cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Voltage Stability and Optimal Wind Power Penetration Limits for a Non-radial Network with an Energy Storage System

Increasing wind power penetration into power grids is desirable because of its environmental and other benefits. Unfortunately, wind farms could cause serious voltage stability problems due to their output variability and intermittency. It is important to minimize impacts on voltage stability. We propose to use energy storage systems (ESS) to control the intermittency of wind power. The proposed solution, developed and evaluated in connection with the grid voltage stability, comprises three steps: (i) Quantification of wind farm impacts on grid voltage stability, (ii) Determination of acceptable wind power penetration levels, and (iii) Using ESS to facilitate wind power integration. The ultimate goal is to increase wind power penetration while maintaining and/or improving grid voltage stability.
Construction and Validation of All-Atom Bulk-Phase Models of Amorphous Polymers Using the TIGER2/TIGER3 Empirical Sampling Method

A new empirical sampling method termed “temperature intervals with global exchange of replicas and reduced radii” (TIGER3) is presented and demonstrated to efficiently equilibrate entangled long-chain molecular systems such as amorphous polymers. The TIGER3 algorithm is a replica exchange method in which simulations are run in parallel over a range of temperature levels at and above a designated baseline temperature. The replicas sampled at temperature levels above the baseline are run through a series of cycles with each cycle containing four stages: heating, sampling, quenching, and temperature level reassignment. The method allows chain segments to pass through one another at elevated temperature levels during the sampling stage by reducing the van der Waals radii of the atoms, thus eliminating chain entanglement problems. Atomic radii are then returned to their regular values and re-equilibrated at elevated temperature prior to quenching to the baseline temperature. Following quenching, replicas are c...
Effects of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement on Hot-mix Asphalt

This study examined the effects of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) on the structural properties and performance of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and the rheological properties of asphalt binder in the laboratory. As a first step, dynamic modulus (FOOPIPEE*FOOPIPE) and indirect tensile strength (ITS) tests were conducted on a set of HMA samples prepared with RAP and a set of HMA samples without RAP. The moisture susceptibility of samples with and without RAP was evaluated based on the FOOPIPEE*FOOPIPE ratio of wet to dry conditioned samples. Bending beam rheometer tests and direct tension tests were conducted on virgin binder, extracted binder, and RAP and aggregate mastics (mixture of binder and RAP and aggregate passing #200 to #50 sieves) to evaluate the low-temperature cracking. The results show that RAP materials caused an increase in FOOPIPEE*FOOPIPE and a decrease in ITS and had a negligible effect on moisture susceptibility. The RAP samples produced 15 % less permanent strain in FOOPIPEE*FOOPIPE testing than samples without RAP, which means that the RAP mixes were less susceptible to rutting. However, RAP mixed binder was more susceptible to low-temperature cracking as measured by the m-value (slope of the curve of stiffness versus time) and brittleness.
Estimating relative rank correlation: Theory and application

Abstract In this note we introduce a new novel correlation estimator termed the relative rank correlation (RRC), along with a new descriptive RRC plot. The goal is to estimate the RRC per subject for the purpose of examining “within subject” correlations. The interesting feature of this correlation estimator is that it can be calculated given only a single paired observation per subject. Specific applications of the RRC estimator include model diagnostics, examination of influential observations, graphical exploration and simple description. This approach extends to “within subject” simple linear regression estimation as well.
Prednisolone release from copolyurethane monolithic devices

Abstract Monolithic controlled release devices have been designed to take advantage of the two-phase morphology of a block copolyurethane. The release of prednisolone from copolyurethane devices fabricated by two different methods (solution casting and swelling in saturated solute solutions) was characterized. Higher release rates were obtained when prednisolone was primarily loaded in the hydrophilic polyether matrix as compared to being loaded throughout the copolyurethane. The release mechanisms were different from the two devices. As a possible contributing variable to the release mechanisms, intermolecular interactions between the solute and copolymer were also investigated. Intermolecular interactions between prednisolone and the urethane segment of the copolyurethane contributed to the lower release rates from the solution-cast devices. These interactions were absent in the devices loaded by swelling, which exhibited higher release rates.
High resolution retrieval of liquid water vertical distributions using collocated Ka‐band and W‐band cloud radars

[1] The retrieval of cloud water content using dual-frequency radar attenuation is very sensitive to error in radar reflectivity. Either a long radar dwell time or an average over many range gates is needed to reduce random noise in radar data and thus to obtain accurate retrievals – but at the cost of poorer temporal and spatial resolution. In this letter we have shown that, by using advanced mathematical inversion techniques like total variation regularization, vertically resolved liquid water content can be retrieved at an accuracy of about 0.15 gm−3 at 40 m resolution. This is demonstrated using the co-located Ka-band and W-band cloud radars operated by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program. The liquid water path calculated from the radars agrees closely with that from a microwave radiometer, with a mean difference of 70 gm−2. Comparison with lidar observations reveals that the dual-frequency retrieval also reasonably captures the cloud base height of drizzling clouds – something that is very difficult to determine from radar reflectivity alone.
Fructose enhanced reduction of bacterial growth on nanorough surfaces without using antibiotics

In this study, we present for the first time that the presence of fructose metabolites on the nanorough polyvinyl chloride surfaces decreases the number of planktonic bacteria in the solution and biofilm formation on the surface after 24 hours.
Contact allergy: Competitive roles of effector and suppressor cells

First exposure to a contact allergen sets in motion two competing mechanisms, one of which leads to specific allergic hypersensitivity, mediated by effector cells, and the other to specific immunologic tolerance, mediated by suppressor cells. The immunologic stance resulting from exposure to contact allergens depends on the balance between effector and suppressor cell effects. First exposure by skin contact generally favors the induction of specific allergic contact hypersensitivity, while first exposure by paremeral injection, ingestion, and perhaps also by insertion into noncutaneous body structures generally favors a state of specific immunologic tolerance ("unresponsiveness"). However, allergen encountered by contact which is not taken up by epidermal antigen-presenting cells may also have tolerogenic effects, while allergen encountered by injection, ingestion, or insertion may reach the epidermal antigen-presenting cell system via the bloodstream and may then have sensitizing effects.
Impairment of Endothelial-Myocardial Interaction Increases the Susceptibility of Cardiomyocytes to Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Endothelial-myocardial interactions may be critically important for ischemia/reperfusion injury. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a required cofactor for nitric oxide (NO) production by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). Hyperglycemia (HG) leads to significant increases in oxidative stress, oxidizing BH4 to enzymatically incompetent dihydrobiopterin. How alterations in endothelial BH4 content impact myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury remains elusive. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of endothelial-myocardial interaction on ischemia/reperfusion injury, with an emphasis on the role of endothelial BH4 content. Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts were treated by triton X-100 to produce endothelial dysfunction and subsequently subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. The recovery of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function during reperfusion was impaired in triton X-100 treated hearts compared with vehicle-treated hearts. Cardiomyocytes (CMs) were co-cultured with endothelial cells (ECs) and subsequently subjected to 2 h of hypoxia followed by 2 h of reoxygenation. Addition of ECs to CMs at a ratio of 1∶3 significantly increased NO production and decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity compared with CMs alone. This EC-derived protection was abolished by HG. The addition of 100 µM sepiapterin (a BH4 precursor) or overexpression of GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (the rate-limiting enzyme for BH4 biosynthesis) in ECs by gene trasfer enhanced endothelial BH4 levels, the ratio of eNOS dimer/monomer, eNOS phosphorylation, and NO production and decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity in the presence of HG. These results demonstrate that increased BH4 content in ECs by either pharmacological or genetic approaches reduces myocardial damage during hypoxia/reoxygenation in the presence of HG. Maintaining sufficient endothelial BH4 is crucial for cardioprotection against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury.
Concurrent Validity of the Kent Scoring Adaptation of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development

Early intervention legislation requires documentation of infant development in multiple domains as a part of the eligibility determination process. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development, a popular standardized infant assessment for eligibility determination, provides scores for only the mental and psychomotor domains. The Kent Scoring Adaptation of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development is a procedure for determining developmental ages in the following domains based on an infant's performance on the Bayley Scales: cognition, language, social, fine motor, and gross motor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concurrent validity of developmental age equivalencies obtained from the Kent adaptation procedure when compared to age equivalency scores obtained from the Battelle Developmental Inventory. Subjects were twenty-seven infants less than seventy-three weeks of age with risks for developmental delay. Kent developmental ages were highly correlated with and highly predictive of Battelle age equi...
Servant leadership: Development of a multidimensional measure and multi-level assessment ☆

Servant leadership stresses personal integrity and serving others, including employees, customers, and communities. This article focuses on a servant leadership measure that was created by identifying 9 dimensions. Relevant items were then developed and subjected to factor analysis with a sample of 298 students, resulting in a 7-factor solution. Using an organizational sample of 182 individuals, we verified this 7-factor model with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We further validated our 28-item servant leadership scale by regressing outcomes on the servant leadership dimensions, controlling for transformational leadership and leader–member exchange (LMX) in a multi-level hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analysis. The results suggest that servant leadership is a multidimensional construct and at the individual level makes a unique contribution beyond transformational leadership and LMX in explaining community citizenship behaviors, in-role performance, and organizational commitment. No between-leader (group-level) differences were found in the outcomes variables.
Intermittent ethanol exposure in adolescent rats: dose-dependent impairments in trace conditioning.

Background: Recent studies have revealed that the adolescent brain may be especially vulnerable to ethanol-induced toxicity. Corticolimbic regions are more severely damaged following ethanol exposure during adolescence than during adulthood. The consequences of adolescent ethanol exposure on cognition however, have only recently begun to be explored. Methods: Male and female rats were administered 0, 1.5, 2.5 or 4.5 g/kg ethanol (20% v/v) by acute intragastric gavage during adolescence (postnatal days [PD] 28, 30, 32 and 34). On PD 40, half of the subjects in each dose group were given 5 pairings of a 10-sec flashing light (CS; conditioned stimulus) immediately followed by mild footshock (US; unconditioned stimulus), a procedure known as delay conditioning. The other half were also given 5 CS-US pairings, but the US was presented 10 sec after CS offset, a procedure known as trace conditioning. All subjects were tested for CS-elicited freezing 24 h later. Results: There was no effect of adolescent ethanol exposure on delay conditioned responding, with all subjects demonstrating comparable levels of CS-elicited freezing. In contrast, the amount of freezing in the trace conditioned subjects was negatively correlated with prior ethanol dose. Specifically, exposure to 2.5 or 4.5 g/kg during adolescence resulted in a deficit in trace conditioned responding. Conclusions: These data indicate that intermittent exposure to ethanol during adolescence results in impairment in hippocampal-dependent trace conditioning that persists beyond the period of ethanol exposure. Delay conditioning was unaffected by prior ethanol treatment, indicating that there was no difficulty in detecting the CS or US, or in the ability to engage in freezing behavior. These results suggest that the adolescent brain may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of repeated exposure to ethanol that can have consequences for nonspatial, hippocampal-dependent cognitive abilities.
Ti/Zr-Based Quasicrystals - Formation, Structure And Hydrogen Storage Properties

Most common in Al-3d transition metal(TM) alloys, icosahedral quasicrystals (i-phase) are also found frequently in Ti/Zr-TM alloys. the Ti-TM-Si-O quasicrystals are metastable, produced only by rapid quenching, and are extremely disordered. in contrast, Ti-Zr-Ni i-phases are well ordered and stable, produced by relatively low temperature annealing, nearly 300°C below the melting temperature. Important for both basic and practical reasons, Ti/Zr-based quasicrystals can absorb significant quantities of hydrogen, up to two hydrogen atoms for each metal atom. the formation and structures of these quasicrystals and closely related complex crystal phases are discussed. the hydrogenation properties of these quasicrystals are presented and shown to be competitive with materials in current use for hydrogen storage and battery applications. Results from recent studies using hydrogen as a probe of the local structure of the quasicrystal and crystal approximant are presented.
Developmental regulation of protein kinase B activation is isoform specific in skeletal muscle of neonatal pigs

The postprandial activation of the insulin signaling pathway that leads to translation initiation is enhanced in skeletal muscle of the neonate and decreases with development in parallel with the developmental decline in muscle protein synthesis. Our previous study showed that the activity of protein kinase B (PKB), a major insulin signaling component, was higher in 7- than in 26-d-old pigs. To examine the molecular mechanisms involved, we determined PKB isoform abundance and phosphorylation state, the abundance of its kinases, and PKB's association with its kinases. The abundances of total PKB, PKBalpha, and PKBgamma were higher in muscle of 7- than in 26-d-old pigs whereas PKBbeta abundance was similar in the two age groups. PKB phosphorylation at Thr308 was higher in 7- than in 26-d-old pigs but PKB phosphorylation at Ser473 was similar in both age groups. The association of PKB with 3'-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK-1), a kinase that phosphorylates PKB at Thr308, and PDK-1 abundance were higher in 7- than in 26-d-old pigs. Moreover, PDK-1 phosphorylation at Ser-241, a site that is crucial for PDK-1 activation, was higher in 7- than in 26-d-old pigs. However, the association of PKB with integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a kinase that potentially phosphorylates PKB at Ser473, and ILK abundance were similar in both age groups. The result suggests that the developmental change in PKB activation is isoform specific and involves regulation by PDK-1.
The Relationship among Spontaneity, Impulsivity, and Creativity.

The present study was designed to investigate two characteristics of spontaneity, its relationship to creativity and to impulsivity. We hypothesized a positive relationship between spontaneity and creativity, consistent with Moreno, 1953 “canon of spontaneity-creativity.” We also predicted a negative relationship between spontaneity and impulsivity. Participants were graduate and undergraduate students at an independent, urban university in Upper Midwest United States (N = 117) who were administered three inventories measuring spontaneity, impulsivity, and creativity. Results confirmed both predictions. Further, a different pattern of relationships existed between the four subscales measuring impulsivity and spontaneity and the four subscales measuring impulsivity, spontaneity, and creativity. The subscale measuring sensation seeking, however, showed a completely different pattern of relationship to creativity and impulsivity. It correlated positively with both.
A negative relationship between religion and the percentage of women state legislators in the United States

State contextual variables strongly associated with the percentage of women state legislators include the percentage of Christians and political culture. The percentage of Christians is inversely r...
CD45 controls interleukin-4-mediated IgE class switch recombination in human B cells through its function as a Janus kinase phosphatase.

CD45 plays a critical regulatory role in receptor signaling through its protein tyrosine phosphatase and Janus kinase (JAK) phosphatase activities. To investigate whether CD45 also plays a regulatory role in Ig class switching in human B cells, we examined the effects of CD45 triggering on Ig class switching to IgE and its relationship with CD45 JAK phosphatase activity. Anti-CD45 triggering of CD45 significantly inhibited interleukin-4 + anti-CD40-induced switch recombination in a switch recombination vector assay in stably transfected Ramos 2G6 human B cells, as well as Ig e germ-line transcription and Sμ-Se switch recombination in primary human B cells. These negative regulatory effects on Ig class switching were concomitant with the ability of CD45 to dephosphorylate the induced phosphorylation of JAK1, JAK3, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6, but not on stress-activated/mitogen-activated protein kinases. We also showed that phosphorylated JAK1 and JAK3 were directly dephosphorylated by recombinant CD45 in vitro. These results indicate that CD45 is able to function as JAK phosphatase in human B cells and that this activity is directly associated with the negative regulation of the class switch recombination to IgE. CD45 may be an appropriate target drug for modulating IgE in allergic diseases.
Subcarrier frequency enhancement of two-section Fabry–Perot laser diodes using external optical injection

Abstract Two-section Fabry–Perot laser diodes can produce tunable radio frequency (rf)/microwave intensity oscillations (subcarrier) on the optical carrier without any active rf/microwave components. The frequency of the subcarrier is limited to a few Gigahertz for the free-running two-section Fabry–Perot laser diodes. A method for enhancing the frequency of the optically-generated subcarriers by using external optical injection is analyzed and demonstrated experimentally. It is shown that external optical injection can increase the effective tuning range by 70%, in the meantime reducing the power in the high-order harmonics.
Molecular monitoring of the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporine in renal transplant patients by using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract We have developed a rapid (24 hours) quantitative PCR assay to measure the direct effect of cyclosporine on IL-2 mRNA production by activated PBMC cultures from renal transplant patients. The PBMCs were purified from normal laboratory volunteers (group A, n = 26), CsA-treated renal transplant patients with good renal function, tested between 3 and 8 weeks (group B, n = 14) or between 2 and 8 years (group C, n = 15) after surgery, and stimulated with PHA in media supplemented with either patient serum or pooled commercially obtained AB serum. The mRNA was then isolated and, using semiquantitative PCR or quantitative PCR with a competitive inhibitor, the relative levels or exact levels of IL-2 mRNA (in attomoles) could be measured. A 3-day confirmatory lymphoproliferation assay of [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation was also performed on the samples. Kinetic analysis of the data from group A showed that the peak level of IL-2 transcription into mRNA occurred at 6 hours after mitogen stimulation. Increasing in vitro concentrations of CsA in this group resulted in lower IL-2 mRNA levels and a shift in the peak time to 12–24 hours. In the transplant recipients, there was no correlation between individual CsA blood levels and proliferation responses. However, some correlation was found between CsA blood levels and IL-2 mRNA levels. Although there was no difference in mean proliferation responses or in mean whole blood CsA levels between groups B and C, mean IL-2 mRNA levels were 38% and 68% of the group A levels, respectively, indicating that standard CsA blood level alone may not reflect the immunosuppressive effect of the drug. Therefore, it is proposed that this, a rapid, sensitive, and quantitative PCR analysis of IL-2 mRNA should be useful in longitudinal monitoring of patients who may not be appropriately suppressed at “therapeutic” CsA blood levels.
Direct Adrenal Medullary Catecholamine Response to Hypoxia in Fetal Sheep

The present study was designed to investigate the direct response of fetal adrenomedullary cells to hypoxia, and the possible change in this responsiveness with maturation. Ovine fetal adrenomedullary cells, when exposed to 30 min of hypoxia induced by perfusing with Krebs-Henseleit solution equilibrated with 1% O2, released significantly greater amounts of total catecholamine into the perfusate, compared to basal conditions. After a 1-h control period, a second 30-min hypoxic episode stimulated a catecholamine response which was significantly smaller in magnitude than the first. Following the two hypoxic episodes, the cells were capable of responding to 50 mM KCl with a large increase in total catecholamine release. During the first hypoxic episode, the release of both norepinephrine and epinephrine was stimulated by equal magnitude. Fetal adrenomedullary cells obtained from fetuses at 100, 120, and 130 days gestation showed similar responsiveness to the same hypoxic stimulus, and these responses were not different from that observed in maternal adrenomedullary cells. On the contrary, responsiveness to KCl-induced depolarization was greatest in cells obtained from fetuses at 130 days gestation when compared to that in the younger fetuses. This increased responsiveness to KCl was accompanied by a greater catecholamine store in the adrenal medulla of the fetuses at this gestational age. These results suggest that ovine fetal adrenomedullary cells can respond directly to hypoxia by releasing catecholamines. This direct responsiveness became desensitized after repeated exposure. Finally, a decrease in direct responsiveness to hypoxia associated with maturation could be demonstrated.
Use of a long-acting quinidine preparation in the reversion of atrial fibrillation☆

Abstract A specially compounded quinidine gluconate preparation is now available which has been shown by quantitative measurement to attain significantly prolonged therapeutic serum quinidine levels. A clinical study to evaluate specifically the efficacy of this compound in the reversion of atrial fibrillation was performed in eighteen patients with electrocardiographically confirmed atrial fibrillation. In all but one of the patients the arrythmia was successfully reverted to normal sinus rhythm. In only one patient did evidence of quinidine toxicity develop which necessitated termination of therapy without successful reversion. It is believed that the results of this series are encouraging and the long-acting quinidine preparation utilized has definite value as an antifibrillatory agent.
Tracking the Temporal Dynamics of Updating Cognitive Control: An Examination of Error Processing

In 2 experiments, we used event-related brain potentials (ERPs) to examine the temporal dynamics of neural processes related to adjustments of cognitive control following errors in the counting Stroop task. The ERPs elicited by errors revealed the error-related negativity (ERN) and error positivity consistent with a large body of literature. In addition, errors were associated with a frontal slow wave between 200 and 2000 ms after the response that was consistent with the activity of neural generators in the lateral frontal cortex. The ERN and frontal slow wave were correlated with posterror slowing of response time and positive affect (i.e., happiness and calmness) during task performance. These data are consistent with the idea that interactions between anterior cingulate cortex and lateral frontal cortex support adjustments of cognitive control and that this neural network is sensitive to the influence of affect experienced during task performance.
Shedding light on the subject: introduction to illumination engineering and design for multidiscipline engineering students

Educating engineers and architects in Illumination Engineering and related subjects has become a very important field and a very satisfying and rewarding one. Main reasons include the need to significantly conserve lighting energy and meet government regulations while supplying appropriate light levels and achieving aesthetical requirements. The proliferation of new lamps, luminaries and lighting controllers many of which are 'energy savers' also helps a trend to seek help from lighting engineers when designing new commercial and residential buildings. That trend is believed to continue and grow as benefits become attractive and new government conservation regulations take affect. To make things even better one notices that Engineering and Science students in most disciplines make excellent candidates for Illumination Engineers because of their background and teaching them can move ahead at a brisk pace and be a rewarding experience nevertheless. In the past two years, Cal Poly Pomona College of Engineering has been the beneficiary of a DOE/California grant. Its purpose was to precipitate and oversee light curricula in various California community colleges and also develop and launch an Illumination Engineering minor at Cal Poly University. Both objectives have successfully been met. Numerous community colleges throughout California developed and are offering a sequence of six lighting courses leading to a certificate; the first graduating class is now coming out of both Cypress and Consumnes Community Colleges. At Cal Poly University a four course/laboratory sequence leading to a minor in Illumination Engineering (ILE) is now offered to upper division students in the College of Engineering, College of Science and College of Architecture and Design. The ILE sequence will briefly be described. The first course, Introduction to Illumination Engineering and its laboratory are described in more detail alter. Various methods of instruction including lectures, self work, industrial visits and guest lectures, as well as the accompanying laboratory work are discussed. Feedback from the students was very positive.
Endothelial Dysfunction, Hemodynamic Forces, and Atherogenesisa

Phenotypic modulation of endothelium to a dysfunctional state contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. The localization of atherosclerotic lesions to arterial geometries associated with disturbed flow patterns suggests an important role for local hemodynamic forces in atherogenesis. There is increasing evidence that the vascular endothelium, which is directly exposed to various fluid mechanical forces generated by pulsatile blood flow, can discriminate among these stimuli and transduce them into genetic regulatory events. At the level of individual genes, this regulation is accomplished via the binding of certain transcription factors, such as NF kappa B and Egr-1, to shear-stress response elements (SSREs) that are present in the promoters of biomechanically inducible genes. At the level of multiple genes, distinct patterns of up- and downregulation appear to be elicited by exposure to steady laminar shear stresses versus comparable levels of non-laminar (e.g., turbulent) shear stresses or cytokine stimulation (e.g., IL-1 beta). Certain genes upregulated by steady laminar shear stress stimulation (such as eNOS, COX-2, and Mn-SOD) support vasoprotective (i.e., anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-oxidant) functions in the endothelium. We hypothesize that the selective and sustained expression of these and related "atheroprotective genes" in the endothelial lining of lesion-protected areas represents a mechanism whereby hemodynamic forces can influence lesion formation and progression.
Patient-centered care in the community-based compounding practice setting.

Abstract Objective To identify patient-centered care (PCC) functions delivered with compounded medications in the community pharmacy setting. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting United States during August to November 2007. Participants 163 community pharmacist members of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists. Intervention Web-based questionnaire. Main outcome measures Pharmacists' self-reported implementation and perceptions of the PCC process. Results Respondents were predominantly men (78.4%), independent pharmacy owners (84.0%), held a BPharm degree (78.5%), and dispensed an average of 746.6 prescriptions per week, including an average of 209.1 compounded medications. Respondents perceived a greater responsibility to provide PCC when dispensing a compounded medication compared with a manufactured product. Compounding pharmacists provided input into the prescribing process via frequent physician-initiated consultation. Respondents reported greater follow-up with patients and physicians regarding therapy with compounded medications than manufactured products. Conclusion PCC is characterized by maintenance and frequent updating of detailed patient health records, routine counseling of patients on new and continuing drug therapies, monitoring of patient therapeutic outcomes, and participation in the prescribing process. Patients are drawn into a stronger relationship with pharmacists who provide these services. Provision of PCC services is associated with greater perceived quality of patient care and pharmacist professional satisfaction.
Block reflectors: theory and computation

A block reflector is an orthogonal, symmetric matrix that reverses a subspace whose dimension may be greater than one. We shall develop the properties of block reflectors and give some algorithms for computing a block reflector that introduces a block of zeros into a matrix. We consider the compact representation of block reflectors, some applications, and their use in parallel computers.
Manometric Assessment of interstitial microalgae production in two estuarine sediments

The potential production of estuarine interstitial microalgae from two tidal flats differing in sediment texture was determined manometrically. Sediment cores from the Southbeach tidal flat showed a maximum amount of productivity in the lower intertidal zone whereas sediment cores from Sally's Bend showed no production in this zone. The upper cm3 of sediment from both tidal flats had a higher amount of gross potential production than subsurface core sections. the sandy substratum from Southbeach had an estimated gross annual production of 275–325 g C m-2 yr-1 whereas the silty substratum of Sally's Bend had an estimated value of 0–125 g C m-2 yr-1. Respiration/Photosynthesis (R/P) ratios indicate that respiration often exceeds photosynthesis on the Sally's Bend tidal flat.
Aedes albopictus in North America: probable introduction in used tires from northern Asia

North American strains of Aedes albopictus, an Asian mosquito recently introduced into the Western Hemisphere, exhibit photoperiodic sensitivity and cold-hardiness characteristics similar to strains originating from temperate zone Asia. Trade statistics for used tire imports, the most likely mode of introduction, also indicate a north Asian origin. Aedes albopictus, an important vector of dengue and a potential vector of many other arboviral diseases, may therefore have the capability of infesting much of temperate North America.
Maximum-entropy estimation of a two-particle density matrix from a mixture of a particle into two nonorthogonal states

The description of an n-particle quantum system by a one-particle density matrix (ϱ(1)) is incomplete if the system is prepared by mixing nonorthogonal states. For the case of two nonorthogonal states (F, G), where ϱ(1) = ƒF+gG, it is indicated how to estimate a two-particle density matrix (ϱ(2)) which yields ϱ(1) under partial tracing and for which there are observables (F⊗G, g⊗F, G⊗G, F⊗F), the expected values (transition probabilities) of which are Tr[ϱ(2) (F⊗G)]=ƒg, Tr[ϱ(2) (G⊗ F)]=ƒg, Tr[ϱ(2) (G⊗G)]=g2 and Tr[ϱ(2) (F⊗F)]=ƒ2, respectively. If F and G are orthogonal, then ϱ(2)=ϱ(1)⊗ϱ(1). A framework for representing compound quantum systems of van Groenendael and Tillieu is utilized.
Diphenylamido Precursors to Bisalkoxide Molybdenum Olefin Metathesis Catalysts.

We have found that Mo(NAr)(CHR‘)(NPh2)2 (R‘ = t-Bu or CMe2Ph) and Mo(NAr‘)(CHCMe2Ph)(NPh2)2 (Ar = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3; Ar‘ = 2,6-Me2C6H3) can be prepared through addition of 2 equiv of LiNPh2 to Mo(NR‘ ‘)(CHR‘)(OTf)2(dme) species (R‘ ‘ = Ar or Ar‘, dme = 1,2-dimethoxyethane), although yields are low. A high-yield route consists of addition of LiNPh2 to bishexafluro-tert-butoxide species. An X-ray structure of Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)(NPh2)2 reveals that the two diphenylamido groups are oriented in a manner that allows an 18-electron count to be achieved. The diphenylamido complexes react readily with t-BuOH and (CF3)2MeCOH, but not readily with the sterically demanding biphenol H2[Biphen] (Biphen2- = 3,3‘-di-tert-butyl-5,5‘,6,6‘-tetramethyl-1,1‘-biphenyl-2,2‘-diolate). The diphenylamido complexes do react with various 3,3‘-disubstituted binaphthols to yield binaphtholate catalysts that can be prepared in situ and employed for a simple asymmetric ring-closing metathesis reaction. In several cases conversions and enanti...
Detecting and modeling changing volatility in the copper futures market

Copper futures returns are characterized by negative skewness and excess kurtosis. Research has not yet examined this nonnormality, which contributes to their volatility. To date little attention has been paid to the modeling of these series. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to (i) detect alternating subperiods of volatility by using a method that uses an iterated cumulative sum of squares (ICSS) algorithm to identify breakpoints in the series; and (ii) compare the ability of five models (the random walk, GARCH, EGARCH, AGARCH, and the GJR model) to capture the volatility within each ICSS identified subperiod. These tests were applied to two copper futures series (open to close and close to close prices). Results indicate that the ranking (in terms of the root mean square error) is similar for both series. That is, the GARCH or EGARCH model rank first and second, depending on the series, followed by the GJR model. AGARCH and the random walk models perform poorly.© 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 19: 79–100, 1999
Separating Dark Physics from Physical Darkness: Minimalist Modified Gravity vs. Dark Energy

The acceleration of the cosmic expansion may be due to a new component of physical energy density or a modification of physics itself. Mapping the expansion of cosmic scales and the growth of large scale structure in tandem can provide insights to distinguish between the two origins. Using Minimal Modified Gravity (MMG) - a single parameter gravitational growth index formalism to parameterize modified gravity theories - we examine the constraints that cosmological data can place on the nature of the new physics. For next generation measurements combining weak lensing, supernovae distances, and the cosmic microwave background we can extend the reach of physics to allow for fitting gravity simultaneously with the expansion equation of state, diluting the equation of state estimation by less than 25percent relative to when general relativity is assumed, and determining the growth index to 8percent. For weak lensing we examine the level of understanding needed of quasi- and nonlinear structure formation in modified gravity theories, and the trade off between stronger precision but greater susceptibility to bias as progressively more nonlinear information is used.
Hot compaction and consolidation of polycarbonate powder

In order to take advantage of the potential benefits provided by solid-state processing of thermoplastic polymers (1-3), conventional compaction and sintering techniques must be modified to prevent large-scale recovery (or dimensional changes) that occur upon heating polymeric compacts above their respective glass transition temperature (T g ). Two solid-state processing techniques that have the potential for reducing recovery, hot compaction and consolidation (sintering polymeric compacts under applied pressure), were investigated in this study. The results presented in this paper show that while hot compaction (below T g ) does not prevent large-scale recovery, consolidation using pressures as low as 50 kPa (7.3 psi) did significantly reduce recovery in polycarbonate compacts.
Graphical programming interface: A development environment for MRI methods

Purpose To introduce a multiplatform, Python language-based, development environment called graphical programming interface for prototyping MRI techniques. Methods The interface allows developers to interact with their scientific algorithm prototypes visually in an event-driven environment making tasks such as parameterization, algorithm testing, data manipulation, and visualization an integrated part of the work-flow. Algorithm developers extend the built-in functionality through simple code interfaces designed to facilitate rapid implementation. Results This article shows several examples of algorithms developed in graphical programming interface including the non-Cartesian MR reconstruction algorithms for PROPELLER and spiral as well as spin simulation and trajectory visualization of a FLORET example. Conclusion The graphical programming interface framework is shown to be a versatile prototyping environment for developing numeric algorithms used in the latest MR techniques. Magn Reson Med 74:1449–1460, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The medical needs of ethnic minority children in Britain

An ethnic minority is a group which considers itself distinct from the general population, and is seen to be different by the population at large because of: common geographical or racial origin; skin colour or facial appearance; language; religious beliefs and practices; mode of dress; or cultural and dietary customs. The term Asian or, less commonly, South Asian, is used in Britain to describe people who have originated directly or indirectly from the Indian subcontinent (ISC). In the US, Asian generally means people from China, Vietnam, or other South East Asian countries. However, except as a generalisation the term Asian is meaningless. People whose parents or grandparents come from the ISC think of themselves as British (British-Indians etc.), and feel that they are able to contribute to and draw upon both cultures. Similarly, the term ‘immigrants’ is outmoded; primary immigration has practically ceased and secondary immigration is now at a very low level. The majority of the younger Asians, Afro-Caribbeans and Cypriots have been born in this country.
REST: A parallelized system for reliability estimation

The authors describe a software tool called REST (Reliability Estimation System Testbed) that provides increased power of expression and computation. REST is innovative in its use of an object-oriented language to describe systems, in its avoidance of a memory bottleneck during the analysis, and in its automatic exploitation of parallelism both on a commercial multiprocessor and on a network of ordinary workstations. The potential of the Failure Mode Effects Simulation paradigm on which REST is based is shown by rapid analysis on a parallel computer of a complex reconfigurable system. >
Cell Culture Studies of a Carborane Cholesteryl Ester with Conventional and PEG Liposomes

A new cholesterol-carborane conjugate (BCH) has been synthesized as a potential targeting agent for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) of cancers. The compound is extremely water insoluble and was formulated in two liposomal formulations to determine if the compound could be adequately taken up by 9L rat glioma cells in cell culture. Several factors potentially affecting the cellular uptake were evaluated, such as concentration of BCH in the incubation medium, incubation time, cell confluence, and the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) phospholipids to the liposomal formulation. The studies indicated that the cellular uptakes of BCH in the conventional and PEG liposomal formulations were 49.1 and 45.9 μg boron/g cells, respectively. Therefore, this compound, formulated in both liposomal formulations, delivered sufficient levels of boron to cancer cells in vitro, indicating that BCH is a promising approach for use in BNCT. The uptake appeared to depend upon BCH concentration in the media as well as th...
Compositional variation on the surface of Centaur 8405 Asbolus

Near-infrared 1-2 μm spectra of the Centaur 8405 Asbolus (1995 GO) have been obtained using the Hubble Space Telescope near-infrared camera and multiobject spectrometer. Strong and variable absorption features indicate a significantly inhomogeneous surface characterized by water ice mixed with additional unknown constituents. Over a 1.7 hr interval, the observed spectra varied from a nearly featureless spectrum to a very complicated absorption spectrum, and the integrated flux varied in a manner consistent with previous light-curve observations. The accepted rotation period of 8.9351 hr assumes a shape-dominated light curve. Our observations indicate that the light curve may in fact be dominated by a relatively bright spot with a period of 4.47 hr, i.e., half the previous value.
Proactive Fault Tolerance Using Preemptive Migration

Proactive fault tolerance (FT) in high-performance computing is a concept that prevents compute node failures from impacting running parallel applications by preemptively migrating application parts away from nodes that are about to fail. This paper provides a foundation for proactive FT by defining its architecture and classifying implementation options. This paper further relates prior work to the presented architecture and classification, and discusses the challenges ahead for needed supporting technologies.
‘Dude, You’re a Fag’: Adolescent Masculinity and the Fag Discourse

This article argues that American adolescent boys become masculine through the continual repudiation of a ‘fag’ identity. Using insights from sociologists of interaction and post-structural theoris...
Linear vibration techniques for measuring the cross axis error coefficient in an accelerometer

A relatively recent error term identified for the specific force integrating receiver (SFIR) on the MX Missile Program is called FX1. It is an error in the sensed input axis acceleration caused by a forcing function component of acceleration into the device cross axis (perpendicular to the input axis). Sophisticated SFIR 1 g tumbling tests are currently under dzvelopment at both Honeywell and the Charles Stark Draper Lab (CSDL), but so far they have not demonstrated an accurate enough FX1 to be confidently modeled in the inertial measurement unit (IMU) calibration and alignment procedure. Precision centrifuge testing has also been conducted. On an engineering characterization basis, these centrifuge tests have demonstrated potential, however, the setup is too complex to be considered for acceptance testing. This paper addresses a linear vibrator methology which is under development by Honeywell. Testing and analysis discussed in this paper show that it has potential to be a simple set-up and also can theorectically meet the IMU error budget requirement. The basic problem in this measurement technique is to reduce the disturbances in the test environment to the point that mathematics can produce a reliable estimate of FX1. The precision of the measurement needed is several orders beyond the detectable seismic environment of the test geographic location. The design of a new vibration facility to accomplish the foregoing is discussed in the paper.
Effects of Ribonucleosides on Thymidine Incorporation: Selective Reversal of the Inhibition of Deoxyribonucleic Acid Synthesis in Thymineless Auxotrophs of Escherichia coli

Addition of certain ribonucleosides to exponentially growing cultures of Escherichia coli increased the extent of thymidine incorporation. The prolonged uptake of thymidine was correlative with the ability of these ribonucleosides to prevent the degradation of thymidine. In addition to protecting thymidine, uridine reversed partially (70 to 80%) the inhibition of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis in thymineless auxotrophs by cytosine arabinoside, hydroxyurea, and nalidixic acid. This reversal was selective for auxotrophic strains since no reversal of inhibition by uridine was observed in any of the prototrophic strains examined. In the presence of uridine, the rapid assimilation of thymidine by prototrophic and auxotrophic strains was prevented and the rate of DNA synthesis became a function of the available exogenous thymidine. Under these conditions, prototrophic strains accumulated equivalent amounts of thymidine into the acid-soluble (pool) and acid-insoluble (DNA) cell fractions. In contrast, 95 to 98% of the thymidine taken up by auxotrophs was found in the acid-insoluble (DNA) cell fraction. The results suggest that different mechanisms for DNA synthesis exist in auxotrophs and prototrophs. Based on these observed differences, some possible mechanisms for the selective reversal of the inhibition of DNA synthesis in auxotrophs are discussed.
Exposure Patterns in the Digital Domain: A Demographic Analysis of Media Use and Access in the United States

In this study we examine and extend knowledge in a relatively neglected area of diversity research in the digital domain: exposure diversity. Specifically, we assess how different demographic groups use digital devices to consume media content and connect with one another. Two hundred and ninety-seven participants were surveyed about the digital media devices they have and what they do with them. We analyzed access and use in terms of users’ age, gender, race, annual income, and education. Our results confirm the persistence of a digital divide with regard to exposure diversity and continue to verify earlier findings regarding significant differences in media use and access in different demographic groups.
Seashell effect pretouch sensing for robotic grasping

This paper introduces seashell effect pretouch sensing, and demonstrates application of this new sensing modality to robot grasp control, and also to robot grasp planning.