellent service, and reasonable cost. Those attributes of the EASC that are most important in guaranteeing this value are physician control, time efficiency, convenience, and adequate reimbursement. The endoscopic ambulatory surgery center seems to be the best environment for delivering endoscopic services. The office AEC can only approach the attractiveness of an EASC when restrictive certificate-of-need laws prevent the development of an EASC; when groups lack a critical number of endoscopists to support an EASC (at least three endoscopists with a potential procedure volume of 1200 to 1800 procedures per year [11]); when excess office capacity and personnel can be used for the office AEC; and, perhaps most importantly, when there is an ability to secure favorable contracts for facility payment from private health plans to the office endoscopy center. The evolution of EASCs over three decades has demonstrated many advantages to patients, physicians, and payers. Although further questions and challenges are inevitable, EASCs can adapt quickly and deliver value. The author believes the future is deservedly bright for such facilities.
The effect of verapamil on pancreatic exocrine secretion

This study set out to examine the effects of a Ca++ channel blocker, verapamil, on pancreatic exocrine secretion because of the known relationship between amylase secretion and intracellular Ca++. Pancreatic secretion was stimulated in dogs by infusing secretin and cholecystokinin. Verapamil was found to inhibit the secretion of amylase but to have no effect on lipase, trypsin, or total protein. There was no effect on the secretion of water and bicarbonate. To determine the possible physiologic significance of these findings, the pancreas was stimulated by a meat meal, and verapamil was found to inhibit amylase secretion again and in addition to inhibit the secretion of water and bicarbonate. The results suggest that verapamil has an inhibitory effect on amylase secretion by blocking the influx of Ca++ into the acinar cell and has an indirect effect leading to inhibition of water and bicarbonate secretion from the duct cells.
Complex carbohydrate breakdown in the human colon

Concentrations of water-soluble high- and low-molecular-weight carbohydrates were determined in the intestinal contents of four human subjects who had died accidentally. In all four subjects, concentrations of high-molecular-weight carbohydrate were lower throughout the colon than in the ileum. In some subjects, similar but less dramatic differences were also found with low-molecular-weight carbohydrate. Components of both high- and low-molecular-weight peaks included neutral sugars such as rhamnose, galactose, mannose, xylose, and arabinose, which are found in many plant polysaccharides. Components characteristic of mucins (fucose, hexosamines, and sialic acids) were also detected. These results indicate that dietary fiber and mucin are degraded in the human colon.
Fracture Toughness Testing

A tremendous amount of progress has been made in fracture toughness testing over the past 15 years since ASTM Committee E24 was established to focus on the development of fracture test standards [1–6]. From the early leadership of J. R. Low, Jr., and the consistent effort of W. F. Brown, Jr., R. H. Heyer, J. E. Srawley, E. T. Wessel, and many other committee members, several fracture test standards now exist and a number of new methods are being explored for possible standardization. It is the purpose of this chapter to review the available documents, calling attention to those areas of continuing refinement, and to look at new developments likely to lead to new test standards some time in the future.
Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma: an Update on Pathogenesis and Systemic Therapy.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and its leukemic variant, Sezary syndrome (SS), are malignancies of skin-homing T cells that comprise the majority of cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL). Treatment of CTCL is limited and can be approached by skin-directed therapy or systemic therapy. Recent investigations into the pathogenesis of MF and SS have broadened the therapeutic targets; here, we review emerging concepts in the pathogenesis of MF and SS as well as novel and traditional systemic therapies for MF and SS. These include histone deacetylase inhibitors (vorinostat, romidepsin, panobinostat, and belinostat), monoclonal antibodies (alemtuzumab, brentuximab vedotin, and mogamulizumab) and single-agent cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., pralatrexate, doxorubicin, bendamustine, and forodesine), as well as multi-agent chemotherapy regimens.
Map visualization of groundwater withdrawals at the sub-basin scale

A simple method is proposed to visualize the magnitude of groundwater withdrawals from wells relative to user-defined water-resource metrics. The map is solely an illustration of the withdrawal magnitudes, spatially centered on wells—it is not capture zones or source areas contributing recharge to wells. Common practice is to scale the size (area) of withdrawal well symbols proportional to pumping rate. Symbols are drawn large enough to be visible, but not so large that they overlap excessively. In contrast to such graphics-based symbol sizes, the proposed method uses a depth-rate index (length per time) to visualize the well withdrawal rates by volumetrically consistent areas, called “footprints”. The area of each individual well’s footprint is the withdrawal rate divided by the depth-rate index. For example, the groundwater recharge rate could be used as a depth-rate index to show how large withdrawals are relative to that recharge. To account for the interference of nearby wells, composite footprints are computed by iterative nearest-neighbor distribution of excess withdrawals on a computational and display grid having uniform square cells. The map shows circular footprints at individual isolated wells and merged footprint areas where wells’ individual footprints overlap. Examples are presented for depth-rate indexes corresponding to recharge, to spatially variable stream baseflow (normalized by basin area), and to the average rate of water-table decline (scaled by specific yield). These depth-rate indexes are water-resource metrics, and the footprints visualize the magnitude of withdrawals relative to these metrics.