cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivo evaluations of biodegradable implants for hormone replacement therapy: Effect of system design and PK-PD relationship

This investigation evaluated the feasibility of using subdermally implantable devices fabricated by nonconventional 3-dimensional printing technology for controlled delivery of ethinyl estradiol (EE2). In vitro release kinetics of EE2 and in vivo pharmacokinetics pharmacodynamics in ovariectomized New Zealand White rabbits were carried out to study 3 implant prototypes: implant I (single-channel EE2 distribution in polycaprolactone polymer core), implant II (homogeneous EE2 distribution in polycaprolactone polymer matrix), and implant III (concentration-gradient EE2 distribution in polycaprolactone and poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (50∶50 matrix). EE2 was found to be released from all the implants in a nonlinear pattern with an order of implant III>implant II>implant I. The noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma EE2 profiles in rabbits indicated a significant difference (p>.05) in Cmax, tmax, and mean residence time between implant I and implants II and III, but no difference in the area under the plasma concentration time curves calculated by trapezoidal rule (AUC) among the implants. For pharmacodynamic studies, endogenous follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were observed to be suppressed following implantation of all implants, which demonstrated that a therapeutically effective dose of EE2 had been delivered. Furthermore, the noncompartmental analysis of plasma FSH and LH profiles in rabbits showed a significant difference (p<.05) in AUC and the mean residence time between implant III and implants I and II. A good in vivo/in vitro relationship was observed between daily amounts of EE2 released and plasma profiles of EE2 for all implants. This relationship suggests that plasma profiles of EE2 could be predicted from in vitro measurement of daily amount of EE2 released Therefore, performing in vitro drug release studies may aid in the development of an EE2 implant with the desired in vivo release rate.
Do adhesions at repeat cesarean delay delivery of the newborn

Objective We sought to assess whether the presence and severity of adhesions at first repeat cesarean delivery are associated with delayed delivery of the newborn. Study Design We conducted secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of women undergoing first repeat cesarean. Severity and location of adhesions were reported by surgeons immediately postoperatively. We compared adhesion density scores with delivery data. Results Of 145 women analyzed, 92 (63.5%) had adhesions and 53 (36.5%) did not. Mean incision to delivery time in women with adhesion scores >3 was 19.8 minutes, compared to 15.6 minutes with scores ≤3 ( P = .04). More women with adhesion scores >3 remained undelivered at 30 minutes after incision compared to scores ≤3 (17.9% vs 5.1%; odds ratio, 7.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–34.5), after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion Among women undergoing first repeat cesarean, severity of adhesions may delay delivery of the newborn. Study of techniques to reduce adhesions may be warranted to prevent delayed delivery at repeat cesarean.
Deletion of the Ubiquitin Ligase CHIP Leads to the Accumulation, But Not the Aggregation, of Both Endogenous Phospho- and Caspase-3-Cleaved Tau Species

Accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein tau into neurofibrillary lesions is a pathological consequence of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Hereditary mutations in the MAPT gene were shown to promote the formation of structurally distinct tau aggregates in patients that had a parkinsonian-like clinical presentation. Whether tau aggregates themselves or the soluble intermediate species that precede their aggregation are neurotoxic entities in these disorders has yet to be resolved; however, recent in vivo evidence supports the latter. We hypothesized that depletion of CHIP, a tau ubiquitin ligase, would lead to an increase in abnormal tau. Here, we show that deletion of CHIP in mice leads to the accumulation of non-aggregated, ubiquitin-negative, hyperphosphorylated tau species. CHIP-/- mice also have increased neuronal caspase-3 levels and activity, as well as caspase-cleaved tau immunoreactivity. Overexpression of mutant (P301L) human tau in CHIP-/- mice is insufficient to promote either argyrophilic or "pre-tangle" structures, despite marked phospho-tau accumulation throughout the brain. These observations are supported in post-developmental studies using RNA interference for CHIP (chn-1) in Caenorhabditis elegans and cell culture systems. Our results demonstrate that CHIP is a primary component in the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of tau. We also show that hyperphosphorylation and caspase-3 cleavage of tau both occur before aggregate formation. Based on these findings, we propose that polyubiquitination of tau by CHIP may facilitate the formation of insoluble filamentous tau lesions.
Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of (Meth)acrylamides

The polymerization of several (meth)acrylamides [N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N-tert-butylacrylamide, and N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was attempted. When initiating systems containing ligands commonly used in ATRP, such as linear amines or bipyridines, were employed, very low conversions were noticed in either bulk or solution, after more than 20 h at 90 °C. However, the use of 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (Me4Cyclam) as a ligand provided polymers in high yields in a short time, but the polymerization was not controlled. This was attributed to the slow deactivation rate of the catalytic system. Experiments using model compounds for the active chain ends indicated that the low conversion obtained in the polymerization of (meth)acrylamides when linear amines or bipyridines are used as ligands may be explained by a slow activation in conjunction with a fast deactivation. The loss of bromine end groups during the polymerization through...
Genes and syndromic hearing loss.

Abstract Syndromes that are associated with hearing loss include Waardenburg, Stickler (STL), Jervell and Lange-Nielsen, Usher (USH), Alport, mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, stroke-like episodes, and sensorineural hearing loss (MELAS) and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, myoclonus epilepsy, ragged-red fibers, and sensorineural hearing loss (MERRF). Waardenburg and STL show an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, while Jervell and Lange-Nielsen and USH are autosomal recessive, and Alport is usually X-linked. Mutations in specific genes that are associated with each of these syndromes have been identified, and genetic diagnostic tests are becoming available. The goal of ongoing research is to understand the functions of the proteins encoded by these genes, and develop effective therapies based on knowledge of the underlying causal mutations. Learning outcomes The reader will be introduced to basic genetic principles and will understand that (1) the etiology of hearing loss is usually genetic and many patients should be referred to a clinical geneticist; (2) a negative family history does not mean that the hearing loss is not genetic; (3) hearing loss may be part of a syndrome for which early detection and intervention for associated anomalies is necessary; and (4) many different mutations in a large number of genes underlie hearing loss.
Investigation of ramped air arcs near current zero in dual-flow nozzle system

Ramped air arcs with a dI/dt= 6 A/ mu s were investigated in dual-flow nozzle system. The nozzle pressure ratio was varied to study the arc under different flow Mach number gradients. The dI/dt, dV/dt, and postzero resistance and current measurements were taken for an electrode separation of 5.5 cm and a nozzle gap spacing of 1.23 cm. The adverse shock wave effects were quantitatively observed for nozzle pressure ratios with separated flow in the nozzle. The arc power, which is equal to the total radiation losses and heat transferred from the plasma, was determined near current zero for subsonic and supersonic flow fields. It was shown that the nozzle pressure ratio is a very important parameter in the circuit breaker performance. A comparison of this work with Brown Boveri data was made. It was concluded that the convection stabilized ramped arcs near current zero are laminar and become unstable in the dielectric regime. >
Genetic association analysis of complex diseases incorporating intermediate phenotype information.

Genetic researchers often collect disease related quantitative traits in addition to disease status because they are interested in understanding the pathophysiology of disease processes. In genome-wide association (GWA) studies, these quantitative phenotypes may be relevant to disease development and serve as intermediate phenotypes or they could be behavioral or other risk factors that predict disease risk. Statistical tests combining both disease status and quantitative risk factors should be more powerful than case-control studies, as the former incorporates more information about the disease. In this paper, we proposed a modified inverse-variance weighted meta-analysis method to combine disease status and quantitative intermediate phenotype information. The simulation results showed that when an intermediate phenotype was available, the inverse-variance weighted method had more power than did a case-control study of complex diseases, especially in identifying susceptibility loci having minor effects. We further applied this modified meta-analysis to a study of imputed lung cancer genotypes with smoking data in 1154 cases and 1137 matched controls. The most significant SNPs came from the CHRNA3-CHRNA5-CHRNB4 region on chromosome 15q24–25.1, which has been replicated in many other studies. Our results confirm that this CHRNA region is associated with both lung cancer development and smoking behavior. We also detected three significant SNPs—rs1800469, rs1982072, and rs2241714—in the promoter region of the TGFB1 gene on chromosome 19 (p = 1.46×10−5, 1.18×10−5, and 6.57×10−6, respectively). The SNP rs1800469 is reported to be associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer in cigarette smokers. The present study is the first GWA study to replicate this result. Signals in the 3q26 region were also identified in the meta-analysis. We demonstrate the intermediate phenotype can potentially enhance the power of complex disease association analysis and the modified meta-analysis method is robust to incorporate intermediate phenotype or other quantitative risk factor in the analysis.
Plant growth response to applied k on coarse‐textured feldspathic soils

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of continuous cropping and K fertilization on plants grown on coarse‐textured soils high in feldspars. The A and C horizons of Elsmere (sandy, mixed, mesic Aquic Haplustoll), Valentine (mixed, mesic Typic Ustipsamment) and Sharpsburg (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Arguidoll) soils were continuously cropped in the greenhouse with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). Four K treatments (0, 18.5, 37.5 and 75.0 mg K/kg soil) were applied before planting. At approximately 4 week intervals, above ground plant tissue was harvested and analyzed for K content for a total of 12 cuttings. Potassium deficiency symptoms (marginal necrosis, spotting) eventually appeared in plants grown on all but the A horizon of the Sharpsburg soil. Continuous cropping decreased plant K concentration, averaged across all treatments, from 38 to 10 g/kg dry matter. Potassium fertilization increased K concentration in plant dry matter on the soils initially low in...
Radiative Transfer in a Gas-Turbine Combustor

A methodology is presented to predict radiative transfer in an axisymmetric cylindrical enclosure representing a typical gas-turbine combustor that contains radiatively participating gases and particles. Inhomogeneities of the radiative properties and temperature distribution of the medium are allowed for, and the boundaries are assumed to be diffusely emitting and reflecting. The effects of axial and radial variations of temperature and soot properties on radiative heat flux distributions at the wall are investigated. Film cooling is shown to have a marked effect on wall heat flux, especially when it quenches the soot oxidation process. Radiative flux at the wall is greater if the temperature of the medium is uniform, rather than if it has a center-peaked radial temperature profile.
Distributed Speculative Parallelization using Checkpoint Restart

Abstract Speculative software parallelism has gained renewed interest recently as a mechanism to leverage multiple cores on emerging architectures. Two major mechanisms have been used to implement speculation-based parallelism in software, software transactional memory and speculative threads. We propose a third mechanism based on checkpoint restart. With recent developments in checkpoint restart technology this has become an attractive alternative. The approach has the potential advantage of the conceptual simplicity of transactional memory and flexibility of speculative threads. Since many checkpoint restart systems work with large distributed memory programs, this provides an automatic way to perform distributed speculation over clusters. Additionally, since checkpoint restart systems are primarily designed for fault tolerance, using the same system for speculation could provide fault tolerance within speculative execution as well when it is embedded in large-scale applications where fault tolerance is desirable. In this paper we use a series of micro-benchmarks to study the relative performance of a speculative system based on the DMTCP checkpoint restart system and compare it against a thread level speculative system. We highlight the relative merits of each approach and draw some lessons that could be used to guide future developments in speculative systems.
ACE inhibitors reduced cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in elderly persons with hypertension.

Source Citation Wing LM, Reid CM, Ryan P, et al. A comparison of outcomes with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and diuretics for hypertension in the elderly. N Engl J Med. 2003;348:583-92....
Shoal bass life history and threats: a synthesis of current knowledge of a Micropterus species

The shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae) is a black bass species native to the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin of the southeastern U.S. Damming in the basin has created extensive habitat loss; consequently, shoal bass have been extirpated from several areas of their native range. Early shoal bass research focused on age and growth, spawning habits, and distribution. The formal recognition of the species in 1999 increased interest in research and restoration. Recent research has described critical habitat, movements, and systematic information about shoal bass. As researchers continue to investigate the life history of the species, several threats have become apparent including habitat modification, interactions with non-native black basses, and the effects of angling. Currently, management needs include basic population assessments and investigation of factors causing population declines. Despite increased interest in the species, the outlook for the long-term conservation of the shoal bass is uncertain.
SU‐FF‐I‐69: Monte‐Carlo Evaluation of the Backscattering Shielding of Two EPIDs

Purpose: To evaluate two possible designs to shield the imaging panel from radiation backscattered from objects downstream of the imager.Method and Materials: Two EPID panel variants, panel 1 and panel 2, are prototyped with an in‐house EGSnrc Monte Carlo code module. These panels differ from commercial panels via the addition of composite materials within the detector panel, designed to shield the detection screen from radiation backscattered. No, medium, and strong backscattering materials are simulated via the addition of 10 cm vacuum, water and lead respectively beneath the imager geometry. Poly‐energetic energy deposition kernels for 6 and 18 MV photon beams are calculated using Monte Carlo simulation. The integrated energy is used to evaluate the signal enhancement due to the backscattering. Each kernel is convolved with 5×5, 10×10, 15×15, and 25×25 cm2 fluence profiles to determine the maximum backscatter signal deviation attributable to the added materials as a function of field size.Results: The largest signal enhancements for poly‐energetic irradiations are 2.87% and 3.07% for panel 1 and panel 2 respectively, which occur with the 18 MV incident energy and the leadbackscatter. For water, the maximum enhancement is 0.74% and 1.08%. The back‐scatter signal induced deviation decreases with field size.Conclusions: Both prototype imaging panels will reduce the maximum backscatter signal enhancement to <3.1%. For typical clinical field sizes and backscattering materials, the signal enhancement should be <1%. Use of these panels could reduce the backscattering induced uncertainties and improve the reliability of measurements. Conflict of Interest: This work was funded in part by Varian Medical Systems.
Parental Perception of Child’s Body Weight: A Systematic Review

If a parent does not accurately perceive their child’s overweight or obese status and potential health risk as a result of excess weight, they may be less inclined to encourage their child’s participation in healthy behaviors. This study systematically reviewed the past 5 years of literature regarding the accuracy of parental perception of their child’s weight status. PubMed, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases from 2006 to 2012 were searched using key words related to parental perception and childhood overweight. Quantitative studies which assessed parental perception of their child’s body weight with height and weight measurements of the child (2–18 years of age) within the United States were included. Studies were excluded if the family was preparing to or currently receiving any kind of treatment or intervention for weight loss/management. Eligible articles which assessed and reported parental perception of their child’s body weight. Thirteen studies met the criteria for inclusion. Underestimation of obesity ranged from 13.3 to 100 % of parents of children with a BMI ≥95th percentile. In six of the studies, >70 % of parents of overweight children (≥85–<95th BMI percentile) underestimated their child’s weight status. Factors that affected accuracy of parental perception included word versus image classification, the child’s sex and age, ethnicity, and parental health literacy. To fully engage children who may be at risk for weight-related diseases in programs targeting physical inactivity and childhood obesity, efforts to improve accuracy of parental perception of their child’s weight are greatly needed.
Universal Behavior of DNA Escape, Drift, and Diffusion in Nanopores

The behavior of single biopolymers under confinement is an interesting and complex problem. Confinement of DNA molecules in a nanopore is of particular interest due to the current attention given to nanopore-based DNA sequencing strategies. Here I report single-molecule measurements of the experimental escape time distributions of double-stranded DNA molecules initially threaded halfway through a solid-state nanopore and subjected to very small average forces. The escape time distributions are consistent with a one-dimensional first passage formulation, notwithstanding the geometry of the experiment and the potential role of complex molecule-liquid-pore interactions. I will discuss the dependence of the diffusion constant on molecule length and pore size, comparing the experimental observations to recent simulation results.
Particle-in-cell code BEAMPATH for beam dynamics simulations in linear accelerators and beamlines

A code library BEAMPATH for 2D and 3D space charge dominated beam dynamics study in linear particle accelerators and beam transport lines is developed. The program is used for particle-in-cell simulation of axial-symmetric, quadrupole-symmetric and z-uniform beams in a channel containing RF gaps, radio-frequency quadrupoles, multipole lenses, solenoids and bending magnets. The programming method includes hierarchical program design using program-independent modules and a flexible combination of modules to provide the most effective version of the structure for every specific case of simulation. Numerical techniques as well as the results of beam dynamics studies are presented.
Use of VN−1 potentials in Green's function calculations

An analysis of the leading effects of a propagator approach to the calculation of resonance energies is presented. By comparison with ΔSCF results, a simple approximation formula has been developed which contains the main features of the VN−1 potential option and the diagonal Tamm–Dancoff approximation. This result is expected to be a useful guide for further refinements of the many-body aspects of the theory.
Environmental Protection, Free Trade, and Democracy:

This article explores the links between international environmental law and the law of free trade. Democratic countries have tended to favor both environmental law and free trade more so than other countries. The more interesting question is whether the converse is true, that is, do environmental law and free trade aid democracy and the development of the rule of law? This article addresses that question.
DO CENTRAL CITIES AND SUBURBS HAVE SIMILAR DIMENSIONS OF NEED

This paper examines the proposition that United States suburbs are gradually acquiring many of the traits and problems traditionally associated with inner cities. An analysis of direct and surrogate measures of community development need indicates that in 1970 the average central city had a greater percapita need than the average Chicago suburb. However, the dimensions of need of central cities and suburbs are quite similar. Close associations between minority race, poverty, and female-headed families exist in both central cities and suburbs, as do high residual correlations between population decline, elderly populations, and low levels of crowding.
Recent trends in utilization rates of noncardiac thoracic imaging: an example of how imaging growth might be controlled.

Purposes To study trends in the utilization of the various noncardiac thoracic imaging modalities in the Medicare population in recent years and to compare the roles of radiologists and nonradiologist physicians. Materials and Methods The Medicare Part B databases for 1996 through 2005 were reviewed. All Current Procedural Terminology ® , Fourth Edition, codes pertaining to noninvasive imaging of noncardiac thoracic structures were selected and grouped into 5 categories: chest radiography (CXR), chest computed tomography (CT)/computed tomographic angiography (CTA), noncardiac radionuclide scans, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography. Utilization rates per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries were calculated. Medicare physician specialty codes were used to ascertain utilization by radiologists compared with nonradiologist physicians. Trends over the 9-year period were studied. Results In 1996, a total of 1,044.1 noncardiac thoracic imaging examinations were performed per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries, increasing to 1,051.6 in 2005 (+1%). In the largest category, CXR, the utilization rate dropped from 995.2 in 1996 to 941.5 in 2005 (−5%). The radionuclide scan utilization rate also dropped, from 16.9 in 1996 to 8.3 in 2005 (−51%). By contrast, the chest CT/CTA utilization rate increased from 30.9 in 1996 to 99.7 in 2005 (+223%). The use of magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography and ultrasound in the thorax was minimal. In 2005, radiologists performed 91% of CXR studies, 97% of chest CT/CTA studies, and 94% of noncardiac chest radionuclide scans. Conclusions The overall utilization rate of noncardiac chest imaging in recent years has increased only minimally. Within the various categories, there has been a decline in CXR utilization and a substantial decline in radionuclide scan utilization. However, there has been a considerable increase in the utilization of chest CT/CTA. Radiologists strongly predominate in all aspects of noncardiac thoracic imaging. This seems to be a pattern in which the use of a newer and better technology, CT or CTA, gradually replaces older ones and overall utilization rates remain relatively flat. One reason for this seems to be the lack of major involvement by nonradiologist physicians who might be in a position to self-refer. It is in contradistinction to cardiac imaging, in which the utilization of radionuclide scans and echocardiography has sharply increased among cardiologists. These data suggest that utilization rates in imaging might be kept under control by eliminating the opportunity for self-referral.
The Effect of Music Training on Preschoolers' Spatial-Temporal Task Performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of music training on preschoolers' Performance IQ (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Intelligence Scale-Revised, 1989). Preschoolers in the treatment group (N = 15) met weekly from October 1996 through April 1997. A Mann-Whitney test on Performance IQ (scaled) gain scores by group yielded U = 67, p =.059; a Mann-Whitney test on Performance IQ (raw) gain scores by group yielded U = 65, p =.049. Regressions of IQ gain scores on age showed significantly less gain for older children in the control group (N = 15). A regression analysis showed that the relationship of Performance IQ to age was not significant for the treatment group. Slopes intersected at age 3. For 3-year-olds in this study, an intellectually stimulating environment, per se, results in a gain in the ability to perform spatial-temporal tasks.
Fixation and repair of radiation-induced potentially mutagenic damage sensitive to hypertonic treatment in human diploid fibroblasts

The effect of hypertonic salt treatment on the repair of potentially lethal damage and potentially mutagenic damage in X-irradiated asynchronous and synchronous human diploid fibroblasts (IMR91) have been studied. Resistance to 6-thioguanine was used for the mutagenic end point. When cells in late-S-phase were treated with hypertonic salt solution immediately after X-irradiation, both cell killing and mutation induction were enhanced, as compared to X-irradiation alone. This suggests that X-irradiation of cells in late S phase induces both potentially lethal damage and potentially mutagenic damage and that both are sensitive to hypertonic salt solution. When cells were allowed 2 h for repair after exposure to X-rays, both types of damage were completely repaired. Almost the same results were obtained with asynchronous cells. These results are discussed in terms of the relationship between radiation damage leading to cell lethality and mutagenesis.
Institutional Memory and ICT: Ingredients for Direct Democracy and Global Solidarity

This paper presents an expansive view of the theory behind an emerging information communication technology that is being developed to provide marginalised populations with the tools they need to unify their voices. The system allows for the capture of their crowd-sourced artistic creativity and engineers an algorithm that makes the media retrievable as policy-supporting narrative threads. This ICT is seen as critically important because of how powerful lobbyists, funded by global elites and predatory capitalists, have consistently been successful in skewing the outcomes of policymaking decisions and elections. The system is firmly rooted in established governing narrative theory and is consistent with the small-group, consensus-building organisational theories that have been advocated by some of the most respected authors in the field since the 1970s.
On the measurement of the conductivity density of states of evaporated amorphous silicon films

Data are analyzed on the conductivity across the barrier between amorphous and crystal Si. The analysis assumes that variable range hopping near the Fermi level is the dominant conductivity mechanism in the evaporated amorphous Si film and band conductivity is dominant in the crystal. The density of states is found to be 1.2 × 1020 eV−1 cm−3 at the Fermi level in amorphous Si. The barrier heights are found to be larger when the crystal is p-type. This is in contrast to the somewhat analogous case of metal–semiconductor Schottky barrier diodes in which n-type crystals give higher barriers. The possibility of applications in circuits is pointed out. Es werden Strommessungen uber Barrieren zwischen amorphen und kristallinem Silizium analysiert. Bei der Analyse der Daten wird „variable range hopping” in der Nahe des Fermi-Niveaus als vorherrschender Leitungsmechanismus in aufgedampften, amorphen Si-Schichten angenommen, wahrend im Kristall Bandleitung dominiert. Fur die Zustandsdichte am Fermi-Niveau im amorphen Si findet man 1,2 × 1020 (eV cm3)−1. Die grosere Barrierenhohe erhalt man, wenn der Kristall p-leitend ist. In diesem Punkt unterscheidet sich das System von der in mancherlei Hinsicht ahnlichen Metall–Halbleiter-Schottkydiode, wo n-leitende Kristalle die grosere Barrierenhohe ergeben. Die Moglichkeit von Anwendungen in Halbleiterschaltkreisen wird diskutiert.
Optimization of in vitro nifedipine penetration enhancement through hairless mouse skin

Abstract The ability of penetration enhancer/solvent combinations of homologous members of alcohols and alkanoic acids in combination with Azone and isopropyl myristate to accelerate delivery rates of nifedipine was evaluated. Several alkanols and alkanoic acids were found to enhance the in vitro permeation of nifedipine (N) through excised hairless mouse skin. A McLean Anderson experimental design permitted the results of the permeation studies to be interpreted in a stoichiometric fashion. The permeation process was modeled so that simultaneous predictions of the flux or lag time could be made. Regression analysis identified positive synergistic interactions among the formulation components propylene glycol (PG), cis-oleic acid (OA), and dimethyl isosorbide (DI)—which strongly affected nifedipine (N) permeation. Of the mixtures tested, a mixture of PG, OA, and DI yielded optimal flux and lag time. Flux values fourfold higher than that required to deliver an equivalent oral daily dose in man were observed with hairless mouse skin. These results suggest that it may be feasible to percutaneously deliver clinically useful amounts of N by the judicious choice of vehicle composition.
Correction of quasi-static wavefront errors for ELT with two sequential DMs

Detection and spectral characterization of extrasolar planets with Extremely Large Telescopes (ELT) will require the ability to image very faint objects with a wide spectral bandwidth. Such a goal implies the de- velopment of new exquisite wavefront control techniques in order to calibrate and correct both the amplitude and phase components of the residual quasi-static halo that remains after the AO loop. Here we focus on the correction stage at time scales orders of magnitude slower than the AO refresh rate. We report laboratory results that exhibit four important features of instrument responses necessary for exo-planet characterization: post coronagraphic, high contrast, broadband, symmetric Point Spread Functions. This experiment was conducted in the Princeton University High Contrast Imaging Laboratory, equipped with a shaped pupil coronagraph and two sequential Boston Micromachines Kilo-DMs. In this paper we first review the theory and algorithms underlying one and two DM wavefront controllers and show why a second DM ultimately leads to improved broadband performances. We then present an experimental validation of such a two DM amplitude and phase controller.
On a Cauchy problem for the damped wave equation

where m > 1, c a real parameter, and x = (x1 , x2 ,..., xsm-r), in space of any odd number of spatial dimensions. The solution is obtained by a method used by Copson in solving a Cauchy problem for the Euler-Poisson-Darboux equation [Z]. For the present problem, this method which depends on properties of the wave operator developed in [I] consists in finding a function e, for which L’(u) is a constant and such that v is regular and vanishes on the characteristic cone. The restriction to odd spatial dimensions is inherent in the method. But, as pointed out by Copson, this involves no loss of generality since the solution in space of an even number of spatial dimensions can be deduced by Hadamard’s method of descent. For brevity we shall denote a point in the 2m-dimensional space with coordinates (x1, x2 ,..., ~s,,-~, t) by (x, t), and a function of this point by U(X, t). Let (t, T) be the coordinates of a fixed point and let (x, t) be the coordinates of a variable point. The equation
INTERACTION BETWEEN AN ADVANCING SHOCK WAVE AND OPPOSING JET FLOW

The interaction between a plane shock wave advancing in a shock tube and an opposing axisymmetric jet flow was recorded experimentally and analyzed. Shadowgraph, schlieren, and interferometric observations revealed that the shape of the shock distortion (bulge) caused by the jet flow closely resembled that of the local jet mean velocity distribution. Oblique shock relations, applied across shock bulge segments, yielded local flow jump parameters. The density distribution thus obtained compared favorably with interferometric results. Beginning at the bulge apex as a maximum the flow field exhibited several adjacent density maxima and minima in the axial direction. Within 1J and 10 nozzle diameters in the radial and axial direction, respectively, these oscillations attenuated, and the density approached the uniform value observed behind the undisturbed normal main shock front. Applying mass and momentum conservation relations and assuming isentropic processes in the axial direction, corresponding flow field quantities were obtained. An intense, intermittent compression wave system with wavelength nearly equal to the jet diameter appeared behind the moving shock front. The intensity of the propagating discrete wavelets was found to be of the order of 170 db and was observed to diminish in accordance with moving pointsource emission theory.
Degradation of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors from X-Band Operation

AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with a gate length of 0.125 µm were stressed at Class AB condition, 10 GHz under 3 dB compression for up to 350 hours. Devices exhibited excellent RF stability up to a drain bias of 20 V. Rapid degradation was observed for a drain bias of 25 V. Substantial Schottky contact degradation was observed for all three bias conditions. Electroluminescence indicates localized points of failure along the channel length, and micro- photoluminescence indicates an increase in non- radiative trap formation in regions of failure.
Optimal Transmission Scheduling in Symmetric Communication Models With Intermittent Connectivity

We consider a slotted system with N queues, and independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) Bernoulli arrivals at each queue during each slot. Each queue is associated with a channel that changes between "on" and "off" states according to i.i.d. Bernoulli processes. We assume that the system has K identical transmitters ("servers"). Each server, during each slot, can transmit up to C packets from each queue associated with an "on" channel. We show that a policy that assigns the servers to the longest queues whose channel is "on" minimizes the total queue size, as well as a broad class of other performance criteria. We provide several extensions, as well as some qualitative results for the limiting case where N is very large. Finally, we consider a "fluid" model under which fractional packets can be served, and subject to a constraint that at most C packets can be served in total from all of the N queues. We show that when K=N, there is an optimal policy which serves the queues so that the resulting vector of queue lengths is "Most Balanced" (MB)
Psychological Distress in Sexual Minorities: Examining the Roles of Self-Concealment and Psychological Inflexibility

The present cross-sectional study investigated whether self-concealment and psychological inflexibility were associated with a range of psychological distress in sexual minorities and whether the associations between self-concealment and distress were established, in part, though psychological inflexibility. Participants were 100 college students (nfemale = 74) who self-identified their sexual orientations as “homosexual” or “bisexual.” Both self-concealment and psychological inflexibility were significantly and positively associated with general psychological distress, somatization, depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, results revealed that self-concealment is associated with these four distress variables at least partly through psychological inflexibility.
Evaluation of Gel Permeation Chromatography for Clean up of Human Adipose Tissue Samples for GC/MS Analysis of Pesticides and Other Chemicals

Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) has been evaluated for clean up of human adipose tissue sample extracts in preparation for confirmatory analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Studies were conducted with standard solutions, fortified chicken fat, and actual human adipose tissue samples. Nearly quantitative removal of lipid material was achieved with minimal losses of 16 organochlorine pesticides and metabolites: two polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixtures, two chlorinated naphthalene (PCN) mixtures, and a polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) mixture. Mass spectra free from interferences were obtained over the mass range from 46 m/z to 560 m/z.
An Examination of the Roles of Trust and Functional Diversity on Virtual Team Performance Ratings

This study investigates the relationship among trust, functional diversity, and team performance in a virtual environment. The authors conducted research on more than 200 team members representing 33 virtual teams and found that both trust and functional diversity had a direct impact on team performance using team member ratings; however, neither had a direct impact on team performance using external manager ratings. Instead, trust was found to moderate the functional diversity to performance relationship using the managers' ratings. Differences in the development of trust between virtual teams and face-to-face teams are also discussed, as are the implications that the results of this study may have on organizations, managers, and team members.
Calmodulin binding to α1‐purothionin: Soloution binding and modeling of the complex

CD and fluorescence spectroscopic measurements show that calmodulin (CaM) binds to purothionins (alpha;1-purothionin: α1-PT; β-purothionin: β-PT) in 1:1 stoichiometry with an affinity similar to that exhibited with the tightest binding CaM-binding peptides. Using the available crystal structures of CaM and α1-PT, a model has been built for the interaction of CaM and α1-PT and subjected to potential energy minimization. In the model, there is a bend in the central helix of CaM similar to that suggested by Persechini and Kretsinger (J. Card. Pharm. 12:501–512, 1988). α1-PT fits snugly into the cavity formed by the bent CaM molecule with each of its two helices making apolar interactions with each of the two hydrophobic clefts situated at the terminal domains of CaM. The complex is further stabilized by numerous polar and electrostatic interactions on the rims of the clefts. Our model is compared with two other similar models previously re-ported for the CaM complexes with other helical peptides and generalizations about the mode of CaM binding to target proteins are made, which have wide relevance to the function of CaM. By analogy, a similar model is pre-dicted for a CaM–β-PT complex. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Effects of Gender, Level of Co-Contraction, and Initial Angle on Elbow Extensor Muscle Stiffness and Damping Under a Step Increase in Elbow Flexion Moment

Flexion buckling of an arm under the large ground reaction loads associated with arresting a fall to the ground increases the risk for head and thorax injuries. Yet, the factors that determine the arm buckling load remain poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis in 18 healthy young adults that neither gender, triceps co-contraction level (i.e., 25, 50, or 75% MVC) nor elbow angle would affect the rotational stiffness and damping resistance to step changes in elbow flexion loading. Data on the step response were gathered using optoelectronic markers (150 Hz) and myoelectric activity measurements (2 kHz), and an inverse dynamics analysis was used to estimate elbow extensor stiffness and damping coefficients. A repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that gender (p = 0.032), elbow flexion angle and co-contraction level (both p < 0.001) affected stiffness, but only the latter affected the damping coefficient (p = 0.035). At 25° of initial elbow flexion angle and maximum co-contraction, female stiffness and damping coefficients were 18 and 30% less, respectively, than male values after normalization by body height and weight. We conclude that the maximum extensor rotational stiffness and damping at the elbow is lower in women than in men of the same body size, and varies with triceps co-contraction level and initial elbow angle.
Finding Value in Client Resistance

Abstract The psychoanalytic concept of resistance is explored in the context of occupational therapy. Research suggests (1) noncompliance with treatment is tied to conflicting perceptions on the part of the therapist and client; (2) a treatment alliance is necessary for achieving successful treatment; and (3) paradigms have emerged that are moving away from a medical model of disability. These new paradigms offer an alternate lens through which to view client responses to treatment. Therapist error, based on either faulty attitudes or lack of psychosocial competence, may play a part in the development of resistance. It is asserted that the concept of resistance can be conceptualized as a powerful force that, if confirmed within the therapeutic alliance, can lead to positive outcomes in treatment.
Bullying Behavior by Athletic Coaches

A parent recently sought help addressing an individual bullying her child. When she provided more details, it became apparent the bully was not another student, but rather a high school basketball coach. One afternoon, the mother was early picking up her daughter from practice, so she went into the gym. She found the head coach screaming at the team that they lacked intelligence and were lazy because they had not executed a play properly. Horrified by this behavior, the mother waited until practice was over, then confronted the coach, telling him what she had observed and how upset she was by the screaming and name-calling. The coach responded by refocusing the conversation on the mother’s own transgression: parents knew that no one was allowed in the gym during practice “for safety reasons.” The mother felt as though she had to defend her own behavior. After the incident, she began asking around and discovered this coach had a long history of intimidating his athletes. She was not just witnessing a “bad day,” so she reported her concerns to the school and, again, was confused by the response. The principal told her he had spoken to the coach and the coach had apologized. He explained that the coach was very successful and won a state title last year, but sometimes got “overexcited.” Confused and angered by the school’s and coach’s reactions, she went to her pediatrician for advice. Although the study of bullying has made considerable strides over the last 2 decades, the definition remains vague. Bullying is generally defined as a systematic abuse of power, … Address correspondence to Nancy L. Swigonski, MD, MPH, Children’s Health Services Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 W 10th St, HS Suite 1000, Indianapolis, IN 46202. E-mail: nswigons{at}iupui.edu
On Being Eager and Uninhibited: Narcissism and Approach–Avoidance Motivation

This article demonstrates the validity and utility of conceptualizing narcissistic personality in terms of relative approach–avoidance motivation. Across three studies (N = 1,319), narcissism predicted high approach and low avoidance motivation. That is, narcissists reported being strongly motivated to approach desirable outcomes but only weakly motivated to avoid negative outcomes. Relative approach–avoidance motivation was shown to be useful in terms of explaining behavioral tendencies associated with narcissism (i.e., functional and dysfunctional impulsivity) and distinguishing different “flavors” of narcissism (i.e., overt and covert narcissism). Discussion focuses on how approach–avoidance motivation may be used to explain prior findings in the narcissism literature and generate novel future hypotheses.
Blogs as Predictors of Movie Success

Analysis of a comprehensive set of features extracted from blogs for prediction of movie sales is presented. We use correlation, clustering and time-series analysis to study which features are best predictors.
Effects of Regression of Atherosclerotic Lesions on the Content and Esterification of Cholesterol by Cell-Free Preparations of Pigeon Aorta

This study was designed to determine the effect of regression of atherosclerotic lesions on the incorporation of 1- 14 C-oleic acid into phospholipids, triglycerides, and cholesteryl esters and to compare these metabolic alterations with changes in the extent of atherosclerosis and the content of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters in the lesions. Aortic atherosclerosis was produced in White Carneau pigeons by feeding them an atherogenic diet for 1-8 months. The birds were then switched to a cholesterol-free diet for 6 months for the regression phase of the experiment. Following the regression phase, no changes were noted in the atherosclerotic index or the free-cholesterol content of aortas from pigeons that had received the atherogenic diet for 1-5 months; however, a reduction in both of these parameters was seen in aortas from pigeons fed the atherogenic diet for 8 months. There was a marked reduction in the content of cholesteryl esters in the aortas following the regression phase paralleled by a decrease in the rate of cholesterol esterification. No change was seen in the rate of incorporation of fatty acid into phospholipids or triglycerides. These studies suggest that local cholesterol esterification might be of considerable importance in maintaining the large amount of cholesteryl esters found in the atherosclerotic lesion and that changes in the rate of cholesterol esterification are associated with the early events in both progression and regression of atherosclerosis.
Morphed intermolecular potential of OC:HCCH complex based on infrared quantum cascade laser spectroscopy

Abstract Spectroscopic studies of the OC:HCCH complex are reported using a continuous supersonic slit jet spectrometer with broadband frequency mode-hop free tunable infrared quantum cascade lasers (QCL), centered at 4.4 and 4.6 μm. This Letter includes an extended analysis of the ν 3 CO stretching vibration frequency, and investigation of the ν 3 + ν 9 1 − ν 9 1 hot band, the ν 3 + ν 9 1 and ν 3 + ν 8 1 combination bands for OC–HCCH. The ground state low frequency bend, ν 9 1 , is determined at 20.48361(20) cm −1 . The generated rovibrational data is incorporated with previously determined information and used to generate a four-dimensional compound-model morphed potential with radial correction, giving further insight into the molecular dynamics of this complex.