cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Highly efficient green polymer light‐emitting diodes through interface engineering

— By interface engineering, we have improved the quantum efficiency for green polyfluorene polymer light-emitting diodes by three fold: the efficiency improved from 9 to 28 cd/A. This interface engineering was achieved by inserting a thin layer of calcium (2) acetylacetonate, denoted as Ca(acac)2, at the polymer/metal cathode interface. The Ca(acac)2 layer behaves in a multifunctional way. It assists the electron injection by lowering the electron-injection barrier. In the meanwhile, hole injection is enhanced by the accumulated electrons in the polymer layer. This effect is believed to lower the barrier height for hole-injection through the Schottky effect. Finally, the Ca(acac)2 layer works as a hole block layer to block the holes. As a result of the charge balance and charge confinement, the device quantum efficiency increases dramatically.
Ring cleavage of chlorophyll derivatives: Isolation of oxochlorin intermediates and ring opening via a two oxygen molecule mechanism

Abstract Zinc(II) δ-trifluoroacetoxypheophorbides ( 5, 10 ) undergo macrocyclic ring cleavage, via zinc(II) oxochlorins after alkaline hydrolysis, to give dihydrobiliverdins ( 7, 11 ) in which the two lactam oxygen atoms are shown, by 18 O 2 labeling experiments, to be derived from two different dioxygen molecules.
Mechanism and mortality of pediatric aortic injuries

BACKGROUND: Aortic injuries are rare, but have a high mortality rate in children and adolescents. We sought to investigate mechanisms of injury and predictors of survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Kids' Inpatient Database (1997-2009) was used to identify cases of thoracic and abdominal aortic injury (International Classification of Diseases, ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 901.0, 902.0) occurring in children aged RESULTS: A total of 468 cases were identified. Survival was 65% overall, 63% for boys and 68% for girls. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle-related (77%), followed by other penetrating trauma (10%) and firearm injury (8%). On multivariate modeling, boys (odds ratio, 0.15 [95% confidence interval, 0.05, 0.45]) and Hispanic children (0.17 [0.05, 0.60]) had lower associated mortality versus girls and Caucasians, respectively. Self-pay patients (6.47 [1.94, 21.6]) had higher mortality versus privately insured patients. Children in the fourth income quartile had lower mortality versus all income quartile patients. Patients admitted to urban nonteaching hospitals (0.15 [0.04, 0.59]) had lower mortality versus those admitted to urban teaching hospitals. Patients with traumatic shock (47.9 [12.3, 187]) or necessitating exploratory laparotomy (13.7 [2.06, 91.4]) had the highest associated mortality overall. Survival increased over the study period between 1997 and 2009. CONCLUSIONS: Motor vehicle-related injuries are the predominant mechanisms of aortic injury in the pediatric population. Gender, race, payer status, income quartile, and hospital type, along with associated procedures and diagnoses, are significant determinants of mortality on multivariate analysis. Language: en
End-to-end distance vector distribution with fixed end orientations for the wormlike chain model

We find exact expressions for the end-to-end distance vector distribution function with fixed end orientations for the wormlike chain model. This function in Fourier-Laplace space adopts the form of infinite continued fractions, which emerges upon exploiting the hierarchical structure of the moment-based expansion. Our results are used to calculate the root-mean-square end displacement in a given direction for a chain with both end orientations fixed. We find that the crossover from rigid to flexible chains is marked by the root-mean-square end displacement slowly losing its angular dependence as the coupling between chain conformation and end orientation wanes. However, the coupling remains strong even for relatively flexible chains, suggesting that the end orientation strongly influences chain conformation for chains that are several persistence lengths long. We then show the behavior of the distribution function by a density plot of the probability as a function of the end-to-end distance vector for a wormlike chain in two dimensions with one end pointed in a fixed direction and the other end free (in its orientation). As we progress from high to low rigidity, the distribution function shifts from being peaked at a location near the full contour length of the chain in the forward direction, corresponding to a straight configuration, to being peaked near zero end separation, as in the Gaussian limit. The function exhibits double peaks in the crossover between these limiting behaviors.
Technical Assessment of Porcine Enteroenterostomy Performed With ZEUS ™ Robotic Technology

Abstract Background/Purpose: Limitations of minimally invasive pediatric surgery include the inability to perform precise anastomoses of 2 to 15 mm. Robotic technology facilitates the performance of endoscopic microsurgical procedures. This study examined the technical feasibility of performing an enteroenterostomy in piglets utilizing ZEUS™ robotic technology. Methods: Ten piglets (6.5 to 8.5 kg) underwent enteroenterostomy. Standard laparoscopic techniques were used in the control group (n = 5), and ZEUS™ robotic technology was used in the experimental group (n = 5). AESOP controlled the camera in both groups. Anesthesia time; surgery time; robotic set-up time; and anastomotic time, patency, diameter, and integrity were compared. Results: No statistical difference existed between the means of the control and experimental groups for anesthesia time (176.0 v 154.0 minute; P =.63), surgery time (143.0 v 139.2 minute; P =.92), anastomosis time (109.4 v 93.0 minutes; P =.56), AESOP set-up time (4.2 v 7.0 minutes; P =.51), and anastomotic diameter (7.062 v 7.362 mm; P =.62). All anastomoses were patent without narrowing. The ZEUS™ cases averaged 14 minutes faster than the standard laparoscopic cases, even with the ZEUS™ set-up time included. Conclusions: These data supports the hypothesis that robotic-assisted enteroenterostomy is technically feasible. ZEUS™ robotic technology will potentially play an important role in expanding the applications of minimally invasive pediatric surgery. J Pediatr Surg 36:1231-1233. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Drivers of natural resource-based political conflict

Why are some natural resource-based political conflicts so controversial, acrimonious and intractable? What factors drive these conflicts? And what turns the common political conflict into the high-level, symbolic, and sustained political conflict? This paper conceptualizes the 'drivers’ of natural resource-based political conflict in the United States. It examines the dominant themes, patterns and underlying logic of these conflicts. The very nature and context of these cases sometimes promise intractability, but they are also often 'wicked by design’ in that political actors, institutions and policy processes often compound them. The following drivers of conflict are discussed: scarcity, the policy surrogate, the sacred and spiritual and importance of place, policy design (historical and budgetary), policy frames, scientific disagreement and uncertainty, electoral politics and the use of wedge issues, political and interest group strategy, media framing, adversarial governance, Constitutional, statutory and administrative language, and distrust. The paper finishes by placing natural resource-based conflict in political perspective.
Controlling Electron Transfer Dynamics in Donor-Bridge-Acceptor Molecules by Increasing Unpaired Spin Density on the Bridge †

A t-butylphenylnitroxide (BPNO•) stable radical is attached to an electron donor−bridge−acceptor (D−B−A) system having well-defined distances between the components: MeOAn−6ANI−Ph(BPNO•)−NI, where MeOAn = p-methoxyaniline, 6ANI = 4-(N-piperidinyl)naphthalene-1,8-dicarboximide, Ph = phenyl, and NI = naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide). MeOAn−6ANI, BPNO•, and NI are attached to the 1, 3, and 5 positions of the Ph bridge, respectively. Time-resolved optical and EPR spectroscopy show that BPNO• influences the spin dynamics of the photogenerated triradical states 2,4(MeOAn+•−6ANI−Ph(BPNO•)−NI-•), resulting in slower charge recombination within the triradical, as compared to the corresponding biradical lacking BPNO•. The observed spin−spin exchange interaction between the photogenerated radicals MeOAn+• and NI-• is not altered by the presence of BPNO•. However, the increased spin density on the bridge greatly increases radical pair (RP) intersystem crossing from the photogenerated singlet RP to the triplet ...
Development of novel polymer/quasicrystal composite materials

Abstract We report on a new class of materials, polymer/quasicrystal composites with useful properties for beneficial exploitation in applications, such as dry bearings and composite gears. Our preliminary results indicate that our new composites are a means of enhancing the properties of certain organic polymers while providing a new means of processing quasicrystals. Al–Cu–Fe quasicrystalline materials significantly improved wear resistance to volume loss in polymer-based composites. Furthermore, mechanical testing results showed a two-fold increase in the storage modulus of the reinforced composites compared with the polymer samples. The fabrication in addition to the thermal, mechanical, and wear properties of these unique materials will be described.
A novel choice method for studying drugs as punishers.

Abstract In contrast to reinforcing effects, little is known about the neurobehavioral pharmacology of aversive effects of drugs that may limit their self-administration. The present study was designed to develop a novel choice method for studying drugs as punishers. Rhesus monkeys ( n =4) were trained in a two-lever choice procedure. During a trial, completion of a variable-ratio 10 (VR10) schedule on one lever resulted in the simultaneous injection of a drug and delivery of two food pellets. Completion of an independent VR10 on the other lever resulted in simultaneous delivery of a saline injection and two food pellets. Reinforcer delivery ended a trial and began a time-out (TO) of 10 min. Sessions ended after approximately 4 h. When a preference was observed, injection/lever pairings were reversed to ensure reinforcer preference. When the drug injection was histamine (0.0015–0.006 mg/kg/injection), preference for the drug+food option decreased in a dose-related manner to near 0% in all monkeys. Effective doses of histamine were approximately 10-fold lower than in previously published experiments. In contrast, when the drug was cocaine (0.012–0.2 mg/kg/injection), preference for the drug+food option increased in a dose-related manner to near 100% in all monkeys. Choice may be a sensitive and selective method for studying aversive effects of drugs.
Walter Dill Scott: Pioneer Industrial Psychologist

In the history of personnel management and salesmanship in the United States, the concepts and techniques developed by Professor Walter Dill Scott of Northwestern University have been pervasive. As an introduction to Scott's ideas and to his activities, Professor Lynch summarizes his contributions in the application of psychology to business problems.
Thin-film pulse propagation analysis using frequency techniques

High-speed pulse (rise time=100 ps) propagation in a thin-film multichip package is analyzed. The thin-film lines are assumed to be 8 mu m wide, 4 mu m thick, 12 mu m above the ground, and made of copper embedded in a dielectric medium with a dielectric constant of 3.5 (e.g., polyimide). Weeks' algorithm is used to calculate the wideband line characteristics which include the skin effect of conductors and the proximity effect of the ground up to a frequency of 10 GHz. It is assumed that the dielectric imperfection and the conductor surface roughness are negligible. An inverse fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm is used to obtain the time-domain results. Line lengths studied ranged from 1 to 15 cm. and three types of terminations are treated: parallel, series, and open. Termination strategy for different line lengths is presented. The maximum line length allowable in the thin-film conductor system is then examined. Finally, crosstalk at various locations of the quiet lines with different terminations is discussed. >
A random-effects regression model for meta-analysis

Many meta-analyses use a random-effects model to account for heterogeneity among study results, beyond the variation associated with fixed effects. A random-effects regression approach for the synthesis of 2 x 2 tables allows the inclusion of covariates that may explain heterogeneity. A simulation study found that the random-effects regression method performs well in the context of a meta-analysis of the efficacy of a vaccine for the prevention of tuberculosis, where certain factors are thought to modify vaccine efficacy. A smoothed estimator of the within-study variances produced less bias in the estimated regression coefficients. The method provided very good power for detecting a non-zero intercept term (representing overall treatment efficacy) but low power for detecting a weak covariate in a meta-analysis of 10 studies. We illustrate the model by exploring the relationship between vaccine efficacy and one factor thought to modify efficacy. The model also applies to the meta-analysis of continuous outcomes when covariates are present.
Error analysis and digital correction algorithms for pipelined A/D converters

The conversion error of a pipelined A/D (analog-to-digital) converter using inaccurate comparators is analyzed. It is shown that the error can be compensated using simple analog circuitry combined with some digital logic. The resulting system is especially useful for fast converters in which accurate comparators would require a large chip area and large DC power. >
Occlusion detection using motion-position analysis

Occlusion is a complex problem which can cause the loss of the target in the tracking process. One of the solutions for the occlusion problem is to detect the occlusion before it occurs or partially occurs and to track the moving objects using an additional camera separated by a known distance and known camera parameters, which can give a better view. Thus, the loss of a target can be prevented. This paper uses algorithms to perform target tracking under occlusion using motion-position analysis by calculating the shortest distances between the targets using a safe distance factor.
Nephrectomy before interleukin-2 therapy for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

AbstractPurpose: The management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma remains challenging and controversial. There is some evidence of improved response to interleukin-2 (IL-2) based immunotherapy in patients who undergo nephrectomy before systemic treatment. However, recent reports have suggested that surgery prior to immunotherapy may not be an efficient strategy, since many patients will not be able to receive systemic treatment after nephrectomy. We describe our criteria for determining which patients are candidates for nephrectomy before immunotherapy and present our series of patients treated with this approach.Materials and Methods: Based on our initial experience with IL-2 based immunotherapy we developed certain inclusion criteria for treatment with initial nephrectomy followed by systemic immunotherapy, including greater than 75% debulking of tumor burden possible, no central nervous system, bone or liver metastases, adequate pulmonary and cardiac function, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group pe...
A Comparison of Remote Sensing and Ground‐Based Methods for Monitoring Wetland Restoration Success

Efficient and accurate vegetation sampling techniques are essential for the assessment of wetland restoration success. Remotely acquired data, used extensively in many locations, have not been widely used to monitor restored wetlands. We compared three different vegetation sampling techniques to determine the accuracy associated with each method when used to determine species composition and cover in restored Pacific coast wetlands dominated by Salicornia virginica (perennial pickleweed). Two ground-based techniques, using quadrat and line intercept sampling, and a remote sensing technique, using low altitude, high resolution, color and color infrared photographs, were applied to estimate cover in three small restoration sites. The remote technique provided an accurate and efficient means of sampling vegetation cover, but individual species could not be identified, precluding estimates of species density and distribution. Aerial photography was determined to be an effective tool for vegetation monitoring of simple (i.e., single-species) habitat types or when species identities are not important (e.g., when vegetation is developing on a new restoration site). The efficiency associated with these vegetation sampling techniques was dependent on the scale of the assessment, with aerial photography more efficient than ground-based sampling methods for assessing large areas. However, the inability of aerial photography to identify individual species, especially mixed-species stands common in southern California salt marshes, limits its usefulness for monitoring restoration success. A combination of aerial photography and ground-based methods may be the most effective means of monitoring the success of large wetland restoration projects.
Acute Physiology of Stroke Score

Background and Purpose—The Acute Physiology, Age, Chronic Health Evaluation score for critically ill patients has provided a method of predicting outcome using major physiological variables. We hypothesized that a physiology score for stroke patients (Acute Physiology of Stroke Score [APSS]) when added to a validated clinical prediction model would improve outcome prediction. Methods—The APSS was developed and validated using multivariable logistic regression. It was added to a previously validated clinical model to assess for increased area under the curve in predicting 3-month outcome. Results—The bootstrap-validated bias-corrected area under the curve for just the APSS predicting alive/dead at discharge was 0.753. The clinical model area under the curve ranged from 0.77 to 0.88 and the addition of the APSS resulted in areas under the curve of 0.77 to 0.89. Conclusions—These data suggest that the APSS is related to 3-month clinical outcome in patients with ischemic stroke. However, the APSS adds no clin...
Computation complexity of branch-and-bound model selection

Segmentation problems are one of the most important areas of research in computer vision. While segmentation problems are generally solved with clustering paradigms, they formulate the problem as recursive. Additionally, most approaches need the number of clusters to be known beforehand. This requirement is unreasonable for majority of the computer vision problems. This paper analyzes the model selection perspective which can overcome these limitations. Under this framework multiple hypotheses for cluster centers are generated using spatially coherent sampling. An optimal subset of these hypotheses is selected according to a model selection criterion. The selection can be carried out with a branch-and-bound procedure. The worst case complexity of any branch-and-bound algorithm is exponential. However, the average complexity of the algorithm is significantly lower. In this paper, we develop a framework for analysis of average complexity of the algorithm from the statistics of model selection costs.
An LVQ-based Automotive Occupant Classification System

This paper presents a description of a system designed to classify a passenger in an automobile into one of three classes: a) adult, b) children (6 years and younger) and infants in child seats and c) empty seat. The authors examine the application of neural networks (BP, LVQ etc.) for this Occupant Classification System (OCS).
Unraveling the mechanisms of plaque rupture in murine models.

To the Editor: Mice are rapidly becoming a model of choice for atherosclerosis and coagulation-related studies, but the suitability of murine models with extensive atherosclerosis for the interphase of these two processes, ie, plaque rupture and intramural thrombosis, remains controversial.1 Plaque ruptures and spontaneous erosions reaching the core of atheromas occur spontaneously, but rather infrequently, in a variety of murine arteries.2,3⇓ In their recent article, von der Thusen and colleagues4 utilized a combination of a perivascular collar, transfection with the proapoptotic factor p53, and acute phenylephedrine-induced stress to achieve a high frequency of rupture in the carotid artery. However, the accompanying editorial from Dr Majesky emphasizes the absence of fibrin-rich clots and questions whether this is a valid model of human plaque rupture. We believe that the requirement of a murine model to faithfully reflect …
Optimal n-tier multilevel interconnect architectures for gigascale integration (GSI)

A multilevel interconnect architecture design methodology that optimizes the interconnect cross-sectional dimensions of each metal layer is introduced that reduces logic macrocell area, cycle time, power consumption or number of metal layers. The predictive capability of this methodology, which is based on a stochastic wiring distribution, provides insight into defining the process technology parameters for current and future generations of microprocessors and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Using this methodology on an ASIC logic macrocell case study for the 100 nm technology generation, the optimized n-tier multilevel interconnect architecture reduces macrocell area by 32%, cycle time by 16% or number of wiring tracks required on the topmost tier by 62% compared to a conventional design where pitches are doubled for every successive pair of levels. A new repeater insertion methodology is also described that further enhances gigascale integration (GSI) system performance. By using repeaters, a further reduction of 70% in macrocell area, 18% in cycle time, 25% in number of metal levels or 44% in power dissipation is achieved, when compared to an n-tier design without repeaters. The key distinguishing feature of the methodology is its comprehensive framework that simultaneously solves two distinct problems-optimal wire sizing and wiring layer assignment-using independent constraints on maximum repeater area for efficient design space exploration to optimize the area, power, frequency, and metal levels of a GSI logic megacell.
Sifaka positional behavior: Ontogenetic and quantitative genetic approaches

In many primate species, hands and feet are large relative to neonatal body weight, and they sub- sequently exhibit negative allometric growth during on- togeny. Here, data are presented showing that this pat- tern holds for a wild population of lemur, Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi). Using morpho- metric data collected on this population, it is shown that younger animals possess relatively large hands and feet. This ontogenetic pattern suggests a simple behavioral test: do juvenile animals with their larger, almost adult- sized hands and feet locomote on similarly sized sub- strates as adult animals? Using locomotor bout sam- pling, this question was tested by collecting positional behavior data on this population. Results from this test find no differences in locomotor behaviors or substrate use between yearlings and adult animals. To place these results in a broader evolutionary context, heritabilities and selection gradients of hands, feet, and other limb elements for animals in this population were estimated. Among limb elements, heritabilities range from 0.16- 0.44, with the foot having the lowest value. Positive directional selection acts most strongly on the foot (direc- tional selection gradient ¼ 0.119). The low heritability and positive selection coefficient indicate that selection has acted, and continues to act, on foot size in young animals. These results are interpreted within a func- tional context with respect to the development of locomo- tor coordination: larger feet enable young animals to use ''adult-sized'' substrates when they move through their habitat. It is suggested that the widespread pattern of neg- ative allometry of the extremities in sifaka and other pri- mates is maintained by selection, and does not simply reflect a primitive developmental pathway that has no adaptive basis. Am J Phys Anthropol 131:261-271, 2006. V C 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An ultrastructural analysis of isolated basement membranes in the acellular renal cortex: A comparative study of human and laboratory animals

Freshly harvested kidneys from New Zealand white rabbits, Sprague-Dawley white rats, rhesus monkeys, and transplant-quality human kidneys were used in this study. Minced renal cortical tissue blocks (less than 2 mm3) were treated with 1 mM EDTA, 3% Triton X-100, 0.025% DNAse, and 4% sodium deoxycholate in an effort to remove all cellular elements and leave the extracellular matrix (ECM) intact. These preparations showed remarkable structural preservation and all components of the ECM, including basement membranes (BMs), maintained their in vivo histoarchitectural relationships. By light microscopy, at least four major BM types were recognizable, including Bowman's capsular BM (BCBM), tubular BM (TBM), glomerular BM (GBM), and peritubular capillary BM (PTCBM). Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that, despite the lack of supporting interstitium, GBMs in human, monkey, and rat (and rabbit to a lesser degree) exhibit intrinsic structural rigidity such that their convoluted spheroidal shapes are maintained following cell removal. Transmission electron microscopy showed that major BM types are morphologically heterogeneous and vary markedly within and between species. Randomized measurements showed that isolated BM thicknesses (lamina densa only) compared favorably with those reported in cellular preparations. Mean thicknesses of GBMs were within normal ranges in all species with or without power transformations to reduce right-sided skew of distribution curves. In all species, thickness of BCBM greater than TBM greater than GBM greater than PTCBM. The striking morphologic heterogeneity of major BM types demonstrated in the acellular renal cortex is not surprising in view of recent biochemical analyses that show that BMs derived from different sources are compositionally disparate. We conclude that BMs should be evaluated and characterized individually and that morphologic definition of isolated BMs necessary prior to further analysis.
Agonist-induced phosphorylation of the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor expressed in a stably transfected cell line.

Much of the definitive work on G-protein-coupled receptor phosphorylation and its impact on receptor function has been performed with the catecholamine receptors. Evidence for receptor phosphorylation is lacking, however, for G-protein-coupled receptors that bind larger ligands, such as LH/CG. Using immunoprecipitation techniques and a clonal cell line stably transfected with the LH/CG receptor, we show here for the first time that exposure of cells to hCG induces phosphorylation of its cognate receptor. The hCG-induced increase in receptor phosphorylation requires receptor activation because it cannot be elicited with a hCG antagonist and is mediated at least in part by the cAMP second messenger system. This hypothesis is supported by the finding that the hCG-induced receptor phosphorylation is greatly reduced (but not abolished) in a cell line that overexpresses cAMP phosphodiesterase and that receptor phosphorylation can be induced by activation of endogenous cAMP synthesis with prostaglandin E2 or by ...
Dynamic Ultrasonography of the Deep External Rotator Musculature of the Hip: A Descriptive Study.

Abstract Background No detailed reports exist describing the methodology of ultrasound image acquisition of the deep external rotator muscles of the hip. Because gluteal pain and sciatica are common, ultrasound may be a useful dynamic imaging adjunct in the evaluation of these patients. Objective To describe dynamic ultrasonography of the deep external rotator muscles of the hip for diagnostic purposes. Design Descriptive. Setting University radiology department. Participants Participants (n = 25; 14 male) without gluteal pain or sciatica were enrolled (mean age 27.6 ± 4.7 years; mean body mass index 26.0 ± 4.1 kg/m 2 ). Methods Ultrasonographic cine clips oriented to the long axis of each deep external rotator muscle were captured. In addition, cine clips of the piriformis tendon and obturator internus tendon were obtained. Cine clips were analyzed approximately 1 week after completion of image acquisition independently by 2 blinded raters. Main Outcome Measures A 5-point Likert scale to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the ultrasound image. Results The modal Likert scores for rater 1 were as follows: piriformis muscle=4; piriformis tendon=4; superior gemellus muscle=3; obturator internus muscle=4; obturator internus tendon=4; inferior gemellus muscle=4; quadratus femoris muscle=4. The modal scores for rater 2 were: piriformis muscle=4; piriformis tendon=3; superior gemellus muscle=4; obturator internus muscle=3; obturator internus tendon=4; inferior gemellus muscle=3; quadratus femoris muscle= 4. Conclusion Dynamic ultrasonography may be useful to image the hip deep external rotator musculature for diagnostic purposes and therefore aid in the evaluation of gluteal pain and sciatica. Future work should investigate the reliability and validity of ultrasonography in the evaluation of pathology of these muscles.
Managing Human Assets in an Uncertain World: Applying Real Options Theory to HRM

While many authors have proposed a firm's human resources as an asset that can provide value and competitive advantage, the SHRM field has tended to ignore the fact that assets have associated uncertainties and risks. The real options view provides a theoretical framework for how firms manage uncertainties associated with investments in real assets. We apply this logic to analyse the uncertainties associated with human assets and discuss how firms manage these uncertainties through HR ‘options’ which are capabilities generated by some HR practices and their combinations. We discuss these practices and develop an options model for managing different types of uncertainties.
A lie group variational integrator for the attitude dynamics of a rigid body with applications to the 3D pendulum

A numerical integrator is derived for a class of models that describe the attitude dynamics of a rigid body in the presence of an attitude dependent potential. The numerical integrator is obtained from a discrete variational principle, and exhibits excellent geometric conservation properties. In particular, by performing computations at the level of the Lie algebra, and updating the solution using the matrix exponential, the attitude automatically evolves on the rotation group embedded in the space of matrices. The geometric conservation properties of the numerical integrator imply long time numerical stability. We apply this variational integrator to the uncontrolled 3D pendulum, that is a rigid asymmetric body supported at a frictionless pivot acting under the influence of uniform gravity. Interesting dynamics of the 3D pendulum are exposed
Kidney Function and Risk of Peripheral Arterial Disease: Results from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, but its association with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is unclear. With the use of data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, 14,280 middle-aged adults were categorized on the basis of estimated GFR >/=90, 60 to 89, and 15 to 59 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) for normal kidney function, mildly decreased kidney function, and stages 3 to 4 CKD, respectively. Incident PAD was defined as a new onset of ankle-brachial index <0.9 assessed at regular examinations, new intermittent claudication assessed by annual surveillance, or PAD-related hospital discharges. Incidence rates and relative risks (RR) for PAD were compared across these categories. During a mean follow-up time of 13.1 yr (186,616 person-years), 1016 participants developed PAD. The incidence rates per 1000 person-years were 4.7, 4.9, and 8.6 for the normal kidney function, mildly decreased kidney function, and CKD groups, respectively. Compared with participants with normal kidney function, the age-, gender-, race-, and ARIC field center-adjusted RR for PAD was 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91 to 1.18) for those with mildly decreased kidney function and 1.82 (95% CI 1.34 to 2.47) for those with CKD. After additional adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors, an increase in risk for incident PAD still was observed in participants with CKD, with a multivariable adjusted RR of 1.56 (95% CI 1.13 to 2.14). Patients with CKD are at increased risk for incident PAD. Development of strategies for screening and prevention of PAD in this high-risk population seems warranted.
Temporal Variation in Phenotypic and Genotypic Traits in Two Sockeye Salmon Populations, Tustumena Lake, Alaska

Abstract Sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka in two tributary streams (about 20 km apart) of the same lake were compared for temporal variation in phenotypic (length, depth adjusted for length) and genotypic (six microsatellite loci) traits. Peak run time (July 16 versus 11 August) and run duration (43 versus 26 d) differed between streams. Populations were sampled twice, including an overlapping point in time. Divergence at microsatellite loci followed a temporal cline: Population sample groups collected at the same time were not different (F ST = 0), whereas those most separated in time were different (F ST = 0.011, P = 0.001). Although contemporaneous sample groups did not differ significantly in microsatellite genotypes (F ST = 0), phenotypic traits did differ significantly (MANOVA, P < 0.001). Fish from the larger stream were larger; fish from the smaller stream were smaller, suggesting differential fitness related to size. Results indicate run time differences among and within sockeye salmon populatio...
A Simplified Technique for Determination of Small Amounts of Calcium as Oxalate

Procedures for determination of calcium by oxalate precipitation are reviewed, and a method is described in which the calcium oxalate precipitate is both formed and washed in a filter tube with a fritted-glass filter. Washing with saturated calcium oxalate solution is completed in 1-2 min. The washed precipitate is redissolved in perchloric acid solution and the dissolved oxalate is either titrated or determined manometrically by the CO2 evolved from oxidation with ceric sulfate.
Longevity Promoting Interventions Inhibit Molecular and Functional Changes In Aging Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Recent studies strongly suggest that aging results in the decreased regenerative capacity of adult somatic stem cells, but this process is poorly understood. Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) aging is associated with myeloid-biased differentiation, reduced capacity for self-renewal, and reduced production of lymphoid and red blood cells. These functional changes lead to alterations in peripheral blood cell counts and reduction in adaptive immunity, as well as an increased incidence of myeloid malignancies. Previous studies have demonstrated that cell-intrinsic changes underlie HSC aging and persist through transplantation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate HSC self-renewal and lineage specificity by suppressing the expression of hundreds of genes. Since rapamycin treatment has previously been shown to inhibit age-associated phenotypes in old HSCs, we hypothesized that investigating the expression and function of miRNAs in HSCs purified from mouse models of longevity may yield significant insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie the phenotypic changes observed in the aging hematopoietic system. Thus, we have characterized the cellular and functional alterations in aged HSCs after anti-aging interventions [rapamycin treatment and calorie restriction (CR)] in old mice versus age-matched non-treated controls. We found that anti-aging interventions significantly reduce the expansion of HSC numbers, restore erythroid and B-lymphocyte numbers, reverse age-related thrombocytosis in C57BL/6 mice, and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels specifically in the HSC compartment. Moreover, the diminished function of aged HSCs in vivo was restored by anti-aging interventions. To identify the transcriptional regulatory networks involved in age-associated functional HSC alterations, we performed miRNA expression profiling studies using highly purified HSCs from young, age-matched non-treated, and treated old mice (12 weeks old or 27 months old, n=5 per group). Analysis of age-associated miRNA expression changes revealed differential expression (p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Application of Sustainability Assessment to a Novel Plastic Recycling Process

Plastic waste can be handled with several traditional waste management strategies, including landfilling, incineration, and recycling. Several novel strategies for recycling plastic waste have been proposed and researched for practical use, however the sustainability of the novel processes have not been analyzed in detail. This paper outlines a strategy for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste through pyrolysis. A sustainability assessment of the process is conducted to analyze the environmental, economic, and social performance of recycling PET waste into crude oil. Environmental performance is evaluated using life cycle assessment, and the ReCiPe, cumulative energy demand (CED), and cumulative exergy demand (CExD) impact assessment methods. Net present value analysis is used to assess the economic impacts of the process. To complete a holistic sustainability assessment, social benefits and impacts are presented through a qualitative review of the process. In addition, an environmental impact analysis of the production of virgin PET using the recovered crude oil is presented and compared with traditional virgin PET production in terms of sustainability performance metrics. CED and CExD impact results emphasize the conceivable evidence of plastic waste as an energy source. The research highlights the use of standardized impact assessment methods to realize the environmental, economic, and social benefits of recycling PET into crude oil. Furthermore, a review of various process improvements broadens the potential for optimization of the novel process to further elucidate the benefits of plastic recycling.© 2015 ASME
Recent Results for All-Dry-Processed CdTe/CdS Solar Cells

Several wet-processing steps are used in fabricating high-efficiency CdTe/CdS solar cells. These steps can hinder in-line processing; thus, developing an all-dry processing option is attractive for a manufacturing-friendly process. In this study, we systematically modified the baseline process used in our laboratory to replace CdS deposited by chemical-bath deposition (CBD) with sputter-deposited CdS and Cu-doped graphite paste back-contact with Cu-doped ZnTe deposited by radio-frequency sputtering. In addition to CdTe deposited by close-spaced sublimation, we also used conventionally evaporated CdTe. The results show that replacing only CBD CdS with oxygenated CdS deposited by sputtering produces devices with performance comparable to baseline devices if the front bilayer SnO2 is replaced by a Cd2SnO4/ZnSnO alloy. Replacing the graphite paste back-contact with sputter-deposited Cu-doped ZnTe resulted in device performance comparable to baseline devices. Incorporating both dry processing steps gave performance comparable to the devices with sputtered CdS with a SnO2 front contact. We used capacitance-voltage and minority-carrier lifetime measurements to analyze the factors affecting device performance and we present the results here.
Classification of Laser Vaccine Adjuvants.

An immunologic adjuvant, which enhances the magnitude and quality of immune responses to vaccine antigens, has become an essential part of modern vaccine practice. Chemicals and biologicals have been typically used for this purpose, but there are an increasing number of studies that are being conducted on the vaccine adjuvant effect of laser light on the skin. Currently, four different types or classes of laser devices have been shown to systemically enhance immune responses to intradermal vaccination: ultra-short pulsed lasers, non-pulsed lasers, non-ablative fractional lasers and ablative fractional lasers. Aside from involving the application of laser light to the skin in a manner that minimizes discomfort and damage, each type of laser vaccine adjuvant involves emission parameters, modes of action and immunologic adjuvant effects that are quite distinct from each other. This review provides a summary of the four major classes of “laser vaccine adjuvant” and clarifies and resolves their characteristics as immunologic adjuvants. These aspects of each adjuvant’s properties will ultimately help define which laser would be most efficacious in delivering a specific clinical benefit with which specific vaccine.
Bloch Sphere like construction of SU(3) Hamiltonians

The geometric structure of the time evolution operator for a three-level atom is presented via Unitary Integration. The time dependence of the operator equations is recast in Many the form of real rotations.
Where have all the craters gone? Earth’s bombardment history and the expected terrestrial cratering record

Here we make the first quantitative estimates of the maximum total number of large terrestrial impact craters that can survive until the current era on Earth. Our estimates of crater survival are made using the age of Earth’s crust and the expected flux of large extraterrestrial bodies striking Earth. This analysis neglects effects such as weathering and burial, which tend to preferentially erase smaller craters. Thus, our results represent the maximum number of craters we expect to exist on Earth today. Although the constant recycling of crustal material creates a strong bias toward younger ages, our model suggests that the terrestrial cratering record can be used to determine the size frequency distribution of the impactors that bombarded Earth over the past 3.5 G.y. However, our model suggests that the cratering record cannot be used to distinguish between scenarios with a constant flux of impactors over time and scenarios where the bombardment rate was considerably higher in Earth’s ancient history. Luckily, layers of distal impact ejecta may act as records of impacts even when the source craters have been tectonically recycled. We suggest that searches for these distal impact ejecta layers will be more fruitful for constraining the bombardment history of Earth than searches for large craters.
Flight Testing of a Right-of-Way Compliant ADS-B-based Miniature Sense and Avoid System

A flight tested Right-of-Way (RoW) compliant algorithm has been developed as part of ongoing research efforts in the development of Airborne Sense and Avoid (ABSAA) technologies by the University of North Dakota Unmanned Aircraft Systems Engineering (UASE) team. This paper presents the results of development, implementation, and flight testing of a RoW algorithm during the summer of 2011 in a restricted airspace using a combination of varying intercept angles for the cases of a single intruder and dual intruders. These tests yielded positive results demonstrating the RoW compliance to enhance the UASE ABSAA system that was developed under a series of projects funded by the Department of Defense (DoD). The work presented implements the future NextGen National Airspace System (NAS) technologies and has the ability to incorporate multiple sensor streams into the decision space. An integral part of the NextGen NAS is the FAA’s final rule regarding “Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out Performance Requirements to Support Air Traffic Control (ATC) Service,” which will propel forward the transition from a radar based system to a satellite driven system. This mandated technology allows for the development of a robust ABSAA system for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Adenosine A1 Receptor Mrna Expression and the Effects of Systemic Theophylline Administration On Respiratory Function 4 Months After C2 Hemisection

AbstractBackground: Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that in an animal model of acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), respiratory function can be restored by theophylline. We also have shown that respiratory recovery occurs spontaneously after prolonged postinjury survival periods when a hemidiaphragm is paralyzed by an ipsilateral upper cervical (C2) spinal cord hemisection. Theophylline mediates functional recovery by central nervous system adenosine A1 receptor antagonism; however, it is unclear whether adenosine receptors are altered after prolonged postinjury periods and whether theophylline can further enhance restored respiratory function that occurs spontaneously.Objective: To assess putative effects of systemic theophylline administration on further enhancing spontaneous respiratory muscle recovery 4 months after C2 hemisection in rats and to determine whether adenosine A1 receptor mRNA expression is altered in these animals. Methods: Electrophysiologic assessment of resp...
Inhibition of Chlortetracycline Activity by Magnesium Ions

Up to 50% of the antimicrobial activity of chlortetracycline (CTC) can be inhibited by the presence of MgSO4 in microbiological turbidimetric assays. From 50 to 200 mM MgSO4 inhibited CTC activity, and the relationship between CTC inhibition and MgSO4 concentration is linear. The possible mechanism of this inhibition and its potential implication are discussed.
Ethics, Moral Development, and Gender

This entry reviews the claims of feminist ethicists and describes five themes of feminist ethical theory. The empirical findings regarding gender differences in morality are summarized. Rest's four-component model for morality is used as an organizing framework for discussing gender differences. Results indicate small differences in ethical sensitivity, no gender differences in moral reasoning (care or justice), slight differences in moral motivation/identity, and while studies vary greatly, some gender differences in moral behavior. Keywords: feminist ethics; moral development; professional ethics
Imagining the Social Body: Competing Moralities of Care and Contagion

Women’s autobiographical writings — memoirs, diaries, and autobiographies — are no longer archival outliers. In the last 30 years historians and literary critics have enthusiastically embraced them as legitimate archival material. This chapter, drawing on this critical scholarship, explores the construction of an ethic of care within the autobiographical writings of three Bengali women during the first half of the twentieth century.
Lessons for European Security from the Yugoslav Conflict

At the time of writing the irreparable dissolution of Yugoslavia was assured; all that remains unclear is the eventual shape and composition of the new states that now make up the former country. Although reflection at this point may be somewhat premature, the constant references to the former Yugoslavia throughout this book and elsewhere indicate the need to consider what lessons have been learnt for the future of European security, both in terms of leadership and issues of institutional structure.