A Global Optimization Approach to Laser Design

The objective of this work is to develop and validate the basis of a novel laser modeling and design methodology that incorporates a global optimization approach. Classical modeling techniques typically involve design evaluations that are conducted at the laser's threshold injection current. This is the point where the laser is just turning on, and the (standard practice) numerical challenge is minimal. The fundamental difference offered by the proposed new methodology is the possibility of developing laser designs directly at the injection current (power level) of interest.The effectiveness of the new methodology is verified by considering the computationally difficult problem of maximizing a laser's internal (cavity) field flatness over a range of above-threshold injection currents, while also considering the boundary condition error of the laser's internal field solution. Global optimization is then used to find an optimally flat field solution in terms of the laser's structural design parameters. The favorable comparison between our results and the results obtained by the extrapolation of threshold designs to the same injection current indicate the self-consistency and fundamental capabilities of the new methodology.     

The effect of γ-interferon to inhibit macrophage-high density lipoprotein interactions is reversed by Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2J2

Macrophage activation has been recognized as playing a central role in chronic inflammatory diseases in general and more specifically, in the vascular wall during the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Macrophage-activating factors present within the atherosclerotic lesion include the colony-stimulating factors and gamma interferon (IFN_γ). In the present study, the effects of IFN_γ on macrophage binding and uptake of fluorochrome-labeled high density lipoprotein (HDL) were investigated by flow cytometry and by measuring the amount of the type B scavenger receptors CD36 and scavenger receptor type B (SR-BI) by Northern blot analysis. IFN_γ-, but not granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-treated murine peritoneal macrophages displayed a two- to threefold decrease in Dil-labeled HDI uptake. This effect was observed in the absence of a comparable decrease in SR-BI meassage and protein or CD36 message. This decrease in both HDL binding and uptake was reversed by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR_γ) agonist, Δ^12,14-prostaglandin J₂ (15d-PGJ₂), which also inhibited the IFN_γ inductin of the β2 integrin CD1 1a. Furthermore, 15d-PGJ₂ increased the expression of SR-BI and CD36 message and SR-BI protein which was reflected in an increase in HDL binding and uptake. These results suggest a role for PPAR_γ agonists in modulating the IFN_γ-mediated macrophage effector functions relevant to atherosclerotic disease progression.     

Improving diabetes self-management through acceptance, mindfulness, and values: A randomized controlled trial.

Patients in a low-income community health center with Type 2 diabetes (N = 81) taking a one-day education workshop as part of their diabetes medical management were randomly assigned either to education alone or to a combination of education and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Both groups were taught how to manage their diabetes, but those in the ACT condition also learned to apply acceptance and mindfulness skills to difficult diabetes-related thoughts and feelings. Compared with patients who received education alone, after 3 months those in the ACT condition were more likely to use these coping strategies, to report better diabetes self-care, and to have glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values in the target range. Mediational analyses indicated that changes in acceptance coping and self-management behavior mediated the impact of treatment on changes in HbA1C. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A Compact Model for Valence-Band Electron Tunneling Current in Partially Depleted SOI MOSFETs

The valence-band electron (EVB) tunneling current in partially depleted silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFETs increases as the gate oxide gets thinner and affects the dynamic behavior of devices and circuits. We present an engineering model of EVB tunneling current based on the surface-potential formulation. The new model is implemented in a SOI MOSFET compact model and is used to study the impact of EVB tunneling on circuit performance. Simulations of stacked logic gates show that the EVB tunneling current not only boosts circuit switching speed but also mitigates the history dependence of propagation delays     

Understanding barriers to home‐based and self‐care in‐center hemodialysis

Despite superior outcomes and lower associated costs, relatively few patients with end‐stage renal disease undergo self‐care or home hemodialysis. Few studies have examined patient‐ and physician‐specific barriers to self‐care and home hemodialysis in the modern era. The degree to which innovative technology might facilitate the adoption of these modalities is unknown. We surveyed 250 patients receiving in‐center hemodialysis and 51 board‐certified nephrologists to identify key barriers to adoption of self‐care and home hemodialysis. Overall, 172 (69%) patients reported that they were “likely” or “very likely” to consider self‐care hemodialysis if they were properly trained on a new hemodialysis system designed for self‐care or home use. Nephrologists believed that patients were capable of performing many dialysis‐relevant tasks, including: weighing themselves (98%), wiping down the chair and machine (84%), clearing alarms during treatment (53%), taking vital signs (46%), and cannulating vascular access (41%), but thought that patients would be willing to do the same in only 69%, 34%, 31%, 29%, and 16%, respectively. Reasons that nephrologists believe patients are hesitant to pursue self‐care or home hemodialysis do not correspond in parallel or by priority to reasons reported by patients. Self‐care and home hemodialysis offer several advantages to patients and dialysis providers. Overcoming real and perceived barriers with new technology, education and coordinated care will be required for these modalities to gain traction in the coming years.     

Trends of night-time hourly cloud-cover values over Manila Observatory: ground-based remote-sensing observations using a digital camera for 13 months

ABSTRACT

Night-time cloud detection provides data sets of cloud-cover percentage. Although night-time cloud-cover data sets from satellite-based instruments are common, these data sets do not have relatively high temporal resolution. To quantify local temporal cloud-cover variability and to attain long-term cloud-cover measurements, ground-based instruments would be the appropriate apparatus. In this study, a digital camera is used to continuously gather images of the night sky at 5-min intervals over Manila Observatory (14.64° N, 121.07° E). For the first time in Manila, ground-based remote-sensing data gathered from October 2015 to October 2016 are analysed for hourly cloud cover. The results indicate that wet season has relatively higher cloud-cover values (median >40%) as compared to the dry season (median <40%). Moreover, cloud-cover values are observed to decrease during the night. For the wet season, August having the highest cloud-cover values has the highest value of change of hourly cloud-cover percentage (?0.82% h^?1). For the dry season, February having the lowest cloud-cover values has the highest value of change of hourly cloud-cover percentage (?1.04% h^?1).     

A reactive molecular dynamics model of thermal decomposition in polymers: I. Poly(methyl methacrylate)

The theory and implementation of reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) are presented. The capabilities of RMD and its potential use as a tool for investigating the mechanisms of thermal transformations in materials are demonstrated by presenting results from simulations of the thermal degradation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). While it is known that depolymerization must be the major decomposition channel for PMMA, there are unanswered questions about the nature of the initiation reaction and the relative reactivities of the tertiary and primary radicals formed in the degradation process. The results of our RMD simulations, performed directly in the condensed phase, are consistent with available experimental information. They also provide new insights into the mechanism of the thermally induced conversion of this polymer into its constituent monomers.     

Thyroid function in end stage renal disease and effects of frequent hemodialysis

Introduction: End‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with perturbations in thyroid hormone concentrations and an increased prevalence of hypothyroidism. Few studies have examined the effects of hemodialysis dose or frequency on endogenous thyroid function. Methods: Within the Frequent Hemodialysis Network (FHN) trials, we examined the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with ESRD. Among those with endogenous thyroid function (without overt hyper/hypothyroidism or thyroid hormone supplementation), we examined the association of thyroid hormone concentration with multiple parameters of self‐reported health status, and physical and cognitive performance, and the effects of hemodialysis frequency on serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free tri‐iodothyronine (FT3) levels. Conventional thrice‐weekly hemodialysis was compared to in‐center (6 d/wk) hemodialysis (Daily Trial) and Nocturnal (6 nights/wk) home hemodialysis (Nocturnal Trial) over 12 months. Findings: Among 226 FHN Trial participants, the prevalence of hypothyroidism was 11% based on thyroid hormone treatment and/or serum TSH ≥8 mIU/mL. Among the remaining 195 participants (147 Daily, 48 Nocturnal) with endogenous thyroid function, TSH concentrations were modestly (directly) correlated with age (r = 0.16, P = 0.03) but not dialysis vintage. Circulating thyroid hormone levels were not associated with parameters of health status or physical and cognitive performance. Furthermore, frequent in‐center and nocturnal hemodialysis did not significantly change (baseline to month 12) TSH, FT4, or FT3 concentrations in patients with endogenous thyroid function. Discussion: Among patients receiving hemodialysis without overt hyper/hypothyroidism or thyroid hormone treatment, thyroid indices were not associated with multiple measures of health status and were not significantly altered with increased dialysis frequency.